found some great digital scrapbooking deals over the last week or so... I've been collecting :) he're is a super quick layout {basically just had to stick in my photos, patterned paper background & journaling block & it was good to go}. this template was from katie over at designer digitals {btw... I think they're still have the entire store on sale}.
Okay, so I'd been seeing some of these ideas for a while & was itching to try them out. I created some simple toppers for each of the boys with their names on the back. We filled these cute bags {Target dollar rack 20 for $1} with kisses, smarties, m&m's & simply cut, folded & stapled the toppers to the top of the bags. For Lydia & her little friends we used the same bags, but tied some cute polka dot ribbon around the tops. We also made some cupcakes with pink frosting & red & white heart sprinkles {she loved putting on the sprinkles}. Another idea I had seen while looking at party idea blogs was how they were taking plain water bottles & making personalized labels. This was soooo easy. Again, simple artwork, print, cut & I used my hot glue gun to attach these labels. I also decided to attach them to the cutest little cans of Sprite. So yes, last night was a marathon of getting these things done, but the Collin & Evan had so much fun helping out. The best part... Evan told me that he was going to show everyone & tell them that his mom is a genius :) Love ya buddy.
Soon after school started this year, Collin came home beaming... he wanted to join the band. He knew almost immediately that he wanted to play the trumpet. Of course we had the same discussion we have any time he decides he wants to "try" something. We've had a few times in the past where he gets all fired up about doing something only to get his feelings hurt or just give up all together, so we're always holding back a little. Still wanting to encourage him to join in on things, I went to the band meeting with him & that night, he made his final decision on the trumpet & he started practice the following week. I tell you what... the kid is pretty darn good for the short amount of time he's been playing. He's more than happy to pull it out when we have people over & play for them. He even had a mini-concert for my family at Thanksgiving. This week is supposed to be the band's first concert together. I can't wait to hear them all together... if the yucky weather doesn't ruin the plan, that is. Great job Collin... we're proud of you :)
I can't complain, I think we've been pretty blessed {so far} keeping the yuckies away with all the people sick lately. Unfortunately, Collin has been the odd man out... almost 2 weeks ago, he tested positive for strep throat & was on antibiotic until this Wednesday. Yesterday he came home from school & complained of a scratchy throat & I told him he was probably getting a cold. Last night he was complaining again & so I got out the flashlight & sure enough, the red patches are back. So back we go to get him tested & get more meds. I'm envisioning a tonsillectomy in our future :(
ten? TEN? I may be in denial. yep. July 29, 1999 this kid came into our lives & we've never been the same! Being our first, I'm sure we've made our share of mistakes, been a little more over protective & maybe even expected more out of you, but I hope you'll forgive us for it all some day! You are a sweet, quiet, thoughtful, loving boy who gets his feelings hurt easily & has limited patience {I don't know anyone w/ these traits}. Oh & did I mention how cute... I mean handsome you are? I love every bit of you. You have changed so much over the last year & are really developing into your own person, but I hope we are always so close {even if it's not cool}. I remember those first 3 years when you were our 1 & only you were my constant companion. I loved every minute of it & I'm so glad to have all of those moments with you Collin. Then, you became a big brother & you have been a great one, first to Evan & now to Lydia. I'm always telling you stories about how when Evan was born, you were so eager for him to walk & be able to really play with you {now, most of the time, you just want him to go away!}. You are so great with Lydia & she loves her big brother Coll so much. You're a great kid, Collin. I know we get frustrated with each other sometimes, but with a little talking, it always seems to work out. Collin, happy birthday dude... love ya.
{pictures by Shagganman Photography}
oh & congrats to our friends Leanne, Dusty & big sister Kodi on baby Korbin who shares Collin's b-day today!
02.21.2010
