My Idol

I was inspired to create this page because of the special bond my husband has with his nephew, Jack.  It's really wonderful to see the two of them together - to hear them talk and laugh and play.   They just really enjoy each others company.  Typically, not more than a week will go by that they don't see or talk to each other.   Jay is an amazing Uncle and tries not to miss a thing that the kids do.  He comes to most of Jack's hockey practices and rarely misses a game.  He is always there and for that I think Jack idolizes him.   I don't think there is anyone that can make him laugh quite as much - or who he wants to disappoint less - than his Uncle Jay.

The photo in the layout was taken last fall and the pictures below it were taken this past weekend (look at how much his hair has grown!) at an event at Joe Louis Arena.  They had a great time skating together and touring the Wing's locker room.  (Note: Jack really does have teeth, he just doesn't like to show them.  We think he's a little sensitive about the growing back stage)

Not only is my husband Jack's idol, but he's mine too.

It's Been TOOOOO Long!

So the other day I was talking to a new colleague of mine who said "Hey, I really like your blog."  Flattered of course, I said thanks and appreciated that he had taken the time to look at it.  He even said his 12-year-old daughter liked it as she had recently taken up scrapbooking.  Then it hit me.  I had not posted a new blog entry in a really long time....months in fact.  Some blogger I am!  Truth be told, I've been so busy with work and redecorating my bedroom that I haven't found much time to scrap or blog. 

I aim to change that beginning today.  This is just a quick entry with a couple of new pages of Lilly.  First one is a silly picture that my sister took of her - I just love it.  The second are pictures of her baking for her Daddy - she pronounces Cupcakes "Pupcakes," and always calls her dad "My Daddy."  It's important to capture these funny little things about kids.....they change so fast.  I can only imagine what its like to be a parent watching your children grow up so fast.

Off for now...promise I'll be back soon. 

Scrappy Chic - Mega Meet Designs

The weekend of May 8 and 9 brought the long-awaited Scrapbook Mega Meet at Rock Financial Showplace.  And I'm not kidding when I say long-awaited.  I and my friends look forward to this event every year...I've even been known to plan vacations around it!   Well....this year, I had to miss it.  I had a great time traveling to NYC for a conference (I'll post on that trip soon), but I was so disappointed to miss out on my favorite event. 

Although I wasn't able to be there in person, my work was on display at the Scrappy Chic booth.  My sweet friends took photos of the booth and emailed them to me, so I was able to live vicariously through them while listening to seminars at the conference.  See below for the layouts and photos of the display:  1.) Lilly 2.) Owen 3.) My Aunt Lee & Uncle Al 4.) Me in Greektown 5.) My Dad's Cousin Janet 6.) My Grandpa headed to work in downtown Detroit 7.) My Aunt Lee on her honeymoon in Mackinac Island 8 &9.) Display photos.

A New Day

I can hardly believe my nephew Owen is almost two months old already.  He is getting so big, alert, expressive and smiley.  I loved snuggling with him today, his first Easter.  Although he didn't understand all the fun his sister, Lilly, was having searching for Easter eggs today....he will next year.

Yesterday I finally had the chance to relax and get some scrapping done.  I created this page that tells the story of Owen's birthday (see below to read the journaling on the page).  My sister took this amazing photo of Owen a few weeks ago.  I added the butterfly....which reflects a little someone watching over him. 

On February 17, 2009, I was blessed with a beautiful new nephew to cherish and love.

Owen Raymond was born on a pretty significant day - and Wendie and I don't think its any coincidence.

For months as we anticipated the baby's arrival, we hoped it wouldn't come on this day.  Any day but that one.  And then it happened.  Wendie's water broke on the morning of Feb. 17 - the 5th Anniversary of our dads passing.

We allowed ourselves a tearful moment and then focused on the blessing that was on its way.  What we realized later was that we had a new reason to smile on Feb. 17.  It can no longer be a day of sadness, but instead will be filled with joy as we celebrate Owen's birthday every year.....and know that he is a gift from our dad.

Design Team LO's - March

I finally finished my March Design Team pages this weekend.  Hoping to get my busy schedule under control soon so I can keep on track. 

I was excited to have two new sources of inspiration this month - my nephew, Owen, and friends Joe and Chicki.  Owen was born in February and I just printed a ton of photos of him....so you'll be seeing a lot more of him!  Joe and Chicki were married last year in Savannah.  This photo of them is breathtaking and brings back memories of a very special day.  Lastly, I took this sweet picture of Avery in my backyard.  She is such a beautiful little lady and this shot captures a very natural expression of hers.  I love it. 

Have a great week. 

Design Team LO's - February

Just a quick post to highlight my first Scrappy Chic Design Team submissions.  They are now on display at the store and online.....so exciting! 

I really enjoyed the first project "Vintage Charm" as I was challenged to use ribbon in my LO.   Here, I decided to frame the photo by looping this pretty ribbon all the way around.  It took forever, but I love the way it turned out.  It was pretty easy too.

I'm almost finished with my March entries, so I'll have those posted soon. 

Fashion Quote Series

Warning, this post may be a little "me" overload.  I've been working on a fashion quote series of LO's and I'm really proud of them.  For a while there, life was a little hectic with a busy work schedule and personal life and I wasn't feeling very inspired.  As most of you know, the art of fashion is my first love, so I decided to get back into my scrapbook groove by focusing on fashion.  Designer quotes became the focus of my pages, along with photos my sister took of me in downtown Detroit (and my most cherished photo of Nana).  Following are a few of my favorites from the series.