Exactly What I've Been Looking For!

I was so excited to see this, I just had to share it with you! I started scrapbooking a few years ago and love how I can preserve my memories and show them in a beautiful, fun, and creative way. I finally have my own office/scrapbook room that is not shared with anyone or any other activities. It's a smaller converted spare bedroom, not as large a work studio as I dream about, (I have drooled over Amanda's on her page, and when I win the lottery, I'll have one just like it! lol) but it works for me right now. I have also been drawn to ditigal scrapbooking in the last 1-2 years. And now I'm starting to create my own ditigal papers and embellishments with Photoshop/Photoshop Elements. One added plus to digital is using the same papers/embellishments/alpha's/etc. over and over again - which means and endless supply of scrapping materials and less money spent replinshing supplies. (hubby's like this benefit) But even though I have really been drawn to digital scrappin' recently, I do still love the 3D look and feel as well as the work (yes I said the "w" word lol) that goes into a traditional scrapbook page. Because with that comes the feelings of pride, accomplishment and a better legacy to leave... something you've poured your heart and hands into to pass on to others. I just need one more important necessity to create this way.... time! Simple Stories by Memory Works is exactly what I've been looking for!

Memory Works already offers the best  in scrapbooking supplies and I am happy to be a part of them. Simple Stories is more than a kit. It's a quick, simple way to document your life and that of your family, but with such stunning results. I cannot wait to get my Simple Stories ordered and be able to Document Life for me and my family. Visit the Simple Stories site and view the video introduction of what is sure to be a popular item. Let me know how I can help you start creating your own Simple Stories.

My favorite gift...

It's been quiet here as "life" has been happening in overtime. With working (and the office being understaffed for a while now but the workload still going strong), going to school (which thankfully is on a short break til mid January) and in the midst of work, school, Thanksgiving holiday there were a few days of down-time recuperating from surgery. With a break from school underway and a few days off of work,I plan to take some time to reflect on this year and enjoy the time with my wonderful family. I hope everyone had as wonderful a holiday as I did with my family. My mom got all five of her children sketched for Christmas. Here are me and my 2 sisters and my 2 brothers with our sketches. I was very comfy in my jammies but I wish my hair would have looked as good as it did in the pic. lol

My younger sister (and the baby of the family) Sonya, me, and my older sister, Bev.

 Danny and Tony

There is nothing better than having all of your family together to celebrate. Everyone was there safe and sound this year. So many have lost loved ones and my heart goes out to them. I can't imagine their pain. I am truly blessed to have all of my family together at mom's this year once again. It was the best gift I received. I sit looking at my tree at the end of the day back at home giving an humble thank you for the blessed day and for the wonderful gift He gave to us.

My skinny primitive tree in the little cubby hole next to the entertainment center. It's decorated with snowmen.

The rusty tin star on the top of the tree.

I introduced a couple of new things (hopefully future traditions) this year. My little family (me, hubby and my son Adam) all showed up at mom's in PJ's. It wasn't really planned but I was *so* busy running around all morning getting things ready to go to mom's for Christmas that it was fast approaching time to leave and I was still in my pink fleece pajamas. I just announced... "I'm going just like I am!" So without a second thought my hubby and son both said, 'me too.' They were still in flannel pj's that I'd gotten for both of them and given them on Christmas Eve. We also played the Dirty Santa game. I'd brought 20 inexpensive small ornaments inside small gift bags. Each of us drew a number and proceeded to pick an unknown, bagged ornament, or steal something already picked and opened. Everyone played and from the youngest to the oldest, everyone had a great time. So next year everyone is bringing their name draw gift and a $5 gift or ornament for the Dirty Santa game.

Abby in her Christmas sweater.