My NSD Challenge Complete at Last

When I sat down at my work table on National Scrapbooking Day, I decided I would work the entire day and finally get my vacation pictures and memorabilia from our 2008 trip to Virginia scrapped so that the vacation album would at long last be complete. I was following Shimelle Laine's challenges during the day and although I was alone in my scrap room, I felt like I was at a crop.

I finished the day 15 hours later (I did have breaks and some family responsibilities in there). I had completed 9 pages - the last one of the day being my least favorite. I didn't finish my project. It took another 2 1/2 weeks and an additional 17 pages to call it done. It then took my three days to get photos that I actually liked of the pages.

This was first page, the introduction to the final section of the book. Another challenge I gave myself was to use up items that have been hanging around in my stash for several years. And yes, the small title runs downhill - something I didn't notice until I looked through the camera lens. The album I was completing is one by Creative Memories - from their older 11 1/2 x 12 days. Because it's a strap hinge album, the metal edges of the pages always have to be considered. All of the pages are kraft or natural in CM's terminology.

During the trip, I had journaled the days events on my computer using Microsoft One Note. Five years later, it was easy to go back and print out the days entries. I also added plenty of handwritten journalling along the way. The tow truck we were waiting for was needed to tow our car to a dealership in Poughkeepsie New York. Less than three hours into our trip, we'd blown the transmission!

The new scrapbooking space

New space, new configuration for furnishings. I love this unit on the right. The day care next door had to dispose of it because some of the plastic shelf supports had broken, making it hazardous for the little ones. We brought it home and added another set of shelves across the middle using angle irons and some recycled wood from the cellar. The small shelves on the end were made by my talented brother-in-law from a design by my sister. We added quarter round to it and now it holds my embossing powders.

No. 1 Grandson, older brother to Never Slows Down, joined me this week to work on art projects. He created a birthday card for his aunt as well as some coloring pages for his younger brother to color. With my table cleared, it's easy to find space for the boys to be creative also. Never Slows Down likes to turn the handle on my Big Shot and make letters.

Moving is soooo unsettling

In order to work and still have time to chase Mr. Never Slows Down, I'm in the process of moving my workspace down to the main floor in our house. Since it's shared workspace on the second floor, I'm having quite a time sorting and re-organizing.

This will be my inspiration area (Christmas projects and the holiday fair at church are year long efforts in my household). The playroom is through the doorway on the right. So much more to bring down and organize - sometimes I think I'll never be done.

Finally...the layout complete!

After sick children and busy days and moving my scrap area from the second floor down to the first, I was finally able to finish the page to go with my inspiration photo post! I haven't even finished sorting out and putting things away, but I was itching to get this done.

Tomorrow, both grandsons will be here - it's school break again.

Today's layout used alphabets by Jillibean and Thickers, die cuts from Kaisercraft and Creative Memories,journaling card from Bazzill Vintage Marketplace and some Disney papers that have been in the stash forever. I had seen the use of a banner as photo mats but it took me so long to get this done, I don't remember where I saw it.

My Inspiration Piece

Mr. Never Slows Down likes to do things his own way. He loves to copy the older people around him. This is the way he helps to put on his jacket. He does like to zip it when he puts it on the correct way, but he usually running to where his jacket is being held and sticking his arms into the sleeves. He'll also hug you in the process.

I have the photo series depicting his process and I have an idea for a layout. Every time I look at this picture, I hear Frank Sinatra singing (I'm dating myself, I know).

Slow down is not in my vocabulary

My youngest grandson takes swimming lessons on Friday nights. He loves the water and has started swimming with the pool noodle on his own. Mom has to scramble to catch up.

Sometimes, though, he needs to have slow down in his vocabulary. After changing back into clothes, he was out with his older brother on the hard surfaces near the pool. Rushing as always to get from one place to another, he fell on his face. Won't his pictures with the Easter Bunny be adorable?

How do you get back in the swing

So much has happened since I last posted on this blog. My youngest daughter finished her rounds of chemo and is now cancer free. We're waiting to start radiation treatments to make sure her cancer never comes back. During all of this, she completed her college courses and is now looking for a full time job.

My middle daughter has found a new job and the precious, independent young man shown here now shares 5 days a week at my house. He is very curious and loves letters, cars, trains, Mickey Mouse, Super Why, cats, dogs and fish. Slow down is not part of his vocabulary.

One of my best friends died this January. He was my co-teacher with the middle school class at church and my co-leader with the adult Bible study. His passing has left a definite hole in my life and I find myself taking on things to fill in for him. I just hope I'm doing a passable job - I learned so much from him.

I have been scrapbooking and card making, but there were many days when I just couldn't find my creative juice. I think life was just trying to overwhelm me and for a while I let it. We met a wonderful man at chemo therapy and from Henry I learned a wonderful phrase to use whenever I get down - "I'm too blessed to be stressed". I'll keep that as my mantra.

My next goal is to improve my photo taking so I can share my creations. They always look so much better in real life than in my photos.