Catching Up

I used to do much more scrapbooking back when a) I had less children = more time and b) I had more money. After many years of paper scrapping, I got really involved with digital scrapbooking. Since we were apartment dwellers at the time, I loved that I had really no supplies to speak of (other than my computer) and therefore no mess to store, take out, and put away each time I wanted to work on capturing the memories. It has gotten more difficult to keep up with each child's scrapbook, but I really want them to have these special memories, handmade with love by Mom, even if I only manage to complete a few pages per year. I am currently working on catching up. I'm not going to fret about all the photos that are missing, but instead I'm going to scrap whatever pictures look inspirational at the moment.

Sorry that you can't really read the journaling, but I'm too lazy to rewrite it all here. Any other scrapbookers out there?

Me & My Boy

I still manage to squeak in a few minutes here & there to do something creative. It helps keep me sane & it's cheaper than therapy. Here's my latest creation for Sebastian's scrapbook:

**Journaling: I wondered how a son would fit into a world of Polly Pockets & tu-tus. Would I know how to raise a son? Lots of love, laughter and snuggles later, I realize they aren't so different after all.**

I'm trying to keep things simple. I love my new size {8x8"} and plan on switching all our scrapbooks to that size. I can keep it to one picture & a few embellishments & call it a day.

:: Project Love ::

Let the creative juices flow! I love the internet as an endless source of inspiration! I usually like to make one mini-scrapbook for summer {remember this one??} & Christmas since these each produce a lot of pictures, so when I came across this tutorial in an email newsletter & knew I had to run out and make one.

:: exploding box w/lid ::

:: box opened ::

It's hard to tell, but the lid has an uber cute print on it with the words play, sing, laugh woven throughout. The box is far from complete without any embellishments or photos. I'm not sure what kind of pictures to use. Summer '08? Tatiana's 7th birthday? Sisters? I was thinking of doing all black & white pictures.....

I also bought the plastic name badge holders to make this. Isn't it just the cutest? Perfect to keep in your purse or in your desk or give to grandma as a brag book! I think I might just do a Baby's First Year-type theme. Office Depot had the name badge holders on sale, 12 for $2.99 so I bought 2 packs. Maybe one will end up as a Christmas or baby gift.

And for the Project Love finale....

I just came across this idea. I think this would rock as an easy homemade gift for a teacher/friend/mom/mailman. You could personalize it in about a thousand different ways. Maybe add a set of handmade cards & tie it up in a pretty bow. I wonder if the $13 is worth it for the gluing compound.....

Can you tell I have gifts on the brain??

After all, it is only 99 days until Christmas!

It's Digital!

I started digital scrapbooking back when my second daughter was born. I received Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 {the same program I use today} with a printer I purchased. I love digital scrapbooking because there are lots of free downloads on the internet, you can use your papers and embellishments over and over, there are no supplies to take out or clean up or have little touchy fingers getting into , and for some reason, it seems faster. I don't have to worry about cutting the pictures the wrong way or screwing up a beautiful piece of paper. This is actually the first digital layout I have done in about 2 years, but I came across the Christmas kit as a free download & was just inspired to whip something up. I want Sebastian to have just as memories preserved as the girls do!

Journaling says: This Christmas was made extra special because of your arrival. Every time I gazed at you, I could not help but think about Mary and the birth of the baby Jesus. What a wonder it must have been to behold Him for the first time! I feel that same sense of wonder when I look at you & think about the miracle that you are! And as cheesy as it may sound, a baby is really the best gift that this Mama could ask for. *heart* Mom

P.S. Thanks to all who commented on the last post. I really am feeling so much better now that I am talking about it & know that others have been there. You bloggy buddies are the best!