Blog Archives - Shay Cathey.... the mom. the myth. the mess.

Top Ten Moments of 2015 - #1

12/31/2015

#1 - Our son becomes our brother - April 19

Noah's decision to put on Christ in baptism was one of the most meaningful things I've ever witnessed.

It's hard to know if you're doing this parenting thing right. Lots of questions. Lots of second guesses. Plenty of doubts. But this one thing I know; I have brought my children to Jesus. Yes, we take them to church. But we also take them to Jesus.

We dedicated them to God as infants. We pray together. We sing together. We struggle and overcome together.

We told them about Victor's job loss the day after it happened. Why? So they could see God work in us. Two weeks later, Noah made his confession of faith and was baptized. It has been awesome to see him give his life and begin his own walk with The Lord.

Our firstborn son is now our brother in Christ!

When I drop them off every morning, the last thing I say is "Walk with Jesus." It's not a command rather it's my prayer. And by his confession and his brothers' maturing actions, I know they are doing just that.

Top Ten Moments of 2015 - #2

12/31/2015

#2 - Taylor the Valedictorian

I had known for quite some time that our goddaughter Taylor had a shot at graduating #1 in her class. One of her advisors told me when she was a freshman. That's how long she's been running things at Skyline High School.

But when it all materialized after the fall semester last year; it was unbelievable. But then again it wasn't.

She's clearly gifted. She's a leader. She's beautiful. She's friendly. She's everything I would want in a daughter. And, she belonged to us. I'm a small part of her very large village but I couldn't more proud if I had given birth to her myself.

My goddaughter Taylor Jenkins - the Valedictorian of Skyline High Class of 2015. I watched her lead her class into the Convention Center with all the pride and joy I could muster. And, the real joy comes in knowing it's just the beginning for her.

#ShaysTopTen #Bye2015 #Hello2016

Top Ten Minutes of 2015 - #3

12/30/2015

#3 - Vanity Fair
And sometimes you're in one of the best selling magazines ever!

I have a great job and work with a great team. At this moment, they are meeting the needs of the victims of last week's tornadoes by touring with FEMA.

October 2014 was no different. Ebola came to Dallas and our team responded. Long days. Deliriously long days. But we made it.

Philip is flying the coupe for another opportunity. But the rest of us (Lauren, Ruby and I) remain with Judge Clay Jenkins. And it's an honor.

So here we are in the February 2015 edition of Vanity Fair along with many of other dedicated public servants who worked so hard during that scary time. And, I have to admit, it's pretty cool.

‪#‎ShaysTopTen‬ ‪#‎Bye2015‬ ‪#‎Hello2016‬

Top Ten Moments of 2015 - #4

12/30/2015

#4 - May 15: My Surgery
After a series of tests with unsatisfactory results, it was determined that I needed surgery. That revelation came at a very difficult time for my family. But it needed to be done.
I couldn't have chosen a more supportive team of family and friends. I had previously only been in the hospital when giving birth, so the notion of being "sick" was foreign to me. Victor, my parents, my Women of all Seasons class at Marsalis Avenue, my "circle" and two Extended Day teachers covered me in prayer. My Central Pointe family took care of every need for a recovering mom with a full house.
When the nurse took my blood pressure that morning, she said "you're awfully calm for someone about to go into surgery."
I smiled. I knew what she didn't. When I woke up, I knew I would see my husband or I would see Jesus.
I've had moments of faithlessness since then. I've had some this week. But any trying situation is designed to bring you closer to Him. And it did.
If He'll bring you to it; He'll bring you through it.
‪#‎ShaysTopTen‬ ‪#‎Bye2015‬ ‪#‎Hello2016‬

Top Ten Moments of 2015 - #5

12/29/2015

#5 - Luke wins the Spelling Bee

The picture below shows one of the Best. Messages. Ever. Ever!

Luke won his class spelling bee. He studied so hard. My mom practiced with him every day and he did it! New school. New challenges. But he did it!

We've been blessed with special moments all year from the boys. Noah's student council victory and Caleb's debut in the All-Conference chorus stand out, too. But Luke struggles sometimes to shine as bright as his older brothers (and being Baby B is a big deal).

So this was his moment. And he earned every applause. And I earned every tear of joy.

#ShaysTopTen #Bye2015 #Hello2016

Top Ten Moments of 2015 - #6

12/29/2015

#6 - The Boys meet Fred Gray and Claudette Colvin

How often do you get to meet history? Not often. This year, thanks to our friend Gary Jones, my sons shook hands with greatness. We traveled to Oklahoma Christian University to hear the incredible stories of Civil Rights legends Claudette Colvin and legendary attorney Fred Gray.

To meet people who literally changed the trajectory of our nation's future.... I'm still speechless. But very thankful.

#ShaysTopTen #Bye2015 #Hello2016

Top Ten Moments of 2015 - #7

12/28/2015

#7 - Spring Break in Kansas City

We had planned a beach vacation for Spring Break ... until the rain headed that way. I called an audible and we headed North for Kansas City. It was the best vacation ever! Four days at Great Wolf Lodge with visits to the Negro League Baseball Museum, Jazz Museum, Big 12 championship and some of the best BBQ around.

Sometimes Plan B is better than Plan A.

#ShaysTopTen #Bye2015 #Hello2016

Top Ten Moments of 2015 - #8

12/28/2015

#8 - Central Pointe Mesquite gets a building

After our decision in 2013 to help plant the CP Mesquite campus, I wasn't sure how long it would take (or if we would) acquire a building. But God knew.

After 12 months in a local school, we entered our own facility in January of this year. The standing-room only dedication service was confirmation that others supported the work our leadership had begun.

I've grown to love this ministry more than I imagined. When I visit the CP Dallas campus, I joke that I'm a visitor. I'm proud to be #CP_Mesquite

#ShaysTopTen #Bye2015 #Hello2016

Top Ten Moments of 2015 - #9

12/27/2015

#9 - Victor's Last Home Win at DC
After every victory, our sons ran on the court to celebrate with their dad. February 10, 2015, was no different. But something in my spirit told me to take the picture. So I did. I didn't know it at the time but it would be Victor's last time coaching in the Dallas Christian School gym.

After 6 years as the Head Boys Basketball Coach, he left as the winningest basketball coach and was just 11 point shy of a state title in 2013. He was the only African American classroom teacher whose portrait hung on their Decade of Service wall and the only African American Head Coach in Varsity sports

This photo reminds me of all the joy - because there was plenty in 12 years. It also reminds me that these boys love and celebrate their dad who is a good man and a good coach. It reminds me that Victor is a winner. That's not a label - that's his name.

When your spirit speaks to you; listen.

‪#‎ShaysTopTen‬ ‪#‎Bye2015‬ ‪#‎Hello2016‬

Top Ten Moments of 2015 - #10

12/27/2015

#10 - Alpha Kappa Alpha Regional Conference

After inconsistency with my local AKA graduate chapter (and not being active at all) I decided to pay national dues - because I felt it was the least I could do for the organization that I've loved for so long.
I chose AKA. She didn't choose me. Her acceptance of me in 1993 placed me in the company of seven remarkable women in an outstanding undergraduate chapter. Furthermore, her amazing history was now my own as well. Could I not sacrifice an annual payment to advance her cause and perpetuate her legacy? Of course I could!

Attending the 2015 regional conference was affirmation of my decision in 1993. Seeing college friends, personal mentors and countless amazing women with whom I shared the bond of the Ivy was inspirational.

To all my sorors who have held up the banner when we put it down, Thank You! To all members of the ‪#‎Divine9‬ who have been separated from their organizations (like I was) consider reactivating. Come Home. The doors are always open.
‪#‎ShaysTopTen‬ ‪#‎Bye2015‬ ‪#‎Hello2016‬

Who's Shay?

Shay is a married, working mother of three boys whose interests range from politics to sports to cupcake tasting to classic television. She's seen every episode of "Friends" and "A Different World" and searches for "Law & Order" whenever she has the remote. Insightful and perplexed, Shay writes when her heart is full. Some are based on her Christian faith; others on her whimsical observations of life. The power of the pen gives her peace keeping her grounded in a challenging, overwhelming yet fulfilling world. All writings have copyright protection. Writings from a previous blog are being combined into this one.

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