Photo of the week! Wahoo!

I recently started my photography class and I am having such a great time! Our first lesson was on composition and I was happy to get out of the house with Gabbie and take some pictures for my assignment. We went to the zoo one day, This is the Place Heritage Park on another and then to the SLC cemetery for the last part. One of my photos that you will see below was picked as photo of the week for my photography school! I am so excited and like a total geek, I think I am going to put it on my fridge like my mom did with my art work in elementary school.First assignment: Get in really close to your subject to increase the composition of the photo. Sometimes too much space away from your subject does not make a good picture. This is the BEFORE photo.

This is the AFTER photo of a pair of giraffes I took.
This is the photo of the week! I am thrilled! For this assignment we had to find lines leading to our image. I loved this picture's point of view. Below is the BEFORE shot before I found a great line leading to the subjects.
Assignment: Take a picture of an image from as many angles as you can. This is located at the SLC cemetery and is called, "The Christmas Box Angel". This is for anyone who has lost a child and it is extremely touching. This is the before photo and below is the AFTER photo.
HALLELUJAH!

Ode to Kelly

So many of my posts have been about my beloved friend and cousin, Clint, but I really need to write something about his amazing wife, Kelly. Kelly has been my favorite cousin for as long as I can remember. Growing up, she lived in California and I lived here in Utah. Every summer we'd get to see each other and I remember how excited I was when we reunited after a long year a part. She has always been someone I could be myself around and all my memories with her make me laugh and bring a smile to my face. When I was with Kelly I wished I could live close to her so that I would have a best friend by my side all the time. Imagine my delight when Kelly started dating my husbands best friend-CLINT! I was so excited that there would always be such a special connection between the four of us because of best friends and cousins. This past year, I have watched with awe and amazement as my sweet cousin stood by her husband as he courageously battled cancer and to me, she will always be a heroine and an inspiration in my life.

I am amazed by Kelly's strength, faith and love. Kelly is a warrior and is truly an elect and a choice daughter of our Heavenly Father. The Lord gives the strongest of His spirits some of the hardest trials and what has happened this past year and how she has handled everything speaks the truth of that fact. All of us have to go through afflictions in this life but Kelly's situation is one I don't think I could handle well. Never once during this past year has Kelly complained about being Clint's wife, care taker, bread winner, cheerleader, nurse, listening ear, accountant, maid, beautician and head of the household. She has had every reason to quit and fall apart but if anything, she has been strong and upbeat. I don't know how she has done it!

I believe with all my heart that Kelly is one of the biggest heroines I have ever met. She hasn't fallen apart, she fulfills many, many roles while still keeping her sanity, AND she has remained faithful. Kelly is incredible and she makes me want to be a better wife, friend, mother and daughter.

Kelly, I love you very, very much and I am amazed by your strength, faith and love. We are here for you and will help you and take good care of you and the girls. You will be blessed tremendously by the Lord and you are forever in our prayers.

I love you. Sistas forever!

Ready for a happy posting from me?

This will make some of you laugh. First of all, I have an obsession for all things related to the Muppets and Todd has an obsession for all things related to Star Wars. Imagine our delight when we were in Disneyland and we found this in a store by Space Mountain. We practially jumped with joy that finally some genius had combined the best of our two worlds into one work of art. Star Wars Muppets! Enough said...

Going back to private!

Hello All!
I am going to make my blog private again in a week. I opened up so family and friends could see what we were doing on our Disneyland trip with Clint. If you would like to continue reading our blog, please send me your email or contact me on facebook.

Thanks!

Link to Clint's Funeral Service

Click Here to link to an audio cast of Clint's Funeral Service.

Funeral for a friend

We said our farewells to our beloved friend on Friday, March 12th 2010. I have only been to a few funerals in my life but this was one of the best funerals I have ever attended. Despite the tragic circumstances, we felt an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness in Clint's behalf. The hardest part of this whole situation is the separation we are experiencing from Clint. We know he is better off where he is and he is happy but we still hurt tremendously and we miss our friend so very, very much.

The funeral started off with a family prayer and Clint's father, David Layton, offered one of the most beautiful, power, heart felt, and reverent prayers I have heard. After the prayer, we were all allowed to say one last goodbye to Clint's body. Having had cancer, I have to say, Clint looked pretty darn good. In his last days, he had a bump on his head from a shunt that was used to deliver medicine directly to his spinal cord and his skin was very shallow and you could tell he was very, very sick. I was surprised at how well he looked! The bump on his head was gone, the morticians had put some padding in his chest to make him look like he did before cancer invaded his body, and we could all see his freckles again. Those who wanted to, approached his coffin for a final farewell. When Todd and I decided to take a turn, Todd gave Clint a hug and kissed his face. I held Clint's hand and I told him that this was not goodbye but just "we will see you soon". I told him to come visit us from time to time and because we still want him a part of our lives and that we would take good care of Kelly, Callie, and Tessa. I told him I loved him and I can't wait for the day to see him again. After everyone had had a turn, it was then his sweet wife's turn to say goodbye. Okay....if you think having to see someone die is heartbreaking, just think what it would be like to watch a beloved sister, cousin, daughter and mother say her final goodbyes to her sweetheart. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. I feel for Kelly and I can't imagine the heartache she is dealing with right now. I pray that Clint and the Lord send Kelly and her girls strength and blessings.

After the family prayer and viewing, we were escorted into the chapel for the funeral service. Many of Clint's loved ones, including Todd, spoke of Clint and the memories, lessons learned, and influence he had on many lives. It was all very, very touching and I know Clint loved and appreciated every minute of the service. When the service was over, the pall bearers carried Clint's coffin to the hearse waiting outside where he was serenaded by a single bag pipe playing. We all followed the hearse to the Bountiful cemetary where Clint was laid to rest and the bag piper played, "Amazing Grace" and as he finished the song, he walked off into the distance. It was so beautiful and such an honorable and deserving funeral of someone who was so incredible in this life.

I know all is well with Clint but there is a tremendous void in our lives now that can't be filled. Sure, we know Clint is better off where he is, it was God's will, we know God lives and because of his Son, we WILL see Clint again but we miss his voice, his jokes and laughter, and his crazy dancing. I wonder how in the world people handle something like this without the hope of the atonement. If I couldn't see my loved ones after they passed away, I think I would be extremely depressed. This experience has made me all the more thankful for our Heavenly Father's plan and our Savior Jesus Christ. I hope to live my life worthily so I can see my beloved friend again. Until then, there is much work on this earth that needs to go forth and Todd and I have a new resolve to live better each day, love harder, fight less, understand the scriptures more, go to the temple more often and serve those around us. Clint was an incredible person and we know he is probably busy being an angel to those who suffered as he did or he is teaching those who did not have the Savior in their lives here on earth. We will go forth, with fond memories in our hearts and a never ending love for our brother, cousin, son, husband and friend and live our lives so that Clint would not be disappointed in us. Until then-We love you Clint and look forward to seeing you soon!

Clint Layton Obituary

CLINT LAYTON

Clint Edward Layton 1978 ~ 2010 On March 17, 2009 Clint was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Early Saturday morning, March 6, 2010, with his loving companion Kelly by his side, he returned to the presence of his Heavenly Father. Clint fought a courageous and strong battle against the cancer and remained spiritually strong and positive to the end. Born July 7, 1978 to David S. Layton and Kathy Layton. Clint grew up in Bountiful, Utah, graduating from Viewmont High School where he was active in football and soccer. He later returned to Viewmont to help his brother Casey coach the boys soccer team. He received a degree in Athletic Training from Weber State University after fulfilling an honorable mission to the Rapid City South Dakota Mission. He made many lasting friends among his brother missionaries. On December 29, 2001 he married the love of his life, Kelly Walton, in the Oakland California Temple. They have two beautiful girls, Callie Lizabeth (4) and Tessa Lee (1). His family was everything to him, and it showed in every aspect of his life. Clint had a magic about him that brought love and happiness to everyone he met. The miracle we were all praying for was realized by our family in that so many individuals lives have been touched by Clint's example of courage, faith and love. He has made us all better individuals. Clint is survived by his wife, Kelly; daughters, Callie and Tessa; parents, David and Kathy Layton; brothers, Chad (Wendee) and Casey (Torrie); President and Sister Charles Walton in the Porto Portugal Mission; Becky Hungerford (Ryan); Matt Walton (Danielle); Jon Walton; grandparents Ray and Ann Wood; nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; cousins; many life-long friends and "The Boys". The family wishes to thank the fourth floor staff at the Huntsman Cancer Center and the fifth floor BMT unit at the University of Utah, especially Dr. Paul Shami and Dr. Michael Boyer for their love and tender care. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Farmington Oakridge Stake Center, 1988 S. 350 E., Kaysville. Family and friends may call Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Online guest book and condolences at www.russonmortuary.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made at America First Credit Union to the "Clint Layton Charitable Foundation" for his two girls' college education.

Clint Edward Layton 1978-2010

Our dear friend, brother, son, husband and father died this morning from complications of cancer in his home in Farmington, Utah. We are very sad and empty but all of us feel an undeniable peace and happiness in Clint's behalf. We are so thankful to our merciful Heavenly Father for allowing us all the time with Clint in Disneyland for one very happy, memorable, last hurrah!

During our trip together, Clint was happy, laughing, and very able to get around without a lot of complaint. Being in the happiest place on earth, it was very easy for us to forget about the looming circumstance and just enjoy and celebrate Clint and life. We had all experienced some incredible feelings and had witnessed some incredible things on our trip and when we all arrived home, we all knew without a shadow of a doubt that Clint would live. What we didn't consider is that life is not exclusive to our sojourn here on earth. We believe we existed before we were born and our lives continue past the grave. Our feelings and faith that Clint would live still remain true because we know he lives! He is finally free from this debilitating disease and he will be present with us during the continuation of our missions here in this world. The next time we go to Disneyland together, Clint WILL be there and he will be laughing and having a great time with us.

Yesterday Todd and I received the grave news of Clint that he was having some serious complications with cancer. His frail, cancer stricken body was shutting down and his hospice caretakers had inserted an IV with a constant stream of pain killers so Clint would no longer hurt. The major downfall to this is that it literally put Clint in a coma and he was unresponsive. Todd and I immediately went up to Farmington to spend time with him and his family. When we arrived at his home, there was an incredible sense of reverence and peace. We climbed the stairs to his room and there lay our dear Clint in his bed. It was heartbreaking to see but even now, we both know that there was such a sense of sacredness for life and happiness. We spent the entire evening with Clint's body, his wife Kelly and many other loved ones. We were able to hold Clint's hand, tell him we loved him and thanked him for the opportunity to have been friends and to promise him that we would take good care of his wife and two beautiful daughters. We even spent time together as friends and family, reminiscing about Clint and laughing over our dear memories with him. It was so touching to watch as my husband, Kelly and cousins Matt and Jon, sat on the bed with Clint, stroked his arms and face and talked to him. I truly feel that is what Clint would have wanted us to do! It was very clear that Clint was with us in spirit and even though he could not speak to us, he heard all of us pour our hearts to him and honor him.

We all feel that we have seen many miracles come to pass. Clint did survive for a year and because of a merciful Heavenly Father, he continues to survive beyond the grave. We were able to go to Disneyland and enjoy Clint for just a little while longer and he was well enough to spend the time with us. What a wonderful gift and wonderful memories we both have given to Clint and he has given to us. We will forever remember our trip with happiness and laughter and I am so thankful that our dear God allowed that. I think ultimately the biggest miracle that has come of this experience is the incredible amount of love that was generated for Clint and for each other. This has reminded all of us that this life is about family, friends and loved ones and while we have them that we need to love and enjoy them. We need to love a little harder, fight a lot less, not judge as harshly, and create long lasting memories with those we love so dearly.

Clint is leaving behind an amazing legacy and we will make his memory live forever with his daughters and we will never forget him. We are not angry or upset, we truly, wholeheartedly feel peace and happiness for Clint and we KNOW this is God's will. We were given an incredible, merciful gift of being able to spend time with him in California and our God is merciful for taking him home as quickly as he has.

We love you Clint! We will never, ever forget you!

Blog how to...

For those of you new to the blogging world and who have wanted to view our trip to Disneyland with Clint and Kelly, in order to see all the posts about the trip scroll down to until you see a tab on the right of the page entitled, "blog archives". There you will be able to pick what dates you'd like to read. We were on our trip 2/26-3/2. Enjoy!

Day five pics are here!

We got to eat at a really fun place called Goofy's Kitchen. It's a breakfast buffet where all the Disney characters come around and visit the families. We were all laughing because some of the breakfast items included mac-n-cheese and hot dogs. Typical kid food!

When Minnie came to hug Gabbie, Gabbie instantly started sucking on her nose.

Our "chef" Goofy. He came over to Clint and started rubbing his little bald head.

Meeting the Maitre D'! ( I hope I got that right)

The Layton girls loved the food and Clint was acting like a model moving his head in different poses for all the cameras we had in our group.

Mickey waffles!

Todd and his new buddy Baloo from the Jungle Book. Todd has a fascination with bears-especially people dressed as bears in costume. He thinks its the funniest thing in the world.

The view outside of Clint and Kelly's room. If you look closely, you can see the Matterhorn and Space Mountain.

Another view outside their room. The Disneyland Resort had the coolest swimming pool complete with Captain Hooks pirate ship. While we were in California it was too cold to swim so we just took pictures.

The Layton fam in front of a mural just inside the hotel

The girls with Jasmine. Yes...va-va voom Jasmine! SHEESH!

Shaking hands with another Goofy. With this guy, Gabbie was pulling on his whiskers.

Striking a pose with Minnie

Miss Tess meets Miss Minnie Mouse

I think Gabbie may have remembered Minnie's shiny nose from breakfast

I don't know if this was Chip or Dale but whoever it was was giving Tessa kisses.

Callie and Chip or Dale giving each other high fives

Todd and another one of his new buddies

Two little mouses and me

Jeez...Todd seemed to be having the time of his life meeting all these new friends.

Tessa and her daddy playing with legos at the lego store at Downtown Disney

Friends forever!

Daddy and his baby in front of the mural of Cinderella's castle

Goodbye Disneyland! We will be back and Clint will be joining us!

The welcoming committee in SLC. That was a nice surprise! So many people love the Layton family.

Day Five pics under construction

Hey Folks-

Day five pics are coming but it's 11:00 pm and blogger is super slow and I am super tired. I will post pics from our last day tomorrow morning.

We are sad we had to leave and come home to cold Utah but we walked away with some incredible memories we will always hold dear to our hearts and we've experienced some amazing things and witnessed God's hand in bringing to pass the beginning of a miracle. The trip was filled with love and laughter and we return home with faith, hope and peace for Clint. We love him and his family so much and would do anything for them. This life is all about family and loved ones and we are thankful to have had this great opportunity to love and enjoy each other. Even though family and friends may get on our nerves sometimes, life is about learning to look past those things and love each other for who are all are despite minor faults and petty annoyances. We will have our families forever and we are thankful for our Heavenly Father that he created a plan for us to be together forever and we are thankful to him and his Son for their love and their mercy.

Disneyland truly is the happiest place on earth. The only downfall to our trip is that no other vacation will come close to what we've experienced this weekend. When we go back someday, we will hate having to wait in line instead of having the privilege of by passing everyone and going to the front and never again will we get special access to all the characters. DANG IT! :) Being there at the magic kingdom, we were able to have a great time despite the looming circumstance and Clint was our old Clint again. Everyday he seemed to get better and his spirits have lifted exceedingly. There is a magic to Disneyland no one will ever be able to beat and we look forward to going back with Clint and Kelly again. That's right...this trip will not be Clint's last. We know it with all our hearts!

Keep fighting Clint! You will get through this because of a loving, merciful Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. You will watch your daughters grow and we will return to Disneyland many more times in your life here on this earth. We love you so much!

Day four pics!

Every year Disney has a new theme. This year for 2010, the theme is Celebrate. On all of our Hopper Passes they each said something different about celebrating. I asked to see a couple of our passes and these are what some of them said:

Celebrate life
Celebrate friendship
Celebrate memories
Celebrate family
Celebrate imagination
The entire park is decked out in "celebration" apparel. Pretty fitting theme for the given circumstance isn't it?
We are hoping a trip to Disneyland is exactly what Clint needs to get through this!

Cousins forever!
The incredible staff at Disney had a couple of more special surprises for us today. We had the opportunity to meet one on one with two of our favorite princesses back stage. They were so cute and so sweet to all our little girls.


After visiting Cinderella and Snow White, we were whisked away to Toon Town to visit Mickey Mouse at his house.


Our dream maker, Bridget. She has been incredible and so kind to the Layton family. It's people like her that make the world a better place.
If you look closely, you can see Megan and Callie in the back seat. I have to say, Callie is the toughest little girl I know. After Toon Town, she wanted to go on Space Mountain, the Haunted House, and the Tower of Terror. She's only 4! :)

Gabbie was given a Belle baby doll from one of our Disney "dream workers".
Another dream worker Pat. She took us around to all the rides in Fantasy land and gave us an, "It's a Small World" trivia game. She had prizes for all the kids.
This one is for you mom! Yes we rode it in proxy for you and dad.
I loved Tessa's hat so much that I bought one for Gabbie. At least in Utah we will be able to use it for a few more months.
We love Disneyland and this trip will forever hold dear memories for us. We love you Clint! We will continually pray for you and for a miracle.