find joy in the journey

never say never

So I've been scrapbooking for, goodness, um . . . about 18 years.  Wow, really?  Okay.  

I love me some cardstock, adhesive, stickers and stamps, the slice of the trimmer, and the thrill of thumbing through a fresh batch of processed photos. I like the feel of it.  Of moving elements around.  Playing, getting creative, and making something with my hands. 

A few years back this new 'digital scrapbooking' thing entered the scene.  I took a quick look and instantly knew it was not for me.  I could spot a digital page a mile away.  The quality, the realness, the texture just wasn't there.  There was no comparing it to the real stuff.  I was never going to get into digital scrapbooking.

Never say never.

This past month I did something that would have been completely unthinkable to the scrapbooker in me just 2 to 3 years ago.  I made a digital scrapbook page.  Actually, 4 of them.

And I kind of liked it. {cringe}  I feel like I'm cheating on scrapbooker Shannon.

What has softened my heart?  Well . . . a number of factors:

• Time.  The last scrapbook page I made was one year ago.  Time seems to elude me these days, and scrapbooking, well, takes time.
• The mess on my desk.  Enough said.
• All the cool people are doing it.  Namely Ali Edwards & Cathy Zielske, 2 of my favorite scrapbooking/blogging/designing ladies.  Both of these ladies have a strong sense of design - very clean lines, simple, modern - and they both create digital templates and tools to make your pages look good.  Plus, their helpful video tutorials rock.

Will my scrapbook pages go 100% digital?  No.  I still like the cardstock & adhesive and seeing my own handwriting on the page.  This is just another medium for recording memories.  It is exciting to think that I could take a picture today, upload it to my computer and create a layout right away while the story is still fresh in my mind.  Whenever I can decrease the amount of time between the start & end of a project, that is a very good thing.

So here they are.  Each year I make a few scrapbook pages for my mom as a Mother's Day gift.  I'm running  a little late this year (sorry, mom).  But she did receive a mini album filled with pics from the spring event on Mother's Day.

(all layouts are 9x9 two-page spreads)

 

 

 

All digital templates:  Cathy Zielske (No. 18, 29, 3, 37)

Patterned Papers:  Michelle Martin, Lars

Solid Papers:  Michelle Martin, Lars Solids

Digital Elements:  Ali Edwards

Fonts:  Avenir, Jane Austen, and Cursive Standard

there's a dent in my bucket

this is the bucket

 

that was dropped from the tree house

that landed on a Payton's head

that sent us to urgent care

that brought out the staple gun

that provided an exciting start to our california vacation.

2:15 - We arrived at my parents house.  

2:30 - Hugs & kisses are done so the kids run out to the tree house to play.

2:45 - Conner comes running back into the house, shaking, yelling . . . 

"I think I just killed by brother!  Come quick!  It's horrible!"

That will send the adults into a panic in a hurry.  

Around the corner of the house walks Payton, with blood streaming down his face and a trail behind him.

Oh the poor boy!  He was a bit freaked out by the sight of his own blood.  And so much of it.  Head wounds tend to do that.  Scott and I drove him to urgent care and arrived to a nearly empty parking lot at 3:45.  Thank you!  We were the only patients there so we got in quick.  

He was a real trooper through the repair process.  He just cringed and squeezed dad's fingers real tight.  No tears.  What a tough guy.  3 head staples, a stop for hot fudge sundaes at McDonald's, and a new nickname . . . 

Staple Head Frankenstein

He loves having nicknames.

Soon after the staples were put in I took a picture of his head with Conner's little camera that happened to be in my purse.  I showed the picture to him and he froze for a moment with wide eyes.  I think it stunned him.  Back at the house I wanted to take another picture with my big camera.  Before he gave consent he said, "Can you please not show me the picture."  Yep, I can arrange that

The doctor told us not to get his head wet for 24 hours.  Perfect!  He would be ready to go on Monday when it was time to swim.  But, Sunday was going to be interesting.  We didn't rinse his head before going to urgent care and despite my request, the nurse did a lousy job of cleaning his hair before the staples were put in.  So I attempted a clean-up job with a damp washcloth at home, but he was still left with a patch of pink hair.  He asked me, "Will the kids in Primary freak out when they see my head?"  I assured him that everyone would think it was cool.  And they did.

Today we went to our local doctor for staple removal.  Again, a little cringing but he did just fine.  I asked the nurse if we could keep the staples and I got an odd look, awkward pause, and "mmm-hmm."  She obviously does not have a sense of humor.

 Good-bye to Staple Head Frankenstein!

this is a fun trip!

 . . . said by Anna, 3 minutes into our roadtrip to California last week.

Yes, it was a fun trip.  

I never know quite how to summarize these trips on my blog without it being too much of a travel log (first we did this, then we went here, and oh it was so much fun, etc.).  Maybe I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.  With a few explanations here and there.  And there are a few stories I want to share later.  But for now . . . 

Sunday we celebrated Father's Day and Heidi's birthday.  We love all the dads!  And Heidi for having a birthday because that meant Sam made a deliciously decadent birthday cake for her.  (Payton has messy hair for a reason.  I'll share that story tomorrow.)

 

Going on a nature walk to catch frogs and throw rocks . . .

 

 

Of course there's lots of time playing, holding, and running with Emma.  Anna spent lots of time hanging out in the garage, visiting Emma in her pen.

 

paddleboating . . . Conner is trying to steer from the rear seat so it is a barrel of laughs for everyone on board.

 

a visit to the duck park with a loaf of bread in hand . . . 

  I feel like I lived this photo a hundred times over as a kid. 

a visit to Papa's work for some fun with heavy machinery.

 

and, of course, swimming

 

how perfect is this?

 

road trip bingo

I can't remember if I've shared this before, so here goes.

Last year I made some Road Trip BINGO cards.  Something fun and different for those long car trips.  

In this file there are 2 BINGO cards for readers.  I designed a third card for non-readers.  It includes pictures of items to look for, shapes, and colors.  It works for Anna.

Download Road trip bingo

I like to print these on cardstock so it is a little more durable.  Also, if I'm thinking ahead I'll print 2 copies at the beginning of our trip.  That way they have a fresh gameboard for the trip home.  Simply hand them a sheet of stickers and they are good to go.

conner's summer vacation plans

{I pulled this out of his take-home folder yesterday.  Definitely a keeper.}

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At the beginning of the summer, I'm going to my grandma's house.  I'm going to sleep in the tree house.  I'm going to play with their dog, Ema.  I'm going to go in their swimming pool.  I'm going to pick fruit in their garden.

In the middle of the summer, I'm going to get ice cream.  I'm going to go in the [town] pool.  I'm going to play video games.  I'm probably going to argue with Payton like this:

Conner:  sereusly you need help.

Payton: I don't need help.

Conner:  suit yourself.

I'm going to pick vegetables and fruit.

At the end of the summer, I'm going to go to my other grandma's house.  I'm going to get some jobs.  I'm going to get some noodles for school.  I'm going to get a folder for school.  I'm going to work on some scout things.

Now, if only the temperatures would get above 65 degrees then he could start to put his summer plans into action.  Only one 80 degree day so far this year.  Seriously?  My kids are going to melt when we enter the mid-90's of California.  And Conner is really going to learn what a scorcher is.

teaching ourselves to really live

Anna Quindlen:  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.

{stealing this from Ali Edwards}

a few small pieces of silver . . . 

grabbing Anna for a game of steamroller on the family room rug after inspecting her school papers.  she laughs and laughs.

reading City of Ember to the boys and seeing the excitement in their faces as things really start to get good.

when I blow-dry Anna's hair and we make faces to each other in the mirror.

Conner's frequent visits after bedtime, "mom, I just need to tell you something" or "mom, I just have a question" . . . and taking a minute to listen to what he has to say.  It's usually something pretty golden.  Like tonight, "mom, I just wanted to tell you that you don't need to worry about packing, because I already did it."  And then he goes on to list everything that he packed (7 pairs of socks, 5 pairs of underwear, my second favorite outfit, black church socks, etc.) all wrapped up in a blanket.  I laugh and laugh.

getting dressed this week and opening my dresser drawer to find a love note from Payton.  Then, later, thanking him for it, gushing over how sweet it was, and pointing out my favorite parts of the picture he drew.  And the silver . . . . seeing his eyes light up, a smile beam across his face, and sensing the feelings of silent satisfaction filling up inside him.

the sun shineth

. . . and we taketh family pictures.

Our wardrobe for yesterday's photo shoot:

 

Everyone looked great.  I was very happy with how the whole ensemble came together.  Not too matchy-matchy.  Some nice layers, textures, and subtle patterns.  And a color palette that I think I will be happy looking at, hanging on my walls for the next few years (until next time).

I can't wait to see how they turn out.  At one point the photographer shot a few of Scott with the kids, the light was gorgeous, and everyone looked so so sweet.  Oh, it made my heart flutter and I got a bit misty.  Love.

The kids earned their reward of an ice cream treat.  Blizzards for everyone.

 

**************************************

A couple notes so I don't forget:

When we got home the kids were sent upstairs to change into pajamas.  After a minute or two I went to the boys' room and Conner opened the door looking very sad.  What is wrong?  His head hanging low, "I'm just sad that Michael Jackson is dead."  Oh ya, I'm sorry.  Why does that make you sad?  Deep sigh.  "I wish he could write some more really cool songs."

After a while I was back in his room checking on bedtime progress and he says, "I almost cried tears of joy."  Ummmm, what?  He had been looking through a little photo album I put together of his field trip last week.  "It's good that we have friends who can help us."  I guess he was feeling some community love.

When we told Anna that the photographer's name was Missy she said, "Hey!  My name is Missy!"  Yes, sometimes we do call her Missy when she's being especially dramatic or ornery.

At the end of the shoot the photographer promised the kids some silly shots.  And boooooyyyy did they work that camera.  But Payton, by and far, has got the posing thing down.  And he knows it.

**************************************

Today the boys had their piano recital (Payton's first recital -- he started lessons in January).  They both did great!

Payton sits very tall on the piano bench and has a great rhythm and cadence when he plays.

 

Conner is progressing well and likes songs that are loud and fast.  Because, as he has informed his piano teacher, "I'm more of a forte kind of guy." 

(and he gets bonus points for letting me snap this great photo.  Actually, this face was sandwiched between looks of impatience and dread.  So I get the bonus points for being a)funny and b)quick on the draw.)

field trippin'

Last week I had the opportunity to attend 2 school field trips.  For Anna and Conner.  Payton had his class field trip earlier in the year and while I submitted my name for chaperoning, I didn't make the cut in the lottery.  Yes, they held a lottery, or random name-draw to choose chaperones because so many parents volunteered to go.  Another year . . . 

With Conner's class I just got lucky.  I happened to be online when his teacher sent out an e-mail request for chaperones -- 5 spots, first come first serve.  Apparently all 5 spots were filled within an hour.

With Anna, this marked my 5th preschool field trip to the Children's Museum.  We've had a lot of adventures there.  Let's see, it all started in 2005 with Conner (4) and Payton (27 months).  That was interesting, trying to keep my eyes on two small, active children in a place with major sensory overload.    2006 was probably my least favorite year.  With a 5 year old, 3 year old, and 8 month old Anna in a stroller, trying to maneuver around all the rooms while not losing track of the boys.  In 2007 I had three walkers runners so I came up with the ingenious idea of dressing them all in construction orange.  And Anna wore a leash.  It went really well.  In 2008 we downsized to just Payton and Anna (and side-swiped a deer on the way there).  

And here we are in 2010 with just me and Anna.  Lowwww stress.  The plan, follow Anna around and do whatever the heck she wants to do.

 

 

As you can see, we have quite a character on our hands.

Conner's 3rd grade class took a field trip to Astoria where we rode the trolley and visited the Maritime Museum.  It was a good day.  A bit rushed . . . we could have used another hour exploring the museum and such.  But good.  I had a good group (2 boys, 2 girls), and everyone had good attitudes.  (Well, Conner needed a little pep talk.)  Conner & I had a bench to ourselves on the bus ride home and that was a welcome change after the trip there: 2 boys + me spilling out into the aisle.  Conner buried himself in Deathly Hallows and I finished reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (good book!).  Delightful drive.  He has a really great class.

 

 

  

summer fun giveaway {winner}

Thanks everyone for your great comments and ideas!  Sounds like a lot of you are making fun plans for the summer.  I'm hoping that this little kit will help you put some of those plans into action!

 

Now, let me put all the names into a bowl.  And my lovely assistant, Anna, will pull one out. 

And the winner is . . . . Patricia!

Woo-hoo!  Congratulations!  You all should read her comment in the post below.  She shares a great idea for summer fun with her 6 year old -- "treasure ice blocks."

Patricia, please e-mail me with your address and I will get this off to you right away!

While we're all here, can I share something we did last week?  It wasn't on our summer fun list, but fun & tasty nonetheless.

Did you know that June 4th was National Donut Day?  Well it was.  I read about it somewhere on the 3rd.  So after the kids went to bed I ran to the grocery store and picked up one dozen donuts (yes, they were a day old. my my kids could care less).  So we had this for breakfast.  And some chocolate milk.

 
 And while the boys were at school we made some donut-inspired cupcakes.

{idea gleaned from the blog eighteen25.  Go check out some of their recent cute kids crafts and party ideas.} 

This week a summer chore system is on my mind.  I have a few ideas floating around, and a few incentives.  Last year it was allll about video game time.  But this year I'm going to give them a few options to diversify their rewards.  There are a few "wishes" out there that I know will be big motivators so I am going use those to my full advantage.  Wa-ha-ha!

Have a great week!

the summer fun list (and a giveaway)

 

Monday night we sat down and made our Summer Fun list for 2010.  

My wish is to live more intentionally, try some things that are a little out of the norm and new, have something to look forward to, and to create memories.

In the list I've included things that are already on our calendar (trips, day camp, etc.)

. . . there are the usual summertime things that we always do (swimming pool, park, ice cream, etc.) and the little things that the kids find so much enjoyment out of (blowing bubbles, etc.), but sometimes I need a visual reminder to make them happen.

. . . and there are projects & outings that I have wanted to do for a while, but never seem to find the time (hike, sunprints, etc.).

Now, will we do everything on the list?  Probably not.  It is just a springboard for ideas.

I love doing this list!  We post it on the fridge and throughout the summer we keep track of the things we have done.  It is great motivation to get out there and do something (big or little), but mostly just to make the most of the time I have with the kids during summer vacation.  The school year will return all too soon.

I made most of the list and then consulted with the kids to get their approval.  All agreed.  And then they had a few ideas to contribute as well.  My favorite was Payton's:  "hold a snake."  So, if anyone out there has a non-poisonous snake or knows where we can get our hands on one, I'd be happy for that information.

Conner wants to open a kids restaurant for other kids to come and buy food that he cooks.  I tried to steer him in the direction of cooking meals for our family for one day, creating menus, etc.  I think that will be a good substitute.

So, as for displaying the list . . . . 

The first year we tried this (2007) I copied Stacy Julian's idea and made a poster just like hers with mini post-its and put it on the fridge.

Another year we didn't put a formal list together and instead I posted a blank Summer Fun scrapbook page on the fridge and wrote things down as we did them.

This year, I'm feeling a little more on the ball and tried to do something cute.

 

closer up

and closer still . . . 

I'm loving all these summer colors!

The plan:  once we complete an activity it gets moved up to the Summer Fun section.  I'll either write or stamp the date on the card as well.  For activities that we do multiple times (pool, park, etc.) I'll write tally marks.  

I think it turned out pretty darn cute.  And pretty darn easy.

More ideas, sharing, and clarifications:

Another take on how to display your list:  a quick & easy poster

I got the idea for the shaving cream from her blog.  Go take a peek.  That day is going to be a hoot. :)  And you can get shaving cream at the dollar store.

In 2008 we kept our list pretty simple.

The BPS class Kidding Around is going to help me with the kids' summer scrapbooks.  This idea has been on my list for the last couple summers, and I even bought albums for the kids.  I think this class will be perfect and provide the ideas, prompts, and everything that I need to get going.

The Penderwicks is a delightful summertime read.  Especially if you have girls.  Although, my boys also  enjoyed it very much.  I highly recommend it.

I didn't put this on my list but I thought it was a great idea if your kids are checked out on a hot glue gun.  Junk sculpture.

Keep your eye on Stacy Julian's blog because I'm sure she will reveal her summer plan soon.  She always has great, creative, cute ideas.

{giveaway}

I want to help someone else get their summer fun list going so I've put together a second set of titles and 36 (blank) summer fun cards with magnets on the back.  All ready to go for display on your fridge.  You just supply the ideas.

Leave me a comment and tell me what is on your Summer Fun list.  I'd love to read more ideas!

I'll choose a random winner on Monday morning.

three to share

It's a scorcher!

 That's what Conner said on this mild, overcast, 60-something saturday.  But in his mind this weather provided the perfect conditions for sunbathing, "swimming", and hula-hooping.

Is it summer yet?

And a preview of Anna's ballet recital (forgive the mediocre photos taken at today's dress rehearsal).

 She is a full head taller than the other girls in her class.  Yowzers!

And, not to leave Payton out . . . 

 rocking with the family on Guitar Hero.  I'm guessing that he was singing Eye of the Tiger or Beat It.

{I'm putting together a post about our summer fun list to share soon. And I might be in a generous mood, so check back.}