Houston's 13th Birthday! Happy Birthday HUEY!

Today is Houston's 13th Birthday! He has finally made it to his teenage years. I will post pictures later, but I wanted to share Huey's special day with everyone. Kids are out of school today and I made sure they were up before leaving this morning. (Just kidding). Hope everyone is doing well. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOUSTON! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU! Trying to keep warm and always praying, Clancy

Monday, January 12, 2008

Hello everyone! I have not posted since last year, but with the holidays and kids being out of school, a lot has been going on. We did survive the holidays and it has been a roller coaster ride. We were able to get away for a few days and visit my Dad and Sandy in Florida. Although it was not warm enough to swim, we did have good weather all but one day (cold). It was nice to get a change of scenery for a few days and we all had a great time! We thank everyone for the wonderful Christmas cards and gifts! We hope everyone had a safe and Merry Christmas and New Year's. Thanks as always for the prayers, comments and uplifting words. Please keep Raymond Powell and his family in your prayers. Raymond went home from the hospital today and is waiting on a report from his doctor later in the week. Also, please keep the Broome/Miller family in your thoughts and prayers as they have a loved one in the hospital at present. I will write again soon and try to remember that the God that brought you to it will be the God that brings you through it! Keep moving along boys...you too Zman. Love to all! Clancy

Sunday, December 14, 2008 in the Evening

Good evening all. We hope that everyone is having a restful and warm weekend. Not much going on around here. As you can see from the picture, Christie created our Christmas card, so I decided to scan it and post it to the web.

The boys are doing well and it is hectic around here. Houston's last day of exams is tomorrow and the

last day for school before Christmas is Thursday. Christie is also trying to wrap up things at school before the end of the week.

We are planning on going to visit my Dad and Stepmother in Florida at the end of the week. We need to get out of here and get our minds off of things...if it is possible. I doubt that our minds will be put at ease, but the change of scenery will be good for us as a family.

Although Christmas is quickly approaching, I can honestly say that the spirit of the season is largely overshadowed. It is difficult to know that we will not be able to see Zander's smiling little face as he tears into his first present or wear his Christmas outfit. We are truly thankful for what we have in terms of family and friends, but a huge void will always exist in our lives and in the lives of the people that Zander touched. In time, I hope and pray that understanding and peace will set in.

As our pastor spoke about this morning, Christmas is not about presents, food or any of the other festivities. It is about the one gift that we were all given some 2008 years ago when our Savior was born and laid in a manger. A gift that through faith assures me and Christie that we will see our beautiful baby boy once again.

We love you boys. Rest easy.

Struggling but still pursuing His grace,

Clancy

Monday, December 8, 2008

Good morning all. It has been a while since I last posted and I am sorry for the delay. It is difficult to explain my hesitancy in writing, but everywhere Christie and I turn at this point and taking into account the holiday season, reminders of Zander are present. It is not fun and I do not wish it on anyone; however, we are hanging in there. Houston and Jackson are doing well and growing with anticipation concerning Christmas. We put up the Christmas tree this weekend and Zander's ornaments are on the tree with the boys'. He is with us...we know it, but selfishly, we wish here were here physically with us. Please keep Ethan, Raymond Powell and Dr. Swingle in your prayers. At last report all are doing well, but prayer is still needed for them. Dr. Swingle is back in Arkansas for another round of treatment and strength through the journey is needed for him. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and love during this time. We still need it. We know God is with us, but it is difficult to see at times. God led us here and he will lead us out in His way and on His time. Keep moving along boys. We love all three of you. Clancy

Sunday, November 23, 2008 in the Evening

Good evening all. Not a lot going on here tonight. Over the weekend, Houston, Jackson and I raked the leaves from the yard and it looks 200% better. We will have to do it again in the coming weeks since all the leaves are not off the trees, but it will make it a lot easier. The boys really worked hard at helping out. Jackson is asking for his two front teeth for Christmas as he has lost them both within the past 2 weeks. Christie is downstairs grading papers and the boys are in their rooms watching TV and playing on the computer. Not much really going on here tonight. We are all headed back to work and school in the morning. It is quiet and still difficult around here. They miss their brother and we miss him as well. We hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving and we prayer for traveling mercies for those that are traveling. Please keep Raymond, Ethan and us in your prayers. Thank you as always for your prayers, comments and encouraging words. Sleep well boys...you too Zander. We love all three of you. Mommy and Clancy

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Hello everyone. It has been a rainy dreary weekend here in Chattanooga. This past week, although productive, was difficult. Many times throughout the week, I caught myself looking for the Zman or hearing his soft purr or his air machine at night, but I have yet to find the source. We did get his room back in order and have made a few changes with the furniture, but in my mind, it will always be Zander's room. We hope that God is holding him close and giving him lots of kisses. Christie is returning to school in the morning and I am headed back in to work as well. Please keep Ethan, Raymond and our family in your prayers. We love and cherish each of you and hope that the week starts off well for everyone. We love you boys! Until next time, with Love, Clancy

Monday, November 10, 2008

Fall in Tennessee truly reveals God's spendor. It has and will always be my favorite time of the year. Our beloved son Zander was laid to rest this past Saturday surrounded by the cornucopia of colors that God reveals to us each year. He is surrounded by many trees upon a hillside that will always allow him to enjoy the outdoors, a place that he truly loved being during his short time with us. We will forever miss the sparkle in his eyes when we strolled with him daily, as he looked at the many shapes and colors that this time of year brings. The silence around here is deafening. I can only hear the purr of my son breathing and the images of last week will forever be etched in my mind's eye. The sufficiency of God's grace evidenced by the outpouring of love and generosity of everyone during this time is all that sustains us. I do not think that grief has set in for Christie nor I as of yet. I cannot adequately describe in words the familial and community love and support received by our family. All I can say is thank you and may God bless and keep each of you. Please keep Ethan and Raymond in your prayers. Pray also for strength for our family as we embark on yet another journey. We know that God is with us although it is difficult to see. Rest easy Houston...sleep tight Jackson...we love you both. Zander, we miss you and love you. Clancy