My second grader's adventure's

At the beginning of the school year, I started this little mini album to show Cole's pictures from the first day of school, including his new shoes, backpack, etc. I made an album and then decided I didn't like it. It just sat in a bag with the supplies I had pulled together. In my recent overhaul of my guest/scrap room I found it and decided it was time to fix it and use it.

The original album was really small - not much inside. I ended up using some chipboard pages I cut using the AccuCut at Scrapbook Mania, some felt and acrylic pieces that came from a mixed media kit, an envelope and the hidden journaling were cut from the AccuCut from Scrap Etc. My favorite part is the cover and back and the added pieces to the binder ring. I used a C and T from Heidi Swapp Ghost letters (also found during the overhaul) and the 2 card (also found during the overhaul). I love that I can use several pictures from the entire school year and keep them all in one place. I'm subbing in his room next week and plan to take a group shot while I'm there!

So this is what I came up with:


The cover and back of the album are pieces of cardstock with alphabet letters glued on. Then I spray painted the entire thing. I just picked random letters - and arranged them in order, somewhat.


The first pages show the photos I took before we left for school. Took several shots to get a decent one - without him making a crazy face!!


Here's his lunch, along with a note from mom and dad, his new shoes and him walking up the side walk to school!


His second pair of new school shoes! The "starting out" side opens for some journaling I wrote to Cole.

Next starts his Christmas party at school:


Him and a friend playing air guitar!


More friends at the Christmas Party.


This is from the Boosterthon.


Cole did so good walking his laps!


Now this is from the recent trip to the McWane Center - Cole had such a blast!


More McWane!


and a little more McWane!


and a teeny bit more McWane along with a tag telling about the field trip!


These last few are blank to leave room for the end of the year stuff, a group shot and a picture of Cole with his teacher.



and the whole album:



I hope Cole will enjoy looking at it and remembering all the fun he had!

Sometimes, it's just too much, you know?

So, today I was on Facebook and scrolled down to see who's birthday was today, or tomorrow, so I could wish them a Happy Birthday. There were two and I opened each in a new window.

The first is a fellow cancer mom. Her son went through the same treatment Cole did but for a different brain tumor. His tumor came back with a short time of finishing treatment and sadly, there were no more options. Nothing they could do. We were in Memphis when they found out. I didn't know what to do or say. We all acted like nothing was wrong in front of Isaac. We just hung out and talked about anything but cancer. I remember going to tell them goodbye and getting a sweet hug for Isaac. He was so sweet and really really funny!! I remember one day in the medicine room (like an ER sort of - where kids go and get hooked up to their chemo, or medicine - things they don't have to spend the night for). He had one of those little laser light pens - you know you push the button and point it and the red light shows up. He was sitting across from Cole and his mom, me and Jason were all just talking - don't even remember what about. His mom starts laughing and we all realize he's pointing his laser light at my boobs - one at a time. He also had one of those little fart machines and would push the button anytime a nurse was around and everyone would crack up - well, usually not the nurse.

Anyway, went to the first birthday, which was Amy's - Isaac's mom, and typed out Happy Birthday and a message about having a wonderful day. Posted it. Scrolled down and saw messages that didn't make any sense. Everyone was saying they were thinking of her, especially today. I was beginning to wonder. I mean, thinking of her, sure - but shouldn't they be wishing her a happy birthday? Then I thought, surely her son didn't pass away on her birthday and I didn't realize and everyone is thinking of her today because it's the anniversary. No - that wasn't it. I kept scrolling down and saw messages about how she was so missed, it had been a year, how she touched their heart..........

I didn't understand what had happened. I kept looking, hoping for an answer. I found a like to a page titled "In Remembrance of.........." and I realize she was gone. The information stated she died of a broken heart. She died a year ago tomorrow. I just can't believe it.

Cancer sucks. No, she didn't have cancer but her heart was broken because of cancer. So many hearts that I know have been broken because of cancer.

Jason and I were just talking the other day about families dealing with cancer and how they make it, or don't make it - all the heartbreak. I told Jason that at times I feel like I got off too easy going through all we went through with Cole. There were so many times that another person may have completely fallen apart with the stress of the day - but I didn't. It's not because I'm super strong, or emotionally dead, or that I just know how to deal. God did it all - He held me up and carried the burden for me. I knew it then and I know it now. I just hate that there are some people in the world who don't have that feeling. My friend must not have felt like she could live here without her son. I can understand that. I can only imagine how heartbroken I would be in her shoes. I've tried very hard to not ever even think of that - think of the what if's that could have happened to Cole - so many times.

I'm just heartbroken over this and just wish I'd known - I know there's nothing I could have done - but still.........

Cancer really sucks.

Happy 5 Years Cancer Free

Today is the day!! Cole has been cancer free for five years today. First, sorry the last post was so long and so similar to the post last year on the same day. I should have checked that first and tried to find something else to say!!

Cole had a decent time in the hospital before his surgery - I mean, he was hooked up to all kinds of stuff, but people were coming to see him and bringing him treats!! He loved that. I think he just began to expect that each person that came in to visit would have a toy for him!! He spent most of this time in the bed playing or watching movies. But we spent lots of time in the floor of our teeny tiny PICU room putting together puzzles. I bet we did 30 puzzles in those days in the hospital. It almost became a test to see how many puzzles we could find that he could put together. You know, those little puzzles that are around $3 and have 25 pieces. We had them all!! Seriously!!!

Surgery went fine. They completely removed the tumor. We had some issues to deal with - nerve damage - but hey - he was okay! The cause of all those problems was gone. This was just the beginning of his journey though. I think I was pretty naive to think that the surgery was the hard part. There was so much more that was difficult. But that's another story for another day!

Anyway - five years cancer free is amazing. We are so thankful for that. God truly carried us all through this journey. There's no doubt in my mind about that.

It's been a crafty day.

I've been playing in my studio today. FINALLY using some of the new product I have. I finished up three layout I'd started a while back. I did a few more layouts - two, actually. I made some cards that you can't see yet. And earlier this week I made a cupcake!! Well, two cupcakes, but one is not very cute. And they aren't edible, sadly!!

This picture is totally staged - but ONLY because I couldn't get a picture the very first time he did this. Cole has played with rolling down the windows before but has never stuck his hand out of the window. I was following him and Jason home one night, after meeting for dinner. I saw Cole's little hand poke out the back window, but my camera was in the back of the van - so I missed capturing it. But, I did smile all the way home - it was so cute. So one day last week, on the way home from after school care, I stopped on our street and jumped out and took a picture before he rolled the window back up!!

Did this one at a crop at the store a while back. This was Cole just taking a little break at the zoo in Memphis. He had to have this particular type of Capri Sun because the Naked Bros. Band were on the box.

This cute little couple below may just be the future Mr. and Mrs. Cole Tanner. This is Maggie, my friend Michelle's daughter. Her and Cole were so so silly, I just had to snap a few pictures. I didn't get a single one that's normal - instead I got a bunch of silly faces. But they are SO cute, it doesn't really matter!!

Did this one today - just love the picture of me and Cole - I don't get too many, since I'm usually taking the pictures. Used a little U2 for inspiration on the title.

Finally got the first day of school taken care of - and used a fun little Piggy Tales Barn Door.

This was inspired by Virginia - she did a layout a while back that prompted me to do this one - just about what Cole may be later in life.

That's all from me today. Jason's taking a break from homework so we can watch last weeks House.

later,
lisa

The lizard has left the building

Jason came home Tuesday night (early from school) and removed the lizard. YEAH!! I really gave him a hard time about the whole lizard thing - but I was REALLY freaked out. (Sorry honey!)

Anyway, I've been busy lately but haven't really accomplished anything major. Finished up some Halloween trading cards for a swap at Scrap Etc. but I'm thinking I want to start another set just for fun. I had planned on doing one thing, did another instead, but still want to use the original idea - so everyone may get a bonus card!! :) I also made a cupcake out of paper - cute but a little bigger than I wanted it to be, so I want to play with that and adjust the size a bit. I've got some ideas in my head for some mini albums about Cole. He really is a quirky little kid. I mean, he's the best - adorable - funny - entertaining. But I'm wondering about all these little sily things he does - things he says all the time - when will they stop? When will he outgrow those little habits he has? I don't want to miss them, forget them. So I've started looking back through pictures looking for evidence of these things. I can't find many - so that means I've probably managed to tell him to stop whatever it is his doing at that moment so I can get a decent photo. Now I'm after taking the photos of him doing these things. So - now I think I'll go ahead and work on an album and just add pictures when I capture them. This may be something he'll outgrow before I can finish the book - so I should get moving huh? Kids just grow up so fast - how do you keep every little special moment in your memories? Scrapbook them, I guess.

I've been thinking about Christmas, too. Presents. Gift ideas that I can make. Cards. Santa. Good Grief - there aren't enough does between now and Christmas. I'm researching digital cameras for kids - but not find an inexpensive/decent camera that's good for kids I may have to scratch that idea. I do think it would be cool for Santa to bring Cole a camera, but we'll see.

I was subbing yesterday and sometimes when I'm there I get to see little peeks of Cole through out the day. At recess, marching down the hall, little things like that. That's always fun. He's beginning to blend in a bit more - he's not really the smallest kid in class. I mean, there may not be anyone shorter than him, but at least it appears that he's the same height as some other kids. I love that he doesn't stand out as much anymore. Blending in isn't always a bad thing - not at this age. I want him to just be a normal kid - just do those normal things, ya know? He did get a hair cut yesterday and it's a good bit shorter but it makes him look older. You can see a little more than an inch of his scar and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I don't want it to show, but can we hide it forever? No, not really.

Oh well!

Happy October - I love that fall is in the air. It's cooler outside and the leaves are beginning to turn. WOW, I love this time of year.

lisa

There is a lizard in my kitchen, among other things.........

I know, I know - it's just a lizard. It's more afraid of me than I am of it. I'm bigger, it's smaller. WHATEVER!!! I still don't want it in my kitchen. Its just sitting there - behind the sink. First it was green, then it moved and now it's brown. I considered sucking it up with the dust buster, but the dust buster is so loud that I'm sure it will scare the lizard and the lizard will run straight toward me.

I know I have issues.

I've lived gecko/lizard free since May of 2007. Why oh why is their a lizard in my house now????

On to other things - maybe, if I can possible concentrate on anything other than the D%^# lizard.

We had a super busy but fun weekend. Friday night we did dinner with my parents and Cole went home with them. So we decided to go see a movie. I really wanted to see Fireproof, but it started at 6 something and we were eating then. So we picked Eagle Eye - very good movie. SO good!!!

Then Saturday I spent the day at Scrap Etc. FUN TIMES were had by all. They got loads of new stuff in last week - I mean loads. Basic Grey and My Minds Eye being the favorites for me. Prima came in too and those flowers are yummy yummy as well. So I shopped a little off and on, helped by ringing some people up who had also picked out loads of MME and BG and Prima. Then I hosted a Happy Hour for Creative Cafe (it was a cute little blooming lollipop) and taught my VERY FIRST CLASS. I think it went well. I tried not to ramble on too much or give bad directions. We finished in plenty of time too - so that was a good sign. It's hard to calculate how much time you need to put something together. I even had kits left over to leave at the store and sell - so if you want one - let me know!! Then I did another Happy Hour - but no one participated, so we'll save that one for another day. I'm working on another blog. One that will show all the fun Creative Cafe stuff we're doing at Scrap Etc. I really really love all this stuff and the fun little projects and how cool it is that you can just run in and make something fun for next to nothing and in no time at all. I hope that the blog will help get people excited about it. It's not finished yet - you know I have to cute it all up. I want to take some pictures too - so I'll need to do that tomorrow maybe. Although, it wouldn't hurt my feelings at all today - sneak out of the lizard house and to the scrap book store. Hmmmm................

Ok, back to the weekend. Saturday night we went and watched the ALABAMA game with friends. Can I just say ROLL TIDE? Oh my gosh - we were amazed. All this talk now about how awesome the team is and National Champion stuff - WOW - we've been waiting for a good year for so long. And it's so easy to wrapped up in the hype and think "YEAH, we're doing it!!!" But on any given Saturday - everything could change. One bad loss could just ruin everything. Well, not really - but you know what I mean.

Sunday we headed to Alabama Adventure for the last day. It was hotter than we thought it would be and pretty busy. We got hungry once we smelled all the food and thought we'd get some chicken and fries. They were out of ketchup. Chicken and fries just aren't the same without ketchup. We let Cole lead the way and tell us what he wanted to ride. He is the boss, after all. So he rode the same old things he always rides, with the exception of the Scrambler - which was ok with me. It was gone actually - nothing there in it's place at all. That was a little strange. Anyway, a good time was had by all and I got some cute pictures that I'm going to use in a mini album about our Alabama Adventure Summer!!

Last week we also went to the fair in Pelham. It was nice. It was small though. Cole rode several things and fed the goats and did the pony ride. I'm really missed the Greater Gulf State Fair though. WOW - the fair in Mobile is loads bigger. I hope we get back to that here one day. Mobile always had great concerts on the weekends, too.

This week I have some scrapping planned - I'm uploading photos to Walmart.com right now. I'm going to work on cleaning out my studio too - it's a mess right now. So much to do - so little time without lizards!!

Alright - I'm going to check on the d#$% lizard again and see if he's moved (why are they always he's???) and then see if I can find anything to eat that doesn't require anything that's near the d#$% lizard!!

lisa

Little Scrappy Time Today!

Hosted a little Happy Hour today for Creative Cafe at Scrap Etc. Three people made my cute little dress tag!! So yeah - that was exciting. I hope they'll all three come back and do another Happy Hour with me. We've planned some really cute ones in the next few weeks. Just wait until the Halloween stuff!! Oh my goodness!! Cute Cute!!

I had to take Cole with me to the store - which I hated to do, but he was SO SO good. He behaved very well. Didn't make any trouble and barely any noise. I stayed longer than I planned, too - and he still hung in there with me - chilling!!

I worked on some upcoming Happy Hours and I tried to work on a cute little Halloween mini!! I love it. I've never done a paper bag album and just that Halloween and fall would be the right time to use one. So I made it at the store the other day. We had a little lunch fest one day and I did the majority of this album. Then today, I got another idea about binding it together and ended up taking the ENTIRE thing apart - but managed to salvage all of it except the bags - so I reconstructed the whole thing on more bags but sewed the bags together - which worked so much better. It's really cute. I took pictures but haven't uploaded them - so I'll do that tomorrow probably. I took pictures from every Halloween and put them all together. Cole loved going through it at the store and telling Linh and the gang what each costume was and what it reminded him of. He's crazy like that!! :)

I'm hoping to make a similar paper bag album for one of the Creative Cafe Happy Hours in October!! I wanted to do a whole class with it - because you can really put a lot in there and make it so cute. But rumor has it someone is planning a Halloween class already - I can't wait to see what it is. I've gotten more into Halloween lately - the last four years maybe - each year - it's just a little more and a little more - more decorations and crafty things!!

I actually spent a good amount of the day yesterday making decorations for the house - all Halloween!! I can't wait to get the displayed and pictures taken - then you'll get to see them. And I made THE cutest thing in the entire world for Mandy. Then, I saw her at the store, but didn't know I would see her, so I didn't have it with me. OH it's so cute. I can't wait to make one for me and mail her's to her - MONDAY - I'll do it Monday. It's just so cute!!!

Ok - Jason's home and we are headed to my cousin's to watch the rest of the Alabama game - I hate when they are pay per view - not fair!! We paid for it last weekend and watched it here with friends - but this weekend, we knew Jason wouldn't get home in time for the whole thing - so we're off to watch it there instead!!

Later
oh, and ROLL TIDE!!!
lisa

so, what have you been up to today?

Me? just playing in my studio!!

First I made this:



Used a Jenni Bowlin bingo card. some Walmart ribbon, some Making Memories paper and button (from last years release), sticker letters and that little bit of green with white dots is packaging from a set of MM stamps. Oh, and a Heidi Swap book plate and bling, too.



And will someone who know Jenni Bowlin tell her that I absolutely LOVE her bingo cards - the new ones (like the one above and the tiny ones) are just so fun. BUT how cute would it have been if there was a 31 on this one particular card? Adorable!! But since 13 is unlucky and this was a Halloween thing - it worked. BUT 31 - would have been better. Anyway.............

Then I made this:



Used a piece of Basic Grey paper here - it's from their new lines that I hope will be arriving at Scrap Etc. soon!! And tons of buttons - Making Memories buttons from last year (obviously I didn't much with them last year since I have so many), used my scallop punch on some Jenni Bowlin paper and more of that MM packaging. Oh, and a few Creative Cafe buttons and Thickers - which a love!! And the cute ribbon was in my second Scripts Kit.



And these guys are watching Toy Story 2, disc 2 - which has all the behind the scenes stuff.





oh - Cole is watching, too! He's in control of the remote. I really think Cole only has a few options as far as his career choices when he grows up. One - he can be a DJ - just because he know all these little tidbits of information and can introduce the songs just right - he does this all the time................1, 2, 3 - hit it - he's even figured out the timing so he doesn't talk over the music. His second choice could be a tour guide somewhere - anywhere that interests him. McDonald's would be a good one, or DisneyWorld, of course. He'd probably love to guide people around Toys R Us honestly. And thirdly - hmm, maybe a narrator for Pixar films. It's so funny how he can watch something and memorize the words, the tone and the humor behind it. Not just the words - but exactly how to deliver it!!! It's so funny. He also remembers slogans from commercials too - like Walmart's - Save Money. Live Better. He'll point out things in the grocery store - like Resolve Carpet Cleaner - and give me the slogan. He is quite entertaining!!


Basically - he's a nut!!

Well, I'm going to empty the dishwasher. We decided to try the evening service at Church - so we'll be getting ready for that soon. We're starting a new series that is supposed to be wonderful. It's called At The Movies - and - they are serving popcorn tonight at church!!! Crazy fun, huh?? :)

lisa

30 things - photos around the house

Michelle - this one's for you!! :)

this is really dark - but the table was clean, so that's something you may not see again!

My cool retro metal signs. Each sign says "lets all go to the lobby and get a...." soda pop, hot dog or popcorn. My favorite Kitchen Aid appliance is hidden under my favorite RED Kitchen Aid Appliance cover.The Alabama Corner of the room - a very nice platter featuring Denny Chimes, two cool wine glasses and a dip bowl too - oh and see those cute popcorn things? They are Yankee Candle - a tart warmer and votive holder - LOVE THEM!

This is a plexiglass wall hanging I made - the picture slides out from behind and can be replaced. This picture was of me and Cole on the way to his school's pirate party!

The dining room - we actually all sat at the table last night and tonight to eat together. That doesn't happen often enough!

Jason's chess set. We found these pieces unfinished about 9 years ago. We painted them and made the board ourselves. It could use a fresh coat of paint and better squares, but it's pretty cool. Jason and his brother played with it when they were here a few weeks ago.

a close up of the pieces

Saturday late afternoon activity - the BEST book and some ice cream!
This is in my sitting room (where I was enjoying that book pictured above). I have my nice fancy glasses. my granny's desert bowls, my granny's everyday drinking glasses, and some bowls from my nanny - all tucked inside my friend Michelle's china cabinet. The view from the top of the stairs - the front entry way.
Cole's closet door and growth chart.
We hung Lightning McQueen from the ceiling.
My guest room - those are the flowers and ribbon from my wedding bouquet, our ring boxes and some bubbles from the reception!
My corner of the bedroom.

Photos on the dresser.
Our monogram over the bed.
My crosses.
Curtains that I've used in three places we've lived now - they match everywhere!
Cole's bathroom - yes, that Sally is a wall sticker that can be reused.
Lightning McQueen rug in the bathroom.
My giant clock in the living room, with some cool plaques from Hobby Lobby.
layouts i did this weekend
Cole in the living room tent we built Sunday
Blue and Magenta in the tent
Cole being silly in the floor - after we took the tent down.
Another shot of the kitchen.

ok - that's 27 photos - and since there's only one more day in April, will you forgive me for not doing 30??

lisa

ok -so i couldn't stand letting anyone down and came back to add three more things!!

Cole - crazy hat day at school today.

A cute banner I hung up on the fireplace - made from Jenni Bowlin's class at the event.

At any given time in our home - you will see this - a collection of things that Cole places where ever he likes - but usually all in a row. cars, backyardigan toys, nick jr toys, mickey mouse clubhouse characters - you name it - here they are, in a row!!

shew - now i feel better - 30 things!!