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!)

Tour Arkansas

We went for a family drive today. It was a really nice day, but it was a bit warmer than it has been--glad we weren't doing in hiking or anything. Wouldn't want to actually break a sweat! :) So for those of you who don't live around here and wonder what Arkansas looks like, I took these pictures for you. (It was a bit hazy, but you can get a general idea). These were taken at the top of Petit Jean Mountain, which is located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Only about a 30 minute drive from our house. We also went to Mt. Nebo which is a little farther northwest, and it's quite a bit steeper than Petit Jean. Now to people who have seen the Rocky Mountains, these really only qualify as hills, but for us, they will do. It really is refreshing to get out and drive in the country. I can't wait to go back when the leaves are actually changing. Driving through the Ozarks during the fall is beautiful. Hoping we get a chance to go back soon.

Time for a Roll Call!!!

I've been blogging for several months now and I've noticed my readership has grown by leaps and bounds!!! Never thought I'd be that interesting! Let me know you're out there by leaving me a short comment . . . just a quick shout out!

On My Own

I must pat myself on the back--I've been completely free of anti-depressants for over a month now and I'm doing pretty well. I was scared I couldn't make it without a crutch, but these past weeks have been very stressful with starting the magazine and I'm still not breaking down. Feels good to be half way normal now. This beautiful weather helps TONS too!

Actually Scrapped!

Here's one of my newest layouts:

Exciting News!

Our website for the magazine went live today!

Check it out!

Classy Scrapper Magazine

We got to sit outside today because it was absolutely beautiful! The temperature was great and the sun was shining. The only wild thing was that we were almost blown away by all the wind!!! It was a wonderful change since Clayton hasn't really been able to go anywhere lately--his lungs just aren't any better. He acts fine, but his oxygen levels aren't fine at all. He is still requiring way more oxygen than usual. He's at my parents' house tonight for a change of scenery. I can't wait until he's a little better so we can at least venture out a bit.

Nothing Happening

Nothing going on here except breathing treatments and chest physiotherapy. Also lots of necessary paperwork for Classy Scrapper Magazine--I love looking at everyone's submissions. Lots of inspiration for when I scrap myself!

Report from Doctor's Visit

Clayton has a small amount of atelectasis in his lower left lobe--small area of collapsed lung with some mucus to boot. His bloodwork was normal.

The doctor seems to agree with me and Brian that this was probably due to overstimulation and his seizure medication probably prevented another seizure, but his brain reacted in a different manner just by totally being lethargic in the breathing area. Goes along with the whole fact that he stops breathing totally during a seizure. Maybe we had a near miss??

He gave them a heck of a fight in radiology during the chest x-ray. I'm going to have to start bringing a team with me to help hold him still. I had to take the poor little guy to the restroom afterwards for a wipedown with a cool washcloth. He was so hot and mad and covered in sweat. So we have steriods for three days, CPT (chest physiotherapy), and lots of inhalers. FUN. FUN. I'm just so thankful we didn't end up staying at the hospital. I was not looking forward to that! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!

Clayton's Lungs are BIPOLAR!

Yesterday, Clayton struggled all day long with his oxygen levels. I suppose he's just had way to much excitement with all the walking he's been doing. We are going to see the pulmonologist tomorrow morning for a chest x-ray and bloodwork to see if anything's going on. But in the meantime, when I got out of the shower this morning, he was lying in bed with his cannula off and he had a decent oxygen reading. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?

Talk about wishy-washy! There is never any rhyme or reason to what's going on with his lungs. All I know is he just can't deal with a lot of stimulation without having lots of down time afterwards. I suppose we'll just have to get used to taking life in spurts in order to keep his little body from overdoing it.

New Layout

I actually got to scrap today! I already had most of this layout put together, but I added the ribbon as the finishing touch. I wish the pics were better, there's just no way to catch the full amount of cuteness when he blows a kiss!

Checking In

Don't have much time to blog, but I realized I hadn't done so in a few days, so I thought I would check in. Everything's going well--Clayton's still a walkin' fool and Classy Scrapper is going full force! With that being said, I've got to get off here and go to work!!!