Expecting the Miracle

It's been two months since I began diligently praying for the BIG MIRACLE for Clayton. I've also asked many prayer partners to once again remember to not only pray for the little things involving Clayton's health, but to pray for complete healing of his body. And I'm happy to report that I'm more hopeful than ever that God will honor our prayers! It's seems the matter of faith has come up in many conversations I've had lately, and it was even a topic discussed in our Bible Study class this past Sunday. And as it just so happens, FAITH is one of my spiritual gifts! I told Brian last week that I seriously woke up each morning expecting that day to be the day Clayton will walk! And I've never been so optimistic about something so farfetched in my life! (Reminder to self: while farfetched to the human race, it is nothing for our Lord!) So while I'm so used to settling for what is given, this time I'm definitely stepping out on faith in believing his healing will happen for all to see. But here's where it's different this time: each morning I get Clayton out of bed and he is still just as spastic and tight as ever, I don't get down and out about how God isn't answering our prayers, I just assume he's planning for tomorrow to be the big day instead!

Christmas Program

The kids at church put on their annual Christmas program this past Sunday. And even though Clayton knew every song by heart, he preferred staring at the crowd instead of singing. Even so, I was able to capture one shot of him singing his favorite: Go Tell It on the Mountain!

My friend's son, Brandon, is always eager to help Clayton at church. I love that little guy--he is Clayton's right hand man. . . literally!

And here's a shot of the A.V. guys:

Flashback Friday

Christmas 2004: Our first Christmas at home together!

Little Drummer Boy

Clayton is so into the drums right now. He used to talk about the guitar, but now when he hears a song he likes, he immediately acts like he's playing the drums. So Brian pulled out the toy drum Clayton's had for several years and attached it to his chair. He is loving it! He especially loved getting to play with Brian and my brother!

Day 196

Today, Jackson is 196 days old. Why do I mark today of all days, you ask? It's simple. Clayton spent 196 days in the NICU. Can you believe it!? If Jackson had done the same, today would be the day we would bring him home. And knowing this makes me so sad for Clayton! So sad for all the time we missed with him! Yes, we were there in the NICU with him, but he wasn't AT HOME with us!


I am SO THANKFUL we didn't have to live through the NICU experience again. And I'm especially thankful Jackson didn't have to live through it. When I was looking back through Clayton's scrapbook of his first year to get these pics out, I couldn't believe how many times my journaling was about the noise, lights, and distractions. Can you imagine coming out of the quiet of your mother's womb to the continous noise and light of a NICU for the next six months SOLID? Wow. It's no wonder it took him a whole year to even start feeling good in general.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing us all to be together from day one. It is such blessing to be with my babies here at home, without the audience of the hospital crowd and without the distractions.

He Looks Innocent Enough

But that first tooth cut through this week and the second is on its way. He has been quite the little stinker these last two days! I'm open to suggestions on how to pacify him--the usuals just don't seem to be working!

Flashback Friday

Christmas: 1980-something

The best gift Santa ever brought my brother and me: a go-kart. It was the neighborhood transportation for years and we ran the wheels off of it! I can't help but notice my new cowboy boots and lovely legwarmers--I thought I was so fashionable . . . NOT!