Monday, May 24, 2010

Happy Birthday Clay and The Craft's Meow!

Today is my third son Clayton's 17th birthday. Happy Birthday Clay!!! Of course, he would be absolutely mortified if he knew I was writing about him on my blog. He's at that stage where everything I do embarrasses him. Ha!

Clay was my best pregnancy and easiest delivery of the four. He was the most beautiful baby...and I really mean that... perfect in every way. The best part about Clay's birth is that I shared it with my mother. She was there at my side, cheering me on, when Clay was born. She even cut the cord. It was the last best thing we ever did together... soon after, her cancer returned and claimed her life before Clay turned one. When I went back for the memorial service, many people came up to me and told me how thrilled she was to be there when Clay was born... how she loved to tell the story of how she "birthed" that baby. This is, and will always be, one of the most precious memories I have of my dear mother, who was the best mother and the best grandmother anyone could ever hope to have. I miss her terribly. If I'm any sort of good mother, it's because of her.

I have Collin scanning all my negatives for me (he's gotta do something besides sit around until he finds a job), but so far there are only a few of Clay as a baby. Here's one:


And here's a picture taken on Easter last month... terrible quality, but I have a terrible camera, and Clay is not the most cooperative subject.


That's my boy! He loves golf, working out at the gym, the Penguins, the Red Sox and mimicking people... which is really rather rude, except he's so good at it, it makes you laugh. I love him, even if he is a Terrible Teen! {LOL}

Anyway, this also happens to be my Second Blogaversary! Yep, I started this blog two years ago today, and featured this card that I had made for Clay (who loves penguins).

Isn't that funny! When I look back, I see how much my art has evolved. I remember when I first started out, I dreamed of being picked one day to be on a design team. I only had a handful of followers, but they were faithful to me. And then came followers who became dear friends to me... and now my cup runneth over! I am so lucky to be on several design teams, but mostly to have made some of the best friends a person could ever hope to have, all over this big world. It's fantastic!

So, of course, we must celebrate! Since it's my second Blogaversary, I have two prizes to offer:

First prize consists of the following stamps/stamp sets:

Kitchen Logic by Unity Stamp Company
Two adorable bear stamps by Ladybug and Friends
Best Fishes by Gina K Designs
Christmas Ornament Lala, Love Note Rosie, Running Clover,
and Lotus by La-La Land Crafts
Lottie and Gussie Gabalot, and
Georgina Glamourpuss by Stamping Bella


Second prize consists of three adorable stamp sets by Stamp and Smile.

For a chance to win one of these prizes, all you have to do is leave a comment here before 9:00 pm Pacific on Monday, June 14th. That's it! I won't bribe you to become a follower, although I'd love it if you were. I won't require that you post my blog candy on your blog, although I'd love it if you did. I want this to be fun and free wheeling. I'll announce the winners on Tuesday, June 15th.

Oh, but how about this... tell me what gift you'd like to receive on your next birthday if cost were no object... something you'd really love to have. I'll start by telling you mine: a new camera! One of those cool Nikons that Ashton Kutchar advertises. Now that would be heaven!


54 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday to Clay and Happy Blogaversay, Lisa! Thanks so much for sharing such precious memories and pictures! Love reading your post! So touchy, so humorous, so fun! Blogland is great, isn't it? Without it, we wouldn't have met! I wouldn't have met such awesome friend as you, Lisa!

Hmmm....what do I really want....a new Nikon camera would be nice...more Copics....too many stuff on my list...hehe

Debbie Pamment said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAY!!!!! WOW 17 - it's scary isn't it Lisa???? But he's a handsome young man who I'm sure makes you proud every day - OK - almost every day - LOL.
WOW - it's your blogaversary too - HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY!!!! I'm sooo NOT showing my first ever posted card again - I'd only been stamping a few weeks - shudder - LOL.

What would I like - hmmmmmm - to be able to transport myself easily to have coffee and craft days with my friends - wherever they are! Hmmm - THAT may take more than mere $$$$$

Lotsaluv and HAPPY DAYS!

xXx

Alice said...

Happy Birthday to Clay and Happy 2nd Blogaversary, Lisa!! thanks for sharing your precious memory, it's so sweet! =) if i haven't gotten a new Mac by my next birthday then it would be the thing that i want! =) thanks for the chance to win!

1LuvnMama said...

Awww, Lisa! You are a great mother . . . just take one look at your boys and anyone will know that it took a strong and luvn mother to raise them! :) Thank you for sharing that special memory of you own mother with us . . . touched my heart!

Happy, happy birthday to Clay and a Happy, happy 2nd blogaversary to you!

Now on to the question . . . what I'd like to receive on my next birthday? I have everything I want and more! However, I would luv to give my give away to my hubby who's b-day is the day after mine. I would luv for him to have the full size truck he's always wanted. We will be needing a van since baby #3 is on its way so buying to new cars is close to impossible! That's my answer and sorry I'm writing a novel here! :)

Crystal said...

Lisa, Happy blogaversary! Love reading your story! Boys are so fun BUT they are BOYS ! Great candy. I have everything I could pretty much ever want BUT maybe next year would love some professional landscaping done on our acre property ! Big hugs to you!

Wilfreda said...

Happy blogaversary!!! Thanks for the chance to win some cool candy. I would love to have my driveway paved. That would be so awesome.

peggysue said...

What a special memory you shared, a very happy birthday to your son! I'm sure he knows how much his mama loves him. As a special treat one day I want to take an all girls trip to Ireland or Scotland with my girls. Or Hawaii . . .I wouldn't turn that down if someone dropped it in my lap!

Patti J said...

OH my goodness....what a wonderful momma memory. There's not a day that goes by that I don't want to pick up the phone and call my mom, I understand how much you miss her. Your Clay is STILL beautiful! Happy Birthday Clay! So is your first ever blogged card! I'm curious as to when I started commenting - I think I'll go back and check it out - you were pretty new! Hugs dear friend. OH...let's see - my gift would be a trip to Calif. to see a wonderful blogging buddy and my dear son!!! Hugs!

Carole RB said...

Hi Lisa
Happy birhday Clay!

Happy second blogoversary.

And if cost was not problem? A brand new car just for me. Doesn't have to be a luxury one...

I'm already a follower for a while now.

Thanks for the opportunity to win this yummy yummy blog candy!

Jen Shults said...

Happy birthday Clay and Happy blogoversary Lisa! It's been so fun getting to know you and getting to work with you on so many fun challenges! Hugs!

Lynne Phelps said...

Happy blogoversary #2! I am a long-time subscriber and love all your creations for the various design teams, especially Waltzingmouse! If money were no object, I would like a paid-for house! Employment and income has been spotty these past 2-3 years and knowing my house was all mine instead of mostly the bank's would be the greatest peace of mind! Uh, you did say money was no object, right? :-)

Elaine Wilson said...

Happy Everything! If I could have anything I wanted, I would have a building built on my property just for stamping and to hold my stamping events in. And with a section in it that I could make into a little store to sell my craft items in. A big dream huh!?!?! LOL

Lori said...

Happy blogaversary! Thank you so much for the uplifting story today I really needed it today.

~lori
idreaminscrapbooking.blogspot.com

Pattie said...

Happy Birthday to Clay...my son will be 17 in August! and Happy Blogaversary to you! I would love (and only since money is no object)to have a new wedding ring since I can no longer wear my original one. I have a thyroid disorder and I have gained weight so none of my older jewelry fits...we have been married almost 20 years.

LaurieJ said...

Happy Birthday to Clay and Happy Blogaversary to you!!
Wow, what would I like for my birthday? That's tough because I just had a birthday. A trip would be nice, Rome possibly or somewhere warm and beachy.

Anonymous said...

I would love to get a Canon 500D camera for my birthday, to take photos for scrapbooking but also of my lovely family, especially my grandson. Oh well, a girl can dream.
Janette P

♥ Kristy Woods ♥ said...

Happy Birthday Clay and happy blogaversary lisa!! I would love to have just one more birthday with my mum and dad...
Kristy xx

Unknown said...

Happy blogaversary hunni... I love seeing how far you have come since your 1st card lol...

What would I want??? hmmm..... my dream is a volkswagon beatle...Pink with white and yellow daisy's down the side...so girly lol!!

Sandy said...

I absolutely love stories about mothers and daughters, thank you for sharing yours.
I would love SCAL for my birthday which is coming up in June. I also would like to go on a scrapping cruise, I think that would be a blast.
Happy Blogiversary.

Lori said...

CONGRATULATIONS on your Blogaversary!!!! I love to follow your blog. Your cards are so nice. You have also helped me with questions and advice that I appreciate very much. You are such a sweet lady.
Our kids grow up so fast. When they are babies you think you have forever but as soon as you look up they are grown. It all happens so fast. Happy birthday to Clay and happy anniversary to you from 17 years ago for the wonderful thing you did.

Lilian said...

happy birthday and happy blogaversary!!! thank you for your dedication to ur blog and for sharing your creativity with us!! if i could ask for something, it would be a new SUV to accomodate our new baby. =)

GabrielaD said...

Happy Birthday Clay and Happy Blogaversary!!! I would love a new bedroom set, mine is old and worn... with nice duvet and pillows.

Thank you for the chance to win your goodies.

Betty Boo! said...

Aww Lisa he's adorable as a baby and super handsome as a teen!

Happy Blogaversary sweets! Have fun at PF Chang's lucky! OMG 17!! Happy Birthday Clay! That will be Christian come December! Yikes!

JoAnn V. (http://joboogie.typepad.com) said...

Hi Lisa! Thanks for the chance to win some fabulous blog candy!

Happy birthday Clay!

You know what I would really love? A new Mac Book Pro! Mine is on the fritz. :( It works, but the there's something wrong internally. Boo.

Patty Chapman said...

This is fun, we should never stop dreaming! If I could have anything I wanted for my birthday, it would be all the copic markers and refills in a beautiful LARGE stamp/craft room! Happy Birthday to Clay!

sarahw said...

Hi Lisa, Congrats on your blogaversary! What fun candy! I would love a Garmon that would keep track of all of my mileage when I run. They are super expensive so I will keeping hoping and wishing. :)

Jessi said...

My birthday was last month and I got a new Nikon. But it's one that looks almost professional but a easy to use. I love the cupcake stamps so cute!! :) And Happy Bday Clay!

BeckyC said...

Congrats to you Lisa!! Your blog is awesome.

Helen said...

Happy Blogaversary, Lisa and Happy Birthday, Clay! What a wonderful memory of your mother!
If money were no option, I would want either a brand new big house, including a housekeeper, or a baby daughter. Actually, while we're dreaming and wishing, I want both!
Have a wonderful day!
Blessings!
~H

hashma said...

hi wow ur story is soooo cute all i would wnat for bday is i want loadsa scrap booking stuff(coz there are no stores in sri lanka) and pearl ear studs(big ones) i love pearls i already own a one pair but i wont bigger ones which my mum thinks its hideous:( i know these are small wishes i love these stuff:P thnx fr the opportunity i love ur cards they are soooooo neat

mdog said...

Happy Birthday to Clay and Happy Blogaversay, Lisa! I enjoy coming to your post and seeing what you have to share! So, thank you!! As for my birthday - I would give anything to travel to my grandparents birth place - Greece! Right now is not the best time, but someday I would like to go!!

Nikki said...

Wow Happy Birthday Clay !!and Blogoversary too LOVE your CANDY
thank you for 2 chances
What would I love for my BD
Some more artist markers ... bought a few and now LOVE them and maybe a nice dinner out too , someone else can do the dishes :P
hugs Nikki
I'll link you in my side bar

Kimmarie Baker said...

Happy 17 to Clay! Time goes by quickly. I have 3 daughters 18, 10 and 7. My mom was in the delivery room with me and my hubby when my 10 yr old was born. Her memory is telling everyone about my tattooed legs in the stirrups. lol Glad you have that special memory with your mom. Happy Blogaversary! I am sure Clay can get away with things since he is a goodlooking boy! My dream bday gift would be to take my family to Atlantis Bahamas for a week long vacation. or maybe getting a full time job that pays well. lol

Annie said...

Happy Birthday Clay and Happy 2nd Blogaversay.
It's nearly my birthday too - well at the end of the month - hmmmmmm dream gift with no expense spared I guess would be a holiday.
Ann xxx

Isabel Z said...

Happy happy everything. What a handsome young man;you must be so proud.
My dream gift would be an all expense paid holiday to Spain to visit my mother's family whom I haven't seen since I was 15 and that was a looooong time ago.

Margaret C. said...

Happy Blogaversary!!! I love the ideas I get on your blog. As for a dream gift...I'd like to take my family (grandkids, son and daughter-in-law, daughter and husband) on an awesome Panama Canal Cruise. Thanks for the chance to win some blog candy :-)

Karin said...

Happy, Happy Everything! You are so creative and an inspiration to all of us who read your blog :) I think my choice would be a trip across Europe! I love seeing sights that I recognize from books and TV...Soo much more exciting in person!

BJ said...

Could this be a sign? 14 June is my Birthday? Thank You for such a nice give-away!

Heather said...

Happy, happy days to you and your (very handsome!) Clay. BTW - I've always loved that name-hee!
Thanks so much for the chance to win. You are soo generous!
Thanks also for sharing that sweet story about your Mom. I can't even imagine any Mom not being around anymore :(

Wendy K. said...

Happy Blogaversary Lisa! Those are such cute stamps you are giving away. If I could have anything for my birthday without cost I would chose a new house, custom-built exactly how I want it, a 2-story with bigger rooms!

paperpapier said...

handsome looking young man..and what a cutie baby...
my only wish is being able to buy all the craft making things without having to think twice...
tx for sharing the lovely candy..

Crafty Math Chick said...

It will never happen in this lifetime because I do not play the lottery, but the best birthday present I could ever receive NOW (I already got a puppy, and HE is the best present ever) would be to have my school loans completely paid off. Would be life changing...

Cassi said...

it's a big wish, but a new home!

loyaz said...

This is easy. At the top of my dreamers list is a world cruise. But first I'd have to sell my house to pay for it and then where would I go when it was over?
DianeL
loyaz1@wbhsi.net

Unknown said...

Hola muy feliz aniversario.
Me encantaría ese bonito premio.te comento que soy de la ciudad de Paysandú Uruguay Sudamérica.
hago tarjetas artesanales , pero muy precarias pues los materiales y las novedades con las que contamos por aca son escasas.
pero igual con creatividad lo intentamos. un abrazo en la distancia Adriana

adri.de.pay@gmail.com

Natalie said...

Happy Birthday to Clay and Happy Blogaversary to you!! What a precious story about your mom! Sweet memories to hold on to! My birthday is next week. I'm not sure what I'd like material-wise although I'd love to have a subscription or two, to a couple of stamp companies I love to follow! Would love for my kids (adults now) to love Jesus with all their hearts. That would be the best present in the world to me! Congrats again Lisa!!

Danielle said...

Happy Birthday Clay. So glad to see the blog, it looks good.

Nancy said...

Happy Blogaversary my Dear Friend!!!Thanks for sharing your story about Clay's birth. It brought tears to my eyes. I hope some day, my daughter would say the same thing about me.

My wish is similar to yours. A great new camera.

Big HUgs!!!

Alberto said...

-Happy birthday, ClaY!!
-Happy blog anniversary, Lisa!!

good luck, Shake

Sophie said...

Happy birthday Clay!!!

Happy blog anniversary!!!

Very beautiful stamps!

Becky said...

Happy birthday clay
Happy Happy blog anniversary, Lisa!!
Children are a blessing and how blessed you were to have your mother there with you for his birth.
This is some fabulous candy you are giving out and I hope to be able to sample some :)

Jacilynn said...

yummy candy! I love all these stamps. your blog is fabulous and I'm a follower. If I could have anything for my birthday it would be a vacation...somewhere sunny;)
x

Carisa said...

wow, happy birthday to your little man! he's a cutie and looks so much like his baby pic! how neat is that?! i look at my son (who is 3 months old) and wonder what he will look like as a young man - hard to believe it will go in a blink of an eye!

if money were no object, hehe, i'd love a camera too, but i'd probably finish off my copic collection! yep, totally, that would be the best bday present!

MiamiKel said...

Happy Blogaversary, Lisa! What a cute post to have your son's penguin card (which really is adorable!) THe story of your mom was very touching and nearly mimicks my father and my own little son, who is now 5. We were blessed he was with us long enough to see our son's first birthday, and those memories are held so dear to our hearts, arent' they? :)

Wow, what would I buy if money was no objects - probably my first set of copics! I have been wanting to try them for forever but they are way pricey!

Thanks for the chance to win - so very generous of you!

Blessings, and Happy Birthday to Clay!
x0x0