So Much To Say...

So I started to post yesterday...I really and truly did, but the words were not coming easily {or at all for that matter!} so I deleted the entry and nixed the idea. Ever have days like that?

The first part of my day yesterday was absolutely crazy...as in drop Huntler off at school, run a couple of errands, go back to Huntler's school to take pics and help with his Valentine's Day party and then meet a friend at the McDonald's Play Place for lunch. We didn't get home until 2:00 PM! Just in time to put Gentry down for a nap and then snuggle with Huntler for a bit...which resulted in nice long naps for both of us too!! Ahhh how I love a good nap every now and again!

That pretty much sums up our day...or at least most of it. Chris had to work late so after the kids and I ate dinner we hung out downstairs for awhile. And that is when I got the call. The call that caused my heart to sink to my stomach and for my ability to focus to completely vanish. It was Lisa and they were on their way to the nearest children's hospital with sweet Avery to undergo a CT scan and try to get some answers as to why she had such a horrible day yesterday {hysterical screaming, vomiting, fainting}. This was after they had already spent hours at their local hospital while she had blood drawn and a variety of others things done. Anyway, after I heard the words "air lift" and "she is stabilized so we are going to drive her instead" I pretty much wasn't even sure what was going on because the emotion overcame me. I just knew that is wasn't good and my heart was breaking for them. Why is life so unfair? Why are all these babies so sick and suffering so much?

Anyway, after one LONG night in the ER they are home with no more answers than they went in with. The doctors were able to rule many things out, but unable to determine what exactly is going on. I can only imagine the frustration they must be feeling.

I talk about Lisa all the time, but I don't go into the details of Avery's diagnosis much. She suffers from TS and constantly battles seizures...not to mention the numerous tumors on her brain and in her little body. On her carepage {besides having a blog, Lisa also has a carepage set up where she updates people a little more on the medical aspect of what is going on with Avery} she mentioned today that it can't be easy being her friend. That you never know when you are going to get a frantic call that really doesn't make much sense. Well Lisa, I want to say to you that that's what friends are for...standing by your side during the good and the bad. I wouldn't consider myself a true friend if I turned my back because things weren't always "easy." True friends are there for listening to latest reports from the doctors. As well as listening to what pieces of the new Gymobree line you bought or the ideas you have in mind for Kaylen's next birthday party! For crying when there is nothing else we can do. For caring as if it were our own child. For laughing in the good times. For relishing in the milestones. For discussing Katie Holmes' latest hair style and what in the world The Bachelor is thinking! The good, the bad, the ugly...that is what friends are for. I am beyond blessed to not only have you in my life, but your sweet family as well. We love you guys dearly and can't wait for the day we are back in Kansas and can call this long distance relationship quits!!

So that is my post for today...I simply want to tell my dear friend how much she is loved despite the chaos that sometimes consumes her days! And I also want to ask each of you to keep sweet Avery in your thoughts and prayers...she could really use them right now.

And that is it for today...this post has been on my mind all morning and something I really wanted to share! I PROMISE to be back this weekend with the "first installment" of answers to some of your questions! As well as an update on my loopy bow giveaway! {I made a set but just wasn't loving them so I decided to keep them and start all over!!} Anyway, my inbox is overflowing so I am going to return a few emails and then I HAVE to get back to work on this house! Why does it take SO long to clean?!!

Just Saying...

Just saying that I am on one of my "kicks" again and in order to actually be productive, I am kicking myself off of the computer! So far this morning {it is 9:30 AM here} I have two loads of laundry going, the playroom dusted and vacuumed and three colors of paint touched up...I am on a roll! You certainly can't tell I have done anything though and that is why I am banning myself from surfing the web in my down time for the next two or three days...I HAVE to get this house whipped into shape so I can focus on my photography biz as well as my sewing projects!

So, since I seemed to have found my groove again with updating {after like 7 weeks of chaos things are finally calm in my life!!}, I still want keep up with that, but other than that and returning some emails, I have to take a time out!!

So, that is my story!! {I plan to start answering some of those fun questions you left tomorrow in case you are wondering!} And since I hate posting without a pic of some sort, here is one to make you smile. Every family has one...a nose picker that is! Who's yours?! At least she is a cute nose picker!!



By the way mom, see that little table? The one you got Chris for Christmas? He LOVES that thing! It has a permanent home on his side of the bed!

Coming Together For Cora...

A couple of weeks ago when I first blogged about Cora, I had no idea how her story would unfold. I had hope and faith that she would overcome the challenges she had been dealt, beat the cancer and live a long life full of love and beauty. But it appears that God has other plans for Cora...

I am simply overwhelmed by the amount of love I see pouring out of people all over the country in honor of this sweet girl and her family. Strangers, complete strangers, who are sharing her story, opening their hearts and giving of themselves. It reminds me that despite the unfair circumstances and the harsh world we live in, there is good out there. A lot of good. Like so many, I never met Cora. I didn't fall in love with that beautiful little chubby cheeked girl until word of her cancer spread. I know for one, I will never be the same. Ever.

My heart continues to break for her family. Tears flow again as I type this. I haven't been able to get them off my mind since she first entered the hospital, but the last few days the McClenahan's have been weighing on my mind and heart so heavily. My mind will continue to drift to Kansas today as they celebrate the all too short life of their baby girl. I hope they are able to find comfort in each other and their faith as they face what is sure to be one of the hardest days they have ever had to endure. Oh how my heart breaks for them...

I am amazed at all of the posts I have seen on this little beauty. The way the blog world has come together in support of this family simply leaves me speechless. The people out there posting notes of love and remembrance, of hope and encouragement. Heaven sure got one loved little Cora Paige on Sunday.

My friend Julie is putting her amazing talent to use in such a great way. She is making headbands and pins in honor of Cora and selling them in her Etsy shop. All proceeds go directly to the construction of the Cora Playground in Cora's hometown.







The first picture is of the original fabric Julie chose in honor of Cora. So many people are showing their love and support that she sold out of them!! I missed out on getting the original, but I did manage to get a butterfly headband for Gentry. Each and every time she wears that headband I will be reminded of Cora, her journey, her family. I will be reminded to cherish each and every moment I am given with those I love the most for you see, each day is a gift, not a guarantee.

I just wanted to share this for those of you who would like to do something in memory of Cora. Go buy a headband or pin or donate to the playground fund.

Smiles!

So I mentioned yesterday I was working on some fun loopy bows for my girl!! I was a wee bit discouraged last night because they just seemed kinda funky and imperfect, but today I attached all the layers and added shimmery pom poms to the centers and I am LOVING these things!! As in LOVING LOVING them!! They may be the easiest bows I have EVER made!! And since I'll be glued to the TV tonight watching The Bachelor anyway, I am pretty sure I'll be working on another set!!



And since every other idea I have had for a giveaway has fallen through {I wanted to do a bow board but couldn't figure out how to mail it!! And then I thought I would do a free blog makeover but I am having MAJOR issues getting permission to use kits so that is nixed!}, I think I'll just create a set of these to giveaway to one of my sweet readers!!

More on that once I get them made!! So stay tuned!!

And in case you are wanting a yummy, easy supper idea, try this!! Lisa made it and they LOVED it so I made it and we LOVE it as well! You just can't beat tasty AND easy!! Especially on a cool, rainy evening!!

Okay, Chris should be home any minute with our salad so we can attempt to be healthy yet again! Our goals for the new year went out the window when we trekked back to Kansas for two weeks!!

And don't forget to leave a comment on the post below this one! There are already a few and they made me smile!! This is going to be FUN!

Randomness...Ask Me Anything!!

Well, I missed 4 Little Men and Girly Twins Random Picture Challenge #4 but here I am for #5!!

Here it is...the 5th picture from the end of my March 2008 folder!



Yes, my kids are running around in swimsuits with water balloons in March...that is how warm it is here people!! Crazy!!

So, in keeping with all things random today, does anyone out there have any random things they are just dying to know about me?!! Give me some ideas for some posts!! Although very few of you leave comments, I know you are popping in!! I have a tracker and it emails me each and every Monday with the previous weeks stats!! Ah ha...bet ya didn't know that, did ya?!!

I have had one random question that I'll go ahead and answer to get your creative juices flowing!!

Where did Gentry's name come from?

Well, let me just tell ya where Gentry's name came from! My parents were at one of my brother's college wrestling matches and my mom overheard it there. Talk about random!! Since we like to chat about unique baby names, she of course shared it and I loved it so much I made her promise not to tell anyone else! See, I have this "thing" about having super unique names! Anyway, at the time she heard it Huntler was still a little guy and I wasn't even pregnant. When I found out we were having a girl, I started to really focus on girl names! {I say "I found out" because Chris didn't know until she was born what we were having!!} We had it down to Pfeifer and Gentry. Chris thought if we were to have a Pfeifer she would be ornery...little did he know! Our Gentry is SUPER ornery!! So, that is the story on that! Her middle name is Noel. I have always loved "Noelle" but when we chose to go with it we changed the spelling in order to kinda name her after Chris' grandparents' Christmas tree farm which was called Noel.

So...let me have it people!! What MUST you know?!!

Now I am off to fix some milk and find a snack for my growing boy! He is eating us out of house and home these days!! He has got to be in the midst of a major growth spurt!!!

Memories...

Today has been one of those days...the kind where the tears fall freely and are never really far from the surface. The kind where you question. The kind that is filled with sadness and hurt. The kind that leaves you hugging your kids a little tighter and reflecting on years gone by.

It has just been a day. I never did get out of my jammies. Never attempted to put my contacts in or an ounce of makeup on. Although I did brush my teeth, my hair is a wreck and I would be traumatized if someone showed up at our door today!

As I sit here tonight it is nearly 11:00. Huntler is still wide awake and getting in bed to snuggle with Chris as I type {he rarely takes naps but happened to have a late one today}. While we were in Kansas for those two weeks, we each slept with one of the kids. Huntler is having a REALLY hard time adjusting back to sleeping in his own bed and has wound up with us every single night since we got home! As frustrating as it is at 4:00 AM to have absolutely NO space to move a muscle, I know that this phase will pass all too quickly and my little man will no longer need the comforts of mom and dad in the wee hours of the morning. And then I will be sad...

I will miss the morning times of snuggles and laughter. The tickles and the giggling that fill the room as the four of us cuddle in the safety of our queen sized bed...tucked away from the harshness and reality of the real world.

Being the day of reflection that it has been, we just took a little trip down memory lane...Huntler and I that is. Looking back at pictures of him as a baby and a little guy. He still is a little guy, my little guy, but he is so grown up. When did that happen? And how did I miss it? Where are the chubby cheeks and the rolls on his thighs? What happened to the diapers and onesies?

They have been replaced by a skinny, train obsessed, school attending big boy who although loves us all dearly {he tells us so NUMEROUS times a day and has a colossal meltdown if he thinks that one of us is going to get left behind}, is gaining independence each and every day.

Tears once again are falling freely as I flash back on the last four and a half years of my life. The memories, the smiles, the trials, the challenges, the happiness, the love. I am far from a perfect mom, I will openly admit it. Sometimes my priorities get a little out of whack. Sometimes I lose my temper and react more abruptly than is necessary. Sometimes I feed my kids Cheetos and pop for lunch. Despite my many flaws, I love my kids more than life itself and can't fathom a second of my life without either one of them.

They each bring something so different to my days. Huntler is our grounded one. The serious, thoughtful, overtly lovey one. He is quiet, content. Gentry is our sassy one. The funny, challenging, free spirited little girl who has a mind of her own and opinions galore.

I mentioned the other day that I was working on a post about Huntler. I post SO much of Gentry that I don't want anyone to think I never take pics of my little guy! He just happens to be at school a lot of the time I get the camera out. And when he's home, he is usually not so much into having his picture taken and flashes that cheesy, fake smile we all know so well!

Here are a few that caught my eye tonight as we were looking back on years gone by...

Here we are at Thomas the Train in July of 2005!! Maybe we started this train obsession way back when?



And again in June of 2006...I LOVE this shot!! Look how little, cute and chubby he was. Why does time go by SO fast?



And this was August of 2006...he was just shy of turning two. We were at the county fair in my hometown. Gentry was just a couple of weeks old and our move was just around the corner. It was hot. I was tired. I remember breaking down and crying my eyes out while talking to friends my parents. It was such a crazy time in our lives...



And here are a few from last week. I had hopes of getting some cute shots with Huntler and his trains for his Valentines, but the grass was wet and he wasn't wanting to lay quite like I wanted him to so I didn't push it. But I got these images I absolutely love!!







And on that note I am signing off for the night! I did manage to get the dress done I was making {but somehow bent ANOTHER needle!!} and have since started on some fun loopy bows!! I think I'll go work on those some more!! Anyway, I'll post pics when I get my model out and have the chance to photograph her in her happy new dress!! We could all use the smiles!

Beautiful Cora

The instant I was made aware of sweet Cora and her story, I fell in love. I have been following along and checking in on her each and every day since her journey began. Sweet Cora went to heaven this morning. So young, so tiny, so beautiful. My heart absolutely aches for her parents, her family and their friends.

Say a prayer and keep them in your thoughts these next few days. This is something no parent should ever have to experience...

I {Heart} These Two...

Today was one BUSY day! We had "plans" to stay home most of the day and each work on various projects, but here it is after 9:30 PM and none of my projects have even been looked at! What started out as taking the car to get serviced and then going to a birthday party turned into errands all over the place! Oh well...we had a fun time and got to spend the day together so I can't complain! And, the kitchen is clean and the laundry is underway so tomorrow SHOULD be more productive! It is supposed to be cloudy and dreary which is "my" kind of weather so it promises to be a good one! I may even stay in comfy clothes all day and drink hot chocolate and listen to my favorite songs on my playlist while working away! We'll see...

Thank you to those of you who offered your kind advice on my sewing machine catastrophe yesterday!! It was all me. Not that I am one bit surprised by that, but after I posted yesterday I did a little more investigating and found the problem. My needle was bent and kept getting hung up. Apparently you are NOT supposed to pull the fabric taut as you feed it through but simply guide it!! Lesson learned! I still have not replaced the needle because I couldn't get it out, but that is first on the list for tomorrow! I can't wait to finish up those dresses!!

The first errand on the list this morning was for the boys to get hair cuts. I had Chris drop Gentry and me off about a block away in this green grassy area so I could "play" with my camera while they were at the barber.

Here is a sneak peek at our girl...oh how I {LOVE} this image of her! It is right up there in my faves!!



And because Gentry was finished with our shoot long before I was, we headed over to check on the boys. And this is what I found! For some reason Huntler was having a really rough time today and this guy was hurting him! He kept grimacing and mumbling and just was totally uncomfortable the entire time!

We had to laugh. I mean, it was funny despite the fact that Huntler was obviously NOT enjoying himself!! He NEVER complains when getting his hair cut so something was definitely off today!!

For some reason whenever I think of barber shops I automatically think of black and white and grainy!! I edited this one completely differently than I normally do but it just seems to fit so well!



I have a whole post coming up on this guy but I want to wait and do it when I am not worn out!!

Hope everyone out there in blog land is having a wonderful weekend!!