Saturday, June 27, 2009

Slowly getting back to "NORMAL"

What is normal anyway? Can you actually have a normal life after you lose your child? I really don't think this can actually happen, you can only adjust and go on with life the best way you know how. I haven't stamped or done anything crafty in several weeks now. When Lauren Meader called and talked to me and I found out about this digi stamp, The Weiman Wranglers, for my little cowboy and cowgirl, Ethan & Ava, I was beyond excited and my wheels actually started turning again! Melissa with Pink Cat Studio generously and quickly designed these perfect little images to represent my little boy and girl. Thank you so much Melissa & Lauren...they are just awesome. These images are raising money to go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. This is the reason we have 2 horses and a minature burrow that my kids like to call a "little ass" thanks to their Daddy! It's a great organization that provides kids with wonderful things. Lauren's little girl Alexa received a wish too as well as so many others. I encourage you to hop over to Pink Cat Studio and purchase these cute little images and support a great organization.

I just downloaded my pictures from my camera of this little memory book that I made for myself to share quotes and little things from my Ethan that I never want to forget. I'm not quite back into my creative mode yet, but someday I will be. This image captures Ethan perfectly though, he always wore his black cowboy hat, a button up shirt, his "seat" belt, blue jeans, and of course his cowboy boots with his socks pulled up. Ethan loved balloons too and the red bandana is something that he wore so much this past winter to keep his mouth warm. I'm a little prejudice, but I had the most "handsome" little boy ever! He hated to be called "cute" so I had to watch myself!

Here is one of my favorite picture of Ethan and me...his proud Mommy! Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. Thanks again so much for all the prayers and support!

28 comments:

jan1637 said...

I love the Ethan and Ava digistamps. I have never heard of digistamps before, so wasn't sure what I was ordering, but I knew I had to have those sweet images. I have used them once already, and can see that they will get much use in the future. Bless you all, you sound like a wonderful family and I think of you often.

Dana Gustafson said...

Alicia! Wonderful to see you creating and celebrating your sweet boy. THe photo fo the two of you is amazing! HUGS, girl!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness Alicia -- what a beautiful picture of you and Ethan...no words to describe it...

Glad you got a little creative juices flowing -- I love how your journal came out!

God Bless...and {{{HUGS}}}
Tracey

MacKenzie said...

This is great Alicia! The ribbon on the side is great. I'm sure you'll treasure this book forever.

Handmade by Odette said...

Alicia, I am so glad you joined us this week! I haven't been able to upload my card yet (my pc is having issues). Yours is great!! I love that touch of ribbon you put in your card.
Hugs,

Melissa said...

Alicia, your memory book turned out fantastic!
I love that photo of you and Ethan. Thank you for sharing :)
Big hugs,
Melissa

Kristin Eberline said...

Oh Alicia! Your book is absolutely perfect!! LOVE how it turned out. The red, plaid background, the ribbon ties, how you colored Ethan, and of course the sentiment (because we know Ethan was AMAZING)...it's all just perfect. I'm so choked up looking at the picture of the two of you and how happy and lovingly you are looking at each other. Just beautiful...and what a great photo to cherish for years to come.

Glad to see you were able to get back into your craft room, even if briefly. It's good for the soul.

God bless, my friend.

AKiteFlier said...

Alicia the memory book is fabulous. What a thoughtful and special way to remember your little cowboy. I love the Ethan and Ava images and the picture of you and Ethan brought tears to my eyes - your love for each other is so evident. I can't imagine how you are coping but I know you are. We will be happy to see you back here when you are ready. In the meantime take time to grieve and know that we hold you close in thought and prayer.

Anki said...

What a wonderful picture of you and your little Ethan. You can really see the LOVE between you two in this one. The Memory book is a wonderful thing. Keeping you and your family in my prayers. Ethan - you have touched so many lifes - even without even knowing us in person. Kram - Anki

Anonymous said...

I so glad that you're sharing with all of us. Ethan has a bigger family than any of you will ever know. My heart is with you. I immediately bought the stamp set and started creating. Who could resist? I hope I did you & your family justice. Please take care and know that the love that is pouring out to you and your family would wrap the world twice over.
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

You are one amazing mom who has so much courage. I have followed your blog for a while now and your challenge of Ethan's illness and then your loss. I was heart broken when I read about Ethan passing and yet you felt compelled to tell us about him. That was an amazing picture of you and Ethan, shows so much mommy love for her little guy. I hope you find much comfort in your little book you made for youself. And life is never normal. Take care of yourself. God bless you and your family. Sandy from MD

Maria said...

It is awesome to see you creating. I love your project it is beautiful and the picture is priceless! All the best

Winter said...

What a great way to remember your amazing little boy! The pictures capture the sweet little comboy he will always be! I pray for continued strength for your family! I just bought the digistamps, and I will think of Ethan everytime I use them and will say a prayer for your family too! God Bless!

Unknown said...

The fact that you are even able to leave a post is just amazing! I'm so sorry for your loss.

lisa808 said...

So sorry for your loss. The picture of you and your 'cowboy' is precious.

Renee V. said...

What a heartfelt post...and the picture of you two is just so special. It made me smile and cry at the same time.
I love your book - what a great rememberance of Ethan.
You are always in my thoughts and prayers...
Hugs,
Renee

Tina said...

Hi Alicia.. I just heard about you and your handsome son today from Donna Baker's blog. I wanted to say that though I don't know you, I will pray for you and your family and your precious baby boy. What a wonderful book you have made for him. Living in Iowa I almost feel like we are neighbors. God bless you all and keep his arms around you and your son.

Tiffany Apple said...

What an adorable book! I'm so glad you were able to share it. What a wonderful way to remeber him.Your not prejudice at all. I'd have to say, here in Ft.Worth,Tx. we have alot of handsome cowboys, but he was one of the cutest! Sorry Ethan. Lots of hugs and prayers!

Lynn M said...

Alicia,
What a beautiful post. I absolutely love the picture of you and Ethan. Creating his a wonderful way to celebrate Ethan. May God continue to watch over you and your family. Hoping your feeling well. Looking forward to news on the arrival of your third little one in November.

Kathleen said...

So glad to see you creating again! The photo of you and Ethan is a treasure---thanks for sharing it with all of us. Praying that the Father will sustain you as you "get back to normal" as you say---many cyber hugs!

Robb_eeie said...

Hi Alicia .... Your memory book for Ethan is beautiful and a wonderful idea. Ethan's Digi-image certainly resembles his handsome features and cowboy gear :)

I wish you & your family all the Love and Peace in the world ... and try to remember all of the special memories you shall have, forever. {{Huge Hugs}} xo

Tamara said...

Gorgeous! I love that photo of you with Ethan. It's great to see you crafting again, and this book is fabulous.

Luisa said...

Hi!!! I just found your blog and started reading about your son. I wanted to say that even I donñt know you, my heart and prayers are with you and your family. I am not a person who cries very easily but I am doing it right now and is because your story and how you are coping with it is very touchable.
The photos of Ethan are very very pretty and I am sure he is a awesome little cowboy and that now he is having fun in heaven with God. As far as Ava, she will never ever forget about his brother and she´s got the best memories.
Sorry if, being an stranger I write to you, but I really, really feel the need to do it.
God bless you...
Luisa

Terri said...

It is great to see you creating again. What a great way to keep the memories of Ethan alive. The photo of the 2 of you is wonderful too.

Gina said...

I'm a digital scrapbooker - so digistamps are very familiar and "comfortable" for me. I cannot wait to buy and use these stamps. I know two children - one a little boy and one a little girl - who have been treated for neuroblastoma (actually the little boy is two years post-treatment, the little girl is in the midst of it). I'd love to make cards for them using these stamps! :)

I love the journal you made. It truly is a treasure. As are the photos you've posted, especially the one with this post.

I don't see how life ever could return to "normal" after losing a child. You are most definitely in my thoughts and prayers.

Elizabeth P said...

So sorry for hearing about your little son. I think your work is a beautiful tribute from a proud mommmy!!!

Ink, paper and BLING! said...

I love the photo of you and Ethan, it is a touching momment. I am glad that you can feel inspiration. I am certain you will begin to feel more alive again each day.
You are an inspiration to us all!
R

Kimberly Crawford said...

(((HUGS))) ((((HUGS))) and more ((((HUGS)))!!!
LOVE the memory book-it is SO cute! And the photo of you and Ethan is just precious!!

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