I can't believe...

that my son Chris turns 25 today! He looks maybe 16 though, as many of you know my son Chris has Downs Syndrome. I still remember the day he was born, I was 19 and told there was something wrong with my son. My first instinct was protection, then it was questions like what is Downs Syndrome? Can I take him home? Will he live? I was so young and scared at the unknown, but one look into his tiny little face and I knew at that moment that I had to do everything that I possibly could for him. He needed me to protect him, to love him, nurture him and be there for him. As a mother I became very protective of him, I would lash out to people who were ignorant. You see they didn't know that though its hard to have a child with a disability it is also in some strange way a blessing. He has definitely given us our fare share of headaches but the laughter, and love has all been worth it. Today he's 25 a man, I was told he wouldn't live past 10, I was too young to care for him, I couldn't give him what he needed well I proved those doctors wrong. He's my son, Chris made me a mother one with strength that I didn't know I had. Even with the heartaches I love this boy, this man, my son! Happy Birthday Chris!!!

OMG I am so excited!

I received a text message this morning from my friend Christine R. to tell me hey did you know that you won  a prize on Clip it Up by Renee. I was like what, OMG I can't believe it! What a great way to start my day which already started a little gloomy. So thank you to Clip it Up for choosing me!

If Only....

someone else could really walk in my shoes. In life we meet people, we bond, we may literally wear the same shoe size, but we don't live the same lives. I vent here because I feel it's the only time I can really be me. I can cry as I type or smile from cheek to cheek when things are going right. Just lately my son has been more than a handful, and sometimes I just feel as though I am losing my mind and I think can someone else take my job for a day. Yes I knew being a mother to a child with special needs was going to be hard, we were going to go through struggles, I just thought that it would only be when he was a child not an adult. OMG can I say next week he will be 25 and it's getting harder who would have thought. I'm so over it, I just give up now when he starts with his attitudes. How many more tears do I have to shed, how many more times do plead or beg please behave. He leaves to camp on August 20th for 13 days and I am counting the days that for the first time he will be away from home for more than 2 days. I am a little worried that the camp will call me and say you need to pick him up then what? So please pray that things get better, because to be honest I am just tired, overwhelmed and really stressed out. If you have read thanks for letting me vent.

The Girls Paperie

I just love these pattern papers from The Girls Paperie, the colors are primary and perfect for school photos, 4th of July of even everyday photos. This kit is still available over at Timeless Daydreams so hop on over.  Here are a few of my layouts created with the kit! thanks for looking!!

Freaky Friday Challenges

over at Timeless Daydreams. Really what was  I thinking when I came up with this challenge, 44 embellishments for real well I did it! Your layout had to have 11 flowers, 11 bling, 11 buttons, and 11 ribbons all this because I wanted to celebrate my upcoming birthday! Wait I even challenged everyone to come up with an 11 letter title starting with the letter D. OMG not an easy task, in the end I like what I created if you need to be challenged visit us at Timeless Daydreams the community is really great! Here is my layout, thanks for looking

Woo Hoo I Scrapped!

Okay so I altered an MOSD Perfectly Shaped Home Plate into a banner, loved working on this. Of course it looks so much better in person. I love anything chipboard, so I took my  book and added to of my favorite techniques stitching and distressing with ink. I used Making Memories pattern papers, Basic Grey chipboard monograms, Helmar 450 and Ranger Crackle Paint. So here is my Christmas in July project. Thanks for looking!

Stress!!!

It's funny how stress can disrupt our lives. It's been way too long since I've blogged I was on a roll in May and then life happened. I know you have all been there, but this really took a toll on me. I didn't want to scrap, didn't want to talk, all I did was reflect  and stress about what was going on! On the outside I was smiling, but inside I was a big mess.

Today is a new day, and I decided since its a new day I will start with a new mind frame. Don't know if you understand what I mean but I have to focus on being positive and let the negativity just fade away.

Moving on we had a great 4th of July weekend spent with family, enjoyed BBQ's and the lake, here are some pics which I'm hoping to scrap soon get back into my mojo!!!