Quote of the Day

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one. "- Mark Twain

Today this quote is really speaking to me.

Resilience

Today over at http://spraguelab.squarespace.com/, I am trying to win a free class. In order to be in the running for the free class, you had to post a link to your favorite photo and tell why. This was an easy choice for me. This picture of Cole is from March 14, 2007. This is the day after he got out of the hospital after his 5th and final surgery and it is the day before his 1st birthday. The stuffed animal is one he received in the hospital from a group of high school kids that were visiting the children in the hospital. The purpose of this photo shoot was to send a picture with a thank you note to the kids, which I did. However, this photo turned out to mean so much more to me as I look at it periodically. It is a reminder of all we went through as well as a reminder of how resilient children are. You would never know by looking at this picture all that Cole endured to get to this point. His amazing spirit is so evident to me and his smile reminds me what an incredible creation he is.

More Project 52

I am so loving this challenge over at Jen Wilson Designs. It is really helping me document moments and stories. I have printed them out and created an album which makes it more tangible for me. I have enjoyed posting my layout in the Jen Wilson gallery as well as the Jessica Sprague gallery. Let me tell you, if you are every feeling down, just post something in a gallery and you get lots of positive comments. It's amazing how generous people are with kind words in this hobby. I really enjoy reading what people write even if it's only a few words. I have made an effort to start commenting on more layouts because I want someone else to have those same feelings. So in the spirit of kind comments, I would like to encourage everyone to go out into the world and say nice things to people. I am going to follow that plan myself!

Valentines Day and Gratitude

OK, so if you haven't noticed I've stopped adding lists of things I am grateful for. I have decided to elaborate more on specific things than on creating a list. One of the things I am most grateful for is my choice of husbands. I really picked a good one and I am eternally grateful for that. Sometimes I am amazed that with all of my poor relationship choices in the past, I was able to get this one right. Everything isn't always sunshine and roses, but I know without a doubt he loves me and has made some major compromises in our marriage to make me happy. With Valentines day tomorrow and all of the focus and pressure to do something great for your loved one, I can sit back and relax in the knowing that nothing additional is required of me. As corny as it sounds, everyday is Valentines day. Not always a roses and candy Valentines day, sometimes just a kiss or an I love you kind of Valentines day, but a Valentines day none the less. Today, go out an celebrate life and your loved one even though it is NOT Valentines day yet :)

Almost 9!

I love this picture of Clay. It is hard to believe he is almost 9 years old. It seems like just yesterday I was bringing him home from the hospital. Making all my rookie parenting mistakes with him. He is really an incredible person. So smart, creative and talented. He is at an age right now where everything is a test. Pushing limits is his specialty. Sometimes I feel like I am failing miserably at being his mother. I look at this picture of him and think what an amazing creation.