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.