August Scrapbook Pages

The start of August means the kids go back to school in our district. We’ve got 3 high schoolers and 2 elementary students this year. It’s always busy at house!

  journaling: Lookout Vista Ridge! Elizabeth and Carissa are on the scene and ready to take this new school by storm this year. They switched to a new school to work on pursuing the career paths they are interested in, leaving many of their good friends behind. Of course they will see them from time to time, and Facebook chats are only a monitor away. Elizabeth and Carissa are looking forward to the challenges ahead and making new friends along the way too.
credits: by Michelle Godin at The-LilyPad.com: Hello Goodbye Papers
and Hello Goodbye Elements
font: Horse Puke, Chromosome Heavy, custom font by Darcy Baldwin

  journaling: The second half of your 8th grade school year you both got quite a bit of grief from classmates about choosing a different school to attend for high school the next year. You didn’t let it bother you though because you knew what you wanted to do and this was the best place to go to achieve those goals, as well as being feasible transportation-wise. I’m proud of you for not letting other people’s choices influence you. I know you will both do well this year!
Pictures taken at Freshman year registration. July 24, 2012
credits: School Zone Plus Bundle by Kim Jensen at The-LilyPad.com; August 2012 Foundations by Crystal Livesay at LiveYourStories.com

  credits: Cerise Noir Collection by Flergs at scrapbookgraphics.com; August Foundations 2012 by Crystal Livesay at liveyourstories.com; font: Zapf Chancery LT credits: Cerise Noir Collection by Flergs at scrapbookgraphics.com; August Foundations 2012 by Crystal Livesay at liveyourstories.com; font: Century Gothic

  credits: Studio Mix 28- Enduring Grace and Studio Mix 28- Enduring Grace Word Art by The Studio Girls at scrapbookgraphics.com; August Foundations 2012 by Crystal Livesay at liveyourstories.com; font: FO PS I Love You

  credits: Hold on to Happy by Crystal Livesay at DesignHouseDigital.com; Kitschy Kitchen Collection by Sahlin Studio and Jenn Barrette at The-LilyPad.com; The Notebooks, School Zone Elements by Kim Jensen at The-LilyPad.com; Studio Mix 28- Enduring Grace by The Studio Girls (doily) at scrapbookgraphics.com; Stick It Dates by Darcy Baldwin; font: Lobster, custom font by Darcy Baldwin

  journaling: The Waldo Canyon Fire consumed the hills west of Colorado Springs from June 23 to July 10, 2012 and was the most destructive fire in Colorado history. We had a front seat to all of the action with almost 24 hour coverage of the fire on our local news stations, and seeing and breathing the smoke. By the time the fire was put out 17 days after it began, it destroyed 346 homes, killed 2 people, evacuated 32,000 people, and caused $352.6 million dollars in damages, not to mention lost business revenue. As much as we heard about the fire’s destruction, we also saw firsthand the heroic efforts of the thousands of fire fighting personnel that were protecting our community. They worked long shifts, stopping only to eat and sleep right where they were so they could respond quickly if needed again. Thanks to their amazing efforts, the damage was kept to so much less than it could have been.
credits: at The-LilyPad.com: Eclectomania 1 and Recycled Newspaper Alpha by Kim Jensen, To The Rescue and Community Helpers by Jacque Larsen, Mini Dots Alpha by Amy Martin; template by Scrapping With Liz; photos were collected from public postings on Facebook; font: Georgia

  journaling: Beth and Carissa were thrilled when Iyanno asked them to work with her to choreograph and video a dance for the Disney Channel Make Your Mark dance contest this summer. They spent a couple of weeks working on things seperately because they couldn’t find a time to all get together. Iyanno was able to stay a few hours after the twins’ birthday party ended so they could have some time work together, and they were able to finish working things out. We recorded the video the next week during some open time at the dance studio, and it was submitted to the contest. We don’t really expect anything more to come of it, and that’s OK. It was a fun project doing something they all enjoy and a way to spend some extra time together exploring their talents and abilities. They were willing to take a risk and give it a shot, and I’m sure they will all find a way to make their mark on the world eventually.

credits: at The-LilyPad.com: by Michelle Godin- Moody Blues Papers, Moody Blues Elements Sew Artsty Just the Stitches, Keep Calm Splatter On; by Kim Jensen- Perforated Paper Alpha, Bloomin' Octagonal, Bloomin' Baubles, Pinned Purple Paper Dates; Enjoy the Moment (silver wire swirl) by Sahlin Studio; Story Maps Vol. 1 by Crystal Livesay at DesignHouseDigital.com; glitter style by Flergs
font: Ticket Capitals Impressed, custom font by Darcy Baldwin

  journaling: It almost snuck by me this year, but a friend mentioned it in passing in an email that afternoon- it was July 11th and that meant that it was free Slurpee day at 7-Elevens across the country. With it being summer, our more relaxed schedule allowed us to all jump in the van and make a quick trip down the hill to try out a few new chilly flavors to help beat the heat.
credits: TLP Summer Bucket List minis by Allison Pennington, Karah Fredricks, Kate Hadfield, Michelle Godin, Lauren Grier, Sahlin Studio, Emily Merritt, Little Butterfly Wings, Kim Jensen, Amber Clegg, Tickled Pink Studio, Kay Winiecki; Blanc Stitches by Amy Martin; Stamped Hex Templates by Crystal Livesay at DesignHouseDigital.com; font: custom font by Darcy Baldwin

March & April Scrapbook Pages

  journaling: Sarah and Sophia make quite the pair, conspiring together to arrange playdates while talking on the phone after school. Finally us moms had to agree and they spent two afternoons at each others’ houses having a wonderful time playing hide-and-seek, making pizza for lunch and playing with ponies and Barbies. It’s wonderful to have a friend who lives just down the street.
credits: Pinky Swear Whole Shebang Bundle by Maya at scrapbookgraphics.com; Jen Caputo Collection 29 (retired); font: custom font by Darcy Baldwin

I started taking a tap class this fall. It's been a challenge in a lot of ways- a good one, but still something I have had to work at. It works muscles of the mind as well as of the body We started learning choreography for a dance (no, we are not performing it at recital :P ), and this is a little motivational piece for myself to keep working at it when I get frustrated with myself. It's an old The Ventures song, No Matter What Shape, which given our varied shapes and sizes and ages in this class we thought it particularly appropriate   credits: at scrapbookgraphics.com: Studio Mix #19 - Glorious Visions by The Studio Girls, Tangie's Paperworn Art Styles; tap shoe stamp is my own

 
journaling: We received a last minute email during spring break from Mr. Freark asking for help with a project that would be used to fund robotics and NJHS clubs next year- planting and growing xeriscape friendly flowers for yards. So Elizabeth went to help and we dragged Carissa along too. Brenna, Sarah and I helped a bit later after running some errands. Many hands make light work, and we got all of the seeds planted in just two and a half hours.

credits: at scrapbookgraphics: Shabby Garden by Lorilei Murphy, Greymouse Manor Winter Ball (with Everything In It!) (frame) by Lorie Davison, Paperworn Art Styles by Tangie Baxter; Cinque by Little Green Frog Designs at scraporchard.com
font: Chromosome Heavy, Typewriter, Custom font by Darcy Baldwin

 
journaling: Excitement fills the air when a rainstorm arrives, and then the umbrellas and rainboots come out of the closet. Brenna and Sarah loved being able to walk home from school in the rain. 8-29-2009
credits: Springity Spring by Kim Jensen and Kate Hadfield at The-lilypad.com; Grungy Month Brushes by Michelle Coleman
font: custom font by Darcy Baldwin

journaling: Everything old is new again at some point, and soft serve yogurt is back again. There are lots more flavor and topping choices than when I was a kid, and it is self-serve. You have to be careful about how much you get because it quickly adds up! iTop It is just down the hill from our house. The kids love getting coupons for free cups of yogurt from school for good behavior because they can go crazy and get anything they want.
credits:
at TLP: by Kim Jensen: Dotrageous 1, Zigzagged Paper Alpha, Bloomin' Stuffed, Because I Said Sew, Pinnned Purple Paper Dates, Date It! Plastic Beads, Springity Spring Elements; Bring on the Cake by Karah Fredricks, Kate Hadfield and Kaye Winiecki; Summer Staycation by Kate Hadfield; Kitschy Kamera by Lauren Grier and Valorie Wibbens (smily face);
Rebel Rock and Wear a Flower by Pixel Works (paint, retired); Paperworn Art Styles by Tangie Baxter at scrapbookgraphics.com
Fashion Show Template by Denise Beatty at OneStoryDown.com
font: custom font by Darcy Baldwin

A week-long photo hunt challenge for the grand opening of the One Story Down scrapbook site inspired this page. 5 photo prompts were posted each day- one word that you could interpret any way you wanted photographically. I was usually inspired by 3 or 4 of the prompts each day. It was like a mini P365 on fast-forward. credits:
Bird on a Wire by Misty Mareda
Lauren Reid: Happy Place, Blocked Out, Bean Juice, Kitschy Kamera with Valorie Wibbons, 365 Remembered Vol. 2 January (green flower), 365 Remembered Vol. 2 February (football charm)
template by Mel Wilson for One Story Down Photo Hunt
Paperworn Art Styles by Tangie Baxter at scrapbookgraphics.com
font: custom font by Darcy Baldwin, Fulton Artistamp

 
Journaling: It’s always one of our favorite places to stop at the zoo- the Budgie house to see the room filled with beautiful birds, feed a few, and maybe have one land on your head. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
credits: at scrapbookgraphics.com: Studio Mix 21- Grow Green and Studio Mix 21- Grow Green Add-on by The Studio Girls, Blended Template Bundle 12 by Rosey Posey font: SBC Distressed Typewriter

and Michelle Godin is designing again! woot woot! She has all sorts of delicious hand-crafted scrap goodies made digital for those of us who prefer not to get messy when we scrap ;)

credits: at The-LilyPad.com: by Michelle Godin- {Pink & Blue} Mixed Media Backgrounds, Painted Patterns- Chevrons, Sloppy Stencils, April Challenge Freebie, Funky Junky Family Tree (branch, blue button), Grungy Canvas, as Pixel Works, retired- where Are We (compass), Melts My Heart (painted circle); by Amy Martin- Needed More Stitching 2; by Kim Jensen- Cord Crazy Lines
Paperworn Art Styles by Tangie Baxter at scrapbookgraphics.com
font: Ticket Capitals Impressed, custom font by Darcy Baldwin

credits: by Michelle Godin at The-LilyPad.com: Painted Patterns- Chevrons, I Heart You, Just My Type Alpha, Inner Peace (Facebook Fan freebie); Paperworn Art Styles by Tangie Baxter at scrapbookgraphics.com
font: Ticket Capitals Impressed, custom font by Darcy Baldwin

  journaling: Kindergarten is Fun ...especially when it is Valentine’s Day and there is a party during the last hour of school. The kids are always excited to have parents and siblings come for a visit in the classroom. They danced and sang their songs they had learned about love for everyone. They had decorated Valentine bags and gave gave each of their classmates one in return. Sarah was so excited to get her own this year and had fun pulling them out one by one and reading them. Some of them even had treats attached. The kids had written special letters to Mrs. Rogers during a week she was gone and when she read each one she had them come up and stand by her so that she could say thank you right then.
credits: at TLP- by Michelle Godin: Chasing Rainbows Paper Pack, Chasing Rainbows Mixed Media, Grungy Canvas, Hand-Carved Stamps, Sloppy Stencils; by Kim Jensen: Paint It White Alpha
font: FO Messy Bessy, custom font by Darcy Baldwin

 
credits: Funky Junky Family Tree by Michelle Godin, Kate Hadfield and Rachel Young at The-Lilypad.com; font: Custom font by Darcy Baldwin

 
journaling: Sarah got tree seeds with her Lorax breakfast. She planted them and was thrilled when one of them sprouted. She is convinced she is growing a Truffula tree.
credits: at The-LilyPad.com: by Michelle Godin- Sew Artsy 2, Sew Artsy Journal Cards, Sloppy Stencils, as Pixel Works (retired) Tiny Dymo Alpha; Springity Spring by Kim Jensen and Kate Hadfield; Because I Said Sew by Kim Jensen; Here to There by Jacque Larsen and Emily Merritt
fonts: SP You've Got Mail, Ticket Capitals Impressed

Feeling Better Finally

This weekend was a very busy one, or at least it seems like it went by really quickly! LOL

I think I can finally say that I'm over the flu or cold, or whatever it was. Yesterday was the first day where I wasn't coughing much, and I didn't have to take medication to get to that state. I had a decent amount of energy all day too. In between running the kids around to where they needed to go last week, I sat and scrapped and tried not to cough on my computer too much.

Saturday we went to my mom's house in the morning to get her trailer covered for the winter and do some other little things around the house she needed help with. The kids had fun playing with the new Rusty dog. We'd only seen him once before since she got him. Then, it was home to get the oldest 3 girls ready to go to the Christmas dress rehearsal for dance groups. I had fun taking pictures of lots of different groups and soloists and had tons of photos to wade through in Lightroom after we got home.

A big snow storm moved in Saturday afternoon and with freezing temps overnight and all day Sunday, we just decided to play hookie from church and not try to rush out the door to get there on the slippery roads. We had a nice, relaxing day puttering around the house and taking care of some of the tasks that needed doing- practicing instruments, working on the twins' Egypt projects, baking holiday cookies, laundry, etc. Of course I had grand visions of how much I was going to get done that didn't materialize, but that is OK. The cake balls I made took most of the day. That probably had something to do with me starting out with a fresh pumpkin that had to be roasted and pureed, pumpkin cake baked, crumbled and mixed with frosting, chilled and then the whole dipping in candy bark part which was a huge mess. I didn't even finish dipping them all because I was tired of it and my bark was not cooperating any longer. I'll finish them up another day LOL My hat goes off to the Bakerella lady who makes such beautiful ones all of the time, because mine don't look anything like hers-at least they don't have to be pretty to taste good :P Mark spent a lot of his day trying to get some nasty program off of the computer the kids use and trying to figure out why the Norton anti-virus program wasn't working, which allowed the rather large list of nasties on there in the first place.

  credits: Simple Pleasures and Simple Pleasures Addon by Michelle Filo and One Bright Spot at LittleDreamerDesigns; Loosely Labeled (cloth sisters tag) by Katie Pertiet at DesignerDigitals; fonts: SP Wonderful Wendy

  A list of many of the places I've traveled to and some of the places I'd still like to go see.
credits: Guy Thing by Dianne Rigdon and Aja Abney, and Guy Thing with Flair at scrapartist; Jumpers 1-16 Collection by Crystal Livesay at scrapbookgraphics
fonts: TXT Scribbletti

 
credits: Victorian Christmas by Microferk and Saxon Holt at scrapbook-elements.com; Leslie's Jumpers by Crystal Livesay at scrapbookgraphics;
fonts: Vivaldi

 
One of our favorites, and it is so easy too!
credits: Recipe Book Page Kit by Ruby Rynne at scrapbookgraphics
fonts: Typewriter

 
My great-grandmother, Ethel.
credits: everything available at scrapbokgraphics: Impressions of Traditions by Scrapbookgraphics Designers; Jumper 11 from Jumpers 1-16 Collection by Crystal Livesay; bird from Rejuvenation by Veronica Spriggs
fonts: Natural Script

A friend had her beautiful baby girl at the end of October.
credits: Autumn Dreamscape by Pixel Works at scrapartist.com
fonts: Times and Times Again, Susie's Hand

Scrapbookgraphics has a new template designer, and I just love her templates! I have a hard time doing white space LOs and her fabulous templates make it a lot easier for me. Check out Crystal’s shop if you are looking for help with white space or just something new to try!

 
journaling: It’s just you and me now during the day, Sarah. I have to say that it is different with just one child at home; it is certainly a lot quieter! You are lots of fun and I enjoy spending time with just you, exploring new and old things and places. I know I tend to get a little focused on getting things done that I need to do sometimes, but you remind me that it is important to enjoy these fleeting moments as they won’t last forever. Love you, Sarah!
credits: everything from scrapbookgraphics.com: My Family Tree by Line Designs; Worn Label Alpha and A Fine Mess of Grids by Birgit Kerr; Sketch Collection 31 by Jen Caputo; Painted Edges by Flergs; white paper from White Wedding and Date Drops by Ellie Lash (retired)
fonts: SP You've Got Mail

Toys For Tots Charity Fundraiser

Songbird Avenue has been raising funds for various charities for over two years now, and Scrapbookgraphics is honored to be the participating designer this month. All proceeds (minus PayPal fees) from the sale of this month’s kit will be donated to Toys For Tots to help make Christmas brighter for kids who need it. All of the designers at SBG contributed to this kit along with the Songbird Ave designers and it is packed with papers and elements to help you record those precious memories! Don’t miss it!

Here is the page I made with the kit, showing off some of the treasures we found in my mom’s basement a few weeks ago when I helped her go through some of the boxes down there that hadn’t been opened after the move:
 
journaling: Exploring the boxes of family heirlooms in Grandma’s basement. There are lots of handcrafted clothing and household items, as well as a few precious toys that have been saved. Oct 13, 2009
credits: everything from Toys in the Attic at Songbird Avenue, except for the dino and tiny metal cars- those were my Dad's toys and I photographed and extracted them myself; fonts: CK Becky, CK Journaling Condensed