LOAD212 - Day 23 - Out West

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 23 was - Road Trip






Journaling Reads:
In June of 1977, my parents loaded me (4 ½), my brother, Jeremy (almost 5), and my sister, Shawn (almost 7), along with my grandma Calloway (my dad’s mom) into a yellow, four door pick up truck (with a camper on the back and no air conditioning) to embark upon a month long marathon journey out west to visit relatives and see the sights of the western United States. We toured 14 states in less than 30 days! The camper had a bed that went over the cab of the truck and I distinctly remember sleeping there, hot as Hades, as we rolled along the highway. I asked my mom to help me tell the story of where we went, who we visited, and what we saw. This is her memory:

I had to get out the map of the US to answer the questions about the states we went through: We took I-94 west through Illinois into South Dakota, stopped at Mount Rushmore. Also saw the Badlands of South Dakota. We drove on into Wyoming to see Yellowstone National Park. Then on west to Idaho to visit Aunt Betty and Uncle Glenn. They had a big ranch with cattle and horses. Went to Bryce Canyon in Zion National Park before or after visiting Aunt Betty. Then went to Washington state to visit Uncle Fred and Aunt Mary. Went to Mount Rainier to climb up into the snow covered mountain. From there we drove back through Idaho into Utah then Arizona to see the Grand Canyon. We drove south from there to visit Uncle Elmer and his wife. The house was on an Indian Reservation and was super hot and dry. Drove through New Mexico to Carlsbad Caverns. (Not sure we stopped, but I thought we planned to do so.) Then went to Houston, Texas to visit Aunt Erma and Uncle Walt. From there we went north to Dallas to visit my brother Billy and his wife Ginger and family. Went east to Arkansas to visit Uncle Jimmie and Uncle LD and their families. Went to Tennessee to visit with Uncle Joe and Aunt Gail. From there we over to visit my Dad and Grandma Ruth and see the Smokies. We drove home through Kentucky and Ohio into Michigan where you all got out...and I think Shawn kissed the ground.

Shawn might have been the first to kiss the driveway when we returned home, but I recall my brother and I enthusiastically following suit. Not being drinkers, I honestly don’t know how my parents survived this trip without alcohol. The fact that we kids came back alive is proof positive that prayer works. I imagine my mom prayed for strength daily. I might not remember the specifics of this road trip, but I remember the feelings I had while on this trip and they are forever etched onto my heart. Journaling Feb 2012

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. My husband just told me how ANNOYING it is that I'm ALWAYS on the computer


2. The yellow fabric sticker border down the left side of the page mimics mountains, but this was not planned.


3. I used Picasa to create the collage and add the text to each photo


4. I searched for HOURS for a photo that I KNOW exists of us with my grandma at Mt. Ranier, but couldn't find it.


5. This trip was the MOTHER of all vacations in my childhood memories.


6. I experimented with the ribbon treatment along the right hand side and I really like the result.

LOAD212 - Day 22 - Christmas Baby

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 22 was - Holidays

And I'm back to following the prompt! Photos of me at less than two weeks old.

Journaling Reads:
I was born twelve days before Christmas. So, I know full well what it’s like to get birthday presents wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper, and I know what it’s like to get one birthday present for “both” my birthday and Christmas, and I know what it’s like to celebrate my birthday out with friends at our Christmas gathering. And I’m not complaining, because, at least I get presents, and at least I have friends who will raise a glass in my honor. But, when I had my daughter, Jordyn, five days before Christmas, I vowed not to clump her birthday together with Christmas. I vowed to keep her birthday separate from the holiday. I vowed to keep her birthday special. Even though she, too, is a Christmas Baby.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Yeah, I think the only thing worse than scrapping with a hangover (Sunday) and scrapping while sick (Tuesday) is scrapping after a loooooooong day of PTO drama.


2. This is my very first Christmas. In a Santa hat, no less!!


3. Title and journaling printed on white cardstock.


4. Used a couple of Christmas stickers and sticker numbers.


5. Slapped on a ribbon down the side.


6. Easy Peasy

LOAD212 - Day 21 - Super Power

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 21 was - My Hometown

Went off prompt again. I think I'm "over" (for the moment, anyway) scrapping about me. So, here's another one of my Owen.

Journaling Reads: Owen, your brain never ceases to amaze me. At dinner the other night, I asked you, "If you could have one super power, what would it be?" With out hesitation, your response was, "To be able to think of a super power and just have it." Dad and I just looked at each other and agreed that was the best answer ever! Age 7, February 2012


Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Given my sickness today, I'm shocked, SHOCKED, I tell you, that I got this done today.



2. I'm not sure which is more difficult, scrapping whilst hungover (Sunday) or scrapping whilst super sick (Today). Neither is easy.



3. Whenever I just want to "gitterdone" I hand journal and bust out an 8.5x11



4. EIGHT more days, and eight more layouts, until I've accomplished my goal of creating a layout a day. I didn't think I'd last this long, to be honest.
   

LOAD212 - Day 20 - fluorescent

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 20 was - Fashion Plate

Journaling Reads - December 1984 I'm not sure if it was influenced by Cyndi Lauper or Boy George but I went through a fluorescent phase in the mid 80's. So glad it was a short phase.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Another Becky Higgins journaling card (this makes scrapping life SO easy)


2. Who wears a white shirt, white pants, and white SHOES in December? ...in MICHIGAN?


3. I know the socks and belt don't LOOK fluorescent in the photo, but, Trust Me, they totally were.


4. The artwork hanging on the wall behind me is a painting of a conquistador which currently hangs in my basement. This painting can be seen (even if just a tiny corner) in every other photo from my childhood!

LOAD212 - Day 19 - Past Perfect

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 19 was - Friends, old and new. I totally went off prompt today. I needed to make a quick page, so I used this photo from yesterday's T-shirt wearing and scrap session that I had altered with text. All I had to do was print and assemble the page.

Journaling Reads - Participating in the February Lay Out A Day challenge has reinvigorated my passion for scrapbooking and intruced me to a great group of online ladies who share this hobby, and who also wore this same t-shirt today.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. I think this is my third layout during this February LOAD using these papers from a Stampin' Up kit.


2. Journaling card from Becky Higgins Clementine Project Like core kit. LOVE!


3. Scrapping while incredibly hung over and utterly exhausted is not easy.
   

LOAD212 - Day 18 - CAKE

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 18 was - You say it's your birthday!

These pics are all of me with my birthday cake at ages 1 through 5.


Journaling Reads -
Mom and Dad always made our favorite cake on our birthday. My fave was cherry chip!


Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. I used a kit from Close To My Heart for all the papers and embellies. LOVE how easy CTMH makes scrap booking!!



2. LOVE it that my mom took all these pics. So happy to have them collected on the same page.



3. Edited the photos in Picnik by way of Picasa3 to make them look like Polaroids.



4. The title sticker letters were part of the CTMH kit, but the C and the K were the same pattern/design, so I traced the K onto a different paper and cut it out. Like a manual Cricut!!



5. We had the option of buying this LOAD t-shirt for $2 at VistaPrint, and everyone that bought them planned to wear them on 2/18 - Lain's birthday! This is me in action, wearing the T, creating today's page. So fun knowing there are ladies all over the globe wearing this shirt today. :)

LOAD212 - Day 17 - Grow Up

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 17 was - What did you want to be when you grew up?

I asked my 7 year old this question today. And after thinking about it for an hour, this is what he came up with:

1. Golf player
2. Train conductor
3. Lego maker
4. Own a candy store
5. Make TV shows

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Why, yes, you can use pink paper on a "boy" page!



2. I used Becky Higgins Project Life Clementine Core Kit specifically because I wanted the box of journaling cards. Paired it with the Clementine patterned paper that I trimmed down to 8 1/2 x 11.



3. I asked Owen what his favorite thing about this page was, and he pointed to the white Heidi Swapp silhouette sticker I applied to the photo. Who knew?



4. He also liked the "spikes" I created and adhered above and below his photo.
   

LOAD212 - Day 16 - home

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 16 was - These are the people in my neighborhood.

Journaling reads:
Growing up on Rolling Acres Dr. in Ortonville, our next door neighbors were the XXXXX. They had three kids, the youngest two were girls that quickly became my best friends. I met them when I was five. XXX was six months older than (and a grade ahead of) me and XXXX was 8 months younger than (and a grade behind) me. I was in the middle, and not just by the measurement of age or grade, but I was in the middle of almost every argument the two of them ever had. I was often forced to pick sides, and I gravitated towards the older, and who I thought was the cooler sister, XXX. XXX XXX was my best friend for years. No, not the tennis player, she was ten years older and spelled her name with a “y”. My best friend spelled her name with an “ie”. XXXX, while still a close friend, became more of a little sister to me as the years wore on. I saw the XXX girls every day during the summers because my mom, being a teacher, had the summers off and watched them and their older brother, XX while Mr. and Mrs. XXX went to work. Even when it wasn’t the summer, I still saw XXX and XXX all the time. Considering we each had ten acres, though, I’m not sure how “next door” we could really be considered. It was a little too far to go over and knock on the front door with a “Can XXX come out to play?” So, we would call each other to determine at whose house we were going to play. (I can still remember their phone number: 248-627-4513). We would always meet the other person half way, so that we could keep each other company for at least half the walk. Once we knew where we were going to play, our next decision was which route we would take. Would we go the creek way, which was faster but involved a steep hill down to the creek from my house and then a steep hill up from the creek to their house and required us to cross a sometimes not so stable bridge across the creek? Or would we go the road way, which was a much longer route, but also less treacherous. As much time as they spent at my house, I, too, spent countless hours at their house. I remember their finished basement distinctly. We would play marbles for hours because the carpet was a short, smooth surface. Or we would play with their doll house, Cat’s Cradle, or Chinese jump rope. We could also play Utopia on their Intellivision game system for hours on end. I can also remember each of their bedrooms completely. XXX's room was yellow and was a clown theme. She had pictures of clowns, clown figurines, clown dolls. And XXXX's room was green with a monkey theme. Again, pictures of monkeys, monkey figurines, monkey stuffed animals. I probably remember every detail because when I would sleep over at their house, I would lie awake for hours after we went to bed. Eventually going downstairs to where Mr. XXX was up watching TV to tell him I had a stomach ache so that I could go home…every time. By the time junior high school rolled around, the XXX moved to another house a couple miles away, but XXX and I remained best friends. Our lives drifted apart in high school when XXX moved even further away to live with her dad a couple of towns away. But every time we reconnected, it was as if no time had passed at all. In our early twenties, when we were both on our own, we again lived in houses that were right next door to each other., albeit briefly As we approached our late twenties, our lives drifted apart, and back together more than once. Each time we reconnected was as if we had just spoken the day before. The last time I saw XXX in my adult life was 11 ½ years ago at my wedding in 2000. She was, of course, a bridesmaid. Unfortunately, she had a bit of an episode and passed out on the couch in the bathroom during dinner. (So, of course, XXX and I had to take a picture with her, because that’s what “sisters” do). We lost touch completely after that until she heard about my Dad’s death in January, 2011. When she called me with her condolences after 10 ½ years of having no communication, it was again as if no time or differences had passed between us. It was as if we were next door neighbors and best friends again, sharing every detail of our lives. We talked for a couple of hours. And even though we haven’t spoken since that marathon phone call over a year ago, I know that if I were to call XXX tomorrow, the conversation would feel like home to me.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. This story kind of rambles on, but once I started writing about these sisters, I couldn't stop. And there's a type-o in there, but I'm not re-doing it at this point. Unless my OCD perfectionism rears its ugly head.


2. Supplies used: 1 sheet 12x12 kraft colored card stock, 1 sheet 12x12 patterned paper that I cut down to 8 1/2 by 11 on which to print the journaling (it doesn't show up well in the photo, but the paper looks like watercolors), 1 photo collage, 1 Heidi Swapp silhouettes sticker (home), 1 rub on border


3. OK, now that I've re-examined this layout, I should have switched the locations of the photo collage and the title. Lesson learned for next time.


4. The three of us were pretty much inseparable for years and years and years.

LOAD212 - Day 15 - It Is Well With My Soul

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 15 was - Songs of Days Gone By.
Here is my first version (actually, it's the second version, the first version didn't have a photo taken for it).

And while I know that done is better than perfect, I just wasn't satisfied with the first two versions. So, here is the final version, which I like much better.

Journaling Reads:
January 17, 2012 marked the one year anniversary of Dad’s death. My dear friend, Amy, sent this lovely Thomas Kinkade book to Mom because she knows how much this song meant to Dad and how much it means to us as a family. Dad loved this hymn and sang it often. Even when he couldn’t remember much else, he could remember the lyrics and sang along with Shawn as she held his hand. We sang this at his funeral. We sang this at his graveside. When I want to feel close to Dad, I think of this song. I sing it in the shower and cry. I sing it to the boys as I’m tucking them into bed. On February 12, 2012 we gathered at Mom’s house to celebrate Dad’s birthday; our second without him. Mom loved this book so much, that she purchased one for me, one for Shawn, and one for Jeremy. Inside the front cover she wrote, “Heather, Remember why Dad could sing confidently: ‘It is well with my soul.’ ” She also included photos of each of us with Dad inside the book and she wrote a letter that listed reasons why Dad could say:

It Is Well With My Soul

He loved God purely. He loved me completely. He loved each of you unconditionally. He said, “I love you” every day and treated me better than he treated himself. He played with each of you, hugged you, and happily went to your events. He built a house and furniture for each of us: concrete expressions of his love. He asked forgiveness when he wronged one of us. He forgave others even if they did not ask forgiveness. He forgot past wrongs. He helped those who asked for help. He helped others without being asked. He didn’t expect anything, but liked hearing, “thank you.” He loved his mom dearly. He loved his brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws totally. He was the glue that held the family together. He was our sweet husband, dad, and Poppa. Let’s remember why he could say, “It is well with my soul.”

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. The patterned paper background in the first layout was just too busy for me. I also didn't like the way my photo/journaling block was off center.


2. I listened to my Pandora station called, what else, It Is Well With My Soul. Hymns and more hymns.


3. I love love love the note my mom put together about my dad and why he loved this song and could confidently claim, "It is well with my soul." I think that's primarily why, even with all of the sadness I've had about losing him, I've largely been at peace, never angry nor upset. Sad, yes, but at peace knowing that it was well with his soul.

LOAD212 - Day 14 - Poppalove

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 14 was: Love Lasts

This page is about how much my dad loved his kids and grandkids. The photo collage contains a pic of my dad with each of my four kids when they were three months or younger. The handwritten journaling card shown on the right contains a photo of my dad holding me when I was a couple months old and tucks behind the photo collage.

Journaling reads:
Poppa loved his kids and grandkids with all his heart. He loved to hear babies laugh and would try to elicit your giggles by bouncing you on his knee or making duck noises. He was completely enamored with each one of you. He covered each of you with kisses and zerberts. He was as comfortable with a baby cradled in his arm as he was wielding a hammer. Although, once the crying started, he happily gave you back to gramma.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Papers and embellishments from a Chatter Box kit. LOVE kits that have everything coordinating already!


2. Another Picasa3 Photo Collage. LOVE Picasa!


3. Watching the first few episodes of Smash on hulu whilst trying to create a layout slows the process down significantly.


4. My enthusiasm is starting to wane. But, we're almost half way through with this LOAD challenge, and tomorrow is a new day. Hoping the excitement returns.


5. The picture of my dad holding Ashton was taken 5 days before my dad went into the ER.


6. I want my boys to become this kind of dad/poppa and I want Jordyn to marry this kind of man.
   

LOAD212 - Day 13 - Heather's Hobbies

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 13 was: Hobbies Past

Journaling on each photo reads:
Gardener
Bowler...Well,at least I LOOK like a bowler
Sunset Watcher
Reader
Softball Player
Home Decorator
Golfer...Well,at least I LOOK like a golfer
Documenter of life...a.k.a. Scrapbooker
Party Girl
Zumba Girl

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Patterned paper - DCWV Old World Stack


2. I used Picasa3 to create 2 5x7 photo collages that I printed, trimmed, and put together as one big 10x7 collage.


3. Journaling on photos is fun.


4. Sparkly ribbon is even more fun.


5. I don't still "do" all of these hobbies, and I'm not necessarily good at all of them, but they've each been a big part of my life at one point or another.

LOAD212 - Day 12 - Thanks, Dad, for the ROSACEA

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 12 was: History Repeats itself.



This page talks about the different things that I "got" from my dad. So, it's a loose interpretation of the prompt.

Journaling Reads:
Fortunately, in addition to this ruddy facial condition, you have also given me a competitive spirit, a perfectionist mindset, a dedication to family, an appreciation for corny jokes, a love of musicals, and the belief that good will always triumph over evil. Oh, and the tendency to be just a tad bit impatient with an occasional temper flare. I will strive to embody your honesty, your work ethic, and your selfless acts of kindness. You have given me so much. Photo 12/24/07, Journaling 2/12/12

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. I did this page in about an hour, getting faster. It helped that I knew what photo I wanted to use, and found and printed it quickly. And I knew what story I wanted to tell.


2. Yes, I know it's not the best photo, it's a self portrait and I cut the bottom half of my chin off when I took it. But for some reason, I just love it.


3. All of the embellies in the upper left were kind of thrown together up there because I felt like the page was "missing" something.


4. Putting things off center like this really challenges my perfectionist nature. But, when I started LOAD, on of my mantras was "Done is better than Perfect." And, to me, getting these pages done about my dad is absolutely perfect.

LOAD212 - Day 11 - Up your Nose with a Rubber Hose

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 11 was: School Days. When Lain gave the idea of scrapping about a lunch box, I instantly thought of this photo. I remember this lunch box explicitly. And while the photo is grainy and not the best quality, it reminds me of my youth.

Journaling Reads:
This is me at 5 1/2 years old in 1978. First day of school on my front porch, with my Welcome Back, Kotter lunch box. Juan Epstein, Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington, heart-throb Vinnie Barbarino, and ooh-ooh-oooh Arnold Horshack seemed like long lost cousins, and Mr. Kotter my cool uncle keeping them all in line. I'm not sure the show's content was suitable for a five year old, but I loved it, and I turned out OK. Maybe that's why I don't censor very much with my own kids. Even Sweathogs can turn out OK.

footnote: I found this same vintage lunch box selling online for $50!

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Stampin' Up paper


2. I really wish that adhesive-backed chipboard letters actually stuck to the page.


3. I loooooooved that sweater


4. Up your Nose with a Rubber Hose << We said this DAILY growing up. I think I'm gonna have to put it back into the circulation.

LOAD212 - Day 10 - I've Got You!

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 10 was: Scrap a Favorite Memory.

This is actually a page I've been wanting to scrap for a while now. Glad to get it done. These pics are from the mid 70's of me and both of my siblings with our dad.

Journaling Reads:
Dad loved to have us balance in his hands, and sometimes on his feet.

I thought he was the strongest man ever.

I can still hear his voice and see his snickering grin as he told me to:

"Stand up straight!" "Don't be scared!"

"I've GOT you!"

"I'm NOT gonna let you fall."

And he never did.

This is one of my favorite childhood memories.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. The longest part of putting together this page was locating WHERE these photos were. UGH.



2. Created the photo collage and wrote the text on the photos in Picasa3.



3. Once I printed the collage, the page came together in about a half hour.



4. I absolutely love these pictures. Seems rather fitting that I scrapped them on my dad's birthday.

LOAD212 - Day 9 - I Always Thought

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 9 was: Home Sweet Home

Which, as you can see, I didn't follow.

I decided to go back to the prompt from Day 7, which I didn't do on Day 7 because I was catching up on my Christmas card album on Day 7. So, here I am on Day 9, catching up on a Day 7 prompt....I always thought...



Journaling Reads:
I Always Thought
You’d teach her to drive, just like you taught her to ride a bike.
You’d beam with pride in the audience at her graduation ceremonies.
You’d dance with her at her wedding.
You’d cradle her first born in your arms.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Patterned Paper DWCV Premium Stack - Old World Stack



2. I used Picasa3 to make the collage.



3. I'm pretty sure I have enough layouts about my dad to make a dedicated album. And if I don't yet, I'm sure I soon will.

LOAD212 - Day 8 - I Miss my Dad

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 8 was: I miss....
Having lost my dad in January 2011, this was a no-brainer for me. There are so many things I miss about him, these are just a few...

Journaling Reads:
your smile
your jokes
your twinkling eyes
sitting on your lap
holding your hand
playing cards with you
your double chin when you laugh
the way you purse your lips when you're mad
listening to you sing the Lord's Prayer, Amazing Grace, and other hymns
watching It's a Wonderful Life together every Christmas
your duck noises when trying to make a baby laugh
your advice, even though often unsolicited..about sports, stocks, parenting
being able to call you for anything...a recipe, a stain removal tip, to fix something
the sound of your voice

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Stampin' Up paper, I cut the design of the paper on the right side so that I could slide the photo underneath it.


2. Used Picasa to journal directly onto the photo


3. Listened to my Alan Jackson Precious Memories CD with Southern Baptist hymns, reminds me of my dad singing at a revival.

Miss him.

LOAD212 - Day 7 - Christmas Card 2011

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 7 was: I always thought....What did you used to think that has now not come true?



I again diverted from the topic in favor of working on my Christmas card album. I now only have to do 2009 and I will be all caught up (for this album, anyway!)

Journaling Reads:

We took this year’s family portrait at Grandma and Grandpa Hillary’s 50th Wedding Anniversary party at Blue Water Grill in Grand Rapids on a gorgeous October afternoon. All of Dad’s brothers and sisters were there with their spouses and children, bringing the party attendance total to 29 people!

You all had a blast spending time with your cousins on the west side of the state. Owen and Allison were joined at the hip. Rachel still likes to follow Liam around like a puppy, Ashton did a hysterical impersonation of newborn Emily’s cry, and Jordyn enjoyed sitting at the adult table.

Our outfits were inspired by the dress that Jordyn chose to wear which contained shades of aqua, teal, gray, and black. Jordyn is officially a young lady. While Liam and Owen are turning into quite the little gentlemen. Ashton is still pretty perfect and looked adorable in his skinny black denim.

Even though the picture was taken in October, Mom didn’t get the wallets printed until mid-December. She stuffed them into variations of this Hallmark card: Sha(red), Sac(red), and Chee(red), the proceeds of which benefited AIDS elimination in Africa.

If you’ll remember, Mom purchased these cards in 2008 and intended to send them in 2009. It was nice to finally put them to use, even if Mom didn’t get them to the post office until December 20th! (Mom will try harder next year to get them out early like she used to!)

In the end, though, getting the card out on time…or at ALL, for that matter, doesn’t mean much unless you take the time to share love with friends and family. Let’s give less stuff and share more love, indeed.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Patterned paper from the DCWV Christmas stack. This is an awesome stack. I use it all the time!


2. Had more energy tonight than last night...I'm contributing it to the ahhhhhhhhmazing bath I took earlier tonight. And I'm going to bed before midnight....SCHA-WING!


3. I listened to Pandora again, but I listened to the Ingrid Michaelson channel. Very scrappy.

LOAD212 - Day 6 - Christmas Card 2010

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 6 was: Little Girl Dreams. Or big girl dreams, or your kids' dreams, or the dreams you have with your spouse. Basically what dreams in your life have come true, which ones haven't, etc.

Well, as I showed yesterday, I forced myself to do the daily prompt and didn't love the end product. So, today, instead of racking my brain and coming up with a page that's only so-so, I decided to do a page that's on my never-ending to-do list.

Each year, I scrapbook our family Christmas card and put it into an album. Each page lists info about the Christmas card selection/creation process and details about getting the photo taken. I thought I was two years behind (needing to do 2010, and 2011), but when I grabbed the album, it turns out that I am three years behind. Problem is, I can't find the 2009 card. OOOPS. I'll have to look a little harder.


I completed the 2010 card:



Journaling Reads:

Yep, back to the photo card this year. With an infant in the house bringing the offspring total to four, a full time career, and a husband who travels to Indiana every week for work, convenience is the name of Mom’s Christmas card game.

The theme of this year ‘s card was Joy. Something we all tried to find more of this year in the face of Poppa’s illness.

This photo was taken in the fall shortly after Poppa was diagnosed with brain cancer. We joined Mom’s side of the family for a professional portrait session in October with the knowledge that Poppa wouldn’t be with us much longer.

While the photo session was bittersweet, it was wonderful to spend this time together. Coordinating schedules for three active families, however, was no walk in the park. But, we finally found a date that worked for everyone and got a lot of fabulous pictures taken. With three families at the portrait session, plus the group shot, we were at the studio for quite a while. Fortunately, all eleven of the kids were extremely well behaved. And, luckily, the parents behaved, too.

Afterwards we went to dinner at Outback.

It was nice to have the Christmas cards printed in October. Talk about being ahead of schedule!

The focus this Christmas was definitely on Poppa and Gramma. It made us all understand that the true gift of Christmas is family and the importance of spending and cherishing the time we have together.

Life is short. Live it joyfully.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Done IS better than perfect.


2. Looking forward to doing our 2011 card.


3. Need to find our 2009 card....anybody out there who is an organized hoarder like me still have it?!


4. Watched Modern Family on Hulu while I did this layout. What a funny show!


5. DCWV Christmas Stack patterned paper.


6. On Day 6 of this challenge, I already had to refill BIG RED.


7. Doing a layout a day is productive, but exhausting.

LOAD212 - Day 5 - like mother, like daughter

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 5 was: The more things stay the same.

I really struggled with this assignment. I thought about it all day, and could not come up with something to "fit" the prompt. I had decided that I was just going to do my annual Christmas card page. But, after the Superbowl party, as the day and my eyes were coming to a close, I didn't have the time nor energy to do justice to the Christmas card page. So, I forced myself to sit down and whip something out. Then it hit me, a page about how Jordyn and I are similar and different.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Do I LOVE the design of this page? Not my best work. Hey, it's DONE, not PERFECT.


2. Besides the metal accents (from Stampin' Up) and the white cardstock, everything else was a scrap. This IS scrapbooking after all.


3. As soon as I uploaded the page to the LOAD212 flickr group, a great page idea for this prompt came to me. Where was that idea hiding 20 hours earlier?


4. I had planned on this page taking me 30 minutes. But, it tookabout 75 minutes. Afterwards, I fell into bed without even cleaning up my scrap table first!

LOAD212 - Day 4 - Christmase Eve has changed

The assignment for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 4 was: How have things changed? She encouraged us to scrap the FIRST thing that came to mind. For me, it was instantly Christmas Eve without my dad.


Hidden Journaling (behind the photos) Reads:
In 2009, we didn’t know that this would be our last Christmas Eve where we could hold a conversation with you, ask you to carve the turkey, and joke and laugh as you told your corny jokes.

In 2010, the brain tumor had taken away your personality, your ability to interact spontaneously with others; and we sadly knew that this would be our last Christmas Eve where we could sit next to you, hold your hand, and kiss and hug you.

In 2011, we spent our first Christmas Eve without you. You weren’t there in body, but we know you were there in spirit.

We miss you every day, but the holidays are certainly harder. My tears started to fall when I opened a gift from mom. She gave me the Irish whistle and song book that I had brought back from Ireland for you in 1990, it had sat atop your dresser for two decades. She gave Jacob your Pickle ball paddle, because he now enjoys the same sport he used to watch his Poppa play so well. And the floodgates opened when Shawn gave an International Association of Fire Fighters vehicle sticker to me, Mom, and Jeremy along with the heartfelt note that I’ve attached to the back of this journaling card.

Christmas Eve has changed.

NOTE FROM SHAWN ON THE BACK OF THE JOURNALING CARD: I asked one of the firefighters at Hazel Park Fire Department if I could get an official vehicle sticker for each of us-Mom, Jeremy, Heather, and myself. I know that it has much significance for those in the line of duty, and also for us, who have been blessed by Dad, who always served faithfully. I recently received this impactful message from one of his fellow firefighters, Bill Anderson: ‘Bennie was a quiet but positive influence on me. I feel blessed to have had him next to me in many a fire. It might have saved my life. –Bill’

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. DCWV Patterned Paper from the Christmas Stack


2. Cried a lot while I made this page


3. My scrapping music lately has been the Johnny Cash station on Pandora, with songs by JC, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings, these people are story tellers. Which is why I think their music goes so well with scrapping. Give 'em a listen!

LOAD 212 - Day 3 - Gorgeous Girl

The assignment for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 3 was to look at yourself THEN and NOW. How have you changed/stayed the same?

Journaling Reads:
No, I'm not conceited. This was my dad's nickname for me my entire life. I was his Gorgeous Girl and my sister was his Darling Daughter. As awkward as my tween and teen years were (the least embarrassing photographic evidence is pictured above), I had the confidence of a beauty queen. I credit a lot of that swagger to this moniker. My motto has always been, "If I don't think I'm beautiful, who will?" Which apparently is why I decided to get some Glamour Shots taken in the 90's. What? You didn't?

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. I do not love my own hand journaling, but sometimes it makes the most sense for the papers you're using.


2. Next time I do LOAD, I will organize my photos beforehand. Searching for a photo or two or through is proving to be the biggest time sucker so far.


3. DCWV paper from Fun in the Sun Summer Stack. I took a second sheet of the same paper (that my first attempt at hand journaling failed on) and hand cut out some more of the flowers to frame the photos some more.


4. This layout contains - 2 sheets of 12x12 card stock, sticker letters, 3 brads, and 12" of ribbon.


5. As I was finishing my page, Owen came into my office and looked at the photos. He pointed to the photo from 1982 and said, "That one is a little bit ugly." Um, yes, thank you, Owen. So, I replied, "And guess who looks JUST like that photo?!?! YOU!" Burn.

LOAD 212 Day 2 - ...these girls.

The assignment for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day challenge for Day 2 was to scrapbook a Favorite Photo.
Journaling Reads:
Shortly after my dad was diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma on his thalamus (stage III brain cancer), it was clear he wouldn’t be with us much longer. We decided to throw him a party to celebrate his life, while he was still somewhat with us. There are so many people who helped us pull this phenomenal party together in such little time. I had a team of girlfriends, led by Kendrea, in charge of the gorgeous decorations; my pseudo sister, Lorrie, put together an amazing video with hundreds of photos and several songs we had provided her with (many of which she stayed up ‘til the wee hours of the night to scan); friends , family, and members of my parents’ church provided the food and drinks; and …these girls.

These girls (Amy, Tina, and Kim) helped in so many ways, I can’t even begin to name them all. They were there for me from the day my dad was admitted to the ER, to the day we were given his prognosis , to the funeral and grieving that followed. Scrapbookers themselves, they were key in capturing the memories made during the celebration of my dad’s wonderful life. They took pictures and encouraged guests to fill out memory cards. They have been my shoulder whenever needed, and I am forever grateful for their friendship, their support, their laughter, and their much needed hugs. Love you girls! Sept.26, 2010

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. The 30 minute page is still elusive.
2. LOAD would be much easier if I knew how to navigate Flickr. Learning as I go.
3. All three patterned papers are from the DCWV Indian Summer Fall Stack.
4. Flower is from a pony tail holder...when the elasticity on the pony tail holder gave way, I saved the flower. And I'm just now realizing it probably isn't archival quality.
5. The brad in the center of the flower is from Stampin' Up's Hodge Podge Hardware set.
6. I'm wondering if all of my LOAD pages will in some way be about my dad. Really missing him these last couple of days.

LOAD 212 Day 1 - Corned Beef and Cabbage

How crazy can I be? I signed up for Lain Ehmann's Lay Out A Day challenge in which we are given a prompt each day for the entire month of February, and I am supposed to scrapbook one layout per day for the next 29 days. Um, I haven't created more than a half dozen layouts in all of 2011, and I signed up to create ONE per DAY for all of Feb?!?




Yep, certifiably insane.




At least I completed Day 1's assignment: A Matter of Taste. The prompt was to scrapbook about something food related. And I chose to record this story:


Journaling reads:

As St. Patrick’s Day, 2011 approached, my heart was heavy. This would be the first St. Patrick’s Day where I wouldn’t be able to call my dad and ask him to make some corned beef and cabbage for me as I had done for so many years in the past. Having lost a parent herself, Mair knew how hard this first year without him would be. To boost my spirits, she offered to throw a St. Patrick’s Day EVE party, complete with corned beef and cabbage. Look at the joy in her face as she stirs the pot! She is a fabulous cook, a self-taught chef, and an amaaaaazing hostess. The corned beef and cabbage (plus potatoes) were out of this world! She told me later that night that she felt Bennie’s presence as she prepared the meal through out the day. I could truly feel his love and warmth shining through the food. Being surrounded by this compassionate crowd and the ultimate comfort food (Hello! Guinness chocolate cupcakes, I love you!), made the loss of my dad easier to bear on this first St. Paddy’s without him here. Thank you Laura, Mair, Shelley, and Amy for lifting me up with your food and bevvies. 3/16/11

It's not a perfect layout, but it's DONE!