With All My Heart

Happy Monday!

Today I have a layout to share with you that was published in last month's issue of ScrapStreet Magazine.  I was asked to create a layout that documented my musings, thoughts/wishes/dreams for my future.  This is what I came up with.

Using Echo Park Graceful collection

It's unusual for me to have this much personal reflection visible on my layout. It is usually hidden in a pocket. The purpose of this layout however, was to record my musings/indulge in some self-reflection. I wanted the story to be visible, and available, especially for my children. I think it's important for them to be able to see me as more than just their mom. I want them to know that even though there are days where it may be difficult to tell, I am so very grateful for the life that I have, and they are very much a part of that.

The journaling reads:
"Sometimes it's hard not to be overcome with emotion when I think about the great wealth of blessings I have been given in my lifetime. Never in a million years would I have dreamed I would be living the life I have. Here I am; at 38. A wife and a mother. Surrounded by the people I love, and who love me in return. I am blessed. I have a husband who has promised to love me despite my shortcoming, is gracious with me, and is my biggest cheerleader, regardless of the task I've decided to take on. My three girls fill my heart to overflowing. They are beautiful, intelligent, funny, compassionate, and kind. They have the ability to make me want to scream and laugh all within the same sixty seconds. I pray all the time that I will not fail them as a parent. I am so grateful that they are forgiving and patient with me, as I continue to find my way as their mother. Together, we are living a dream, so much greater than I ever could have imagined for us. With all my heart, I give thanks for the honor of living this life!"

I really love this layout.  Not because I love looking at photos of myself, but because it will be nice to look back and remember this time in my life.  As much as I always think I'll remember certain details or events of my life I know that it's impossible to remember all of it.  I also look at it as a very tangible and open prayer of thanksgiving to the One who has blessed me with all of it.  None of it would matter without Jesus.

On another note, if you're local, this is a reminder of the layouts I'll be teaching this week at The Scrapbook Cottage.  They all about layers, and mist.  The class is on Thursday, August 23 at 6 pm.  There is still room, simply call the store to register 257-2771.

Using Amy Tangerine Sketch book collection

Using Simple Stories Summer Fresh Collection

Hope your week is off to a great start friends!

♥ S. Pin It

Pieces of Me

Happy Friday the 13th friends.  Hooray for the weekend!

I've been here, there and everywhere.  Isn't that just how it seems to be in summer?  Rather than bore you with all the details, and better than not checking in at all, I thought I'd give you a quick run down of what I've been up to.

Had a layout published in Scrap Street Magazine this month.  It's all about my current musings, and wishes for myself, and my family.  Although I cannot share it here yet, you can see if for yourself here.

Eden on "our beach"

 Been out to the lake once so far.  I still love going out there, but have to face the reality that the rest of my family only puts up with it for my sake, so we will be selling our trailer this summer.  It makes me a little sad, but I know we can relax just as much in the city if we're intentional about unplugging from time to time.

This girl got braces this week.  There's some correction that needs to happen to ensure she'll have strong, healthy, and beautiful teeth to last her a lifetime.

I finally dug into the Hunger Games series, and devoured the first book in one sitting at the lake (another reason why I love going out there so much).  I have finished the first two book, and will begin the third this weekend.

Had a movie night with D recently and went to see 21 Jump.  We laughed so hard.  It was the perfect movie for us, and our  quirky sense of humor.

 Bought this little beauty the other day.  It makes me happy every time I pull out my phone.

Sent in my photos and write up for my upcoming Feature Artist spot in Scrapbook News and Review Magazine. I'll keep you posted for when if finally comes out.

This gorgeous hose is only 3 short blocks from ours, and in a few weeks it will be home to one of my favorite people in the world.  I can't wait!

Teaching these layout classes next week.  Two in the afternoon.

a mini album right on the layout

all about pennants, punches, and pinwheels

 And two in the evening of July 19th.

All about layers and misting

 If you're one of my lurkers, and would like to try your hand at scrapping, I'd love to have you come out and join me. Call The Scrapbook Cottage to register.

Girls night out for dinner at Mongo's Grill

But, mostly I've been spending lots of time with these lovely ladies.  I do not take it for granted that I get to be home with them during their summer holiday.  It is wonderful thing watching them grow.

How about you?  Anything exciting happening in your corner of the world?

Thanks for popping by today, hope you are in for a wonderful warm weekend!

♥ S.




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Personal Trainers

Happy Monday friends,

I'm finally able to share with you the layout I created for Scrap Street magazine last month.  It was such an honour to have been asked by Stacey to create something especially for her article on Spring/rejuvenation.  I was asked to create a project that focused on personal rejuvenation.  The first thing that came to mind was working out, either physically, or spiritually.  I decided to go with the spiritually focused one.  I am lucky enough to have a few women women in my life who fill that role in my life.  Sandra, Angela, and Linda are all the kind of friends to whom I can share my most personal feelings.  Thoughts on parenting, friendship, faith, struggles I may be having in any one of those area, and the like are all topics discussed with no holds barred.    These are the woman who can call me on my 'stuff', encourage me when I feel like I'm failing, and just overall love me unconditionally.  I entitled the layout based on the fact that time with these ladies does feel like a bit of a training session, the best kind.  One where you have your own dedicated person looking out for your best interest.  That's them.  I am so very lucky to know each of them.

I journaled all about why I see them as personal trainers on both sides of a tag and hid it behind the photos.  I tend to do that whenever the nature of the story is very personal.  I used a lot of Studio Calico on this one, with a little Amy Tangerine, and some other embellishments from my stash.  This is one of my favorite layouts.  I think because the design, and happy colours are such a great reflection of the intimate, warm fuzzy feelings behind the layout.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

♥ S. Pin It

Painting

I have a few scrappy online friends who love to use paint in their projects. They do such a fabulous job, that I was inspired to get myself some paint of my own around Christmastime.  I've made a few meager attempts to use it, but not to the extent these talented ladies do.  Well I finally got around to it.  A Member Inspiration Challenge over at My Scrapbook Nook opened the door for me.  The challenge was to life this layout by the sweet, and uber  talented Zarah.  I was excited, yet nervous to dig in and get a little messy with my white paint, and stamps.

Using Pink Paislee Prairie Hill Collection

The final product is not exactly as I had hoped, but I can now say I've actually used something a little more exciting on a layout.  I still think the Ormolu tag should be tucked further behind the photo, but it's so cute I want it to show.  Originally the title was on that tag in a yellow font, but it just didn't look right so I removed it and went with this look instead.  Even though it's not exactly as I had envisioned, I think I'll leave it.  Do you ever go back and re-do layots?  I am anxious to give painting another go though, I have another idea I want to try out.

On another note the April issue of Scrap Street Magazine is out.  I had the privilege being asked by one of the writers(who also happens to be one of my scrappy heroes) to create a layout  that documented one of the ways I re-energize myself.  The focus of the article was Spring, focusing on how it is a time of re-birth, and rejuvenation.  The first thing that came to mind was having one-on-one time with some of my closest friends.  I went on the hunt for photos, pulled out some fun, and colourful Studio Calico Memoir papers, and Amy Tangerine goodies, and went to work.  Here is the magazine page where my layout is featured (sorry I'm not actually allowed to post it anywhere until next month).  All the journaling is hidden on a tag, tucked behind the envelope,  it's pretty lengthy, so I'll leave it for when I can share the layout here.  I hope you'll pop over and have a look.  It is officially my new favorite layout.   Some of my fave people, bright and cheery, layered  all over, with fun little bits sprinkled around, and mist...love!  If you take the time to go back a page in the magazine you'll see another super talented scrappy hero of mine, who also happens to be from Winnipeg, and who I had the delight of meeting for the first time last week.

I hope this finds you in the middle of a great week friends.  Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by, and especially for your sweet and encouraging comments.

♥ Sherri


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