Long Week

It's been a long week. I haven't felt good at all and I'm still not up to par. I'm not running fever, just mainly coughing my head off! That can wear a person out real fast . . . I got a few things done around the house yesterday. Even made time to scrapbook a bit. And wouldn't you know it, I actually got to do some girly pages! Noel's new kit is all about pink, green, and blues--lots of girly and Easter looking product, so I decided to use some of Nicole's pics of the girls for my layouts:

The top one was hard to photograph because of the contrast in colors and the second one was hard to photograph because of the shape of the paper, but I'm sure you get the idea . . . Taylor is growing up so fast, I can't believe how the time flies!!

I am so ready for warm weather! I'm ready for the ground to dry up and the blooms to start budding. Maybe we'll have some sort of spring around here instead of skipping straight into summer. Which reminds me, I still haven't trimmed my crepe myrtles! Better get on that!

I'm Back!!!!!!!

I'm home safe and sound after a trip to "sunny" and "warm" California (those terms are used very loosely considering it was raining and freezing the entire weekend!). I had an awesome time with these ladies. Patti is the ultimate hostess--she spoiled us Friday night with a ton of great food and Saturday with even more. She has a great store that I spent *way* too much money in!! I scrapped a little--mainly just moved my pictures and stuff around while talking and laughing! I actually got to work on my very first acrylic album and I'm probably going to use pics from the crop in it. I'll post it when it's all done. We stayed at Cheri's house (yes, almost ALL of us were in one house!). It was the ultimate sleepover party! Loved every minute of the bonding I got to do with everyone. And two nights was the perfect amount of time to be gone. I didn't get homesick and Brian didn't get overwhelmed here at home. I didn't get sick at all on the planes, so that made it even one step better . . .I think I've finally found the right combination of drugs that keep me from getting sick!

I've got to get back into the swing of things quickly. Band practice tonight, Bible Study tomorrow, DT work to get done ASAP, and a pile of laundry that keeps growing. Off to get started!

So Little Time . . .

And still so much to do! Tonight is Bible Study and tomorrow I'll spend all day getting ready for my trip to CALI! (For those who don't know, I'm heading to Sacramento for a ScrapJazz get together!) I'm so excited, but I get so overwhelmed getting everything together. I'm also getting pretty anxious about the plane ride. I get SO SICK on planes and I just dread the flights everytime--I just spend the whole time praying that I will get through without throwing up (and yes, I've done it on more than one occassion--YUCK!!). I used to take a bottled water as a sort of security item but I don't even think you can take anything like that on planes anymore. It's so frustrating because it's the middle of the flight by the time you get a refreshment and I'm already dying by then!

My flight leaves at 7:35 am Friday morning--don't you know it'll be fun getting there extra early with Clayton in tow?! Not exactly looking forward to that stress either! I have to get an instruction sheet made out for Brian as well. I'm just hoping he'll actually remember to look at it . . .

Once I get there, it will all be worth it, it's the preparation and the flying that I have to suffer through. I'll be back Sunday night late and then Clayton has two doctors' appointments on Monday at ACH. Still contemplating on cancelling those. I know I'll be dead tired Monday morning and a day at ACH won't make it any better!

I NEED THIS MOMMY TIME SO BAD! It's amazing how just a night away from Clayton makes me feel so refreshed, so a whole weekend ought to carry me for a long time!

Took Me Four Hours

to finish this layout Saturday. I'm sooo slow and there's always at least a dozen distractions when I'm trying to scrap! I have no idea how some people get twenty layouts in one day completed!

The horn was a Christmas gift from my uncle and Clayton loves to announce his coming and going these days!

Better Late . . .

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

(created this card with Noel's Devoted kit)

It's the Little Things

Ms. Cara let Clayton wear her watch during pool therapy today--you would have thought it was a gold coin for how excited he was! The amazing thing is, he was willing to use his left hand the rest of the session--no begging or prying it open. He was hapy to use it just so he could see the watch! She let him use it in P.T. with Hannah as well and he told everyone about it, even telling people what time it was! (According to him it was five o'clock!) So I guess I need to get myself to the store and buy him a little watch to wear so he'll use that left hand even more! Whatever works, right?

Playing Catch Up

I got some scrapbooking done over the weekend. I basically played catch up on the Scripture Challenge and on the pages from my Bible Study. I wanted to do more, but I went through my latest photos and none of them were "speaking" to me--I just didn't have any fresh ideas for any of them. Guess I'll have to wait until some creativity strikes! But for now I'll share these:

(6x6)

"Wait" was easy--I have this verse framed on my dresser. I read it almost everyday and it was my reminder of God's faithfulness during the days after the boys were born.

(6x6)

"Change" was a little harder for me--I had to do some searching in the Bible for just the right verse. I know a lot of people were choosing to just focus on the unchanging nature of God. I ended up choosing this passage from Ecclesiastes because I like how it contrasts the everchanging nature of the world versus the steady being of our Lord.

(9x9)

For last week, we did an overview of the Holy Spirit, so this page is pretty simple in nature.

(9x9) Double page layout
This week was our first study of a fruit of the Spirit: love. Definitely a page for photos of my three guys!! Journaling: "Agape" love. The love of the Father. The ultimate proof of the Spirit living within me. And while I do not have the capacity to love as the Father, I can certainly change my actions and reactions so that I can move towards a more pure, "agape" love for others. I only hope I can become better at showing my family, friends, and even my not-so-friends this supernatural love. I could never do it on my own--only through the Father's Holy Spirit is it possible! And so may I always remember: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8)

(When I read that passage, I realize I've got A LOT of work to do!!!)

Video Time!

Well, Amy tagged me on her blog the other day, but I'm thinking a video of Clayton would be much more fun! (Sorry, Amy!)

I think he's finally starting to get over his stagefright, although he still has a long way to go. This is video is a step up from most that I get of him--at least he isn't just looking at me saying "my picture Momma!"

YEAH!

We actually got to go outside today! The weather was beautiful--a little chilly--but still beautiful! It was nice to get out of the house, even for just a bit. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

What's Up With Me?

I can't believe it's taken me this long to blog again! I haven't really been doing one thing in particular, but it seems like I'm just a busy bee running around in circles. So here are the highlights for those who are interested:

**Spending lots of time on my Bible Study (the teacher has to be ready!)

**The band is looking for a new drummer and still trying to play/practice at the same time.

**Sang a solo at church Sunday--the song was at the top of my range and my throat/voice is still not normal from all this congestion I'm still fighting. Praise the Lord I made it through without totally ruining the song!

**Clayton spent the night with Granny and Pop Friday night and as usual kept them up all night. Talk about sleep issues--that boy's got 'em!

**Brian and I worked at Upward Saturday morning and man is it hard for me to get out of bed for that! I am glad once I get there that I volunteered, but I am so not a morning person.

**Clayton is definitely becoming a little rebellious four year old. He has decided that not only will he hit himself and others out of frustration, he now also pulls at his button (feeding tube) and the gauze around it in rebellion. Drives me insane! And yes, he is getting disciplined, and no he doesn't care. His speech therapist had to put him in "timeout" the other day because he wouldn't stop pinching her after she had asked him to stop several times. He thinks it's a game but he should have stopped when she asked him to. I was a little worried about what timeout actually meant for him, but she said she just wheeled him around to face the opposite direction and it didn't even last a minute. I'm so hoping he doesn't become one of "those" kids!!!!

That's everything I can think of at the moment. Hope everyone has a good week!

Weekend Challenge!

I'm hosting a card challenge this weekend on Noel's blog. Hope you check it out!

Two More

Here's two more layouts to add to my latest. The first is this week's scripture challenge (6x6). And the second is my layout for this week's Bible Study topic (9x9).

There were several topics that were covered in this week's Bible Study because it was an overview of Galations. I chose to focus on my found freedom in God's forgiveness. Thank you so much to Patti for sending this picture she took of me in Texas--this is the second layout I've used it on, so I'm glad she sent it!

Journaling: Growing up I wasn't a rebellious child. I generally obeyed my parents and God. But there are a few things I did that haunt me. Outright sin! I've been very burdened by those transgressions, and I constantly ask for forgiveness. Thinking of those sins makes me physically ill! And it wasn't until recently that I realized the DEVIL is burdening me! GOD has forgiven me and is ready for me to look forward. I've denied God's forgiveness and given Satan power over me, and in turn not helped my witnessing power. NO MORE! I now accept God's forgiveness and vow to leave my past in the past where it belongs.

Latest Creations

Well there's one thing I can say about a new year with new challenges (namely the scripture challenge Patter is hosting), and that is I've got the scrapping bug again. I spent the last few months of 2007 in a creative rut, just not finding my groove, but I've really enjoyed the last few things I've done even when they aren't totally "perfect" in my view. The mini album was created for Noel's next challenge--everyone should do one of these for themselves simply because as scrappers we are usually focused on pictures/stories of everyone else and we tend to forget to tell our own story. It's nice to create something that's just about you. And I've really got the card bug right now too. My cards aren't near what I wish they were, but I'm really lovin' the fact that I can use my scraps and extras to create a beautiful card that may just make someone's day. I'm hoping I'll get around to doing some more layouts soon, but for now I've shared my current favorite at the bottom of this post. I love it because it's another layout celebrating just how special Clayton is!

JOURNALING: Chris Reeve has nothing on you, Clayton! You’ve been through so many battles and struggles in your short life that you definitely qualify as the REAL SUPERMAN!

Week Two

The word for this week's scripture challenge was kindness. A little tougher than faith. I had to delve into my Bible to find a verse that really spoke to me on the topic. There are many references to God's kindness to us, but I was looking more for His directions for us to be kind. Finally found it in Galations:

(6x6)

Don't Forget

Noel's Holiday Kits are on sale right now!

Living Beyond Yourself

Tonight is the first night of my "Scrapbooking Your Faith" class. We will be using Beth Moore's "Living Beyond Yourself" as our study guide. This particular study focuses on the Fruits of the Spirit. Tonight will basically be an introductory night--we'll work on the title page of our album and discuss the upcoming classes. I'm also going to share the Scripture Challenge with them so they can participate in that if they want. I have twelve people signed up--I'm hoping they all stick with it, because I really feel like they'll love having what they learned in an album when we're done.

(9x9)

I won't go into all the trouble we've had getting books . . . apparently this is the most popular study going right now and they ARE NO BOOKS in this state until Thursday! I ended up making copies of the first week's stuff for everyone. I'm just a stickler for making my plan work once I've got it down. I could have waited a week, but I planned to get started tonight, so by goodness, I'm starting tonight! How's that for obsessive?!

A Tribute

I had to say goodbye to an old friend this weekend.

My parents got Maggie when I was in college and I really didn't live with her for that many years, but she was definitely a part of my life, and a part of my parents' home. She had been struggling for a long time with her hip problems, so it was definitely time to ease her pain. I'm thinking these pictures were taken in 1997 or 1998--not really sure, but it was in the prime of her life. Maggie was a typical lab--only satisfied if she was touching someone. Always needing some more lovin'! My favorite memory will always be how Brian described her as "emotional." As soon as you walked in my parents' door, she would cry and wag her tail like she hadn't seen you in years! Definitely another lab trait I'm thinking. One of the best things about Maggie was you didn't have to worry about anyone or any animal hurting you if she was around. She could love, but she could be fierce if need be. Her bark and growl would scare even the bravest attacker, be it man or beast! And most recently, I think of Clayton and Maggie. She never really paid him any mind, and in his lifetime she'd basically be content to lay around and sleep. But Clayton would rather talk about her over our own dog who pesters him more than Maggie ever has! It's interesting that he's always mentioning Maggie in any conversation.

So goodbye, Maggie. We will miss your companionship and your protection. And more HUGE ((((((HUGS)))))))) to my parents who are definitely feeling the loss.

Week One

Late as usual, I decided at the last minute to participate in Patter's 2008 Scripture Challenge. I'm doing a little 6x6 book--and I can't wait to see the finished product--52 weeks worth of scripture to reference and look back on! I just pray I have the endurance to see it through!

I picked this verse because I always think of it in reference to faith. I learned it as a child in Sunday School and it made a huge impression on me because our teacher gave us all a little mustard seed to put in our Bibles. (Great idea she had--bet she never knew it how well it would help me remember that verse!)

A Case of the Lazies

I have been worthless since Christmas! I basically just want to sit and scrap or find a good movie on t.v. and sit and stare at it for a few hours. I have plenty to do around here--a mother's work is never done, right? But still I put things off, procrastinating as usual. I've also got some errands to run and places to go, but can't get fired up about getting myself presentable for the world. I'm hoping I'll get a spurt of energy later today, but it's looking doubtful!

Been Scrapping

I'm finally getting the scrapping bug again! I kinda lost my mojo there for a while, but I can feel it creeping back in. :) Here's a few layouts that I've done lately. The first one is kind of a tribute layout to Clayton's speech therapist. After three and a half years, she had to quit seeing Clayton due to scheduling conflicts, and I hated to see her go. And although he still has speech therapy, she brought him a long way during her three years with him.

These next Christmas layouts were all made with Noel Mignon's Holiday Kits.

I made this last one for a cool KISS challenge that Noel has going right now. This pic was taken in the NICU and I can't believe how much Clayton looks like a little doll! He was so tiny at that point and that was after he had grown a bunch!