Riding his Bike

Both boys really like to get out and ride bikes, but Ian seems to like it a little more than Alexander.
Journaling: I really didn’t think that my kids would enjoy riding their bikes as much as Sam & I did when we were younger. As long as we were home in time for dinner, our parents didn’t complain. Even though my boys don’t get to ride their bikes as often as I did, they like it just as much. Ian will ask to go for a ride at 9:30 at night. As long as it is on a weekend, I’m ok with it and we’ll go around the block. I’m thinking that it is the freedom to go wherever he wants (kinda like mommys car!) that is the allure of the bike. Whatever it is, the boys have found it and decided that found it and discovered that bike riding is an activity for them.

Credits: Credits: Wish Maker and Fall Fantasia by Irene Alexeeva, Templatez Volume 4 by NeeNee, Playing with Chains by Natali Design, Dreams in Colour2 - Neutral by MGL, Year In Review Add-on by Ztampf! and The Essentials by Miss Vivi

Alex's favorites

Lately, I have been focusing alot on the challeges my son is facing and the little things that the does that make me smile. A Two-page template is perfect for that! Not wanting to "feature" one boy over another, I decided to use the left side for Alexander and the right for Ian.


Journaling: These are a few of Alexander’s
absolute favorites. Reading, playing at the park, jumping on the trampoline while eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, playing XBOX and “doing his moves” are all vying for the number one spot. And you know something? Watching him enjoy any one of these activities never fails to put me in a good mood.


Credits: Kristin's Two Page Template No. 15, Brigit Kerr's A Fine Mess of Grids, Carfer by Flergs and Tracy Stroud, Snips and Snails by Irene Alexeeva, Distressed Edges and Sugar Rush by Flergs , Smile Brackets word art from Elegant Word Art by Bethany and Journalicious from Ztampf!

January 2010

hiding

The boys playing together and Ian hiding behind the pole in the park

Journaling: As I sit here thinking about my boys, I realize that the little things you guys do that irritate me (like saying ya as if you were valley boys, not ones raised in South Texas, or zone like you don’t hear me) are
nothing compared to the way both of you play together or the sweet ways you just act like you!

P.S. I Love You

Credits: P.S. I Love you by Natali Design, Splatter Graffiti masks vol2 & Splatter Graffiti red by Tangie Baxter, Wax Seals by Ztampf and Distressed Edges by Flergs.

informal math club

Journaling: Alex, who is in 2nd grade, has always found math to be a subject that he excels at. Ian, who started Kinder this year, is good at math, although he is a couple of years behind his brother. Here they both are working on a math book and Alex is trying to bring Ian up a few levels!

Credits: My 365 Templates by Kristin, Dream in Color - neutral and Dream in Color - green by MGL, Carver by Flergs Journalicious by Ztampf, A Fine Mess of Grids by Brigit Kerr and Bec's Shadowmistress action set.

Book of Me, p7

Journaling: I was born in Berlin, my mom was born and raised there. My dad planned to retire in Germany, but that didn't happen. When I was 3 months old, he was medically evacuated to the states because of a problem with his eye. As a result, my mother had to move away from her home to a new country with a new baby at
22. I know I couldn't do that! Well, it has been 44 years and things
eventually settled down. My dad passed away in 91 and my mom
was able to take me to Berlin for a visit in 2000. She'll stay here because
her grandkids and I are here, but I think her heart will always be in Berlin.

Credits: Book of Me Templates by Crystal Livesay, Postmarked New Years 08 by Katie Pertiet, Moments in Time by Flergs and Year in Review by Ztampf

Book of Me, p2

I really enjoy making layouts of my family and friends, but I've always had this little nagging feeling in the back of my head that I should be doing some stuff that tells something about me. Sam already knows quite a bit, but even he doesn't know everything. Then yesterday my youngest son asked me in the car "Mom, who is your daddy?" Well, that was enough of a push to get me started on a whole new book - a book of me!

Journaling: This book is designed to tell you a little about me. The one who takes the pictures, makes the layouts and gets the photobooks printed. Telling a bit of my story will give me the peace of mind that comes with knowing that I have answered some of your questions and recorded my childhood memories.

Credits: Book of Me templates by Crystal Livesay, Boyish Charm by MGL, Distressed Edges by Flergs and swirls from Self Indulgence by Veronica Spriggs.

Being a parent

Journaling: The best thing about being a parent is the ability to revisit your childhood whenever you want to. Sam does this every night at story time, much to the delight of the boys, and I have to confess, I enjoy it, too! There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing all three of my guys having a great time :)

Ian on his new bed & SpongeBob sheets while Daddy is reading a bedtime story (Owl Babies - a family favorite) Jan 2010

Credits: Little Fishi Island by Lorie Davison. Old Paper Overlays by ON Designs, Paperpack Backdrops by Ztampf, Splatter Graffiti Masks by Tangie Baxter, Build your Tag by Manuela Zimmerman, The Essentials - Fasteners by Miss Vivi and Love 3 WordArt Pack from Elegant WordArt By Bethany

Chaos Theory

Journaling: Where A=Alex and I=Ian, C is always Chaos

Credits: Whitespace Template 4A by Hillary, Tinker Toy and Distressed Edges by Flergs, swirl from PeekaBoo Grunge by TracyAnnDesigns

At the playground

Journaling: A few December moments that had NOTHING to do with Christmas. The kids were on winter break, it was a beautiful day and the playground was only a few blocks away. There you have it - the perfect afternoon!

Credits: The Essence of Spring by ON Designs and NLD, Flowers and stitches & pastel tag from Sept Grab Bag by ON Designs, Alpha from Don't Eat Worms World by Lorie Davison, Spring word arts by ON Designs, Funny stitches by Natali and template from December Moments by Crystal Livesay

Our Family

Journaling: This year my mom bought the boys a couple of sets of cards with questions. Each set has a ring that holds the cards together and clips onto your belt loop. A great way to keep the lines of communication open and get everyone talking. On the way to my moms house, the boys and I answered the question “what is your favorite posession and why?” Ian, in typical little boy fashion, said that his new Hot Wheels track set was his favorite thing. Why - because it is new! Alex told us that his favorite thing is his XBox - because you can always play a new game when you win this one, so it never gets old. Good reasoning :) And then I thought - what is my favorite thing? My computer, sort of - My camera, maybe. Those two are prized posessions, but I could do without them in a pinch. But wait, my house! Definitely my absolute favorite. Why? Because it keeps my family safe, warm and comfortable. Sounds so sappy, but I like being able to provide that. It makes me feel good inside.

Credits: Troublemaker Part 1, Part 2 and Add On by Flergs, Storyteller Template 2a by SuzyQ Scraps, Sugar Rush paper by Flergs, All In The Family by SuzyQ Scraps, Girlfriend Alpha by Kim Jensen and Bec's Shadow Mistress action set

Twas the Night Before . . .

Journaling: Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stiring, especially not Alexander!
he was so excited to go see Oma and “keep her company” on Christmas Eve. He’s taken that as his responsibility and Oma has no problem with it :) But, as things go with children, reality fell short of expectations although the thought was there. dec 2009

Credits: So this Is Christmas by Emka Designs and SussieM, Jumpers with Text Paths by Crystal Livesay, Merry and Bright by Natali Design, One Magic Night by Flergs and Alana and splattergraffiti - silverfrost by Tangie Baxter

Photogenic?

Journaling: My friend and I each have 2 kids. All four are very photogenic. Most of the time, early in the day before everyone gets tired & cranky, I can really get some good shots. Her oldest, Jorgia, 7, and my youngest, Ian, 5, are total hams and will always mug for the camera. The other two, Alex, 7, and JJ, 3, have gorgeous natural smiles, but they get fed up with me taking pictures real fast. To get this shot, I told the boys that if they act silly and give me a pretty (NOT FAKE) smile, I would leave them alone and put away my camera for the rest of the day. Alex & JJ proceeded to have so much fun on the playground equipment that I quickly filled my camera card. I kept my promise, put up my camera and we were all happy. Got to use that technique again!

Credits: Jumper 23 (template) by Crystal Livesay, Playful Kit by Lyndsay Riches, Recycled Frames, Crazy Stitches and Distressed Edges all by Flergs, Doodletime by Tracy Stroud and Photography Word Art from Elegant WordArt by Bethany.

Best Buds

These two have been best buddies since kinder and they are now in 2nd grade. What I find interesting is that they always are able to pickup right where they left off. Although Michael and Alex aren't in the same class anymore, they do have recess together and sometimes play after school. Seems to be enough for them!


Journaling: These two have discovered and are perfecting the fine art of being boys - isn’t life grand ?!?


Credits: Template from Jumpers by Crystal Livesay, Appearantly by Studio Rosey Posey, Carver by Flergs, Notepaper Borders from Brigit Kerr, Word art from Friends Pack 2 by Elegant Word Art by Bethany and SO Useful fadeouts vol 2 by Sine.

Flower & Animal layouts

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Christmas Joy

I really don't do a lot of Christmas layouts, other than the day of, but this message is important to me right now.
Journaling: Unlike most other years, I am in no way
prepared for this Christmas. Between the Cub Scout activities, school parties and
volunteering, cleaning, trying to decorate and wrap presents here at home there doesn’t seem to be enough time to enjoy the season. Well, I have given myself
permission to change that. The kids are happy, we are all in good health and I think I’ll take my cue from Ian in this picture - enoying the tree at Oma’s -
no worries


Credits: Primitive Christmas by Jen U, SO Useful Worn Masks by Sine, Merry (worn paper) by Rosey Posey, Christmas Frames by Em-ka and Template pack No. 26 by Kristin

Alexander's baby book

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Christmas 2002

Alexanders 1st Christmas

Around the corner?

Journaling: When Alexander was little, he had the cutest way of dealing with a scary (to him) TV show. He would hide behind the couch and peer around the side or stand in the hall, peeking around the corner, never really letting that television screen out of his sight. Eventually the shows weren’t scary any more and he wouldn’t budge from in front of the tv. But, this strategy served its purpose for a
time. Sept 2003

Chasing ducks

The duck pond in this shot is one a few neighborhoods from ours and both boys love to go there. I took this picture when Alexander abrubtly woke one of the ducks up from his nap.

Uncle Ben & Alexander

Faster Daddy, faster!

An Apple Guy?

Alexander eating his 1st apple!

Mr. Fry

Journaling & Credits TK

Oma & Alex - July 2003

Jorgia Apple

Journaling: now of course, jorgia apple isn’t her real name, but Jorgia was so excited to bob for apples and really proud of herself when she got one, that I think that “Jorgia Apple” is a fitting label that won’t soon be lost! Oct 2009


Credits: Leslies Jumper #1 by Studio Crystal and Appletini from Flergs

daisy

Journaling: The 2009 road trip - 600 miles. We made a few stops along the way, but after this shot we were on our way home!

Credits: SO Various and SO Useful Fadeouts vol 2 by Sine, Natural Summer by Soval, Paper flower border from Brigit Kerr's Autumn Glory, Manu's worn Overlays and ON Designs Sept. GrabBag. I also used Jens Bends for the two main photos.

Madelyn Grace

Such a beautiful baby girl!

Credits: My Baby Girl from SussieM, Floral Grunge papers by Phuong, Vintage Antiquities from Jen U, Old Paper overlays by ON Designs, Lullabye from Birgit Kerr and Jumper #4 template by Studio Crystal. Picture credits: Richard L. Watson

First Spirit Night

Journaling: Ian and Averi were in the same Pre-K class last year at a local church. This year they both attend
kindergarten classes at the neigborhood
elementary. Different teachers, but these two are still good buddies. This was their first spirit night as elementary school students, not just
tag a longs.

Credits: Life Kit and Fragments element set by Studio Rosey Posey, Splatter graffiti masks by Studio Tangie, SO Stringed template and So Useful Fadeouts Vol. 2 by Sine.

Ians' Dream

Journaling: Ians dream is to go to Egypt and ride a camel. Since that won't happen for a while, this one at the Renaissance Festival will have to do.

Credits: Dreamy by Joyce Paul, Rule My World, Homespun Christmas, Seaside Dreams and Fantasy Word Art by Irene Alexeeva, Sea Side by Natali Design, Impressions of Travel Collab by the Studio Girls and SO Many Ways template by Sine.

Destructo Puppy

Journaling: Spot is such a sweetie, but he loves to chew - like all puppies. He is full of mischief and puppy playfulness. Chewing my internet cable and some of the kids toys wasn’t very playful in my opinion, but we have all learned from those experiences and try to keep our valuables away from Spots’ teeth.


Credits: Jake by Randi Oh, template from My Story vol.3 by Kristin Skjaeringrud and word art freebie from Elegant Word Art by Bethany.

the Drabbit

Journaling: When we first got to the Renaissance Festival, Ian seemed a bit subdued. His favorite rides were near the back of the festival grounds, and there was really nothing of interest near the entrance. Since Grandma & Grandpa were with us, we took in a few shops. One sold "drabbits", rather expensive toy dragons that perch on the shoulder with a wire to make it move like a live mini-dragon. As soon as Ian saw one, he was in love, like only a little boy who loves animals can be. Thinking that this was just part of our five year old's I want that syndrome, we left the shop, hoping to entice Ian with something cheaper. We looked at toy swords, shields, even tried to bribe him with food, but no, he wanted that blue dragon. When Sam & I went back and got it for him, Ian was the happiest little boy at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Ian proudly wore Bluey on his shoulder for the rest of the day and slept with him that night. Who knew that a fluffy blue puppet could bring such joy? Not me!

Credits: Medieval Faire by Tangie Baxter, Stitches by Natali Design, Mixed stitches vol2 by Manu, Worn Paper overlay by O.N. Designs, Distressed Edges by Flergs and SO Rounded Template from Designs by Sine.

Pumpkin Patch days

Kitty in the sock box

Journaling: I had just done a load of the kids socks
and needed to clear the dryer, so I emptied one of the larger plastic bins that we have, put the socks in it and jokingly referred to it as the “sock box”. No sooner had I filled it than the kitty found a new home - right there with the warm socks!

Credits: Autumn Bliss by Joyce Paul and Family Ties by Joyce Paul with Fei Fei's Stuff, Distressed edges by Flergs and ribbon from For Melissa by Flergs, Splish Splash by Miss Vivi, SO Various Template and SO Useful Alpha Shake by Sine.

Ian's pumpkin

Journaling: Ian picking his favorite pumpkin and anticipating the fun that he is going to have when he paints it.
Credits: Autumn Blend by Joyce Paul, stitching and word art from Family Ties by Joyce Paul and Fei Fei's stuff, bended frame from Jen Caputos Photo Tabs, Distressed Edges by Flergs and SO Minimal Template by Sine

Alex and Oma

Journaling: Alexander spends a huge amount of time with Oma - each Sunday the boys either go to her house or she comes to ours. Rules are a little different over there, (after all, her house isn’t kidproof!) but they abide by them and enjoy it all the same. Holidays are spent with Oma. Although Alexander has gotten to like a few big boy things, ex: gameboy, xbox, game day with the guys, Oma is still #1 to Alexander and I’m pretty sure she always will be.

Credits: The whisper about Fall and Playing with Overlays 7 by Natali Design
Fonts: Times New Roman and FG Cathies Hand

Vanda Packchong Blue

A beautiful, if different, flower that I found at the botanical gardens in San Antonio, Texas.

Credits: Rejuvenation by Veronica Spriggs.
Font used: Inkburrow

Sleeping Arrangements

Journaling:When we first got
the kitties, Ian never
let their paws touch the
ground. He was always
carrying them around the
house like a sack of
potatoes. Now they think
of him as "mommy” and
act accordingly.
Sept. 09

Credits: Bright Eyed by Peta Boardman and worn overlays by Manu.
Font: CK Dear Miss Rose

Ian Now and Then

Journaling: Ians teacher sent home a note requesting that each child bring 2 pictures. One when they were a baby and one taken recently. Sounds easy enough, right? I mean Ians every moment (and no, I don’t just mean the waking ones) has been documented by the click of my camera, so there are quite a few to choose from. Ian and I decided on these two -

Credits: Family Time by Joyce Paul with Fei-Fei's Stuff and Distressed Edges by Flergs. I also used Jens Bends for the smaller photo.

A While Ago . . .

This picture was taken while Sam & I were on our honeymoon in 1994. I usually don't work on older pictures (other than heritage) but, I figured that my boys would get a kick out of this one:)

Credits: Her Lullabye by Irene Alexeeva, Recycled Frames and Crazy StitchesI by Flergs. I also used Grungy Definitions - Love from Elegant WordArt by Bethany.

Spot and Quackly

Journaling: Spot - who chews everything in sight - has taken a liking to Ian’s stuffed duckie, Quackly and recently I found them napping together. Quacly, in perfect condition, not chewed, under Spot’s paw - how sweet! Sept 2009


Credits: Tom Thumb by Irene Alexeeva and stitching from Manu's Mixed Stitches II. I also used Feel the line template II by Dido designs.

Cookie Time

Journaling: We have made it a tradition to go to the Christmas Celebration at Fiesta Texas one night during the Christmas Season. The boys get to ride a few rides (not everything is open during Christmas), see the lights and a 100 foot Christmas Tree , visit Santa, and the best part - decorating and eating cookies. The boys get a pretty big sugar cookie - about the size of a plate and green , red and white frosting. Then at each table there is a condiment tray filled with sprinkles to add to the cookies - this is the best part of the Evening!

Credits: Merry and Bright and Tiny Vellum Tags by Ellie Lash, Distressed Edges and Stitches by Flergs and Photo Gazeuse Template by Sine.

Tuning Out

Journaling: tuning out the world (read - little brother) so that he can get his homework done. Daddy’s MP3 Player seems to do the trick - a little Metallica can do wonders! Daddy used this trick when he was younger (with 4 brothers and a sister, his house was LOUD!) Never thought that the same little trick would work for you, but you were having trouble concentrating at homework time. We gave Alexander the earphones and tada - no more homework problems (well, not too many!)
September 2009
Credits: Tears in Heaven by Line design, splatter masks by Tangi Baxter, Homework pack from Elegant Word Art by Bethany and Summer Delight by Natali Designs.

2nd Grade Smile

Journaling: Alexander was so happy to show his new smile (sans front teeth!)to his cub scout leader. She was immensely pleased, told him that he was growing up and then asked, Do you know what this is? It is the perfect (title) 2nd grade smile

Credits: Wishes by Line designs, Painting Angel Caps by Berna Datema, Funny Stitches from Natali designs, Linear Smiles from Elegant Word Art by Bethany, Brigit Kerr Grungy Alpha, Brigit Kerr Curled Edges and Handcut Template 2 by Ashley Kennedy Designs.

Better and Better

Journaling: The night before the first day
of school Ian was kind of nervous, so to
make him feel more comfortable about going,
I read the lunch menu to him. I could
hardly anticipate the response - he was so excited,
he said "Mom, they feed me spaghetti at school?
Well, this just keeps getting better and better!"
Then he went to bed very happily anticipating his
spaghetti lunch.

Wrap-up: he loved his lunch and came home proudly
sporting spaghetti stains. I have since learned
to dress him in dark clothes on spaghetti day!

Credits: Steampunk by Maya, Photo tabs by Jen Caputo, A fine Mess of Grids by Birgit Kerr, Apt D Alpha by Flergs, 2000's linear calendar from Elegant Word Art by Bethany and template freebie SO Ways 02 by Sine.

Let it Shine

Journaling: for some reason, Alexander chose to recall the VBS song “This Little Light Of Mine” and sing it a few days ago. Not like we sing it here at home or anything, he just likes it!

Credits: Iffy by lauraskathi, Decorative Grunge Swirls by Vinnie Pearce, Flying Solo Templates by Hillary Heidelberg, Photo Tabs (templates) by Jen Caputo, Spring Essence by Tracy Ann, tag freebie by Gunhild Storeide, and border from Natalis Summer Delight Kit.

Dinosaur Valley

Journaling: This was really a trip to take Uncle Ben home. Since it was so long, we decided to stop at the dinosaur park along the way. We saw some neat racks, the boys got to climb a bit and there were a couple of life-sized dinosaur models - the perfect break from a long road trip. SIDE NOTE: That thing you do, when you stand with your hands on your hips - it has mommy written all over it! We took several pictures here at Dinosaur valley, but that one is my favorite. Just when I think my boys are growing up - getting so much like their daddy, you guys do something like this and it reminds me that you really are a lot like me, too! August 2009

Credits: Prehistoric - A Dino kit by Phuong Ton, Flying Dreams storybook paper by Lorie Davison, Scribbled Alpha by Birgit Kerr, American Heritage by Lisa Carter, Splatter Grafitti by Tangie Baxter, Mixed stiches vol 2 by Manu and template from Collection 29 by Jen Caputo

got milk?

Journaling: Milk is such a treat - these kitties make the most of it when it comes their way! Jolly is immensely pleased with his milk beard August 2009

Credits: Milkshake by Irene Alexeeva, Photo Tabs and Sketch 29 by Jen Caputo, Button template by Gunhild Storeide, Playing with overlays vol 5 by Natali Design and Happy Tails by Irene Alexeeva and Ziggle Designs

Game boys

Journaling: Remodeling our kitchen required many trips to the hardware and tile stores, none of which the boys wanted to take. To make it a little easier on them (and us!) we let them bring their gameboys. Here they are at home finishing up games they started at Lowes. Never thought that I would be thankful for a handheld game, but in this situation, they were absolute LIFESAVERS! July 2009


Credits: Game On by MGL and KHM Tortuga template #28 by Kelly H. Mize

D.C.

Journaling: Looks like you were having a conversation with Uncle Fred, but I don’t think that conversation was in your bag of tricks when we went to visit. On this day, Uncle Fred took us to Mt. Vernon and we were relaxing on the back porch. Eventually, you fell asleep in his arms. We had the best time in Washington, playing with flowers, eating seafood, checking out the various landmarks, I hope to go back when you and your brother are older. April 2003

Credits tk

A long, long time ago

Not really - these were antique photos that we had taken when Alexander was 3 months old

Journaling: Alexander was 3 months old and Sam & I felt like we had it all. Since then, Ian was born and we got a little more of “it all". No more just Sam, me & a few pets - we had a family now!

Credits: Seems Like Yesterday by Manu, Postage stamp by Katie Pertiet, Gumnut Gully from Flergs, Simple Family Wordart and blog freebie wordart from Elegant Wordart by Bethany, Mixed Stitches by Manu, Pretty Masks by Joyce Paul, Worn overlays by Manu, Vintage Antiquities by Jen U and Two of a Kind Templates by Hillary Heidelberg.