Life Book

Recently I read a book titled Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. Hands down it was the best book I've read in a VERY long time. Such amazing characters and a perfect mix of laughter, sadness, joy and excitement! The book, set in the 1960's, revolves around a young girl named CeeCee whose childhood has suffered great tradegdy in the form of a mentally ill mother. When her mother passes away, young CeeCee is left in the care of her great aunt Tootie. Tootie is from Savannah and introduced CeeCee into a life of southern hospitality and most importantly deeply rooted love. I enjoyed every last word. One of my favorite characters was Mrs. O'Dell. Mrs. O'Dell was CeeCee's elderly neighbor and in every way mothered CeeCee the best she could while CeeCee dealt with her mother alone. When Tootie comes to take CeeCee down South it is time for CeeCee to say goodbye to Mrs. O'Dell. This part of the book truly broke my heart.

When CeeCee asks Mrs. O'Dell why she can't just live with her, Mrs. O'Dell tells CeeCee that "that's not the way it's written in your Life Book" She goes on to explain...

"Life is full of change, honey. That's how we learn and grow. When we're born, the Good Lord gives each of us a Life Book. Chapter by chapter, we live and learn." ...

What an expiring story!

Well my Life Book is getting ready to turn the page to a new chapter. The last five years I've spent my professional life working as a 4th grade teacher at a wonderful school district at the Lake of the Ozarks. More importantly I've spent the last five years developing friendships that have unbelievably changed my life. I cannot even begin to express in words what these ladies have done to mold, inspire, comfort, support, and shape my life.

After much thought and prayer I have decided my time at Osage is finished. Jon and I are moving back to Jefferson City. Mrs. O'Dell said it best when she said...

"When a chapter of your Life Book is complete, your spirit know it's time to turn the page so a new chapter can begin. Even when you're scared or think you're not ready, your spirit knows you are."

To my 4th grade ladies - you've brought such joy into my life over the last few years (and I know you will continue to do so!) I leave you with a sad heart, but a hope for what chapter is next. I will absolutely miss your faces every single day.

Thank You for all the memories we've made and will make in the future.

PS - If you know someone who wants to buy my house - let me know!

Spring is here!

It's been far too long my friends. Things around here have been crazy busy, as usual. Our littleElli Hope will be a year old in one month and I can't believe it! She is into everything these days. It's amazing how my two girls seem to be polar opposites. If I thought having the same gender was going to be a repeat, I was wrong. Harper is full of energy and craves the attention.

Elli loves to play quietly. As long as she is dry, and fed - she's pretty happy. Watching the two of them interact is quite adorable if I do say so myself.

Harper will begin preschool in the fall. I can't believe that's possible but it's true! She asks about going to school almost daily and tells me all the time how she can't wait to ride her school bus. As a teacher I already see signs of trouble - but I'm sure she will have a blast making it! The mild winter has been a welcomed treat this year compared to last year. We've only had a total of three snow days and have already made up one! I'm looking forward to time off with my two favorite girls.

This winter has been busy with birthdays and retirements. We love to celebrate with people! This photo is of Aunt Tina with Abbi and Harper at Mamo's retirement party. Those two girls are going to be great friends I just know it.

We celebrated Aiden's third birthday in February as well with a Super Why themed party that even had a performance from Super Why! What a fun celebration that was. Harper even cooperated by only helping Aiden open one of his gifts. ha!

In the next few months we are looking forward to celebrating Elli's birthday, along with a few others. My brother-in-law will be 40 next week, my dad will be 60 in May and my parents will celebrate 40 years of wedded bliss in August. What a year! I hope this wonderful weather has treated you well. I'm looking forward to all the fun of summer ahead!