Sunday Scrappin'

I haven't scrapbooked in a while, which is bad, because I only have three weeks left to complete my step-daughter's graduation gift - an album of photos from her senior year. I did some digital scrapbooking this weekend, not for my step-daughter, but for my daughter who attended her best friend's funeral last week.

For Christmas, I got tickets to see a performance of Mama Mia. The show couldn't have been scheduled at a more perfect time, considering all that's happened. It allowed me to cheer my daughter up, at least for a few hours. I thought the performance was ABBA-solutely F-ABBA-lous!

Now I've GOT to get back to work on the senior album! Wish me luck!

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Friday Confessional

I confess…

I held my emotions in check pretty well through most of Jenny’s funeral, until all of her classmates, former Girl Scout troop, and young friends, including my son and daughter, followed the casket out of the church. I really wanted to hold it together for my daughter. She’s such a nurturer, and I wanted to focus on her rather than have her try to comfort me. But I am proud that I didn’t lose it at the grave site.

I confess…

I am irritated by a photo one of the girls posted on Facebook. It shows about ten of Jenny’s friends smiling, laughing, playing around,  AT THE FREAKIN’ CEMETERY! Obviously, one of the mothers took it. It’s the whole (former) Girl Scout troop, minus my daughter and Jenny. I’m so glad my girl wasn’t part of that. Everyone else left to give the family some private time, except these girls and 4 of their moms. Then they’re taking a picture? I realize there were two girls there that they hadn’t seen in a year, but you know what? I don’t care! I am biting my tongue, or my fingers, trying NOT to comment negatively on the photo and embarrass my daughter. I sure hope someone does, though. A funeral is NOT a social event. They could have gone somewhere afterwards and taken their photo. My daughter thinks I’m over-reacting. Maybe I am.

I confess…

Since Jenny was in her accident, I have had strange dreams. One night, I dreamed about my dead babies (yes, plural - from miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy).  Morbid.

I confess…

I have been irritable for over a week with all that has happened. I’m tired of feeling grumpy and depressed. I haven’t felt like being social, writing, visiting blogs, or having fun, but that is about to change. I need to get happy. Yes, NEED!

And just so you don't go away thinking I can't write about anything else...

I confess...

I used to pick the toppings off my pizza, eat the crust first, then eat the toppings separately.  I don't do this anymore, at least not usually, but the toppings are just so good by themselves!

Time to link up with Mamarazzi and Glamazon and confess!

Thursday Thirteen

ATV's - All Terrain Vehicles such as 3 and 4 wheelers...

I never thought much about them until about two weeks ago.

1.  Number of ATV accidents requiring emergency room treatment in 2009 (the most recent date for which statistics are available) - 131,900.
2.  Number of deaths in ATV accidents in 2009 - 376 (down from 616 in 2008).
3.  Reported deaths of children under age 16 in 2009 - 61.
4.  44 states in the US have passed various ATV safety laws.
5.  In Texas, ATVs operated on public lands must be registered.  All ATVs must have a title.
6.  ATVs are not allowed on public streets in Texas.
7.  In Texas, ATVs may not be operated by anyone under age 14 unless accompanied by an adult.
8.  The majority of ATVs are designed to carry one person.
9.  Helmets reduce the possibility of injury by 42%, according to this website.
10. On April 30, my daughter's best friend, age 14, was involved in an ATV accident (my daughter was not there when it happened).
11.  She was wearing a helmet.  She did not suffer a brain injury or any broken bones.
12.  Injuries were caused due to rollover and being without oxygen for too long.

13.  Jenny passed away on May 7.  She will be laid to rest today, May 12.  My heart is breaking.

Rest in peace, Jenny Michelle.

We love you, and we will miss you.  We already do.

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Not Happy for all Mothers

Making funeral plans for a 14 year old.  What a  horrible thing to be thinking about on Mother's Day.  My daughter's friend Jenny didn't survive.  She died in the early morning hours of May 7.  I cannot begin to imagine what her parents are going through right now, especially since Jenny was their only child, not that that makes it any easier.  It makes me want to keep my children close, but I know I can't do that all the time.

Accidents.  They can happen anywhere, any time.  I don't understand, though.  I know God has a plan, but I wish I knew what it was.  Maybe then dealing with the death of a 14 year old young lady with so much potential might be easier to explain.  As it is now, I just don't understand.

This picture was taken 2 or 3 weeks ago.  Jenny is on the left.

I'm worried about my daughter and my son (twins),  but mostly my daughter, her best friend.  They tend to hold their feelings inside.  How do I help them with their grief?  A dear online friend, Rachel Anne, has recommended a book called Beyond the Gates, and we already have a copy of Heaven is for Real (I had planned to read that one anyway).  If you have any words of wisdom, especially Biblical words of comfort, please let me know.  I'm having such a hard time answering her questions, and none of us can explain WHY this happened.  If I can help my daughter deal with this huge loss in her life, I would be ever so grateful for any suggestions.

Dance Performance

With all the sadness, uncertainty, and disbelief that we have been experiencing this week, my daughter's dance performance was a welcome distraction.  There was so much movement that it made pictures hard to capture.  I video-taped while a friend took photos, and this is one of the two that came out almost clear.  The rest were too fuzzy!  I'm so proud of my girl!