Happy Birhtday Mema!

Last weekend we celebrated Mema's birthday!!! Happy Happy Birthday Mema!!!

Kennedy and Elijah rocked out on the boys' drum set and Kennedy's Barbie guitar! It was just adorable!!!! It was a very nice party! Thanks Kate!

I think Spring may finally be here (knock on wood)!! Kennedy and I planted LOTS of flowers Thursday! Hooray! I am very ready for all the flowers in the yard to bloom and I am LOVING seeing GREEN grass again! :)

Just sharing some quick cards I made.....

I have had a lucky week, scrapbook wise. I had a card picked up by CARDS, a card picked up by Paper Crafts, and Scrapbook Trends just picked up a card and an altered planner! I had quite the dry spell but things are looking up again!

Hope you all are doing well!!!! Happy Spring!

Kennedy is famous!

Ok, well not really! But she is darn cute and COULD be famous!!! LOL!

A few months back we were out shopping at Pottery Barn Kids with Grandma Lori and Papa Randy. I was on the phone with my bro and I saw this woman talking to them and pointing at Kennedy. Then she handed them a paper, looked at me and left. Turns out she is a photographer in town and Kennedy spotted her eye! (insert proud mommy smile here) She was looking for cute kids to photograph for free to build up her image gallery!

So we went in for a session and she got some awesome shots! I was quite pregnant here, but I was happily surprised with the photos I was in! She put quite a few on her website!! I would love for you to check her out! See my lil beauty queen on the web somewhere other than here!!!

Go to this website:

http://www.slmstudios.com/main.php

Click on Portfolio/Classic Studio. The first image is my darling Kennedy! Under the photos are numbers. Click on #6 (still in Classic Studio). Those are Jeff, Kennedy and my toes!!!

Then click on #9 (still in Classic Studio). This our cute family!

Finally, at the top again, click on Custom Designs. Click on #4! This is our cutie patootie!! (and the photographer changed her name for security - in case you were wondering!)

Thanks for taking a peek and indulging me!!!

In scrappy news I have had quite a few things out in the magazine stands recently! A card in April CARDS, April/May Paper Trends, and a layout in the Scrapbook Trends Embellish It Idea Book. And this week I had a card picked up by Paper Crafts! This was my first time submitting to them so I am over the moon excited!

Have a wonderful Spring Weekend everyone!

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep...

Since I have no new photos to post for my family, I wanted to take a moment to post about a phenomenal group. So pardon the interruption of normal blog activities!!

Just weeks before Sam was born, I learned about an organization called "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep." You can read all about their wonderful program here, but I want to share with you a little about them and what they did for my family and me.

This organization is a group of professional photographers who photograph babies and their families when they are dying or have died. These photographers offer their services on a volunteer basis. All families receive a CD/DVD that houses all the photos taken during the session along with copyright to reproduce them. What NILMDTS provide is truly a blessing for these families. It has truly been a blessing for ours.

When we made the decision to take Sam off of life support, I was nowhere near my normal self or right mind. I had completely forgotten about this program - I never imagined I would need their services. Thankfully, a nurse at The Children's Hospital called a photographer on our behalf.

Our photographer, Cathy, arrived soon after Sam passed away. We were given a private room where we could spend time with Sam and the room was filled with our family members. Cathy photographed Sam with everyone who wished. I was so numb at the time, I didn't realize how very special this was.

I look at these photos of Sam daily. Daily. Some are framed; others will be framed later. We were with him for such a short time and we were in such shock and pain....these photos let us remember all his tiny, perfect little features. The pain on our faces and tears on our cheeks in the photos remind us of the horrific realization of what we had lost. But I appreciate them just the same.

Our photographer went above and beyond what is expected of NILMTDS photographers. She provided us with a video of Sam, set to music that we chose. The movie is truly heart breaking, but it is the most beloved tribute to my dear boy. I treasure it so much. Cathy also gave us 7 copies of the DVD - enough for grandparents and aunts/uncles. We will truly never be able to repay her or show her how deep our gratitude is. She was amazing.

So, most of the photos you will see of Sam were taken by her - when he was free of wires, bandages and machines - a perfect little angel.

If you are EVER looking for a charity/non profit group to support, I strongly urge you to support the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation. All parents of dying children should have access to them and information about them. Please support them and help spread the word. If you yourself are a photographer, I urge you to look into becoming a photographer with them. You will give families the greatest gift you can imagine. You can visit their website for information on volunteering and supporting them by clicking HERE.

I can only hope that someday my photography will improve enough so that I may offer this service to others.

Taken from their website:

"Maddux Achilles Haggard was born on Feb. 4, 2005, with a condition called myotubular myopathy that prevented him from breathing, swallowing or moving on his own. On the sixth day of his young life, his parents had to make the excruciating decision to take him off life support. But before they did, they called Littleton, Colorado photographer Sandy Puc' to take black and white portraits of them cradling their son. Puc' photographed the couple with Maddux at the hospital before he was removed from life support and after — when he was free from the tubes and the wires that had sustained him.
“That night was the worst night of my life. But when I look at the images, that’s not what I’m reminded of. I’m reminded of the beauty and blessings he brought,” Cheryl Haggard (Maddux's mom) said.
Those tender photographs documenting Maddux’s eternal connection with his parents inspired Cheryl Haggard and Sandy Puc' to found a nonprofit organization that has provided thousands of families of babies who are stillborn or are at risk of dying as newborns with free professional portraits with their baby.
Sandy and Cheryl founded the organization in April 2005 and called it Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep after the children’s bedtime prayer. To date, The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation has nearly 3,200 affiliated photographers in 12 countries worldwide."

God Bless.

Papa Randy holding Sam.

Mema holding Sam.

A week ago....

Needing to go back in time for a moment....just a week! We had such a great time with Uncle Ryan, Aunt Lindsay and Aunt Kay in for a visit! And Aunt Kay stayed extra long - a total treat for both Kennedy and I!

We went to the park, as you can see above. It was a bit cold...but Kay thought it was WARM! She is used to the freezing Minnesota weather! :)

We had to make a Starbucks run of course! Kennedy now thinks it is tradition to line up our drinks and take a photo of them! So - I guess I better make a scrapbook page about this, huh?!

And we were just being our silly selves here....well, they were being silly at least!!!

We grown ups went out for a night on the town! This is quite foreign to Jeff and I! We rarely go out and if we do it is usually dinner or a movie! We went to The Legends and tried to get appetizers - but all the restaurants had waits until 10pm! So we ate at Chipotle - YUM! Then we hit Dave and Busters! Totally fun! I loved seeing all of them try out the Dance Dancy Revolution! The looks of concentration on their faces were hilarious! I had a good excuse to not have to make a fool out of myself...recovering from a C-secion here!! No dancing for me! (huge sigh of relief!) I loved the motorcycle game and of course enjoyed the trivia game! It was a VERY fun night! And no, my brother did NOT wear Kennedy's hat all night...all though he probably would have for the right amount of money!
And one night Kay and Kennedy painted birdhouses while I made a tutu for Kennedy. Earlier in the week Kenna and I were at Hobby Lobby and she grabbed a wooden birdhouse. She asked if she could paint it and of course I said yes! Hooray! My crafty ways are getting to her I think!!! She had a blast making an all pink house! Then she made another that was pink and green with tons of stickers on it! Kennedy loved sharing the time with Kay!


And finally - I have scrapped a little bit! I am really happy with how this layout turned out. I have been loving all the Making Memories lines lately - that is all I have used for about the past 6 projects!!!!!



I know many of you are waiting for Kennedy's 3rd birthday photos! Sorry - you have to wait a bit longer! Maybe in my next post!!!!!

And Kay - I miss you tons!!!!!

One Month

It is really hard for me to believe that our little boy was born one month ago today. When I look at his photo I know it was real, but sometimes it feels like a dream. Well, really more like a nightmare. I was wondering today what he would be like if he were with us; a month old. He would likely recognize my voice. He might be intrigued by the mobile we had for him. He would be cooing, gurgling and maybe laughing. He might be noticing his hands or feet. Who knows. I wonder.

...

I just wanted to share this poem with everyone. My SIL Kate gave us a beautiful frame with the poem on it.

'Little I knew that morning, God was going to call your name, in live we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone, for part of me went with you, the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.'

...
I know Sam made a great impression on all those he met that day. Just yesterday we got a letter from his neonatalogist about how much Sam touched her and how she thinks of us often.

...

Happy one month my dear boy.

Easter Day

I first want to start off by sharing the cards I have been sent by my online scrappy friends. Who knew that people I have never "really" met in person could really have such a connection? I love each and every one of you who took the time to create a work of art for me and my family. They have all been so very comforting!!

Easter day was great fun!! Kennedy woke up to a house PACKED with hidden eggs! The Easter bunny went a big overboard at our house this year!

Then it was off to church for a wonderful Easter service.

Then we went to Jeff's mother's for Easter brunch. Potato and egg caserole, ham, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls....DELICIOUS! Kennedy's favorite part was the fresh fruit! And she had another egg hunt.

After eating, Kennedy had to play tackle with Dad! The photos aren't great but I still love them anyway!! This girl is so full of joy!!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend!!!

HE IS RISEN!!!!!!

Today....

"A voice is heard in Ramah,

lamentation and bitter weeping.

Rachel is weeping for her children;

she refuses to be comforted for her children,

because they are no more."

Jeremiah 31:15

I am having a rough day today. We stopped by the cemetary and it kind of opened the flood gates again. While the 3 of us sat in the car waiting to leave the tears started. I just sat there thinking, 'Here we are the 3 of us when it should be the 4 of us. My son should not be out there in the ground. He is supposed to be tucked away in his little infant seat in the van next to his sister.' So, it has been a sad afternoon for me.

For those of you who didn't know, Samuel was buried on his great grandmother's plot. She was cremated which left room for Sam. I know it has brought a lot of peace to many of Jeff's family members to know that Sam is resting with Grandma Helen. I wish I had known her.

"My eyes will flow without ceasing, without respite."

Lamentations 3:49

Easter is Coming!!

Oh yes.....Easter is just 2 days away! And Kennedy has already had 3 Egg Hunts!!!!! (Spoiled you say?!)

Last weekend we went to one here in town. It was inside the mall and a total bust. It was supposed to be for 2yr olds and under. But parents were going nuts and knocking over little kids to get to the candy! Even older kids were running out there! I was so disgusted at people I just stood there with my mouth hanging open! You would have thought the eggs had keys to new cars in them instead of candy! Kennedy only got about 4-5 eggs. All the eggs were snatched up in less than a minute and a half. No joke. So needless to say, we won't go to that one again next year. What is wrong with people?!?!

(Below is Daddy trying to help Kennedy gather some before getting trampled) Yesterday XenoTech, Jeff's employer, held a kid's Easter Egg Hunt. Oh my goodness it was magical for Kennedy!!! The Easter Bunny himself was there!! And she was in love! She gave him nearly a dozen hugs, pulled his tail a bunch, hopped after him all throughout the building...she thought he was the best!!! She also enjoyed finding eggs tucked away in cubicles and offices! It was a joy! But that wasn't all! The CEO invited all the kids into his office to see his gynormous fish tank! Kennedy was entralled! THEN, he opened a drawer and pulled out wrapped presents for each child! WOW! Kennedy got 2 dinosaurs which she didn't put down for the rest of the day!

Here she is posing with the Bunny!

Oops - a little milk chocolate melting accident!!!

Last Sunday we went to an Easter Egg Hunt put on by the City of Leawood and a bank. It was rather chilly as you can see by her winter coat. But she still had a great time!!!!!!!!!

Checkin' out the goodies!

This is just a recent picture I adore of her that I wanted to share!!!

And I forgot to share this one last time! It was Kennedy's first dip in the hot tub! Uncle Ryan and Aunt Lindsay hopped in with her! She loved it!

And yesterday, after the XenoTech egg hunt, Kennedy, Grandma Lori and I had to make a stop at Starbucks! The whole way there Kennedy sang "We're going to Starbucks LaLaLa!" And she knew right where it was - she knows the Starbucks sign! How embarassing my almost 3 year old loves Starbucks! It just happens to be a treat when Grandma is around - I promise we don't normally go there! Kennedy always gets the Strawberries and Cream drink! DELICIOUS!

Just being silly here!!

And I had to get a shot of our 3 drinks and Kennedy's dinosaurs from Dr. Parkinson!!!We have had an enjoyable week. We hope you all have, too.

Easter Blessings to you all!!

Kennedy

Just wanting to share more uplifting photos of our last week here.

Kennedy is into dressing herself lately. And I think she does a mighty fine job!!!

Kennedy, myself, Aunt Kate and Cousin Elijah went to open gym at Debbie Howard's last week. I know this shot is blury, but I still love it! Kennedy got to wear her new leotard! She and Elijah had an absolute blast!

Gotta love the tumble tramp and jumping into the pit!!!!

Kennedy's flower girl dress finally arrived! We tried it on in the store to be sure it fit right! She was in love with it and was soooo disappointed she couldn't wear it all day! I can't wait for the wedding!

For a few days we had some gorgeous weather - in the 70s!!! But we woke up to a dusting of snow today! :( But we took advantage of the great weather. Kennedy helped Jeff in the yard quite a bit! She is such a fabulous helper!

I will likely post some more Sam photos and stories later in the week. And hopefully I will find the energy to scrap again soon! :)

Meet our Angel Samuel

This is our precious little angel, Samuel Jeffrey. We miss him so already.

I had a long post ready to share about Sam's birth day, but I just don't think I am ready to share yet. As most of you now know, Sam was born Tuesday, March 4th at 7:11am via a scheduled c-section. There were complications and he was transfered to the Children's Hospital in town. We eventually learned that he would not be able to live without the support of machines. He passed away that same night at 7:33 pm.

My husband and I have been astounded at the generous support we have received from our community. Especially from our church family at Life Church and Jeff's work Xenotech. Words truly cannot describe the gratitude we feel nor the depth of comfort we have received. And of course our families have been our rock. You all have surrounded us and lifted us up; and we will never be able to do enough to repay you all. Please know we offer our deepest heartfelt thanks for all you have done for us over the past week.

Over the next months I will likely share more pictures of our dear Sammy with you all and some stories or memories. But this is really all I can do at this point.

And I don't want to forget I offered an RAK for correctly guessing the closest measurements for Sam. Unfortunately we never got "real" statistics on his height and weight. We were told by one person he weighed 5lbs 1oz and by another that he weighed 6lbs 5oz. From holding him I would assume he was on the heavier side. And we think he measured 17 inches. Regardless, there was still one person who was closes to all those measurements.

JAN: I hope everything goes well for oyu!! YOu have a beautiful family!my guess is a boy7 pds 6 oz20 3/4 inches longGood luck!
1:03 PM

So Jan, please go to the site I know you from and PM me your addy....your scrappy goodies will be on their way to you soon!!

Again, thank you to everyone who has offered your thoughts and prayers during this last week. We would love to individually thank you all. So please know we appreciate you.

Catch Up & an RAK!!!!!!!!!

So.....I just can't shake a the sickies this winter. :( I spent the last 4-5 days with the nasty flu. So much for last minute plans before the baby arrives!!!! But such is life, right?

Just wanted to share some layouts I was holding back. Hoping for publication but I have hit a major dry spell. So it is time to share them!

You will see I am in love with Making Memories products lately!

This one was really just for fun...lots of pink, a cute photo of my girl and lots of hand sewing!

I just had to document Kennedy's dinner prayers. I really need to videotape it as well...she squeezes her eyes shut and whispers her prayers...beyond adorable!

These photos have been waiting to be scrapped for over a year! Finally found the perfect papers for them!!!! I am loving these circular papers!


This one was more about the song than anything. I just LOVE the song Gracie by Ben Folds. (Thanks Ryan for burning the song for me!) I cried the first time I heard it and thought of Kennedy. So everytime I sing it I change Gracie to Kenna! Just wanted to document it so I never forget!
And just a fun one with the KI Lace - yum! Kennedy LOVED hanging from this bar at the pool last year...lil dare devil!


AND.................
I decided to do a little RAK!!!!

I was just RAK'ed twice in the past few weeks. Once by my scrappy friend (and new momma) chickypie a.k.a Emily! Thanks for the scrapping goodies Emily!!!!
And another time by the talented and super sweet Wendy Reed. I am so psyched I get one of her hand made bracelets!!! You have to check out her Etsy shop, Sweet Me Designs...she has THE cutest things! Thanks Wendy!

So, I have decided to have my own little RAK to spread the love!!!

But you have to do a little guessing first!! Since we don't know the gender of our little baby I decided I would have you all guess the gender as well as the weight and length!! Whomever gets closest will get some fun scrappy goodness from me! :)

Just post your guesses for GENDER, WEIGHT, & LENGTH here! I will likely not check back in again for about a week - but I will announce the winner here on my blog!!

And I thought it might be nice of me to tell you what Kennedy was when she was born, just to play with your mind! She was 41 weeks mind you! But she was 21 inches 8lbs 5.5oz!

LET THE GUESSING BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!

Things are a changin!!

Oh my! Nesting mode has hit me HARD!!! I have torn the 2 bedrooms upstairs apart and am "kinda freaking out" according to my husband!! I didn't nest like this with Kennedy so it has taken us both by surprise!!!

But first, here is my latest card. I am pretty pleased with it! I am loving the Making Memories Noteworthy line!

And I just have to share this rather creepy photo of Kennedy. Over the last few weeks she has been into making this face. And she even wants to do it to Jeff and my faces! She said "You're eyes are bleeding!!!" Where she picked this up I have no idea!!!!!

Also, I have gotten out all the old infant onesies and jammies Kennedy used to wear and washed them! Oh memories!! I also got a few new onesies and made a few cute lil shirts. Just used some fun iron ons! You can see them below! I hope they are gender neutral enough for either sex!!!

And I got a "little" crafty! I sewed some buttons on Kennedy's shirt in the shape of a heart! I know, I know...not very impressive - but I was proud of myself anyway!!!!
And some of you have been asking to see photos of Kennedy's new big girl room! It is still definitely a work in progrees but here are a few peeks.
The dresser below is identical to mine as a kid...we just used pink knobs instead!!!
I bought lots of organizational stuff for her closet! I love organizers! These pink and green ones match her walls perfectly!!!
And here is a shot of one of her walls and her new sheets. We hand painted the scallops! The Princess is a rub on I found at Target! Love Target! And I am in love with her polka dot sheets! She has the matching duvet cover but her comforter is being dry cleaned right now. What do you think???
Just over a week until our new little one joins us! Hard to believe we will soon be a family of four!!!