Enkel Apparel Launch Party

The company Nick and I are working for-Enkel Apparel-packed the Pizza Shop in Benson for their launch party last Friday night.  We were blessed to see so many friends, family members, and even some of my students come out and support us!  We sold Limited Edition t-shirts to help cover the set-up cost and our dear friend Bryan Poole played some rock'n tunes to keep us entertained. With every shirt purchused, we will give a shirt to a kiddo in the foster care system.

 For more information, please visit our website: http://www.enkelapparel.com/

Nick's 30th Bearded Birthday Bash

Even though Nick turned 30 a little over a week ago, we decided to celebrat his "vintage" age in style at: Winestyles!  

His good friend Chris, didn't want Nick feeling like he was the only beard at the birthday party so, he gathered a few furry friends and they were a hit!

Happy 30th Birthday Nick!

When Jesus Came to Visit

Now, I don't write about my classroom or students like-ever-but had to share this photo and story. We have a little guy who likes to bring "Jesus"-an action figure complete with robe, beard, and outstretched hands-to school every so often to share and play.  On this particular day, little guy came up to me and said, "This is MY Jesus and He needs a flock!"  I started laughing as he flew Jesus right out of the conversation and to the other side of the room where little guy and "Jesus," found something more interesting to play with.  A little while later, I found this scene sitting in the middle of the floor:

Looks like Jesus found a flock!  When I asked little guy about this, he said the most interesting thing, "Jesus was lonely and I couldn't find any friends to follow Him so, I found Him some sheep."  Ah, the simple innocence of child like faith.  Are YOU a friend of Jesus?

Grandma's Prayers

December 4th, was a special day for my G-Ma.  She celebrated 26 years of being a faithful follower of  God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Listening and watching her over the years, has taught me more than any pulpit sermon, charity bell ringer, or highly spiritual devotional could ever do.  She has displayed strengths and weaknesses, faith in "her Jesus," and an overwhelming sense of love towards others.

Her prayers for me have changed dramatically through the years, just like our personal walks.  We have talked about when anger meets love for, facing death, and "the stupid stuff" that challenges us daily.  We have searched the scriptures to help rebuild our faith and most of all, we have celebrated our Lord with the common love for all things Christmas.  These moments with her are priceless and ones that Nick and I will cherish forever.

Christmas Spirit

It's that magical time of year when everyone-besides the occasional Grinch-takes a moment to create remarkable experiences and stunning displays in honor of Christmas.  Most people know my love for Christmas-passed on from my G-Ma and Dad-but this year seems a little "lackluster" for lack of a better word, because of the deep sadness that still haunts my family everyday.  Which is why I find it so important to continue traditions while making new ones, forcing myself to "get in the spirit" without expectations, and genuinely celebrating my Saviors life.

 While we didn't get every decoration out this year, our favorite pine cone garland hangs, the silly little ornaments we've collected every year we've been married are out, and a sparkly stag majestically adorns our table 

 This year, we also started a new tradition called, "Operation Elf."  As many of the siblings that could, gathered at the Bush house to help decorate for the holidays.  Our niece Ava was given the job of putting up Papa's village, while Esme flitted around spinning and decorating.  The son-n-laws did the tall jobs, while the sisters worried about mom and making things perfect.  We had a lot of laughs and got the job done-before 10:00 on a school night!

Decorating with the nieces, Ava and Mom/Beauty putting the star on top, and representing the Bills

 Dad's deers dressed up for the holidays, Esme loving time with her Uncle Nick and Aunt Honey, 

the final product: 2013 Christmas Tree

One Last Walk

Every time I sit and blog, it's usually something I think the world would be interested in knowing.  The beauty of our days, the unbelievable wonderfulness that is life, our travels, our friendships, holiday tradition, and the love we have for each other.  But, not every post can be light hearted, because that is not "real life."  Our ability to share "real life" is what makes this blog an extension of us. An opportunity to share our triumphs and disbelief's.  Heartaches and heart-praises.

 Which is why I share the following heartache with you.  Our dear beloved companion and four-legged friend-Maddie-departed this world on November 26th.  She was suffering from a nasal tumor, bad hips, and was going blind.  I will spare you the gory details that we had to endure this last month, but just know it became unbearable to see her in this setting.  The night before, I took her for one last walk hoping to ease the pain and guilt of what was to come.  Maddie barely made it around the park that she could have run circles around half a dozen times in her better days.  My favorite part of our walks was standing at the top of a neighbors hill, letting her off her leash, and telling her to "go home."  She would bound to the front door and know that this small little "love shack" was her home.  This time however, she gingerly stepped through fall's rotting leaves, turned and looked at me with pain filled eyes, and I knew her choice of "going home" was meeting Papa-God at the pearly gates.

 A tired Maddie-Girl or "Wolfy" as Nick liked to call her

Our last family picture

Husker Nation

Nick and I scored some tickets to the Michigan State-Nebraska game!  So, we went down a bit early, had lunch with friends at this awesome little joint called, "Honest Abes-Burgers and Freedom." http://grounduprestaurants.com/honestabes.html  It was super good!!!

We had a wonderful time together cheering and rooting on the Huskers, listening to the commentary around us, and just being together.  There was a moment when I teared up a bit thinking of my dad and his "buddy Bo," we were supposed to go to a game this year together....

We had a wonderful time-just the two of us-and it was a much needed distraction.

Weathering the Storm~Baby Update

It's been awhile since our last "baby update," not that there's anything to tell, but we know people wonder and are afraid to ask so, here's where we're at.  Things have seemed to come to a complete standstill for the time being.  For us, this is what we hate the most about going through this "waiting storm."  While we're grateful that there are no backwards steps, it's frustrating because nothing moves forward.  This has brought about many late nights, blank stares into the abyss, and short tempers due to the frustration that we can do nothing to change our situation.

Which is why we've decided to "batten down the hatches," cling to each other, and pray-because there's nothing else for us to do. With all this said,  we are tired, we are beyond exasperation, and just need a change in our situation.  Whether it's through adoption, InVitro, or a miraculous miracle from the heavens, SOMETHING has to change for 2014.  

So, what is a couple to do without sounding crazy-desperate?  

We do something crazy-desperate and declare now until December 31st, a time to "Pray for Baby Mayo."  (We wouldn't mind if you prayed for baby Mayos-yes, plural ;-)  If you are willing, we are asking all fellow saints, brother's and sister's, friends, and family members to join us everyday in a prayer of healing-emotionally, mentally, and physically-as well praying that our household would be blessed with children in 2014.  We know Papa-God has something amazing in store for us and we would love to have you along for the adventure. 

Thank you in advance and let's watch something amazing happen!

The above is displayed in our house as a constant reminder of what's to come!

The Words I Spoke

Again, this is hard for me to post, but I do it for the people who could not be with us in person, but in spirit.  Your love for my Father has reached the depths of my soul and I post this for you.  The following words were spoken with shaking hands and what I hope was a clear voice.  When I did look up, the mass of people who were there for my Father, were blurred lines of color and sadness.  I will always remember the morning I wrote these words, huddled in blankets with tears streaming down my face.  My fingers flying over the keyboard faster than the thoughts came to mind.  This is where I could "give in."  The comfort of words.  Peace be with you~Kassie

My name is Kassandra-Kassie Bush-Mayo and I am 

one of Tim’s eldest.

Three days before my father’s death, I found myself asking God in bitter anguish, “How much can one human take?”  The answer unfortunately came throughout the following days. Upon learning of my dad’s death and watching my family fall apart, put each other back together, and partake in traditions new and old, I felt God answer me in this way, “It’s not a question of how much a human can take, because I created you to survive the very worst this world could give” and what could be worse than the moment we currently are in? “But, when I created you, I gave you a gift, your spirit, your soul.  And I gave you that gift to show you just how much I love you and how much I don’t want you to just survive, but how much I long for you to choose to thrive in this life.”  This means that we are each given a chance, a choice, to choose how we are going to allow these circumstances affect our lives and our souls.

When I look out among you and see the love and the hurt and the pain of the loss of a very good friend, a hardworking co-worker, an awesome uncle, the best of brothers, a forever father, and a loving husband, I see that my Dad choose to thrive throughout the pain in this life.  Which is why it is so easy for us to celebrate his life.

In closing, I would like to read to you a portion of a song that my father would quote me often as “that Tim McGraw song” and it just so happened to be the very first song we heard on the radio the night we lit the fire for Dad.

I was early in my 40’s with a lot of life before me, and a moment came that stopped me in my tracks.

I was finally the husband that most the time I wasn’t. And I became a friend a friend would like to have. And all the sudden goin fishing wasn’t such an imposition and I went three times that year I lost my dad.  Well I finally read the good book, and I took a good long hard look at what I’d do if I could do it all again.

Like tomorrow was a gift and you’ve got eternity to think about what would you do with it, what could you do with it, what can I-what can you do with it

I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter and I gave forgiveness I’ve been denying, he said

To the love of my life, to my beautiful daughters, to the sons and son in laws I’m so proud of, to my grandbaby girls, my brothers and my sisters, to my family, my hunting buddies and my friends, I hope you get the chance to live like you were dyin

A Week Ago Today...

A week ago today, My Father passed away due to a hunting accident.  While there is so much I have in me that is aching to get out, the time is just not right.  I am hesitant to post this, but know how much it has helped people and going to continue to help them in the days to come.  My husband Nick, was given the honor to officiate my Father memorial service.  While it was extremely hard for him as he was dealing with the grief of losing a Father figure, friend, and mentor, the words he spoke brought so much comfort, that I just have to share.  Peace be with you all~Kassie

Thank you for coming here today to celebrate the life and memories of Tim Bush. The family has been humbled, honored, and encouraged by your presence here today and your gestures of love during this past week.

Tim Bush, to me, was a man’s man. He led a quiet life and worked hard with his hands. He respected and honored others. He was the type of guy that rooted for the underdog. He loved to hunt and fish. He could cook any type of meat in any manner you could think of and he loved to share with whoever was hungry.  But most importantly, he knew how to love. Proverbs tells us “above all else guard your hearts for they are the well spring of life.” Tim in his own way was able to guard your heart. Whether you were his family, friends, neighbor, coworker, a principle, or a student in the hallway being picked on by bullies, Tim knew how to love you in the way you needed to be loved. He knew how to stop and invest and protect your heart in a subtle way that you are somebody, that you are valued.

Over the last few days I have been really struggling with why such a terrible thing had to happen to such a great person like Tim. Really it’s the age old question, “Why do bad things happen to good people.” Especially the best ones like Tim. It is in Tim’s life that I believe to have found my response.

A few months ago the water supply for the town of Macy went bad and Tim gathered a truckload of donations of water and sanitary wipes to take up to the town. Just a few weeks ago Macy had a tornado go through it and Tim went up there with his chain saw to help remove trees. Though these were the most recent of Tim’s acts of servant hood and love, they are not the only ones. From saving the neighborhood cats to helping the elderly evacuate the Benson Towers from a fire, Tim was always there when help was needed. Tim had seen plenty of bad things happen in his lifetime and Tim knew they were inevitable. Tim also knew it was his job to do whatever he could to help in those times of need. 

It is because of Tim’s willingness to help regardless of the cost that I am now able to look and see that the question is not why do bad things happen to good people but what do good people do when bad things happen. Bad things will happen, hard times will come, they are out of my control but what I can control is my response to those moments. Yes what happened to Tim really sucks but, I also know Tim would want me to press on. He would want me to continue to love and encourage my family and to never fail to lend a helping hand when needed. I believe the best way I can honor Tim and I encourage you to do the same, is to continuing living our lives in such away that instills peace, hope, and love in the hearts of those around us. To fight for what is good and pure and bring light and healing to the broken world around us, just as Tim did. And I will leave you with this verse from Ephesians 2:10; "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." I believe Tim gave us a pretty good example of what this looks like. It is my prayer that you will not let the bad things that happen in life let you miss the opportunities to protect the hearts of those in your life and do the good things God has prepared in advance for you to do.

Going the "Extra Mile"

This last week I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I had won the Greg Young Chevrolet Educators who "Go the Extra Mile" award.  they came to my classroom, presented me a check, video tapped me with my students, and did an interview.  It was a little nerve racking, but my students LOVED it and thought they were going to be "in movies!"  I do have to say, I work at an amazing school-Brownell Talbot-where it is easy to go the extra mile.  My co-teachers Stephanie and Anjuli are absolutely amazing and I couldn't do my job the way I do without them.

Here I am with a few of my students and the "Greg Young Guy"

My friend Angie nominated me for this award last March and here is what she said, "My nominee that goes the extra mile is Kassandra Mayo.  She goes the extra mile by making sure her students get a well rounded education and get to experience new things daily.  Kassandra has made her classroom a nature friendly environment.  She always takes time to make sure each student know that they are special and she is glad that they are in her class.  Kassandra has a heart of gold.  Her passion for teaching is always noticed by others and just emanates through her actions.  She is always involved with activities that go on in the school.  Kassandra is always doing new activities and is always thinking of new ideas to expose her students to all the exciting and new wonders of learning."

Check out WOWT interview here:http://www.wowt.com/video?videoid=2696066

Four-Wheelers and Target Practice

My dad took three of us girls and Nick out for a day of four-wheeling and target practice.  It was cold, raining, muddy, and freaking awesome!  This day will forever go down as one of "the best days ever!"

We had a ton of fun on the four wheelers and I even had the opprotunity to freak Nick out with my awesome jumping skills.  He claims to have caught "3 feet of air" during his run and now wants to "invest" in one. I'm game!

Now for the target practice.  Despite what your belife's are about guns, laws, and whatever, I'm currently trying to figure out my stance on the whole subject.  Which is why I asked Nick and my dad to teach me how to use a gun.  Let's just say, for the first time ever firing, I'm a pretty good shot!

Photo Booth Fun

My Uncle Doug and Aunt Tracie had a photo booth at their wedding last month.  Here are a few shots of the craziness that is our family!

My beautiful sisters

My lovely nieces and great-lil-cousin Aiden

My Dad's "Crew"

Too cool with my Aunt Dawny and my Cousin Alania

My handsome hubby and I

My cousin Jenna and Great Cousins Aiden and Jayla

Some of my favorite people, Uncle and Auntie

My sis Honey and Aunts Donna and photobomber Dawn

Some more of my favorite people, Great cousin Justina and her daughter Jayla