and it is draining my mojo! LOL! More on that later-
Summer is definitely here and Im running around doing something everyday. Just crazy.
So yesterday guess what happened?
Alexa got her ears pierced!!!! She came up to me while I was getting ready and said “I want to go get earrings like Amber” I have photos in my phone (don’t know how to get them off it) and will hope to get more photos later today. She wasn’t exactly up for photo opts.
I then grilled her for an hour asking if she was sure that is what she wanted.
Alexa is a tough girl. She has been through some of the worst things ever, and is AMAZING, but little things like clipping her fingernails-sends her over the edge sometimes. So how am I suppose to think she won’t freak out the second her hiney hits the chair to get her ears done?
So while she was in the “zone” I packed up the kids and headed to the mall. The place we had Amber’s ears done only had one person available. Yeah-not that confident, thanks. My luck Alexa would have ONE earring the rest of her life. Since this is a total OPTIONAL thing Im not about torturing my girls to get earrings. It has been their idea, and that is good. I could care less if they ever had them done. I will say they look super cute.
So we get to the other store mall and they have 2 people! YEAH! Not a wasted trip. Alexa picks out her earrings. I am thinking-OK when is she going to freak out? She gets up in the chair by herself, and I ask if she wants to sit in my lap. She said “No.”
Amber begins to rub Alexa’s knee saying”Alexa it is going to be OK. Look at my ears. It didn’t hurt at all” “Its OK sweetie” This was the sweetest thing ever. I was so touched.
Next thing you know they were done! I couldn’t even believe it. YEAH! Sorry I just had to share as I was so happy and shocked. They are so shiny and cute.
OK stamping stuff-
Not a creative week here for me. I think because it is the first week of summer vacation. I have much to do, and am running behind. That never happens! YIKES! I work well under pressure so hopefully that will kick my mojo into high gear.
Today Ill share what we did for Alexa’s 1:1 aid-who I love and adore. She takes such good care of Alexa and really puts her best interest first. She is great with her. I don’t know what I would do without her. Other’s out there who have positions like that, I hope you all know how invaluable you are to these families. You have the most amazing respect from me. It isn’t an easy job, but one that will impact lives forever.
I thank you! Plus you don’t get paid anywhere near what you are worth. A true work of the heart.
This is the card I made for Alexa’s Aid. I made the card, and stamped it, then let Alexa color in the Groovy Alexa image from Alexa’s Set. Unfortunately orders for her set are on hold :C. Those who don’t know….. Alexa’s set was made FOR Alexa! All proceeds benefit Pediatric Leukemia & Lymphoma Research!! I am so proud of that.
The paper is by SEI. The fun thing about that collection is the word blocks. Alexa’s teacher is Mrs. Darling! LOL! SO I stamped the “Mrs.” above the word block “darling”.
Alexa did all the writing inside. She wrote exactly what she wanted and it was really cool to see her reading and writing skills improve so much. Children with Down Syndrome usually have a difficult time reading. I am so proud to say Alexa reads for HOURS a day, on her own. She loves reading. She will sit next to me while I am on the computer and read all sorts of books to me. She still has been picking bigger books with longer, more difficult words, but its just an amazing thing to see your baby reading. NO memorizing-actually reading and know how to write their own sentences. She is forever making me little letters. She puts them in the mailbox for me to find! I get teary just writing about it.
She is forever the child they said she never would be. If it doesn’t make sense you need to read my page here Alexa’s Story. I was basically told to abort her that she would never have a full life, and basically just burden mine. How wrong they were.
Look at what I would be missing!
So sensitive, beautiful, amazing, happy, smart, determined, sassy and full of life, love and POSSIBLITY! I see a world unlike anything anyone knows in her. A life with great purpose.
I may have met my match for Dunkin Donuts Coffee obsession! Alexa’s aid always has a HUGE cup of DD coffee. So for the end of the year gift I got her a travel mug from there.
I made a little slip on card hanger, for the mug! Too cute.
What better Bella to use than Lattebella?! LOVE HER! Now I am freakin-because upon linking her I just found a bunch of new ones! OH! NO!! I feel an order coming on………..
Soccermomabella
i-wished -i looked-so -good-on-a-bike-abella
halobella
Oh then I had to STOP LOOKING!!!
I filled the travel mug with StarBucks coffee flavored truffles-if you love coffee these are fabulously delicious! LOOKIE what I found—>WOW!!! NOTE: Get them at Sam’s club. You will pay $5 in regular stores for a TINY package. Where you pay the SAME price at Sam’s Club for TRIPLE the amount!! Packaging is even the same, only larger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I then included a gift card to Dunkin Donuts for her in the pocket.
NOTE: For gift cards- Always keep your receipt! Sometimes they don’t “activate” when you purchase them. If you have the receipt, you are all set. I always include them with the card. I have had cards not activate from everywhere!! Stores, gas cards (from the hospital) grocery store cards (also from hospital) and even restaurants.
I used Hot Stuff for the tag sentiment.
The flower is a punch. I used my Bella Dots for the flower centers. Those things are sheer PERFECTION! Love them!
and another
OK I realize this short post turned into a super long one. Sorry! I got all emotional in there for a minute. So much in my head I guess. Better get stamping!!! That always sets me straight! LOL!
I guess my thing today would be STOP, and look at what you have in your life, that you never thought possible! There has to be ONE thing to be super thankful for.
Enjoy the day 😀 And thanks for looking.
48 Responses for "Crazy little thing called life…………."
Photos from cell phones: There might be an easier way, but I e-mail myself the pictures from my cell phone. When you have the picture open, choose “options” and “send” and in the “to” field you just type your e-mail address and voila! (At least that works from MY phone!)
Hi 🙂 Thank you for the beautiful story of Alexa. She is truly an angel. I’m so thankful that you shared your (her!) story with all of us. Your family is truly amazing, and an inspiration. We should all take time to focus on the positive. Thanks for a great post and a great reminder!
Alexa is so beautiful Lauren – I love hearing all about her. 🙂 Yay for her that she got her ears done! That’s AWESOME…
I loooooove the coffee mug too! That’s super cute, with the ‘cover’…and I was JUST at Sam’s the other day, but I avoided the candy isles…well – hopefully they’ll still have them next time…
Have a super weekend!
Oh – and I got an e-mail with a free shipping code from Stamping Bella – I’m sure you did too…go find it! – Not that I’m trying to tell you to go buy anything or anything 😉
Wow! What a great post…
Alexa is truly a priceless blessing! You are so right about everything you said…and I’m so proud she got her ears pierced! That is super cool…such a big thing for a young lady! ****HUGS**** to all of you, just reading about your precious family gives me warm fuzzies! 😀
Your coffee gift ensemble is absolutely stunning! You never cease to amaze me…you have such a gift for design and creating. Thank you for sharing it with us! 😀
Your coffee theme gift is awesome and thanks for the link to the candy blog, it’s too funny! 😀 ♥
I can’t believe Alexa got her ears pierced to do like Amber, that’s so cute! I’m glad it went ok, it’s a very good idea and great tip to have 2 people do it at the same time!! I’ll remember that!
I haven’t gotten the nerve to take Naomi yet. My parents didn’t let me get my ears pierced before I was 12, and I had loads of problems with them like infections (because my 1st pair of gold earrings was tiny hoops and the germs stayed inside since it’s hollow). It was painful and no fun so I am in no rush with Naomi! 😉 With her sensory integration disorder, there’s no telling how she will react, the tiniest booboo is a big deal, and I’m afraid she’ll be bothered by them afterwards and want to remove them before they are healed!
So I’ll wait for her to really drive me crazy about wanting this before we do it! LOL 😀
In the meantime she’s happy with stickers or clip earrings…
Oh, Lauren — I need to come visit your blog daily. It always perks me up and reminds me of the IMPORTANT things in life. You’re a big blessing to so many of us. That’s it! You’ve made me realize I want to do something special for Carter’s therapists, just because they are so, so important to us. (Thinking of a way to multi-task this with the upcoming MFT release… hee!) Thanks for being your sweet, wonderful, talented self!
Congrats to Alexa for toughing it out and getting somre beautiful earrings!!! I just love that picture you posted of her – I totally want to touch her beautiful, soft hair :o) You have such pretty daughters… I have a feeling your hubby is in for a rough ride LOLOL!!!!
Great gift idea, too! I totally need some Bellas, but am on major budget restrictions right now. One day, when I am rich, I’m gonna buy ’em ALL!!!
Have a fabulous day, sweetie!
Lauren,
I love to read your posts on Alexa. She is just too adorable for words. Thank you for allowing us into your life! I am looking forward to seeing pictures of Alexa and her new BLING!
As to the crafty stuff.. LOVE IT!! did you know about Bellas free shipping until 07/01/08.. that may be an incentive to shop!! check out her blog!
Lauren, Love the whole DD coffee gift you put together. You just are so amazing at how much thought you put into everything.
Your Alexa is precious and proof that God knows what He’s doing if we’d all just let Him! LOL!
Now quit tantalizing me with all the new goodies out there!
Holly
Tell Alexa congrats on getting her ears pierced. She is now a grown-up girl! 😉
It amazes me how brave little kids are compared to us.
I love your coffee mug. Will you show us how you made the sleeve?
And Alexa did a great job on the card. Be sure and tell I said so. 🙂
Alexa, you are my hero. i did not get my ears pierced until i was 27 years old, because i not it was going to hurt too much. LOL
you are the bravest, coolest young lady i have ever known. OK, i don’t know you personally but i feel like i know alot about you because of all the things your mother has shared with her stamping friends.
enjoy your summer and give daisy a hug from me.
Lauren, keep sharing your family stories and creative artwork. you are the highlight of my “stamping day”.
SO cute Lauren! I don’t suppose that there’s a tutorial for the gift card holder over the mug somewhere here on your blog??
I also wanted to add that I’m constantly inspired when I visit your blog not only because of your creativity, but because you keep things about your life so real. Thank you for doing that!
Many Blessings,
Melissa
Hi Lauren & Alexa
Wow! Thank you for touching my day. I am an aide and we don’t often get recognized for our work – thank you so much!! I work with a Down Syndrome boy (6) and a little guy with autism (5); every day they do something to amaze me and make me laugh. I really think they give more to me than I do to them. It is an honour (canadian eh!) for me to work with these children. You are an amazing parent (and not all are), what a fortunate girl Alexa is. The last time I wrote was when I was scheduled for my last round of chemo and shared your joy for Alexa. Now it is time to let you know what joy you give to others.
Yeah for Alexa!!! We wouldn’t be mom’s if we weren’t scared for our kids. But they always prove to us they are stronger then we could imagine they could be. I had the exact same fears when Ava was getting her ears pierced. After seeing her sit in that seat, and get them pierced with no tears or flinching, I know now, she’s a tough cookie. :o)
I LOVED reading Alexa’s story. Brought many tears..you left me a blubbering mess Lauren! In a good way though.
Thanks again for sharing your life stories and cool gifts!
What a beautiful post. Alexa and you are lucky to have each other!
Lauren: What a sweet story about Alexa – what a brave girl she was – I was 21 when I got my ears pierced! I love your stories about your children, you are a terrific Mom. Of course, your talent is fabulous – love your mug & cute card. Happy weekend.
Hi Lauren,
thank you for your inspiring post.
HI, YOU ALWAYS HAVE SUCH DARLING IDEAS! I HAVE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I APPRECIATE YOU RECOGNIZING THE TEACHER AIDE. I HAVE BEEN AN AIDE FOR 23 YEARS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN. I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT MOST OF THE GRUNT AND DIRTY JOBS ARE DONE BY THE AIDES. SO OFTEN THE TEACHER IS RECOGNIZED AS THEY SHOULD BE, BUT THE AIDE GETS LOST IN THE SHUFFLE. I SURE APPRECIATE WHEN I AM REMEMBERED. I ALSO HAVE A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD. HE IS 26 BUT ABOUT THE LEVEL OF A 5 MONTH OLD. HE IS DIAPERED, FED, BATHED,SHAVED AND DRESSED BY US OR AN AIDE. I APPRECIATE SO MUCH THE LOVE AND CARE THE AIDES GIVE TO OUR ANGEL. I ALWAYS REMEMBER THEM FOR HOLIDAYS AND JUST BECAUSE. THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN LIFE. THEY ARE ALSO GOD’S CHILDREN. WHEN I AM WITH THEM AT SCHOOL I TRY TO GIVE THEM AS MUCH EYE CONTACT AS POSSIBLE AND DO THOSE EXTRA LITTLE THINGS FOR THEM. MAKE SURE THEY ARE CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE. TRY TO GET THEM TO SMILE, SCRATCH THEIR BACK,MAKE SURE THEIR SOCKS ARE SMOOTH AND ON STRAIGHT. SEE THAT THE TAG ON THEIR SHIRT IS NOT BUGGING THEM. COMB THEIR HAIR, BRUSH THEIR TEETH IF NEEDED AND SEE THAT THEIR SHIRT IS PULLED DOWN IN BACK SO NOT CRUMPLED IN THEIR WHEEL CHAIR.ETC. I FEEL THAT THIS KINDNESS WILL BE GIVEN IN RETURN BY ANOTHER PERSON FOR MY SON. THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE ANGELS AND OUR CHANCE TO LOVE OUR FELLOW MAN. HUGS TO YOU AND YOUR SPECIAL FAMILY!
Thanks for sharing the great story about Alexa’s and her earrings. She was so brave and Amber is such a sweet sister. As the mom of 3 little boys, I always love reading about little girl stuff. LOL.
And that’s an adorable mug too! I should get more creative with my teacher gifts (I have stuck to making gift cardholders). I am also a HUGE believer of spoiling my kids’ teachers to death – and even more so since my kids are there all day (Both DH and I work FT out of the home). So thanks for the inspiration.
Have a great weekend!!! ~Maria
Lauren,
I need to tell you how in awe I am of you as a young mother. You are so blessed to have a wonderful child as Alexa. I truly find strength in reading your posts and find so much inspiration from the cards you create!
I sometimes find myself complaining over how hard parenting is (ok, not sometimes–ALL the TIME!) but from reading your blog I learn to stop complaining and enjoy what I’ve been blessed with. Thank you soo much and may God continue to bless you and your family!
Yea for Alexa!!! I wish I had a little girl whose ears I could pierce. My husband would kill me if I touched my boys ears. LOL I love, love, love that mug!!! You are so inspiring!
OMG if you lost your MOJO and you can create like that… Please give me some of yours. I have completely lost mine of late.
Anyway….
I love Alexa. I just want to hug her. She’s darling and beautiful.
We just got back from christopher’s doc. BLECK.
More on that later.
Love your work!
emily
“Way to go Alexa”…Can’t wait to see pictures
of those New Pretty earrings!!
I love your Alexa Card…
can’t wait to get this set… Adorable!!!
Nice black/white photo of Alexa…
Shining with Happiness..oh so sweet!!
*Nice gift..DD coffee mug 🙂
I love the Lattebella stamping..
so nicely colored.
*Yes…There is so many things
in life to be “Thankful” for.
*Nice post Lauren…TFS
Dee
Lauren,
You and Alexa are an inspiration to us all!! We should all count our blessings and hold them close. I love reading about Alexa and your other children, your family is an amazing strong family – and there are no obstacles for you all to climb, for you always have each other. Thank you so much for sharing your stories – you make my day even though I’m sitting here now just crying like a baby – my girls are my life and every day like yourself I thank God for delivering me these special angels. God Bless You All!!
Bev
So glad to hear the ear piercing thing went so well, I was kind of worried when you first started out how the outcome would be. We got our daughters done at 4 months old, everyone kept calling her a boy if she wasn’t in a dress, and she cried so hard after the first one I had to leave the store while my husband held on to her for the second. When she was a teenager she got her second holes done.
Great job Alexa did on the coloring, and so neat that she personalized the inside, sure will mean alot to her I am sure! Love your little present that went with it too!
Yea for Alexa!! She is absolutely adorable! That is terrific to hear that she loves reading, both my little munchkins are bookworms too and I think it is just the best thing for them!! Congrats on all of her achievements and yours together as a family and I’m so excited to hear of the many more you will all have. Can’t wait to see her pretty earrings:-) Have a wonderful weekend!! Kelly
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So sorry to hear about Alexa’s stamp set being put on hold.. I read all about the woman who is having a high risk pregnancy and how she want to focus on that now. Isn’t that wonderful?!!!
your daughter alexa is BEAUTIFUL! and your cards are amazing 🙂
keep sMiLiN’!!
What a beautiful pic of Alexa what a wonderful inspiration she is as well as her mother! 🙂 Your cards and projects are wonderful, love the coffee mug slip.
Lauren, what a precious picture of Alexa. She is beaming with happiness! I know you say you are lucky to have her in your life, but she is so lucky to have all of you too. I’m sure she knows that! Glad her ears got done with no issues. Brian took Chloe one evening while I was getting my nails done…haha….was a surprise for ME! LOL1
what a cute gift! Working in a school and seeing how the aides get totally overlooked most of the time, I know how much they will appreciate your thoughtful gift!
Thanks for sharing!
Alexa is your Starfish and YOU are making a difference in her life! What an awesome post! Hugs,
The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…”I made a difference for that one.”
I just have to tell you what a wonderful mom you seem to be! I truly understand your stories sometimes because I have a cousin who has a child with special needs and what a tough life they have lived (their son is 21 years old now). So my hats to all you parents who have children that have parents as you guys!
God bless you!
Terry
Lauren, you never cease to amaze me with what that creative mind of yours generates 🙂 I LOVE the travel mug idea for anyone, but I was wondering if you did//could create an internal “sleeve” that actually surrounds the cup? I don’t know but it’s something I’m going to be looking at next time I’m in StarBucks !
And all the Bella Stamps are beyond stunning 🙂 Since I don’t live ANYWHERE near you Lauren, nor where you teach your brilliant classes, I just HAVE to share that I’m going to the *Bella Boutique* tomorrow to take a class and spend some time with the Queen Bella herself, Emily!
I will look forward to seeing some new photos of Alexa and her new earrings ~ she is such a brave girl. Why is her set of stamps on “hold”? Have they gone back to production or what’s the scoop?
I love the card, gift, but mostly the story! Hugs! I love that little Alexa of yours, she’s a brave one!
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I read your blog EVERY day. I had to stop today and take the time to tell you what a special woman you are. Your creative skills are undisputed…..thousands of people know and witness to what amazing things you do with a few simple tools. We are all richer for being a fan of yours. But you are so much more than that. You are the consumate mother, handling what the majority of us could never do with ease and grace. Your children will be better people because of it. But finally you are also a gifted, generous, and kind human being, effortlessly recognizing those who make your life easier and those who are struggling with their own demons and those who just need a lift, a push on their road of life, and a pat on the back for their own journey. I salute you and know that your life will be blessed in kind because of all your gifts.
Mary
http://www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com
I love reading your blog and you are such an inspiration. When I have kids I hope I can be a supermom like you and still find time to stamp. I love your card and mug sleeve – so cute and creative. Maybe I will do something similar for some Christmas presents if I remember by then!
P.S. Tag, you’re it! If you’d like to play along then just visit my blog http://www.jessicastamps.com for the rules.
Lauren,
She is just such a beautiful girl! I’m so glad that you share her with us! We are blessed that she is here for all of us to enjoy. That’s how I feel about my little (well 7 now) guy also. Good thing Doctors don’t know it all – huh?!! And I love her earrings, just the perfect thing for a little princess.
Cheryl
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