Went Bowling

Brian and I had a rare night without Clayton (THANKS MOM AND DAD!), and we took the chance to do something we wouldn't normally do with him. We went bowling with Stacey and Rod, and boy, are we ever horrible at bowling! Of course I knew I wasn't any good, but our whole group was pretty sad. So sad that we abandoned the bowling alley after just one game! (Off to eating, which is something we are very good at!) Here are some of the few good pics we got out of the night. I'm sure Stacey will love that I'm sharing the last one--I think she was attempting a celebratory toe touch or something to that effect, and I just happened to catch her mid-air!

Have I Told You About Brian's New Toy?

On Black Friday we ventured out to shop with our houseguests, even though I would have preferred staying home. And since we were out, I could tell Brian was itching to make a purchase. He stayed in the kitchen section of each store. He finally told me that he had been comparing expresso machines. He does spend lots of money at Starbucks so I was fine with whatever he wanted. But little did I know what he would do once he got it home! The first afternoon he drank about six or seven expressos while "perfecting" his recipe. He was up until about 2:30 am! It wasn't that big a deal that night because he didn't have to work the next day, but last Sunday night was a totally different story. He was STILL drinking expressos at 9:30 just like they were cups of water. HE DID NOT SLEEP AT ALL Sunday night! I think he finally laid down around 5:00 am!!! I think it finally dawned on him that he was going to have to drink in moderation or never sleep again! He said that was as close to doing crystal meth as he'll ever come! He's still using the machine a lot (ANNOYING sounding machine), but at night he's running tea through it thank goodness!!

Checking In

Yes, I am here. Just busy with little things and not spending lots of time on the computer. My FIL and family were here from last Wednesday to Sunday so entertaining them took lots of my time. Clayton had a procedure done in the O. R. this morning, so I've been holding him and spoiling him for most of the day. He had his ear tubes removed and his teeth cleaned. His little preemie teeth look SO much better. The doctor explained that all of his medical issues and treatments have done nothing to help nuture the growth of strong, good looking teeth, so we're lucky that they've turned out as well as they have. I'm hoping his permanent teeth look better, but he also explained that they were being formed right after his birth and up to three years of age, so his health issues could have affected them as well. But this doctor was SUPER empathetic and assured me that whatever Clayton ended up with, if he could make it better, he would. You could tell by the way he talked and acted that he has a heart for these special kids. Such a 180 from the original dentist we saw there. Thank goodness we changed doctors!! But back to Clayton, he's been sleeping all day from the effects of the anesthisia. And of course now he's wide awake! Even so, I'm sure I won't have to beg him to get to sleep tonight--between the medicine and the getting up at 4 am, he's beat!

Happy after Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone had a great day yesterday! We spent the afternoon at my GrandMother's and then promptly came home for our after-turkey nap. Ah, the joys of Thanksgiving! Here is a song from Clayton--as usual he gets stagefright in front of the camera, so the only way I could get him on film was to get him while he was in the bathtub. I wish I could get one of him while he's sitting up, because he looks so much better and cuter then, but oh well! He kinda gave out on me by the end of this one, but at least you'll get to hear his sweet voice for a moment.

I've Got an Idea

Since I don't "work" my mind is always coming up with new projects that I could start, but I'm too tired to ever really act on them. My latest idea involves the other parents that I see daily at the clinic. I've always known there are other people out there with special needs children, but it wasn't until I started taking Clayton to the clinic that I realized that we really have lots in common and it would be great to share the burdens and joys of our children together. So my first idea was to set up some kind of social function for the parents/moms just so we could meet and visit with each other. That was several weeks ago when I thought of that and one of Clayton's therapists even encouraged me to talk to their non-profit person about helping me get it started. Then today I thought about how I could use scrapbooking as a bonding tool. I've really missed teaching my classes since the LSS closed, and I love the outlet that scrapbooking our story has provided for me. So why couldn't these other mothers do the same? I could come up with some different ideas on how to get them started on scrapbooking their child's journey or even their personal or family journey through life with special needs. That's what's always been my strong suit anyway in scrapbooking, the journaling and telling of the story. I'm definitely not known for my unique artistic skills--just known as a mother who pours her heart into her creations. I'm really thinking about giving this a go, just need to put my ideas on paper and talk to the non-profit lady about some help from the clinic. Surely they'll be willing!

Christmas Wish List

I wouldn't normally talk about what I want for Christmas unless someone asked, but since it's my blog, I figure I get to talk about it if I want. So here are just a few items on my wish list:

1. Windchimes

2. as many of these that I can get (I'm pretty sure they are being discontinued and I love these particular albums--I've needed some for a while as I don't have any room in my albums for my scrapbook pages anymore!)

3. Merle Norman gift certificate

4. Bon Jovi CD: Lost Highway

5. Kenny Chesney CD: Just Who I Am/Poets and Pirates

6. Sugarland CD: Enjoy the Ride

7. Loungewear/Pajamas

8. ANY gift certificate to Kohl's or Dress Barn (I'm seriously dress clothes poor right now-----WELL, at least dress clothes that FIT me!)

And that's all I can think of right now. Hopefully that will help the few of you who want to buy me something this year. :)

Time Seems to be Flying!

Has it really been six days since my last post? YIKES! I can't even tell you what I've actually accomplished during those days, just haven't really been on the computer much. Haven't been scrapping, and haven't been reading. Been sittin' I guess! Church was interesting yesterday because Brian was out of town and I had Clayton by myself and still had to sing on praise team and in the choir. He ended up sitting with my friend Jennifer and he was entertaining the whole section of people during the whole song service. He even went off to Children's Church with her and saw me as he left--never got upset once! He's growing up--doesn't need his momma as much anymore!

I don't really have much else on my mind at the moment, so I'll go for now--have a great day everyone!

I Actually Scrapped!

I did this layout first:
And that got me warmed up for this one:

Journaling: When you were little the vacuum cleaner terrified you, but that's all changed now! You have your very own vacuum and you play with it everyday! You spend lots of time in the floor with that toy. And the vacuum isn't your only obsession . . . cars (particularly the red one), guitars, and your keyboard are all your favorite toys. You ask for each one of these at least once a day. It's so much fun watching your personality develop!

I'm hoping I'll get to scrap some more this week and I'll be as happy with those pages as I am with these!

Halloween Photos

Clayton has always dressed up for Halloween, but last night was the first time that he really went trick or treating! He was a little overwhelmed at first, but he loved being out and about. He never did say anything to anyone as they gave him candy though. Just stared at them with his big blue eyes!

THE REAL SUPERMAN!!

TRICK OR TREAT!!!

And here he is with his cousins and friends before the big walk around the block.

Some Photos from the Weekend

We went for a boat ride on Saturday and I tried playing around with my camera. I'm slowly but surely learning to change my settings and shoot in manual. The scenery was a bit uninteresting, but it did give me some time to practice. Brian grabbed the camera and shot the last pic here--he never gets out of practice!

Monday Morning

Beautiful day here today--I have a ton of things to keep me busy. Never got to those bathrooms last week although I did get the sheets on the bed changed. I guess that counts for something!

I've got a ton of laundry and some design team assignments I need to wrap up. I also need to sit down and pay bills which is always a barrel of fun . . . .

My friends Becky and Noel both tagged me on their blogs and these were my directions:

1. Link to your tagger, and also post these rules on your blog.

2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of you post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they are TAGGED by leaving a comment on their blog.

I'm going to cheat and only complete steps one and two--I don't know if I know 7 people that would play along! So anyway, here are 7 random and not-so-random facts about me:

1. I'm a night owl by nature, but having a child that won't sleep without me is cutting into my staying up late schedule.

2. I get motion sick EASY--like even swinging on a swing makes me ill. Not a good quality.

3. I sing on the praise team at church and I get totally stressed if I don't get to use the same microphone each week. YES, I'm that obsessive-compulsive! (Luckily, the other members have learned to work with me on this!)

4. I finally made the plunge and started coloring my hair last year--the gray is getting bad!

5. I eat some form of peanut butter every day.

6. I wish they had had American Idol back in my younger days so I could have given it a try.

7. Fall became my favorite season in the last couple of years--lovin' the weather, just wish it would last!

Thursday

Another gloomy day here. Not that I'm complaining, it's just that I'm 0% motivated to do some housework that I NEED to get done! I'm hoping by the time I go to bed tonight I'll at least have clean sheets on the bed and the bathrooms cleaned. Here's to big goals!

I'd really rather be reading or making some cards today. I'm hoping to fit that in as well. The big wild card is what CLAYTON will want to do. He's pretty much in charge here. :) And to be honest, he'd rather watch me clean than anything else! He's big on janitorial work . . . don't have any idea where that comes from, but he sure gets a kick out of watching me scrub! You'd think that would motivate me, but not really!

It's Here, in this Town

The MRSA infection that has been in the news this week is the same infection that killed Shawn. And although I had already decided it was time to be a stickler about germs around Clayton again (going back into guard mode), I was comforted by the fact that all the cases were somewhere else besides here. But I got an email this morning from church requesting prayer for a teenage girl at a local school--she has been diagnosed with MRSA and isn't doing well at all. So my first instinct is to basically camp out here at home forever--I can't imagine Clayton getting it! His body is definitely in better shape than Shawn's, but he doesn't even do well with a common cold, much less a deadly infection!!!!!!!! Oh my. Please pray that Clayton is protected.

Journaling: While she puts on a brave face for the world, she fights an inner battle everyday. The battle against a fear so deep, she can’t even describe it. Simply put: she can’t bear the thought of losing another child. She copes by spoiling him, sheltering him, and keeping him close by as much as possible. And as he is getting older, she is regretfully letting go—but she will continue to hold on tight for as long as he will let her. Journaling 6/07; Photo 1/06

Song of the Week

My friend Allison suggested that I post a song from Clayton every week and I thought that was a grand idea! The only problem I'm running into is catching him in full performance mode. He never does as well in front of the camera--he's such a little star, I'm hoping he'll grow out of that soon. :) Here he is with my mom the other night. (I'm sure she'll be upset that I posted her on my blog, but in the interest of cuteness, it just had to happen!)

I Haven't Been Scrapping

I've been reading! For those who know me well, you know this is a big deal--I haven't been able to really enjoy a book since the boys were born. But two weeks ago, I picked up an old favorite and devoured it! I've since read another one and I'm on my third one--takes me a little longer to read a book with Clayton here, and I definitely have to read in short spurts, but I'm enjoying the escape when I can get it. It feels so good to "come home" to my old friends, my books. I didn't really think I would ever be a reader again, but I'm glad I took a chance and decided to try it again. For so long, I couldn't read for my mind wandering on life's questions and problems--but now I see that they can be a chance to forget those nagging feelings for a while--I hope it lasts!

That Was Easy

Remember my previous whining posts about Clayton's dentist? Well, we started all over with a new doctor today and let me tell you--TOTALLY different mood and approach. We walked in, met the doctor and then I told him the short version of my concerns with the other doctor's plan (not using any sedation or anesthisia for any dental work on Clayton). He looked at Clayton's teeth (what he could with the fit throwing), and then looked at me and said "when's he's next scheduled procedure in the O.R.?" I told him we were planning Botox injections and an ear tube removal in November. He said he would just clean Clayton's teeth then and that was that. Easy cheesy. Now why couldn't that other doctor have been just as accomodating?

By Request

Here is a very homemade video of our band--hope you enjoy it (despite the sound issues!)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3960077265758545892&hl=en

Another video

Well, now that I've figured out how to videotape on my phone, I'm taping everything! Here is one of Clayton swinging at a birthday party on Saturday:

Now I just need to figure out how to get my regular videos on to the computer and I'll be set!

Oh.My.Goodness.

Last night a storm rolled through--LOTS of lightening. It woke me and Brian both up and as we were laying there half out of it, a bolt of lightening struck SOMETHING close! It felt like it was in the room with us! The TV popped and I swore I saw it flash, so I assumed it was ruined. The breaker for the bedroom flipped, so Brian got up to rummage around and check out the damage. He couldn't find anything wrong and the TV actually worked when he tried it. And everything is working this morning. All I know is a lightening strike like that makes it hard to go back to sleep! I layed there for quite a while before dozing back off. Thank God nothing serious happened!

Listening Ears

It's been brought to my attention by three different people that I didn't hear Clayton right yesterday--apparently he was saying "SUNSHINE" and I assumed it was Allison. As Judge Judy would say, I needed to put on my "listening ears!" Sorry I made you miss out on him singing "You Are My Sunshine," maybe we'll post that one next time! And I'm SO glad everyone enjoyed him as much as we get to everyday!

He Gets it From Me :)

For a long while, I've been promising some of you a video of Clayton singing. Unfortunately, everytime I had the video camera going, he got stage fright or something because he didn't want to sing for me while it was rolling. So since we sing during bath time everyday, I decided the best time to catch him off guard would be in the bathtub and it worked! I also used my phone so he wouldn't be so distracted by the actual camera. Hopefully you'll get a kick out of this even if he is sitting in the bathtub! (By the way, Gail is my aunt and Hannah and Allison are two of his therapists).

Hope You're Not Tired of Hearing about the Band!

We played last night for a launch meeting of a new church and things went SO MUCH BETTER than the fair! It was a small crowd, but we turned all of our levels down and tried to be really conscious of how we were sounding--I think almost everyone in the audience came up to us a one point or another to tell us how great we sounded! Made us feel much better and kind of erased the bad experience we had had earlier.

And for those who have asked, I'm working on getting a video clip. My friend Stacey is making a copy of a DVD for my Maw-Maw to watch and I'm hoping there is something good on there I can share here with my blog readers. It's questionable since the tape was made at the fair . . . hopefully there's one small clip to give you a little taste of our music.

Fair Report

Last night was our big gig at the county fair. And I must say that it was a little anti-climatic. We had sound issues from the get-go and I was immediately frustrated, which makes for a different feel when you're up there singing. In a nutshell, the crowd reported that you had to stand in certain spots to get a good sound and to actually understand what I was singing. Very frustrating! I'm such a perfectionist and stickler for these things that I was very disappointed after we left. My mom said it all sounded good in the way that you could tell we were playing great and on key and stuff, but you just didn't always know what the song was about! And that's the whole reason we're up there--the message of the songs!!! At any rate, we got paid for our work and that was the nice part of dealing with the issues . . . we had lots of people come out and see us as well--I just hope they don't judge us too harshly because of the sound problems!

One good thing about last night was that Clayton got to ride some rides! He loved it! I was so proud that he got to do what the other kids were doing--I snapped this picture with my phone, so the quality isn't that great, but you can see he has a smile on his face!

New Kit

Noel Mignon is now in the kit business and her first one is jam-packed with product! Check it out here.

Hi from Clayton!

Paying Gig!

Well, if you've been wanting to hear our band play, next week's your chance--we'll be playing at the county fair! And what's even better is it's actually a paid gig! Never thought I'd be excited about going to the fair (I usually tried to avoid it at all costs), but I'm pretty excited that we'll be playing to a public crowd instead of just our church. We've got some more plans that are coming together--the ball has really been rolling for us. Can't wait to see what God has in store!

We Will Never Forget

All is Well in Scrapbooking Land

Well, thank goodness the whole gallery crisis seems to be over. :) The link to the right will take you to my gallery on Scrapjazz and all of my journaling is with my layouts now . . . guess everyone found out how obsessive I am about my scrapbooking with that last post! (Yes, I want it all to be in order and perfect!)

Meanwhile, a very special layout was chosen as layout of the day over at Create My Keepsake. I was so excited that one of my layouts about Shawn was picked!

Here's the journaling: Shawn, Joshua, Teegan, Gabriel, Joey, Matthew, Charlotte, and for all those who will join them . . .When Brian and I saw this picture developed, we both said the halo of light reminded us of an angel. We didn't know how prophetic our words would be. Our baby would keep company with the angels just days later. And since that moment, we have become acutely aware of many children dying. Are we more in tune with the tragedy of other parents? No matter . . .I now live conscious of these angels providing protection and an abiding love.

The Height of Frustration

Frustrated. Upset. Banging my head against the wall. I guess that's what I get for using technology that is apparently smarter than I am. The site that I use for my main layout gallery (www.scrapjazz.com) just underwent a major upgrade and ever since then, I've been so frustrated with it! So for those of you who got an email from me today with a link to my gallery and couldn't see my layouts, I don't know what's up with that. I click on the link and I go straight there. I asked the site administrator about it and of course she immediately said I must of sent a broken link because all galleries are public. Were any of you out there able to see my gallery? And another thing that is extremely frustrating is the fact that all of my notes (in particular, the journaling) for all my previous layouts are not with them anymore. They were "included in the code, but their still working on it." Hello? The journaling is usually the most important part of my layouts! I just don't know why some people think they have to fix something that was working just fine--I mean, you pretty much need a user manual to get around the new message board. . . ah, the drama of an online scrapbooking nerd!!!

SO . . . in conclusion, if you would like to view my layouts AND read the journaling, I have changed the "my gallery" link to the right.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

For now, it will take you to my gallery at www.createmykeepsake.com. The reason I try to use the ScrapJazz one is because I usually put all of my layouts there and save the better ones for CMK. At any rate, if you got the link from me and it didn't work, I'm sorry if I confused you--hopefully it will all be sorted out soon and we can all go back to our regularly scheduled scrapbook viewing. :)

Hello

**spent two days at the lake this weekend--hoping it's not our last trip for the year

**Clayton doesn't swim in the lake, he "skis"

**tried to stay busy all last week just to keep my mind from dwelling on Shawn's death, funeral--glad to have that week behind me for now

**finally watched Dream Girls the other night--good flick

**I'm registered to go to Scrap Etc. 2008 even though I said I wasn't going! This year we even have homework and we got our first assignment this week--it will be interesting to see if I get it all done!

Nothing else major is going on that I can remember at the moment, so I'm off to pick up Clayton at therapy!

God Works in Mysterious Ways

Background: I've never been able to sing "Jesus Loves Me" to Clayton. Why? We sang it at Shawn's funeral, and I've just never been able to make it through the whole thing without coming to tears. So I gave up singing it for Clayton a long time ago. He does know it because my mom sings it with him and one of his therapists sings it as well--I'm glad they've been able to teach it to him.

The rest of the story: Yesterday while I was giving Clayton his bath we had a quite moment and he started singing something. Took me a few seconds to figure out that he was singing "Jesus Loves Me!" I asked him and he smiled and kept singing. So I mustered up the courage to finish the song with him--I sang right along with the tears flowing. Isn't it amazing how God uses children to send his love right directly to us? It literally felt like I had been given a big ole' hug by Jesus himself. Definitely what I needed to make it through the day.

Thirty Minutes of Wonderful

For my baby, who went to Heaven four years ago today. Thank you, Lord for our short time with him. Journaling: It was easily the hardest night of my life. But in retrospect, I count the experience as a sweet blessing. I had been there as Shawn entered the world, and on this night and morning, it was a privilege to be there as he left us. How many other mothers have the opportunity to literally rock their baby into the arms of Jesus? My baby is lucky. He will never know the heartaches of this world. He will never struggle with the unknown effects of his early birth. He will always be innocent. He will always be perfect. For me, my time with him will be some of the very minutes that make my lifetime special.

I Think I'm Losing It

**I've forgotten to buckle Clayton in his wheelchair twice since the wreck

**I came in from Wal-Mart the other day and forgot to unload my car (which included a gallon of milk)--let the stuff sit out there for about 45 minutes before I realized I had never unloaded it!

**I was searching for the peanut butter yesterday and couldn't find it in the cabinet even though I knew we had a new jar--finally found it right next to the jelly in the refrigerator where I had put it the day before.

**I realized yesterday afternoon that I had only shaved one leg in the shower yesterday morning.

I'm not sure I should be allowed out alone, much less be allowed to take care of a child!!

First Name Basis

For a while now Clayton has been calling Brian by his first name. "Hi Brian." "Bye Brian." He interchanges Brian and Daddy when talking about him, but now he's decided he likes to call everyone by their first name! Pop gets called Phillip and Granny gets called Mar-wee. He seems to really like saying Mary, not sure why he's started this but I keep correcting him on it--POP AND GRANNY. He actually doesn't ever mention my name unless someone asks him to repeat it. I remember my niece went through a phase of calling my brother by his first name--maybe it's just something a lot of kids do?? And although I don't want him to get used to it, it is cute to hear him say our names--he's a smart little guy. :)

Let's Talk TV

So when Clayton came home from the hospital I got hooked on CourtTV. I don't sit and watch every minute, but I do keep it on for "company" throughout the day and kind of half listen for something really interesting to happen. And since I'm such a rut person, I've been a little upset with them for a while. First Kimberly Newsome left, then another anchor left and they changed up all the shows. Then Catherine Crier left. I started looking around and realized that it looks like the network was bought by Turner Broadcasting or something to that effect. Then Nancy Grace left a couple of months ago and they can't get anyone decent in her spot. And now they are advertising Star Jones' new show starting next week. Ugh. And the court coverage ends an hour earlier and I've been FORCED to turn it to Dr. Phil for lack of anything else on at 3:00. So I've become interested in his show against my will . . . . :) I've never been interested in those goofy shows that analyze someone's problems simply because I've got enough problems without adding other people's! I guess it's a good thing I'm not at home as much anymore since my little old CourtTV channel has changed so much because I can't deal with soap operas and Oprah . . . .

All I Have to Say Is . . .

It was 96 degrees at 10:00 last night, with a heat index of 99 degrees. That pretty much tells you everything.

It's Just HOT

It's pretty much too hot to do anything around here. I spent Saturday doing laundry and when I looked at the thermostat in the afternoon, it read 77. The air ran almost all day and it didn't catch up until that night. Talk about miserable! Brian went out to the lake with a friend of his and he said it was too hot in the lake--that's pretty bad when it's too hot to go swimming!!! Clayton has ANOTHER doctor's appointment today in Little Rock. It seems like those things always come all at the same time. I'm not looking forward to going down there in this heat. We have to go again tomorrow to the GI doctor. Lovely plans for over 100 degree days . . . .

Happy Birthday Clayton!!!

Clayton is FOUR YEARS OLD today! We had a pool party last night for him. He loved it and if ever there was a day for a pool party, yesterday was it. IT WAS HOT!!! Almost everyone got in! I only took about ten pics so I'm uploading some a friend of ours took. He cried through the Happy Birthday song (just like last year!) and he really didn't want to try any cake, but at least he didn't gag this year. But by far, his favorite place to be was in the pool with his Granny. He didn't want to swim unless she was there, and didn't want to get out unless she was getting out!

Wheelchair Wreck!

My poor baby! While on our way into clinic yesterday I let go of his wheelchair for a split second only to see him roll off the ledge of the sidewalk and flip over onto the parking lot! It was horrible! He was under the wheelchair and had landed right on his head (as you can see from the picture). He looks even worse today because everything has scabbed over--I know everyone's thinking "what did you do to that poor child???!" I was just as traumatized as he was, if not more so. I cried, his O. T. cried, and Clayton cried! I even had them call the paramedics because all I could think was shunt malfunctions and siezures! By the time the paramedics left, he was smiling and saying hi to everyone, but it sure was a close call. Thank God he's okay!!! (And now we get to have cute little fourth birthday photos with battlescars--guess he really is becoming a little boy!)

We Surprised Them!!!

We rolled into the Scrapbook Warehouse and caught EVEYRONE off guard! Only three ScrapJazzers knew I was coming and that we were bringing Clayton to Dallas this weekend--I'm so glad we were able to keep it a secret--it was awesome to see the surprised looks and tears and smiles from everyone! I've never seen so many cameras flashing--I felt like I was with a celebrity! Clayton was more than a little overwhelmed, he was just sitting there staring at everyone. He did eventually start asking everyone for hugs since I was hugging everyone. He won everyone over immediately! He was a lot better when the crowd was small, I only wish everyone could have seen him relaxed enough to talk and carry on. I think I've already got Brian talked into next year in San Antonio and I can't wait. I loved this get together because we didn't have a bunch of classes dictating our schedule--we just cropped and visited. LOVED IT!

It Must Be Good

Yesterday I posted this layout in my galleries at ScrapJazz and Create My Keepsake. It's one of those layouts that you want to be so special and then it doesn't turn out as planned--BUT, it must be some kinda good because it was chosen as Layout of the Day on BOTH sites! One of them would have been great, but BOTH? WOW! Makes me feel a lot better about what I had considered a mess up!

Little Obsessions

This boy is definitely obsessive about many things (comes by it honestly, I'm the same way)! He loves feet, hair, wants to pick EVERYONE'S nose, and he loves to watch ANY cleaning! Sweeping and dusting are some favorites, and changing the sheets can entertain him to the max! And while he used to be deathly afraid of the vacuum, he now just sits around asking for it! I finally got it out yesterday and he was thrilled when he got to actually hold the handle. Then he said "vacuum Momma" which translated to me needing to do some housework! So I vacuumed for him yesterday and what do you know, he wanted to get it out again today! He threw a little fit when I said maybe later--I guess he's in tune with all the dirt in this house and knew it wouldn't hurt to vacuum again! It's still sitting here next to him because he starts whining everytime I try to put it up! Oh, the joys of a toddler--their way or no way!!

I've Got a Praise!

We saw Dr. Berlinski yesterday (Clayton's Pulmonologist) and he gave me the go ahead on taking more drastic measures on weaning Clayton off his oxygen! Although we've known Clayton can handle small stints off the oxygen (since he pulls his cannula off all the time!), we've been waiting for the official okay from a doctor--VERY BIG NEWS! Right now it's just two hours a day, but eventually we will work up to four hours if he can handle it and then we'll go back for another evaluation. He just does so well during the summer, there really is no reason to hold back. In the summer, he does better on breathing in general, and even with the theraputic feeds. He is better about trying things in his mouth simply because he's not congested at all and not fighting to breath as a result of being sick.

And so here he sits withOUT his cannula--isn't he even prettier without that thing!? And don't tell him I said pretty when he's 15! His oxygen is still running in the high 90s, so he's handling it well. I'm hoping he keeps up the good work! Heaven knows all this talking he's been doing should be giving his lungs a great workout! His breath support is better than ever and I really think he's ready for these baby steps . . .gives us hope for the bigger steps!

And as a side note, Dr. Berlinski had to suffer through a picture for me. (I explained that I was a scrapbooker and I document everything in Clayton's life). I've decided to do a mini-album of Clayton's doctors, and he just happened to be the first victim! He was a little upset because he didn't have his tie on, but I told him he was dressed perfect since they both had on blue--I'm such a nerd scrapbooker! :)

I'm With the Band

Here are some photos from our first gig (outside of a our church's services). Overall, everything went well--we only had a few hiccups that can be easily fixed later. Everyone was very complimentary and Pastor Tim even invited us to play for an outside baptism service in August. Guess he thought we were pretty good. :) But most importantly, we enjoyed ourselves--gave us a taste of something we definitely want to continue doing . . .(**remember that you can double click on the pics to see them enlarged). Thank you so much, Annette for taking the pics for us!

Friday

**started organizing my printed pics last night, off to Hobby Lobby for more photo boxes while they are on sale.

**visiting my grandparents today since I haven't seen them since before the Florida trip.

**need to order a ton of pics--I'm itching to scrap something new and fresh.

**just finished a baby album for some friends of ours--lovin' how it came out.

**worrying that it will rain tomorrow while we are playing. Don't want heat, but would rather not play in the rain.

**cancelling and rescheduling Clayton's dentist appt. for Monday--don't have the energy to deal with that doctor (he thinks Clayton should be able to have his teeth cleaned with no sedation. HELLO--the kid can't stand anything in his mouth!!!) I've already put my foot down about it, but I really don't want to deal with it next week, especially since he said his teeth look great right now (for a G-tube fed child).

**Clayton is a such a star. He is the "model patient" for P.T. students tomorrow at UCA and he has also been asked to be the patient for an in-service at the clinic next spring. :)

**got his pool party scheduled--look for invitations soon!

The Band

The band finally has a name . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Solid Rock Blues Commission

How's that for a mouthful?!! Simply put, we didn't want a "predictable" name. We were looking for something with some personality, kind of in the tradition of a "Creedence Clearwater Revival" type thing if you know what I mean. Our first gig (not including church) is this Saturday. We are playing outside in the heat of the afternoon. I'm hoping we make it through without collasping from heat exhaustion! Wish us luck!