Some layout sharing

I have actually been scrapping lately!  I wanted to share a few of the layouts that I have finished!

I Love My Boys

Wordless Wednesday

My story

I was out mailing my wedding invitations that September morning before I would head to my student job at Indiana State University.  I walked inside of the post office of my small town, and the postal worker was telling me that a plane had hit the World Trade Center in New York City.  I had made a comment about it being bombed not that long ago, and he agreed.  He said, "I don't know if I would want to visit those buildings."  I laughed and half-heartedly agreed.  I finished applying stamps on my invitations, and then got into my car and started on my 15 minute drive to work.  I was listening to the radio, and it was different.  I don't remember hearing that a second plane had hit, but I do remember the female DJ was upset on air.  I remember hearing, "they are attacking the Pentagon.  A plane hit the Pentagon."  That is when fear set in.  I got on my cell phone and called my finace (Chad), and my first words were, "I think we are being attacked!!"  As I am typing this, I am filled with that feeling again...chills throughout my body, and a sinking feeling in my stomach.  I don't remember much more of that conversation.  I remember being scared...scared because a chemical depot plant was only 30 miles North of where my family and I lived.  If we were seriously under attack, the VX nerve gas plant was surely on a "hit list." 

I arrived to work.  My student job was with the attorney for the university, and my work station was located at the ISU President's office known as Condit House.  I arrived to work, and everyone was gathered in the kitchen area watching the television.  We just stood there in silence, and watched as the South Tower collapsed.  We were all in utter disbelief and shock.  We stood and watched more as the North Tower collapsed not long after.  What do you say?  What do you do?  Everyone was just numb from disbelief!  Is this really happening?  I remember at one point I was sitting at my desk area and calling my mom.  I remember her telling me that we needed to find my brother.  I think there was just this overwhelming sense to find your family...hold close to those that you love the most.  Find them, tell them you love them, just hold on to a sense of "normal" life. 

I cannot imagine the fear that those in New York were feeling, especially not being able to find out right away if a family member made it or not.  The days after the initial attacks were so sad as we started to hear the stories of how everything unfolded that day.  I will never forget.  The feelings are just as raw now as they were that day 11 years ago.  That day really showed the evil that is in this world, but I know that so  many turned to Him on that day and continue to do so now.  Evil did not win, and I will never forget!

Kindergarten

First Day of Kindergarten!  How did that happen?!?!  He was a ball a nerves, but I know he is going to love school!  Love this boy of mine so much!  Praying for a wonderful year of new experiences, fun and friends for you Graedon Everett!

A New Normal

Last week we were delivered a blow...Chad's mom was diagnosed with Stage 3C colon cancer.  So many thoughts enter your mind...are we going to lose her, how long does she have, what does this mean, how sick is she going to get?  The list goes on and on.  My heart aches for what my family is going to face.  This is Chad's mom, how am I going to be there for him?  What can I do for him?  This is my boys' grandma.  My goodness, I was an adult when I lost my grandma, they are too young to possibly have to face losing theirs. 

My head is a jumble and my heart hurts.  This week has been better.  A little more like ourselves as a family.  She is now home after her surgery, and seems to be healing well.  She will have another outpatient procedure next Tuesday to have her port put in for her chemotherapy.  She will begin chemo on August 20th. 

I have been amazed at the amount of love, concern and prayer that has been shown and offered during this last week, and it just solidifies even more to me that we need our Heavenly Father.  He is what gets us through.  He is who we need.  He is in control!  We must have faith!  There is nothing comforting about a loved one being diagnosed with a horrible disease, but it can be dealt with and lived through knowing that He has a plan. 

I know we are facing a long battle of chemo trips and sick days.  Nita will more than likely lose her hair.  I am anticipating that I will be taking her to many chemo visits.  It is going to be a new normal for us, but one we are ready to face!  It feels like we are entering a battle, and I want to be "armed" with knowledge, understanding and most of all-faith!

If you feel led to pray for Nita, I know we can use all the prayer we can get.

Just daydreaming...

 I am wishing for another week of this!

Wordless Wednesday

This boy makes my heart so happy!

A lot of this going on...

 We are currently living at the ball park.  Both boys are playing this year with Gabe in Coach Pit and Graedon in T-ball.  Gabe has improved so much since last year, and his games are so exciting to watch!  Last night he was 3 for 3 in batting with 4 RBIs!!  We are so proud of him!

 Getting a hit off of the first pitch!

 Graedon was pitcher's helper last night.  He did a great job, and he was having a good time as well!  So fun to have both of my boys involved and enjoying themselves!

Treat him well, Denver!

 Peyton Manning, #18 for the Indianapolis Colts for 14years!

I watched him in his rookie year play against the Chicago Bears, and I remember Chad telling me that he was supposed to be really good.

Wow, what an understatement!

He's an amazing football player, but more importantly for me, just a classy guy.

I don't know him personally, but I have always heard him speak with humility and humbleness.

Very rare in the entertainment business.

I wish him the best of luck in Denver, and officially join the ranks of being a Broncos fan!