Home Sweet Home

I have many memories of my childhood home.  Most of those memories have nothing to do with house itself.  However, my memories are of good times.  My dad played his baby grand piano nearly every day.  Mom ensured that we had a hot dinner even after a long day of work.  I remember my younger sister sitting on the porch playing with her Woodies.  My older sister enjoyed her radio and record player.  All and all to me, home means family. 

 

The older I get the more I reflect on wonderful memories.  Life with my mom, dad and siblings and now life with my husband and step daughters are memories to be cherished for a life time.  Even though both my parents are deceased, I keep them alive with my memories.  My mom always had a funny story to tell.  Just like her dad my grandfather, the stories were always long but would end in laughter.  As a kid ready to get back to my unscheduled activities, I would wait anxiously for the punch lines.  Oh, what I would give to see and hear her deliver one of those stories today.  I would love to hear my dad at the piano practicing the same anthem over and over.  He was preparing for an audience of four ladies and one cat. 

 

When I think of Home Sweet Home, I think of all the sweet memories.

 

 

I created this layout titled "Home Sweet Home" in honor of my mom and her sisters.  This picture was taken outside their childhood home.  The last time they were all together during my grandmother's funeral services.  Since that time, my mom and one aunt have also passed away.

 

The supplies I used were Bo Bunny paper, Prima Flowers, Want2Scrap pearls, Tim Holtz Sizzix die and film strip, Kaisercraft wood chandelier. 

Please and Thank You

Mom always said, “Remember to say please and thank you.”  Yes, I know the same thing so many heard growing up.  It’s a wonderful lesson.  As it teaches, your acknowledgment for help and thank you shows respect for the help you’ve received.  Have you ever heard anyone not say “please” but they say “thank you.”  It’s happened to me and it is a strange event.  It’s something you never really think about.  However, the absence of “please” before a request leaves the giver somewhat empty.   Not empty to the point that you have an emotional breakdown.  But empty like something is missing. 

Saying thank you after receiving something should be natural. It shows the giver your appreciation for their act of kindness. If someone receives and meets your request, no matter how great or small, valuable or not, always remember to say Please and Thank You.

 

 

 

I made this card to say thank you to a dear friend.  Along life's journey, we might be humbled to say "Please" but it's a joy and pleasure to say "Thank you."

Smiles Really Can Brighten Your Day

Today was my scrapbook club’s first scrap of the year.  We had so much fun.  I complete a page I dedicated to my nephew PJ.

This little guy was born early and oh what a blessing he has been.  We went from the doctor saying, “The best thing for mom is to deliver the baby as soon as possible.”  His parents were shocked.   The next day PJ was here. 

Almost two years later, PJ has grown into an active toddler.   He is saying words and has a personality all his own.  One thing I love is to see him smile.  When he was young you had to wait and hope you caught him smiling.  Now, he smiles on demand.  He knows when it’s time to take a picture. 

His smile reminds me that no matter how challenging my day might have been, there is no way I can look at that smile and not feel instantly happy. 

I used the DCWV Animal Crackers paper stack.  Also, I used the coordinating chipboard pack.  The misting is Tattered Angles and of course Tim Holtz Film Strip Ribbon.

No matter the challenge remember to smile on your journey!!!

Happy New Year

Have a Happy Scrappy New Year!!!!

Wedding Bells

I had the best experience yesterday, as I witnessed my daughter's wedding ceremony.  The bride was beautiful and the groom very handsome.  I saw in them the hope and anticipation of their lives together.

 

 

 

Once I'm done, I'll post their scrapped pages. Wow, I'm preparing for an awesome year of scrapping!!! 

Can't Slow Down

Wow,  what a week.  Our preparation for Christmas was so stressful.  But, truthfully I wouldn't change a thing.  Christmas dinner was awesome.  If I must say so myself.  It was wonderful watching young and old open presents. 

Now, here it is two days later and we are on to the next event.  Our daughters wedding.  Yes, you heard me a wedding.  I've prepared the brides bouquet, boutinners, corsages and favors.

Once I slow down, I'll be back to scrapping and blogging.  In the meanwhile, be encouraged and spread more love than your heart can hold.

Made with Love

It's the official weekend before Christmas. It is time for me to hit the grocery store to obtain those last minute ingredients for Christmas dinner. Yes, family and friends will emerge on the house with appetites and merriment galore. We have got to be ready. Our mission this weekend, ensure we have everything needed from the store. I promise not to enter a store come Christmas Eve. At least that's a promise, and we all know they sometimes get broken.

 

As I have stated before, my mom was a great cook. When complemented on her dishes she would simply say, "It's made with a lot of love." In this season of giving, I encourage all to give with love in your heart. It is such a blessing to be a blessing. The truth is when you give in love you have already received. Whether you spend days preparing Christmas dinner for family and friends, volunteer to serve dinner to the less fortunate or deliver toys to needy children, do it all in love.

 

 



I used Graphic 45 paper for my two page layout.  I framed each photo with photo corners to give them a classic vintage look.  The edges of the tags on each photo were distress with Tim Holtz Distress Pads ink.  The letters were cut from the Cricut.  The little embellishments are from Jolee.

 

While you are on your journey remember there is love in giving.