LOAD213 - Day 13 - Cheeseburger {not} in Paradise

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 13 was to try something new. I thought about what to do all day and really couldn't come up with anything and was kind of figuring I'd just do the same old same old. But, when I sat down to scrap, I thought, Hey! Why don't I use a Chipboard letter. Annnnnnnnd, wrap it with some cord. I've never wrapped a chipboard letter with cord before, so that was new. And kind of fun, even if it didn't turn out PERFECT.

Journaling Reads:

Ashton, you were such a cute cheeseburger, but you did NOT want to go trick-or-treating. Protesting on our porch made you even cuter! It took some convincing, but I was finally able to get you to visit ONE house. They had a motion-sensored decoration that freaked you out. Back at home, you were thrilled every time the doorbell rang. Maybe next year.

LOAD213 - Day 12 - p. w. m.

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 12 was to scrap about starting to love someTHING because you love someONE. This is a page about how I did not like wrestling before my son started the sport.

Journaling reads:

When Liam was seven years old, in the second grade, he asked me if he could join the wrestling program. With visions of metal folding chairs being crashed across someone's back and the likes of Hulk Hogan, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Mr. T, and George the Animal Steel in my head, I shuddered and said, "Surely you don't want to wrestle! Why don't we sign you up for basketball instead?" And that's exactly what we did, hoping this wrestling thing was just a phase and would pass. When Liam was eight years old, in the third grade, he asked me AGAIN if he could join the wrestling program. But this time, he BEGGED me to let him join. Defeated and completely begrudgingly, I signed him up. About six weeks after his first practice it was time to take him to a tournament. At that time, our wrestling club coaches didn't go with us to the tournaments, so, we basically had to coach Liam ourselves. We sat on the mat's sidelines, and the only thing I could think to yell - over and over again - was "Get up!" The adrenaline rush of those first few tournaments, where he placed second, first, and first, will stay with me forever. And from that moment, I was hooked. I had in advertently become a PWM...Psycho Wrestling Mom!! Liam is now in his fourth year of wrestling and I love it just as much today as I did at his first tournament. He wrestles as part of a team, for which I am the Team Mommager. These are my boys. These are his brothers, this is a family. And these ladies are some of my fellow psycho wrestling moms (and a PsychoSIS). It's funny how something at which I originally turned up my nose has become one of my biggest joys. Really, though, seeing my son this happy is truly what makes my heart sing.

LOAD213 - Day 11 - Vitamin Dee!

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 11 was to scrap a secret of Adulthood. This one here, to get a healthy dose of Vitamin Dee, is a secret I just learned.  The artwork in the lower left corner is a photocopy of one of my aunt's pieces of art, and in the scallop circle is a photocopy of how she would sign her name on cards or in guest books. So glad I have these treasures.

Journaling Reads:

My Aunt Dee passed away on my 40th birthday after suffering from Alzheimer’s the last several years. We held her memorial service at my mom’s church in January. The reception was filled with her art and with stories of her adventurous, creative life. I remember her as being a fiercely independent woman. Divorced in the seventies, and for as long as my memory will allow, she was single and raised two children on her own…long before “single parents” were common place. She was quick to laugh. And when she did, it was with her whole body…her head would tilt back, she’d clasp her hands together, her mouth would drop open, her eyes would grow wide and twinkle, and it was a loud, distinct sound…a trait that many Belcher women possess. She was an active, free-spirited woman who loved to paint, and ski, and take long walks, no matter if it was raining….why, that would make it all the more exciting, wouldn’t it? She looked at the world and asked, why not? Why not take a walk in the rain? Why not have a picnic in the cemetery and make up stories about the people who were resting there? Why not let your teenage son plaster his walls, floor to ceiling, wall to wall with posters of his favorite band, KISS? Why not camp out underneath the stars and figure out what pictures the stars would make if you connected their dots….not to be confused with identifying the constellations. It’s altogether different. And, why not? After the memorial service, Jordyn and I were reflecting on how fun and spontaneous Aunt Dee had been. We both agreed that we could each use a little bit more Aunt Dee in our lives, especially me. I now remind myself and my children to get a daily, healthy dose of VITAMIN DEE!

LOAD213 - Day 10 - Not All Who Wander Are Lost

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 10 was to scrap about possessions and how they relate to happiness. I was immediately drawn to this photo I had taken of my daughter's suitcases (the same day as the prompt) before she departed for a trip to Ireland. I paired it with a photo she posted the next day on her first day in Ireland.

Journaling Reads:

Your Justin Bieber duct taped bags await departure for Erin. 24 hours later you are in Wicklow Mountains.

LOAD213 - Day 9 - Smile

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 9 was to scrap about what made you happy as a child and is that the same or different today?

Journaling reads:

My mom tells me that I was always smiling as a child and trying to make people smile. I still smile a lot and try to surround myself with happiness and joyful people. I used to dance around the living room in this dress and sing songs. I was only four but I remember this dress vividly. It would twhirl out splendidly when I would spin around. I'm sure I was acting out a scene from one of my favorite musicals. I still love to get dressed up and go out dancing. And if there's a karaoke machine, I'll be sure to sing a song, or two. I love the theater and have had season tickets in the past. Musicals are my favorite!

LOAD213 - Day 8 - My Fry Guy

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 8 was to scrap about a smell.

Journaling Reads -

Who can smell McDonald's French fries and NOT salivate?! Taking this tasty treat to your Halloween party for your whole class to enjoy was the perfect accompaniment to your costume...which was purchased to complement Ashton's cheeseburger costume. You had a great time trick-or-treating with Colby who dressed up in a Minecraft costume.

LOAD213 - Day 7 - Brighter Than The Sun

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 7 was to use nature in your layout. I just love the sun shining through the branches of this big tree. You can't tell the best in this online photo, but my daughter is swinging on a tire swing.

Journaling Reads -

Jordyn, you have a beautiful, playful spirit that shines! When your 40 year old self reads this, may you be reminded to try and get some Vitamin "Dee"...be adventurous and free!

~~~~~~~~~
Side note, my Aunt Dee recently passed away, and at her memorial service she was remembered as an adventurous, free spirit. Jordyn and I have adopted this phrase "Get some Vitamin 'Dee' " to remind ourselves (me, especially) to lighten up and have more spontaneous fun.

LOAD213 - Day 6 - Fab Flappers

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 6 was to scrap something that's been in your pile for a while. Poetic. This inspired me to update my Projects to do white board with current items. A while ago, I started Halloween albums for each of my kids, so that they have all their years of Halloween costumes in one album. So, I printed pictures for all four kids' 2012 Halloween pages. This is my daughter's:

Journaling Reads -

At first, you and Megan had thought about dressing up as the Morton’s salt girl and Rosie the Riveter, a la vintage print ads.

Then, you girls hatched a plan to go as characters from The Hunger Games, you as Effie Trinket, and Megan as Katniss Everdeen. That plan was thwarted when Megan found out she had play practice on Halloween and wouldn’t be home in time to do your elaborate hair and makeup.

So, you girls settled on dressing up as FLAPPERS from the roaring twenties. You both looked gorgeous and had a ton of fun trick-or-treating. Although, some people thought there were adults on their doorstep, instead of teenagers!

You were so proud of yourself for buying and carving your own pumpkin. You did it all by yourself! Good thing you did, too, because it was the only Jack-o-lantern on our porch this year.

Halloween, October 31, 2012

LOAD213 - Day 5 - Never Alone

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 5 was to  scrap about your honey. Considering that three out of the first four layouts this LOAD featured my husband, I broadened the scope a bit. This is a Facebook post that I put out recently. Behind the photo collage are all of the replies I received. The title is a picture of a tattoo of a waitress that I had last week after a particularly emotional time missing my dad (who passed away two years ago). There is more to the story of that tattoo, but I will have to give myself some time and space from the experience before I scrap about it. At any rate, her tattoo was a reminder that, even though he's gone, my dad is always with me. My Facebook post was sent out to honor all of the people in my life who helped me through a pretty difficult four days.

 

Journaling Reads:

Sunday, February 3, 2013 - Beyond grateful that I have so many wonderful women in my life. It's not often that I'm an emotional basket case, but when I am, I can count on my daughter, Jordyn Hillary, to listen and exchange crazy texts; I can call Mair Bedford Greene and Michelle Soloway Raisch, who will change out of their jammies, drop what they're doing, throw on a baseball hat, and meet me for a drink because they KNEW I wouldn't ask them to do it unless I needed it; then there are my breakfast buddies: Domonique Call, Amy Keith Petoskey, and Traci Hummel Parsons who cried right along with me over eggs BENNY; and there are also long distance confidantes: Maria DiPonio Hillary & Aimee Puglise Alban; and local let's have a glass of wine tell me everything listener, Lori Fry Skibo. My life is enriched with all of you in it. And, while not a woman, my best friend, Kevin Hillary, who hugged me and held me through the tears...I'd be lost without you. And how can I forget my hottchicks, who put up with my roller coaster emails over the last few days?! Love you girls!! Kim Ouellette-Basinger, Errica Shanahan, Domonique Call, Amy Keith Petoskey, Traci Hummel Parsons, Tina Johnson Davis, Marlo Heidisch Esser, Karen Johnson. BLESSED. I'll get back to my standard issue Zumba emails next week. (24 Comments, 39 Likes)

Hidden Journaling Reads:

• Mair Bedford Greene oh hell, you just made me cry all over again!!! Love you more than words, Heather <3>
• Domonique Call Aww! Love you muchly!!!!
• Kelly Jones Bourn Hope you are better!!! I don't even know what the heck is going on and your post could make me cry.
• Jennifer Gekiere-Myers Your loved and blessed!
• Maria DiPonio Hillary Love, Love, Love You!!!
• Rebecca Elaine Krupa You can add me to the list anytime you need an ear! : )
• Barbara Shumate love you Heather.
• Jodie Miller Viviano good friends are a blessing for sure!!
• Aimee Puglise Alban Love you girlfriend!!
• Beba Tawfik I HOPE YOU OK HEATHER!!OXOX
• Heather Shellnut Hillary And how can I forget my hottchicks, who put up with my roller coaster emails over the last few days?! Love you girls!! Kim Ouellette-Basinger, Errica Shanahan, Domonique Call, Amy Keith Petoskey, Traci Hummel Parsons, Tina Johnson Davis, Marlo Heidisch Esser, Karen Johnson. BLESSED. I'll get back to my standard issue Zumba emails next week. :)
• Tracy Albert Thinking about you hope all is ok. <3>
• Katie Zelenko Scepka Hope all is ok...
• Kelly Petit Baran Sending you hugs Heather!! You have so many wonderful people in your life because you are wonderful!! You deserve the very best because you are the very best my dear!! I am sending you positive thoughts along with lots of hugs and love!!
• Heather Shellnut Hillary Thanks, Ladies!! I'm definitely good, just went through a couple of days intensely thinking about my dad and missing him. But, I KNOW he's always with me, and that's comforting.
• Michelle Soloway Raisch Awwwww!!!! You will NEVER be ALONE!!!!! Loves me some Heather!!!! <3>
• Lori Fry Skibo There is an old saying, what comes around, goes around. The reason you have so many wonderful friends, is because you, yourself are one....
• Lisa Litchfield Sorry you are feeling blue but so happy to see what a wonderful support network you have. Hugs, cuz!
• Pam Oliver Hey and me too!!
• Errica Shanahan Love you sister!
• Kristin Donaldson Pitser Heather, can completely relate to you and the how (even after many, many years for me) sometime out of the blue you can have a hard couple of days of missing your dad! You got a great list there...and you can always add one more if you need me ;)
• Heather Shellnut Hillary And how could I forget Pamalicious Pam Oliver, who has seen me at my craziest moments?!? Glad she doesn't charge me double for my nails when my manicure often doubles as a therapy session!!
• Annette Elcoate Oh honey, I can't even imagine what it must be like to lose a parent! Of course you were down and so glad you have a group of ppl to count on! You can count on me to comment on your beautiful FB photos, beautiful!!! Keep your chin up! Your daddy is proud:)
• Annette Elcoate And I'd like to be a part of that breakfast club:)) ha! Hang in there beautiful!

LOAD213 - Day 4 - Seasonal Family Bucket Lists

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 4 was to scrap about a goal.  I've been wanting to scrap about our family's seasonal bucket lists for a while now, so I thought this topic fit the prompt well enough.

 

 Journaling reads:

At the beginning of every season, we gather around a fire and make a list of things we'd like to do that Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall. We might not actually DO everything on the list, but dreaming and laughing together is a cherished memory.

Some observations about the process and products:

1. Another Picasa collage.
2.  I took a screen shot of our summer bucket list that we had created on my iPad, and printed it out.  I think it made a great addition to the page.
3. Journaling cards from Becky Higgins Project Life Clementine Core Kit.
4.  I love the license plate letter stickers.  I've had them for a while now and finally found the right layout to use them on.

LOAD213 - Day 3 - 2 Cars

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 3 was to scrap about an object that is important, but often gets overlooked.  I took the picture of both mine and Kevin's cars in the garage late last year.  As I walked by both cars, I remembered thinking about what the presence of both cars in the garage signified for me. 

Journaling reads:

Dad travels so much for work that when he's home we take full advantage! Wrestling, sharing a bottle of wine, dinners out, putting Ash to bed, We <3 him="">

Some observations about the process and products:

1. I used Picasa to create the collage.  Again.
2. I printed the collage twice....once in black and white and then again in color because I didn't love the black and white.  But then the color photo didn't look great because the ink levels were low.  So, I cut out the color photo of the cars, popped those up on dots, and left the rest of the photos black and white.
3. Strips of red washi tape hold the journaling strip in place.
4. I put the red sticker on the photo of the cars to draw your attention to the main object of the page.

LOAD213 - Day 2 - Recipe for a Perfect Day

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 2 was to describe your perfect day.  I took this from Kevin's perspective.

Journaling reads:

Sunshine
The Lake
Fishing Boat
Fishing Tackle
Plenty of Bait
Trolling
Catching Fish
Letting Them Go
Brothers Getting Along
Dad Relaxing
Labatt Blue Light
Sunscreen
Homemade Muscle Shirt
Favorite Fishing Hat
No Meetings
No Clocks
No Worries
Making Memories

Some observations about the process and products:

1. I used Picasa to type directly onto the photo.
2. I meant to select 8x10 as the size of my photo, but it printed across the entire 8.5x11 page, and I liked the effect.  A good oops.  Or, a "goops" for short!
3. I wanted the impression of fishing line across the bottom.  I considered using actual fishing line, but that means I would have had to go out into the cold shed to find some, and I was too lazy to do that.

LOAD213 - Day 1 - Scrap without words

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD213 - Scrap Happier) challenge for Day 1  was to try and convey your message without using words.  No words for a title, no journaling.  This was not an easy prompt for me, because the story behind the photo is sooooooo important to my scrapbooking. But, I think I accomplished the goal, with this double-page layout. It's a collection of photos of me and my husband from 2012. I kind of cheated and added numbers in the corner of each photo, and behind each collage is a key that lists the date, location, city, and state of each photo. 

Some observations about the process and products:

1. Most of the heart punches were in my punched shapes (stars & hearts) drawer.  Gotta like that!
2. Photo collage created in Picasa
3. The left half of the page is primarily the first half of the year.  The right page is primarily the second half of the year.  I had braces on in the first half of the year, therefore I'm smiling with my mouth closed in the pictures on the left and smiling with my mouth open on the right side of the page.
4. I had 24 photos of Kevin and I together in 2012, but I'd like to get more than that taken in 2013.  It would be fun to do a page like this every year.