Refocusing in 2013... Back to a favorite hobby!

A simple scrapbook page... I've had this sitting on my counter unfinished for months! Finally put it together!


 I am also including the scrap lift inspiration page. Like I said, simple!

Challenge 24 - Done!

Another one bites the dust... another one done, another one done, another one bites the dust!

I'm excited to have a Christmas layout done!  One of my theme albums is "Christmas", but I haven't done much with my Christmas pictures in several years.  I think it is because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with them, and let's be honest, I take a TON of Christmas pictures each year.  Some are pretty good, but others, not so much. Regardless, I can't seem to part with any of them.  When I flip through pics from years past there is always someone or something in the background or off to the side that brings back a special memory.  So, I've decided, make that given myself permission, to scrap/keep ALL of my Christmas pictures.  Not sure exactly what this will look like yet, but I'll figure it out.

Speaking of (forgotten) special memories... when flipping through my Christmas pictures I came across this set.  A simple common Christmas activity... cutting down a Christmas tree.  However, look how darn young Spencer is!!!!!!  So cute... but these pictures also highlight some other thoughts (should have journaled them! darn!).  These pictures were pre-Carson! Gasp! Doesn't seem possible that there was a pre-Carson era! He's such a huge presence in the Petoskey family that it is hard to remember the days before him!  It also highlights just how long we have been BFFs with the Petoskeys!  These pictures were taken almost exactly 10 years ago!! Time sure does fly!!

Journaling:

On December 02, 2001 we met our friends,  Joel, Amy, and Spencer Petoskey, at the Candy Cane Tree Farm in Oxford, MI. Derek and I love real Christmas  trees, so we enjoy getting out in the crisp winter air to hunt down the perfect tree. Amy and Joel love real trees, too, so we decided to go on our hunt together.  We walked and walked, and walked some more, before we found "the tree."  It was so fun watching cute little Spencer waddle between the trees all bundled up in his winter coat, hat and gloves! What a beautiful, sunny, winter day!

A few notes:  I pulled out some "old" supplies... it felt good. I'm over keeping up with the "trends" in scrapbooking. I am a simple, clean lines, do what I feel comfortable with, scrapbooker.  Thanks for looking!

Challenge 23 - Done!

I was determined to stay caught up with the Challenges this time around... and I'm succeeding. I forgot how much I truly enjoy scrapbooking... here is my rendition of Challenge 23

I started an 8.5x11 album to put "All About Me" pages in.  Well, I struggled because the journaling and the single picture I had planned for this page would.not.fit on an 8.5x11 page.  After spending too much time trying to force it, I gave in and was going to create a 12x12.  Well, as I was reworking the plan I figured out how to keep it 8.5x11. I did a "layered" layout.  This top photo shows the top page closed over the bottom page.

This picture shows the top page opened up to expose the second page.

I am totally into custom sized page protectors. I've made several now (see previous KR post).  This is what the layered page looks like in my custom made page protectors.  I simply use my sewing machine to stitch the page protectors to the size I need. Easy-peasy.  I needed the top page to be smaller, so it would expose my title on the right side. I also needed a second page because I couldn't fit all of my journaling on the front page with my picture. Problem solved with a layered, custom sized page protector page. :)

My journaling is below. I like that I documented "my" lessons learned... I may figure out a way to frame this... good reminders for me to reflect upon regularly. :)

o hard work does pay off o your best friends will chat and laugh with you into the wee hours of the morning... because you, nor they, know when you will get the next opportunity o invest in friendships... the return is priceless o college is worth the time and the money o staying true to the person you are gets more difficult as you get older... others want to change you o laughter is the best medicine... it can cure stress instantly o avoid drama... it's not worth the stress --> ever. o others will judge you... but only pay attention to self judgment o stick with people who are fun... see above --> laughter is the best medicine o never let others think you are too old to have fun... age is a number -->having fun keeps you young o never lie at the expense of your integrity... being truthful cultivates trust o save for a rainy day... but don't be afraid to treat yourself as if there may be no tomorrow o take time to snuggle on the couch... a clean house can wait o never stop learning... professionally or in your personal life o don't be afraid to stand up for what or who you believe in o bubble baths are another stress reliever... enjoy them often o never stop dreaming... you need those dreams to keep you motivated and invested in life o treasure the sunny days... because you need to weather the stormy days o your parents will always love you unconditionally... and their pride will always shine through o don't worry too much about vanity... those that matter will think you are beautiful no matter what o always be thankful for your health... it can change in an instant o be proud of your optimistic attitude... always challenge the pessimists! o expect apologies... and then let go o you are not a morning person... accept it and enjoy the days you get to wake up without an alarm clock o movies are an escape... see them often o you will learn to love traveling... not only to sunny beaches, but to places where you learn about new cultures o

always spend time on your favorite hobbies... they can easily get pushed to the side when life gets busy and it's easy to forget just how much joy they bring to your life o always remember to dance... no matter where you are or who is watching o get plenty of sleep... it is what keeps you healthy o it's okay to want to make more money... instead of spend less o read quotes and let them inspire you... but at some point believe you are good enough just the way you are o don't stop eating slowly even if others seem annoyed... enjoy the meal, the conversation, and the moment o getting lost in a good book is a good thing... it's feeling sad that you have lost a good friend once the book ends that is the hard part o invest in expensive sunglasses... they are worth it o listen... to children and the elderly because they often share thoughts that will change your way of thinking o expect others to treat you well... especially your husband o celebrate your love for technology... because it's fun to get new toys o don't be afraid to admit when you are wrong... it is not a sign of weakness o religion will not be an important part of your life... doesn't mean you can't be spiritual o never end a date night with friends or family simply because it is getting late... those moments and memories become priceless o hugs are the best way to say "hello" and "goodbye"... give them often o be a role model and empower others... especially young girls o most importantly... be real. be you.

Challenge 22 - Done!

I started Challenge 22 almost two weeks ago. I had most of it laid out... just needed to finalize the journaling and glue everything down.  Finished that up tonight. I'm excited to have this event documented... it was a great night!

This is the left side page:

This is the right side page:

This the journaling that will be sandwiched between the pages... it's an excerpt from a random blog that copied and pasted about the concert...

My journaling under the left side page reads as follows:

SO.MUCH.FUN! I have been to many, many Kid Rock concerts, but this was one of the best! Karen, Amy, and I started the night with Bad-Ass beer and appetizers in our beautiful room at Motor City Casino. We were soon joined by a bunch of fun, fun friends.... Heather, Denise, and crew, and Mandy and her boyfriend, Steve.  We took a lot of crazy, cool pictures, sang our hearts out to Kid Rock tunes (both old and new) and created an empty beer bottle pyramid!  Silly fun!   Of course, the concert itself was AWE.SOME! The guest lineup was great... my favorite was Sheryl Crow. The chemistry between her and KR could be felt throughout the stadium!  My only disappointment was that Hank, Jr., didn't show up. Now worries though, the performances with Rev Run and Kracker made up for his absence!  The night ended somewhat early (before the bars closed "early") with Karen ordering a $30.00+ pizza from the hotel that was barely touched because we had all fallen asleep by the time it was delivered to our room. LOL! As always, great times with great friends! What a great way to usher in the 1971-ers 40th year! Happy Birthday, KR!

**Connection to Challenge 22... I planned to use the title with the numbers/months/days, but just couldn't get it to fit on the layout without it looking silly.  I did print the picture of KR to resemble the one in the challenge... a tall, big picture. I love this pic of KR... a true representation of what he looks like on stage. 

Scrapbook Challenge 21

WooHoooo.... glad to be back in the saddle. I haven't made a scrapbook pages in oh, I don't know, months... maybe over a year!  I love this hobby and hope to make more room in my life to enjoy it... along with blogging. Due Date: October 10 :)


Here is my take on Scrapbook Challenge 21:

Journaling:

little machine, i adore you! i knew i would "like" you, but i had no idea how much i would come to depend on you... you make checking email (both work and personal) and keeping track of my calendar a breeze... i use you to watch tv and movies, read magazines and books, play games such as words with friends, check my favorite social networking sites (facebook and twitter),  look up recipes and youtube videos, take notes in professional development classes, practice yoga, take and edit pictures and videos, pin internet finds to pinterest, and check the weather.  you make my life easier and are a huge source of entertainment.  i am so glad that we met back in april, 2011!

Stats: 

- Made page in less than 2 hours... including taking and printing pics at home

- used Photosheet to organize my pics to print

- used the HP Officejet Pro K8600 to print my pics

- used my Cricut for the red letters and the circles

- used the HP Officejet 7500a to print journaling