Darth Vader's Lightsabers

These are a couple of layouts from our Baking Memories 4 Kids Disney trip - and what an amazing

experience they capture! Caleb LOVES all things Star Wars and he had an fantastic time doing Jedi Training, after which we headed over to the Star Tours Ride. While we were waiting in line we saw Darth Vader posing for pictures and the boys went to get in that line, but we were  told that this photo op was for kids who were not able to do Jedi Training. Even though the boys were disappointed, they didn't say a word and kept going toward the entrance to the ride.

About two minutes later we heard someone calling, "Caleb! Caleb!" We turned to see a Disney employee looking for Caleb. We were shocked when we he said, "Darth Vader would like to meet you," Caleb took off following the employee. Darth and his stormtroopers were waiting for him and Darth handed Caleb his lightsaber! At first Caleb thought it was just to hold for the picture, but then Darth pointed to where he had autographed it and said Caleb could keep it. Caleb was ecstatic! 

Even three years later, that lightsaber still holds a special place in Caleb's heart. We don't take it out or pass it around too much, and Darth Vader's autograph is still legible. Caleb has already said that when he has a son (who will be named Luke), he will give him this special lightsaber.


Scrapbooking Tip:

I have many Star Wars stickers but no lightsaber stickers that were big enough or " just right" for these layouts.  I searched "lightsaber scrapbooking embellishments" and saw many versions of a paper pieced lightsaber. So I grabbed a pile of scraps, and through trial and error, and put together the hilt of the saber, using an enamel dot for the power button. I wanted the embellishments to be a focal point so I stretched the blade of the lightsaber across both pages.

To keep continuity between the two layouts I used the same lightsaber technique and the pattern paper. 

On an Unrelated Star Wars Note:

To write this blog entry I actually had to consult a Star Wars style guide! I didn't even know that it existed until I googled "Do you capitalize lightsaber?" You can find this invaluable resource on dailydot.com. The article title even made me smile, "Our 'Star Wars' style guide will help you avoid Wookie mistakes."

Spinraza Day

You may think it odd to see pictures of Caleb in the hospital on a layout with a celebratory feel, but this truly was an amazing day! When Caleb was diagnosed we were told, “No treatment, no cure,” but that is no longer true! On December 23, 2016, the FDA approved the very first SMA drug treatment, known as Spinraza. This drug goes into the spinal column through a lumbar puncture, and although he knew it was going to be an uncomfortable procedure, Caleb couldn’t wait to get the drug!

However, this was not an easy endeavor. Caleb went for his first dose which was scheduled at bedside. Caleb’s scoliosis complicated the procedure. After 90 minutes of attempting to get a needle to enter his spinal column with no success, the doctor sent the medicine back to the pharmacy, and we called it a day. I don’t think I have ever been as disappointed.

 Our next step was to wait for an appointment to do the spinal tap under fluoroscopy, which would mean that an x-ray would guide the needle. On our second attempt we all were holding our breath, but once the procedure got under way it only took 30 minutes before Caleb was being wheeled back to the recovery room! I got to go into the procedure room with him and when the doctor administered Spinraza I cried happy tears. I took that picture of him with a big smile to post on Facebook for everyone who had been praying and waiting for the good news.

I loved Caleb's smile right after his procedure! 

Since Caleb started getting Spinraza we’ve noticed many positive changes. His voice and breath control are stronger. His hands are stronger and he can do more with them before they fatigue. His handwriting is darker and he is able to move his legs a little more. We even took a video of him leaning forward in his wheel chair to pick something up and sit back up! So for all of these reasons, I wanted this page to capture the joy we were feeling as a family.

Scrapbooking Tip:

I used Simple Stories’ Let’s Party paper collection. I liked the bright colors and the banner and streamer stickers.

Once again, I love banner stickers! I overlapped them in the upper left corner. I placed them there because there was so much going on in the bottom right of the page. By having a small embellishment in the opposite corner, it helps balance the page. I added the top banner with dimensional adhesive to create the look of real banners. 

Honor Roll

In keeping with the back to school theme this week, I decided to show this layout I did of Alyssia making 3rd Quarter Honor Roll.

When I do certain photos such as Christmas, Birthdays, Back to School, I tend to do a whole bunch all together while all those themed supplies are out. It was no different with this layout. I actually got the idea from the "Making the Grade" sticker I saw when I was doing another layout. I thought of these pictures and knew I wanted to make up this page.

I'm never sure how to use the pennant stickers shown here, but after flipping through some Scrapbook Generation sketches, I got the idea to have them go to the right of the photos, in a stacked and overlapping fashion. I'm pleased with the way it turned out!

Photo Close Up:

There are two things that I want to point out about this photo. First, when I saw that you could clearly read the certificate Alyssia was so proudly holding, I realized that I really did not have to add any additional journaling. The certificate is self explanatory. 

Secondly, I realized that as a scrapbooker this was an epic fail as far as taking the photo. Alyssia and her friend posed against the wall, but it didn't even occur to me to have her move over a few inches to avoid getting the padlock in the shot! It's such a beautiful picture of Alyssia and that lock being there really bugs me. Now I know I could have photo shopped it, but at the rate I take pictures I don't spend too much time to cropping and editing - my goal is to just get my pictures ordered so I have them ready when I get time to scrap. And the weird thing is, the lock didn't start bothering me until I noticed it after the layout was done and I took a minute to look at the finished product. It was like my eye went right to it! But, now I know. I learned from my mistakes and hopefully you'll learn from me and not make that mistake at all. And it still doesn't take away from Alyssia's beautiful smile!

Donut Worry Be Happy Cards

Aren't these donut and coffee stamps adorable? And of course they go together so well! Once again they are from The Stamps of Life - my all time favorite stamping company - and I loved making thank you cards and gift card holders with the donuts2stamp, coffe4two, and coordinating dies.

I turned this card into a gift card holder. It's perfect for a coffee gift card as a quick thank you gift!

I also made this Step-Up card into a gift card holder, but my favorite element is the die cut donut with the Sprinkles! Glitter. It looks just like a sugared frosted donut.  

Bus Ride

Ah the obligatory photos of Zach's first day riding the bus! They are too cute not to scrapbook - especially with the little tag we had to clip on Zach saying what bus routes he took. I used a sketch from Scrapbook Generations as my starting point and then added things along the way.

Journaling Close Up:
I LOVED these pencil stickers included with the Simple Stories Smarty Pants collection! But I needed more space than one sticker would give me, so I added two! An added bonus is the points of the pencil point to the picture of Zach's bus.

"Sweet" Cards

I loved making these "sweet" cards. I was excited when The Stamps of Life started selling pattern paper to match their candy2share stamp set. The colors were so bright and vibrant, and I had fun mixing and matching. The simple sentiment "You Are So Sweet" also made these cards versatile. I kept some as blank notes and then turned some into birthday and thank you cards. 

These two flip-it cards were made using Sizzix Rectangle/Gift Card Flip-Its Card Set. I made them into gift card holders with a thank you sentiment on the inside. I've used them when I have given my children's teachers gift cards. I also like using this flip-it set just as a rectangle. I feel like I have more surface area to work with when I'm stamping or adding die cuts to these card fronts.

A simple ribbon scrap tied in a knot can really add a lot to a card, without any added time or effort.

Zach's First Day of Kindergarten

Here is a layout of Zach on his very first day of school! I went back to work teaching the same day and I deeply regret that I missed being there, but am so glad that Daddy was there and Zach has that memory.  The boys and I had spent the night before school at my mom's house. I had to leave for work before Dave would get home from working the night shift. So he got Zach ready and took all the photos. When I saw the picture he took as he was walking back to the car, my heart broke a little at Zachary’s face! My baby looked so sad, but then I reminded myself this was a normal rite of passage for every child and mommy.

I love making school related layouts! From a crafting perspective, there are so many cute school related papers and embellishments that are so much fun to use, but more importantly, I think school related photos and layouts show the kids how much importance I place on their education.

Scrapbooking Tips:

I love layering stickers! I used Doodlebug Back to School paper pack and used the stickers from that collection. I adhered the stars directly onto my photos, but put foam adhesive on the back of the apple sticker. In the bottom photo I added foam adhesive to only the milk sticker.

This is the photo that broke my heart!

 Photography Tip:
I love that Dave liked to take pictures of what might seem like insignificant things - but here he zoomed in on Zach's lunch box and I love it! Otherwise I would have forgotten he had a LEGO Chima lunch box and backpack. He went through a phase where he loved this cartoon and LEGO characters. I had to include it on this layout because just looking at the picture made me smile and that is a sure sign that the photo needs to be included!