I'm With Miller

In 3 days it will be 365 days since you became an angel. The most beautiful angel heaven has ever seen! I know I have learned so much from you in these 365 days. It's been hard. It's been painful. But I know it's His plan. I'm so proud of you Miller. You continue to live on in the hearts of those who love you! Like miss Kate said you have called home this year. I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten a message from you and how I love it so much. For those of you who don't know Miller's story you might need a Kleenex. It is a story of love. of faith. and of hope. Miller McNeil Woodruff was born on March 28, 2011 to Patrick and Meredith Woodruff. The first two weeks of Miller's life was perfect as they were adjusting to a new family of four with Miller and his older brother Cole. Towards the end of April Miller went to the doctor because his parents were concerned with Millers lack of movement or his "floppiness". It was then that they heard the news that no parents should ever hear. There baby boy was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1. Miller would most likely not live to see his first birthday. Miller fought for 87 days before earning his angel wings on June 23, 2011. But Miller's story didn't end there. Miller's parents created the Miller McNeil Woodruff foundation in memory of Miller to raise money and awareness for SMA. Miller there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I know you are with me everyday and I'm so thankful for you. I love you sweet boy! Please join me in praying for the woodruff family this Saturday. Miller and his family are doing amazing things and I am so proud to be with miller. If you would like to learn more about Miller you can go the foundation website at: www.imwithmiller.com Or visit their family blog at www.colecrews.blogspot.com

SMA didn't take her smile away.

yesterday little avery took her last breath and wen to be with Jesus.

have i said before how much i hate sma?! because i hate it. a lot.

but avery's work is not done. like miller, her parents have committed to keeping her name and legacy alive. i promise i will not stop fighting until we find a cure for sma. miller and avery have put a face to this horrific, horrific disease. 

avery,

you have touched thousands of hearts and you did that without saying a word.

we will never ever forget you or your lessons.

call home avery, please send your parents signs.

let them know that you are with them everyday.

we love you avery! 

i had just sent in a letter to the Ellen Show to get avery on her show. 

sma is so mean.

please keep avery and her parents in your thoughts and prayers. let's not forget avery and miller and the lessons they taught us.

Dancin' Away with My Heart

have y'all heard the song Dancin' Away With My Heart by Lady A??

it is the best. song. ever. it so relates to my life right now! i think we all will have that one person that will always be 18, and beautiful, and dancin' away with our hearts.

you guys.... there's only 29 days until my graduation! can you believe it?! for some reason the 20's seem so much closer than anything else.

holy. moly.

i chose my dorm room today... maple hill south 221 hollaaaa! (did i really just say holla?!....oh gosh)

anyways sorry for the lack of posts lately... school is kind of kicking my booty! 

hope you have a wonderful week :)! 

xo 

Avery's Bucket List

this is avery. 

avery is 5 months old but she is on a mission. avery wants to complete her bucket list. 

it is a long list.

avery and her mama and dad.

she needs your help. 

avery doesn't have long to complete her bucket list. she has SMA. she, like miller mcneil (here's his blog), will not be able to live a long life. however, also like miller, avery's parents are making sure that avery's life is full.

sma is the number one genetic killer in children under the age of two. 

We need to find a cure for sma.

avery's bucket list has items that she can complete herself, and items that she needs help.

if you can help her please go to her blog at http://averycan.blogspot.com/.

avery,

you go sweet girl! you are on a mission and i am so glad that i am here to witness it. you, little lady are going to change the world.i am so inspired by you and your family. keep on going! 

xo.

claire

39!!!

oopsies....sorry for the lack of posts lately!

two words. senior exhibtion.

it's our last assignment before we graduate..which is in 39 days (hence the title;)) 

i present my project on may 1. so until then posts will probably be scarce...but after that I'M FREE!!

just a quick catch up:

i had a wonderful easter with my family in east prairie..there is something about east prairie. while i'm there i feel like i can just relax and enjoy family. east prairie is my happy place.

miller's bday was AMAZING! he had a bday party in fayetteville which raised over $2,000.00!!!!!! can you believe it? i am so proud of my sweet miller boy! 

it's almost koy and kadyn's 3rd birthday! kadyn is my little angel who has cystic fibrosis. she is such a little diva/fighter/princess/sassyface/cutest girl ever. i am so lucky to know her! (i'll introduce her soon)

i think that's about it! sorry for the lack of pictures/interesting stories. i'll be back to normal soon;)

have a great week!!! 

xo. 

happy birthday precious angel

miller,

today is your first birthday. 

if you were here you'd have a cake, and be loved on by your mommy and daddy.

if you never had sma you might be walking.

if you were here you'd open presents, and giggle, and know that you're loved.

but if you were here, i might not know you.

one year ago today you entered this world bright-eyed and beautiful.

when you took your first breath i didn't realize that my life was about to change because of one little angel.

i miss you more and more everyday.

but i also love you more and more everyday.

i will love you always and forever.

i could not be more proud of you, your mama, your dad, and cole crews.

when someone asks me about you, i have this overwhelming feeling of gratefulness.

i'm grateful that you changed my life, that you are in my heart for good:)! 

i'm so thankful that i can tell your story. that i'm a part of your story. 

i wish you were here more than anything. 

but i can only imagine what kind of party you are having with the angels.

enjoy your first birthday, little man.

keep calling home, keep sending signs. let us know you're still with us.

i love you, miller mcneil. 

all the way to heaven and back again. 

9 Months In Heaven

**if you're stopping by from confessional friday i promise all of my posts aren't this deep but i just can't resist talking about my sweet miller mcneil:)! if you want to learn more information about miller you can read this post by clicking here!

thanks for reading and happy friday y'all! 

today marks 9 months since Miller McNeil has been in heaven.
I recently received a note from someone and it said, "I got to meet Miller and cherished my times with him, whenever I left i felt better than before. it's as if you met him too, and held him in your heart."

that could not be more true. baby miller will be held in my heart until i get to meet him face to face in heaven!
miller has made such a tremendous difference in my life.
as i sit here typing this i glanced at my I'm With Miller bracelet that i wear everyday.

i'm always with miller.

miller's always with me. 

i love you more and more everyday Minner MACNeil! 

here's a poem that was written about miller:

God sent an Angel to the earth,

the sweetest Angel too

And for such a tiny little thing,

he had so much to do

He knew he did not have

much time upon this earth to stay

So he did not waste a second,

he got started right away

His eyes were bright and sparkly,

he took in every turn

He did not miss a single thing,

because Miller came to learn

God sent him here to touch the

hearts of those he could not reach

He taught them courage, strength and faith,

because Miller came to teach

His tiny little body

was so full of God above

You felt it when you held him,

because Miller came to love

In under three short months

he did what most never will

And then went home to Jesus,

because his purpose was fulfilled

And when I miss him oh so much,

I can almost hear him say,

"Please understand, my work was done,

I did not come to stay"

Lord,

i ask you, i beg you to keep miller safe in your arms until he can meet his family. lord i ask that you continue to shower meredith patrick and cole with your love. please, lord show them the plan that i know you have, i believe you have. lord please just continue to lead me, lord thank you for giving us this wonderful gift that miller was. i will forever be grateful, lord. please lord bless miller's new brother or sister that's on the way. i ask that meredith has an easy pregnancy and your will be done. lord thank you for leading me to miller. 

i ask these things in your name,

amen. 

hello spring break!!

i'm so sorry for my absence....

but.

I'm on spring break!!!!

i'm in sunny florida with my friends and family enjoying a week of fun, food, laughter and sun.

i promise i'll be back soon!!

xo.

claire

today we celebrate

today is Ginny's funeral. 

today we will celebrate the amazing life that she had.

she touched so many people through her caring way, huge heart, and comforting soul.

please pray for my juju that she has strength for today.

pray for comfort for Grammy Ginny's family.

please thank God for giving us Ginny.

to make our days brighter and our lives better.

we love you grammy ginny. 

forever and ever.

heavy heart.

tonight i have a heavy heart. a thankful heart and a lucky heart.

when i was 4 years old i met this girl, Julie. She was my new nanny. i never knew how pivotal that one moment in the mall when my nana asked julie if she babysat truly was.

julie is the most selfless person i know. she babysat for me for 10 years and always had at least one more job besides ours. 

julie has the biggest heart, she loves unconditionally, she trusts everyone, and she forgives.

ever since i was 4 i have been accepted into the Ross family, i went to family dinners, went to lunches, and just hung out with all of her family.

julie's grandma ginny was one of the nicest, funniest, sassiest people i have ever met.

julie's relationship with grandma ginny was one that i will always be jealous of.

today, grandma ginny earned her angel wings. she now is in heaven and i can only hope that Miller is showing her around and they are both enjoying the beauty of heaven.

please keep my juju in your prayers. the bond that we have i can't describe but is one that i will cherish forever.

i love you, juju. 

happy sunday y'all!

i know i'm going to arkansas next year but come on, the tigers last night?! wow they are awesome!!!

this weekend was so good. 

my family and i had fun shopping, eating, and watching tiger basketball! 

i also came home with these babies. i am in. love. 

this weekend is the last weekend before spring break so i'm just hoping i make it until friday! then it's 7 days on the beach just me and my virgin strawberry daiquiri :)

this week i'm also going to try to up my fitness routine and eat very very well until saturday. it's just 6 days, i can do it, right?! 

How was your weekend? Any big plans for spring break? Hope y'all have a wonderful week! 

xo. 

Confessional Friday!!

tgif!

i haven't been very good at blogging this week, i'll get better i promise! 

confessions confessions confessions...

1. i'm confessing that the weather today really bummed me out..it was gross and cold and sleeting ew.

2. i confess that i'm stressing about what to major in next year, i know i don't need to decide now, but it's stressing me out.

3. i confess that i'm excited to spend the weekend with my family, i am not taking it for granted because i know i'll be leaving soon.

4. i'm so sad for this family, Amy and Nathan Hill. They recently lost their baby boy very unexpectedly it is so so sad. please pray for them. you can find their blog here. 

i hope you all have a wonderful weekend! please let me know if you stopped by from Miss Leslie's link up!

Thankful!

this weekend i went down to fayetteville and i stayed with sweet Miller's family! 

(If you don't remember miller you can read his post here)

on friday night we went out to dinner with miss meredith and cole! mr patrick had to work that night.

saturday i met my future roommate! it made me so excited for next year!

on saturday night, my friend, Laney, and I took Cole Crews to Chucky Cheese and then to TCBY for some icecream! 

this weekend was just what i needed. we had so much fun, laughed a lot, and you can feel the love that this family has for each other. 

this boy LOVES his sprinkles:)!

we passed these crosses in Rogers, AR on our way to Chucky Cheese. Cole was in the back and yelled out "I see Minner MacNeil in the sky" it was the sweetest thing i've ever heard. he loves his little miller so very much.

my date for the night:)

when we got back home Cole asked to go outside to look at the moon. when we were out there he said "goodnight Minner MacNeil, I love you. so much." 

it took everything i had not to cry right then and there.

it is SO heartwarming to hear him talk about Miller all weekend long. now every night when i see the moon, i'll think of "Minner MacNeil." 

miller was very much a part of my weekend. in fact, if it wasn't for him i never would have met the woodruffs. so thank you, miller. he has blessed me so much, i'll forever be grateful.

i cannot explain how thankful i am to have mr patrick and miss meredith in arkansas so i can have people that live close to me! them along with the carters, and some of my other friends who are in fayetteville makes me so excited for next year! 


it's all because of miller! 

love you miller mcneil. 

think thin.

i have decided that i'm going to get thin. that might sound silly but i'm dead serious. 

i'm sick of being self-concious

i want to go to arkansas next year and feel confident.

i've been on pinterest. and i have a diet folder. here are a few of my favorite motivational images from pinterest.

join me on my road to the new me. 

bittersweet.

today was the last time i'll ever put on my greenwood uniform.

last time gary will ever tape my shin splints.

last time i'll ever beg for more pre wrap for my hair.

today was the last time i stepped out onto the court with my best friends.

the last time i go over as a team captain for basketball.

the last time i get my name announced as a starter.

today was the last time i'll ever get called for a foul. shoot a free throw. get my shot blocked.

the last time i run out of the locker room. get those pre-game butterflies.

the last time i eat a pregame meal.

today was bittersweet.

i truly, truly never thought this day would come.

i can't believe i'll never play basketball again.

that's the bitter.

but it's also sweet.

i'm so lucky to have had basketball for the past 12 years. it has made me who i am as a person.

basketball teaches such great life lessons. my coach was completely right when he told us that at the beginning of my freshman year.

it's sweet because i have made lifelong friendships through this sport. 

these girls and i have seen each other at our angriest, weakest, most upset moments but we still love each other.

a different kind of love.

this is our team.

our team.

basketball was who i was in highschool. and i am so lucky that i have had the opportunity to play.

i love my coaches.

i love my team.

i love this sport.

bittersweet.

Confessional Friday!!

Hey!! So, today I'm linking up with Leslie over at A Blonde Ambition with the confessional friday! time to confess your dirty secrets!

1. i graduate in 83 days. not that i'm counting or anything.

2. i'm so excited to try out this new asian restaurant today! i'll let ya know what i think.

3. i'm so bummed that i'm going to miss out on this little shindig :( 

is that not the most precious picture?! 

4. i'm so excited to go down to fayetteville in 1 week!! hellloooo vacation:)! 

hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!! 

Springtime!

so.

today it was 65 degrees. well, in my opinion anything over 60 warrants this: 

yes. i wore nike shorts today, but it's fine. it's really fine.

in other news this is my last week of basketball (cue the awwwwww's)

i cannot even began to believe that my time with basketball is almost over.

in other, not quite so sad news....are any of you obsessed with pinterest?! i literally have my life planned out. i have boards created for everything. and i mean everrryyything.. from fashion to food to dieting to my future home everything i need or want is on this amazing site.

so. 

since it was spring today i thought i'd show a few of my favorite spring-time items from pinterest. 

does this not make you want to go outside?! ahhh. springtime.

i love. love. love this dress. since this spring will also be graduation time i'm thinking that this little number would be perfect for a party!

TOMS are my summertime staple. i wish i had them with me right now so i could show you how worn out they are. i wear them all. the. time. toms just remind me of summer and spring and happiness ah. c

can you tell i'm sick of winter?! the sad thing is we've had such a mild winter and i still want spring.

i can't even begin to explain the joy i will have from being able to wear jean shorts of any kind!

until it becomes springtime i guess i'll have to settle for the occasional nike shorts. while i continue to countdown the days until spring.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

today i'm loving so many things!

1. i'm loving the weather!! it is over 60 degrees here in good ol' springfield, i cannot WAIT for springtime! favorite season of the year!

2. i'm loving tory burch!! and so hoping that i get this for graduation:)!

3. i'm still loving my tv shows, desperate housewives, grey's, and teen mom 2. i know they maybe aren't the most informative shows but i look forward to them every week. 

4. i'm loving that it's almost friday!! wahooo!!

5. i'm loving miss kadyn..i'll introduce her soon she is honestly an angel

6. and of course i'm loving miller mcneil:) just seeing his precious face makes my day!

happy wednesday!

86 Days.

86 days.

that's it. 99.9999% of the time i cannot wait to get out of here. honestly. i'm going to miss the people so much! but the schoolwork? no! absolutely not. the petty drama? no way jose. 

i cannot believe that after 13 years. yes, 13 years! i only have 86 days left.

my class has gone through so much during our 13 years here at good ol' gwood! i can honestly say that my classmates are like my family.

we fight like brothers and sisters, we would never date each other (minus jackie and aaron;) but we all know that we have each others back.

in 86 days it will by my day! the start of something totally new and frightening and overwhelming. i'm sure as it gets closer i'll get more and more sad to let go, but right now i cannot wait to graduate.

it's something i've looked forward to for so long and i can't even being to believe that it's less than 100 days away.

so so so weird/exciting/happy/sad/scary/overwhelming/new! 

i don't even know how to explain it. this is such the definition of bittersweet. SO bitter and sad about leaving what i've known for the past 18 years but so SO sweet:)!! 

this week is my last week of basketball. ever. never again will i walk into the greenwood gym for practice. never again will i hear coach say "get on the baseline" or "verify that". i know it will start to hit me this week but i just can't imagine not playing basketball. once again a bittersweet emotion because after basketball i'm that much closer to graduation but it's so so sad:(!