Christmas Highlights II

Here are the rest from last weekend.

My dad:
The two youngest on my father's side:
My cousin's little girl:
My nephew:
My parents, working on their Christmas quiz:
The aftermath:
Bet you can't guess what my brother got for Christmas!

Christmas Highlights

Here are some pics I took over the past two days--I had several from last weekend to share as well, but of course I can't get blogger to cooperate. Maybe I'll get those uploaded tomorrow.

My dad and Clayton:
Clayton with his new hat:
Clayton showing off his new shirt:
Mom and Clayton:
Brian with his big bucks gift certificate:
My cousin's little girl helping Clayton open his gifts:
My cousin reading the Christmas story:
My cousins inspecting their "Dirty Santa" spoils:
And finally, me and Clayton Christmas night (we were pooped, but managed a good smile for the camera):

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Musician for Hire

Well, I think Clayton is ready to go on the road! Brian figured out how to get his guitar to stay on his walker and Clayton was a happy camper! He sat there and strummed forever, but his little legs were worn out from walking earlier, so he was tired of standing. I've never seen a child his age so obsessed with a muscial instrument. And he's gotten to where he can hold the pick and strum with one hand and put his left hand on the neck where it's supposed to be. He watches every move Brian makes with his guitar so that he can try it himself. He keeps great time--and since his legs don't work well right now, I really think he's a musician in the making. It's just too bad he doesn't like to hear me sing along with him!!!

Finally Got it Out

In the open that is:

Classy Scrapper Magazine

Busy Weekend

Friday night Brian and I went out to eat with some of our best friends and we had a great time just chillin' with each other. The highlight of the night was some good old Cold Stone Creamery ice cream. YUM, YUM. Clayton spent the night with my parents, so I had a much needed vacation from the wild nights that he usually has--I slept like a rock. It's almost like I go into a coma when he is not sleeping with me!

Yesterday we went to my GrandMother's for my dad's family's Christmas. It was hard to imagine it was Christmas considering we were all sweating and in short sleeves. Brian wanted to wear shorts, but I talked him out of it (SBR--wouldn't want the pics to look weird!). Clayton had so much fun--he even played a little bit of roller football in his wheelchair--I'm so glad he got to participate, and I think Brian lost a couple of pounds from running and pushing him around!

So we're back to our regularly scheduled lives for the next couple of days and then on to more Christmas celebrations next weekend. Looking forward to seeing the rest of my family.

Lighten' the Mood

I was tagged by Kelli last week and I'm just now getting around to taking care of it--maybe you'll learn something new about me!

A - Available or single: available to Brian
B - Best Friend: Brian
C - Cake or Pie: chocolate cake, chocolate pie--doesn't matter!
D - Drink of choice: Diet Coke
E - Essential Item you use everyday: deodorant
F - Favorite color: purple
G - Gummy Bears or worms: neither--can't stand the texture!
H - Hometown: somewhere in the middle of Arkansas
I- Indulgence: CHO-CO-LATE!
J - January or February: January--love the new start
K - Kids & Names: Clayton
L - Life is Incomplete Without? Family
M - Marriage Date: July 25
N - Number of Siblings: one brother
O - Oranges or Apples: apples
P - Phobias or Fears: mice, snakes, small spaces
Q - Fave Quote: Right now? Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go~Sam Ewing
R - Reason to Smile: Clayton
S - Season: fall
T - Tag 3 or 4 people: I'll come back to this one
U - Unknown Fact about Me: I'm secretly a reality TV junkie. (not proud of it, I know)
V- Vegetable You Don't Like: most of them!
W - Worst Habit: popping my knuckles
X - Xrays: what does this mean? yes, I guess, because Clayton gets them all the time!
Y - Your Fave Food: Chicken Chimichanga from Los Amigos
Z - Zodiac Sign: Gemini--I'M BIPOLAR!!

More on Teegan

I know some of you were wanting more information as I got it, so here is a message from Amy Stultz, Sarah's best friend:

I just got home a little while ago. This is has been the single mot difficult day of my life. I had no clue that your body could weep so much. There are not words in this world to describe the immense pain they are all in. I have known Sarah for 20 years and have never seen her like this. She is desperate. She is broken. It is truly horrific.

The preliminary autopsy results are in. Teegan passed from a very aggressive viral infection in her lungs. They told us that it most likely set in within 12 hours of her death. It was so massive that it eventually filled her poor little lungs with mucous and suffocated her. She passed due to a severe viral infection, the type of virus is still unknown at this time. Sarah and Grant were up with her at 3am and brought her into their bed. She snuggled into the middle and passed surrounded by the immense love and concern of her parents.

Please hug yur babies tonight. Like Sarah said, "I want my yesterdays back." Do not take a single moment for granted.

Yesterday I spent the day in shock. Last night, the sadness set in. Brian and I both just sat around the house with our mouths open from the shock and total confusion that we feel. And now today I simply want to sob. I have said this before and I'll say it again, I would not wish the pain of losing a child on my worst enemy. I still grieve for my loss and seeing others lose their child just opens my own wound wide open. I've learned to navigate around my pain and bitterness, and then something like this happens. I grieve for my friend. I grieve for myself. I grieve for all mothers and fathers who have to bury their child. And then I just want to scream "WHY???" It seems like so many people are losing their children! I read the obituaries and it seems like there are an abundance of child deaths. Please God, let it be clear when we get to Heaven. Please God, have an answer as to why my baby's body is buried under a bunch of dirt instead of sitting here in my lap, full of life. I am so thankful I have Clayton to focus on. He knows I am sad today and seems to sense I need his good sugars and lovin'. He's been blowing me kisses. Sweet baby. I'm scared to death of losing him. I just don't think I could bear it. I hope I don't give him a complex from hovering too much. He seems to be okay with it now, but as he gets older, I'm sure I'll here about how he needs his space! Maybe someday he will have his own children and he will know just how much I love him. There is no way I could ever have enough words to tell him just how great that love is.

Here is a picture of my friend Sarah with her children. Don't they just look beautiful?! Her boys doted on Teegan and I'm sure they will need your prayers just as much as Grant and Sarah.

In Memory of Teegan

When I checked my email this morning, I was not expecting the shocking message I received. This beautiful little girl is the daughter of Sarah O'Neal (writes the photography column for Classy Scrapper) and she did not wake up this morning--she died in her sleep. My heart is breaking for the O'Neals (pictured below). They have been through so much--you see, they have already buried one child. Their oldest son died three or four years ago in a car wreck. I simply cannot imagine the despair and heartache they are experiencing right now. If you can, please say a prayer for the O'Neals. Sarah has told me that their boys have really struggled with the death of their older brother and I am sure this is going to hit them even harder. I don't really know what else to say. Just pray for them.

Sleeping Baby

Okay, so he's not really a baby anymore, but he is my baby! And he is sound asleep at the moment. Mouth wide open kind of sleep. Why can't he sleep this good at night? His sleeping has never been right, but we do have some good nights. Haven't had one lately though! The last week has been horrible--I'm almost getting to where I'm dreading the night. I know in my head that he seriously needs another sleep study, but my heart hates to see him go through it. It was a nightmare last time and that was when he was little. I can't imagine what it would be like now with him being so aware of his surroundings and so much stronger. Maybe I'll get up the courage to mention it at his doctor's appointment tomorrow. I guess we'll just have to suck it up and suffer through it. Couldn't be much worse than some of these nights we have here at home. The goofy thing is he wakes up acting like he's had a good night's rest! It never seems to bother him, but me and Brian are dragging!

I Actually Shopped!

Brian had Friday afternoon off so we went Christmas shopping--this must be a record for me, because I usually wait until too late to do my gift shopping. I still have lots to do, but I at least have a head start this year. Now I'll just have to get busy on the wrapping!

Birthday Wishes!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!

I love you!

Deck the Halls!

I've spent the last two days decorating the house for Christmas, and I'm glad to say I'm finally done! So many of my decorations have special meaning, they are hand-me-downs or were gifts from friends. It's a walk down memory lane as I put them out.

So for those who aren't able to visit me during the holidays, here is a sneak peak of my home. (DISCLAIMER: I am not a photographer and these pics were taken during the day so you'll have to "imagine" the ambience of the season).


The top of the entertainment center:

The mantle (sure wish I had a Christmas painting to go with it):
The coffee table:
One of the end tables:
The tree (couldn't get a good pic to save my life!):

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON, the Nativity:

Enjoy the holiday season and Merry Christmas everyone!

Chill in the Air

A LITTLE one, that is. By this weekend the lows will be in the twenties. Finally feeling like the holiday season. Lately I was thinking it was Easter time instead of Christmas time!

Is This Weird?

I really like Mondays! Call me crazy, but the weekends are really hard for me unless we have something specific planned. I look forward to the weekdays because Clayton has a definite schedule, which means I have a schedule. On the weekends, we are just loosey goosey--in limbo, with no specific order to life. Especially now that we've given up on church for the time being. Not only is Saturday bad, but Sunday too! Don't get me wrong, I have PLENTY to keep me busy, but I'm not too motivated these days. I'm really hoping the holidays will give me something new to focus on--I'm sure I can stay busy these next few weekends.

Today I am Thankful For . . .

*my family
*my home
*my warm coat (froze today in the car while everyone else was hot)
*an abundance of food in the cabinet--I am never truly hungry
*the ability and resources that God has provided in order for me to stay home with Clayton

Love/Hate Relationship with ACH

First let me say that I appreciate all of the hard work that the people at ACH do. There are many doctors there that I have come to trust and lean on when Clayton is sick. Overall, they do a wonderful job with him. And I admire them for working with so many sick children while still keeping such a great outlook on life. BUT . . . . . . . .

I'M SO FRUSTRATED WITH THESE PEOPLE!

I know that they deal with many parents who are less than involved in their child's care. I know that many parents don't have a clue what's going on and don't even bother to find out. BUT THAT IS NOT US. The older Clayton gets, the more frustrated I become with some of the staff and underlings at the hospital. They refuse to give us any credit for knowing what's best for Clayton and KNOWING OUR CHILD. Heck, I think some of them can't even believe we get to take him home at night!

{{{HERE IS THE SPOT WHERE I TYPED A LONG TIRADE ABOUT TODAY'S EVENTS AT THE HOSPTIAL AND ABOUT HOW PEOPLE DO NOT LISTEN TO ME, CLAYTON'S MOTHER, WHEN DECIDING HOW TO BEST CARE FOR HIM. BUT STUPID BLOGGER LOGGED ME OUT AND I LOST ALL OF MY UNSAVED RANTING, SO I GUESS IT WASN'T MEANT TO BE SHARED.}}}

Shout Out

Just have to give a shout out to my friend Kelli Johnson for being my listening ear today--thanks girlie!!! (((SMOOCHES)))

Kids' Class

I taught a class for kids at the scrapbook store Tuesday night. They got to make this little frame--the idea was for them to give it to their teacher for Christmas. I think some of them might even be giving them to their grandparents or parents. They had so much fun--they really let loose when I gave them a bunch of Christmas paper and stickers to make a card to go along with it. I told them to just go crazy on the card and they did! It's amazing how much kids love stickers!

Bad Hair Week

As many of you know, Clayton had a bad hair week last week. The surgeon shaved WAY too much hair off and then ended up not even going in on his head. Here's what he looked like when he came home from the hospital (the scars are from previous surgeries):
It was horrible! He looked like a concentration camp victim. Luckily, Chasity agreed to come over and shave the rest off so he could at least look halfway normal. I'm still not happy with the way it looks--I miss his wavy, thick hair--but at least it's not half a mohawk anymore. I can't wait until it grows some more. Here's what he looks like today:

Home

We are home. Clayton acts like he feels great and he is back to normal on his oxygen levels. He can't get his incisions wet for two weeks, so baths have been interesting. I'm hoping we'll get a better system with the more we do it. I'm not thinking about anything important right now--my mind needs a rest. I'm basically scrapping, watching tv and eating chocolate. How's that for comfort?

What Am I Doing Here, Lord?

Saturday night Brian and I sang some cowboy songs for my GrandMother's Sunday School party that had a western theme. One of the songs we sang had this line in it and I sit here at the hospital and it just keeps coming to my mind--WHAT AM I DOING HERE, LORD? For that matter, what am I supposed to be doing with what God has given me? I feel so lost.

I was blessed with a beautiful voice (others' words, not mine), and I vowed a long time ago that I would use it to glorify God. And just about the time that I really got into the whole singing thing, and was truly finding "my voice" (in more ways than the obvious), I had the boys and things changed. I have not been able to be an active part of my church since. I have a choir robe that has four inches of dust on it and I even had to cancel my last two special music spots. I thought maybe God was using our situation to give me yet another perspective to speak from--a deeper testimony, if you will. So when Brian and I became active in a band this past year and we were really getting into a groove, I thought I had found my outlet. Then some things happened and that whole thing literally fell apart.

And scrapbooking. I never knew how many doors it would open for me. And I certainly never knew that I would become so involved in the online scrapbooking community. I have made lifelong friends and I've been able to stay connected to the "outside" world as I stay at home with Clayton. And the Lord provided ways for me to speak through yet another voice and even testify in a quiet and subtle way. And so when I decided to go even bigger with the magazine, I really felt God opening the doors. But now I sit here and think about my son. In the whole scheme of things, what is important?????

Clayton.

Clayton.

Clayton.

And now as I pray, I hear silence from God. No direction. No strong feelings toward anything except that I must take care of Clayton because he has been put in my care. But I can't help but wonder why God would bless me with so called "talent" and an abundance of resources but not allow me outlets to use it? Will it all really go down the drain? Three years have passed and still God waits? Presently reminding myself that his timing is perfect. But my human heart is begging for answers.

Shunt Issues

Clayton's shunt is malfunctioning. Explains why he feels so sick. We finally came to the ER last night--he is in surgery right now. He was even worse today--barely responding to anything in his environment. I'll be glad when this is over. :(

Sick Baby

If you're wondering where I'm at, I'm taking care of Clayton. He's been running fever off and on since Friday. Trying to decide which one of his doctors gets a call tomorrow. He feels horrible and he's letting us all know it. :(

Elmo's World

Clayton spent this Halloween night as Elmo--and as you can see from the second pic, he wasn't a big fan of having something on his head! He spent most of the night trying to pull it off and saying "uh oh!" I think next year I'll take the big plunge and do something major including his wheelchair: race car and race car driver, cowboy and his horse, conductor and a train, something along those lines. That way he'll be able to go trick or treating with his cousins (even though he has no interest in the candy!

Always Keep the End in Mind

Dandric Moten, (a guy I went to high school with), started a program with his mom, Thelma, called Excel. They work through the schools and try to encourage kids to make good decisions. Dandric said his mom has always told him to "keep the end in mind." Hard concept when you're talking to young kids who live for today and don't think of tomorrow. So I'm reminded of Thelma's advice when it comes to things I'm dealing with right now. I need to step back and look at the big picture--things will come together.

Family Time

On Saturday, we took a long drive through the Natural State. We went with some friends of ours and just made a complete day of enjoying the fall scenery. We drove up to Mt. Nebo, and then on to Mt. Magazine, which is the highest point in Arkansas and also the highest point between the Appalachains and the Rockies. (Little known trivia facts).

I was really hoping to get a good family photo, but we didn't have a lot of luck. Brian set the camera and Allison took the photo--we just couldn't get the lighting right and the wind was brutal--IT WAS COLD on top of that mountain! This one was about as good as it got, and we look really windblown.

I swear that someday I'm going to learn to use our camera. I take almost all my shots on auto and Brian changes the settings constantly and always gets some neat photos with different lighting and angles. You'd think I would have soaked up some of his knowledge over the years, but I've yet to pay attention when he's explaining stuff. I just say "here, you do it." The first two photos are by me and the last two are by him--definitely a difference on the coloring!

This is the new lodge up at Mt. Magazine--it was extremely crowded up there and they even had a wedding going on--it was beautiful and breathtaking--I'm sure they have it booked up for many months to come. They have lots of cabins up there too--I'm thinking I'd want to stay in a cabin instead of the lodge--seems more secluded.

We had a great time except for the cold air, and we all slept on the way home--Brian had to drive, so he was left to his own company. Can't wait until we can do something like this again.

Stay Tuned

I was going to post some pics from our trip to Mt. Magazine, but blogger IS NOT COOPERATING. No pics being uploaded tonight, at least not for me. Stay tuned--hopefully I'll get them posted tomorrow.

GREAT MAIL DAY!

I'm participating in a Halloween Secret Sister exchange over at Create My Keepsake. I got a whole lot of goodies in the mail today--somebody is SPOILING ME!! Thank you to my secret sister! (These photos aren't the best, but you'll get the idea!)

I'm Here

Just busy doing a whole lot of stuff and not feeling like I've accomplished anything!

My Maw-Maw is holding her own--she is just so weak. I appreciate everyone's concern and prayers.

We went to our Sunday School class's fall party Friday night. It felt good to hang out with friends from church (since we never get to anymore). We didn't go on the hayride because there were about a gazillion kids on the trailer. We just hung out at the fire instead. Clayton was just as happy to do that . . . we also went to my nephew's birthday party Saturday. There were so many kids, and many had snotty noses. I spent the whole time praying Clayton wouldn't get sick--my stomach was in knots. I know those other parents think I'm a freak. I finally said, c'mon Clayton, you can't be around sick kids (as someone's daughter was coughing up their lung). The mother just looked at me weird and gathered her daughter up. My dad said I didn't sound hateful and that I handled it well, but in my mind I was freaking out. I just hope she didn't take it personal.

We still haven't made it to the pumpkin patch. I was really hoping to take Clayton out there this year. We had a really good time last year--maybe we'll still make it. It feels like fall and I think I've offically decided this is my favorite time of year. Funny, I always thought I was a summer person. Things change I guess, even your favorite season.

Reading . . . AGAIN!

Anyone remember this layout? For those who don't, it's all about how ever since the boys were born I haven't been able to concentrate on a book, let alone finish one. Reading was one of my passions and the traumatic experience we went through just took that passion right out of me.

Well, I'm not sure what happened, but a few days ago I dug out one of my favorite books that's an easy read. And guess what? I'm still actually sticking with it! I wouldn't say I've become some die hard bookworm, but hey it's a start! I remember people commenting on this layout and saying "save your books," you will want to read again. I didn't believe them. But I'm so glad that I saved my favorites because it was nice to just pick one up and start reading again.

Distracted

Just to prove how distracted and out of it I am right now, let me tell you what I did yesterday: It was pouring down rain all day, so I loaded Clayton and all of his stuff in the van before I ever opened the garage door. I also had to coax Katie into the car (she was riding with us for this particular trip). She hates the van, so I have to trap her to get her to go. After I finally got us all three in the van, I started it up and put it into reverse. Yep, you guessed it. BAM! I ran right smack into the garage door. What a bonehead move (direct quote from Brian). So it did raise up after that, and I was able to close it too. Brian had to work on it when he got home--it looks much better! Just a small dent now as opposed to the huge dent I had created!

What Matters Most

I'm neglecting so much these days. My house needs to be deep cleaned so bad! I'm just barely keeping up with the laundry too. I need to go to the store so bad (we are out of everything), and Clayton needs some warmer clothes. I hope I can make time soon for all of this. My time is limited, but at the moment it's really more important for me to help my Maw-Maw by being there for her--she is really feeling bad from a major fall Thursday night. She loves to see Clayton and I think it takes her mind off of her body when he is over there to hang out with her. So in the whole scheme of things, I think my house can wait and I've got plenty of old clean panties I can wear. :)

We're Back!!!

Wes, Shella, Ashley and Brian

Memory Trends 2006

Las Vegas, Nevada

We are back from Vegas and we have more work than ever ahead of us! It was so worth the trip--I think many people enjoyed getting to meet us after receiving emails from us for the last few months. Lots of companies were very receptive to our idea of being different--I could see several heads nodding and silent "amens" as I talked about the void in the market for a useful tool that both a regular scrapper can use and can also inspire the serious scrapbook artist.

Overall, the show was extremely slow, which worked to our advantage. People had lots of time to talk, but I think they were more than frustrated with the lack of retailer traffic. We could have used two more days, we were so short on time. But we did what we could while we were there. And yes, my feet still hurt!!!!

I looked for several people that I knew would be there, but I saw no one I recognized. If I saw you and didn't say hi, it's just because I had no clue who you were and was probably concentrating on my next booth to visit!

The only bad thing about the whole trip was the plane ride home and afterwards. Some idiot decided to smoke on the plane and harrassed the flight attendants to no end. He had police waiting for him when we landed in Little Rock. And we also didn't realize it until we got home that we had the wrong suitcase! Brian got up early this morning and returned the suitcase we had and found out ours had never arrived at all. We finally got it here tonight. I was getting worried because every bit of makeup I have was in that bag and my hair dryer was too. Clayton has a doctor's appointment tomorrow and I wasn't sure they wanted to see the all natural me!

Speaking of Clayton, he did fine at my parents' house. He must have played hard because he has spent most of today sleeping with me! He just seemed exhausted! And speaking of sleeping, we're off to bed!!

Viva Las Vegas!

Tomorrow we leave for Memory Trends which is held in Las Vegas. My mind is on overdrive with everything I'm trying to do before we go. I'm excited and nervous and worried about little Clayton. I'm trying not to imagine all the bad things that can happen to either us or him! He will be in good hands, staying with my parents. But a mommy's work is never done and I'll be worried about him until I come back. At any rate, we have LOTS of people expecting us to come by their booths and say hi--I'm looking forward to introducing Classy Scrapper Magazine to so many companies. It will be interesting!!!!

Coffee Bean

Someone told me yesterday I'm a COFFEE BEAN. It's a compliment, really . . . read this story:

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee... You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a wordIn about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see.""Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?" Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

So thank you Dianna for making my week--you gave me the ultimate compliment!

CRAZY DAY!

Things I did today:

1. Emailed 30 people to request their layouts for Classy Scrapper Magazine.

2. Cooked brisket, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and rolls for my friend who just had surgery.

3. Answered about a gazillion emails re: submissions and general stuff for Classy Scrapper Magazine.

4. Had a meeting with my business partner re: Classy Scrapper Magazine.

5. And I was mom during all of this too!

Whew, I feel like I've been in a whirlwind! Majorly productive day, though--I can't wait to see what else I can get accomplished this week. I have a lot to do considering I'll be at Memory Trends in Las Vegas next week! (EXCITING!)