Lukey Bear's First Year

It's been a while since I've shared a project I'm made.  Sorry for the absence. This diabetes thing mixed with a busy toddler doesn't allow much creative time.  Even still, I have been able to make a few things recently.  Today, I'd like to share a baby album I made for my cousin's baby shower.  Her nursery is camo/bear theme.  This album is not your traditional baby blue and I'm so excited with how it turned out.  Even her manly man dad, who is not impressed with what I do for a living, TRIED to pretend he was bored with it, but I guarantee he LOVED it and will love it even more when it has pics of his little man grandson. And don't worry, I didn't forget about Grandma...she got a matching mini album for her purse.

I hate to tell you, but this project is created pretty much with retired products. Even still, it's all about the idea.  I've done this same idea in a multitude of different ways...from this 3 ring binder to a 6x6 album and several other mini albums in between.  So even though you can't get this specific album, we have several ones you can get and still do this idea.

The idea is simple. You have a cover page with the baby's name, birthdate, and other information like weight, height, etc and a place for his/her day one picture. Then you have a place for one picture that is taken on the same day every month for a year.  So if the baby is born on the 20th...every month on the 20th, you take a picture to put in the album.  It's that simple. A very easy album for mom to maintain....and almost just as easy to make when the page design is repeated just changing the background paper.  If you get a kit pack of paper where every paper coordinates in color and design, this is a no brainer project. I love our My Reflection kits for this very reason and not only does all that paper perfectly coordinate, but each kit also has coordinating accessories.

So enough talk...Time for pictures....

I added Flip Flap pages where Mom can add extra pics or notes of memories of "firsts".  To make your Flip Flaps into pages, take a 2 inch wide strip of paper by the length of the Flip Flap which is 4 1/4 inches. Fold in half so it's now 1 inch wide (hotdog). Take the adhesive strip off the Flip Flap and adhere to paper strip.  You will need to use your tombow adhesive to adhere the other side of the paper to the Flip Flap.  Be sure to leave the opening of the Flip Flap exposed so Mom can put things in.  Punch 3 holes where the binder rings go and stick the finished page in the album.

Here's Grandma's album.  It's a 3x3 mini album using the same papers as Mom's album.

The hardest part of this album is the cover....and it's not that hard seeing as how there's not much room for too much embellishing.  The inside is super duper easy.  I just cut 3x3 squares of Background & Texture paper for the base pages.  I put a 2x2 piece of neutral paper that is framed in a coordinating 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 cardstock to hold the place for future pictures and dropped them in each sleeve. Easy peasy and oh so adorable!!!!

So this week is my birthday and I have a gift for YOU!!!!

Click image for details

Studio J 6x6 Album Workshop

 

I have gotten a lot of requests for a Studio J workshop. Thanks to my talented friend, Christine Adams, I finally have a great one!  This 6x6 album is made with 2 two-page Studio J layouts, our My Creations 6x6 Memory Showcase Album and some fun embellishments. 

The best part is...yours doesn't have to look exactly like mine!  You can completely customize this album to you and your family.  Come and let me show you how to use our NEW custom photo tool!
 

DATE: June 11th
TIME: 7:00pm

Registration Deadline:
June 5th

Supply Fee: $5
 plus the cost of printing photo layouts (to be paid to Studio J)

Optional embellishment purchase will vary.

 Basic Knowledge of Studio J is helpful.  Click here to play for FREE. ...and be sure to contact me if you would like some one on one help.

Bring your own laptop (no ipads). I will have a couple of computers available if needed.

Cover

Page 1-2

Page 3-4

Back Cover

Back pages

Open spread of Back Cover, Back Pages, and Front Cover

Open Spread of inside pages 1-4

Dream Pop Workshop

Time is running out before this paper pack is gone!

In honor of National Scrapbooking Month, you can get the yummy Dream Pop paper packet for only $10 when you spend $35 in May (valued at $19.95 retail)! This exclusive paper packet includes 12 cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T^® papers that were specifically designed for this promotion only—you can’t get these sweet colors and patterns anywhere else! Start National Scrapbooking Month off right with a unique paper packet at a bargain price and get your creative juices flowing! Also, consider hosting this month: Hostesses receive one paper packet free with qualifying May Gathering sales totals of $400 or more.

*Shipping/handling and tax apply. Not available for purchase at full retail. Offer valid May 1–31, 2013, while supplies last. Qualifying purchases must be current, retail-priced product.

DREAM POP WORKSHOP

This cheerful, limited-time only paper packet deserves a workshop all its own! Create 2 layouts, 3 cards, and a set of 6 decorated treat tubes all using the dream Pop paper packet and the May Stamp of the Month set, Pinwheel.

The cards and treat tubes are perfect for

year-round gifting. The layouts have been modified to include photo mats for each photo so you will leave the workshop with a project that looks finished and complete, even if your photos haven't been added yet. So, what are you waiting for?

If you are local to me and want to attend a workshop, I will provide all the tools and other supplies to make these projects.  You provide the paper and your choice of embellishments.  (see below for suggestions list) I will contact you the first week of June to set up a good day/time for you.

If you are out of my area (or if you would like to do these projects on your own), I will still give you the workshop guide for FREE.  I have the list of suggested supplies below that you will need to complete the projects.   

Click here to see my personal twist on one of the layouts you can make at the workshop.  Click here to see other projects my friends have make using Dream Pop papers.

Here are the workshop projects:

May Stamp of the Month: Pinwheel

For the workshop, I am listing suggested embellishments. Just so you know, I have used everything.  However, you can pick and choose what you want for your projects.

Helpful tip and reminder:  You do need $35 to qualify for the Dream Pop paper pack.  AND DON'T FORGET to add on a little something extra to make your order $50 so you can get the Pinwheel Stamp Of The Month for only $5!  You will need that!

Suggested Embellishments: 

Z1799  Silver Shimmer Trim $4.95

Z1844  Color-Ready Trinkets Wooden Shapes $6.95
Z1825  Keyboard Kraft Alphabet $4.95
Z1807  Pink Glitter Gems $3.95
Z1777  Color-Ready Canvas Alphabet $6.95
Z1817  Slate Polka-Dot Washi Tape $4.95
Z1701  Baker’s Twine Neutral Assortment $4.95
Z1752  Sparkles Clear Assortment $2.95

Other Tools and Supplies (if you are doing the projects on your own):

Z2162  Honey Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25

Z2193  Cotton Candy Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25
Z2195  Lagoon Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25
Z2190  Gypsy Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25
Z2116  Cranberry Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25
Z2191  Sunset Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25
Z2118  Desert Sand Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25
Z2173  Slate Exclusive Inks® Pad $5.25

Z534    Micro-Tip Scissors $9.95

Z1294  Sanding Kit $3.50
Z1790  Cricut® Artiste Collection $99.00

Other things you may want:

1385    White Daisy Cardstock $14.50

Z1823  My Creations™ Clear Treat Tubes $5.95

 

Diabetes Blog Week: Share the Love

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Prompt: As another Diabetes Blog Week draws to a close, let’s reflect on some of the great bloggers we’ve found this week. Give some love to three blog posts you’ve read and loved during Diabetes Blog Week, and tell us why they’re worth reading. Or share three blogs you’ve found this week that are new to you.

I have to say...Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this participating this week.  So many of you educated me and inspired me.  Here are just of few of my highlights (not in any particular order):

1. http://diabetesdad.org/2013/05/16/blog-week-entry-4-in-death-she-taught-us-our-greatest-accomplishment/

Diabetes Dad got me thinking.  Wise advice!!!! Right now, Sadie is too young to manage any part of her care and I worry that with her down syndrome, how much she will be able to do.  However,  this story motivates me to make extra sure I give her ownership of her disease as much as I possibly can. Even now, I let her pick which finger to prick.  I don't think she picks one yet, but offers me her hand.  That's a start. And if it turns out, that she will never be able to calculate her own carbs, I want to make sure everyone in her world knows how and we have many contingent plans for her.

2.  http://girlglycosylated.blogspot.com

I'm putting this one mainly because the author of this blog has become a new friend and represents all the personal connections I felt with many of you.  Everyday, we seem to discover something else we have in common.  I was nervous participating this week.  I am so glad I did.  I felt welcome by so many of you and feel that I have found many new friends and that I belong.  It didn't matter that I was new to this world.  So I just want to say thanks to all....and especially to you girl glycosylated.

3.  http://www.typeonederful.com/2013/05/diabetes-blog-week-day-3-memories.htm

This one was very sobering for me a reminded me how fast things can go scary bad.  I take extra care now to make sure the diaper bag (which has been switched to a larger bag) is packed with all the essentials and more...just in case.  Even when I think I'm prepared, I check again.  And even if it's a quick out and back, you never know.  In my 2 months, there have been two times already when I forgot something and it turned out to be very needed.  

This post is also one that has prompted me to be more aggressive in my search for an alert dog for Sadie.  So if someday, she wanders off as kids can do, she will have a guardian and protector with her.  It's all about keeping her safe and alive.

4.   http://www.ourlifewithd.com/2013/05/it-feels-like-dream.html

My aha moment came in a comment on this post...  

God doesn’t give us what we can handle.  He helps us handle what we’ve been given.

Love that!

++++++++++++++++++++

There were SOOOOOOO many posts and comments that touched my heart this week and so many people I feel connected to.   I feel that these 4 links don't really do justice to summing up my experience.  

Thanks for letting me see into your world. Thanks for letting me see hope and joy...that anything and everything is possible and T1D won't stop that.  Thanks for letting me cry with you and laugh with you. Thank you for teaching me.  Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone in this journey.  And thank you for listening and letting me show off my sweet Sadie....she is my world.

I hope that these blogs stay posted for a while cause I haven't read all that I want and hope to continue exploring over the coming weeks.  Thanks Bitter Sweet for organizing this!!!

See you next year...or keep watching my blog...I might actually become a real blogger and post about my thoughts, feelings, and life once in a while.  Crazy, right?  :D

Diabetes Blog Week: Art

This is the day I've looked forward to most.  Blogging my thoughts and feelings has never been my forte.  However, I can totally blog pics of my art!  It's what I do. I'm a scrapbooker, card maker, and all around paper crafter.  I have chosen to scrapbook our sweets diagnosis story.  Knowing she will be looking at this layout someday, I didn't want to make it all depressing and sad...as that day truly was.  Instead, I told the story how it was, but chose fun colors and images so she wouldn't have to relive that sadness....because after all, we've moved on.

The title is "FIND SWEETNESS IN EVERYTHING".

I decided to do a pinwheel theme. What does that have to do with her dx story??? Hang in there with me...the journaling reads:

"Pinwheels are a duality of fragility and strength. They stand tall and firm, yet their greatest beauty comes in the moments when they face the most powerful forces. The amount of opposition they can take is amazing but even more amazing is how they thrive.  The pinwheel is a powerful reminder that no matter how small and fragile we appear, we can withstand the mighty forces set to destroy us and in that moment is when we gain the most strength and show the true beauty and power within."

Get it? Deep, huh.  I surprise myself sometimes.

Here's the full layout:

Close up of each page:

A pocket with hidden journaling and photos.

 

 

One side tells our pinwheel story:

The other side has more photos:

A few other details:

Diabetes Blog Week: Freaky Friday

Prompt: Just like in the movie, today we’re doing a swap. If you could switch chronic diseases, which one would you choose to deal with instead of diabetes? And while we’re considering other chronic conditions, do you think your participation in the DOC has affected how you treat friends and acquaintances with other medical conditions?

If I could switch Diabetes with another chronic disease, which disease would I choose?  I wouldn’t.  What???  That’s right!  Allow me to explain…

Since my sweets came into my life, we have spent a lot of time in hospitals, doctors’ offices, therapy groups, education classes, etc. and we’ve been around a lot of sick kids with various special needs.  Every time I meet one of these kids, I think to myself, “I’m sure glad I haven’t been asked to deal with that!” 

Maybe it’s because I’m still new to the T1D world and haven’t swam in the deep end.  Maybe it’s because we’ve been through a lot already.  I’m just not sitting on the edge of my chair like Horshack in “Welcome Back Carter”…”Oh. Oh. Oh. I want that instead!!!  Me. Me. Me.”  (Did I just show my age?)

I choose to be grateful for the challenges I’ve been blessed with. I’m grateful for the personal growth and empathy I’ve gained for others.  I’m grateful for medical advances that will allow my sweets to be and do anything she wants.  I’m especially grateful that we control this disease and it will not control us. 

We almost lost her in the beginning but we didn’t.  We have our baby.  She’s happy and a good sport about offering her fingers up for pricking.  I’ve met too many parents that don’t have that.  We met parents in the NICU who had to make funeral arrangements for their little ones.  Therefore, I will NEVER complain!!! I will be grateful for every minute I have with my sweets.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to give her shots considering the alternative.  I will never wish there was something else instead for us.  I will gladly take diabetes over anything else…cause face it, they all SUCK! Many other diseases don’t have the focus, funding, or hope for a cure.  Many don’t have management…just pain and suffering.  At least diabetes has a voice that’s being heard…at least that’s what I see.

I choose to stick with what I’ve been given.  I choose T1D. 

Diabetes Blog Week: Accomplishments Big and Small

Prompt: We don’t always realize it, but each one of us had come a long way since diabetes first came into our life. It doesn’t matter if it’s been 5 weeks, 5 years or 50 years, you’ve done something outstanding diabetes-wise. So today let’s share the greatest accomplishment you've made in terms of dealing with your (or your loved one’s) diabetes. No accomplishment is too big or too small - think about self-acceptance, something you’ve mastered (pump / exercise / diet / etc.), making a tough care decision (finding a new endo or support group / choosing to use or not use a technology / etc.).

This one is a no brainer for me. NEEDLES!!!  Those darn needles give me the heebie-jeebies.  They always have.  I was that girl in 9^th grade biology who had to leave the room and visit the nurse on the day when we pricked our fingers for the blood typing lesson.  The very mention of needles pissed me off and made me cry.  My family knew how to push my buttons and loved torturing me about it.  I’m not sure how I made it through five pregnancies and child birth. That’s still a mystery.  But even when my kids got their immunizations, I would have to look away and think of something else….or make daddy do it. It’s bad. I’m seriously needle phobic!!!!

So when I learned that my sweets had diabetes and I would have to give her shots, I don’t know if you can imagine my terror.  This disease is my nemesis!!!  I was crying long before the first prick.  I wonder if they make you go through sleep deprivation in the hospital so by the time you have to give that first shot, you are so exhausted, grouchy and devoid of feeling that you just don’t care.  That helped! 

I’m proud to say that I’ve found my big girl panties and I wear them most everyday.  I can now give a shot without making an “ugly face”.  Of course I’ve had to invent ways to strap sweets down so she can’t move a muscle…cause I’m still not that good at it, but I’m doing it.   And the finger pricks…cake!!!  Yeah me!!!!

Diabetes Blog Week- Memories

Prompt: Today we’re going to share our most memorable diabetes day. You can take this anywhere.... your or your loved one's diagnosis, a bad low, a bad high, a big success, any day that you’d like to share.

That would have to be the day my sweets was diagnosed.  I recently posted about that day on my blog...so instead of reposting it here, allow me to link you to it.  You can handle clicking one more time, right?  I promise it will be worth it.   READY????...Click here to have your heart stolen.

But before I lose you...check out this sweet face...approximately two weeks before Dx...glad we have this memory...cause it won't be repeated...I'm not sure I ever want to bolus for it:

Diabetes Blog Week: We, the Undersigned

Prompt:

Recently various petitions have been circulating the Diabetes Online Community, so today let’s pretend to write our own. Tell us who you would write the petition to – a person, an organization, even an object (animate or inanimate) - get creative!! What are you trying to change and what have you experienced that makes you want this change? 

(UPDATED OPINION JUST ADDED TO THE END...a petition I can really get passionate about.)

Can I pass on this topic? I don’t know that I’ve had any experience with diabetes to make me overly passionate about changing anything.  Overall, other than the disease itself, I've been pretty pleased with the support we've received from the medical professionals, supply company, and other d-peers.  I just feel so new to diabetes that I don't have much knowledge about the bigger picture and things that should be changed.  I'm sure there are things that should change and I will fight the fight when I discover them.  But in the meantime...if I could start a petition about something...

Maybe I could start a petition that if you have more than a handful of coupons/ad matches you are required to use the coupon/ad match line at Walmart.  It’s there for a reason.  Don’t get me started…Just sayin’.

Or join me in demanding the post office keep their priority box display stocked for those of us who like to come in after hours. 

How about a petition to require all stressed out moms an uninterrupted hot bath with candles and smelly things for as long as they want at least once a week.

Even better...let's start some petition to cap the price of gas.  Who agrees with me on that one?  That's what I thought! Oh yeah!

It’s the simple things.  

But at least I'm not jumping on board with the whole Disney Princess nonsense...(as I keep my opinion of that to myself in an effort not to alienate my readers. It's a hot topic for sure!)

I know...not what you were hoping.  Tomorrow's post will be better. I figure if I can't write something intelligent, then maybe I can amuse a few of you.  :)

UPDATE!  Since I posted this late last night, there has been a discussion on the FB group I participate in that brought up an issue I could really get behind... Turns out that Disney has taken "Diabetes" off their approved medical list to get a line pass for the rides.  They've associated it with Grandpa's diabetes that you just take a pill for and the problem is solved.  I don't go to Disneyland on a regular basis, but I hope to take my sweets someday.  While diabetes in all forms is yucky and horrid, Type 1 IS different from Type 2.  Standing in lines, heat, poor food choices and more make managing the disease very difficult and could potentially be life threatening...my sweets has other conditions that would be just cause to get a pass, but I do see the need just in the T1D.  My petition is to educate Disney and get this back on the list and at the very least, don't lump my child's needs with grandpa who will probably be sitting on a bench in the shade anyways.  NO disrespect intended to grandpa...or anyone who suffers from type 2!!!  I just think that of all the medical issues my sweets has and can be approved for a pass, T1D is at the top of that list in being my biggest hurdle and concern and may prevent me from visiting your park all together if I don't feel it's safe for her.  Just asking for a little help and understanding.

It's Diabetes Blog Week! Share and Don't Share

So here’s the thing…it’s Diabetes blog week.  Each day, we’ve been given a topic to discuss and share our thoughts on the various topics.  You’re right…my blog isn’t about diabetes.   And do I really have the right to blog about it?  After all, we’ve only lived in this world since March.  Do I have anything relevant to say or share? I’m not sure I do.  I read other blogs and participate on a T1D Facebook page and find myself lost in the dialog.  What can I say that hasn’t been said?  I don’t claim to be a great writer or poet or even a deep thinker.  I’m none of that.  Just a mom who does what she has to do to help her baby live and thrive….and prays everyday that I’m doing the right thing.

So why have a chosen to participate?  I’m still asking myself that.  I guess it’s might be because I want to become more comfortable with blogging about my world.  To post anything besides a crafting project and it’s supply list with a few notes about how to complete the project terrifies me.  What’s rolling around the inside of my head isn’t always pretty and most the time very snarky and sassy.  Still, I feel it’s time for some personal growth. (Can’t lie…I’m looking forward to Saturday’s post…that’s right up my alley and back in my comfort zone!...stay tuned)

Yet, I sit here day after day…consumed with my baby and her needs…feeling somewhat disconnected from the world…wondering when the next bomb will be dropped on my sweet child…. feeling that maybe I do have something to say and something other people need to hear.  Just maybe.

I admit that my experience is very limited but that it’s also very unique.  You see, my sweets is blessed with an extra love chromosome….aka Downs Syndrome.  She has already dealt with several health issues from the moment she was born…diabetes is just another challenge she has been asked to face.  She is also very young to have diabetes…not unheard of…but it’s not that common for a child under 2 to be diagnosed with diabetes.  She was only 13 months old…Not walking…Barely crawling…Not verbal…And so very small.

I also worry that I don’t have much to say because she is honeymooning and her insulin dose is so minuscule that it’s almost normal…not the new normal…just normal….almost.  We give her one itty bitty shot in the morning and then just check her throughout the day….just to track.  We deal with lows and virtually ignore the highs because they really aren’t that high and can usually be explained…so we just wait for it to drop….and check to make sure it does.  I know someday…and it will be sooner than I would like…that will change, but for now, I’m breathing.

So that’s where I stand and that’s where my comments and thoughts come from.  And for someone who feels they have nothing to say, this post is already too long.  Thanks for hanging in there with me.  So…with that said…I shall proceed to the topic of the day…

Prompt: 

Often our health care team only sees us for about 15 minutes several times a year, and they might not have a sense of what our lives are really like. Today, let’s pretend our medical team is reading our blogs. What do you wish they could see about your and/or your loved one's daily life with diabetes? On the other hand, what do you hope they don't see?

We finally had our first appointment (since leaving the hospital) with our endocrinologist a couple of weeks ago.  I feel it went well and we had a lot of our questions and concerns answered.  I am excited that the doc is on board with putting her on a pump as soon as it’s doable.  But what about a CGM?  I’d kinda like one of those...or a diabetic alert dog...either way.

I would like the doctor to know that when they download her meter, I’m not sure they really know what they are looking at. 

Is that high at bedtime because she had some ice cream before bed or is it just high because she isn’t on enough insulin? 

Is the high in the morning because I gave he a bottle when she woke up at 3am and it’s now peaking 4-5 hours later, or is her honeymoon ending?

Is her low because she isn’t eating enough or is her dose too high?

Did I check her bg too soon after she had something to eat? Or did I wait too long?

I don’t know they understand the challenge of feeding a one year old who already has oral/eating issues.  I would like them to know about that.  She isn’t eating like other kids her age and we see a therapist twice a month for that.  So how can I put her on an eating schedule when she’s only eaten 4.5 carbs (2 oz of formula) for breakfast and it’s not snack time and she wants to eat now? Or maybe she is so hungry and won’t stop eating.  Or maybe she won’t eat at all. And try telling a baby that she can’t have a bottle because it doesn’t fit the schedule.  Yes…on the water or crystal light…but at the risk that she won’t be hungry when it is time for her to eat…assuming she will even drink the water/crystal light which hasn’t happened yet.

So obviously, carb correcting is virtually impossible, as she doesn’t eat enough carbs to even count.  

I’d also like the staff to know that I sure would love it if they said their name (speaking to the nurses) when I call in…so I know who I’m talking to.  Your center is huge and you have a large staff.  It sure would be nice if I knew who I’m talking to.  Maybe I talked to you a few days ago and don’t need to repeat our situation.  Maybe we are just meeting and I need to explain more so you know how to help me.  Maybe I wouldn’t feel so alone. Maybe by just saying your name, I will feel I have a friend who knows me and my baby and you know what I need to hear and what I need to do.  Your name would be nice.

My Creations 6x6 Canvas Workshop

The expo was awesome!  I got to meet lots of great people and look forward to serving thier crafting needs.  For those of you not able to attend, I wanted to share my April workshop with ya'll.  I filled 3 classes and will be scheduling more so LMK if you are interested in this class and I will get you scheduled. 

Cost: $15

(includes TWO My Creations 6x6 Canvas)

You provide the digital images and I provide the rest.  

Don't worry...I have boy colors and stamps, you don't have to have hollyhock and sunset flowers.  We will match the embellishing to your pics and your home decor.   You can also do family pics, couple pics, wedding, whatever!  Great gift for mother's day!!!

It's a FIRST!

Guess what I'm doing this weekend????  My FIRST Expo!  I've got a booth at the Utah Valley Women's Expo this weekend! If you'd like to come (for free), I've posted the ticket image at the end for you to download and print as many times as needed.  I'm so excited and nervous.  I already know what's going to be my favorite part. That's right...Make-n-Take!  I've planned a few projects that I will be doing throughout the event.  Check it out:

Loving this purse! All the pieces were cut using the Cricut Art Philosophy. 

It's all about bling.

A fun treat tube for Dad's day!

I "mustache" you to come to the expo and stop at my booth to make this project.

When the candy is gone, you can see the "secret" message on the tag.

The tag blocks the candy dispenser. Clever!  Thanks to Lisa Stenz for sharing her amazing design.

I can't resist a cute flower cluster.

If you'd like to come to the expo. Download this image and print it off as many times as you need.  Hope to see you there!!!