Faithbooking Inspirations

I Didn't See You

My daughter plays on a homeschool volleyball team.  Being the only 4th grader on a junior high team has brought her mostly bench warming time.  And, when she has gotten to play, it's been my begging praying that she hit the ball over the net......Bless her heart - that hadn't happened....until Saturday!!!

Well, after that great bump, her momma stood up, grabbed the white tounament t-shirt and 'rally towel' spun it like a fool cheering for the Super Bowl game-winning field goal.  And, just as I sat down, she hit it again, back over that net.  So, what 's a mom to do, but, stand right back up there and do it again.  Here I am, shirt spinning, dancing, yelling, I'm sure arms flapping, and causing all eyes to look at me and not the game...only to have my daughter say afterwards "Oh, I didn't see you".

Are you kidding me?  I stood there attracting everyone's attention and, she didn't see me?  Ugh.

I stepped completely out of my comfort zone, put all concerns aside, ranted and raved, and, she didn't see me? - Yikes.

I put myself out there to make sure she felt the love I had for her, and, she didn't see me? - Ouch

Would I do it again? Absolutely

Why - because I love her - more than life itself.

And, this morning, as I looked at my beautiful purple mums covered in rain drops, I wondered how many times Christ does a rally towel spin to get our attention and show His love for us, and we miss it. 

Maybe we're so caught up in the game we don't notice Him standing on the sidelines cheering for us like a crazy mom, or, quietly interceding for us like a Savior.

That tree of gold, red and orange - that's Him, showing His love through the beauty of nature.

That call you just got from a friend - that's Him, showing His love through companionship.

That pair of dirty socks you picked up for your son, again - that's Him, showing His love through the reminder that your child can run and play.

That alarm going off seemingly too early this morning - that's Him, giving you the gift of another day.

What if we, even just for 24 hours watched for signs of Him, in the stands, showing His love for us - How would our perspecitve change?  How would our confidence grow?  How would our trust in Him get stronger?  How would our strength to face the day grow deeper? 

Oh, How my heart would break if my Savior asked me if I saw Him and, I had to reply, "Oh, I didn't see you".

"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.  Nothing is too hard for you.  You show love to thousands..." Jer 32:18

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Rom 5:8

So, you can bet , when I scrap those tournament pictures - this will be a double page spread.  1 page to tell the story of her season, the other page to tell the story of "I didn't see you" and, make sure she reads that He shows us He loves us all day long - we simply need to look on the sidelines.

***Keep looking at those pictures through eternal glasses girls - there are so many stories to tell beyond the date, time, and, who was there.

Whew!

Whew - after a stint of nearly 2 years of dual citizenship between 2 states, I can finally say we are in officially in Houston!

The stories of struggles survived, lessons learned and blessings bestowed have been way too numerous to even begin to share in one post.

But, more than anything, the Lord has shown me that, when we have patient endurance resting and trusting in Him, He will show us beauty beyond belief.

I have learned to rest in Him with every ounce of my being.

And, if there ever was a time our loved ones need to find the peace in resting in Him, it is now. 

The reason I started this site was to present one way to get your legacy and His Word into your albums ~ I have seen and read such amazing stories from you.  However, I believe He is calling Scrapbookers Bubble Bath to be a brighter light and a bigger tool in a its little corner of the world.

First on my agenda, is to lower the price of the Unto All Generations Volumes I, II, and, III to  0.99....Nope, that wasn't a typo :~)

No fancy words guys ~ In short, I just want EVERYONE to experience His love and peace.  And, this is one way Scrapbookers Bubble Bath can touch hurting lives and make an eternal impact. 

So, enjoy, use these for growing His Kingdom, watch God show up in your life, and, hang around to watch what else is on my Texan mind :~)

Putting Scriptures to the Numbers

As we were standing in the kitchen talking about how long a marathon actually is (26.2 miles), my son said he wanted to find a verse with those numbers.  He ran upstairs and came down so excited.  "Since Psalms was the only one he knew that had at least 26 chapters", he turned to Psalm 26:2......And, would you believe what it says?

"Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;"

How cool is that?????!!!!!  If there is anyway to describe training/ running a marathon, it is a testing of the heart and mind.

I now have a Bible opened to Psalm 26:2 set on my treadmill.  It has become my prayer and my proclamation.

'Putting Scriptures to Numbers' can be such a blessing of inspiration, teaching, and downright fun.  I've done it with important dates, numbers on my race bib, receipt numbers and appointment times.  Look up different versions as well.  In fact, one version of Psalm 26:2 actually says "test my body".   

It is amazing how often you can easily find just the right scripture to fit the occasion.

Use this to help children learn verses, assign a scripture to jersey numbers, to inspire or encourage as important dates approach, or as scriptures / titles on your album pages.  It is just a great little way to direct our loved ones back to His Word and learn to apply it to our lives.

Have fun, and, if you find any, pass them on in the comments below!

I Believe in You ~ Soundtrack Saturday 9

My three sons all have birthdays within 3 weeks of each other. ~ In 6 days I will be the mother of a 14, 13, 11, and 8 year old....That means I have a house with teenagers!!! 

Daily I earnestly strive to provide the right dicipline, guidance, and love for these precious growing souls. Through my parenting, I try to point back to one important fact:  I want them to know that I, and their Creator, believe in them.  If our children have the confidence that they are created for a purpose and have those who believe in them, they can literally change this world!

As I was cutting my 11 year old's cake the song I Believe in You by Steven Curtis Chapman came on my Zune ~ and, it became the next Soundtrack Saturday post.  It struck me as the perfect song for so many different pages or albums:  Birthdays, Graduation, Wedding, New Path ~ any other ideas? 

(Subscribers may have to click over to the website to hear the song ~ I know some email hosts don't transfer the file)

I Believe in You lyrics by Steven Curtis Chapman

Aren't you the little one
That hid in my arms afraid of the thunder
Are these the little hands
That held so tight to mine

Didn't we both agree you'd never grow up
And now here we are, and here you go
Of all the things I want to say
The thing you really need to know is...

I believe in you
I believe in you
Everything you are
Everything you are becoming

And I believe in you
I believe in you
So spread your wings and fly
On the winds of knowing
I always believe in you

So many prayers we've prayed
So many dreams to get to this moment
Now this is where we stay
While you go change the world

But I'll be where I have always been
Up in the stands cheering you on and singing this song
A song the very God who made you
Has been singing all along 

I believe in you
Yeah, I believe in you
So spread your wings and fly
On the winds of knowing
I will always believe in you

And when you rise and when you fall
I'll still believe in you
Just close your eyes and hear me calling
I believe in You

Coversations Full of Grace

Let your conversation be always full of grace....Colossians 4:6

What a perfect scripture for pictures of anyone with any kind of phone near their ear, or for that first cell phone purchase for your teen.

Even if you have already scrapped such a page, go back and stick this little scripture in a tiny empty spot. 

We never know who will be looking at our albums one day and need just The Word they read.

** This is also a great verse for our families to memorize ~ I know my kids needed to tuck that one away for use towards their siblings :~)  It was a great opportunity to point out His grace towards us as well.

Dads ~ Soundtrack Saturday 5

Last night my dad poked his head in the room and said "It's my year anniversary".  Wow, I can't believe it has been a year since he had his bypass, and, you all were so great with your prayer support.

So, this Soundtrack Saturday celebrates dads.  Here are just a few songs that may fit in pages with your own dad, or pages with the children in your life with their father.  I've included some quick ideas to get you thinking on how you can use the songs, but, of course, the possibilities are endless.

This just tips the surface ~ got any other ones you like? 

**For subscribers, click here to hear "Always Be Your Baby"

Always Be Your Baby by Natalie Grant ~ create a page with pictures of the daghter and father throughout the years

Father's Love by Bob Carlisle ~ use the chorus and journal aspects of your father / daughter relationship with God

Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman ~ of course with the tragedy the Chapman family experienced, this song has a deeper and more real meaning. However, through this amazing family, God will be glorified! 

You Can Let Go Now Daddy by Crystal Shawanda ~ (warning: kleenex required) journal the little and/or big things your father did to care for you

With Arms Wide Open by Creed ~ this is a great song for a new dad

Find Your Wings by Mark Harris ~ put this song, along with a CD, in the front of a graduation album with a letter of even journaling or prayer and support from the father

Rise to IT

"Your life is an occasion ~ Rise to it"

I heard this on Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium, and, thought it'd be great for our albums.

Stick this little statement on a page with balloons, airplanes, high places, climbers on couches or mountains, graduation, new path, or even on a front page.

Those 8 words can alter the course for someone searching for, or struggling with, where they want to go or what they believe God wants them to be.

**And, if you are looking for a good movie check out Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium.  It is clean, filled with a wonderful message and, will make you smile.

Heal the Wound ~ Leave the Scar

A couple of months ago my daughter left this 4 1/2 inch skid-mark on our street with her teeth...yes, I did say with her teeth!

As I held my poor daughter with her busted teeth, I refused to believe my sons when they said there was a "huge skid mark" ~ I told them to grab a ruler and camera.....So, now my daughter tells people this picture is her "trophy", and, "the pictures are gonna make a great scrapbook page" ~ now that is a true scrapbooker's kid!

We've had many trips to the dentist, and there are still some prayers going up about the long term prognosis of her front teeth, but, the wound on her lip has healed to leave a pink scar.  When I look at that little mark, I praise God for so many blessings that came from this incident.  And, even my 8 year old can tell you how God blessed her and protected her that day.

How many scars do you have that really can become reminders of how beautiful God is? 

What about those stretch marks from your pregnancies ~ the cut above your eye from that car accident that so many said they weren't sure how you walked away ~ the little burn from your first homemade cake you made for your daddy's birthday ~ the pain yet peace you still feel when you hear that certain song ~ the memories of that one night when your life was changed forever ~ the smile lines which even the expensive creams can't seem to erase, that really show how often you've had the gift of smiles and laughter during your life....

I have 2 'scars' that I have been praying the Lord would remove, one physical, and, one situational ~ however, realistically, I don't see that prayer being answered in the way I'd choose.  Instead, I have begun thanking Him for his grace, power, and love that is proven in the scar that remains. And, I  pray/sing the chorus to Heal the Wound by Point of Grace. (I've included the song and lyrics at the end of this post)

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

We each have so many wounds He has healed, but, the scars remain. 

Sharing these scars, whether physical, situational, or emotional have the chance of blessing future generations.  We can teach them to see their scars through His eyes and rejoice in His ways.  We can share His works, power, love, and beauty through pages with the story of our scars.

• Share a the story, with or without a picture, of a physical wound you have:  Share the story how it came to be, how you saw His work in the situation, and, how that wound / scar has blessing in it
• Share a time in your life when you were hurt deeply but you can look back through the emotional scar and see His work and way
• Share the story of scars your loved ones have and how those wounds to scars were blessings.  This is especially important and touching for our children as they grow and see a scar but can remember the love of God
• Create a page with a picture of Christ's nail-scarred hands (you can find them on the internet if you search in images).  Journal what those wounds mean to you, how you feel when you see the picture / think of His sacrifice, and the power those wounds represent.  This is a great opportunity to share His sacrifice for EACH of us and the gift of eternal life ~ you never know the heart that your page may change!!!

Enjoy the song below (warning: a tissue may be needed), and, as you read the words, thank Him for a wound He has healed but allowed a scar to remain to remind you of His love and mercy.

~ Praise Him for your scars! ~

Heal the Wound by Point of Grace

I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend
I never knew me back then

I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I've been
But it's the memory of
The place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees
And even though I'm free

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don't take pride in what I bring
But I'll build an altar with
The rubble that You've found me in
And every stone will sing
Of what You can redeem

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

Don't let me forget
Everything You've done for me
Don't let me forget
The beauty in the suffering

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

One Heartbeat at a Time

So often as mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and mentors we feel as if we are just not doing enough.

Shaping these precious souls entrusted to us is a daunting task that often takes years to see its fruits.

It's easy to get lost in the day to day busyness and wonder if we are truly making a difference.

This morning, I was blessed by a song that brought a tear to my eye along with "rewind" pushes at least 6 times.

We must remember we ARE changing the world as we mold His children.  Each moment, word, and smile will, one day, create someone who WILL "rock this world for Him". 

As many of the Mother's Day pictures are getting developed and placed in albums, I thought I'd share the beautiful song and lyrics to Steven Curtis Chapman's "One Heartbeat at a Time".

• Use some of the words as your place Mother's Day pictures in your albums
• Journal how your own mother / grandmother / mentor changed the world through her children
• Journal your prayers and dreams of your own children / loved ones changing the world
• Use the chorus in a baby album as a gift to a new mother
• Include Isaiah 40:11 ~ He tends His flock like a Shepherd and carries His lambs close to His heart.  He gently leads those that have young

Lord, give us the perseverance to press on and make the most of each moment as we "make history with every touch and smile"

*** Just a little technical note:  I am super excited...I just figured out how to insert the songs into these posts ~ so, cruise through the Songs and Poems Category and now actually hear the songs I have shared.

One Heartbeat at a Time ~ Steven Curtis Chapman

You're up all night with a screaming baby
You run all day at the speed of life
And every day you feel a little bit less
Like the beautiful woman you are

So you fall into bed when you run out of hours
And you wonder if anything worth doing got done
Oh, maybe you just don't know
Or maybe you've forgotten

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

With every "I know you can do it"
Every tear that you kiss away
So many little things that seem to go unnoticed
They're just like the drops of rain over time
They become a river

And you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
How you're changing the world
You're changing the world

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
Oh, I believe that you
You are changing the world
One little heartbeat
At a time

And you're changing the world

Beautiful Feet

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news" ~ Rom 10:15

"Direct my footsteps according to your word..." ~ Psalm 119:133

"He will not let you foot slip..." ~ Psalm 121:3

There are not many things more beautiful in this world than children's feet.  And, at the risk of sounding kinda odd, when I look at the feet of my parents, I am touched by where those feet have been and how those feet have impacted my life. 

Pictures or imprints of feet have a perfect place in our albums. They represent a future and a promise.  They prove God's amazing creative works.  They are what take us down the path He has for us.

I challenge you to make a "Beautiful Feet Page" in your album.  Although it may not be a 'typical' page, think of the words, stories and prayers of legacy you could leave.  Then, e-mail me your "Beautiful Feet Page" so I can share them in an upcoming album on this site.

• Use one of the scriptures listed above as a border around a picture or collage
• Include a prayer for where you pray your loved one's feet will take them in the future
• Journal your praises for where the feet have been:  include the actions as well as the places (mission trips, college, supporting and raising a family, sports achievements, ministries, etc)
• Do you have special memories / feelings about your loved one's feet? (Story time, kicking a football in the back yard, reminding you of the miracle of life, etc)
• If your loved one is insecure about their feet / toes you can place a wide ribbon or make a card to place over their toes (write a scripture on it, their name, or a special saying)
• If you don't have / are unable to get a picture of the feet, make them through stickers, tracing, die-cuts or clip art, then use the suggestions above to complete the page
• Instead of a picture, make an imprint on a piece of paper with an ink pad
• Create a page using these prompts for any special shoes (first pair, athletic goals, special days or meetings).  Go to the shoe rack and take pictures of the shoes owned by your family and journal special moments or thoughts about each pair.
• Create a mini-album for a child about the parts of our body and how each of those parts was created for a special purpose and how they can serve God
• Create a page about sitting at Christ's Feet ~ journal when you feel closest to Him, do you sit at His feet for wisdom, guidance, strength or peace?
• Challenge your scrapping group, family members or friends to make a "Beautiful Feet Page" and then share them the next time you get together.
• And, next time you look at your feet, give them a little pat for all they have been in your life ~ even if you do need a pedicure :~)
• If you can't make the page today, just file the thoughts, imprint, or picture away with all those Precious Papers, and make some Journey Jots to be used later.   And, remember, It is OK to be out of order!

**I found this precious image at AllPosters.com

A Gift ~ Through Eternal Glasses

For months my son had bugged reminded me what he wanted for his birthday....Guitar Hero III~ It was a daily, and sometimes hourly, discussion.

He even talked me into this shirt that said "My Mom Rocks" ~ I think that was a little sweet talking going on, even through a shirt :~)

How could I begin to dream of giving him anything else. 

So, of course, there was a Wii Guitar Hero III for a certain 12 year old's birthday.

Then, we saw what was on the screen......

In short ~ one of the levels in Guitar Hero III is called "Battle for Your Soul" and, it has songs such as "The Number of the Beast" and "Raining Blood".  Images of Satan were sprinkled all over the game ~ at one point the player even battles Satan in order to advance to the next level.

As I watched this play out in my living room, all I could think was "Christ died a horrible death so we would never have to see Satan, and now, we are playing with him."

My heart was torn ~ how could I think of returning this game.....Yet how could I not?

I thank the Lord for a child who had a heart tender enough to hear his parents' concerns and be willing to return his game ~ Praise God for our children and how the He can speak to their hearts. 

Now a PS2 Guitar Hero 'Rock the Eighties' sits by our TV ~ it may not be the newest and greatest out there, but, Satan has been put back in his place ~ out of my home.

That gift incident has made me think a lot about the gifts we give and the love / thought / impact / stories behind them.  There is so much more that can be added to our pages with pictures of gift exchanges:

• Why was the gift requested / given / chosen / perfect for the receiver or from the giver?
• Is there any eternal significance / statement / story that can give you the opportunity to point towards Christ on that page?
• Was there a sacrifice made to make the gift possible?  Include the appreciation of God's work to allow the gift
• As you or your loved one use and enjoy the gift, is there something that can be included about Christ or your prayers for your future generations
• How can the gift be used for good / potential eternal purpose?  Include a prayer revolving around the gift and its potential

Wow, think about the difference we can make with a few added words.  The next time you make a gift giving / receiving page ~ look at the pictures through "Eternal Impact Glasses".

**And, if you are a parent whose child plays Guitar Hero III, any video game for that matter, just take an hour or so to look at it ~ make sure you are comfortable with the images and the message that your child is seeing.  And, please know, that I hope not to offend anyone in any way.  I realize there will be some 'world' in these video games, as parents we just have to decide how much 'world' the Lord would want us to allow in our home.

You're a Mom!

I found a great Christmas present for your kids ~ as well as some great words for our scrapbooks.

The Go Fish Guys is an amazing group with a mission to create "Great music for kids that won't drive parents bonkers".  You can hear some clips from their CDs here.  We found these guys earlier this week, and, my kids are hooked.  Their newest CD ~ Snazzy can be heard in the next town over as my kids jam down the road.  The cool thing, is, I find myself singing right along with them ~ and, it is music and words that is perfect for ears of all ages!

Below, I have included the song and words to "You're a Mom" ~ You can imagine how my heart was touched to hear all 4 'jamming' and singing the words at the top of their lungs. 

These words would be great along side a picture of a mom with here kids, perhaps surrounded by toys or kids.  Journal how the words make you feel as a mom, or about your own mother.  What special things make you know you are a mom?  In what ways did your mom let you know she loved you?  How has being a mother changed your life?  How does the Bible help you / show you how to shape these little souls?  Journal your passion for your children to take up the Bible and your desire to show its teachings in your own life.

I have the words typed out in Word and will use them on the next page with pix of me and my kids ~ with these lines highlighted! The Bible that you hold Can shape these little souls.

You also can check out 2 great videos from the Go Fish Guys: Christmas with a Capital C is cute, and It's About the Cross is powerful!

May you Moms Enjoy!!  :~)

You're a Mom ~ by The Go Fish Guys

If you have a stroller

But you’re still a rock and roller

You’re a mom

If you’re tired of doing dishes

And you know who Elmo’s fish is

You’re a mom

(Chorus)

You’re the boss, the driver

The ultimate survivor

A doctor, a cooker

You’re man thinks you’re a looker

If you work all day

But you never get paid

You’re a mom

If you need a sick day

But instead you’re gonna play

You’re a mom

If your first occupation

Sounds like a sweet vacation

You’re a mom

If your living room floor

Looks like a toy store

You’re a mom

(Chorus)

You’re the boss, the driver

The ultimate survivor

A doctor, a cooker

You’re man thinks you’re a looker

If you work all day

But you never get paid

You’re a mom

If you mean the whole world

To a little boy or girl

You’re a mom

The Bible that you hold

Can shape these little souls

You’re a mom

If you have the most important job in the world

You’re a mom

Ordinary Miracles

"Pleasure can be found in the world's ordinary miracles"

I found this on the top of a Daisy Sour Cream container, and, thought it would be a beautiful saying in our scrapbooks!

I took this picture on a hike with the kids ~ it's a weed ~ but, man, it was just so beautiful, and, lavender :~)

Our day and world is full of ordinary miracles ~ May you take pleasure in them this week and the rest of the holiday season!

Often, our albums are full of the 'special' days and moments, however, we must be sure to catch the everyday and ordinary part of our lives ~ Truly, those moments are more what make us who we are than the big, special ones.  As I mentioned in a post in 2006 ~ The Mundane is the Legacy Too. 

Use this saying:

• In the front of an album
• A page of 'a day in the life of' pictures
• Nature
• Our family that we so often take for granted
• Before and after of anything from a room, to weight loss, to graduation, to the growth of a child
• A time in your life when the Lord revealed a specific plan for you
• Anything in your life that the Lord shows you is part of His beautiful and wildly amazing world

Annual Halloween E-Cards

E-cards are frequently ending up in my email ~ it is my kids little way of saying anything from "Hi", to "Sorry", to "Can we make cookies".

And, Mama's Little Vampire can be found anytime of the year ~ but, especially many times a day around October 31st!

So, in honor of my kids, I thought I'd share our Annual 3 favorite Halloween E-Cards

Take lots of pictures tomorrow, and, enjoy the time with your children!

Here are some page ideas using these e-cards I have posted previously, and, here are more links to e-card suppliers

Our Favorite Halloween E-Cards ~ these will make any Mama laugh!

• Mama's Little Vampire
• Knock Knock Ghost:  Boo Hoo?
• Knock Knock Ghost:  Interrupting Ghost

***And, by the way while you sort through and eat all that candy ~ try creating a page with your favorite candy wrapper

The Tooth Fairy ~ II

My daughter lost her tooth a couple of weeks ago, and, somehow I managed to get this picture ~ the tooth, still attached to the floss and doorknob, flying through the air!!! 

Everytime I see this I just have to laugh ~ I couldn't have planned it any better ~ this will go down as a classic picture in our family :~)

As I was working on the Unto All Generations ~ Volume III "Lost Tooth" entry this morning, I thought of this picture, and, how much I am looking forward to scrapping it.  This just may have to be one of those pictures that are blown-up to 5x7 and earn its own page! :~) 

So, thought I'd share my excitement in this picture, and, UAG III as I see it in its final stages.  UAG III can still be pre-ordered for $10.99 to ensure you receive it on my 40th birthday, July 4th!  Here's the Lost Tooth entry (Download uag_vol_iii_lost_tooth_sample.xls) I finished this morning just to give you a rough idea of what the format will be. Be sure to email me with any questions or last minute entries you'd like to see.

Keep shooting those pictures, you just never know when you will catch a one in a million shot like this one!  :~)

~ See Faithbooking Inspirations entry "Tooth Fairy ~ I" 

How to Say Goodbye

Summer is here, and, my kids are growing :~)

As I sorted laundry this morning, I was praying for the coming summer and how to be sure I intentionally take time for the special moments with my kids.  Somewhere between the baseball pants and dirty socks, I heard the info about this song on the radio, and, I literally stopped sorting and searched for it. 

It touched my OCD perfectionist personality to the core ~ I know sometimes I get so caught up in "doing" that I miss the "stopping".  In fact, as I typed this, my daughter came down, and, I stopped typing for that extra minute of a hug!!!

As summer rumbles on down, and, we turn the calender quickly, be sure to stop, hold, and, cherish.  The time does fly, and, their dreams do take them far away from us.

Perhaps the video speaks so much more than the words, but, I promise, you need a tissue and will stop to think about the time that is flying by with your family.

Tell me when the time we had slipped away
tomorrow turned to yesterday
and I don't know how.

P.S. ~ These lyrics (in part or whole) would be great words in the front of a tribute, graduation, or going away album :~) 

The music & lyrics for Michal W. Smith's "How to Say Goodbye" are below ~

And, see the video here

Tell me when the time we had slipped away
tomorrow turned to yesterday
and I don't know how.
Tell me what can stop this river of tears
It's been building up for years
for this moment now.

Here I stand
Arms open wide.
I've held you close
kept you safe
till you could fly.

Tell me where the road ahead is gonna bend,
and how to harness up the wind,
and how to say goodbye.

Tell me why,
why does following your dreams
take you far away from me ~
and I knew that it would.

Tell me how to feel the space you left behind,
and how to laugh instead of cry,
and how to say goodbye

Here I stand
Arms open wide.
I've held you close,
kept you safe
till you could fly.

Tell me where the road ahead is gonna bend,
and how to harness up the wind,
and how to say goodbye.

Kids 4 Truth

Just passing on an amazing web-site I found this morning.

While it may not be for scrapbooking specifically ~ you are a part of Scrapbookers Bubble Bath because you have a passion to leave a legacy ~ And, that includes giving our children any material we can to help them follow in His Word and Way

Kids 4 Truth has some great clips on subjects such as creation, wonderful daily devotionals and coloring pages.  I only spent about 5 minutes on it this morning, but, man, does it look AWESOME!!!

Let's see, how can we use this site and wonderful info in our scrapbooks?  :)

• Perhaps you can use some of the coloring pages in your album after they have been colored by your favorite children
• Some of the poems on the clips can be used on the front of an album or as page headers in a gift / small album
• The devotions have soul searching questions that could make an eternal difference or great journaling questions for our loved ones

Have a wonderful Spring's Coming Weekend!!

Adoption

As I read my Bible this morning, I found a verse that I should have included in the Adoption section of Volume I of the Unto All Generations.  Since it would take me forever to go back and contact all who have purchased it, I thought I'd just put it here, and, let you all add it to your books.  These words would be wonderful on a page with the pictures or story of an adoption.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans... (James 1:27)

As I stressed so clearly in the books, I have tried very hard to not take scriptures out of context.  I believe that His Word is Holy, and, we must be careful not to alter its meaning.  To ensure that I allow each of you to determine the meaning, I included the full scriptures as well as the words that would be perfect on a page: 

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  (James 1:27)

Look for more of these coming ~ I have a list of a few more that I have found in my times of prayer and study of the Word ~ so, I'll just add them here in a new section Unto All Generations Add-Ons :)

Precious E-Cards to Preserve

With the internet being such a part of our lives, now greeting cards can be sent with just a few clicks and key taps.   When these things first started coming out I thought they were completely impersonal and that I would n-e-v-e-r send one. 

Well, of course, never say never, and, now ever since last year with the Invasion of the E-Cards in our home, these cards we send these things to each other regularly.  And, the cards from my children have just blessed my life.  Who'd thought these things would become a part of my family scrapbooks!

The kids send cards to each other with such such sweet and funny words ~ being a house with mainly boys, you can begin to imagine the verbal exchanges :)  This one from my daughter just meant the world to me ~ she giggled as I made my mouse kiss the little guy, and, be sure to click exit to read her message!! 

While I don't print them all, I do print the screen(s) of the cards that are treasures to keep and save them in my album just as I would cards through the mail.  Even now as we look at them in our albums they bring precious memories and moments.

So, start sending and saving your e-cards.  All you have to do is click on one of the links below, browse through the 'card aisle' and forward to your loved ones.  Then, be sure to hit "print" on your browser to preserve the cards that are sent or received that mean the most.  I just crop around the printed card to remove the extra paper, mount it on some of my mounting paper, file it, and, then put it in my album when I get to that date.  These have become a permanent part of our family's story and are now honestly are treasured just as much as a card from the 'real' card store.

• Crosscards ~ This one has some beautiful Christian cards.  There are even some reminding us to set our clocks ahead Saturday.
• Hallmark ~ having just come from vacation, I think my kids have clicked and watched that car with the snakes card at least 50 times :)  I just love the Interrupting Ghost and Mama's Little Vampire, they just make me giggle.  And of course, I've received lots of 'nature cards' with "Mommy's birds and deer".
• Monk-e-mail ~ my kids LOVE this one!!  Who can resist a monkey that you can dress up and make it say what you type!!!  :)
• American Greetings ~ We having used this one too much, but, I'm sure they are just as good

Have fun, and, get those e-cards flying!

Preserve their Favorite Web Site

With the amazing growth of the World Wide Web, our children now have another favorite.  Along with their favorite movie, cup, song or bedtime story, many children now have a special web-site.  Whether it is Starfall for learning, Club Penguin for on-line games, or cheat codes at a favorite gaming site, our children are now spending hours on the internet. 

My eight year old spends hours on Very Best Baking.com ~  yes, believe it or not, whenever he has a few spare minutes, he sneaks away to the computer and, as a result, I get "Mom, check this recipe out" emails daily.  I think I have enough new recipes to try for weeks.  I just know, when he opens his "hotel with awesome food for Christians" he would love to see the web sites that inspired him even at such a young age. 

So, while we are sure to record pictures of our loved one's favorites, don't forget to capture those web-sites that will one day bring memories full of discussion and smiles. 

• Once you are on the home page (or other favored page) of the site, you can just hit print, and, then you will have a snapshot of the site, and, can then record the stories behind that site.
• Document the reasons the web-site is so enjoyable / special
• If it is a site that has a fee, print off the receipt
• Let your loved one add to the scrapbook page
• If a loved one has a blog, be sure to print off the entries and put them in a binder ~ what a treasure to read later (I did this for my brother's Arms Wide Open, and, he loved it!!)

Some sites I am going to print and save the info on my Journey Jots until I get to scrap them:

1. Starfall ~ My daughter's site that helped her learn to read
2. Very Best Baking ~ My son's "cool website" ~ he is even saving his 'brownie points' and submits comments :)
3. Nathan's Cooking Ideas ~ My son's site he created.  In fact, he is finishing his entire school year early so he can build a "real web site to give people recipes" on a site "with tabs"  :)
4. Career Builder Monkee Email ~ This talking monkey card email is too funny ~ we love this one!
5. Club Penguin ~ The site my kids read 300 pages a month to "pay their fee"
6. Lucas Arts ~ A great site for cheat codes for their new Lego Star Wars Play Station 2 game
7. NeoPets ~ My kids get their own pet, and, I don't have to clean up after it :)
8. Kids Health ~ A great site for info about the human body ~ we use this for science and it is awesome!
9. K12 ~ The home page for our homeschooling material

So, watch your family as they cruise the internet, or click on history to see the most frequently visited sites.  The pages we visit are just another part of our daily life that create the memories and make us who we are.

PS ~ One real quick note that is very important to me ~ it is a good idea to check your browser history anyway ~ even when our children are innocently cruising, you never know what they may come across.  We need to be pro-active with our blocks and active with our history searches. I do not want this to happen to anyone else .

My Wish

As I put laundry away yesterday, My Wish by Rascal Flatts played on my blaring stereo :)  And, as I sung these beautiful lyrics loudly ~ only because the kids were all the way in the basement and out of ears reach ~ I had a thought....It is another one of those perfect songs to explain why I have such a passion for creating albums of legacy.  The lyrics say exactly what I want my albums to be about. 

These lyrics are perfect for a parent / child page, a title page, a graduation album, moving album, a newborn album, armed services album or wedding album.  While I hesitated to post them - I figured there are at least a few readers that haven't heard it, so, for those of you who aren't country fans you can hear the song below.

My Wish ~ Lyrics by Rascal Flatts

I hope that days come easy and moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

More then anything, more then anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more then you take.

Oh More then anything, Yeah, and more then anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it,
To your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more then you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

Salvation Stories

Sometimes I get caught up in making sure the day to day stories are captured in my scrapbooks, that, I forget to capture the eternal stories.

A few years ago, my son had to type up his "Salvation Story" to become a member of our church.  He retyped what he had written in the front of his Bible.  As I was going through some files in my computer last week, I found it, printed it, and, stuck it right in the album I was working in ~ remembering that "It Is OK to Be Out of Order" :)

While the page is simple, it's meaning and significance well over-shadows any picture in the album.

So, get a notebook out, and, ask your kids about Jesus - type up what they say and make a page for each or, a collage of their answers.  If they are old enough, have them type / make their own page.  And, don't forget the adults in your life ~ their stories will be well seasoned and full of His works and love!

** Click on the picture to see it larger and read his precious words

Eternal Expressions #3 ~ The Beauty of the 4 Seasons

I have a Magnolia Tree in my front yard that is just beautiful in the Spring.  But, if you miss those 2 weeks that it is in full bloom, you've missed the beauty until next year. 

We all have beauty in our yard that peaks at various times of the year.  Whether it be the blooms in Spring, the vibrant colors of Fall, or the pure white of Winter, He shows His creative workmanship year round. 

Challenge yourself to take pictures of your yard throughout the year and make a few pages, or, even dedicate a small album to the seasonal beauty of your home.  Include pictures with journaling to describe your home and the feelings the seasons bring to your spirit.

Ideas

• What is your favorite time of year
• Do you have a favorite tree / plant
• Take pictures of the leaves and buds in various stages of bloom.  (A partially closed rose is as beautiful as one fully opened)
• Describe treasured smells or moments (I know when I smell the Magnolia through my window that spring is here and a summer with my children is on it's way)
• Include special memories from the plants and trees (One tree is treasured to me because that is where my children love to climb.  Our butterfly bushes have lots of stories and memories circling them)
• Designate an envelope for developed pictures or file on your computer for the images ~ This time next year, bring all the pictures out and make an album
• Write your thoughts on your Journey Jots and keep them in the envelope or a special place
• GIve your children the camera through the year, and let them make an album as well ~ It would be so treasured to see the yard from their point of view
• Don't forget pictures of creatures such as frogs, snakes, birds, and squirrels

Scriptures

• For this is what the LORD says - he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited - he says:  I am the LORD, and there is no other.  ~ Isaiah 42:18
• Oh, visit the earth, ask her to join the dance!  Deck her out in spring showers, fill the God-RIver with living water.  Paint the wheat fields golden.  Creation was made for this!  ~ Psalm 65:9
• How many are your works oh Lord!  In wisdom you made them all... ~ Psalm 104:24
• He has made everything beautiful in it's time... ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11
• The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever ~ Isaiah 40:8
• ...Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... ~ Isaiah 1:18
• And ~ there are sooo many more!!  :)
• Scripture inspirations taken from the Unto All Generations Volume I~ Families and Heritage Scriptures

** This picture is from Steela B's website - there is some kinda cool stuff on there :)

Find Your Wings

Find Your Wings ~ Lyrics

It’s only for a moment you were mine to hold

The plans that Heaven has for you will all too soon unfold

So many different prayers I pray for all that you might do

But most of all, I wanna know you’re walking in the truth

And if I never told you,

I want you to know,

That as I watch you grow

     I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

     And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things

     I’m here for you whatever this life brings

     So, let my love give you roots and help you find wings

May passion be the wind that leads you through your days

And may conviction keep you strong and guide you on your way

May there be many moments that make your life so sweet

Oh, but more than memories

     I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

     And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things

     I’m here for you whatever this life brings

     So, let my love give you roots and help you find wings

It’s not living

If you don’t reach for the sky

I’ll have tears as you take off

But, I’ll cheer as you fly

     I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

     And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things

     I’m here for you, whatever this life brings

     So, let my love give you roots and help you find your wings

Lyrics to Find Your Wings By Mark Harris

Mark Harris – The Line Between the Two (He is from the awesome group 4 Him ~ This CD will be in my collection by the weekend!!)

*****************************

Welcome to Scrapbookers Bubble Bath Faithbooking Inspirations ~ go grab your Kleenex and read on :)

     That song so says exactly why I have such a passion for legacybooking.  It is exactly why I want my scrapbooks to have more than pictures, dates and guest lists.  I was given these 4 precious souls to nurture, pray over, mold, and one day, give wings to fly on to serve Him and bring others to Him while living this amazing life.  And, my children will look at my albums as they grow, and, long after I am gone.  Scattered throughout those albums they will find words of encouragement, dreams, prayers and eternity.

     As Scrapbookers Bubble Bath goes on a brief "packing and painting leave" for most of April and May, I hope you find help from our Faithbooking Inspirations archives and SBB web-site.  But, more importantly, I pray you find, within yourself, the passion and desire to leave your legacy in your albums.  I believe there is no better place for future generations to read our prayers, our dreams and His Word.

     I am working on the next Unto All Generations release to be released May 31st, 2006.  To be honest, it has truly been inspiring to me as I have planned and written it.  It is called Leaving the Legacy, and, will give us all an easy to remember and use guide to legacybooking.  It is based on using LEGACY as an acrostic to create pages of eternal significance ~ I am very excited as I see the changes this idea has made in my scrapbooking already!

     However, as I have mentioned, moving has occupied so much of my time, that I am unable to give SBB the attention it needs and my heart desires.  So, I have made the very difficult decision to put new posts and changes on hold for just a brief time.  I have prayed and wrestled with the right thing to do, and feel this is what I need to do for myself and my family. 

 

     While I am on leave, Unto All Generations Volume I and II are available for purchase, and, new orders will be shipped.  Also, Legacy Pass It Ons, SBB's weekly journaling e-mail, will continue.  In the meantime, read the archives, and sign up for new posts of Faithbooking Inspirations and Held By Him.  And, visit our favorite links, I posted a couple new ones at the bottom of the SBB Welcome Page.

     Please know you all bless me and that this decision has been one of much prayer and even a few tears.  Continue to love on your family, serve and yearn for Him, and, be ready to create some major awesome pages once I return at the end of May :)

     Take care, and, remember, we are each Held By Him!

   Tina

I.O.U Mom!

With mother's day just a few days away, I have been trying to think about what I should say ~ well, my brother did it better than I could even begin to try, so, read his, and, listen to the song ~ warning....major kleenex needed :)

To my children, on mother's day ~ I can never begin to express in words how blessed you have each made me.  If I had created my life in my mind, I could not have even begun to come close to His wonderful plan!!  Thank you so much for bringing such peace joy, prayer, strength and plain old fun I never dreamed possible.  I pray that I can be the mom you each need to mold you to be all He created you to be ~ And then, may you Find Your Wings, and, "Rock this world for Him"!

To my mom ~ As Aaron's I.O.U post says, I could never begin to repay all you have been to me and all you have given me.  Him or I, had we enough talent, could have written that song on our own.  You taught me how to love and give way beyond I may think I can.  My children and their children will be blessed for all you have done and all you are.  You truly will hear "Well done good and faithful servant!".  I love you!

~~~~~~~~

~ I.O.U Mother's Page Idea ~

I.O.U. for construction work, for building kites and confidence, hopes and dreams an’….. Somehow you made them all touch the sky…..
And for cementin’ together a family
So it would stand the worst kind of shocks and blows…..
And for layin’ down a good strong foundation to build a life on.

Those are my favorite words in the I.O.U song.  I could ramble the how and the why ~ but, I will save that for my scrapbook page:)  In short, Scrapbookers Bubble Bath would not exist today if my mother had not taught me to reach for my dreams and laid such a solid foundation in our family and HIM.

• What part of that song touches you the most, or could have been words from your own hand?  Maybe write those down in your mom's card this year, or better yet, call her and tell her
• Cut and copy those words into Word, print them off, and, put them on a page with a picture of your mother ~ or, if you don't have a picture, just make a beautiful double page spread with the words on one side and your special memories on the other
• Perhaps you can forward the link or get a copy of the song and play it for your husband, mother or father.  Have them share memories from their mom, and make a page for them ~ how cool would that be for future generations to read of ones further back then yours!
• Make your own poem or list of I.O.Us straight from your heart
• Include scripture and how your mother has fulfilled that scripture: *** Her children arise and call her blessed ~ Proverbs 31:28  *** Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all ~ Proverbs 31:29  *** And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children ~ Isaiah 54:13 (Scriptures taken from Unto All Generations ~ sections Mother's Day and Women)
• No matter how or what you do for a mother page ~ be sure to take the time to create one in your Journey to a Legacy book.  Future generations will want to know how this woman impacted their lives

My 'Jesus Bird'

Living near the woods gives us many beautiful sights and sounds ~ one of my favorite being the singing of birds.

This spring we have tried to really listen to the sound of birds singing.  Many times we have been able to find the bird we hear singing in the trees and discover more about that particular species such as what they eat, where they live, and, the meaning of the calls we hear.  It has been truly exciting for us to talk about God's amazing creation as a family ~ even daddy is in on the discussions!

Being a mom who wants her children to be solid in their faith, and, as I always tell them, "rock this world for Him", I am constantly striving to find little ways to sneak in glimpses of His love, grace and majesty.  And, as I have discovered, His birds singing in the trees are a perfect way to remind them, even well into adulthood. 

There is one bird that we heard many times over the course of a couple of days.  Noticing that the song was frequent and loud, I mentioned that it sounded like he was singing 'Je-sus' ~ so, the kids started calling it 'Mommy's Jesus Bird', and, it has stuck.  Now, whenever someone hears him, they will say "Hey, there is Mommy's Jesus Bird", or, they have simply sang "Je-sus" as they have ridden their bikes, played catch, or hunted for worms to feed the newly captured ribbon snake.  One of them even has added 'Je-sus....Is Lord' to the song.  How beautiful to hear children say His name!!!

Since that time, we have found a few more that have songs that could have words of Him added.  There is one we have named the 'Praise Bird' because the kids say it sounds like it is singing "Amen, amen, amen, amen".   

By searching books about backyard birds, and tapes of bird songs, we have discovered that my 'Jesus Bird' is a Black Capped Chickadee male singing 'phee-bee' as his call in search of a mate.... I think I like 'Je-sus' better :)

Page idea you ask?  Wow - this is a cool one!  In fact, I am so excited, we are working on it now reminding myself that It is OK to Be Out of Order :)  (I'll add our completed page to this entry once we are done) I am so thrilled to see how His creation can be used to make pages that turn future generations to Him, His works, and, even His Word. 

• Find your own backyard bird that sounds like it could be singing 'Jesus words'
• Take a picture of the bird, or find it on the internet if it is too hard to catch a good shot
• Search the internet or library books to find info about the bird including it's habitat, feeding trends and behavior.  The library also has some wonderful CDs and tapes that actually have recordings of the bird songs, making your particular bird much easier to correctly identify.
• Make a page using your pictures ~ and, if your children are old or young enough, be sure to let them do some journaling or drawing on your page.  Or, they, can even create their very own page.
• Include what you have learned about the bird (feeding, nesting, colors etc)
• Take a picture or record the location of the tree / bush you frequently hear the bird singing in (Backyard Maple tree, Frontyard Lilac bush)
• Be sure to include what bird watchers say the bird is saying and what you hear in the birds song (phee-bee, but, we hear 'Je-sus')
• You can journal how it makes you feel to hear your children singing His name, or, how you feel to hear the bird singing in your yard (Yesterday I was truly awakened by my Jesus Bird singing right outside my window ~ what a beautiful way to wake up!!!  I found myself starting the day praising Him with tears in my eyes for His amazing beauty and grace)
• Use His Word as journaling, titles, or filler where you usually would place stickers:
• Let everything that has breath praise the LORD ~ Psalm 150:6
• He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge ~ Psalm 91:4
• And God said,.."let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky"  So God created every winged bird,.. and God saw that is was good.  God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number, let the birds increase on the earth" ~ Genesis 1:20-22
• Scriptures taken from Unto All Generations ~ sections Animals, Nature, and Protection ~ Available at Scrapbookers Bubble Bath

So, listen to His creation today.  Find your own 'Jesus Bird' that your family will think of you as they hear its song for the rest of their lives.  Think of the opportunity His little bird and your scrapbooking has to cause coming generations to stop for a moment and turn to His majesty and Word.  For me, to hear my children speak His name is such a blessing that I can only praise Him for His precious gift to me of being a mom!

A Sibling Prayer

I have one of the most amazing brothers a sister could ever ask for ~ I could ramble on about what I respect, admire, and cherish about him, but, I found some perfect words instead.  In a million years I could never begin to explain what he is to me better than these:

Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy.  Amen

I think the words came from The Book of Common Prayer ~ at least that is what was at the bottom of the prayer.  And, while they would be perfect for pictures of a wedding, church community members, or even friends, I will use them for the next picture I scrap of my brother and I.

If you are making a Relationship Moments page, a wedding album, or a special gift for a friend, journal these words on a page ~ they say so much even standing alone. 

• Write these words down on a Journal Jot and take a picture of your children and journal your prayers for them, especially as they become adults
• Put them next to your wedding picture ~ remember, as I said in It's OK to Be Out of Order, just stick that picture in there now, and journal how these has been true in your relationship
• Have someone take a picture of you and your husband, sibling, best friend, or parent and use these words
• Use them as a title page of a wedding or family album
• Make a page or poster for your community group at church
• If you have the Unto All Generations, write these in the Love or Family section

I am sure there is at least one person in your life that would be an answer to this prayer ~ let them know today and thank Him for His gift of others.

PS - if think I am just a proud sister and don't believe me how awesome my brother is, check out his blog In Leftfield ~ you'll agree with me that he is a blessing to this world. 

Relationship Moments

OK, OK, OK, so, I said I'd put myself on break from SBB for a couple of months ~ well, maybe I need to join Scrapbookers Bubble Bath Anonymous, because, I just can't do it!  :)

So, as I laid awake this morning since 4 a.m. bursting with the thoughts that have piled up while I have packed up, I decided I'd play with the dates, and stick some posts in under the "I'm on leave" post.  I figure, it will give those of you who are subscribed something to read, and, it will give me something to help curb this obsessive - compulsiveness that my husband has accused me of having for years.  :)

I guess you could say I will be "behind the scenes" ~ and, will be posting a few things that have caused me to be bursting at the seams.

We have managed to invite the overpowering, ugly flu in our house - between the 4 kids with fevers, running noses and coughs, the stock holders of Advil Cold and Kleenex are loving me! And, this morning, my 10 year old, the final one to sucumb to the symptoms, came down with fever and tears that will just melt anyone's heart.  As I was in the kitchen getting him his OJ popsicles and vitamins, I listened as my 8 year old set the 10 year old up on the couch, just as I had done the morning before.  "Here, let me get your Steelers blanket - that will make you feel better".  "I promise, this popsicle will make your sore throat go away".  "Get all comfy and I will take care of you".   Man, I just can't get anymore blessed!!

And, of course, being the scrapbooker that I am - as I was mixing the muffins, I was trying to figure out the page I could do from the scene going on in the front room :)  (Wish I had time to make the page for you instead of just passing on a picture, but, runny noses, sore throats, and, that terrible packing is preventing me from tearing out my scrapping stuff)

How many pictures do we have of 2 people, arms around each other and smiling?  And, how many times can we write "Nathan and Ian"?  How about a Relationship Moments page?  Include the relationship between the two, special moments shared, and, what bond makes them special to and strong for each other.  Moments like I heard in the front room are ones we will never remember, and, they will never have to reflect back on ~ unless we include them in our albums.

Tomorrow, or, the next time I can sneak away to type, I will tell you about my Journey Jots that I keep in my kitchen to catch these moments until I finally get the chance to scrap them.  They has helped me to capture more "ordinary moments", that are true treasures, for my pages.

Ahhh, there, I have had my dose of Scrapbookers Bubble Bath, and, am now ready to face the day :)

For Even Just One Little Boy

I have struggled with whether and where to post this ~ but, if I can save one parent from going through a similar moment that was very sad for me, then, I will be thanking the Lord that He has placed this post on my heart. 

While it doesn't have anything to do with scrapbooking ~ it is an issue that does influence the legacy we leave, which is what Scrapbookers Bubble Bath is about.  And, if you are at this post, then you probably are a scrapooker, which means, you probably know someone with children.  So, please, read this, and, pass it on, or pass the permalink to anyone you know with children, especially boys. 

Over the years, I have heard so many times of children accessing images that they should not see on the internet ~ and, each time, in my "never my kids" way, I have thought "oh, in somone else's house maybe, but, never in mine."  Well, please, please know, this can happen in any home, even with the best of children.

I figured, my children are homeschooled, they are rarely on the computer without me somewhere near by, they would never do such a thing, and, on and on.  But, it happened in my home, and, it saddens my heart beyond what I can put into words.  And, what breaks my heart, is that it was complete innocence and curiosity on my child's part ~ yet, he has seen images that no one should see.

For a brief explanation ~ we were at a very dear friend's house, her son asked my son if he know anything about sex.  My son said 'no' - and, that was the end of the conversation.  Well, what do we do now if we want to know any information on anything? ~ We enter it in a search engine on the internet ~ and, so, that word was entered in the address bar, and, you can imagine what came up.  I praise the Lord that the poor kid was proabably so horrified at what he saw that he only did a couple of clicks - but, the images had been seen, and, some innocence had been lost - right in my very own home.

I am sure you are thinking "well, where was your parental block"?  We had one for any new site that there had not been cookies stored for, but, the boys knew the password (dumb I know), and, I thought it blocked those images completely - no, not at all.  And, I have done much asking around since that time and learned some very useful information that I want every parent to know. 

• Parental blocks are not enough.  You have to go directly to your router or modem (call your internet supplier if you are unsure how to do it), and block any words that you do not want to be on websites your family will be viewing ~ then, be sure to check it to verify that it works. I know many of the family friendly internet suppliers work well, but, I do know a couple people that have come to me later and mentioned that, in fact, not all sites and images were blocked.
• Be sure to check the image search on Google or other search engines.  We thought we had already blocked our router when someone mentioned that the images on Google are not blocked with some parental and word locks.  This is true!  So, again verify all is ok.  Go to Google images, or whatever search engine your children may do, and set the filter to 'strict'.  Then verify that all is ok by doing a search using words your children may enter. Be sure all is safe there.
• Talk to your kids ~ now!!!.  We are a family with very open communication.  If someone had asked me if my kids would tell me if they saw something wrong on the internet, I would quickly say 'of course'.  I have been humbled.  My son did not tell me because he was embarrassed.  So, he walked around for 3 days with those images in his head, knowing what he had seen and having many questions.  Now, looking back, I wish I would have said 'If you ever see something you are unsure about, don't be embarrassed to tell us, you won't get in trouble' etc.  The situation would have turned out completely differently. 
• Check the address bar / history frequently.  I found this search accidently ~ or, should I say, by the hand of God.  It was a blessing that it was discovered, we were able to talk with my children, and, so was my friend.  If I had not seen the search, I would have never known, leading to completely different outcome.

This incident came out of 2 very good boys, who are being raised in Christian homes, having questions and searching for answers.  And, mine, knew where he could find the information.  Please do what you can to prevent this from happening in your home.  It will take you 10 minutes to prevent ~ and a life time to thank the Lord it did not happen to you.

PS - I so hope I have not offended anyone with this post.  If I have, please forgive me.  I have really struggled with and prayed over whether to tell the story or not ~ but, it has continued to be on my heart.  I am praying it makes a difference in even one little boy's life.

Eternal Expressions #1 ~ A Lost Tooth

(This is the first of SBBs new Eternal Expressions entries.  As each entry is created, the link will be added to the Eternal Expressions catagory to the right ~ so, come on back and visit us.)

My daughter lost her first tooth this week, and, I apologize to any poor soul who her saw her in the last few days, because they got to hear the entire story ~ every single detail!  :) 

In addition to our traditional letter to / from the Tooth Fairy, (she even taped the tooth to the paper so it wouldn't get lost beneath her pillow), of course we got the close-up picture of the mouth, minus one tooth.

While a lost tooth seems like such a normal childhood happening, it really is an amazing opportunity for us, as parents, to share how wonderfully we are created, and, how His plans are in place long before we know.  What a better place to share these words than in our albums.  So, here are some ideas and scriptures for your own "The Tooth Fairy is Coming" page.

And, keep your eye open for other seemingly "daily happenings" that really are "daily opportunities" to point to Him!

* Don't forget, send us copies of your pages - we'd love to share them in or New Gallery coming soon!

Ideas:

• Take a picture of the tooth and the toothless
• Take a picture of the child sleeping and waiting for the Tooth Fairy
• Create a letter from the Tooth Fairy
• How much does your Tooth Fairy leave?
• How did the tooth come out?
• Include the reactions of the child (who they called, were they excited, how did they describe the incident?)

Scriptures:

• ...I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. ~ Psalm 139:14
• O LORD, You are my God; I will exhalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. ~ Isaiah 25:1
• I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.  I will build you up again, and you will be rebuilt. ~ Jeremiah 31:3-4

~ Scripture inspirations taken from the Unto All Generations Volume I ~ Family and Heritage Scriptures

A Reason to Party

Remember as a kid loving parties?  And, have you ever stopped to realize that as adults we don't have parties enough?  I realized that this weekend as we were visiting some very dear friends - and, thought I'd pass some inspiration and fun for life, refreshed by 2 little girls, as a great legacy moment and page idea.

While visiting my dear college roommate, our daughters (8 and 5 years old) took the initiative to plan a party for all 13 of us.  They put so much thought and creativity in it - They carried toys downstairs for the kids, including the army men for the boys, and blocks for the youngest. There was a game boy carefully set out, games for all of us to play, and even a sign in sheet that we were required to sign before entry.  They took extra care planning, setting up and surprising us as we "weren't allowed to come down until it was ready".  And, without them realizing it, they gave me some wonderful pictures with a sweet story behind them :)

Last fall, my kids wanted to have a party for their dad "because he works so hard".  I let them plan the whole thing from the food to the decorations, all the way down to wrapping poor daddy in toilet paper before he was allowed to see the set-up in the dining room :) Again - those pictures from that day represent such precious memories and moments that my children will cherish.

Does a party require a birthday, Christmas or special occasion?  Can't we have a "It's Tuesday Party" or "We Saw A Bluebird Bash", or "We Love Daddy Cause He Works So Hard Celebration"?  Why, of course - and, what awesome pages those pictures would make!!

Other Party ideas ~ Celebrate a day of the week; the weather; a favorite food, animal, commercial or sport; a test grade; a lesson learned; everyone's home; a "clean house" - I know, yeah right :)   The possibilities are endless - The idea is to celebrate life together as a family and preserve those moments - just look at your day and be inspired!

So, let you kids plan their own bash - You don't have to spend any extra money - half the fun is being creative with what they can find around the house. 

• Be sure to take pictures of the planning, preparing and partying 
• Write down the words they said, the decorations they planned, and the activities created
• Keep pieces of the decorations or momentos from the time
• Let them help you design the page 

So, party on, and, be sure to share your ideas here and with others to inspire them as we, like children, find the simple reasons in life to celebrate!

The Mundane is the Legacy Too

As I made dinner last week, I listened to the happenings, words, and conversation going on in the family room between my boys.  The statements were so funny, I grabbed a pencil and just started writing them down. 

Let’s see, besides discovering Barbie has plastic underwear, they started in on playful name calling with “Bucktooth Beaver”, “Well, at least I have all 24 teeth” and “I bet you could chop a tree with your tooth”.  Then of course, being boys, there was the typical “Fire in the Hole!”, and “I see your underwear”.  When the wrestling started, I called in my ‘mom voice’ - “no wrestling”, receiving a chorus of “Aw mom, but, we are just getting started”. 

Why share these?  It occurred to me, these noises of laughter, wrestling, and conversations are the things that make my life mine.  They are the everyday precious words and moments that we will forget.  Yet, they are such a part of who we are. 

As I go back and read everything, I have to laugh and, praise the Lord for His goodness and simple blessings.  Such simple, yet treasured moments.

So, I challenge you to grab a pencil and a pad of paper.  Put them in a very visible and easily accessible place, and, just start writing.  Even just keep track for a couple of days.  The dentist appointments, new words, and daily questions are as much a part of our legacy as the birthday and wedding pictures.

Make a page of the words scattered or listed, typed or written, funny or mundane.  That page will be as treasured as the others, maybe even more! 

(Excerpt from Scrapbookers Bubble Bath Page Inspirations Newsletter)

All These Precious Papers

My 7 year old son made this precious card for my 10 year old's birthday - It was such a sweet moment watching him play with the font, color the Steeler's emblem just right and go through 3 yellow markers to color the entire background yellow "Cause the Steeler's colors are black like the letters and yellow like the background"

Then, there is the receipt for the bag of 360 suckers that my son saved for weeks and earned on his own by reading and doing little chores around the house.......but, he would want me to tell you it only came with 359!  :)

And, I can't forget the letter from my son thanking us for helping him with school, that is as special as literally hundreds of other little pieces of paper that I want to save and put in my albums

But, there is a problem - I am still only scrapbooking the end of 2004! - I am not ready to put those treasures in their eternal place of album pages.  So, what to do?

Easy!  I have 12 folders, each marked with a month and the year.  I keep them right in the Blessing Room in my house for easy access.  And, when I find that receipt, precious note, or special doodled picture - I write the important info on a sticky note, put it on the back of the paper, and, place it in the appropriate month's folder.  Then, when I finally get to that month or time of year, I have the papers dated, and the moment's special memory written down.

What are some things you may want to jot down about the paper?

• The date!!!!
• Why you are saving it
• What was said about the paper - include quotes - their words are priceless
• Any special work or effort put into creating / earning it
• Feelings about the paper (pride, love etc)

What papers could be saved?

• Receipts
• Drawings
• Notes
• Schoolwork such as tests, reports, artwork
• Newspaper articles
• Ticket stubs or pay stubs
• Advertisements
• Programs
• Food or toy wrappers
• See, it is endless!!

So, find 12 folders, while you watch TV next time, date each folder for the entire year and put them in an easily reached area.  Put a pile of sticky notes in a central place or close within reach as well.

I promise you that you will find yourself saving more of those 'special moment papers', and, you will be loving yourself when you do finally have the opportunity to preserve them, that you had taken the extra minute to write why in the world you saved this!

Special Songs for Special Someones

Have you ever heard a song that could have been written by you for someone else in your life?  I know I have many - There are songs that take me back to a moment in time or a person in my life that is so precious I only wish I could send a thank you to the writer.

I heard one of those songs a couple of weeks ago and cried as I looked at my daughter in the back seat - It was Reba McEntire's new song "You're Gonna Be". 

As I heard the song again today, I thought of a picture I have of the two of us and what a perfect page it would make.  So, I thought I would pass on the idea.

Choose a special song that means something special to you about another person and find a picture with or of that person. Get the words, type them into Word, change the font, and print off the paper.  (You can find most lyrics by doing a search, and even copying from the site and then pasting into a new Word document.  If you need further instructions or steps, just email me).

I have made quite a few pages like this, and, they are some of my favorite.  Just a simple picture and the words to the song ~ often I write or type why that song is special on the bottom of the page or on the opposite page.

In fact, as I type, I am considering devoting one special album with pages of the songs that are special to me - how neat would that be?!!  Even neater, download the songs, burn a CD, and keep it with the album.

So, think about it, get those words to the songs and the stories behind them recorded.

And, to my precious daughter - You're Gonna Fly!!!

~ You're Gonna Be ~

Six pounds an' nine ounces lookin' up at me,
Like I have all the answers:
I hope I have the ones you need.
I've never really done this: now I know what scared is.

Sometimes I'll protect you from everything that's wrong.
Other times I'll let you just find out on your own.
But that's when you'll be growing,
And the whole time I'll be knowing.

You're gonna fly with every dream you chase.
You're gonna cry but know that that's ok.
Sometimes life's not fair, but if you hang in there,
You're gonna see that sometimes bad is good.
We just have to believe,
Things work out like they should.
Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me,
You're gonna be.

I'm afraid you'll have to suffer through some of my mistakes,
Lord knows, I'll be tryin', oh, to give you what it takes:
What it takes to know the diff'rence,
Between getting by an' living.

'Cause anything worth doing is worth doing all the way.
Just know you'll have to live with all the choices that you make.
So make sure you're always giving,
Way more than you're taking.

You're gonna fly with every dream you chase.
You're gonna cry but know that that's ok.
Sometimes life's not fair, but if you hang in there,
You're gonna see that sometimes bad is good.
We just have to believe,
Things work out like they should.
Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me,
You're gonna be.

Someone's everything, you're gonna see,
Just what you are to me.

You're gonna fly with every dream you chase.
We just have to believe,
Things work out like they should.
Life has no guarantees, but always loved by me,
You're gonna be.
Always loved by me.

Lyrics to You're Gonna Be sung by Reba McEntire

A Favorite Christmas Picture

I know, I know, I said I wouldn't post  until after the new year ~ I just can't help myself from putting this page idea up.  It has been running around my mind, so I thought I would clear it out to make room for other stuff ~ like where in the world I placed those New Years Eve hats! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  I know I thought of you all throughout the holiday.

I downloaded my pictures Christmas evening and found some that were soooo precious they brought tears to my eyes.  Some brought tears of pure joy, some brought tears of laughter, some brought tears of pride, and, some brought tears of Christmas' past.  I have a couple that, for various reasons, will forever be my absolute favorites from the day.  How about you?  Do you have a picture that truly says 1000 words?  Do you have one that will be a treasure because it is of one you completely cherish?

So, here is my thought.....now, while the feelings are fresh, and the moment is so alive in your mind, do some quick journaling.  Sit down at the computer and type out what you would like to journal about that picture, save it, then when you are ready to do a page, all you have to do is copy the words on your page, or change the font and formatting, and, there, you have those words preserved.  Or, grab some notecards and write what you would like to remember / say about the day or particular pictures.  Or, if you want to be really ahead, cut some photo safe lined paper in squares and journal, then you can place the cards directly on the page.

I know I have a couple of pictures that may have earned themselves the "gotta enlarge and have their own page" reward.  How about you?  Write those words down tonight.

OK, I will try really hard not to post until after the New Year.  Have a blessed and safe New Year and be ready for great things in 2006!

Mommy, where is Frosty's cookies?

As I hung the ornaments on our Christmas tree this year, my 5 year old asked me lots of questions about every single one of them.  “Was this when you were a little girl?”, “Did you and Daddy get this for your marriage?”, “How come Santa’s feet are missing?”, “Mommy, where is Frosty’s cookies?”.

And, as I hung up the treasured quilt from my mom and set out the Nativity my son made when he was 4, such wonderful memories poured in.  I found myself thinking of precious moments, loved ones who are no longer with me, and how much the Lord has blessed me beyond what I could ever deserve.

You know, I took pictures of all of those ornaments 3 years ago with wonderful intentions of making a Christmas book with the stories and pictures of  each ornament—but, like so many other things, I just could not get to it.  BUT, after this past year and it’s moments, and hearing my daughter’s desire to ‘hear the story’ I realize that book is a priority.  And, it must be more than just the ornaments ~ there are so many decorations that have a story just waiting to be told. 

So, that is my challenge to you  and desire for you ~ to record your Christmas Decorations Legacy.  I have included below some ideas, journaling questions and suggestions to help get you started.  I know I have started working on mine. Our decorations help us celebrate the birth of our Savior ~ leave your legacy  through the story of these treasured possessions you have gathered over the years!

· Choose a special album that will be designated for your decorations.  You then can add new entries through the years.

· While your decorations are out, walk through your home and take pictures.  Write some brief notes to yourself as you look at the treasure.  OR, you also can cut some journaling boxes from lined paper, then when the pictures are developed, you only have to add a few embellishments and, ta-dah, your page is done! 

· Record who gave you the decoration, why is it special, or any treasured memories or emotions that may come as you look at the decoration.

· Do you have a special place for the decoration?

· Let your children help make the pages for their ornaments.  They can write what the ornament means to them and why they like it  while you record your own words. 

· Don’t forget the nativity scenes, the stockings, and the Christmas music!

· Remember,  your loved ones want to know the story of your journey, and that includes your Christmas decorations!

Excerpt taken from SBB Page Inspirations Newletter ~ Sign up to receive it by email!

PS - Frosty's cookies are missing because we bought the ornament for my son when he was completely mesmerized by Frosty and loved to help me in the kitchen, especially when I baked cookies.  He carried this ornament with him everywhere:  bed, church, and even the bathroom.  Well, the cookies fell off (devastating moment for a 3 year old) and now Frosty carries an empty tray except for one lone star cookie. :)