This week’s layouts

Not much in the way of layouts for the week. I’ve spent the majority of my time working on a new tutorial for SBG and RAKscraps. What started out as one tutorial has turned into a series of 4 tutorials. There was just so much information that I had to break it up. I think it will work better this way- give people smaller chunks to digest and not be so overwhelmed with it all. I’ve still got some formatting and such to do, so I’m not quite done with them yet.

I had to take a break from the tutorial stuff last night and scrap something. I had just been looking at it too long at that point. I had been wanting to record something the twins did last week during lunch one day- they were having a contest seeing who knew more texting/IM abbreviations. One of them would toss out the abbreviation and the other would have to say what it meant, then she could give another for the first girl. They knew more than I expected since neither of them has a cell phone or even an email account at this point. I guess they hear them on TV shows and from other kids, and they even have a shirt that has a few written on it. The shirt must have been a hand-me-down from our friends the Nortons as I didn’t buy it. LOL

journaling: Beth & Carissa don’t have cell phones, or even an email account yet, but texting abbreviations still creep into their everyday conversations.  One afternoon during lunch they were having a contest to see who knew more of them than the other. I think it ended up being a draw. LOL
credits: ATT May 28 template from scrapartist blog; Glenda, Delight in Photographs 3, Teeny Tiny Tags, Teeny Tiny Tags Alpha, Thrifty Doodled Alpha, Thrifty Bubbly Acrylic Alpha, Thrifty Graph Paper Cutouts, Foam Stamp Alpha, by Jessica Bolton at funkyplaygrounddesigns; Glitter Sprays by Micheline Martin; Glitter Paint Splats, Flocked Alpha, Alphabits by Christina Renee; Free Spirit alpha by CD Muckosky at LittleDreamerDesigns; Garden Pop Dot and Newspaper Alphas by Kim Jensen at scrapdish; Paper Borders Vol 10 kids by Birgit Kerr at scrapbookgraphics
fonts: Century Gothic

And the other page I got done last weekend is a flash back to vacation last summer when we spent a few days with MommyPat and Walt. One day we went to visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore. I really enjoyed the couple of hours we spent there. Will Rogers was an incredible man. His insights into life still very much ring true today. We need more men like him in the world!

journaling: MommyPat took us to visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore. It was a very interesting couple of hours learning about this man known as “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son.” He lived the American dream- small town boy grows up to be rich and famous. It is the way that he did this that is inspiring- through hard work, honesty and integrity. Those values stuck with him throughout his career and life, making him one of our country's true heroes.
credits: yippee-Ki-Yay by Tangie Baxter and Sherrie JD, Chipper Chatter and Chipper Chatter A to Z Adjectives by Tangie Baxter, at scrapbookgraphics; Hat and rope from Rag Tag Cowboy by Dani Mogstad at SweetShoppeDesigns; Template 24 by Yin Designs; fonts: Typewriter

Layouts For Sarah

Anytime there is a picture up my computer screen, Sarah has to come over and ask if that is her. Even photos that look nothing like her, she still has to ask which I think is just too funny. I’ve done ABC books for all of the kids for their third birthday, but I just didn’t get one done for Sarah last year for several reasons. She gets out all of the other kids books and pretends, or maybe just wishes, that the child in all of the photos is her. I’m working on her book slowly, she just doesn’t know it. I plan to have it done for her 4th birthday, as I have to squeeze working on it in between all of the other assignments I have to get done. I’m sure I can have it done by then ;)  I’ve actually scrapped her more than any of the other kids, but the layouts are scattered all through the family albums and we don’t get those out all that much. I guess I need to do that more often for her. In the meantime, here are a couple of layouts that are just for Sarah.

Sarah attended her very first dance class on Monday, June 15. She did very well and had lots of fun. I don’t think she was ready for class to end. I was a bad mom and forgot to take her tap shoes though (Brenna's being in the bag already threw me off), so she had to wear her ballet shoes while everyone else was making glorious noise with their shiny black tap shoes. She was a trooper and didn't pout but a second, going back into class and following along anyway. I had to let her wear her shoes at home for over an hour to make it up for it (usually not allowed since we don't want the wood floors ruined).

credits: Ballet Slippers by Kate Hadfield and Jacque Larsen, Mismatch Type Alpha by Jacque Larsen, at the-LilyPad; Stitching with flowers from Kaylee's Kadleidoscope by Flergs at scrapbookgraphics; P52 Week 25 template by Tracy Blankenship at funkyplaygrounddesigns.com; In the Pink by Kate Hadfield (blog freebie); fonts: CK Becky

journaling: This was Sarah’s favorite dress for one main reason- it had pockets she could tuck her small toys in and take them with her wherever she went. Polly Pockets and My Little Ponies were usually the favorites, and Tinkerbell too.
credits: Sprung by Creashens at catscrap; LO template by Janet Phillips; Plastic Pockets by Holliewood Studios at oscraps; paper piecing set 9 by Michelle Filo at LittleDreamerDesigns; Tropicana by Flergs at scrapbookgraphics; Date It by Amber Clegg at scrapartist; fonts: CK Becky

One more dance recital layout

The twin’s ballet pictures.

journaling: Beth and Carissa’s Ballet 8 class with Ms. Toni this year performed this pretty dance where they were flowers swirling around the stage in a spring breeze.
credits: Fantasy and Fantasy Overlays by Peta Boardman at scrapbookgraphics; Photo Overload 4 by Hillary Heidelberg at scrapbookgraphics.
fonts: Cezanne and Typewriter

weekend layouts

Still fighting off this stupid cold, though I think I'm finally winning. At least I felt like getting out of bed today, and I even managed to tag all of my photos from the last 3.5 months in ACDsee and scrap two pages- not too bad LOL I think I've gone through about 3/4 of a box of Kleenex in the last 6 days, and I am definitely ready for the coughing to stop.

A few of my favorite photos from the dress rehearsal nights of the 'big girls'- the senior level dancers. 

credits: Photo Overload 4 by Hillary Heidleberg at scrapbookgraphics; black papers by Flergs (Mystery Mini) and Jessica Bolton (Thrifty Solids 4); scruffy stiches by Amy Hutchinson at After5Designs; fonts: Arid ITC, Century Gothic

credits: Peppermint Twist and scruffy stitches by Amy Hutchinson at After5Designs; Silly Starburst Pastels (altered) by Flergs at scrapbookgraphics; Photo Overload 4 by Hillary Heidleberg at scrapbookgraphics
fonts: 2Peas Unforgettable, Tom's New Roman

The twins tap 4 class dance from recital was to Johnny B. Goode by Elvis

credits: Outnumbered Girl (background paper) by Jessica Bolton at funkyplaygrounddesigns; Be-bop-a-lula by Kate Hadfield and Jaqcue Larsen at The-LilyPad; Sketchbook Alpha by Kate Hadfield at The-LilyPad; Template 33 by Yin Designs; fonts: Fontdinerdotcom

credits: Modern Zoo and La Paperie 7-9 by Baers Garten at scrapbookgraphics
fonts: Century Gothic

journaling: This stuffed corgi dog was given to you by Sue at the library for Christmas. She doesn’t have a set name, but you love her!
credits: Cherish and La Paperie 7-9 by Baers Garten at scrapbookgraphics; fonts: FO Howie's Stamps Lowfat, CK Becky

More Recent Layouts

journaling: It was a beautiful spring evening with a breeze, so we ventured to the park to enjoy the warm temperatures and fresh air. There was just enough wind to get the kite up into the air.
credits: A Little Ray of Sunshine by Peta Boardman at scrapbookgraphics, Gridlocked Template Set 1 by Hillary Heidelberg at scrapbookgraphics
fonts: Typewriter

credits: So you Think You Know Me, Border Effects, Bliss, April Showers, Noted Garden, Just Wordies- Birthday Goodness by Holly McCaig at 2peasinabucket.com; template by Chrissy W at elementalscraps; fonts: LD Letterpress, Century Gothic

journaling: Brenna received a certificate for a free ice cream cone from Baskin Robins for good behaviour from school. The girls had fun picking from the many different flavors. Mama and Daddy both stuck with good ole chocolate too. Yum!
credits: Sweeter Than Candy by Misty Cato from The Fix May 2009 at DSA; Monday stamp from Shabby Week by Chris Grieser; date labels from Every Day by Jen Yurko; P52 Week 21 template by Tracy Blankenship at funkyplaygrouddesigns
fonts: CK Becky

I collaged a few of my favorite photos from this outing into one for this layout.

credits: Earth Laughs in Colors and Mixed Grass by Saxon Holt at scrapbook-elements; fonts: CK Script

I enjoyed putting this layout together for Beth- I don't think I will tell her what all of the things are, she will just have to discover them on her own as she reads the books.
journaling: Beth began reading Twilight on June 1 and spent all day absorbed in the book. I have to admit to being glad that someone else in the family finds it as fascinating as I did. I am looking forward to discussing the storyline with her as she makes her way through the series this summer.
credits: Into the Twilight by Flergs at scrapbookgraphics.com; Love Bites by Dani Mogstad, Shawna Clingerman and Traci Reed at sweetshoppedesigns.com; P52 Week 23 template by Tracy Blankenship at funkyplaygrounddesigns.com
fonts: Black Adder

 

It's amazing how much they change from year to year, though you don't usually recognize it until you compare photos from one year to the next.
credits: Unamused Boys Vol.2 by Jessica Bolton at funkyplaygrounddesigns
fonts: GF Halda Smashed

 

credits: New Direction Papers and Swoosh by Dianne Rigdon at scrapartist.com; P52 Week 24 template by Tracy Blankenship at funkyplaygrounddesigns.com; Ready 2 Go and See Me Under: Arrows by Tania Cordova Shaw at funkyplaygrounddesigns.com; Thrifty Twills and staple from Unamused Boys V2.0 by Jessica Bolton at funkyplaygrounddesigns.com; also by Jessica Bolton, retired: Graph Cuts and Eclectic Needs Variety Primary Buttons
fonts: Ticket Capitals Impressed and Century Gothic

 

credits: Delicate Flower by Line Designs for Digital Artist Magazine, May 2009; Doodle Dance Acrylics by Fontologie; fonts: FO Doodle Dance

and a few more layouts from vacations I haven’t finished scrapping yet.

journaling: I had heard and read about all of the wrought iron garden gates and balconies before visiting Savannah, and the historic district did not disappoint me. I loved all of the styles from simple to ornate, and peeking through them to catch glimpses of the homes’ gardens and porches.
credits: Paper Garden and Roseate Delight by Franziska Altmann at scrapbookgraphics; Sketch Collection 21 by Jen Caputo at scrapbookgraphics; Iron alpha from Vivid Intensity by Kim Jensen at scrapdish; fonts: Natural Script

journaling: The robotics room was one of our favorite exhibits. Everyone young and old enjoyed playing with the robots- drawing and dancing with them, trying to beat them, and learning how they are used in industry to build the things we use every day in a quicker and more efficient manner.
credits: Industre by Flergs at scrapbookgraphics; template 114 by Yin Designs; fonts: CK Carbon Copy

journaling: It was fascinating to watch the various robots assemble and test our own toy top, & then personalize it just for us.
credits: Beep Boop by Lauren Grier and Kristen Cronin-Barrow at SweetShoppeDesigns; i Robot by Kate Hadfield and Kaye Winieki at The-LilyPad; fonts: Courier

School Layouts

I made it through the end of school and recital, and then picked up a nasty cold bug that has knocked me out for most of this week. Typical- I get to the end of a busy/stressful time and then get sick. At least we were at home instead of going on vacation somewhere, but so much for getting some things done like the mounds of laundry that have built up in everyone’s room while I didn’t have to worry about ferrying people to summer dance classes, which start next week. Today is the first day I’ve started to feel a smidge better, so hopefully I’ll be over this by the time the weekend is done.

One of the best things that Brenna brought home at the end of the year was a little book of pictures that were taken during class. Since I don’t have much opportunity to get in and help in the classroom, I was very appreciative. Brenna said she got to pick a few of the ones that she wanted for it.

 

journaling:   It has been so fun to watch you learn and grow this year, Brenna. You’ve made new friends and developed some confidence in what you can do when you try. I hope you have lots of good memories of your kindergarten year!
credits: Preschool Palooza by Emily Powers and Kate Hadfield at WeAreStoryTellers (retired); Pack To School by Helene Duchet at scrapbookgraphics; I Can See Clearly Layer Styles by Misty Cato; Make The Grade (globe) by Jaque Larsen; File It Under... Glitzy by Michelle Godin; fonts: CK Ali's Writing, 2Peas Sandbox

journaling: Yeah, kiddo! You did it! Daddy and I are so proud of you and how hard you have worked this year. Besides your letters, numbers, sight words, writing, and all of the many other things you learned, we hope that you remember that you will only succeed if you first give the new things a try. Have confidence in yourself! You made it through kindergarten and we know you will be a success in first grade too!
credits: Children's Day by Amy Sumrall, SYTYCD week 4 kit; P52 Week 22 template by Tracy Blankenship at FunkyPlaygroundDesigns; string (SYTYCD week 1), curly ribbon (Tangerine Twist) and apple flair (SYTYCD week 2 kit) by Flergs; acrylic bracket from Garden Pop by Kim Jensen at scrapdish; bubblewrap stamps from Reality Check by Suzy-Q Scraps (SYTYCD week 2 kit); File It Under... glitzy by Michelle Godin; fonts: CK Journaling condensed

credits: Children's Day QP by Amy Sumrall, SYTYCD week 4 kit
fonts: 2Peas Sandbox

credits: Paisley Crush, Paisley Crush Handy Helpers 1 and 2, and Fresh Coat Lil Alpha by Dianne Rigdon at scrapartist; fonts: Christine

credits: Paisley Crush, Shabby Love: Soft Things, Shiny Things, Paper Things, and Cut Paper Sugars, and Fresh Coat: Lil Alpha and Shabby Stencils by Dianne Rigdon at scrapartist; Layered Sketches for Creating Keepsakes April 2008 by Jen Caputo
fonts: Century Gothic, Natural Script, Impact

journaling: Graduation started off with the presentation of the Officer David Pratt award. Officer Pratt has been the DARE officer assigned to our school for many years and this award was established by him to honor the 5th grade student who best exemplifies leadership and citizenship. After Mrs. Patchen finished reading this wonderful letter and tribute to this year’s chosen recipient, it was announced that it was our Elizabeth!
credits: Paisley Crush, and Rainy Days Quick Pages and Clusters by Dianne Rigdon at scrapartist
fonts: SBC Distressed Typewriter, Times New Roman, TXT Romanesque

This layout about the science fair projects the kids did has been a couple of weeks in the making since I photographed and extracted most of the items for the sections on what the kids did. Those wire things for Carissa’s section were a bear and took forever! At least the toothpicks were easy ;)

journaling:  We had 3 very different science fair projects going on in our house this spring. Bryce built toothpick bridges and crushed them with metal marbles and cans of food from the pantry (they held much more wieght than I expected!), Elizabeth tried to grow new plants from cut leaves and rooting powder. The results were not what we expected, and it turns out that it just needed more time than we had to see the real results. Carissa learned about copper plating and the conditions that you need to make it successful. Hers was the most immediately visible and was quite fun to watch. as it progressed.
credits: Science Fair by Kim Hill at CGEssentials; Copper Alpha from Something Special by Meredith Fenwick; Old Copper Penny by Misty Cato; Grandma's Garden by Shabby Miss Jenn; Scruffy Stitches by Amy Hutchinson at After5Designs; Ooey Gluey alpha by Aja Abney at scrapartist; hot glue blobs from Crafting with.... Garden Borders by Dianne Rigdon at scrapartist
fonts: CK Chemistry

Hybrid Mini Book for Brenna

This marks the last project I will be doing for Prima. They are cutting back, and their hybrid division is one of the places that isn’t making them as much money. I think there is a market for hybrid, but maybe the scrapbooking world as a whole just needs more time to absorb the digital aspect. I do believe it will only become more prevalent as time goes on and digital everything takes over. I know I fought going digital for a couple of years before I finally gave in and embraced it as the way I was going to do things most of the time. Being able to go back to my paper goods through hybrid is just wonderful and a way to get back to the tactile side of scrapbooking.

I made Brenna a little book to help her remember some of the things she learned during her kindergarten year. She struggled a bit with several things during the year, but she worked hard and in the end she found success.

digital credits: IOD Flirty album and chipmates set
font: Nueva Std

traditional credits:
by Prima Marketing: Flirty Little Secret Collection papers: Splendid (812751), Frock (812713), and Meander (812720), Diecut Chipboard (#400026), Chipmates Inkjet diecut sticker sheets, Chipmates Clear Epoxy Stickers (#400002), Got Flowers? (711252), Belle Fleur (520991), Artful Leaves (523862), Build-a-Bauble (400101), Center Kisses (520700), Elysee ribbons (519520), Felt Alphabet (811952), Whispered Words (812027)
other: glitter glue by Roseart

This project was posted on the Prima blog here.

P365: May 2009

credits: Springaling by Kaye Winieki; 365 Project Templates by Amy Pearson

 

Dancing the Nights Away

The end of the year dance recital is here, and this year with Beth and Carissa involved in the tap competition group and opening number, we get to go to both nights of the recital. I’m a stage mom for the petite kids in the ensemble room on the second night as well as having kids performing both nights. So, after two full nights of dress rehearsals I have pictures of all of the kids’ dances to share. First up is the opening number, but I won’t put up photos from that since I’ve shown that number before.

“Peppermint Twist”-ing with Brenna, who took her first combo dance class this year with Ms. Cindy.    

In the second half, the twins have their tap 4 number- Johnny B. Goode as performed by Elvis.

 

Then the twins have their ballet number, which is titled “Feels Like Spring.”

and on the second night of recital (which will be Saturday), the twins do opening number again and “Footloose Doll.” Here are a few shots from rehearsal of Footloose. The camera angle is a bit different for these pictures as I’m in one of the side boxes, shooting across the stage.

Ok, off to start curling hair again! Getting three girls all primped and ready to go in time is a challenge!