Faithbooking Inspirations

Out of My Hands

Wow, what do I write in my first post since the sale of our home and heartbreaking move across the US?

I think, simply, although a little wordy :~)......

He is God, it is out of my hands, and: I want it that way.

In these 2 years I have come to an amazing place to be ~ one of complete trust in His Will and Way. 

Notice I didn't type agreement, or pleasure in, or even enjoyment in, it is pure TRUST IN. 

My family's testimony of how the Lord worked is beautiful - not perfect, not fun, not easy, and, most of all, not as we would have orchestrated it - but, it is BEAUTIFUL.

As I have been mulling over in my mind how I was going to create these pages, I keep coming back to the same summary:

He is God, it is out of my hands, and: I want it that way.

The details are too many to share in a short post ~ but, the Truth is the same for me, as well as for you....

His will is what you and I want for our family ~ and, we must pray that way. 

We may pray for something so deeply that we literally are drawn to tears at the mere mention of the desire.  We may think, in our finite minds, that there is only one way for our situation to work out and be pleasing to all.  We may cry in anguish as He answers our prayers in ways we didn't want.  We may be so weary that we don't think we can last another moment or take another step.  We may question Him, try to bargain with Him, beg Him, and, even be angry with Him. 

However, His will is what you and I want for our family ~ and, we must pray that way. 

What a beautiful place to be:  At His feet in complete submission to His Will and knowing that, while it just may not make sense today, it WILL in ETERNITY! 

We don't want what we want.  Ultimately, we must come to a place of wanting our lives to be out of our hands, and, into the nail-scarred hands of our Savior. 

He is God, it is out of my hands, and: I want it that way. 

As you guys have read over and over - I believe our pages should be just as much, maybe even more, about His work in our lives as they are about the birthdays and sport teams. 

As scrapbooking season is coming, I literally challenge you to make a few pages of times the Lord has worked in ways you would not have chosen.  Do you have to have all the answers in your pages?  No, He will use your work to speak to those who will hold those pages for years to come. 

You simply have to share your heart!

****

Matthew West ~ It's Out of My Hands

(Click on the link, and, wait forever, then, the song will play - Sorry about the format - My web host is working on updates...I'll be glad when they are done!  You may need to open a new window to this site to read the words while the song plays)

Matthew West - 07 - Out Of My Hands

There you go changing my plans again
There you go shifting my sands again
For reasons I don't understand again
Lately I don't have a clue

Just when I start liking what I see
There you go changing my scenery
I never know where you're taking me
But I'm trying just to follow you

It's out of my hands
It's out of my reach
It's over my head
And it's out of my league
There's too many things
That I don't understand
So it's into your will
And it's out of my hands

There you go healing these scars again
Showing me right where you are again
I'm helpless, and that's where I start again
I'm giving it all up to you

It's out of my hands
It's out of my reach
It's over my head
And it's out of my league
There's too many things
That I don't understand
So it's into your will
And it's out of my hands

Move me, make me
Choose me, change me
Send me, shake me
Find me, remind me
The past is behind me
Take it all away
Take it all from me, I pray

It's out of my hands
It's out of my reach
It's over my head
And it's out of my league
There's too many things
That I don't understand
So it's into your will
And it's out of my hands

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 :~)

This is Who I Am

Who are YOU?

What roles do you play?

How often are those roles changing; even as frequently as minute by minute?

How much and often do we allow ourselves to be EVERYTHING we are?

Who did God create you to be?

Who is God CREATING you to be?

These are questions I've been mulling around in my 41+ year old brain....and, this morning I think I heard Him answer my question of WHO He wants me to be......

His answer?.....

"That's just it my child, for today, You are developing where and becoming exactly who I want you to be."

Wow ~ I stepped out of the shower with a lighter step and a renewed perspective of who I need to be......ME!

While that may not seem like such a life-changing answer to many, I have a feeling it would free a large number of this site's readers to live life in a different way.  Our closets of many hats get so full of who others think we should be that we lose sight of who we, and God, says we truly are.

Sure we are the mothers, wives, daughters, employees and bosses that our daily lives and responsibilities require of us.  But, it is OK to also be the scrapbooker, athlete, dancer, artist, or designer we enjoy being.  In fact, without allowing ourselves the opportunity to do and be what we enjoy, we are cheating God, our family, and, ourselves out of reaching our full potential.

Why the revelation?

While I ran this weekend, I spent the entire 10 miles burdened with overwhelming guilt and feeling downright miserable about the fact that my daughter was sitting home without me playing with her.  I bounced back and forth from being the athlete training for a spring marathon to the mom who believed her family couldn't make it a couple hours without her.  So, I cheated myself, didn't finish my scheduled 16 miles, came home and played Wii with her.  And, for the last 48 hours I've questioned my priorities:  Am I selfish for focusing on myself and doing something I love to do?  Perhaps I should just set my desires and goals aside and focus on the ones who need me.  Or, is setting aside a couple hours for myself a few times a week making me a better mom, wife and child of God?

Running is my sanity ~ my escape ~ my 'solve the problems of the world while I make my grocery list' time ~ my one on one with Jesus time ~ my opportunity to answer to myself, push myself, be myself, and, create myself.   While yes, it may be a few hours away from my family, it rebuilds me and makes me stronger to be the rock they need.  To not take that time for myself truly does cheat each member of my family ~ why would I ever dream of selling us all short? 

What's your sanity?  Is it that weekly scrapbooking night with your friends?  How about the women's Bible study?  Is it a few minutes each morning gardening, watching the birds at the feeder or reading His Word? 

Satan wants us to become distracted.  He doesn't want us to be at our best.  If he can keep us from renewing ourselves, we are less of a threat to his kingdom. 

I challenge ALL OF US to acknowledge what renews our spirit and souls, deflect the guilt laden arrows satan shoots at us, and allow ourselves to do something we enjoy.  Not only can our family survive a few hours without us, but, by becoming who we truly are, our loved ones will be stronger through us.

Fireproof

If you are married, thinking about getting married, or, know someone who is married, Fireproof is a must see movie, and it is now in stores.  It is brought to you by the same people who created Facing the Giants. See clips and great song videos from the movie here. And, read more about the movie at Fireproof my Marriage.  Would you believe Kirk Cameron has 6 kids now? See him on the Dr. Phil show.

I can not even begin to put into words how great the movie was, or how important this story is for our marriages and families today.  Let's support these guys who are doing so much to bring movies with a message to our world.

If you are creating an album for a newly married couple, a teenager, or even child ~ stick the movie title in an empty spot with a review and encouragement to watch it.  It's like a mini-treasure within your album that could change a loved one's life.

98 and Still Running......

Rosario Iglesias just passed away, at the age of 98.....

Why share?  She held RUNNING world records in five categories: the 85- and 90-and-over class at 400 and 800 meters and the 90-and-over record at 200 meters.  And, as shared in the story here, she didn't start competitive running until age 80! 

I love what the article says ~ Iglesias proved that "barriers don't exist when one sets out to reach a goal in life".

Do you have a goal that seems so out of reach you can't even begin to take the first step?  If an 90+ year old woman can set world records, YOU can at least get on the starting line towards your goal and dreams.

No matter how old or burdened you feel, Rosario must be an inspiration that you can "forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead.  (I) Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called (me) heavenward in Christ Jesus" Phillipians 3:12.

What dream do you have that has you scared and hesitating to take that first step?  With commitment and His strength, you can cross the finish line.

Today, "throw off everything that hinders and...run with perserverance the race marked out for us...Fix your eyes on Jesus..." Hebrews 12:1-2

And, if she can run at 90+, that means we can still be scrapping at 90+!

Just a Call Away

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. ~ Joel 2:32a

After many years, I finally broke down and let my poor husband get a new phone.  I guess when it got to the point that clients were saying, "Oh, you have the really old Blackberry," it was time :~) 

As we were trading in the super-glued, scratched, much dropped, even dried in the dryer phone, I was amazed to see the number of gadgets and options available for us to keep in touch with our loved ones.  While his has more bells and whistles than the International Space Station, mine is the free "I'm Just a Mom Phone".  Why would I want a phone named "Storm" when, with 4 kids, I already live in one daily!!  Anyway,....

I watched a daughter ignore her mother as the teen texted her friends and, my heart was saddened.  Not only at the interaction, or lack of, but, at the idea that as humans we have our priority of quick / direct link communication with each other while we literally ignore our Creator.

And, He wants to hear from us more deeply and urgently than anyone else in the universe.

We never have to be on His plan for free calls.

He never makes us leave a voice mail. 

We never have a bad connection.

We never have to ask, "Can you hear me now?"

We never have to worry about our minutes going over.

Whether we call Him from a "storm", "new", or "abused" line, He hears us all the same.

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. ~ Joel 2:32a

• What a perfect scripture when your child gets their new phone!
• Highlight EVERYONE and / or WILL BE SAVED with different markers, decorations or fonts.
• Include words similar to those above relating to our open connection to Him.
• Use Colossians 4:6 on the page as well.

As we continue to plunge deeper into a culture of quick communication, may we not lose the pleasure and peace of prayer.

Treasured Jewelry

I have a cross pendant, a little like the one on the left, that I received over 30 Christmases ago from my parents.  It has seen me through high school, college, parenting 4 children and every moment in between.  Each time a chain has broken, I have been devastated and have even paid extra to get the ring repaired quickly so I can put it back on.  It is not a point of idolatry for me, it is just a piece of jewelry I treasure beyond what a few words can say. 

As I ran yesterday, the necklace became so entangled in my earphones that I can not believe it didn't break ~ I felt a panic to think that it could have broken and been lost on the trail miles before I would have noticed.  How would I find it?  Could I even begin to consider replacing it?  I would never be able to give it to my daughter, or my grand-daughter.  This precious piece of jewelry would have been gone, and pictures along with the story would be gone with it. 

After untangling it, I finished my run thinking about this treasure, as well as the other pieces I have that have a story.  I have a pair of earrings my mom got me on our very first shopping trip.  My mother's ring has a history with a complete miracle.  

So, I encourage you to make a few pages with the pictures and stories of your favorite / most treasured jewelry. 

• Pieces from family members
• Pieces with a special history / story / or meaning
• Pieces that bring special memories of moments or loved ones
• Who gave you the jewelry?  How did you / they pay for it?  Who would you like to receive the pieces once you are gone?
• Include pictures of the jewelry, people or places, as well as receipts and dates
• "The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of is people.  They will sparkle in His land like jewels in a crown."  Zechariah 9:16   
• Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.  Proverbs 8:10-11
• Add these verses in your Christmas, Birthday, Blessings, and Weddings sections of your Unto All Generations

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.

The Real Me ~ Soundtrack Saturday 4

For Soundtrack Saturday 4, I'm gonna give you an unmasked little peek into my heart.....

It has been a year since we made the decision to move to Texas, and, our home has still not sold.  So, I am living between 2 states and learning to love the 2 day trip between Texas and Ohio via van with 4 kids, a big black lab and a GPS that I have yet to figure out :~)

While this time has been somewhat crazy, I can't believe how deeply grateful for it I am.  I have been the only adult in my home for 11 months now.  It is amazing what you see when you don't have someone to 'busy you' from looking at yourself. 

Without my husband around to talk to and busy myself with, I have been placed in a unimaginably beautiful place to stop and see how and who God created me to be. 

Meaning no disrespect at all to my dear husband, precious children, or my wonderful life, I think somewhere in the last many years, to my fault, I'd lost who I was.  I was so busy being the everything to everyone that I'd forgotten the woman I was underneath the costume.  I'd misplaced "The Real Me".

During this time of 'semi-seperation' from my usual life, the Lord has given me a much needed opportunity to step back and begin to uncover the woman He created.  I have realized He sees me as beautiful, strong, individual and worth it.  And, I know I am not the only one that finds that phrase a hard one to claim and believe!

I could ramble for thousands of words about my evolution in the last months, but I will spare you all :~)  However, I will say that He sees 'The Real Me' in each of us.

He creates us in His image; the exact woman He desires to come along-side Him, do His work and grow His Kingdom.  To not become that woman is not only cheating ourselves, but, more importantly, Him. 

Lord, I do pray that these readers are able to see themselves as you do.  May each one look in the mirror today and see something wonderful, strong, and beautiful.  I pray these women reach under their masks and claim the daughter and dreams you've created.  Jesus, you are too powerful and perfect for us to cheat ourselves, and You, from the life You've set for us.  May we each see "The Real Me" today and take the next step towards her.  Thank you for your love and grace!

While "The Real Me" from Natalie Grant has always been on the top ten tracks of the 'soundtrack of my life', it rings even deeper and truer now.  It is a perfect song for the majority of you out there.  Something about us scrapbookers ~ we don't put our pictures in the albums and forget we are part of the story and legacy too :~)

"Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me"

(Those receving this by email will just have to bop over to the site to hear the song since it doesn't transfer through the newsletter)

The Real Me ~ Natalie Grant (Awaken CD)

Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a Charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

And you love me just as I am

Wonderful, Beautiful is what you see
When you look at me

Oh No, She's Awake...

"Live your life in such a way that when you open your eyes in the morning satan says, 'Oh no, she's awake'."

I received this in an email a couple days ago, and, it has continued to challenge me in a deep gut-checking way.

Does satan say this about you?  I'm not sure he does about me.

Along with being a personal prayer, this statement can make an eternal impact in our albums.

• This would be a great title page in a graduation album or 'new path' album
• Use it along with a picture of a loved one you want to challenge to live such a life
• Use it in a double page spread with pictures of a loved one whom you believed lived such a life, and, journal what she / he did to bring others to Christ
• Include pictures of a teenager sleeping / waking
• Frame the phrase and place in a bedroom or bathroom to challenge you or your family

Lord, may we be intense enough in our walk with and for You, that we are dangerously scary to the enemy.

All the POWER You Need ~ Soundtrack Saturday 2

As I ran a couple days ago, praying about the next Soundtrack Saturday post, as well as where SBB is going, I strongly believe the Lord placed this song and scripture on my heart for someone(s).  And, no matter how many times I tried to add something or change it, He brought me back to this one statement ~ "Remind them, and, you, that I have all the POWER they need".

So, quite simply, I now present Soundtrack Saturday Track #2:  along with a scripture that I have hanging on the wall in front of my treadmill.  Also, here is a copy of the scripture I stare at and pray through as I run my grueling  torturous  fun miles :~)  (Download all_the_power_you_need.doc)

...There was given me a thorn in my flesh... Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But He said to me "My grace is sufficient for you.  My POWER is made perfect in weakness."...Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's POWER may rest in me." 2 Cor. 12:7-9.

"All the Power You Need" ~ by Darlene Zschech 

• Use these words to create a sports page: include the sacrifice, journey and milestones
• Create a page to tell the story of a special goal or trial in your life.  Journal how you experienced Christ's power
• Share one of your weaknesses and how Christ can / has given you power to overcome (weight, bad habits, sin, fear, doubt, etc.)
• Create a "Power Page" with this scripture on top and share mini stories / clips of times in your life you've seen or experienced His power as you encourage your loved ones to trust in and tap into His power. 

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

Our Scrapbooks ~ Our Love Letters

Last week I was going through a little book my mom had kept of my school days.  Although the last entry was from 30 years ago, oddly enough, stuck away in a page, I found a quick note she'd written in 2004 before her life changed drastically and she'd become ill. 

It was quickly written, in pencil, on a plain note card ~ but, what a treasure it is!  She'd just taken 5 minutes to write down her love for me, her pride in the woman I'd become and, most importantly, her security in Heaven.  I read those words with tears of love for this woman who had been such a beautiful model for my life, and appreciation that she took the time to write her thoughts.

Since that moment I read that precious note, I don't think a waking hour has gone by that I have not thought about that little piece of paper ~ And, thanked the Lord for the couple moments my mom took to leave those words for me.

If you question the importance of your albums in your loved one's lives ~ think of what a gift a few written words from a lost loved one would be to you.

If you doubt the time is well spent to journal your faith, love, and prayers ~ think of the impact those words and pages will have on your future generations.

If you feel like your albums are just not fancy enough or pretty enough ~ please realize the beauty of quickly penciled words on a plain note card.

If you haven't taken the opportunity to journal your thoughts in your albums ~ begin to view your albums as Love Letters to your loved ones and future generations.

Girls, these scrapbooks don't need to be fancy ~ they just need to be from our heart.

I pray my albums can become even a tiny fraction of the gift that this simple note card has become to me!

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

Cherished Memories Jewelry

I'm just passing on an awesome Christmas gift idea :~)

My neighbor owns Cherished Memories Jewelry, and, has created beautiful pieces ~ many I have on my "To Get List".

The necklaces and bracelets are one of a kind since they are made with pictures of your loved ones.  And, I promise you, the quality is amazing ~ I feel so rich when I wear mine!!  :~)  I plan on getting one of every color eventually!

She snuck around, took pictures of my kids, and made Pretty Purple for my 40th birthday ~ sometimes I wear purple just so I can wear my bracelet ~ and, of course, I have the Sugar and Spice ordered to match Scrapbookers Bubble Bath!

Her newest piece is the Forever Faithful ~ a wonderful opportunity to share your faith as well as your legacy of family and love.

These pieces are perfect ways to take our "scrapbook subjects" with us ~

So, stop over, shop around, and, get a few for Christmas gifts and, of course, a few for you!  :~)

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

Lost in This Moment With You

 

Lost in This Moment With You ~ as an excited and proud dad takes his daughter to her dream store to give her a special birthday gift

Lost in This Moment With You ~ as a grandpa, who lives far away, celebrates his birthday with his precious grandchildren

Lost in This Moment with You ~ as a son runs home to show his dad that he received dad's jersey number

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I woke this morning trying to think of the next post because I'm working on something behind the scenes that I am not ready to reveal yet :~),  the lyrics to Lost in This Moment With You by Big and Rich were running through my head.

This is a perfect wedding song, so, of course, the lyrics would be beautiful in the front of an album or with pictures of the groom, but, I had a thought......

There are so many other moments that we get lost in with our loved ones ~ Here are just a few I thought of.  Do you have any others?  Share yours in the comments below!

• The birth of a child
• The moment two have reached a goal that has been a work in progress
• The first day in a new home
• Giving a special gift to a loved one
• See, the pictures are endless

Use "Lost in This Moment With You" as a title, then journal why that moment is so special.  Journal the feelings, journey, pride, words and details of the picture and situation.

I have also included the song and lyrics below in case you want to copy and paste them in a wedding album or engagement page.

And, what am I working on behind the scenes?  I ain't tellin' until at least the first part if it is done :~)

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

Lost in Your Moment With You by Big and Rich

See your momma, and the candles and tears and roses
I see your daddy walk his daughter down the isle
Now my knees start to tremble as I tell the preacher
Don’t she look beautiful tonight
All the wonderful words in my head I’ve been thinking
You know I want to say ‘em all just right
I lift your vale, and angles start singing
Such a heavenly sign

Chorus
Lost in this moment with you
I am completely consumed
My feelings so absolute, there’s no doubt
Sealing our love with a kiss
Waitin’ my whole life for this
Watching all my dreams come true
Lost in this moment with you

I smell the jasmine floating in the air like a love song
Watch my words draw sweet tears from your eyes
Bow our heads while the preacher talks to Jesus
Please bless this brand new life

Chorus
Lost in this moment with you
I am completely consumed
My feelings so absolute, there’s no doubt
Sealing our love with a kiss
Waitin’ my whole life for this
Watching all my dreams come true
Lost in this moment with you

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.

Why?.....For You, and Your Legacy

I have posted a powerfully amazing song ~ Why? by Nicole Nordeman on Held By Him.

As I listened to the words this morning, I thought the words would be powerful in my album ~ Just sharing a few thoughts below....if you have other ideas, share away in the comments :~)

• ~ Use the words as a front page in a daughter's or grandaughter's album

~ Use the words as page embellishment along with a favorite picture of a child

~ Highlight the final verse, "Now I can tell you why, she is why you must die", with different colors, media or font

~ Share how the sacrifice He made for you impacts you, how much you want your family to know Him, or how He loves you / them

~ Include the words and a picture of Christ with a child on the front page of an album or anywhere where you may need to stick in an extra page if you happen to be a "double page spread obsessive scrapper" as I am :~)

~ Burn the song to a CD and store the CD in your album for future generations to hear the song words as they read your words

Dancing With Memory

"Lost love is still love, Eddie.  It takes a different form, that's all.  You can't see their smile or bring them food or tousle their hair or move them around a dance floor.  But when those senses weaken, another heightens.  Memory.  Memory becomes your partner.  You nurture it.  You hold it.  You dance with it. (from The Five People You Meet in Heaven)

And, isn't that why we scrapbook?  In a few words, that is why our passion to preserve our loved one's legacy is so strong.  Dancing with Memory ~ it's my children looking through my albums and reading the stories; it's sitting quietly in my favorite big purple chair with a cup of chai, counting my blessings and remembering moments past; and, it's looking through scrapbooks to see how He has loved and cared for us.....Our albums are the recorded music that we dance to.

Even as spring is here, and summer is coming, continue taking those pictures, keeping Precious Papers, recording the stories in you Journey Jots, and, preserving the stories in your albums.  The time you spend will give future generations plenty of dancing material :)

PS ~ if you haven't read The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, grab a copy.  It's a quick read, and, it'll make you look at life through different eyes.  We truly do not realize who we impact for eternity.

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 .

Your "Growin' Up Music"

A friend gave my husband hours and hours of '80s music, and, as he played these a couple months ago, a group I haven't heard in YEARS came on ~ Air Supply!  Now, you have to imagine that moment as we played Slap Jack with the kids, and, I heard "Here I Am, the One That You Love" begin.....I was speechless and felt like I'd just won a million dollars (well, almost) 

This week he put those hours of Air Supply on the MP3 player for me to listen to on the treadmill.  And, as I listened to those sappy songs, I had to just smile as the memories literally came flooding in.  These were moments that were such important parts of who I am today and memories that I couldn't believe I had forgotten. 

For so many of us, certain songs bring moments that our family would love to hear ~ and we need to share!  Songs bring back special memories with loved ones, spiritual milestones realizing Who HE is, and, well,  just plain "growin' up memories". 

How cool would it be if our family knew the song that got you through those late night college crams, the song that you realized you found your mate for life, the song you loved to play real loud as you cleaned your room, or, perhaps the song that you prayed while you were pregnant with your first child. 

I think those moments on that treadmill have made me renew my desire to create a special album just for songs that have been important for me.  I think you should make one too :)  These albums don't have to be fancy ~ don't worry about the sitckers and colored papers, just get the lyrics down, type what those words mean to you at the bottom and put them in an album or even a 3 ring binder will be treasured for years to come. 

Or, if you don't wanna make an album, just stick the pages right where you are working ~ because, remember, It IS OK to be out of order!

Or, at least get started by creating a folder, and, just begin making some of these "Songs" documents ~ I was really good a couple of years ago and did just that.  I am including some so you can see how simple these can be, yet, how very special to your family such words would be. I'll Be (Download ill_be_done.doc )  Keeper of the Stars (Download keeper_of_the_stars_done.doc ) I Want to Be Just Like You (Download i_want_to_be_just_like_you_done.doc)  and She's a Butterfly (Download shes_a_butterfly_done.doc).

I'll Be 

Keeper of the Stars (Coming Soon)  :~)

I Want to Be Just Like You   

She's a Butterfly   

Making such a page is super easy.......

1. All you have to do to get the lyrics to a song is, in your search engine, type "lyrics to ______" using the title of your desired song
2. Open up a 'new document' in your Word program
3. Copy and past the words from the page to your document
4. Play with the font style, colors, and, size
5. Type your "story, memories or love for" the song
6. Hit 'Print', and, there you have it, a page completed!!

I have just a few links listed below that will help get those memory juices flowing, and, will show you how many special moments we associate with songs.

• Tropicalglen.com ~ This site is awesome!  You can chose a year or other list and have those songs playing in the background.  Although this only has the 50s through 1982, what a blast to listen to!
• John Larocque has some great sites for the 70s.  These songs are listed in alphabetical order of the artist ~ man, just look at those names, and the memories will be flying!!  They also have similar pages for the 80s ~ note Air Supply right on top there :) and the 90s
• In the 70s, 80s, and, 90s is fun because there are coordinating quizzes ~ bring the quiz to your next family gathering, and, the stories will be spilling out!  You can spend hours on this one just renewing old flames, old habits, and, old friends :)
• 100 Greatest Rock n'Roll Songs of the 60s and The Wanderer are just 2 sites you will find if you do a search for "music of the 60s"
• AND, don't forget your spiritual memories and growth!!!  There are great sites like the Cyber Hymnal (this has the stories behind many hymns ~ I LOVE IT!!!) and Name that Hymn, and Hymn Lyrics (this also has praise and comtemporary songs).

Even as I type, and listen to "Still" play on Tropicalglen.com  I remember marching in band at half-time, turning towards the stadium and chills running down my spine as we "brought it home" for the final chorus ~ such special memories that I should share ~ So, get to cruisin' on the internet, and, find those long lost songs whose songs will bring laughter, tears, smiles, and, memories.....then, make and album!!  :) 

A New Year Note

I actually scrapbooked a ton this weekend ~ my stuff came out of my scrapbooking room and I took over the kitchen table.  My poor family had to eat on the floor or stand up for 2 days!!  :)

I have finally hit the point in my past pictures where I started making notes, such as Journey Jots.  Man, was I thanking myself for doing so.  I know there were things I had written down that I never would have remembered by the time I finally got to scrap them.

One of my favorite things was a New Years Note to each of my children.  It kinda was a "year in review" and "prayers for the coming year".  These are a great way to end a year in your scrapbook. It helps capture key moments and growth from the previous year and gives an opportunity for me to be sure I document my prayers and hopes for the coming year.  There were soooo many things I wouldn't have if I had not taken the short 30 minutes or so to capture my thoughts.

So, I thought I'd encourage each of you to take just a few minutes to make a quick New Years Note to each of your family members and then, plan on capturing these in your album.  Here are just a few ideas to help get you going:

• Favorite / special toys, shows, friends, clothes, music from the past year
• Physical, emotional, and spirtual growth or milestones from the past year
• Any specific trials or mountains and how they were met / beaten
• Bible verses or stories that are relevant to the past year / coming year
• Prayers for growth (physically, emotionally, and spirtutally) in the coming year
• Your respect or admiration for the loved one

Even if you are not a point that you can scrap them now ~ just get your thoughts down.  Type them or write them out real quick.  I just scratched mine down with abbreviations I didn't even know what I meant 2 years later :)  Then, when you do get to a point you are ready to put the notes in your albums, here are some quick ideas on how to use them:

• Type, or even better write, each one out as if you were sending them, and, stick them in a pocket page or envelope taped directly to your page
• Type out the letter, embellish the paper or page you place it on so it can be easily read as others look at your album
• Use the past year moments as page embellishments.  These can be written or even typed out in different fonts and paper
• End the year, or start the next year with the Notes ~ What a great front page for a new year!

Hope this gets you thinking and writing!

On a personal note ~ 2006 was a year of overwhelming growth for Scrapbookers Bubble Bath.  I am speechless and humbled.  To think that He would use me, an internet-afraid and techy-dumb nurse :) just really amazes me.  I passionately pray that SBB can, in 2007, continue to help each of you capture your legacy and leave that eternal impact.   

For each of us 2006 was a different mix of trials, growth, pain, love, blessings, and change ~ Only He knows what 2007 will bring.  But, one thing we do know, it will be a year of His Work and His Love ~ and, we wouldn't want it any other way!

To each of you, thank you so much for being a part of my life and for blessing me ~ You inspire me with your love for your families and the Lord.  May we each draw closer to Him and learn more of His Woundrous Love and Amazing Grace this year!

Much Love,

Tina

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.

Which Home Do I Create?

Most of one morning this week, I was trying to make the next post...again, I was having trouble getting my computer security program to allow pop-ups from this site - frustrating!!  However, as only the Lord so beautifully does, through our local radio station, all my frustration was refocused on this picture and the story behind it.

This (at least according to our US government) is a picture of North and South Korea.  North Korea being the dark - South being the bright country.  Be sure to read the scoop - pretty interesting.

What struck me was, of course, the contrast of light versus dark.  And, the Lord quietly tapped my shoulder and asked me what kind of home do I create for my family?  One full of darkness, fear, and uncertainty?  Or one of light, hope, and, direction? 

I know sometimes I get so caught up in how I "think things should work"  that, I fail to stop, and be sure I am making the most of every moment to give my children and husband a place of joy, rest and peace. 

• Do I just ramble my thoughts, or, turn them towards His Word at teaching moments?
• Do I just vent out of frustration, or, stop to see the situation as they do and try to make my words ones of life changing and not life exasperating?
• Do I take that extra 15 minutes while dinner is cooking to selfishly check my email, or, to play on the floor with my 6 year old and build a mall with the math cubes?
• Do I let my boys know how disgusting they are when they make those bodily function noises, or, laugh along with them?  :)

If there was a satellite picture of my home - I so pray it would be the one illuminated with His Light and Love!!  So, I shut the computer down, and, had a date with my daughter watching the entire Little Mermaid movie in our pajamas!!

** Hmmmm ~ Tying this into a scrapbook theme ~ what kind of scrapbooks do I create as well?  I pray those are ones of His Light and Love too!  I want future generations to be reminded of His Grace, Forgiveness, and Works through my words and pictures of this precious life we are given!

Fabric Embellishments

As I moved from my other home, it was difficult for me to leave a couple sets of curtains - There were the ones I have had in some room, in one way or another, since we have been married; I also left behind the curtains my mom made for the kitchen ~ a special gift that holds a treasured story; And, what about the Blue Angels curtains I made for the boys ~ but, put the fabric upside down :)

However, as I unpacked, I found scraps from each set of curtains I left behind.  Since there was not enough to make anything else, I held it in my hand, wondering what in the world I could do with it.....

I want to preserve not only how my kitchen looked, but, the story of the curtains, and, the precious soul who made them.  I want the boys to know the moments leading to their fabric choices and the excitement they had as the rooms were completed. 

Being unable to just toss the fabric that brings special moments to mind, I put the pieces in my scrapbooking room - with plans to make pages using the fabric.  The swatches can be used as background, embellishments, or as the focal point of the page itself.  Besides the curtain fabric for my albums, I have also kept:

• My dad's baby clothes - to make a pocket on a page to put some of his clothes in, along with pictures of him when he was a baby (Of course this can be done for our own children)
• Old lace curtains from my grandmother that can never be hung due to aging, but, can be used as a special embellishment with some pictures of her
• A candy wrapper my husband brought home ~ I have framed it and set it on my desk
• A pair of pajamas I made for my son that were made from fabric he chose, with a very funny story  behind it
• Feathers from a Halloween custome I made for my daughter
• A ribbon worn by my daughter for a special picture
• I even saved the robe from my honeymoon pajamas, that, of course, no longer fits after 4 children and 16 years :) and made a collage with our wedding invitation, favors and program.

Sometimes we remember to keep the recital programs, the first day of school pictures, and the hair from the first haircut, but, there are so many other keepsakes that can be added to our albums ~ we only need to open our eyes to the potential of the other cherished pieces.

Do you have any special fabric sitting around that could be used as an embellishment?  Does anyone else have such fabric or other odd keepsakes that can be used in our albums?  If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment below.  I would love to hear and share other ideas from you faithbookers out there with a passion to leave a legacy through your albums.

picture from http://www.trendycrafts.net/images/fabric.jpg

Peaceful Dwelling Places

Well, I think it is official ~ we finally got our house on the market....Now we are in that "we gotta keep the house ready in case someone calls us" mode.  Wow, selling a house is a ton of work!! :) 

Now that the "For Sale" sign is in the yard, and, I am realizing how final this all is ~ I have to admit that I am feeling really unsettled at times.  In fact, I told the realtor I had a small part of me that did not want to sell because that meant I had to actually move out of my home and commit to another home and neighborhood - yikes!

After looking a millions of homes ~ OK, maybe only tens, it just felt like millions ~ I am realizing what a mammoth decision this is.  The home we pick will impact our family's life forever....it will impact the friends my children have, the schools they attend, the church we choose, maybe even the in-laws my children will receive...

I have to constantly remind myself that the Lord already knows the house He has for us ~ we just have to rest in Him and allow Him to show us the way.  After a restless night of thoughts of "wooded lot or lots of running room", "gas or wood burning fireplace", kitchen with or without an island", "more square footage or newer" and on and on ~ I woke hearing Him speak what I call my "family verse" ~

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, secure homes, and undisturbed places of rest ~ Isaiah 32:18

He gave me that verse years ago as both a promise from Him and a goal for me to pass on to my children. 

Promise : He wants to give us peacefull dwelling places and secure homes and places of rest.  We need only to trust in Him and cling to His promise.

Goal :  I strive to create a home that can be described by the words of Isaiah 32:18.  I want my children and husband to find our home to be a secure place of rest and peace.

Page Idea? 

• Create a page of a place of rest for you, whether it be a special room, under a tree, or holding your child.  Where does your soul feel at rest?
• Find a favorite picture of Christ or a picture that you see as representing peace, and journal how Christ has been your security, peace, and rest.
• As I have done below, take a picture of your home, include Isaiah 32:18 and journal 1) what you do to make your home one of security and rest or 2) what you want others to feel as they enter into your home. 
• Your family will treasure your words and prayers for what you have done to provide a special home for them. Using Isaiah 32:18 is another way we can pass on His promise and love to future generations.

                                           

#1 ~ Using one of our early practice Legacy-Cuts, I took a picture of our home and journaled how I pray to make our home one of security peace and rest.  "Isaiah 32:18 has been my promise from the Lord ~ and a goal for my home.  As I plant outside, decorate the inside, and train my children, peaceful dwelling place, secure home and place of rest sings in my mind.  I pray my children and grandchildren think of my home when they hear Isaiah 32:18 ~ That would be a dream come true."

(Since currently the Legacy ~ Cuts have had to be placed on hold, here is the Cut I used to create this page ~ enjoy!)Download sbb_legacycut_isaiah_32_18_illustrative_porch_large.pdf

#2 ~ Using another one of our early practice Legacy-Cuts, I took a picture of our new driveway being placed and journaled how I wnat others to feel as they entered our home. "I pray my driveway will be one that family and friends will pull up to find a home they feel peace and love as they enter."  Although these were pictures of just concrete and trucks, using scripture it now provides a wonderful avenue to both reveal a little more about my heart and continue to encourage future generations to turn to Him.

(Here is the Legacy ~ Cut I used to create this page ~ enjoy!) Download sbb_legacycut_isaiah_32_18_expressive.pdf

I truly pray you find rest in Him today ~ He wants to be your Security, Peace and Rest ~ we need only allow Him into our hearts and lives.

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

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 :)

Plumbing, Pictures, and Pages

Well, as I mentioned on the welcome page to SBB, I am in the middle of those few frantic weeks before you put your house up for sale ~ you know, doing those projects and touch ups that somehow never manage to get done until you are ready to pass your home on to someone else :)

In the middle of painting and packing, we had quite a weekend....If I explained it all, no one would believe me - it is a story that truly would only belong in a sitcom!  In short, we had 6, yes, 6 different plumbing issues this weekend.  Now, these issues were the opposite of "clogged", so, as you can imagine, there really was not a dry towel in the house last night.  It started with a drip that we noticed from one of the showers and just continued on including feed lines, a basement toilet and 2 seperate leaks with the water heater that really is only a few years old.  I think the funniest (now that is fixed) one is the drip, drip, drip I heard while a friend was visiting, and, I thought, "oh, I need to turn the faucet off better when she leaves".  Unfortunately it was not my faucet, and by the time she left, my laundry area was soaked and the water heater was literally running hot water.

Whew, now that my water is turned back on, I have towels in the washer and dryer, my sink stacked full of dishes waiting for the next load in the dishwasher, laundry that may just end up taking over our home like that old movie "The Blob", and, a story that will make some awesome pages in our "Bedford Home" album!

Before my wonderful, life-saving, and super smart dad left last night, I had to have my husband and him pose for a picture ~ while the plumbing story itself will make wonderful pages, even more treasured is the story of how my father has influenced the life of my husband and the beautiful relationship they have.  This page idea came to me Friday night when I asked my husband how he knew how to fix all this stuff, and, his answer brought tears to my eyes "From watching your dad." And, as I went downstairs to get back to my painting, I thought of all the times I have heard the two of them discussing, laughing, and working through projects.  My dad has such an amazing calm presence about him, that even in the midst of the 6th attempt at sodering a joint the two of them can talk and joke. I could ramble in this blog forever with the projects they have attacked, the knowledge that has been passed on, and the friendship that has been created, but, I will save those words for my album.

So, actually there are 2 ideas in this post ~

1) Of course, take before and after pictures of remodeling, but, don't forget to take pictures of projects with stories.  I seriously took a picture of each "leaky culprit" - it is all too funny not to put in our album.

2)  For even more of a legacy leaving page ~ Do you have someone who does help you with life?  Don't forget to take pictures of them "helping" as I did of my dad and husband after the plumbing project.  Then, write how the story or even a list of the projects you two have done together.  I have pictures of my dad and husband working on a car before we were even married that I treasure - those will be copied and placed on this page along with the kitchen floor, back porch, electrical endeavors, and, of course, the plumbing!

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!