10 Things U Love

About a month ago, a friend of mine pinned this layout over on Pinterest and I knew I had to lift it as well!  Truthfully, it is highly likely I will lift it four times...one for each child.  I love documenting current "likes" for the boys as they often change from year to year.  I finished Ryder's layout a few weeks ago, but have failed to share it here on my blog. 

Ryder's current loves...

1.  Legos...tiny toys thrill you to no end

2.  Cinnamon Toast Crunch

3.  Swinging..."push me higher!"

4.  The TV show Blues Clues

5.  BB...aka Breydan

6.  Riding scooters

7.  Gogurts and cheese sticks

8.  Buzz Lightyear

9.  Fun socks...they make you happy!

10.  The color blue

The love the way this layout turned out and it is definitely one of my favs!

Apple Of My Eye

I love the warm colors so often used in Fall scrapbook lines.  Red.  Orange.  Yellow.  Throw in a rustic brown and lively green and my heart begins to pitter patter.  I fell in love with Jillibean Soup's Apple Cheddar collection at first sight.  *Insert happy squeal*  It was the perfect collection to use with this ADORABLE photo of Ryder from last March...

With the exception of the brads (Echo Park) and kraft cardstock all products used are Jillibean Soup.  I recently purchased my first set of corrugated alphas...love 'em!!!  For this layout I painted them red to play up the subtle apple theme.  It seems as though I am finding my scrappy groove again.  Amen!  This mama has an overwhelming amount of photos sitting here.  Waiting.  Happy Scrappin'!

First Day

Earlier this week I sat down and FORCED myself to create a layout.  Honestly, it was almost painful.  Sad, I know.  I do not know where my creativity...my mojo...my need to create has disappeared to.  Perhaps it was the photos I chose...cute, yes!!!  However, as I plugged away at this layout I could not believe the subject matter.  No way is one of my bitties in school.  Sigh...

I started off using this sketch I found over on Pinterest.  Most of the supplies used are from the Imaginisce Geek is Chic line.  I adore this line, but will admit to being stumped with how to use some of the die cuts and journaling spots.  They are larger than I normally purchase; therefore, leading to some hmmmm moments.  Overall, I am pretty pleased with the final result.   

Your Smile

One of my first pins over on Pinterest was this layout.  It screamed CUTENESS at me and I fell in love the with the double banners.  I stayed pretty true to the original layout when I created Your Smile...

I am in love with this photo of Garrett.  I cannot believe how much he has grown since it was taken last November, though.  He looks so much more mature this fall...sniff, sniff.  The alphas are Jillibean Soup and October Afternoon.  Patterned paper is Echo Park, Bella Blvd, and My Minds Eye.

Happy Scrappin'!

My Joy

I have a super simple and super quick layout to share with you today.  This particular layout is making it's way into Parker's album, but is a layout that will be repeated for the other three boys as well.

The alphas and "joy" clip are Basic Grey.  All other supplies are Echo Park (which is quickly becoming one of my favs).  Yesterday a big old box of scrap goodies was delivered to my front door.  Eeeekkkk!  Fingers crossed I can find some time to scrap next week...new supplies always ignite a spark within me to create.

Then and Now

I have admitted before that Parker's earlier layouts contain no journaling.  If had endless time on my hands, I would LOVE nothing more than to completely re-do his first year scrapbook.  Cringe.  Eric and my mom like to remind me it's fun to see my beginning work and how I have progressed.  'Eh.  Either way, I have to get busy either adding journaling to previous layouts or coming up with creative ways to journal Parker's earlier years on present layouts. 

I pulled the journaling for the layout below from a "then and now" post I blogged last summer.  It turned out to be an excellent way to record some earlier memories of Parker in addition to current happenings.   

I pulled out the Echo Park Summer Days stash I have had sitting here for a bright and cheerful layout.  The ADORABLE photo just pulls it all together. 

Back To School??!!!

This morning I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that school starts in two weeks.  Two weeks!  Please tell me I am not the only one asking where the summer went!  Sure, there were camping trips, bike rides, endless trips to the DQ, BBQ's, and afternoons spent at Soak City.  It all just passed too quickly for my liking. 

I am forcing myself to get into Back-to-School mode.  Three new backpacks are at the ready (Ryder starts preschool...3 mornings a week...eeeekkkk!) filled with brand spanking new school supplies.  Crisp, new blue jeans are waiting to be worn when cooler temps arrive.  I will admit, with the purchase of an additional Thermos Funtainer, I am giddy to not only pack one lunchbox this year, but two.  The next few weeks we will find ourselves busy with the payment of school fees, open houses, back-to-school haircuts, the promise of new tennis shoes, and an attempt to cram in the last minute summer fun!

Prior to our recent camping trip, I put together this 2010 Back-to-School layout of the older two boys.  With a blink of the eye, this former preschooler and first grader are now entering Kindergarten and 2nd grade! 

I opted to not journal on this layout as I had journaled on each child's individual Back-to-School layout.  I kept the layout simple (as I do with most of my layouts) by sticking to a block style.  I cannot get enough October Afternoon and this was a great layout to make good use of some scraps! 

Happy Monday!  Hope your week is off to a great start!

Today

After months of feeling not an ounce of creativity or desire to scrap, I have (finally) gotten by the scrappy bug again.  It feels great to chip away on getting our stories on paper again.  It is rare for me to pay sole attention to one boys' album as I like to hip hop all over towards photos that grab my attention.  However, over the last week I have been paying special attention to Parker's stories.  Ideally, I would like to be caught up on each boys' albums when they graduate (from high school) and little mister Professor Parker will be leading the way.  True, I have years till he graduates...ahem, but I also have four kids! 
I ADORE this photo of Parker!  I cannot believe how much he has changed since it was taken in November 2010. 

Overall, I kept the layout super simple.  I did crinkle the punched circles for a little more texture (hard to tell in the photo...boo).  I mainly used Echo Park supplies, but the alphas are by October Afternoon. 

 Journaling reads:  Parker, it is hard to believe you are a few months shy of turning seven years old!  Cliche, yes....however, where has the time gone?  You are breezing through the first grade and ever so quickly becoming a fluent reader.  Your friends are becoming key people in your life as you take great value in their ideas.  Now, the oldest of four boys, I expect great things of you.  To be a leader...set a great example...always do your best...and provide help when needed.  Your energy, knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm never ceases to amaze me.  Your dad and I are so very proud of you...today, tomorrow, and always!  11/2010 

Breathtaking

I mentioned the other day my new addiction to Pinterest.  I follow my fellow scrapbooking friend, Kari Ann, over there and she recently pinned a few layouts that caught my eye.  One of the layouts featured rolled pieces of paper and I fell in love with the look.  I have been in a bit of scrappy slump so finding some inspiration was nice!

The photo of Ryder below is one of my all time favorites of him.  He is breathtaking.  To this mama, the photo is breathtaking.   

I believe the photo (with the title) speak for themselves; therefore in a rare moment I did not journal on this layout.  I painted the chipboard heart and wish it was just a tad shade lighter, but then again I like the way it pops off the page.  Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great weekend:)

Still Dreaming of Summer

I have been busily (if you can call it that!) working on Ryder's scrapbooks.  I keep gravitating towards his summer photos that I have left to scrap.  I am (still) dreaming of summer and all that it brings. 

Below is the layout for Ryder's scrapbook documenting our trip to Silver Lake in 2009.  I wanted to do at least one page for each of the boys' albums of our trip; however, I am putting together (digitally) an album with all of our photos as well.  We had so much fun during our trip.  We are headed back this year in late June.  We are camping this year versus staying at a resort.  Cross your fingers for us!

I used October Afternoon's Seaside for this layout and my favorite...Doodlebug Alphas.  With the large variety of photos, I kept my design super simple. 

We bought a boat two years ago.  It is nothing fancy, but it serves us well right now.  Eric actually suggested selling it recently and I told him he was nuts!!!  Please let me assure you that is not the norm in our house.  My husband LOVES his toys and has owned more than his fair share.  He buys, sells, and trades on a constant basis.  The boat...well, it is staying!  Look at all of the smiles below...the boat stays! 

 

Again, this layout is for Ryder's album and the older boys will each get their own boating layout as well.  I used more of Seaside for this layout as well...some twine...and cute alphas. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

2010 Back to School Layouts

Keeping it simple.  Keeping it fun!  I am pretty darn happy with the way both of these layouts turned out.  I CANNOT believe how much the boys have grown since these photos, though!!!

I used a mix of Bella Blvd and October Afternoon on this layout.  My Parker...he is so darn handsome!  I still, on occasion, applaud myself regarding the purchase of his lunch bag.  What a find!

I used more October Afternoon and some Echo Park (blue patterned paper) on Garrett's layout.  I love the block look...clean and simple!  Could he be any cuter with his posing?!  Little ham!

Blessed...

I noticed last week that my ever growing stack(s) of completed layouts without a home (aka...not in an album) was out of control.  I LOVE to buy new scrap supplies; however, I often forget to pick up an album here and there.  With that in mind, I picked up two new albums over the weekend.  It felt awesome to get about 50 layouts placed in their rightful home.  Another 150 (or so) remain...

I smiled, laughed, and even shed a tear (or two) as I looked at my completed layouts.  I was reminded (once again) how incredibly blessed Eric and I are!

The little dude below is certainly one of our blessings...

I pulled out Echo Park's Happy Halloween line for these photos of Ryder from Halloween 2010.  I scrap lifted myself for this layout and am pretty pleased with the end result.  Normally, I would not add such a "bulky" sticker as the spooky tree...I liked it, though! 

On a side note, I have 26 layouts to complete that are Ryder's and I will be up to date on his albums through December (the last time I printed photos).  Frankly, I am amazed!!!!  Can I complete those before his 3rd birthday in May?!!!  Game on...

***No, I NOT caught up in a similar manner on Parker, Garrett, and Hudson's albums!!!***

'Lil Buddy

This is why I scrapbook...so stories do not go untold. 

I will freely admit that when I first began scrapbooking there was NO journaling on my layouts.  My earlier pages consisted of nothing more than photos and a massive amount of stickers.  Now, when I look at those layouts I sigh.  Not because of my earlier technique (or lack thereof), but because there is no meaning behind my layouts.  My earlier layouts did not tell a story.  My story.  My thoughts.  The story of my kiddos.  Our family.  I began journaling on my layouts about four years ago...perhaps only a few words or at other times an important story that NEEDS to be told.  I have a new appreciation for my layouts now that they include words and I pray that one day my children will thank me for that.

I completed the above layout last week.  I needed to do this layout last week.  For me.  For the young boy in the photo.  For the handsome gentleman standing next to him.  Garrett is standing next to my Papa (my maternal grandfather) in the photo above.  From the day I was born, he has been a strong influence in my life.  Our relationship has always consisted of love, support, and mutual respect.  He and my grandmother are truly one in a million.  I am beyond blessed that they have played a huge role in my childhood and now in my adult life.  My boys have an amazing relationship with them as well.  A relationship that many children do not have with their great-grandparents.  Indeed, we are all blessed!

Currently, my Papa is struggling with his health.  He has for years; however, he is strong.  Both in body and mind.  We have reached the point where surgery or treatment will no longer fix him.  I knew this day was inevitable; however, it saddens me nonetheless.  Thankfully, after a recent hospitalization Papa is now home.  He is doing well and looks wonderful.  Who knows what the coming days and months will bring.  In the meantime, our family will continue to cherish each and every moment spent with Papa.             

Dreaming...

It is raining versus snowing here in Northwest Ohio.  I am crossing my fingers the rain indicates Spring is on its way!  As the rain falls, I am dreaming of warm weather.  The sun.  The beach.  Family fun on the boat.  Our camping trip to Silver Lake, Michigan.  I am looking forward to using our Cedar Point season passes and our Toledo Zoo family membership. 

Do you remember this sweet, chubby, little baby from last summer...

Products used:  October Afternoon patterned paper and stickers, unknown brads, Jillibean Soup twine, and Doodlebug alphas

I am dreaming of seeing those cute, chubby legs toddle around in a romper this summer!!!  Come on warm weather!  Get here already....

Echo Park...Little Boy Layouts

I am beginning to think Echo Park created the Little Boy line for me...a mom to four boys!  Okay, perhaps not entirely for little 'ole me; however, it is perfect for my scrapbooking needs!  I love the primary colors and simplicity of the patterned paper.  The alphas are too cute and the embellishments rock!

This series of photos showcasing Ryder in action behind the camera CRACK ME UP.  The black alphas are Doodlebug, the buttons are "unknown", and additional supplies used are Echo Park.  

 

Last summer, Eric made the older boys a few handmade ramps for their dirt bikes (that they began using in the driveway for their regular bikes).  Parker has mad skills on a bike.  Honestly!  Again, I used Echo Park AND did some hand stitching.  A first for me!!!  It is time consuming, but I love the extra detail it gives. 

I am working on a few back to school layouts (2010) this week...stay tuned!

Playing with Punches

Earlier this week, I pulled out my circle punch and scraps from Basic Grey's Oliver line to put together a couple layouts.  These layouts photographed horribly and I can assure you the B&W photos on the layouts are not so high contrast! Sigh... 

I have become attached to Kraft cardstock as of lately...using it on far too many layouts.  In my defense, it is universal!  I did some inking, added in a few brads/staples, punched circles, and journaling strips.  Done!

 

Kitty Kat is a scraplift from a layout I saw in a recent edition of Scrapbooks, Etc.  Journaling reads:  A gift in your stocking from Christmas 2010...you love Kitty Kat like no other!  he sleeps with you every night and accompanies you to school each day. 

Behind In Sharing...

These are the last two layouts I finished prior to Hudson's first birthday.  These are the last of the layouts that were intended to go into an album for our family and friends to view at Hudson's party.  Yea, his album did not get put together in time.  ***Disclaimer...I DO NOT have all of the layouts for Hudson's first year album completed.  Oh, how I wish I was super woman!!!***  Fingers crossed I get an album put together before his 2nd birthday!

I LOVE the way Your First Christmas...2010 turned out.  Patterned paper is from Echo Park (Wintertime)...the line is perfect for the Christmas PJ's the boys sported Christmas 2010.  Echo Park is quickly becoming one of my new favorite companies!  It may be hard to notice, but I "sprinkled" brads around the page..over existing dots to make the page pop a little bit more.   

I used a combo of Jillibean Soup and old October Afternoon for Pick a Pumpkin.  I opted to print Hudson's first trip to the pumpkin patch as a collage; therefore, this layout came together really quickly. 

Have a fantastic weekend!  I am hoping to get some additional scrap booking time in...one can hope!!!  I did some hand stitching (for the first time) on a layout last weekend.  I need to get a photo of it and I will share over the weekend.  I do not know how so many of you hand stitch so many of your layouts.  Time consuming...however, it is an awesome look!

Mama Has New Layouts to Share...Woot Woot!

My 2011 Scrapbooking goal to complete 3 layouts a week (or 12 layouts a month...whatever) is in full force.  True, it is still January and my goal is fresh; however, I am running with my scrappy mojo!  In an effort to make myself accountable, I am going to add a monthly total of layouts completed (over on my side bar) at the end of each month.  I have two new layouts to share with you today...

I started off grabbing these patterned papers for the title page of Hudson's album.  I had a photo from the day of his delivery nailed down to the page.  It was not working.  At all.  I gently yanked the photo off, rotated the page, and gravitated towards these photos of Hudson at 8 months.  Sure thing...they are a much better fit!  I printed off the journaling I used on his 8 months blog post into strips and adhered those to the layout.  Add in a few additional elements and done!  I pulled these papers from my Basic Grey Oliver stash.  Again.  The chipboard alphas are some old Heidi Swapp product I had laying around. 

I lifted the above design from my sweet friend, Jenney.  I find myself doing A LOT more 8.5x11 layouts lately.  Why was I so scared of them?!!!  Hudson's messy face in this photo makes me chuckle...'lil guy just L-O-V-E-S to eat!  I used some odds and ends from my Sassafras Lass goodies for this layout.  I cannot wait for the full reveal of their Starters line...I miss me some fun Sassafras!

Time to run...we meet with Hudson's not-so-new Urologist in a few hours and I have got to finish getting ready.  I will share with you the details of today's appointment and his (more than likely) surgeries in the coming days.  Have a great day, readers!!! 

Too Much Cuteness for Two Layouts?!

I have been going strong on Hudson's first year album.  By NO means is it close to being done; however, I am enjoying putting together simple layouts to tell his story.  Cute?!  Dear Lord, ARE the layouts CUTE!!!  Look at my little lion...I want to smother him in kisses!

Boo was created based upon a layout published in a recent edition of Scrapbooks, Etc.  It came together super quick and I LOVE the final result.

Baby chub...who doesn't love it?!!! 

I used Basic Grey's Oliver patterned paper for these sweet pictures of our little chunka monka in the tub.  *Sigh*  Love him.  Love Basic Grey Oliver.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Completing A Difficult Layout

If you a long time reader of my blog, you know I like displaying the boys' scrapbooks at their birthday parties.  It gives me a chance to share my layouts with our friends and family.  It is also fun to look back (together) and remember when.  Hudson's first birthday (gasp...next month!) is quickly approaching; therefore, I have been giving his layouts all of my recent attention. 

His NICU photos and I have been staring each other down for months.  For the longest time I have been utterly clueless as to what to do with them.  As I look at them, I am reminded of a difficult time in ALL of our lives (therefore shying away from them).  The combination of color and b&w photos had me at a loss as well.  What's a girl to do? 

Keep it simple...

I have said it before (and I will say it again), for two page layouts I like to line up my photos...that became my starting point.  After laying the photos against a few pieces of patterned paper (and shaking my head), I reminded myself (again) to keep it simple.  Enter the kraft and white cardstock.  Add in a little bit of inking, some twine, staples, brads, chipboard hearts, and alphas and the finished layout became one I LOVED.  The layout is not overpowering so truly the photos take center stage.  Mama is happy!

The chipboard hearts were originally pink...I painted them a light blue and lightly inked them as well.


Where is your journaling?  You are asking that, right?!  The journaling itself presented me with an additional hurdle.  I had A LOT I wanted to say.  After debating over a few options, I simply opted to give my journaling it's own layout.

I wrote a letter to Hudson detailing my thoughts, emotions, and the details of his NICU stay....

I am relieved to have these photos scrapped.  Now to conquer his birth story and hospital stay for IVIG treatment...oy!  Indeed these stories are not completely joyous ones; however, they are a part of Hudson's beginning and I wish to share them with him.  Happy Scrappin'!