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life and scrapbooking

Monday, May 17th, 2010

I love life, therefore, I love documenting and scrapbooking it.  {In that order}  

This has been on my mind lately. 

 As time goes by, kids grow up, trends change and perspectives change, and this remains true for me. 

Living life comes first and scrapbooking it follows.  My priorities always lie in my family and our lives.  But, scrapbooking that as it happens {as possible}  makes me a better wife, mom and person. 

My scrapbooking is though  {just like our lives} a reflection of changing times and changing life patterns.  

I have a variety of ways that I record our daily lives.  Record books, traditional albums, creative projects, binders, digital books,  photo albums and blogging.  AND that is constantly evolving,  just like our lives.

But regardless of the form and style I choose to use, I continue to record and document our world.  This is a process for me, which that in itself proves as valuable as any, a process that brings about personal growth and understanding for not only myself, but my family.

This past weekend, I found the girls looking back through some of their books and overheard them talking about the events that they couldn’t recall.   In hearing this, I realized had I not had this record for them, those moments would likely be completely forgotten from their memory.  I was really suprised by that because for me, those memories were very vivid.  

I have noticed that memories remain vivid for me (and I have a bad memory) because I scrapbook.  I know where we spent this holiday and timeline of events and so much more all because I spend the time again and again with our photos.  It’s like getting the chance to return to a time and relive it.

I’ve encountered lots of others in life who have an impression of what scrapbooking is, different than what I believe the reality to be.   I find very few people have experienced the value in what comes from the process, but I consider myself lucky to be one that has.

I wish that I could convince just a few others that there is time in their busy lives to document it as it happens.  It can take on so many different forms and become a reflection of you.   It’s not for the imaginary woman who has nothing on her plate, but it’s for the woman who loves her life and feels blessed by all that her life includes.  It gives such VALUE to you and your LIFE.

I just received a box full of some new scrapbooking goodness which is being put to good use. 

May provides 2 good things:  Mother’s Day and National Scrapbook Day 

In combining 2 things I love, being  a Mom and Scrapbooking, tomorrow I’m going to pass on a very SPECIAL scrapbook offer to my blog readers.  Tomorrow, stop by.

Posted in Art Warehouse, family, scrapbooking | 1 Comment »

inspired or maybe it’s clarity

Friday, January 29th, 2010

I can tell that my jet lag or the intensity of the last week is setting in because today I am more tired than yesterday.  Yesterday I got some work done, but realized about mid day that I’m getting none of my emails from my main email account.  I have 2 and mostly use the one that is not working.  So as I always do when I have technology issues, I take that as a message that I’m given by the good guy upstairs as free pass away from the computer that day.  Computers and such not working means you are given a very strong message you need a break.   Today is another one of those days, which is totally ok.  Just hope that there isn’t anything critical I am missing, which I usually believe is rare by email.

We got about 4 inches of snow overnight which I think made my jet lag set in even a little deeper, how easy it is to feel like curling up on the couch by the fireplace when it’s white out just outside your door.  But aside from that, I have to say for the first time following this January trip to the industry show, I find myself in the most happy place and that is a good thing.

I mentioned when I came back to my blog that I had been simplifying things and I believe that this has much to do with why I feel this good.  I found the show this trip to be exciting and inspiring and the products and business of it all, enjoyable for me personally.  Being in a good place,  I believe,   is much attributed to letting go what needs to be let go of.   Sometimes thats the computer and sometimes it’s external obligation.  It’s hard to say whoa sometimes, but so truly important.    Sometimes you need to take time to detox.   I am trying to teach that to my kids as well.  At this stage, I am the initiator of that so they can reap the benefits and understand how necessary that is.

I have been thinking about something:  how super content and excited I am to organize and play with my photos and my camera, as much as I can find room for in our day to day.  I have been organizing in my studio room, happy to see all the pieces I have collected over time, none of which give me a feeling of guilt for not being used.  (I have been in that place before.)  Finding some very simple ways to document life is what carried me through that.   I have shared some of that here on my blog, but i need to include more as I can.  So stay tuned for that.

I just wanted to get some thoughts down today as I have promised myself that my blog will not be something that I let be a hassle, but an outlet of expression to my friends….you.  So today I am proud to be able to pop in here quickly and do just that.  Thank you for reading and caring.

I have to venture out in this snow (against my wishes of snow travel) and take Laney to get fitted for her orthotics.  She’s grown so fast and so much that she’s having serious shin splint issues with basketball.  Even though her feet I’m sure are still growing at a good rate, we just can’t ignore that pain even if it’s costing outrageous $$$ to put orthotics on a growing kid.   She loves to play basketball and I can’t stand the thought of not doing something about it.    

too bad orthotics aren’t something you can hand down to little sisters……(which is my ususal justification for expensive items.)

 

Back on Monday with winners for the giveaways!!

Posted in Uncategorized, everyday stuff, scrapbooking | 3 Comments »

new stamps (including 12×12 designs and sports)

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

For those who have been patiently waiting for these and these to be available, they are now in stores.  Happy stamping!

There’s a lot of work going on here and not a lot of sun.  So I guess that’s a good pair.  Maybe when the sun comes out, I will be able to enjoy it because the work will hopefully be DONE.

Posted in Art Warehouse, Creative Cafe, scrapbooking | 5 Comments »

Q & A and a little one with pink eye

Sunday, March 1st, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

(These pictures aren’t from today, but this is my kid who really doesn’t like sweets, which seems crazy, but for some reason will eat the heck out of brownies and brownie mix.   Want to make her smile, just let her make a box of brownies and leave plenty in the bowl for her to enjoy while they are baking.  That’s just what we did today to make being housebound for the weekend a little better.)

 

I’m sitting here with one very “mean” looking 6 year old with pink eye.  Started in one eye and moved to the other.  Her dad (you know Dad’s are always a little more sensitive to their kids scrapes and scratches) said she sure looks pretty tough, but I don’t think it’s affected her energy level at all.  He found her jumping from one side of the couch to the other earlier today and decided maybe not to feel too sorry for her after all.   No, if one is to be home from school sick, I think having pink eye might just be the way to go, since for her there is no itch or discomfort really.  So we’ll take this any day over the stomach flu, something big sister had a few weeks back.

 

So we made a little trip to the nickel & dime movie rental store.  500 channels on our dish doesn’t hold a candle compared to renting some low budget cheap kids cartoons and movies.  BUT, someone is more than happy thinking she has the whole set of movies and the dvd player all to herself.  Actually made another trip for a second round of movies when we knew this was going to be a bit longer than we thought.  She’s a pretty happy camper though.

 

So I’m catching up on my photo storage binders.  Also getting close to ordering all of my 2008 pictures on CD from Photoworks.  Trying to decide if I’m going to wait for  a special or just order it and have it done. Last year there was a special for the entire year worth of photos for $14.95 and free shipping.   So I ordered 2, one to keep here and use and one for keeping off site.  It was 18 DVD’s for each set.   Pretty good deal for me, not for Photoworks.  However, they get plenty of my financial support so I think it evens out.

 

 

 

I am going to take some photos this week of my storage binders.  I’m waiting on some more photo sleeves from Print File for my FAVORITES binder in 5×7.    I can’t believe I started this over 10 years ago and then stopped when things got crazy I guess.  If only I had stuck with it then, I wouldn’t have all this catching up to do.    

 

I wanted to answer several questions you have been leaving me.  I promise to do better at that as I am going to be making more time for my blog.     So if you have more questions, please don’t hesistate to ask them and I’ll do my best to answer them.

 


Barbara B

Just wondering what lens you traded to Karen Russell for the 200 mm prime? What is your lens set-up? I am
ordering the 135 mm 2.0 prime from Canon this spring and can’t wait! Also, when will your new products reach stores?

 

I actually bought Karen’s lens from her and traded her a little cash.  She already had a 70-200 2.8, so having a 200  2.8 was a little redundant for her.   She and I were swapping lens stories of lessons learned on buying one we really wish we hadn’t, etc.  I have a 100mm 2.8 that I bought not having any idea what I was buying back before I grew a little better understanding of lens.  Turns out after a little research and a lot of learning about what lens’ I actually had, that I LOVE this lens.

 

I use my 100 mm 2.8 for indoor sports mostly and some outdoor playing in the yard and close range sports.  I have my eye on a few serious lens’ for outdoor sports that I will be waiting on for a while, dreaming about.  So I got Karen’s 200 2.8 lens that I am using for outdoor sports and photos outside at our farm.  

 

When I was researching lens’ I read 100’s of testimonials for lens and that’s where I learned the most of what people like and don’t like.  I finally think I am starting to have an understanding.   My husband bought me the 70-200 2.8 for Christmas and I decided to return it.  For the price and the size, I decided that I didn’t think it was the one I wanted.  Just a personal choice.  I took me about 3 weeks of intense reading to figure that out, but what I learned in the process was invaluable.   

 

I will be totally honest and tell you that while I am finally figuring out the technical side of photography, I honestly know very little.  I am truly a trial and error kind of photographer.  I learn by lots of mistakes and always just follow my eye.   My eye tells me what I like and don’t like and honestly I can NEVER “think” a shot.  That’s why I have always shot in AUTO and I’m just starting to change that a little and very slowly.

 

I will see things that I know I like or don’t like and then I have to spend the time figuring out\how to achieve it.  

 

What I learned about lens’ I learned honestly in the past few months.  Here’s what I use:

 

My camera is a Canon 40D.  I have had this camera a little over a year.   While a good camera makes a nice  difference in your photos, I shot with a point and shoot for years and most people were surprised.  It wasn’t until I got a lot smarter that I realized the camera just couldn’t do what I wanted it to do.  But as I said, I’m slow to figure it out, I promise.

 

LENS I have:

  • I have a 50mm 1.8 that I use 90% of the time on my camera.  This is somewhere around $80.  There is a 1.4 and a 1.2 and both are better than the 1.8 I have.  I bought my 1.8 right after buying my camera and so at the time I was trying to save $$$$$.  I have considered upgrading to the either one of these (part of my research I was doing lately)  but I have decided to spend my dollars on something that is a bit different since I do have the 1.8.  I would rather have something else first.  So the next lens on my wish list is this one.  There are times when shooting with my 50mm that I can’t fit everything in the image that I want (like shooting a group of kids in a classroom) so that’s why I’m looking at changing that up a bit with a 24mm since I already own the one 50mm.  Since I have a camera with a crop factor, my 50 mm lens is a little too much for some indoor photos (meaning I can’t get everything I want in to some photos.)  However right now, I’m ok with the camera body I own and so I’d rather spend my money on nice lenses then another camera body.
  • 100 mm 2.8   I love this lens for indoor sports like gymnastics and basketball or volleyball.  Sometimes I will also shoot indoor sports with my 50 mm too, but the 100mm allows me to not have to be as close to the action
  • 200 mm 2.8   This is the lens I bought used from Karen.  I used this for the outdoor photos from my last post.    Some people prefer a zoom lens and some prefer prime lens’.   One thing I learned through reading (mostly testimonials of people who own these lenses)   is this.  A zoom lens will give you the ability to change your focal length easily without moving yourself.  However, to do so, you often have a much bigger lens to handle.   The 70-200 lens I got and returned at Christmas, was HUGE and yet only offered a length of 200mm which I realized I would often be using it at.  If I’m shooting outdoors around the yard or at softball games, I would likely have it at 200 a lot.  (Everyone is different though and for me this is just a personal choice that I have just recently started to figure out.)  The 200 mm 2.8 fixed is a much smaller lens and lighter.  It also has (IMO and based on the reviews I read here) is a little sharper at 200mm.  So why carry around a massive lens which is a little less sharp for me at 200 where I will be using it at the most.   It wasn’t until I actually had the 70-200 in my hands and tried it on the camera that I just couldn’t imagine using that on an everyday basis outdoors with the kids, something I do a lot.  Just not realistic for me.  The 200 2.8 is basically the same, although it’s fixed, but is  smaller and much more suitable for everyday use for me.   So I’m looking forward to using this lens a lot more especially with spring and summer just around the corner.
  • 28-135 kit lens (rarely use it, but when I’m indoors and need to fit more in my frame like this photo below (Delaney’s class Christmas St. Lucia program)

 

 

 

Maridette

Hi there,

Love your photos. I too am learning so much in photography. What camera and lens did you use for most of your pictures. Also, did you edit any photos and what software did you use? My goal is to take pictures that looks like yours and Karen Russell’s.

Thank you,
Maridette

 

Maridette,

My camera and lenses are listed earlier in this post.   I don’t have near the photography knowledge and technical skills that Karen does and I started taking her photography class (embarassed to say I am not as far along with it as I want to be and hope to finish her class because I could really benefit from more understanding of what it is that I’m doing.   

I really don’t care to “edit” my photos a whole lot after shooting only because I take so many photos and I would much rather spend time printing and playing with my photos “out of the computer” than editing them “in the computer.”   I do get mad at myself (a little) wishing that I were faster editing and post processing so I could spend a little more time on it.  But almost every time I do a little post processing I get really irked at myself and stop.  

I will take a little time in IPhoto to sharpen and lighten photos that need it from my favorites.   Then if I do any extra post processing it will be in Photoshop and I will add 1-2 actions and for edge burning.   If I’m printing photos for our house or playing with my favorites from the year, I might go a little further with a few more actions on them.

 

I have heard that Lightroom is a wonderful time saver for post processing.  I downloaded the trial version of the software and then didn’t get through the tutorial before my time ran out.  I plan to buy the software in full sometime this year though.   I think it would be a good thing from what I’ve heard from so many.

 

Thanks for your kind words about my photos.  I really believe that taking good photos is largely improved by shooting a LOT and knowing what you like in your photos.   I think I have been looking through a camera all my life in theory.  I love to isolate things visually to just enjoy a tiny segment (blocking out the rest.)  Photography does that for me by visually letting me capture only what I want to see.  

 

 

Jennifer Gauer

I posted in the entry below, wrong one sorry…
I would love to see your album of favorites. I am wanting to do something similar but have yet to start anything since I struggle to keep up with my family/kid’s albums. I would like to see how you display them and/or any ideas for this album.
Thanks!

Jennifer, my favorites album is only an album of PHOTO FAVORITES.  I wasn’t sure if you realized that or not.  I have a variety of different size pictures in this album.  There are no rules to date, year etc.  Just my favorites altogether in one place.   I started this idea about 8 years ago, much like everything else in my life.  I started, got caught up in having little kids.  I am now back catching up on this, moving forward as life happens and then when I can trying to work backwards.  I am waiting on a few more photo sleeves I ordered, but will take a photo of this for you when I have added my latest pieces to this.  


Patty Chiszar

Danelle, I lived in Leavenworth, Kansas for 16 years and never saw 70 in February. Enjoy the day. Pattie

Hey Pattie,

Can you believe it got to almost 80 degrees Thursday.  I raked the yard, cleaned out the sand box, hauled weeds and was just about to prune my flower beds, but decided to wait.  This weekend the wind chill was 15 below zero.  That’s almost 100 degree temperature swing for what your body feels.   By Tuesday we are supposed to be reaching the 70’s again.  Just insane weather for February in Kansas.  I am so itching for spring with all this warm weather yet I would be anything that will probably have a blizzard in March.  I hope not as the wheat all around our house is already too far along with all this warm weather.  So keep your fingers crossed we have an early full spring.

 

Jessica

Wow! That’s a lot of photos all at once.

I must say that I was one of those people you described. I take thousands of photos a year and print some out to put in frames, give to other people, or use in projects (mostly to give to the kids’ Grandmothers). I like to scrapbook, but just didn’t have enough time. I was really behind - still working on my oldest son’s baby book (60 pages and 7 months in) and he’s 4 1/2! I also just couldn’t print them out and put them in albums … it felt like admitting defeat.
Believe it or not, discovering your blog and reading about your photobooks rather set me free. I took courage and decided it wasn’t cheating to create photobooks. So, I created one for every year before we had kids (not too many photos) and then a family one for every year up to 2007. I still plan to paper scrapbook baby books for each of the three kids and do layouts for the pictures I want to … but I’m caught up!!!

 

 

Hi Jessica,

I’m so glad you took the chance and made those books and that you love them so much too.  I have never loved anything as much and been so freed by any projects before.  I am scrapbooking more today than I ever have and it just keeps getting better and better with each piece of the process I am figuring out (it’s constantly a work in progress for sure.  I am working on a series of travel books of family trips we’ve taken now.  I can’t wait to have them all done.

 

Also, I haven’t ever scrapbooked my daughter’s NICU photos, she was 3 months pre-mature.  It was a very long road for us and quite a fog as well.  I have just kept everything together knowing one day I would know just what I wanted to do.  I recently decided to try it a different way that I had always thought i would.  Anxious to see how this turns out, but I’m finally read to tackle this.    I really think photo books offer a way to accomplish things at a different speed that you would scrapbooking in a traditional style.   I personally love both and so I have learned to have the process match the best end result for me.  

 

CHARLOTTE Says: 
 January 14th, 2009 at 8:43 pm eJUST FOUND THIS WEBSITE. TOTALLY LOVE THE FAMILY PHOTO JOURNAL. PLEASE, PLEASE SEND DETAILS AND MATERIALS USED. WOULD LOVE TO MAKE THIS. GREAT IDEA.

 

Here’s a link to where you can buy the kit for the Family Photo Journal.  You can see more photos of this here,   This is one of the more traditional scrapbook projects I am working on.  Traditional in that I print the photos and add everything to complete the project in person.  I spend one night a month with friends and we all bring our photos to work on from the previous month.  I love being with friends as much as I love trying to stay current on this project.  We’re not always on target for being caught up, but I’m a heck of a lot closer than I would be otherwise.  AND I look forward to this night each month.  

 

 

  1.  

    Christina

    I’ve been keeping myself quiet for a long time, just reading your blog. But now I have to say something: Please, pretty please publish a photography book. You are my child photography idol. I try to do what you do, but could use more help along the way. Love you, love your products, love your photography. Rock on!

     


    Christina, you are very nice and actually gave me quite the laugh.   I don’t know that I could ever do a photography book, but I will continue to share what I have learned here on my blog.  I am far from someone with enough knowledge for a book, but I sure do appreciate you being so kind.  I am truly a photo addict and will probably always be shooting photos like crazy.  So that’s one thing I know will never change.   I do enjoy sharing and am planning to spend a lot more time on my blog.  So don’t be a stranger because if I don’t hear from you, I don’t know what you like.  So thanks!     I know there are a lot more of you here like Christina so make yourself at home…and say something!!  lol

     

    Edited to ADD:  Karen’s Online Photographer’s Workshop is just the BEST thing if you are wanting to learn more about photography.  I am started this class (got overwhelmed with life and need to finish the class in a BAD way.)  I know if anyone can turn me in to a technical photographer, it’s Karen’s simplified way of explaining it.   I just noticed she is holding registration Monday for the next 2 sessions here.

Posted in photo info, scrapbooking | 2 Comments »

Documenting Life: what matters and winners

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

I don’t know if you are anything like me, but every night when I lay down to sleep, my prayers are the first thing that come to mind, except for the times when I’m virtually comatose.  I love to end the day counting my blessings and praying for others.  It’s the best way I have found to continually feel thankful and appreciative (even when the uglies try to invade) regardless what life hands me that day. 

 

But there are times when those thoughts of “should of, would of, could of” sneak in there post prayer.  I don’t want all my days to pass me by and to look back and then have those thoughts.   So I believe that’s why I tend to do a little self-eval each night.  Am I getting what I want out of my days?  Is this the life I wanted?

 

There is never a day that I close my eyes wishing I had worked more, or spent more time on tasks, accomplishing more.  However, when I have regrets, it’s always a thought of time with others, without a doubt.  Now maybe if my sister visited my house she might think I shoud have accomplished more, but I don’t.  Instead for me, I’ll always wish I had spent more time enjoying the little things, taking in a moment together a little longer, or changing the words I said.   It’s always about the relationships and the moment, rather than the accomplishment and the results.   

 

I believe, actually I am working to put those filtered end of the day thoughts in to action in my behavior, in my daily “to do” list and even in my scrapbooking and life recordings.  I don’t ever wish I had spent more time playing with techniques, creating something more artistically beautiful,  but I do wish I had relived more moments again through my photos and documented more as it happened,  before it was forgotten.

 

Something I read today, reminded me of this very topic and also is a huge reminder of just what it is that I love about the scrapbook industry.  Being surrounded by women (and a few men) that LOVE LIFE and want to celebrate it, brings more appreciation and understanding of just how to do that.  It’s only when we are able to stop and think, that life can truly look a little better or be savored a little more.

 

Today, after reading just one post on one blog and the comments below, I believe that I am a better person.  I read each and every response and the value in life experiences gathered here is truly immeasurable.  Please read this if you want to be inspired, to make it easy I copied the full post below.

 

(This weekly blog post comes from Julie Swatek, owner of Scrap Your Trip online website)

http://site.scrapyourtrip.com/blog2/2009/02/04/scrap-your-trip-adds-220-items-and-220-sale-items/

Scrap Your Trip Adds 220 Items and 220 S*A*L*E items

 

Happy Belated Groundhog Day!  When was the last time good old Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow?  I can’t think back to a year when he didn’t.

I can’t even say the words “Groundhog Day” without thinking of the movie from 1993 with Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, where Bill Murray plays the grouchy weatherman who is forced to live the same day over and over again until he gets it right.  But what if you had a day in your life that you GET TO live over and over again?  What would that day look like? 

I’ve been thinking about this for the last few days and what’s interesting to me is that everything I think of is ordinary.  I would sleep late.  I would start the day with a nice hot cup of my favorite tea.  I would spend some time reading a good book.  I would organize something.  :-)   I would spend some time at Disney World with my family. (It’s a place where I can immerse myself in the fantasy, shut off the outside world and all my thoughts and be totally present, enjoying the kids having so much fun).  I would have a meaningful discussion with my husband, one that didn’t revolve around the kids or work.  I would spend extra time at bedtime, snuggling the kids. 

What would your day look like?  If you feel inclined to share, please post it on the blog (that way everyone gets to read it and be inspired).  The link to the blog is at the bottom of this e-mail.  If you’ve never posted a comment before, I’ve posted instructions on how to do it after the link.  Everyone who posts on the blog will be entered in a drawing for a $25 SYT Gift Certificate.  We will be choosing 3 winners for every 25 posts (one post per person, please.) 

After you’re done posting on the blog, head on over to the store to check out the 220 new items we have this week.  We have three new scrapbooking idea books, along with new scrapbooking die cuts.  You’ll find the Sweet Talk Valentine’s collection from K& Company, along with the Winter Wishes line from Moxxie.  We also have the brand new release from Paper House, one of my favorites.  They have lots of new travel papers (some that are glittered), cardstock stickers and epoxy stickers for over 30 destinations, themes and sports, including more Wizard of Oz. 

We have lots of custom products from the SYT designers this week.  We’ve been getting lots of requests for sorority/fraternity products, so we have several custom paper options.  We also have a custom Valentine’s heart, a custom fishing trip sign and a custom vacation sign paper, along with all the other wonderful products our designers have been working on (including a few things for you Pittsburgh fans).  Click here to see all the items:  http://www.scrapyourtrip.com/20409.html

We also have an additional 220 items on sale this week.  The sale lasts until next Tuesday, February 10th and is while quantities last.  Click here to see the items at 25% off: http://www.scrapyourtrip.com/220sale2042009.html

Hope to see your day to live over and over again on the blog.  Even if you don’t share it with everyone, take some time to think about it.  I bet it’s a day you could have more often.  :-)

As always, thanks for your business. 

Julie Swatek, President
Scrap Your Trip®
www.ScrapYourTrip.com
‘cuz life is a trip worth scrappin’®

 
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Entry Filed under: New Items Added

98 Comments Add your own

  • 1. Mary Kemock  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:04 am

    My perfect day?

    Well, if I had my choice, it would be to live in a beautiful home. But if I had just a roof over my head, I hope that I would be happy.

    If I had my choice, it would be to have a very high paying, important job. But, if I had a job where I earned enough to pay my debts, I hope that I would be happy.

    If I had my choice, I would be married to the most handsome prince. But, if I had the love of a good man, I hope that I would be happy.

    If I had my choice, my children would be perfect in every way, grow up to have important famous jobs and earn lots of money and accolades. But, if they were no longer sick, but healthy, I hope that it would be enough to make me happy!

    If I had my choice, my mother would still be living. But, I hope that the wonderful memories that I have of her will be enough to keep me happy.

    If I had my choice, I would have enough money to buy all the scrapbook stuff I wanted. BUT, I hope that the little extra that I have to spend will be enough to keep me working on my quest to preserve all my memories.

    My dreams of a perfect day no longer include trips or fancy things…..they are more about surviving in this economy. Keeping the things that I have. My perfect day would include the continued success of my marriage to the man of MY dreams. My perfect day would include a day where I could say that my daughter would no longer be sick and that my other daughter would remain healthy. My perfect day would be to hear my children say….”This is who I am and this is what I do and it makes me happy”.

    I’ve struggled with what to write on my own blog during a difficult period of my life right now and I think that I will include this challenge to document “My Perfect Day”.

    THANKS…..love your site…..love your stuff……hope to order soon again!

  • 2. Sharon Thibodeaux  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:04 am

    When my two girls were little, every once in a while we would have a Jerry Lewis Saturday movie marathon. We would stay in our pajamas, eat popcorn, and watch movies all day. We would laugh and laugh and just have a great fun day. I would love to be able to do that over and over again. It was so special being with my girls without worrying about laundry or dishes. Now that they are older ( one is graduating from high school in May and the other has a 15 month old baby), we hardly see each other, mush less have movie day. I really miss that.

  • 3. Becky  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:05 am

    What a thought provoking idea. For me there are moments I’d want to live over. The first time my autistic daughter called me mommy, hearing my daughter stand on stage and sing like an angel, my husbands smile and strong hugs. I’m also down for that cup of tea, reading, spending more time with my mom , sister, kids and husband. Oh, and puppy dog kisses. I think I need another day…..

  • 4. Cheryl  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:15 am

    My perfect day would involve staying in my pjs, not receiving any email–I’d acutally stay off the computer all day! and spending the day with my son-playing board games and basketball.

  • 5. Bobbi Rice  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:18 am

    It would have to be split between my two boys -half a day for each during their first few weeks of life. To hold them again close to my heart, smell their little heads and see those little sleepy smiles as they finished nursing. Those are the moments that I wish to relive as each day passes by and I know I must let them go. I redid their babybooks a few years ago during my oldest’s senior year of high school. It was a very emotional project I did along with my bestfriend. She would catch me teary eyed and say, “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.” As hard as it was, reliving those memories, while preserving them gave me the strength and courage to let him go . . . just a little bit. Scrapbooking is the best way I know to “relive” days that we cannot return to ever again.

  • 6. Kimberly Mc  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:18 am

    My perfect day would be spent sleeping in then out to breakfast with the hubby (we love finding new little diners for breakfast).
    We would go out on our boat and I would take tons of pictures and read a good book and have a yummy lunch. After we came home and got showered I would scrapbook the pictures that I took and then have a snuggle with the hubby.
    We would order in (Chinese or pizza) and watch a funny movie.

  • 7. Donna Earnshaw  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:24 am

    My perfect day would be with my wonderful boyfriend on the front porch of a cabin we rent in the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina with a nice glass of wine, a good book and a thunderstorm brewing in the distance.

  • 8. Joan  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:24 am

    If I could relive any 1 day over and over again, it would be the day my granddaugther was born. Next to the birth of my daughter that was on of my happiest moments. She is 4 months old and I truly enjoy every minute I get to spend with her.

  • 9. Connie K.  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:24 am

    If I had to live a day over and over, I would spend it scrapbooking. Then, maybe, someday, I would be caught up :P

    Connie K.

  • 10. Donna Baird  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:28 am

    If I could have a day to do whatever I wanted I would:

    *Go for a walk with my best friends on our favorite beach and eat lunch at our special spot.

    *Read all those books I have been meaning to read.

    *Have all my children in one place (two are in college) and one still at home. Just spend the day talking and laughing. The house has grown too quiet with just one at home.

    *Go eat out as a family at one of our favorite places.

    *Take some time to thank God and count my blessings.

    *Go to bed early and sleep in late.

    That sounds like the perfect day to me.

  • 11. Patti V  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:30 am

    My perfect day would be a day of family. Spending a lazy day at home, snuggling and watching movies with my hubby and kids. My daughter is 18 and is away at college, so this would be great to have her home and also want her to spend the whole time doing nothing with us. All our meals would be ready, so we wouldn’t have to waste time preparing anything, just be together. But the more I think about it am lucky to have a great husband and healthy happy kids, so really any day/hours together are great.

  • 12. Carmen  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:32 am

    I’d sleep in, yet not lose any of the morning, because I’d need extra time to go sightseeing in whatever new locale I was in (preferably Europe.) I’d eat lunch but not intake any calories, and sip a beverage with my honey as we watch the world go by. I’d finish up the day with a steak dinner, again no calories, and a wonderful evening with my best friend and best guy. :)

  • 13. Jody  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:32 am

    My perfect day begins with a snuggle from my husband and lots of coffee, the news and the paper. The kids could sleep late because I will be in my studio scrapbooking. My 13 year old likes to cook because he likes to eat so he will fix cinnamon rolls for brunch and my 17 year old will prepare dinner. I scrap book because I do not want these precious “everydays” to be forgotten. I fear Alzheimers and it drives my passion to create.

  • 14. Teresa Wild  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:33 am

    My perfect day would be the day my niece got married. My 4 year old son was the ring bearer. I was so nervous. Would he be able to walk down the isle in front of 225 people? He is smart and he knew he had a job to do. He did perfect not too fast or too slow. He held the rings up just like he was suppose to. At the reception he was WOW. I had taught him the electric slide he danced and had fun but did not carry on. It was amazing, once he put on his suit he turned into a little prince. He even ate spaghetti without getting anything on his white shirt. I would relive that day over and over and over forever!!!!

  • 15. Sheila Moore  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:38 am

    If I could live a day over, the first thing I would do is get up early–so there would be more of it. Then I would immediately and quickly get dressed–so I would be ready for anything. I would have my quiet time–so my day would be in order. I would smile at everyone–so that my blessings might spill over to others. Then I would scrapbook and quilt and enjoy an audio book. What bliss!

  • 16. Michele Turner  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:43 am

    Saturday mornings are just about as perfect as they can be at my house, we all climb into bed and cuddle and giggle.. Its the one day of the week that we dont have somewhere to be so we can just lay there and be together….
    I love your site and enjoy shopping with you guys, your always so quick with shipping.

  • 17. Beth Hagood  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:44 am

    I would spend more time holding and just being with my kids as they have grown up so fast.

  • 18. Naomi Shores  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:51 am

    Groundhog Day.
    If I had a day to live over I would probably try to catch up on my sleep, spend time with my family and work on my scrapbook, providing it would get me caught up on my scrapbook.
    I think of the movie Groundhog Day everytime I hear it too.

  • 19. JoAnne Van Nuys  |  February 4th, 2009 at 8:53 am

    Ground hog day…I would wake up early so I could make the most of the day.
    I would start with a big breakfast and my whole family, together at the table.
    We would talk about the plans for the day, spend time with our horses & dogs and enjoy the outdoors.
    No one would argue and we would spend the entire day just being a family!
    We would end the day with a great meal and play a board game together!

  • 20. Josie  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:00 am

    I would love to spend the day surrounded by family. Cuddling with my husband, having dinner with my mom, and of course playing trains with my son. Maverick will be two in April and it is such a joy to share in the new things he does everyday and think about the sports and fun of the future; but sometimes I wish he’d stay this age forever, yelling “Toot-toot” throughout the house!

  • 21. Julie Fernandes  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:02 am

    If I had a day to live over it would be my husband’s birthday bash at Yankee Stadium, only this time it would include my oldest son who missed the event. The day started with 17 of us (family and friends) taking a party bus to the Bronx from CT (2 hour ride) and having 4 more New Yorkers join us there. Touring the “House that Ruth Built” in its final season, what amazing history took place there. Having delicious NY pizza pie and and a special New York Yankee birthday cake in the Phil Rizzuto Suite. It was our private party room that overlooked the stadium. A wonderful time for all of us ensued. We laughed at our rivalries (11 Yankee fans and 10 Boston Red Sox fans) - no arguments - just loving baseball! I took pictures of everyone wearing NYY hats! Yes, even the Red Sox fans got caught up in the moment! Next we rode around Manhattan’s Central Park taking in the sights surrounding the park like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the place where John Lennon was shot, and the building where Jackie O lived. Capping off the day was an al fresco Italian dinner in the intimate garden of an Upper East side restaurant before our journey home. The only thing missing was my son who was in the wilds of Maine - his loss (mine too.) The rest of the group was all smiles and looking back, I would love to do it all over and over again.

  • 22. mamichelle  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:03 am

    My favorite thing to do is get up and have my coffee while reading a book for an hour. I do this on my days off if I can.

    Then I would love to spend a few hours in my stamp/scrap room playing.

    Then my family would all be there for dinner (cooked and cleaned up by someone other than me, of course!).

  • 23. melanie hartley  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:05 am

    I would spend the entire day w/ just my husband and children. They are the joy of my life. Maybe just sitting around playing board games w/ each other or if there was snow, playing outside in the snow or up at the cabin snowmobiling. Having the kids help bake cookies and eating them as soon as they come out of the oven. Just sitting around wrapping in a blankie all together watching a movie and eating popcorn and cuddling all day long. Any day is a perfect day for me as long as I get to see my children and husband!

  • 24. Candy Granda  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:13 am

    I too would sleep late but not too much so I don’t miss anything! I would snuggle with my husband and remind him how much he means to me. I’d make sure to talk to all four of my sisters on the phone even if its just a short call to tell them that I love them. I’d call my parents and thank them for being my parents and tell them how much I love them and miss them.

    I’d look at all my scrapbooks and remember all the good times and the reasons that I scrap. I’d spend a good portion of the day outdoors (of course, the weather would be perfect) and just enjoy all that nature has to offer - take a picnic lunch to the park with my DH and just breath in every ounce of fresh air I possibly could. Then I’d end the day by buying some really cool scrapbooking stuff from SYT!

  • 25. Deb Sheffield  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:15 am

    My perfect day would begin and end in Santiago, Chile, with my “second family”…any day with them is perfect, in my eyes! We (my husband and 21 yr old daughter) were able to spend three weeks with them this Christmas, so I’m still living with those wonderful memories…

  • 26. Melisa Johnston  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:21 am

    To relive one day…well it would have to be a day with my grandma when I was growing up. I lived with her and my dad and my favorite time was in the spring. We didn’t have an air conditioner so when I woke up, it was to the smell of honeysuckle blooming on the clothes line pole. Typically, it was very uneventful, but this was my favorite time of life. We would eat breakfast and then do laundry, in her ringer washing machine because she was too stubborn to use the washing machine they had bought for her. Then we would hang the clothes out on the line and the sun from the southeastern sky would shine bright in our faces. We would set on the porch in her glider rocker and just hang out. I would go play most of the afternoon with friends but always be home in time for supper. We would eat, at the table together every night. She would do the dishes and then we would set on the porch again. Sunday nights she would let me stay up until 9 so that I could watch the Jeffersons with her. Being as how I’m only 36, this was like living in a different era for most people who are my age. It was the simplest and most pleasant time of my life.

  • 27. Jeanna  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:21 am

    If I could live a day over and over again I would choose yesterday February 3rd. It was my mom’s birthday and she is no longer here on this earth. I would get to have her back, and celebrate her birthday over and over again. My brother and sister and their families, along with my children, would all be there. Each “do over day” would be a different party theme. I’d take such joy in seeing how happy she is and just keep hugging her as much as I could. I would be sure to tell her how much I love her and how glad I am that she is my mom.

    I wouldn’t worry about cleaning, the errands that still need to taken care of, this or that appointment or activity, or anything else of day to day life. I would spend the whole day focused on my mom.

  • 28. Laura Miller  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:21 am

    My perfect day to live over & over again would be to spend the day with my father the day before her unexpectedly passed away. I can still remember it clearly including the day he passed away and it will be 5 years on 2/19. The memories I have of this day will live in my heart & mind forever.

  • 29. M-C  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:22 am

    If I could create a day to live over and over again, would I? Frankly I would create a day where I could sit with my loved ones both still here and gone forever so that we could all share the stories of their past. I would snap pictures and video tape it all so that I could scrap both the past through fresh eyes and the present and the happiness it can bring if cherished. And then I would want the day to continue into tomorrow, so that I could learn more.

    There would be good food, much laughter combined with more solemn touching moments, and hugs of course, lots of hugs.

  • 30. Debbie Whitney  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:23 am

    I’d spend a perfect day with my mother and brother who both passed away 5 months apart in 1993. Brother was struck by lightening at 38 yrs. old and mother struck by colon cancer at 60 yrs. old. Brother was hilarious and mother so loving and patient. We’d eat Mom’s meatloaf and laugh and laugh.

  • 31. Katherine McKamey  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:25 am

    My perfect day happened on this past Sunday…Church, late breakfast and then lazing around the house reading while the kids and hubby played video games. Then lunch at a restaurant with a view of the bay and walking/playing on the sand at the water’s edge until it started to get cold because of the wind.

    Back to the house, board games in front of the fire with hot cocoa and popcorn. We turned on the Super Bowl (even though we don’t watch tv or sports ) and watched the Steelers win (even though we had to explain the names to our 8 yr olds) and laughed through most of the commercials .

    Then we cuddled on the sofa (all 4 of us) and read bedtime stories together (each taking turns) and Hubby and I tucked the kids into bed (more than an hour late but that’s okay once in a while.) It was a wonderful Sunday spent with my family.

  • 32. Wendi  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:29 am

    My perfect day is simple it would just be spent walking along the beach looking for seashells and sea glass with the sun bright & warm and the sand between my toes!

  • 33. Sarah Johnson  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:29 am

    I would have all of my friends over to have a movie marathon. We’ve talked about watching the whole Pirates of the Caribbean or Harry Potter series with no breaks. I love spending time with my friends, especially when we’re just being goofballs, so this would be perfect.

  • 34. MNBSMOM  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:32 am

    I would relive the day when each of my children was born. Those were the two greatest days and moments of my life. When I think of the exact moment each was born (15 and 12 years ago), it still takes my breath away. My children inspire me to be a better person and to live a better life.

  • 35. Kristi Barnes  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:33 am

    If I could relive a day it would be Dec. 29th 2008 - my husband passed away before I got home from work that day. My children ages 26 and 23 were home for the Christmas holiday and they had a fight that morning before I left for work. I was so angry that they couldn’t get along after all this time that I just left for work without saying goodbye to anybody. You see, my husband has been very sick all year and we didn’t think he would hold out much longer, thinking he was holding on for the holiday and my son coming home (he’s in the Navy stationed in CA). But I can’t remember if I said I love you that morning nor did I give him a kiss so now for the rest of my life I have to relive that awful morning over and over again. If I could do it over I would make sure that I told him I loved him and kiss him before I left for work. Now I will have to wait until I see him in Heaven and apologize and spend the rest of eternity telling him I love him!

  • 36. Debby C.  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:34 am

    The day I’d like to live over and over would be a beautiful day at the beach, just relaxing with my husband…holding hands and enjoying each other’s company (and I’d be skinny!!).

  • 37. J.A.K. :)  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:34 am

    My perfect day - to be lived over and over again would begin with my cell phone wake up call (song-When I fall in love from Nat King Cole) at 10:00am, followed by a sleepy good moring kiss from my sweetie. I would be able to take 2 hours getting ready for my day and no one would fuss at me because I am running up the water bill on the shower. :) My puppy would greet me good morning and would not be filthy from playing and digging in the dirt outside. For breakfast I would have my healthist meal possible consisting of the awesome Whole Foods granola and some organic fruit. Then I would kiss and hug my “hunny” goodbye and head off to work in my Lexus IS-F. Once I got to the office - my desk would be clean and I would have already done all of my work for the day-because I am the best assistant ever! Yay!
    I would then go to Bob’s for lunch with my boss, my operations manager and N. (she sits closest to me). We would talk of past “good times” and anything else that comes to mind all the while enjoying the bestest hamburgers ever. At this point I would have to be under the assumtion that all of their perfect days consisted of lunch with me. :)
    After lunch I would head off back home and my sweetie, my puppy and I would all hop in my Lexus IS-F and take a road trip! We would drive, and drive and drive, taking tons of pictures and stopping wherever our little hearts desired, until the end of the day - where it would start all over again! :)

  • 38. Beth Rang  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:35 am

    I’d love to snuggle with my little boy, wander around London with friends and family, and we’d all stop for a lovely tea somewhere they would really pamper you. That’s my idea of a perfect day!

  • 39. Stephanie  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:39 am

    My perfect day to live over and over again would be to go to church with my family in the morning, then out to a wonderful lunch (that I didn’t prepare!)…then I would spend the rest of the day scrapboooking. I would have plenty of cinnamon tea; diet coke and peanut M&Ms on hand and I would have all my best girlfriends with me to giggle! Ah…a day of complete bliss. When I finally returned home (very late), I would pull out all the pages I had completed and show them to my husband and kids…and they would ooh and ahh over them and tell me I was soooo creative! What a day that would be!

  • 40. Susan  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:39 am

    One day to live over would need to be spent with those folks that I love and hold dearly to me. I would love to sit and have a great conversation with my grandmother that will be 95 years young this Friday. To spend time with my son, he’s 18 now and so much his own person…but I miss being able to spend the one on one time that we used to have. It does my heart good to know that through all the disagreements that we’ve had due to “growing pains” he never leaves the house or ends a conversation with me without saying “I Love You”…that’s what it’s all about

  • 41. Connie Cooper  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:40 am

    My perfect day would definitely include my dear sweet Grandma Glessie. She passed away 22 years ago - but I still miss her every day. My perfect day would just be spending all day with her - hearing her sing as we passed the time and maybe I would introduce her to scrapping and we would spread all her pictures out on the dining room table and laugh and visit all day as we got it all organized !!!!

  • 42. Jennifer  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am

    Wow…a perfect day: sleeping in just a little, a pot of coffee, working on my album projects while watching a fun movie or television show, an hour at a local coffee shop with a flaky croissant and an Americano, dinner from my favorite Thai restaurant…reading before bed and getting a good night’s sleep!

    OR - doing ANYTHING in Florence, Italy - one of my all-time favorite places!

  • 43. Kathleen  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am

    A perfect day - actually every day is perfect - I have 3 beautiful healthy adult children that all have jobs that they love, and people in their lives that love them; I was blessed to be given a second chance and found the love of my life; I am blessed with friends that love to scrapbook as much as I do; I am blessed with a job that I love and look forward to going to each day - even on Monday’s!

    So, I look forward to each and every day and consider it a ‘perfect’ day - the days that hold sorrow and tears (and there have been a few) also count - they help me appreciate all the blessings that I have.

    This sounds sappy - but I love my life - even all the messed up parts…..

  • 44. Karen Cox  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am

    my perfect day will be to have all my friends that love to scrapbook here at my house to scrapbook…someone other than us who love to scrap would be at our call to to bring us drinks, food and what ever we would want….my scrapbook room would be organized so everything is neat and at our hands to work on…………..this would be my ideal day to remember!!!!

  • 45. Donna  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:53 am

    Hummmmm, my perfect day, would first give thanks to God for waking me up another day!!! Life is such a hustle and bustle and it seems like we never take time for ourselves. If I could do just sit down and catch up on my scrapbooking and not have to worry about anything else, that would be a GREAT PERFECT day for me. Thanks for such a great website!!!

  • 46. Cindy  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:54 am

    My perfect day would be having the family sleep late all in the family room together and spend the day playing board games, telling jokes, and enjoying each other’s company as we all bundle up and try to stay warm! Okay, that’s not exactly my perfect day — but, it was a fun one that we had this past week during the first day of an extended power outage. The first day was full of fun family time. The subsequent days became increasingly more trying, though. Thank God we’re back “on” now. It did make me appreciate the time together, too. Doing anything fun with the family is a great day worth repeating! Having electricity would be a help!

  • 47. Joyce Ford  |  February 4th, 2009 at 9:55 am

    If I could relive a day over and over it would be the
    time spent with my son and my sister, both now
    deceased. We had such fun and made such great
    memories, but I miss them both so much. The memories will always be in my heart but I wish for
    just another chance to be with them.

  • 48. Michelle Mallory  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:00 am

    My Perfect Day…I would get up bright and early to a brand new camera, with all the trimmings. I would be too excited to read my book all day…which would be another perfect day, getting lost in another time through a book. Okay..back to this perfect day. I would love to take my girls and husband to Ireland with my new camera. Just watching my girls expressions as they encounter new surroundings. And hearing the snapping sound of the camera capturing each expression. Arriving home, tucking the girls into bed. Ahhhh…that would be a perfect day for me….

  • 49. Katherine Dunn  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:02 am

    If I could relive a day, wow there are so many and they all envolve spending them with loved ones. My first choice would be watching the King Kamehameha Day parade when I was in my 20’s and in love with a guy I had met in Hawaii, just sitting on the cool grass, smelling all the fragrant flowers in there beautiful colors and gazing into his gorgeous blue eyes. I miss those beautiful, carefree days, we lost touch with each other. So I have scrapped this day and I can actually relive it every time I open my book.
    I am so happy I found your website, because I feel you offer the best choices of die cuts I have ever found.

  • 50. Janet Beck  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:03 am

    My perfect day would begin by rolling out of bed after snuggling with my 5 year old son at 8:00 am on a sunny spring morning. Sitting eating breakfast and drinking coffee and watching the birds at the feeder. Then dropping son off at a friends I go to meet my best friend at a spa where we proceed to have manicures, pedicures, facials and a massage! Then we have our hair styled and professional makeup applied! From there we go have a late lunch and back to my house to sit on the porch, drink wine and gab until late evening where we will then go in have a lite snack and hit the bed! Sounds pretty perfect to me!

  • 51. Ginny  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:04 am

    My perfect day would without a doubt be spent on a beach with my husband, our children and grandchildren splashing in the ocean, building sand castles and running as fast as they can up and down the shore line. Then we would all go out to eat a wonderful seafood dinner, return to sit on the beach and stare into the night sky. Since we live in Ohio, his daughter lives in Indiana and my son and family live in Ga. we don’t get many chances to all be together. This would be GREAT!!!!

  • 52. Ginny  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:04 am

    My perfect day would without a doubt be spent on a beach with my husband, our children and grandchildren splashing in the ocean, building sand castles and running as fast as they can up and down the shore line. Then we would all go out to eat a wonderful seafood dinner, return to sit on the beach and stare into the night sky. Since we live in Ohio, his daughter lives in Indiana and my son and family live in Ga. we don’t get many chances to all be together. This would be GREAT!!!!

  • 53. Lori  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:09 am

    If i had any day to relive, it would be my wedding day because it just went by too fast. It was the most special day of my life and who wouldn’t want to relive that??

    Lori
    Pennsylvania

  • 54. Virginia Evans  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:11 am

    I’d be happy traveling somewhere new and exciting, with my husband. Maybe a cruise ship somewhere we’ve never been, or a relaxing trip to Walt Disney World just to enjoy everything else the area has to offer besides the parks. Maybe some free time to visit family in Ohio or South Carolina without being on any time restraints. Or a day to just work on all my scrapbooking projects in the works!!!!

  • 55. Rosalee Pearson  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:15 am

    I would like to re-live the days when all my now deceased family were still alive. I would like to ask them more questions and show them how much I appreciated them. I am now 63 years old and all of my family are gone. When I was sitting at my sisters bedside when they were dying, I would have said so many more things to them. I didn’t say I love you enough times to all of them.

  • 56. Jolene  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:15 am

    My perfect day would be my day off from work-warm sunny weather- 70 degrees-with a breeze-nothing important to do but relax and scrap and remember my love ones and the family that have passed on and be content with my world. AH - the reality is - that several of my friends have been laid off from my job and the job market sucks -it is 17degrees outside - and there is snow everywhere - and my heating bill is out of control and I have to go to work tonight - but I can dream - have a great day everyone…

  • 57. Leigh  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:27 am

    My perfect day:

    1. Breakfast on the Riverwalk in San Antonio - Migas & Coffee - with my best friends from all over the world
    2. A morning stroll through the woods in East Texas with my best friend
    3. Lying in my hammock reading a book or two until lunch.
    4. A hamburger and onion rings at Zentner’s Daughter in San Angelo followed by a long nap in the park by the river.
    5. An afternoon conversation with all my friends over a cup of coffee at the beach.
    6. A quiet evening meal with my sweetie - any where in the world - as long as he is there.
    7. A late night game session with all my children, their friends, their families and my sweetheart.
    8. A leisurely soak in a hot tub followed by a back rub and a soft yet firm mattress to sleep on, so that I could start this day over again refreshed and rested.

    Not too much to ask.

  • 58. Deborah Handley  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:27 am

    If I had to choose a day to spend over and over it would look like this: Get up early to enjoy everything the day has to offer, have breakfast with my family (DH and 19 year old DS) in Kyoto, Japan where we’d be for a vacation and 30 day tour of Japan with Friendly Planet tours (did this last May only the tour was just 10 days long and DH had to stay home).

    This particular tour day would be a “day of leisure” meaning we had the day to ourselves to do as we wished. After breakfast we’d meet up with a Japanese citizen who we’d “met online” via the program where Japanese citizens volunteer to spend the day as your tour guide (for free!) and the tourist pays the Japanese citizens entrance to attractions and for dinner. (My son and I did this twice during our tour of Japan, once in Tokyo and once in Kyoto. It was the highlight of our trip).

    We’d have perfect weather (sunny and in the 70’s) as we explored Kyoto, Japan with our guide. DH and I would be touting our Nikons since travel photography is my passion and we both share a love of photography. We’d begin by visiting the Fushimi Shrine (the avenue of torii gates), followed by a visit to The Golden Pavilion. Built in the later 1300’s it is truly spectacular, covered in gold leaf and sitting tranquilly in the middle of a small pond. We’d have an amazing, scrumptious Japanese lunch inside the Pavilion although in reality no one is allowed inside. After lunch we’d go shopping at the Kyoto Handicraft Market where everything is handmade and visitors can buy woodblock prints, ninja swords, ceramic sake sets, kyoto dolls, fans, pearls, kimonos, painted scrolls and so much more.

    After dropping our packages off at our hotel we’d take a walk through the Gion district which is famous as the place where most of the Geishas in Kyoto reside and work. We’d come across a Geisha who would stop and chat and allow me to take as many photos as I wished (instead of hurrying down the street away from my camera and tourist stares as it happened last May). In fact, this particular Geisha invites us to join her in a tea ceremony on the spur of the moment. As we sit on the floor enjoying this rare treat, the Geisha enthralls us as we listen to her tell us all about her life.

    As we leave the Gion district the sun is setting and we try to decide where to have dinner. Our friendly guide tells us about his favorite sushi restaurant and soon we’d be hopping on a train to get there. Dinner would be leisurely, delicious and lots of fun as we toast each other and our guide tells us all about his life in Kyoto and we tell him all about our experiences living in Annapolis, MD. After dinner we all hug with promises to one day meet again and keep in touch.

    My family and I hop a taxi to return to our hotel and sleepily go upstairs to our rooms. But first we stop in the lobby and at the registration desk to request and choose our cats for the night. You see this particular hotel understands the plight of tourists missing their pets, and offers each visitor a cat to sleep in his/her room for the night. I choose a traditional Siamese (since I am badly missing my Siamese cat from home) and DS chooses a big, orange male tabby. We settle in for the night. Ah, a perfect day!!!!

  • 59. Cheryl Van Allen  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:27 am

    Wow - this is really a tough one, cuz life has SO many yummy things to repeat. I can think of so many days I’d love to do again (my 40th bday at Fenway, with my son, then 4, seeing Fenway for the first time - Disney - our Florida vacation, on the screened in porch seeing dolphins) BUT - for a day that would just go on over and over? Here goes…

    Sleep in, then get coffee in bed from my hubby (he makes the BEST coffee!!) and read for a bit. Have breakfast in bed, where my son of COURSE joins me and eats more than I do. (and that’s saying something!!) Then, our family would go sit by our pool or go to the beach (either one is fine, as long as its warm, and we’re together) I’d be playing my iPod, reading, swimming, laughing with my family. We’d go to eat yummy seafood down at Petey’s in Hampton, then come home and pass out.

    Could it be a perfect weekend? Cuz I’d add a day with my Scrapchicks -the Cream of the Croppers!!

  • 60. Debbie Yarbrough  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:35 am

    If I could have a day—-
    It would be to spend a day with my kids again when they were little. When they grow up-they have their own lives and its harder to get them all together. I would also go through all the albums I made of every moment we spent together and enjoy the memories. Each child has at least 25 albums each and the oldest is 25 years old now.
    Its also fun to go back and remember your parents/grandparents in the albums too.
    What beautiful memories!!
    Debbie Yarbrough

  • 61. Christine  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:43 am

    I would bo back to the hot summer days spent on the beach with my mother and siblings. Those days felt like they’d never end. The fun of swimming in the ocean, basking in the sun and building sand castles. We didn’t need a big fancy car…all 6 of us fit in the mid-size family car. We didn’t need the excitement of going anywhere special…a 45 minute drive to the beach was just fine for us. A no-frills lunch packed from home…it was wonderful. Pure, innocent and real.

  • 62. Barbara  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:46 am

    If I could do a day over again it would be a day that I spent with my sister Elizabeth and we would laugh and laugh and laugh she passed away 25 years ago and I still miss her terrible. But we had tons of fun everytime we were together.

  • 63. Linda Kemp  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:49 am

    If I could spend one more day over it would be July 14, 2008 when my mom (Myrtle Voshell) passed away in my dad’s arms in the hospital. I don’t know what I would change except the ultimate outcome but I would just like to have her back again, FOR ONE MORE DAY!

  • 64. Teresa  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:51 am

    This is a very easy question for me to answer–if I had one more day to relive it would be spent waking up to my precious little boy smiling in his crib (who is now a 18 yrs old- responsible young man). My wish would be to spend one more day with my mother-whom I lost 3 yrs ago. unconditional love just radiated from her-she was my best friend,my safe place to land. but most of all she always kept me completely grounded concerning everything in my life, just hearing her voice was well needed comfort and support. I am grateful for my two children, my wonderful husband, my father who now lives with me,my sister who I adore and all my friends. I would embrace one more day with my mother who loved me beyond belief every moment of my life, and taught me being a mother is a gift to be treasured daily. :)

  • 65. Ellen Birch  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:54 am

    I would to have one day with nothing to do except lounge around in my pj’s and watch movies, paly games and sip hot chocolate with my family. Quality time that we so often don’t make time for.

  • 66. Nina  |  February 4th, 2009 at 10:55 am

    About 10 years ago my mother, my husband and I spent a perfect day together. We all adored each other and enjoyed spending time together. On that day we traveled about 45 miles up the California coastline, where we live. We walked the rocky beaches and talked and just hung out together, laughing and enjoying the day and each other.

  • 67. Tammy Hall  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:07 am

    My perfect day would start out in the morning, having a cup of coffee with my honey Mark, with all my furry friends (my Lab - Emma and my cats - Cinder and Bella), looking out at the snow capped mountains and breathing in the fresh air. And then, I would relive the time with my Mom, before she got dementia, so it would be just like it used to be. Just talking and laughing and getting all the “Mom” advice. I miss the “Mom” I used to know so much, it makes me hurt. SO my perfect day…I wouldn’t miss my Mom or hurt for her anymore.

  • 68. Judy Cartwright  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:07 am

    Wow……what a wonderful thought…..

    My day would start by waking up and being to look out on the white sand beach at Boca Grande, Florida. I’d get to walk the beach and pick up shells with my husband. After our walk we would come back for a swim in the pool and I’d have breakfast (at the restaurant in town so I didn’t have to cook) with my kids. It would have to include some shopping and scrapbooking……….and some quiet reading time. That night we would all play games and laugh our heads off……………what a day!! And what a dream…………..think I’ll hold onto that one for a while!! :)

  • 69. Bunnymomrocks  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:15 am

    What day would make the perfect groundhog day? to pick a regular everyday to repeat or a special holiday trip kind of day? would repeatedly going to a sunny warm beach with my two beautiful daughters and husband get old after awhile? I would pick a regular ol’ average day because I love being a stay-at-home-mom. I count my blessings every morning that I don’t have to put them in daycare and am there for each precious moment of coos, snuggles, smiles and also the sibling rivalry, screeching and boo-boos. I would pick a quiet weekend day spent with my family (so my husband would be there, too). We would have crepes with fruit for breakfast, play in the park, walk along the shore, have mac-n-cheese for lunch, play goofy made-up stories in the afternoon, take a family nap and grill something for dinner to eat on the porch as the sunset. A splashy bathtime, good books read on my laps, more hugs-n-kisses before bedtime. The day would end with my husband and I snuggled in bed amazed at how lucky we truly are to be this blessed. Would I repeat that day over and over? It’s my idea of heaven and know these days with the little ones are fleeting. Would I repeat it? Gladly!

  • 70. Pat Brodka  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:21 am

    The day I wish I could live over and over is June 27,2006. It is the day before my husband’s fatal stroke. I would spend the day with him and have really close conversation about our years together. I would tell him the I have always loved him even when we had an argument. I would share all the little things that have happened that there just wasn’t time to talk about. Last but not least I would kiss him goodnight and let him have total clicker control.

  • 71. Rena Billings  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:33 am

    My day would be to spend it with my mother who passed away 20 years ago. It would involve her and my daughter and the three of us off on some adventure, shopping dining etc but if I could not have that day then I would have a day where it started off with a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Followed by awater aerobics workout, lunch with my BFF and then home to scrap and lastly to fall asleep reading my Kindle.

  • 72. Karen Wolter  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:35 am

    If I could live life all over I would scrapebook all of my children’s life as it has happened instead of trying to do it now 30-40 years later. I enjoy living life to fullest and enjoying every minute of every day. I would try to get more things done in a day, instead of putting them off till tomorrow, which never comes. Life is great and I try to make the most of each day and share my things with everyone I come in contact with. I enjoy this scrapebook web site and all of the unique things I can get from. Live each day as tomorrow may never come.

  • 73. Lori Kokoszka  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:39 am

    On my chosen day I would sleep in, wake to a yummy cooked breakfast with all the trimmings, spend the day with my 2 girls and my husband…maybe a day trip! I would find time to ready my favorite magazine and work in my family albums. I would stay up after everyone went to bed to tackle a “house project”. Then I’d wake to do it all over again!

  • 74. Dawn  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:40 am

    Thinking about perfect days, several come to mind. There was my beautiful wedding in Hawaii. There was the time we went to Miami and bottle fed baby tigers and let an orangutan and monkey climb all over us. Or all of the wonderful vacations we went on seeing places for the first time. A day I am looking forward to is bringing our first child in the world since my husband and I are trying to have a baby. These days aside, this would be my perfect day:
    1. Sleep in, but not too late.
    2. Go out to breakfast with my husband.
    3. Go for a short mile long hike with my husband and dog in a local state park.
    4. Have a picnic lunch.
    5. Spend a couple of hours at the Desert Museum (a world class zoo right here in Tucson) making sure to visit the hummingbird aviary.
    6. Going back home to take a dip in our pool that we have yet to swim in since we moved to Tucson a month or so ago.
    7. Having dinner at Nonna Maria’s, an awesome pizza joint.
    8. Finishing the night sitting in front of the tv relaxing and watching a movie with my husband.
    9. Of course it would be nice to fit in some time to scrapbook all of the great pictures I have taken, too…so I think I need another day!
    Actually, I would prefer to have every day different, doing something new and exciting each day.

  • 75. Donna  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:43 am

    When you think of a perfect day, think of reliving it over and over again…. would you want to spend the rest of your life on the beach? in your pajamas at home? with “one” special person? It’s nice to admire and think of special things, but thank goodness for the variety we have in our lives! As always, Thanks to SYT for another thought provoking email! –happy scrappin!

  • 76. Kathy L.  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:48 am

    If I had a day to live over and over I think I would have to go back to when my children were little-after my third one was born but before she turned two. Both of my parents were still alive then and neither of them are now. Maybe it would be the 4th of July. We always had a family barbeque and just enjoyed each other and the wonderful freedom that comes with living in the United States of America. Or maybe it would be Thanksgiving, when once again the family would all gather together and we would be thankful for all God has blessed us with.
    Great thought provoking question-although living in my present isn’t so bad either. Going to be a first time Grandma in June! :-)

  • 77. Susan  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:53 am

    If I could repeat one day, it would be any day with my Dad. I would know our time was short and know I needed to talk to him and get to know him and ask him all of the questions I never knew then I would want the answers to. I did a scrapbook of him a few years ago and boy was that tough even though he’s been gone since 1980.

    Another day I would love to repeat would be my second day of my Australian vacation when I went to a wildlife park and got to see kangaroos up close for the first time and sit on the grass feeding them. I could have stayed there for hours. Then later I got to hold a koala. THAT was unbelievable and I can glance up from the monitor here at work and see that pictre on the wall……it’s my “happy place” :) There was also another day on that trip when I went to Admiral’s Arch on Kangaroo Island. Something about that place just “got” to me. And for some reason I felt very close to my father….it was kind of wierd.

    Also, repeating time spent with any of my grandparents and getting to know them as well.

    Finally, just for fun, a perfect day would be to have my craft room totally organized and be able to look at pictures and know exactly what I wanted on the page and what embellishing I wanted to do without staring at them for a long time. :D Oh, and having both dogs sit on command every time I ask them to.

  • 78. WILMA LEDURE  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:54 am

    THE PERFECT DAY FOR ME WOULD HAVE BEEN DECEMBER 30, 2000. BEST FRIENDS OF MY HUSBAND AND MINE TOOK US ON A BEAUTIFUL VACATION TO HAWAII AS A GIFT BECAUSE MY HUSBAND HAD, HAD THREE CANCER SURGERIES AND WAS ON CHEMO DURING THE PREVIOUS SIX MONTHS. WE TOOK A SEVEN DAY CRUISE AND CAME BACK TO HONOLULU TO SPEND 3 MORE GLORIOUS DAYS IN THE RAINBOW TOWER (PART OF THE HILTON HAWAIIAN RESORT). AFTER THE TRIP, JUST 5 DAYS, THE DOCTORS DISCOVERED THAT THE MELANOMA MY HUSBAND HAD, HAD METASTISIZED AND THAT HE HAD APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 6 MONTHS TO LIVE. HE WAS THE LOVE OF MY EARTHLY LIFE AND AS HE WOULD SAY “YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND”. WE SHARED 35 WONDERFUL YEARS TOGETHER AND HAVE TWO BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS. WE NOW HAVE SIX GRANDCHILDREN AND THIS IS NOW THE EARTHLY “LOVE OF MY LIFE’. WE WERE VERY MUCH IN LOVE, BUT YOU WONDER IF YOU MISSED OPPORTUNITIES TO SAY “I LOVE YOU AND APPRECIATE YOU” ENOUGH. HE HAS BEEN GONE EIGHT YEARS ON MAY 18, 2009, AND I MISS HIM AS MUCH TODAY AS THAT DAY IN 2001. I LOVE SCRAPBOOKING AND THIS IS MY WAY TO KEEP THE MEMORIES THAT MY DAUGHTERS AND I HAVE ALIVE. I ENJOY ALL THE THOUSANDS OF PHOTOS I HAVE FROM VACATIONS, HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS IN OUR LIVES AND AM TRYING TO PUT TOGETHER A FAMILY ALBUM FOR MY DAUGHTERS. I LOVE YOUR SITE AND WILL BE ORDERING AGAIN VERY SOON. THANKS FOR THE SAPCE TO PUT INTO WORDS THE THOUGHTS THAT ARE IN MY HEART.

  • 79. Joanne  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:55 am

    My perfect day would start with me sitting on a camp chair in the Poconos, staring at the fire that was heating my feet.

    Then, i would take a walk in the woods and spot some deer. It would be my quiet time before i woke up the rest of the group. Then come back, wake everyone else up and share a hearty lunch with friends on the picnic table.

    After lunch we would all sit on a bank, in the sun, talking, reading, napping. For dinner it would be steak on the grill, baked potatoes and ears of corn steaming in the fire. Then a trip to spot the deer and get ice cream at one of the local stands. Back to the campsite, to enjoy a later night fire, and then to sleep outside, in the sleeping bag, under the stars. For a treat, there would be a meteor shower right before we all fell asleep.

  • 80. Dawn in Louisiana  |  February 4th, 2009 at 11:57 am

    My perfect day would be the first day of a trip to an exciting destination, with my four kids and dh. Not sure where–Europe, maybe, or Hawaii, or Alaska. And because it would be a perfect day, none of the kids would be bored or tired or cranky! There would be no travel glitches, and every aspect of the day would be unforgettable. I would take hundreds of scrappable photos of the many adventures we would have! And then at the hotel that night, I’d scrapbook–that way, I could live the day over and over again, then scrapbook it over and over again.

  • 81. Mary  |  February 4th, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    I’m not sure I could fit everything into just one day. It would have to include reading, quilting, scrapbooking, a new exotic travel destination and my whole family, though!

  • 82. Angela  |  February 4th, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    If I could choose a day to experience over and over my wishes would have to start by waking up to a warm, sunny day. A light breeze coming through an open window bringing with it the scent of the sea. Feeling well-rested, I’d look forward to a leisurely breakfast with my family.

    The majority of my day would be spent outdoors. My only modern-day convenience would be a cell-phone in case I wanted to call someone to chat. The ringer would be silenced to avoid unwanted incoming calls.

    I would be wearing soft, comfortable clothes that fit well and aren’t trying to conceal any pudgy lumps (because I don’t have any on my perfect day).
    I would feel the sun on my skin. I would hear my daughter laughing. I would see my husband smile.
    I would talk to my Mom. Of course, I would take photos so I can honor/scrap this day later-I guess I need one more modern convenience my camera!

    I would feel a sense of peace and contentment. There is nothing to stress me out. I would be thankful for my health and my situation in life knowing I am so fortunate. I would know that my relationship with God is where it should be and if this perfect day is my last day I would be O.K. with that.

    Sounds good, don’t you think?

  • 83. Kim Gust  |  February 4th, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    If I could live one day over and over again…oh the possibilities! One option would be to spend a day at sea on a cruise with my family. It is so relaxing to listen to the water and to watch the waves. Another option would be to spend a slow-paced, relaxing day doing all of the things I love. It would be a beautiful spring day, and I would spend time with my husband and son, go for a long walk, and have time to scrapbook and to read.

  • 84. Nana de  |  February 4th, 2009 at 12:30 pm

    Aaaaah - sweet day dreams! My perfect day would be a family (all four generations - 36 of us) camping trip in Yosemite in mid-May. Up early, ’cause I love the sounds of daybreak with the smell of brewing coffee and sizzling bacon. We would start the day by hiking to the cascading falls and then drive to the upper alpine meadows or Glacier Point to play in the snow. In the afternoon we would float the Merced River while “da guys” fished. When we finished with our naps in the hammock preparations our campfire evening would begin in earnest. Hobo stew and fire roasted hot dogs (that’s why I still save wire hangers) with all the fixin’s. Of course, dessert is flaming marshmellows and smores, eaten to the sounds of our strumming guitars and folk songs (doesn’t that just date us!). Wish I could say sweet singin’; but some of us can and some of us can’t. And as the little ones drift of to sleep we relive some of life’s most embarassing moments and some of the funniest - which get funnier each telling. On the cusp of sweet dreams I would thank God for the man who holds me; the family that loves and surrounds me; the beauty in the nature of His creation; my country; and the fiscal and physical ability to scrapbook the memories of the day: sleepy eyes, snowballs, water mists, dirty feet, “not again” expressions, ketchup smeared faces, sticky chocolate fingers and floating fire embers. This would be my perfect day.

  • 85. Chris  |  February 4th, 2009 at 12:32 pm

    My perfect day, would be a day when I was able to get a lot done, and still being able to enjoy myself, whether it is scrapping, card making, or even cleaning/laundry.

    I hope eveyone gets to have their perfect day some time

  • 86. Joan Gonzalez  |  February 4th, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    I’ve always wanted to learn french and never think I have the time so I would definitely do that if I had the opportunity to live each day over and over! Then I’d go to Paris! Then I’d come home and scrap it!

    Love the new papers you added today!

  • 87. Alicia  |  February 4th, 2009 at 12:47 pm

    If I could relive the same day over and over, I would get up early, like 5am and enjoy a good cup of coffee while looking out the window to watch snow falling. After an hour or so, I would crawl back into bed for a couple hours of time with my husband (who doesn’t exist yet). Then I would make a great breakfast, and spend some time being creative, whether it be scrapping, sewing, making jewelry… something fun, productive, and calming. Then I would go for a run… 4-6 miles, come home to shower, and go to a great restaurant for dinner. It doesn’t seem like I ask for much, so why can’t I find it?

  • 88. Deanna  |  February 4th, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    Ahhh…a day to relive….I would choose to sleep in and snuggle with my daughter. Then we would get up and have breakfast, get dressed and head to pick up Grammy and go to a park with a picnic. We would play and enjoy nature and of course take pics of our great day. Then we would go somewhere special (a waterpark or a amusement park) and stay until the sun sets just having a fun time. (More pics) and then she would go to bed by herself after a couple books and snuggles (we are struggling with this right now) and I would have some time to read or scrap or to just veg out in front of the tv with an adult t.v show instead of cartoons or Hannah Montana!!
    Ahh…just the thought!

  • 89. ANN MARIE BROWN  |  February 4th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

    IF I COULD HAVE ON DAY OVER AGAIN, I WOULD HAVE TO START IT OFF WITH A MOMENT WITH GOD THANKING HIM FOR EVERYTHING HE DOES. THEN I WOULD SPEND TIME WITH THE CHILDREN AT “GIVE KIDS THE WORLD” AND THEN AFTER HAVING SO MUCH FUN I WOULD RUN OVER TO THE MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION AND DONATE DISNEY TICKET’S SINCE THAT SEEM’S TO BE A BIG WISH FOR MOST KIDS.
    THEN I WOULD GO HAVE LUNCH AT A NURSING HOME AND SIT AND ENJOY THE CONVERSATION’S OF THE OLD DAY’S WHEN LIFE SEEMED BETTER FOR SOME.
    THEN I WOULD GO TO THE RUSSEL HOME
    AND SIT AND ROCK WITH SOME OF THE CHILDREN WHO JUST WANT SOME LOVE AND ATTENTION. THEN I WOULD GO TO ARNOLD PALMER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AND DROP OFF ANOTHER DONATION OF DISNEY TOY’S FOR THEM TO GIVE TO THE CHILDREN.
    THEN I WILL GO HOME TO REFLECT ON THE MEMORY’S THAT I HAD FOR THE DAY. AFTER THAT I WILL GO OVER AND HAVE DINNER WITH MY FAMILY AND SHARE THE PICTURES I HAD TAKEN DURING THE DAY.
    THEN I WILL GO BACK HOME TAKE A NICE HOT SHOWER AND THEN GET DOWN ON MY KNEE’S AND THANK GOD AGAIN FOR GIVING ME SUCH A WONDERFUL DAY FILLED WITH JOY AND HAPPINESS AND THEN RIGHT BEFORE I GO TO BED I WILL CALL MY NEPHEW IN GERMANY AND TALK TO HIM AND ALL HIS ARMY BUDDIES AND BLESS THEM FOR KEEPING OUR COUNTRY SAFE AND THEN IT’S LIGHT’S OUT.
    GOOD NIGHT!

  • 90. Ashley Severance  |  February 4th, 2009 at 12:55 pm

    I love today’s topic! And what a great topic it would be for a scrapbooking layout - any chance of getting some groundhog day paper??

    Ok, so if I could choose a day in my life that I would GET TO live over and over again it would look something like this:

    - Hawaii
    - perfect weather
    - sleep an extra hour
    - wake up to my hubby
    - take a nice, hot shower
    - breakfast buffet
    - bikini, floppy hat, and a good book
    - play on the beach w/hubby and kiddos
    - shopping, water sports
    - bonfire on the beach, dancing, yummy dinner and a good wine
    - quiet time alone w/hubby after the kiddos go to bed

    Ahhhh…… ;)

  • 91. Cathy  |  February 4th, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    What an interesting idea…

    My perfect day…

    First I would sleep in late. It would be a warm, sunny spring day outside. My husband, daughter, and I would play outside and have a picnic lunch. Then we would take our dogs to the dog park and play with them. I would find some time during the day to curl up with a good book and to scrapbook of course. There would be lots of laughter, happiness, and smiles.

    You are right, it really is the simple things that make us happy and content.

  • 92. Diane  |  February 4th, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    I would be at the beach with my children and grandchildren. The kids would sleep till a decent hour (they are geting better, at least now it’s 7:00 or 7:30 instead of 6:00 or 6:30 ha ha). We would have a breakfast of biscuits with sausage gravy on the porch overlooking the ocean. Then we would go on a bike ride and take the kids to the playground. Then we would have a nice lunch at a good restaurant. Then we would come back for a nice afternoon on the beach, with a reading break on the porch before dinner, the some scrapbooking time. Dinner would be pork tenderloin and steak cooked on the grill. Afterwards we would go for a walk on the beach. The evening would be spent playing board games, Wii bowling and watching a good movie. OK, I admit that’s a lot for an evening, but if you are going to fantasize you may as well do it right! :-) Thanks for the opportunity to think about what is fun. Diane

  • 93. Janine  |  February 4th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    Mmmmm….in the North Carolina mountains with crisp fall weather, away from cell phones and computers, hiking and canoeing with my (healthy) dogs, and going back to the log cabin to spend the evening curled up with the dogs, a good book, and a roaring fire. The cats could come, too, if they’d be willing to behave…

  • 94. Lisa Nesbitt  |  February 4th, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    I had a hard time deciding what day I would like to live over and over, my honeymoon in Hawaii, a second trip to Hawaii or that trip to Paris. All beautiful in there own right, but one thing was missing from all three trips. My wonderful boys ages 8 and twins age 6. So the day or long weekend in this case that I would love to live over and over again would be my brother in laws 40th birthday weekend. All the kids in Minnesota have a 4 day weekend in October. So to celebrate a bunch of friends and family rented a cabin on Leech Lake near Walker, MN. The weather was great for October in MN. The leaves were still on the trees and were bright orange, yellow and red like you see in pictures. We spent four wonderful days fishing, going out on the boat, walking in the woods and spending quality time with friends and family. The best part was the day trip to Itasca State Park and a walk across the start of the Mississippi River. The boys even got to say thank you to a military veteran (other than Uncle Carl) the owner of the resort is a veteran of the Iraq war. It would be wonderful to live those 4 beautiful days over again.

  • 95. Jennet Voss  |  February 4th, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    I was so delighted when I discovered your website for scrapbooking internationally. We had just come home from a trip to Greece & a cruise trip that covered parts of Italy. The papers & embellishments you have are so good and for all other areas that I scrapbook in. Have added a great new supply to work with and do enjoy receiving your weekly e-mail.

  • 96. Sandy Garrett  |  February 4th, 2009 at 2:17 pm

    After sleeping late, I would spend the day lying on the beach on a tropical island reading a good book and sipping iced tea. (Of course, I would be skinny and beautiful). My every need would be taken care of. Later I would spend some quality time in the hot tub with the hubby getting ready for a perfect evening. After that evening, a good night’s sleep and then I WAKE UP TO THE REAL WORLD!!

  • 97. Char  |  February 4th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    That’s tough. I think I’d like to spend it in Scotland as we didn’t have enough time there. Of course, having my kids and grandkids with me too would be a bonus as well as somewhere I could go in the evening to scrapbook all the pictures I would take.

  • 98. Kim Berry  |  February 4th, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    I’m in a blended family…my husband and I were married on 3/14/02. We both brought two boys to the mix, for a total of 4 boys (and they are all teenagers now)!! We have been fortunate enough to have taken them on 3 cruises and also to California and Florida. My husband and I also take our own vacations to reunite again, and usually it is to a Caribbean destination somewhere… I had a bit of a tough year, my little sister passed away back in May. She was actually my older sister and just made it to her 42nd birthday. She had downsyndrome and cerebal palsy. She had suffered a heart attack last September, then developed an pneumonia, had breathing problems and she just couldn’t come out of it, so we made the tough decision to remove her from life support on May 2nd. My mom, whom is my rock, raised me, my younger brother and older sister by herself and did an excellent job with what means that she had. So I decided to give her something back. A month after my sister passed away, I took her on a cruise. She had never been on a cruise before, so we went on a Royal Caribbean (Freedom of the Seas) cruise for a week to: Haiti (Labadee), Ocho Rios, Cayman Islands and Cozumel. So I would have to say that my perfect day was spent seeing the sun finally shine down on her and the smile that just wouldn’t disappear (which was a good thing)! I think that trip really made my heart sing for her…and of course I came back from our trip and placed a big order with none other than SYT and made each of us a scrapbook that contained about 60 pages per book!! :)

    So SYT Team, you guys are awesome! :)

 

 Kristi Barnes, I cried tears for you and I am so sorry for your loss and those of others I read about as well.  You all give me an appreciation for enjoying life and the people we are able to sharing it with. You make me want to strive to be a better mom, wife and friend.  Thank you for sharing. 

 

THIS IS WHY I LOVE THIS INDUSTRY and why no matter what economic hardships come our way, we will still remain because we’ll truly always treasure our lives and see the value that spending time sharing and recording the stories within will enrich our lives even further.

___________________________________________________________

Winners: 

Hopefully you made it this far.  Congrats to Sandie W.  who wins the new Art Warehouse Sports Assortment of her choice.  Please email your  address and preferred sport.

Sandie W. Says:
January 20th, 2009 at 9:51 pm e

I am a friend of Kristi’s. She has given me your website info. I love the sports theme you designed. I think you are amazing and talented. I love to see all the things that you have come up with. My 2 girls are just starting the sports thing. What great items to have to scrap their experiences. I grew up doing sports as well. Love the pics of your girls. Thanks for inspiring so many of us and for giving me a chance to win some of these cool products.

Sandie W.

Also, congrats to the lucky stamp winner. Libby M. if you will email me your shipping address, we’ll send you your favorite stamp set when they start shipping.

Libby M. Says:
January 25th, 2009 at 12:15 am e
Just beautiful new stuff! Awesmone! I am loving the graphic and text roller stamps also the Text Photo frames but let me say the one that I think would fit right into my “tool box” would be the Paper Classics! I could see it used in so many different ways in the mini albums I love to create. Just a plain classic to be used over and over. Rock on! Have fun at CHA! Let the party Begin!

Posted in Art Warehouse, everyday stuff, me, scrapbooking | 2 Comments »

CHA Annaheim recap

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009

 

 

CHA (the industry scrapbook show) is always a good thing for many reasons.  I enjoy the energy and enthusiasm from those who love life and want to just take it in and record the little things.  While the industry is steep in business, for me the karma of the people is where it’s at.  

 

While I was busy at different booths including Creative Imaginations, Hampton Art and Accucut, I did get to peak at the new Sports Cartridge I helped design called Sports Mania at the Provo Craft booth as well, along with see the new YuDu, which was so fabulous, might need to get one, some time.  I had new products  (Creative Cafe and Art Warehouse) releasing at each booth and so I tried to spend a little time at each.

 

 

 

I loved getting to see  some of my favorite industry people like Melodee, Layle and Sande, Margie, Heidi, Janet, Tricia and Christine from Cocoa Daisy, Donna, Nicole, Vicki and more.   Most only for a short time, but always a treat to catch up if even briefly.

 

 I also enjoy catching up with some of my favorite store owners like Karen and Gail from K2, Dawn and Kelly from Memory Bound, Bob and Kathy from Scrapbook Garden, Julie and Lani from Scrap Your Trip, Camille from Ever After (who I enjoyed chatting with while we did a little Paris watching,)  Christina from Windy City, Christina from Scraplovers, Britney, Lucy and Gretchen and more that haven’t found their way out of my brain. 

 


 

On my way out to the lobby to get a drink, I noticed everyone stopped and starring off waiting.  So when I saw Camille and she said everyone was waiting for Paris Hilton to arrive, of course I had to stop and take in the view too.   

 

 

This was after Paris walked right by me and I decided maybe I should have taken her photo.  Thanks to Camille for being so quick with camera.  Paris was really sweet and friendly, super cute, IMO.  So I followed her in to the crowd and this was in the middle of the chaos.

 

 

 

 

 and then I decided that watching the crowd was actually more fun. Don’t see this everyday in the sticks!

 

 

 

Several make/takes at the show and the CI party.  I didn’t manage to get much for photos of them, but did get some very embarassing videos which I will not be posting.  But thanks to Mellie’s IPhone pictures, we have a few, including the outside of the convention center.  I got several video’s including a few of Mellie that I might just have to post later.  She would love me for them for sure!

 

 

 

More about the show here on the Creative Cafe blog as well, where you can see some of the new Creative Cafe products we’ve been working on.

 

Check back tomorrow for the winner of the Sports & Stamp give away.  You can still have your name entered by commenting at each post, in case you missed it.

Posted in Art Warehouse, Creative Cafe, scrapbooking | 1 Comment »

more new Art Warehouse (CHA Winter 09): Sports

Monday, January 19th, 2009

 

 

One of my best selling collections to date, was my original SPORTZ collections, which have been a good thing.  You can now even get them at Designer Digitals in download format and buy most of the original items for scrapbooking and paper arts here if you are still interested in finding them.

 

However, it was time for something new.   So  I created new SPORTS collections  there are 4 collections releasing with Creative Imaginations at the Winter show in California.  Also, releasing with Hampton Art are coordinating clear stamp sets.   Both of these collections could be used with my recently released SPORTS MANIA Cricut cartridge, which has been several years in the making from Provo Craft. 

 

I came from a small high school where Sports were our life in small town America.   I played just about every sport offered in high school, from volleyball, basketball, track, softball.  I lived for sports when I was young and surprisingly for a small school grad had several basketball scholarships.  Even my coach was surprised the schools would notice me, from such a small school.   I turned them down to walk on and try out for softball instead.  

 

It seemed hard to get sports out of my veins, as I added a coaching endorsement to my COLLEGE degree as well, which meant I had to take every sports class in college there was, including gymnastics, soccer and tennis, all 3 sports I had very little experience with.  I can still remember being 21 and trying to bring my body full circle on the bars in gymnastics….what a laugh.   Soccer as well, was totally foreign to my feet and my mind since dribbling to me was something I wanted to do with my hands.   But I managed to make it through all the classes.

 

I graduated college and coached volleyball and basketball for both high school and junior high in a variety of different situations.  It was a great experience, but when I left teaching to move states and start a family, I left my coaching behind too.

 

Fast forward 10 years and now I have girls entering the sports arena.  It’s quite the funny conversation when the topic comes up that mom used to play sports and coach.  They can’t imagine the idea of me being skilled at going the length of a basketball court and scoring  (actually that thought is a little funny to me even.)   But  I think maybe they are starting to come around, especially because they want to play hoops and catch and they both want to learn the skills and it seems that mom just might not be as inept as they thought.  However, I am more than technically rusty and my body sure needs a refresher course down through every muscle.  

 

I am looking forward to scrapooking and taking lots of photos of whatever sports the girls decide to try.  Here are some recent sports photos from our house this past week AND a peak at the new Art Warehouse Sports Collections debuting at the CHA Winter Show. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stamps from Hampton Art

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am not certain of the ship dates for these collections, but for a chance to win your choice of favorite sports collection papers, embellishments and stamps, comment here for a chance to win, once the items are in my hands and available!  

RETAILERS or those attending CHA

If you are going to the show, you will want to be sure to stop by the Hampton Art booth #1535 and do this project that Melodee Langworthy will be doing.   It’s sure to be worth your time.  There’s a different project each day.

 

 

Posted in Art Warehouse, me, scrapbooking, the girls | 95 Comments »

Creative Cafe and Art Warehouse products

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

I’ve gotten a lot of emails asking where to find the Creative Cafe and Art Warehouse products I used in my Family Photo Journal and in my Christmas Mini Book series here and here.  If you can’t find them locally (as many of you have said first ask for them,) and if you have no luck,  you can find them here.

Also if you are interested in getting a kit like the one used in my girl friend’s Monthly Scrapbook Night mentioned here, leave a comment  and I will send you details for a kit.

Posted in Art Warehouse, Creative Cafe, scrapbooking | 28 Comments »

Creative Cafe Blog Party

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

 

I shared some of my Family Photo Journal on the Creative Cafe blog this week.  We’re having a blog party over there, so be sure to visit.  Prizes every day.

I got slammed with work this week, but hope to get more of my holiday pictures posted yet. 

 

Posted in Creative Cafe, scrapbooking | 1 Comment »

guest blogger and free holiday project

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

 

I am guest blogging on the Creative Imaginations blog this week.  Be sure to stop by over there for a give away each day and this free online class I’m doing. 

 

 Christmas preparation and activities are in full swing at our house.  It’s crazy, but as a Mom I love each and every part as it happens and I love enjoying it again later through my photos.  (Ok, so maybe there are  a few things thrown in there that I might choose to block out of my memory…wink.) However, it always feels a little bit like I’m cheating TIME when I’m go back and spend time with my photos and soak it all in again.  Not sure why, but it just makes me feel happy and blessed.  I’m sure you can relate. 

 


 

For me, my photos are truly my most prize possesions.  If you are anything like me, then you also find that the photos pile up real fast.  The deeper the stacks or the bigger the folders the digital pictures get, the more overwhelmed you become with what to do with them all and just how to enjoy them.   That is my challenge and so I am always eager when I am able to utilize a vast amount of photos in ONE PROJECT. 

 

 

One of my favorite things to do with my masses of photos is put them in to smaller EASY projects (notice I said EASY) that show the span of time.    These favorite projects are the ones that show change and time, as much as I hate to admit it, change is all around me.  Sometimes I love it and sometimes I don’t.  When it comes to my girls, I am usually on the side of resisting the changes I see. 

 


Take for example, these photos below.  Sniff, sniff.  Where did the time go?  What ever happened to these darling babes?   In my mind, I am keeping them this age as much as I can as I hold off the demands for friends, ipods, cell phones and more….

 



photo in 2002 

 

2003 christmas jammies 1 web



photos taken this week


IMG_0200 cc


Project laney christmas image





 

 

It’s not very often that I have photos of 2002 along side photos from 2008, unless I have decided to create something that forces me to gather photos from across the years and compile.  Doing this, has become my favorite type of project and that is just what why I am here this week as a guest blogger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

I am very excited because this week I’m going to be sharing all the details and specifics of this project in a free online blog class.  This project is one I have been looking forward to creating for some time, dreaming of the end result.   I decided no more excuses of busy schedules, family demands or work, lack of planning, etc.  I was making time to get this project created this Christmas and I am hoping that you will join me in this class.  

 


 

The project:   a mini book series of 10 years of Christmas (for now anyway)

 


 

Why:   For the past several Christmas, I have wanted to add this project to our holiday decoration in our house.  Under our Christmas tree, is a special red velvet box that the girls look forward to taking out of storage each year. 

 


Project red box



In this box, we keep our favorite holiday items the girls have collected since they were little, including holiday books and special holiday toys. Each of the items has a special memory of where and when we got them.  No matter how old the girls get, I continue to see the look in their eyes when the items come out of the box each Christmas.  Thank goodness everything keeps fitting inside, but one day I see the need to add a new best friend to this one.

 


A few items that live in the box:

 


The M&M train that we got when Delaney was a baby.  She played hours and hours with it that Christmas and it’s been a favorite ever since.   

 


Project toys 1



Our Swedish dala horse collection that we continue to add to.  With a Swedish family background, the girls love these and the stories we have to go with them.  The black horse their Dad brought back from Sweden when he was in high school and danced there with the Swedish Dancer tour  (always a funny topic, Dad dancing in full costume.)  The rest of the collection has grown a little each year and most are made locally by artists in our community.

 


Project toys 2



What I want to add to this box, is the project I’m creating.  10 years of Christmas memories, each in a separate little mini book.  How fun it will be to look back 8 years or 5 years to reminisce?  

 


The girls will “own” these books and by that I mean, they will not be confined to a shelf in my office or to a spot where they might not be loved.  These books will be treasured and loved by them, kept just where they should be, in their keepsake red box that is the first thing to be brought out of storage at Christmas time.  That is why I have chosen to make this project simple, sturdy and small so it can be well loved.

 


 

I am inviting you to join me this week as I share this project with you.  You can create your own project along with me.  I will list the materials that I’m using, but you can also join in from home with materials you already have on hand. The materials do not matter, it’s the end result we’re after.  The goal of this is to be easy and fun, but showcase the past 10 years of Christmas.  

 



I just have to tell you that in working on this class, I have been a little teary eyed, OK alot!   I have not loved a project as much as this in a long time.  Going back and printing photos has been such treat for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is it that we keep our older photos hostage and never let them out?  Crazy.  That is why I have promised myself to dig in to the past and bring it in to my scrapbooking today as much as I can as I’m doing in this class.  It’s so worth it.  It’s my latest obsession, going back to the photos from back years and playing with them as much as I can, mixing them in with the ones from today.

 


    

 

 

My girls have already grabbed on to this project and the little piles of photos I’ve pulled out.   They immediately questioned me about what I was making and when i told them even my “hard to impress” 9 year old said “how cool.”  When I am finished, I will have 10 books spanning 10 years of Christmas. 

 


 

 

Does that sound crazy or what?  Actually, yes, even a little to me, but if you know me, I need this to be easy or I will not complete it with the craziness around here.  So for that reason, I promise you that this will be easy and SIMPLE and most of all TREASURED!  Ultimately, I am making this in record time.  I am a self-proclaimed NOT PHOTO ORGANIZED kind of person.  Well, I’m working on getting there, but if I can do this, so can you.   



Project books

Creative Lifestyle green chipboard book, Creative Lifestyle red chipboard book,  Creative Lifestyle kraft chipboard book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To make this easy, here’s what I’m using for my project.   These chipboard books from the Creative Café, Lifestyle collection are the perfect size for what I want and I love that they come in red, green and kraft.  See, this is already looking pretty simple, don’t you think?  The colors are perfect for Christmas.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I decided to start with 2008 so following Christmas I can just add photos and then work backwards through the years.  So I gathered 10 books for my project.  You can do any amount you want.  For me, 10 is a good number and the books I chose to use make this already very simple.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other materials I’m using to keep this easy to do, yet looking good are the following:

 

Art Warehouse Mistletoe and Hollyberry Collection papers.  I haven’t had the chance to play with this collection yet, and I have been eager to use it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project papers

Hollyberry Collection &  Mistletoe Collection


and I’ll be using these, for simple fast embellishments,  Noel products

Not shown in pictures, but used in my project and listed in the full materials list are the chipboard stickers, 2 papers, and epoxy from the Radiance Collection

 

 

 

 

 


Project extras


Download list of materials used



Check back each day this week for more all the elements of this project.   Consider joining me if you can.   I will be giving away a prize package each day from the comments here.  So be sure to stop by if you can, amidst all the holiday festivities.


For more details and additional images, you can visit my blog where you can leave me any questions you might have.  



Also stay tuned for details later in the week about a chat I’m hosting this weekend following the class. 

 

See links above for products and also full materials list.


Posted in Art Warehouse, Creative Cafe, scrapbooking | 14 Comments »

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