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 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

LOAD1012 - Day 31 - Candy

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD1012 - S.H.O. Time) challenge for Day 31 was to journal about Candy.  There were a lot of great prompts, but I simply journaled about my daughter passing out candy on Halloween a couple of years ago. 

Some observations about the process and products:

1. I've done a lot of Halloween pages this LOAD, but this is the first Halloween page where I've used Halloween papers and embellishments.  Love this Stampin' Up! Paper pack.
2. However, this is NOT the first page where I've used these Heidi Swapp ghost alphas. LOVING them.
3. I absolutely love the duck face pose, said no mom ever.
4. This page came together SO quickly.  I don't know if that's because it's a relatively simple page, or if it's because by going through this exercise of scrapping every day, it's becoming easier and more automatic.  I'm in my supplies more often, so I spend less time searching for items.  Maybe it's a combination of the both. 
5. I'm so sad this is the last day of LOAD.  It was so much fun this time around.  And even though I skipped a couple of days here and there, I always came back and did the prompt.  31 pages in 31 days.  Boo-yah!

LOAD1012 - Day 30 - Caution

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD1012 - S.H.O. Time) challenge for Day 30 was to scraplift one of your own pages. I scraplifted this page.

Journaling around the photo collage reads:

What a fun Halloween! You & your girlfriends went dressed as pop stars. Megan as Katy Perry...Taylor as Ke$ha...Shelby as Taylor Swift...You as Lady GaGa...and Alicia as a bodacious Nicki Minaj. You met the guys (including Megan's brother as a great Justin Bieber) to go trick-or-treating. We had a great time putting your costume together and you all looked fab!  

Some observations about the process and products:

1. I find it humorous that I literally took 75 pictures of this group on Halloween.  And only 5 of them made it on to the page.  I guess the rest will live in cyberspace forever.
2. When you use an 8x10 photo or photo collage on a 12x12 page, there aren't a lot of journaling options.  In this case, I chose to journal around the collage, and I think it worked out pretty well.
3. I would like more alpha stamps.  And more alpha stickers.  You can never have enough alphas.  Can you imagine Lady Gaga ever uttering that statement?  "You can never have enough alphas," said the lady in the meat dress.
4. And Jordyn's Halloween album gets another entry.  Epic Pass!

LOAD1012 - Day 20 - My Funny Valentine

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD1012 - S.H.O. Time) challenge for Day 20 was to use Washi tape in an unusual way. I'm not sure that I used the washi unusually, but, ALL of the strips in this layout are made out of washi. What's funny is that the day before this prompt came out I had bought a roll of washi tapes (4 patterns) from the Martha Stewart craft line. Psychic?!?

Journalig Reads:

Jordyn, you wanted to spend Valentine’s Day with someone that you really love. So, you asked Alicia to go to dinner with you. You and Alicia have been the best of friends since you were four and she was three when we lived on the same street. And even though we moved a couple of miles away, you remained as close as sisters. So, you spent the evening together. You went to dinner at our local Mexican restaurant, Casa Real. A cute boy was at the restaurant with his family, and you girls thought it would be fun to send him dessert, fried ice cream, from a secret admirer. Alicia has such a playful and funny personality. She really brings out the silly in you. Immediately after you sent over the mystery dessert, you guys dashed from the restaurant in fits of laughter over the fear that you might be caught! After dinner, you went to see the movie, The Vow. Dinner and a movie, love and laughter, sounds like a perfect Valentine’s Date to me.

Some observations about the process and products:

1. I used Stickles on these hearts.  I haven't used Stickles in forever.  It's fun to use, but I wish it dried faster.
2. The hearts were from my pre-punched hearts drawer.  Love those punched shapes drawer!
3. I love the playfulness of the relationship between Jordyn and Alicia. 
4. I listened to Sutton Foster's CD, "Wish". My good friend knew Sutton as a teenager.  Which goes to show you that there really are six degrees of separation in this world.
5. I really need to increase my washi stash.  Washi is fun.

LOAD1012 - Day 8 - PROFILE pictures

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD1012 - S.H.O. Time) challenge for Day 8 was to use the following sketch from Becky Fleck’s Page Maps for inspiration:

My Page:

Journaling Reads:

Facebook is still your happy place

3/10 /12 - The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique. -Walt Disney
3/22/12 - Smile to change the world! Don't let the world change your smile :)
7/26/12 - If you don't know where you’re going, you'll end up some place else. -Yogi Berra
8/16/12 - Even if you're having a bad day, it's always okay to smile!
8/31/12 - Sometimes in life, things don't go the best, you just have to get a better perspective.
9/16/12 - Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or... Learn from it. -Rafiki, from The Lion King
10/1/12 - Don't think, and don't worry. If the time comes, you'll know what to do. -Mrs. Incredible

Some observations about the process and products:

1. I listened to the Pat Benetar station on Pandora.  Pandora asked me twice if I was still listening, which is a good indication that I did NOT complete this page in a half hour.  IS that really possible on a regular basis??
2. This is my daughter, at age 16, with a couple of her Facebook profile pictures along with a number of her status updates.  I am so blessed to have this girl as my daughter.
3. Based on the sketch, the photo collage should be roughly 6x6 ish.  That's the size I requested and saved in Picasa, however that sizing was lost in translation when I sent it to the printer.  So, I just worked with the size that came out.
4. Have you ever stolen an element from a previous, completed layout?  I took the "E" in the word profile off another layout I created a couple of years ago.  The acrylic letter packet didn't have a grey E, it only had a black striped E.  So, I swapped out the grey E from another layout with the black E so that I could use the grey E on THIS page. 
5. I love love love the grey, white, black, yellow combo right now.  I've been loving it all summer.
6. Using my daughter's Facebook statuses is one way of getting other people to journal for you!  Works for me!!!

LOAD1012 - Day 7 - Fabulous

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD1012 - S.H.O. Time) challenge for Day 6 was to use some sort of sewing or stitching on your page.

Journaling Reads:

I'm SO glad you decided to go to Homecoming this year. Even though you found out Thursday that you'd be going to the dance on Saturday, you were able to pull together a fabulous look.You bought a new dress from your friend, Ally's closet.  Megan did your nails, hair and make-up, and you bought some new shoes from DSW. Your friend, Gage Bolton was your date and you had a great time. Oct. 6, 2012

Some observations about the process and products:

1. SUPER quick page!
2. DCWV Rockstar paper pack.
3. The only "stitching" on the page is the hand drawn, faux sew marks around the words Music and Life on the background paper.
4. Jordyn brought home a photo strip. Might attach that along the right hand side.  Might. 

LOAD1012 - Day 2 - Titanic

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD1012 - S.H.O. Time) challenge for Day 2: Use some memorabilia from a show or sporting event – tickets, programs, souvenirs

I used Picasa to journal in the white space directly onto the photo. And the title "Titanic" was actually PART of the picture. Gotta love that! Tucked behind the photo are: museum tickets, exhibit tickets, an extra photo, our Titanic boarding passes, and a list with more journaling of other memories.

Primary Journaling Reads:

BFF's Jordyn and Megan both LOVE James Cameron's 1997 film, Titanic. They've seen it 100 times. I tease them about living together as old ladies with 20 cats, waiting for a handsome suitor to knock on the door....Jack for Jordyn and his nemesis, Cal for Megan. Best friends don't always have to agree on everything! These two girls talked all summer about visiting this exhibit at the Henry Ford Museum. They were thrilled, as were Patty and I, to have this cool experience. The details were stellar - from the lighting, to the music, to the amazing artifacts, to the faux iceberg - all of which was enhanced by the boarding passes we received with the names and information of actual passengers on the ship. At the end of the exhibit, you could check a list to see if you survived or not. We all survived except for Jordyn's "husband". Even though we expected that result, she was sad to learn of his fate.

Secondary Journaling Reads:

Top Ten Titanic Exhibit Memories I Love

1. The tattered, haunting workshirt of William Allen
2. Jordyn saying, "Put your life belts on!!"
3. Wine bottles with wine inside
4. Being a 1st class passenger and a strong, female author
5. Touching the faux iceberg
6. The Straus' love story - dying together: "Where you go, I go."
7. The stacked au gratin dishes
8. Our photo on the grand stairs
9. Dinner menus dated April 14, 1912
10. Jordyn's excitement to be married and her heart break to be widowed

Some observations about the process and products:

1. Of course I listened to the Titanic soundtrack when creating this page.  How could you not?
2. Cameras were not allowed INSIDE the exhibit.
3. For my list journaling tag, I used a K Company Smash sheet that I had bought at Meijer earlier today.  I think I'll get some good use out of that purchase.
4. The red White Star Line seal in the upper left corner came from the packaging to a Titanic book I bought at the museum gift shop.

LOAD512 - Day 16 - CHANGE

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD512) challenge for Day 16: Use Someone Else's Journaling.



This prompt was relatively easy. My daughter had just written a small paper for her high school English class about my dad, who passed away in January, 2011. She submitted the paper along with this photo, one of her favorites of the two of them together.

Journaling Reads:

Jordyn Hillary
6th hour
Mrs. Okasinski
5/13/12

A Change in My Life

Bennie Ray Shellnut, was the most important man in my life. Papa, my mom’s dad, was a huge part of my life ever since I was brought into this world. He taught me how to tie my shoes, ride a bike, play baseball, and love golf. He taught me the most important lesson in life: to put others before myself and to always give love to people around me, even if it is not returned. Not only was he my grandpa, he was also my father for the first five years of my life.

Every morning I would wake up to the cheerful songs that he would love to sing. His energy and presence just brought joy into every room he entered. There was never a time I did not want to be with my papa. I was always excited to see what kind of adventure each day would bring us. Unlike most dads or grandfathers, believe it or not, he would do my hair in the morning. He would brush my hair then put it into whatever hair style, from ponytails, to pig tails and even just letting my hair go wild.

Papa took me to preschool and picked me up almost every day. When I entered elementary school, he would help me with projects and math home work. He would even take me to my soccer and softball practices. Middle school came along, so I decided to join the school’s choir. My papa loved coming to my concerts. He loved to watch me sing because music was very important to him. When he was in junior high school, he was also in choir and loved singing the songs he learned there. School has always been a little bit of a challenge for me, but Papa would always say that I should not think of myself as stupid, but that I am capable of learning and succeeding. He would say that even if I fail, I should try and try again no matter how many tries it may take me.

Golf was Papa’s hobby. He played it any time he could because he was retired. When I got into high school, I decided to join the girl’s golf team, so I called Papa to tell him. He was happy to hear that I decided to take up golf. A few weekends later he took me golfing with him for the first time. I was thrilled, but little did I know it would also be my last time golfing with him.

A couple of weeks later, Papa came to my first golf match against Lake Orion. He walked the nine holes along the cart path. I was so happy to have him there. Sadly, it was the last time he would be walking on a golf course. Later that evening, he went into the hospital and found out he had a tumor inside of his brain. After that, my whole world changed. Papa passed away nearly five months later. Even today, it is still hard to believe that he is not with us. I miss Papa so much, but while he was with me, I believe he made me a better person.

Papa’s life and death made a major impact on my life. I want to live like he would want me to live. He believed in helping others even if they are strangers, believing in myself even if I feel like I can’t do something. But, most importantly, to love my friends and family and to do what makes me happy. I will cherish the memories of him for the rest of my life. Some memories make me laugh, others make me cry, but the most important memories are the ones that helped shape me into the person I am today. I want my papa to look down and smile and be proud of who I am. He will miss my graduation, my wedding, and holding my first born child, but I know he will be with me at those moments in my heart and soul. He is the greatest man I have ever known and still is to this very day.

Some observations about the process and products:

1. My biggest challenge on this page (aside from holding back the tears...unsuccessfully) was fitting her entire paper onto a one 12x12 scrapbook page.
2. Paper strips are from my scrap stash.
3. I busted out my Stampin' Up alpha stamps for the title.  I need to use those more often.

LOAD512 - Day 13 - Mother's Day

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD512) challenge for Day 13: Prompt: Sketchy Sunday

I had every intention of following the sketch today. Sketches are probably one of the easier prompts for me to follow. But then, when we were at a Mother's Day brunch this morning, my 16 year old daughter gave me this letter and her favorite picture of the two of us (that she had accidentally printed on photo paper, but that accident turned out in my favor!) Because, as soon as I saw it, and read what she had written, I knew it would be used on my scrapbook page for today, complete with any incorrect grammar or incorrect punctuation that she may have used. All I had to do was trim it down from 8.5x11, mat it, embellish it, and put it on some patterned paper, and VOILA! Page is done for the day.

Journaling Reads:

December 20th 1995 was the day you entered a whole new world, motherhood. For the past 16 years you have been a truly amazing mother to me and the boys. But the relationship between a mother and daughter is so much different and special. Our bond has grown stronger and stronger over the years. We laugh together, shop together, Zumba together (on occasion), share clothes and jewelry, but most of all you share your love with me every day. You teach me how to be a good friend to others, you give me advice, and most of all you teach me how to be patient with others. I love when people say we look alike because you are so beautiful inside and out and it is nice knowing I resemble such a beautiful women. Your laughter always puts a smile to my face, it is so similar to papas laugh and it’s like a piece of him is still with us. I am so happy and thankful for you brining me into this world. Thank you for all the things you have given me, a nice home, clothes, food, a great school district, a car, but most of all thank you for giving me such a beautiful and loving family. I would not trade you guys for the world. I know we have our fights and arguments but no matter what I will always love you. How can I not, were practically the same person ;) I am so proud of you, being the mother of 4 children cannot be easy, we get through each day, some are harder than others, but we always make it through. I hope your mother’s day is full of love joy and happiness. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Love your first born Jordyn

Some observations about the process and products:

1. I wish EVERY scrapbook page was this easy to put together!
2. Stampin' Up patterned papers.
3. Tag from my punched shapes "tags" mini drawer.
4. Totally cried when I read this...AT Boulder Point.  Asked Jordyn to give things like this to me at home next time!! :)

LOAD512 - Day 12 - Happy Birthday Megan and Jordyn

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD512) challenge for Day 12: Dumpster Diving, Find inspiration in the trash!

This prompt was EASY for me. I don't throw much away. When Lain suggested using ribbon scraps for a little collage, guess what I did? I went to my ribbon scraps bin (yes, it's even labeled "ribbon scraps" !) and I created a little ribbon collage!! Love it!

Journaling Reads:

You and your BFF, Megan, both have December birthdays. You also share the same circle of friends.  When you went to Megan's birthday party, you were delighted to see that she had included your name on the cake and shared the birthday spotlight. Such kind girls. 12/13/10

Some observations about the process and products:

1. Loved the dumpster diving!  This is why I don't throw things away.
2. Photo credit - I don't know....I wasn't even at the party, I downloaded all of these from Jordyn's Facebook page.  Thank you Facebook!
3. The photo of the cake is serving as my TITLE on this page.  It's a little like cheating, but I think it works.

LOAD512 - Day 11 - 15

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD512) challenge for Day 11: Prompt: Five Sense Friday, Touch




Didn't follow the prompt today.

Journaling Reads:

Jordyn Genella Hillary
You turned 15 today. You, Dad, Liam, Owen, Ashton, and I - along with your boyfriend, Jacob - went to Rochester to drive through the lights. We stopped at Buddy’s Pizza for dinner. You are turning into such a lovely young lady. You have a kind heart and an infectious smile. Even though you’re my daughter, I am starting to also consider you a treasured friend. 12/20/10

Some observations about the process and products:

1. Ignore the tilt, the layout isn't tilted, the photograph of the layout is tilted.
2. The only embellies on this page are patterned paper.  I could probably take it up a notch with some bling or brads or buttons.  But, really? Who needs all that other schtuff?
3. I tried to remember what we gave Jor for her 15th birthday last year, but I couldn't remember.  Funny thing is, Jordyn couldn't remember, either.  Probably gift cards to go shopping and buy clothes.
4. I love this girl.

LOAD512 - Day 6 - Jordyn's Fourteenth Birthday Party

The prompt for Lain Ehmann's Layout a Day (LOAD512) challenge for Day 6 - Sketchy Sunday

You may have noticed, but more than likely you didn't, that I didn't have a layout for Day 5.  That's because I was on a FABULOUS weekend trip to Traverse City-O for Cinco de Mayo.  But, ya know what, I'm not stressing out about the fact that I missed ONE day of LOAD this month.

On the bright side, I followed the prompt today!  I wish I could share the sketch with you, but I'm not sure how to do that.  Let's just say I didn't follow it exactly, but loosely.  It was nice to have the design inspiration.  And, hey, another birthday page!

Journaling Reads:

We celebrated your 14th birthday one month early to avoid the holiday rush in December.  You had 10 friends spend the night...Kristi, Alex, Chelsea, Louise, Megan, Alexis, Kayla, Shelby, Bailey, and Alicia.  You guys drank beer...ROOT beer of course...and watched scary movies.  And enjoyed red velvet cupcakes. 11/20/09

Some observations about the process and products:

1. The title was taken from her invitation postcards that I had created. 
2. I think she might have been going through a little mom-leave-me-alone-I-need-some-breathing-room phase because, I didn't take many good photos of the party.  Kind of disappointed about that.
3. I could NOT get the photos to print out well.  The coloring on them is HORRIBLE.  But, I finally conceded and technology won.  They are what they are.

ScRaP SiStaZ Challenge 21 - I heart you

WOW! I can't believe it's been almost TWO YEARS since our last ScRap SisTaZ challenge was posted!! And it's been 18 MONTHS since I scrapped and posted a page. WOW!

(Hey, I started and ended that paragraph with the same word!)

I am THRILLED that Tina posted Challenge 21 to get us going again!! Thanks, Tina.
Let me just say that when I saw the inspiration page I thought, GREAT! Now this looks like one of those 30 minute pages Lain Ehmann talks about. One photo. Couple strips of journaling. A splash of buttons. Nothing really elaborate. So, heck, why don't I do TWO lay outs at ONCE?!?

Five hours later (or more), and here they are.

I heart Jordyn:

Journaling Reads: Jordyn – You call Facebook your “happy place”. It truly is a reflection of the joyful, positive young woman that you are. You are wise beyond your 15 years. The proof is in the status updates…misspellings & all: Be yourself! (9/18/11) * Smile... Pass it on! (9/16/11) * Lifes to good and short to live your life unhappy... :) :) :) (9/12/11) * The grass is always greener on the otherside.... But you still have to mow both sides. :) (8/21/11) * Gunna be a good life :) (7/11/11) * I love the people who make me smile when they dont even try :) :) :) (6/28/11) * … If you have time to worry about the bad things, then you have just enough time to look at the good side of things :) (6/16/11) * You only live once... So live your life tothe fullest :) Dont waste it :) (5/24/11) * Rainbow! (8/21/11) *

I heart my Dad:

Journaling Reads: It’s hard to believe I’ll never hear your voice again. On the days when missing you hits me harder than others, I listen to hymns and I instantly feel your presence. Hearing those southern gospels makes me feel as if I’m nine years old again, at a church revival with you standing next to me in the pew, my arm intertwined with yours, and my head resting against your shoulder. I close my eyes and I can almost hear your smooth alto voice rising up in earnest praise and worship. The tears flow. It Is Well, In the Garden, The Old Rugged Cross, How Great Thou Art, Are You Washed in the Blood, to name a few. These songs comfort me and help me to realize that your voice will always be with me.

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. 
   
   I actually like the 8 1/2 x 11 format.


2. 
   
   I found this size/shape photo difficult to work with. A very large square. What do you do, print an 8x10 and trim down? Print a 5x7? But if you print a 5x7 then if you trim anything, you're trimming off part of the person (if it's a head shot). Do you go to Picasa and print from there? I don't know, it was hard for me.


3. 
   
   Forgive the picture of each layout, they are the EXACT same papers, but somehow the pics look different. Colors are better represented in Jordyn's layout.


4. 
   
   My ATG tape gun runner was NOT working well for me. Either I forgot how to use it, or Big Red was mad at me for staying away for so long.


5. 
   
   Scrapping in my newly reorganized office was FABULOUS! I love that I know where everything is and that it is all labeled so nicely. (pictures eventually)


6. 
   
   It's not the easiest to scrap through tears. But, it was cathartic and I'm glad I did it.

Inspiration Layout:

ScRaP SiStaZ Challenge 5a - Turning Fourteen

I still haven't given up on completing all of last year's ScRaP SiStaZ challenges. I recently completed Challenge 5a and I want to complete them all before Tina starts posting more challenges (which I'm guessing will be sometime after she finishes her Master's). In finishing this challenge, I also completed another layout for Jordyn's (still sparsely populated) birthday album. This is one of two layouts that I plan to complete to document her fourteenth birthday. Next on my list is her 14th birthday party with her friends. I just need to find a good inspiration layout to guide me through!

Turning Fourteen - Double:

Turning Fourteen - Left:

Turning Fourteen - Right:

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Inspiration was 8 1/2 x 11, I tweaked it to a 12 x 12 format.
2. I also tweaked the topic from Meeting Santa to Turning Fourteen. I'm not ready to tackle my kids' Santa photos yet. It's on my long list of projects that I plan to get around to some day....like when I've cloned myself four times over and when I no longer have a demanding career.
3. I've had these pictures printed since early January, with this layout in mind. I finally put the layout together in late February and am just now getting around to sharing it here on my blog. I might not move as quickly as I did last year, but at least I'm still moving.
4. Love how the orange and red patterned papers pick up the orange in Jordyn's shirt and the red poinsettias in the background at the restaurant. I also love coordinating patterned papers from a paper stack, which in this case are from DCWV.
5. I'm comfortable with hybrid-digi scrapping (meaning I journal and make titles on my computer). I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to learn how to do a fully digital layout. Maybe I'll make time on my maternity leave to figure this out. (Kendrea, here I come! Will you teach me??)
6. I was having a frumpy day, so excuse the hat and baggy sweater (which even now, at almost full term in my pregnancy would still be baggy on me!) But look at Jordyn, isn't she just gorgeous?? Yes, I'm biased. That's my job.

Inspiration Layout:

Happy Birthday - make a wish!

So, I'm working on Jordyn's birthday album right now. I only have about 5 weeks until her 14th birthday. And so far, I've scrapped 11, 12, & 13. And now 3. Four birthdays down, nine to go!

Happy Birthday - Make a Wish! (double):

Happy Birthday - Make a Wish! (left):

Happy Birthday - Make a Wish! (right):

Some observations on the process and the products used:

1. Locating pictures for Jordyn's birthday, pre-digital era, is no easy task. Bad momma, bad momma. I've located 1, 2, & 4. But somehow I need to locate birthdays 5-10. EEKS! I only have 5 weeks left to do this and I can't let her down!
2. Working with 4x6 photos is not how I like to scrap. Especially photos that don't necessarily have the best composition. I like printing photos in whatever size I want so that I can best tell the story. So, for this layout I circle punched the photos to crop out much of the background noise.
3. I didn't work from a sketch, and OY! Let me tell you, I MUCH prefer having a sketch or inspiration layout. But, that's OK. The memory has been captured.
4. Not one of the best designed layouts, but look at how cute 3 year old Jordyn was!

Wish me luck on the other layouts!! I'm gonna need it.

Challenge 12a - my 3 students

I wanted to finish up another ScRap SiStaZ challenge before Tina started posting new challenges for the fall, so I scrapped about the first day of school here at the Hillary's, lifting Challenge 12a. That leaves me with only 4 challenge layouts to "catch up" on from the first batch of challenges. Not too shabby!!

my 3 students:

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. When I first saw this layout, I thought it would be perfect for me to do something with, since I, too have 3 kids. I'm glad I finally came up with something.
2. I switched it from a double layout to a single, but I think I captured the overall feeling of the original.
3. I enjoyed using the Heidi Swapp ghost alphas (that I got at the Mega Meet) for my title. But, I don't have a wide array of adhesive and staples seemed like the most sturdy route to go. Adds texture, no? That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!
4. I really do love using the Cricut. A MUST for any serious scrapper.
5. Jordyn's photo was shot in the same location as the boys' photos were shot, but there was no sunlight, so you can't really tell.
6. I can't believe I have 3 kids in school!! Holy Moly, where has the time gone.
   

Looking forward to more challenges!! :)

Challenge Layout:

Challenge 17b - Silver Scholar

I liked the layout that I modified for ScRap SiStaZ Challenge 17b so much, that I scraplifted it again for Jordyn's Honors Night layout. I was going to use Challenge 17a, but I liked the way this turned out.

Silver Scholar - double:

Silver Scholar - left:

Silver Scholar - right:

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. I like scrapping events so close to when they actually occurred. I would love to get into the habit of doing this more often.


2. Patterned Paper from a SU! kit. I love coordinating paper kits!


3. Title and journaling font is CK Becky. Jordyn asked if I had "written" the journaling. Yes. And no.


4. I like to specify who is in each picture. Maybe next time I will add the text directly to the photo in Picasa before printing the picture.


5. On the right side of the layout is a pocket containing the brochure, photocopies of her 3 certificates, cards, and the bumper sticker (that I'm not allowed to put on our car!!) :)

Challenge 7b - You Rock

For ScRap SiStaZ Challenge 7b, I had the perfect photos to use.

Last Spring, Jordyn was invited to Honors Night because she made the 6th Grade Honor Roll for three semesters. I've been meaning and meaning to scrap those photos because I love the story. And this was the perfect opportunity to do that.

You Rock - double:

You Rock - left:

You Rock - right:

Some observations about the process and the products used:

1. Nothing notable about the products - 3 sheets cardstock, SU! inked edges with Summer Sun, blue sticker letters for the title, SU! chipboard stars painted midnight navy and white, stickles (no issues!) on the "O" star, 3 blue star brads, some lengths of blue fiber.
2. The left side of the layout is a variation of the inspiration layout, except that I replaced the bottom right journaling block with a 4x6 photo, moved the title to the middle, and put my journaling in the upper left. Similar, but not exact.
3. The right side of the layout houses a pocket with memorabilia from the event: the program, cards she received, her merit award ribbon, a close up picture of the cake, and the longer version of the story as told here. (another reason I'm happy I'm a blogger!)
4. The Award of Honor, is a scanned version of her certificate which I printed on a 4x6 piece of white cardstock. (stole this idea from Lisa Bearnson)
5. Kevin did not "allow" me to put the bumper sticker on either of our cars, so I saved it to use on this layout instead.
   

Challenge 7b Inspiration Layout: