A Matter of Memories

:WINNER: Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 by Creating Keepsakes

2009-07-10T17:28:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everyone who everyone who entered the drawing for Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 as part of the review I posted earlier this week!

Boy, scrapbookers sure do LOVE our scrappy supplies and tools, don't we?! I had a great time reading through all of your comments and seeing what your pantry staples are.

For me, it's patterned paper, my fiskars trimmer and ink. I use other items also, of course, but these are the things I use nearly every layout I create!

Without further delay, the True Random Number Generator at RANDOM.ORG has spoken and the winner of a free copy of Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 is.....

Congratulations, AMY!! Your frustrations of searching for this special issue are over and it will be in your hands soon! Please watch your inbox for further instructions on how to claim your prize.

Now, for those of you that didn't win, don't dispare.

I actually have one more copy of Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 to give away and will be doing so soon...stay tuned!

:QUOTES: According to Webster, Rubinstein, & Flavia...

2009-07-09T20:04:00.004-05:00

JEAN WEBSTER (1876-1916, author; from Daddy-Long-Legs):
"It isn't the great big pleasures that count the most; it's making a great deal out of the little ones."

ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN (1882-1987; Russian pianist, composer):
"I have found that if you love life, life will love you back."

FLAVIA:

"In nothing are we as rich as in our memories; they are pictures painted by our hearts, and nothing can erase them."

:PHOTOS: 4th of July fireworks...

2009-07-08T17:17:00.002-05:00

I hope you all had a great 4th of July.

We had a busy one, for sure. One of my husband's cousins got married that day, so we spent a majority of the day enjoying the wedding festivities, but we did still make it to Springfield just in the nick of time to enjoy the fireworks show.

Somehow, it just wouldn't seem right to not see the fireworks display on the 4th of July.

I didn't seem to get quite as many 'keepers' this year as I have gotten the past couple of years, but I did get few that were rather unique. How many fireworks photos does one really need anyway? For some reason I keep taking them though. I'm just always fascinated by beautiful colors and patterns they create in the night sky.

Here are my five favorites from my dozens of shots this year (in no particular order):

NUMBER ONE:
NUMBER TWO:
NUMBER THREE:
NUMBER FOUR:
NUMBER FIVE:
READER RESPONSE:
Which one is your favorite?

:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 from Creating Keepsakes

2009-07-07T17:16:00.003-05:00

When it comes to scrapbooking, time is always of the essence for me. Therefore, I always looking for resources that help me to get more done in less time.

Of course, quality is also important to me, so when I saw that Creating Keepsakes had a second edition of Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking coming out, it was on my wish list right away.

Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 delivers some great 'recipes' for building strong, yet memorable, layouts. The style of the layouts remind me very much of those you would see in our beloved (and missed) Simple Scrapbooks magazine - clean, graphic, linear.

Even if you consider yourself a more elaborate scrapper when it comes to layering and embellishment, I think this special issue may still have something for you. After all, every layout needs a solid foundation to be successful and that's what this issue can offer.

This issue has a cooking theme that runs throughout that makes it a fun read.

It starts off with a section at the front called "The Scrapbooking Pantry" which outlines the basic tools and supplies necessary to using the 'recipes' included in the issue.

From there, the edition is broken down into 3 chapters which are fairly self-explanatory:

Pantry-only Pages
The Pantry + 1
The Pantry + 2

There are 83 layouts included. There are single page layouts included, but I would say that the majority are actually double-page spreads which sets it apart from many of the magazine issues and idea books currently on the market. The layouts included are of both the 12 x 12 and 8 1/2 x 11 variety.

If you're looking for some 2-pager inspiration, this issue is definitely for you. If you are more of a single-page scrapper, you can always still take inspiration and scrap lift one half of any given layout.

Each featured layout includes:

a timer - clock element showing how long it takes to lift the layout
from the pantry - a list of supplies used
instructions for creation in 3 easy steps
a tip for making the layout even easier (and/or quicker to complete)

There is also a special icon used throughout the issue to indicate the layouts that use strictly 4x6 photos.

Another fun feature is that about a dozen of the layouts also include a card created from the scraps of the featured layout.

GIVEAWAY:
One lucky reader will be the recipient of a free copy of Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2.

To enter, leave a comment to this post with the following:

NAME:
EMAIL:
TELL ME: What supplies are in your 'pantry'? In other words, what tools or supplies do you use on nearly every layout you create?

Leave your comment by Thursday, July 9th, 2009, 11:59 PM (CST) in order to be considered to win.

I will announce and contact the random winner via email on Friday.

WANT TO READ MORE OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 page at Amazon.com. You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations.

UPCOMING REVIEW:

Scrapbook Secrets: Shortcuts and Solutions Every Scrapbooker Needs to Know by Kimber McGray

Want me to review your book on the AMOM blog? Contact me for further details and consideration.

:SPONSORS: July 2009 AMOM Sponsors...

2009-07-06T17:21:00.002-05:00

FEATURED SPONORS:

GET IT SCRAPPED!
The July classes at Get It Scrapped! just right for your summer schedule. Since Get It Scrapped! is not offering any classes in August, be sure to check out the July lineup and grab a class to give you inspiration and play throughout the summer.

In September look for more art journaling and digital scrapbooking classes, photo editing for fun effects, scrapbooking with fabric, designing for details, photographing children, and a whole lot more.

Scrapbooking Everyday Life with Debbie Hodge starts July 7

Each of these lessons offers so much to think about that they’re great for beach reading and brainstorming. You’ll find and scrapbook the material of your everyday life with prompts, detailed approaches, examples, journaling lessons, and sketches (3 sketches per lesson=18 sketches with layered templates for digital scrappers). Check out a free preview lesson for ideas on how to scrapbook your “everyday places” and a journaling lesson that shows you how to write meaningful journaling that’s not sappy.

Cards: Beautifully Handmade with Tania Willis starts July 13

This is the perfect summer class -- grab your scraps and trimmer, some adhesive, a basket of extra embellies or your favorite stitching tools, and settle onto the porch to create. The children in your life can craft along next to you. Tania will show you tons of awesome ways to add detailing that wows, and she'll inspire you to look at the goodies in your stash in new ways.

Still More Mad Digital Skillz with Pattie Knox starts July 14

Learning new Photoshop techniques for digital scrapbook pages is satisfying on so many levels: there’s the mental challenge of learning and mastering new skills, the joy that accompanies creating, and the pleasing feeling that comes from having your memories and photos on great-looking scrapbook pages. Learn “still more” advanced techniques while getting new ideas for using your digital products and showcasing your stories. Sign up now for 6 new lessons and another bundle of awesome supplies from the designers at DesignerDigitals.com.

NICOLE LOMBARDO

Another very talented creator of handmade goods, Nicole specializes in custom designed die cut scrolls, 12x12 lace papers and more. They are amazing and nothing you'll ever find at your LSS or big box store. She's adding new designs and colors all the time, so don't miss out.

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A SPONSOR OF THE AMOM BLOG? If so, please contact me and I would be happy to provide you with further details.

:HAPPY 4TH OF JULY:

2009-07-04T08:05:00.000-05:00

ERMA BOMBECK:
"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."

:LAYOUT: 4th of July

2009-07-03T10:42:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for your 4th of July festivities?

Here's a layout I made to commenorate the events last year. I LOVED this patterned paper by Rusty Pickle and didn't want to cover too much of the lovely swirl pattern, so kept my photos to the center of the page.

The layout contains two standard 4x6 photos accented by three additional wallet sized photos. The main photo is accented by the title/journaling card. The main photo serves as a pocket to hold the hidden journaling to keep it from overwhelming this photo heavy layout.

Journaling:
For the 4th, we headed to Justin's parents’ house for the annual supper get-together and fireworks over the Springfield Marina.

Before it was time to head down to claim our spot, we were able to get in a few fireworks at the house and Kaitlin certainly got more into shooting off a few herself this year.

Justin was careful to show her how it was done.

She lit them very carefully... and once that sucker was lit, she was outta there!! She has a healthy respect for fireworks.

The 4th just isn't the 4th without a few sparklers, is it??

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Rusty Pickle
Letter Stickers, Swirls: Making Memories
Ink: Colorbox
Font: Cambria

:LIFE: No big post today...

2009-07-02T18:39:00.002-05:00

...I'm taking a break. :-)

And I can do that...

...cause it's my birthday...

...yeah...it's my birthday!

:ARTICLE: How to Take Great Fireworks Photos with a Point & Shoot

2009-07-01T17:27:00.004-05:00

PLEASE NOTE:
This article was originally published on this blog on July 1, 2008, so if it seems familiar, that would be why. :-) However, there are many new readers here since last summer and since the information is still quite useful and certainly timely, I decided it was worth a repost.

You can see many additional fireworks photos that I have captured using these very tips here and here.

Enjoy!

-------------------------------------------------

Getting great fireworks photos has to be hard, right?

Not necessarily. The pros want us to believe this, I think, but scrapbookers and photography hobbyists can still get great results without loads of equipment and studying aspects of aperture, shutter speed, focal length and such for hours before the event or spending the entire show trying to get your settings just right.

All of the photos in this post were taken by me last year with my Canon S3 IS and I'll give you my 5 basic steps to how I got my results.

1) Scope out your location.
Try to arrive on site while it's still light out so that you can make sure that you get a good position for shooting. Try to avoid areas where trees or other obstructions may hinder your shooting. You want to have a clear view of the area of sky where the bursts will appear.

2) Use a tripod.
Okay, so you will need this one other piece of equipment to get good shots. With fireworks, it is an absolute must considering the length of time that your camera's shutter must be open to capture the brilliance of fireworks. The camera must be PERFECTLY still during that entire length of time in order to get a good shot. But it doesn't have to be anything too fancy. The one I use is actually one my husband picked up at an auction for around $5.

3) Use your self-timer.
Articles of this type will generally suggest that you use your remote release to trigger the camera to avoid camera shake when pushing the shutter release. Although some P&S cameras have a remote release option, most do not. The easy way around this is to use the self-timer. My camera has a 2 or 10 second option, so I set mine on 2 seconds and will generally hit the shutter release when I hear or see the firework trajectory leave the ground. It's not full proof. Some fireworks take longer than others to burst, but it works enough of the time to get some great shots.

4) Frame your shot.
Take a variety of shots. Use your zoom to get some shots that will zero in on the burst itself and zoom out to get some that take in some of the scenery as well, such as the shot below where you can see a bit of reflection of the firework on the water. If you're attending a show within a city, you may actually want to include part of the cityscape in your photos to give them a greater sense of place. Also, don't assume that if you don't get the entire burst within your frame that it's one for the recycle bin. Some of my favorite shots are those that only show part of the burst against black sky which actually makes for a very interesting photo in terms of composition.

5) Use the fireworks setting.
Yup. It's allowed. That's why it's there. Camera manufacturers didn't create all those settings so that you could feel guilty about using them. They created them so that more people could enjoy the art of photography! I used the fireworks setting for every picture in this post, so no time was wasted trying to figure out the perfect settings.

PLUS 3 more little tips:

1) Take a flashlight. Always good to have when trying to take photos in the dark.

2) Charge your batteries. You'll be taking lots of shots to get your keepers in this type of shoot. Make sure your camera doesn't die on you half way through the show.

3) Empty your memory card. Again, lots of photos, so you'll want to have as much room available on your memory card as possible.

I hope that these hints and tips are helpful to you as your venture out for fireworks later this week! I would love to hear from you if you have any other fireworks photography hints and tips to share.

:DAILY INSPIRATIONS: July 2009 Edition

2009-06-29T20:32:00.000-05:00

Here it is...the July 2009 edition of Daily Inspirations...download it now for FREE here and start scrapping!!

THE DETAILS & RULES:

Layouts must be new and created for this challenge.
Upload to your favorite online gallery and leave a link in the comments of the corresponding Daily Inspirations announcement post. A link back to AMOM's Daily Inspirations in your gallery posting would be greatly appreciated, although not required to win. If you do not upload to online galleries, you may email your entry to me at jillmarie7276@yahoo.com (images should be 100K or less, please).
In comment link or email, please include your name, email and challenge square used for the entry.
Entries are due by the 5th of the following month. July entries are due August 5th.
Challenge squares may be combined onto one layout if you wish, but only one chance will be given per layout entry. The more challenge squares you complete, the more chances you have to win!
A random drawing will be conducted to determine the monthly winner and will be notified by email as well as being announced on the blog.

THIS MONTH'S PRIZE:

Download the FREE JULY 2009 DAILY INSPIRATIONS now and start scrapping!!

REMINDER:
It's not too late for your chance to be inspired and win the June 2009 Daily Inspirations prize! Layouts can be submitted until Sunday, July 5th, 11:59 PM (CST) for a chance to win!

:FIVE FAVES: Seeing stars for the 4th of July...

2009-06-26T20:34:00.005-05:00

It's hard to believe that the 4th of July is on seven short days away...

The summer might be flying by like a shooting star, but at least we have some great products to scrap our Independence Day festivities.

#1 - "Brothers" Lucky Stars Paper Die-Cut Breaking Free by My Mind's Eye
This particular sheet of patterned paper might be meant for a boyish theme, but the colors and festive design are perfect for a more patriotic theme!

#2 - DigiKit - Big American Parade by Holly Brooke Jones
I recently realized that I've been forgetting an important sector of scrapbookers in my FIVE FAVES posts - digi scrappers. I promise...I won't let it happen again. So, how about this great kit by Holly Brooke Jones to record your memories on your computer!

#3 - China Blue 12inch Negative Strip by Narratives
I've envisioning five of my favorites fireworks from this years show peeking through the openings of this negative strip!

#4 - Patriotic Bingo Card Set by Jenni Bowlin
A fun and festive bingo card would add the perfect little something to your 4th of July layout. You could even incorporate the header word as part of your title. (Home of the 'brave', Land of the 'free', etc.)

#5 - Star Dotted Kraft That Boy Paper by Fancy Pants

Fancy Pants didn't forget this super summer holiday in their new line of kraft patterned papers. This decorative edged sheet is the perfect background for a few of your favorite holiday pics.

READER RESPONSE:
What new products will you be scrapping your festivities with?

:QUOTES: According to Otto, Stevens, & Unknown

2009-06-25T19:34:00.003-05:00

UNKNOWN:

“Every job is a self portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence.”

HERBERT A. OTTO (author):

“We are all functioning at a small fraction of our capacity to live life fully in its total meaning of loving, caring, creating, and adventuring. Consequently, the actualizing of our potential can become the most exciting adventure of our lifetime.”

EARL GRAY STEVENS:

“Confidence, like art, never comes from having all the answers; it comes from being open to all the questions.”

:LAYOUT: Splash

2009-06-24T18:26:00.004-05:00

Summer is most definitely here...we went from chilly to HOT, HOT, HOT in less than a week!

Kaitlin is loving her pool time though as her daycare takes them nearly every day now that the weather has heated up and I can't believe the tan she's already got going in just a handful of afternoons!

She's always been one to tan easily and has yet to ever really burn.

I'm totally jealous, by the way.

Here's a layout I created from her pool time last summer...

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: Georgia-Pacific
Patterned Paper, Rub on: Basic Grey
Chipboard Letters: We R Memory Keepers, American Crafts
Gems: Bead Party
Scallop Punch, Deco Edge Trimmer: Fiskars
Font: Ali’s Writing

:DAILY INSPIRATIONS: June Daily Inspirations submissions reminder...

2009-06-23T17:35:00.004-05:00

You've got 12 crafty days left to submit your entries for the June Daily Inspirations challenge...and earn your chance to win this month's awesome prize - your very own copy of Linda Harrison's Starting Points: Creating Meaningful Scrapbook Layouts From Whatever Inspires You.

If you missed the initial June Daily Inspiration post, download them now for FREE here and start scrapping!! All the details for submission are included with the download.

Layouts will be accepted until Sunday, June 5th, 11:59 p.m. and the lucky winner will be announced within a few days following the deadline.

Happy scrapping!!

:LIFE: Czech Days highlights...

2009-06-22T19:10:00.005-05:00

Another great Czech Days...it always seems like we wait for it to come in such anticipation and it passes so quickly...

One highlight this year was that my cousin from Minnesota brought her daughter, Kierstyn, down to experience Czech Days. I have to admit that I felt a little deja vu watching Kaitlin and Kierstyn enjoy Czech Days. It certainly brought back some memories of when Traci had visited us during Czech Days one summer many, many years ago.

Things started off with the baseball game and fireworks on Thursday night and then the big parade kicked things off on Friday. As usual, lots of floats...

...funny cars...

...and candy to collect for the kids.

Then, it was time for some RIDES!!

This one wasn't too bad...until the end. I was definitely ready for it to stop! My stomach can't take what it used to.

Friday night we watched the Beseda dancers perform...my brother, Lee, and niece, Emily, were among the dancers.

Luckily, we had a Czech costume that was just the right size for Kierstyn, so she got to go through the Kiddie Parade with Kaitlin on Saturday morning.

They had a ton of fun 'fishing for kolaches'!

After the Kiddie Parade, there was some dancing in the park and Kaitlin was pretty excited when she got to dance with the Czech Days Prince! :-)

A few more rides and then we decided to take in a little real fishing with Traci and Kierstyn...here was the catch of the day.

:HAPPY FATHER'S DAY: Quotes by Kelland, Brown, & Unknown

2009-06-20T10:41:00.000-05:00

CLARENCE BUDINGTON KELLAND:
"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."

JOHN GREGORY BROWN (Decorations in a Ruined Country Cemetery, 1994):
"There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself."

UNKNOWN
"A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty."

:LAYOUT: Dance

2009-06-19T11:30:00.000-05:00

We're off to celebrate Czech Days in Tabor today...I'm sure I'll be sharing pictures and more here soon, but if you'd like to know more about my little hometown's annual celebration, you can read more about it here.

In honor of Czech Days, I thought I'd share one of the layouts that I created with photos from last year's celebration.

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Teresa Collins
Rub ons: Basic Grey
Stamp: Autumn Leaves
Chipboard Letters: Making Memories
Ink: Colorbox, StazOn
Scallop Punch: Fiskars
Pen: Zig
Font: Porcelain

:REVIEW: Outstanding Mini Albums by Jessica Acs

2009-06-18T17:26:00.002-05:00

Personally, I'm not much of a mini album maker. Not because I don't like them, but because I have very limited time to spend on my craft and I tend to spend what little time I have creating standard 12x12 layouts.

However, after reading the book that I'm about to share a bit of information with you about - Outstanding Mini Albums: 50 Ideas For Creating Mini Scrapbooks by Jessica Acs - I am thinking that I must carve some time into my creative schedule to try my had at this facet of scrapbooking.

Before Jessica gets underway describing the different types of mini albums, she starts of with a 'Before You Begin' section that outlines some very helpful tools that you might want to consider if you want to pursue some of the albums highlighted in this book. Do to the binding and scoring often necessary when creating mini albums, there are some tools that you may not already have in a standard scrapbooking stash.

The book is divided into 4 chapters:

Make Your Mark
This chapter showcases 9 albums and discusses the use of pre-made mini albums and how to make them your own through creative embellishing techniques. Jessica points out that using a pre-made album can certainly speed up the process of creating a mini-album, but it certainly does not have the limit the level of creativity.

Back to Basics
This chapter showcases 10 albums and shows us how to create a unique mini album completely from scratch!! Not only are these types of albums cost effective, but there are also NO LIMITS on size, shape or material.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
This chapter showcases 14 albums and focuses on how to make mini albums out of everyday items - trash to treasure, so to speak. There are examples of albums made of everything from restaurant drink coasters to paper bags.

Think Outside the Box
This chapter showcases 9 albums and is perfect for the crafter who loves to use their creative talents for making gifts. Who doesn't love a handmade gift? This chapter has mini album ideas for everyone you might have on your gift-giving list which can be adapted for a multitude of holidays and/or occasions.

Now, in working with Jessica at WeScrap (she is one of the founding members and I was an Inspiration Team member there last year), I knew that she loved mini albums, but I guess I didn't realize quite how much! One of the first things I realized in going through this book was that nearly every mini album was created by Jessica herself and they variety in style and technique was just AMAZING!!

She did bring in a few other talented artists to share their mini album creations as well including Andrea Deer, Mou Saha, Brenda Neuberger, Carolyn Lontin, Michelle Van Etten, Cami Bauman, Kathie Daub, and Julie Overby.

One thing that I really loved (and appreciated) about this book was that each featured album in chapters 2-4 came with a complete material list, step-by-step instructions on how to create the album in words and photos as well as a photo of the finished product. Some even included cutting and scoring guides! These features make even the most complicated looking album an fun and easy task for the novice and expert mini album maker alike.

There are also several templates at that back of the book that can be used in your mini album making.

Also in the book are 5 amazing step-by-step techniques for making your mini album even more unique and 4 bullet-point lists on the following topics: Embellishment Alternatives, Mini Album Theme Ideas, Displaying & Storing Mini Albums and Mini Album Gifts. All feature some great tips and ideas!

Again, whether your a novice or pro at mini album making, this book is sure to have some album ideas that you'll love and make you want to get in your mini album mode right away!

WANT TO READ MORE OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Outstanding Mini Albums page at Amazon.com. You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations.

OTHER SIMILAR IDEA BOOKS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
Sharing Your Story: Recording Life's Details with Mini Books

UPCOMING REVIEW & GIVEAWAY:
Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2

Check back for this review soon and your chance to win a free copy!!

:FIVE FAVES: Hitting the road...

2009-06-17T17:47:00.001-05:00

Are you lucky enough to be vacationing anywhere exciting this summer?

If so, record your journey with a few of these great travel-themed products!

#1 - En Route Epoxy Stickers by SEI
I love the sheen of epoxy stickers and these great travel images and symbols would be the perfect addition to any vacation layout! This is just one part of the amazing SEI En Route collection. Be sure to check out the rest by following the link.

#2 - Road Rage Signs Chipboard Set by Maya Road
Who doesn't love chipboard...you can leave these naked chipboard pieces as is or customize them any way you like to fit the theme of your destination!

#3 - Great Escape Wood Bamboo Alpha Stickers by Making Memories

Bamboo?? Really?? Not only will these amazing letter stickers from the new Making Memories Great Escape collection add some wonderful texture to your page, but may also add context. Hawaii, anyone?

#4 - Road Sign Decorative Edge Traveler Paper With Thermography by Little Yellow Bicycle
This road-sign shaped patterned paper could be the perfect backdrop to highlight your summer road trip! The LYB Traveler collection is HUGE!! Of course it has an assortment of patterned papers (including a set of matching cardstock), but it also has about every coordinating embellishment you can imagine!

#5 - Travel My Word Album by Bo Bunny
Need a place to house your favorite vacation photos? Here's the perfect mini-album to make them shine!

READER RESPONSE:
What are your favorite travel-themed products currently on the market.

:QUOTES: according to Keller, Quindlen, & Robbins

2009-06-16T19:19:00.004-05:00

HELEN KELLER (1880-196; author, lecturer, activist):
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.”

ANNA QUINDLEN (b. 1952; American author, journalist):

"Life is made of moments, small pieces of silver amidst long stretches of tedium. It would be wonderful if they came to us unsummoned, but particularly in lives as busy as the ones most of us lead now, that won't happen. We have to teach ourselves now to live, really live... to love the journey, not the destination."

ANTHONY ROBBINS (b. 1960; self-help writer, speaker):
“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.”

:LIFE: Birthday celebrations...

2009-06-15T17:27:00.000-05:00

It's so hard to believe that we have a 7 year old...

Kaitlin knew our annual backyard grill out to celebrate with family wasn't going to be until Saturday. Since her birthday was actually last Tuesday, she kept asking if we could 'have a party with just the three of us' to celebrate on her actual birthday.

We kept playing it off with 'we'll see' like it was no big deal.

She'd get this sad little look on her face...

but really her dad and I had plans all along.

We took her out for supper and to the movies...

This is a HUGE treat as we almost NEVER go to the theatre to see a movie. Even when we got to the movie theatre, she didn't get it right away that we were actually going to see a movie there!

We saw Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. It was just as good as the first one...love that Ben Stiller!

Kaitlin thought it was pretty cool, too.

Afterwards we went for a little stroll at the local duck pond and Kaitlin fed the rest of her popcorn to the ducks. It was getting a little too dark for pictures, though.

Then, on Saturday we prepared for our annual grill out...

Justin always mans the grill...

...and family and neighborhood friends come and hang out with us for awhile.

Usually the sprinklers come out, but it was just a bit on the cool side for sprinklers this time.

However, we were simply pleased that it didn't rain that day as it had just about every single day for a week leading up to Saturday (it's rained every day since also...).

Kaitlin's cousin Rachel helped with the card reading when necessary and covered Kaitlin's eyes for the cake reveal...

It was Daddy's idea to bring out this little cupcake first which she thought was pretty cool...

...until he told her she had to share it with everyone...

...but then we brought out the 'real' cake and there was more than enough for everyone.

:LAYOUT: ALL * STAR

2009-06-11T17:08:00.002-05:00

A layout to share today...

These are pictures from when my hubby took Kaitlin to her first softball clinic this spring. It was right after I broke my leg, so I didn't get to go along.

I'm glad Justin took these pics...

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket
Chip Alpha: My Mind’s Eye
Ink: Colorbox
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Pen: Zig

:REVIEW: Month by Month Scrapbooking by Amanda Probst

2009-06-10T17:39:00.002-05:00

Personally, I have long been a fan of calendar-based prompts for scrapbooking inspiration.

The stories that can be told by taking cues from the common and not-so-common (which can often be the best prompts...they often lead to some unexpected, yet important, stories) calendar events are literally endless.

This is the fact that lead to the development of my own monthly Daily Inspirations prompts which are available for free download each month right here on this blog.

It is also why I was very excited to see that Amanda Probst had a book coming out that drew its inspiration from the calendar as well.

Month by Month Scrapbooking: A Year of Scrapbook Ideas is one very unique scrapbooking idea book and one can see this from first glance.

The first thing I noticed about this book was its wonderful design which features spiral binding at the top of the book (like a calendar...get it?!). It also features what I can best describe as an 'easel-stand' back cover which allows you to prop the book up in an upright position. It's perfect for keeping right at hand on your scrap desk.

There are 12 tabbed sections - one for each month of the year - and the first half takes you from January through June. Flip the book around and you'll flip through the rest of the year - July through December.

Within each month's tabbed section, you will find:

a different take on a calendar-style layout
that month's birthstone, flower, and astrological information
8 layouts
1 altered project
a chart with numerous additional ideas for journaling and photography related to that month

One of my favorite parts of the book were the calendar-style layout examples and is one of the ideas that I most hope to experiment with myself. I have never created an actual calendar-style layout (highlighting the major events in a month) and think it would be a wonderfully fun way to document 'a year in the life'.

Of course, each month generally mentions the obvious themes for that month (for example, Easter baskets in April and fireworks in July), but many ideas go a little deeper such as taking some time to focus on your fears in October or reminiscing about your various summer jobs in June.

Contributors for the book:

This book will certainly have you looking at the calendar in a whole new light and creating thoughtful and memorable layouts in no time flat!!

WANT TO READ MORE OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Month by Month Scrapbooking page at Amazon.com. You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations.

OTHER SIMILAR IDEA BOOKS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
The Scrapbooker's Almanac by Elizabeth Dillow

UPCOMING REVIEW:
Outstanding Mini Albums: 50 Ideas For Creating Mini Scrapbooks by Jessica Acs

:LIFE: On this day seven years ago...

2009-06-09T07:11:00.001-05:00

...this little wonder came into our lives.

Kaitlin has enriched our lives in so many ways and I feel truly blessed to be her mother.

Initially, I had hoped to include a favorite photo from each year in this post, but realized that for the first 2 1/2 years of her life (pre-digital), I have virtually no favorite photos of her beyond the professional photos we had taken. Thank you, Classic Clicks (the business has changed hands since I was having Kaitlin's photos taken there, but still think they do good work).

Thankfully, we had those done every few months, but as for all my own photos, they're pretty lack luster.

However, once we got our first digital camera, I took a keen interest in photography and although I started out slow, I've had many, many favorites every year since.

I also realized that I haven't had a 'professional' photo taken since her Christmas picture when she was three. There's been no need.

Here's just a few of my favorite photos from my little girl's sixth year...

...summer fun at the pool...

...first lost tooth AND the first day of kindergarten...

...enjoying some fall flowers...

...feeling just a little 'catty' for Halloween...

...a downtown photo shoot...

...a Christmas dream...

...sporting some new duds...

...and her very first dance recital...

What a year it has been!

Looking forward to all the experiences and firsts in the next.

Happy 7th birthday, my little girl!

:QUOTES: on FRIENDS in honor of National Best Friends Day...

2009-06-08T17:07:00.000-05:00

UNKNOWN:
“I believe that friends are quiet angels who sit on our shoulders and lift our wings when we forget how to fly.”

E. B. WHITE (1899-1985; author):
“You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing...By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that."
-Charlotte, "Charlotte's Web"

SWEDISH PROVERB:
“Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief.”