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.

Be Yourself

I was trying to get a shot for another page, but this is what I got instead!


Journaling: Not the smile I was hoping for but, at 7, it is more important that you / Be yourself



Credits: Foggy Day and Dreams Come True by Lauren Bavin, Playing with overlays vol.5 and Funny Stitches by Natali Design, Simple things and Rule My World by Irene Alexeeva, IO Whimsy by the Studio Girls, Word art by Joyce Paul, Distressed Edges and Troublemaker by Flergs and Fresh Papers by SussieM

Lite Brite

Journaling: Children, like flowers, give pleasure just by being


Credits: Summer Delight by Natali Designs and Playing with overlays vol. 6 by Natali Design.



Gotta love Natali's stuff - this layout went together so easily and I can see 3 or 4 more with these overlays!

Home is . . .

Round 4 of the BOTCT for Irene's Whimsical Maidens!


Journaling: as any of you who have had a puppy know, they kind of take over the house for a while. Well, we got a beagle puppy 2 days ago, and things around
here have changed a bit. So right now, (word art) home is a new puppy


Credits: Simple Things, Maybe May, Frolic Tunes, Happy Tails collab & Snips & Snails by Irene Alexeeva at Scrap Orchard

Cat Nap

Journaling: Ian so loves the kitties that this picture thrilled
him to no end. He was so happy to find out that the cats hang around him when he is asleep. He is definitely the cats person of choice in THIS house! August 2009

Credits: Melon Smoothie and Juicy Avenue by Irene Alexeeva, Cat word art from Elegant Word Art by Bethany, Worn overlays by Manu, Stitches from Natali Design, Distressed edges and Tropicana by Flergs and Scanners by Marcee Duggar

Naptime

Journaling: While watching the guys play XBOX 360 (not a spectator sport in any sense of the word, in fact it is rather boring if you aren’t playing) Mom & Spot took a much needed nap. We got up pretty early and by this time, we were both pooped. Daddy decided to jump into the role of shutterbug and snap a few shots of us sleeping.

Credits: Serendipity by Joyce Paul, Stitches by Natali Design, Old Newspaper Alpha by Jen U at Scrapbookgraphics and Topography No.7 by Valorie Wibbens

Spot

Yes, this is our most recent addition, Spot. Now it is even - 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 cats & 2 dogs. Thank goodness everyone gets along well!


Credits: Blaze by Ellie Lash, Splatter grafitti borders & Splatter grafitti masks by Tangie Baxter. Staple stash by Maya and template from Tangie at SBG

7th

One of my favorite pics from Alexanders birthday - I totally forgot to scrap this one! May was a busy month :)

Credits: Sugar Rush by Flergs and Franziska Altmann, Mask from Gundhilde Storeide, playing with wa vol 9 & elements by Natali design

Mom?

This is the recipe that Irene Alexeeva's Whimsical Maidens decided to follow for Round 3 of the Battle of the Creative Teams
10 Flowers – Forest Polka, Heart Bits, Frolic Tunes
9 Beads – Fresh Delice
8 Hearts - Up There, – Forest Polka
7 swirls – Peter Cottontail, Heart Bits, Frolic Tunes
6 ribbons – Pink Mood, Altered Ego, The Way I Am
5 stitching elements – Deep within, Hold my Breath
4 papers – Pink Mood, Heart Bits
3 fonts – CK Tate, Avant Garde medium, Morning Limerick BTN Lt
2 Frames – Peter Cottontail, Altered Ego
1 Photo


Journaling: mom in 1967 / Alexander, who does this look like to you? Oma, mom & dad all think it looks like you when you were little. I don't know if you see the resemblance, but we really look alike. This picture was taken years ago when mommy had crawled into her parents’ bed - just like you do!

Feel the Sun

Journaling: Alexander and Ian getting ready to go to the pool. They know that sunblock comes first, so we have made a game of putting it on.


Credits: Indian Summer and Summer Fun Solids by Joyce Paul, staples from Blaze by Flergs, word art from a freebie by Anna Aspnes and template from Feel The Line Vol. 2 by dido designs.

Best Friends

This is my Round 2 layout for the Battle of the Creative Teams as one of Irene Alexeevas Whimsical Maidens.


The Whimsical Maidens choose the song "You’ve Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett as our theme. We each picked a lyric from the song to use in our layouts. As an additional theme we each chose to use the word “friendship” on each page.


Journaling: alexander and michael have been friends since the
10th day of kindergarten. this year, they weren’t in
the same class, but they looked forward to their
time together on the playground and the days
that they could get together after school .
hopefully, next year the class schedule will
be a little more forgiving
and they’ll be in the
same class again.


Credits: "You’ve Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett. Everything else from Irene Alexeeva at Scrap Orchard. Backgrounds blended from I’m A Believer and Rainbow Ride, stitching from Snips and Snails, and elements from Up There, Fly High, Birdies Brushes and Doodles, Deep Within and Faerie Lake.


Fonts used were Century Gothic and DB Diversions LET

Deck the Halls

I'm ready for Christmas again, so I went through my Christmas photos and found a few that I still needed to scrap.


Here is a simple picture of Ian decorating the tree EXCEPT for the fact that he is having a hard time reaching because he has 5 shirts on - the bulk makes it difficult!


Credits Feel the Line templates, Vol. II by dido designs, Deck the Halls and Snips and Snails by Irene Alexeeva, Impressions of Joy by the Studio Girls and Christmas Carols Word Art pack from Elegant Word Art By Bethany

Expecting Daddy

Journaling: Ian used to go to the Post Office with Daddy almost every day. The owner of our local post office brought her cats to work, so Ian went to see the kitties and to be with Daddy - a win, win situation! Now, we have kitties of our own, so he doesn’t go, but I catch him looking wistfully out the window, waiting for Daddy to come home.

Credits: Several Kits by Irene Alexeeva. I used Heart Rock as a base and Pumpkin Tide, Junk Treasures, Heart Bits, Chickadee Chic and Snips and Snails for supporting elements. Fonts used were The Quiet Scream and Myriad Pro

One Cool Kid

Journaling: Ian is one cool kid. More often than not, he’ll be wearing a hat and shades, clothes always matching - very fashion conscious for a 5 year old.

Credits: Cutie Pie and Summer Fun by Joyce Paul and Beautiful Word Art #5 by Glam Fairy

Life at its best

Journaling: Hashbrowns for breakfast - puts Alexander in a good mood every time. Ian likes ‘em, but they
are not his favorite, he goes for a more diverse breakfast menu, eggs, cereal & milk, breakfast tacos, biscuits, etc. But, this morning Alexander wanted to share his treasured hashbrowns and sitting on the same chair, eating off of the same plate put you BOTH in a good mood. And you know mommy wouldn’t miss that photo op! Cleaning the bathroom can definitely wait.
This is
Life at its BEST/ Genuinely Happy Boys - Alexander and Ian / July 11, 2009

An Uno Easter

Finally got my second Easter page done - better late than never!
We have found a game that we all enjoy - UNO! It is so fun, playing Uno with the kids and watching their reactions and strategies play out on their faces.


Journaling: After hunting for Easter eggs at Oma's, we decided that a game of Uno was just the thing before lunch.


Credits: Merry-go-Round Worn papers by Glam Fairy, Snips and Snails by Irene Alexeeva, Blocks Page Mask and Grungy Swirls by Vinnie Pearce.

The Greatest Show on Earth

The circus is a really neat place to go and even more fun if you can take a kid - it is REALLY fun if you take your own. Sam and I had as much fun watching the boys as we did enjoying the circus!

Credits: One template from Studio Arisu, Fresh papers by SussieM, Circus alpha by Birgit Kerr, Carousel elements by Birgit Kerr and Alana McCarthy, Stitches from Snips and Snails by Irene Alexeeva, Frames from 365 International Edition by MGL, Distressed Edges by Flergs and shadows from Shadow Mistress actions by Bec.

The Littlest Pumpkin

2005 was Ian's second trip to the pumpkin patch, but it was the first year that he really knew what was going on :)

Credits: TK

Our bit of sunshine

Ian is the sunshine of the family. In this pic, he is starting one of those smiles that makes you think, "I need my sunglasses" The rest of us are somewhat introspective, tending toward the "glass half-empty" outlook, but Ian is the sunshine for all of us :)

Credits: Paint a Dream by Joyce Paul, flowers from Summer Fun by Joyce Paul, Line w/splotches fro Impressions of Heritage Collab by Studio Girls, alpha from 3d alpha by Glam Fairy, tag from tiny vellum tags by Ellie Lash

No AC

The boys with no AC. Quite listless and very exhausted. I suppose we’ve become accustomed to it, but I really don’t see how one can live (in any sort of comfort) without air conditioning. Ours has been out for 2 days and it is awful - 87 degrees at 5 am and low nineties around noon. The guys and I are counting the minutes until the AC Repairman leaves and we can all go to the neighborhood pool. What did people do before air conditioning was invented? June 25, 2009

Credits: Urban Summer by Birgit Kerr, Grungy frames by ON Designs and A Fine Mess of Grids by Birgit Kerr.

Hiking

With the weather here in South Texas, hiking can be quite miserable.


Journaling: I’m hot, tired, I may be hurt, but I am NOT going to whine! Alexander Tolleson


We were at the end of a hike, almost to the car, and this was your comment about your brothers whining. Hiking is not your favorite thing, but lately your mission is not to revert to whining. It really bugs you when Ian does it, so you have decided not to.
Go, Alexander!


Credits: Deep Breath by Irene Alexeeva and Gumnut Gully by Flergs

Family dynamics

Alexander: I so rock at Guitar Heros Ian: I spy on Alexander (such a little brother thing)

BOTH: and by the way mom, will you please move? We are trying
to watch TV here!

Well, getting you two smiling at the same time is proving impossible,
but this time I at least got both of you in the same picture. So, this
is HOW IT IS! June 2009

Credits: Being Myself By Irene Alexeeva, Curled paper from Ethans Backyard by Pineapple Plantation designs, Alpha from Apt D alpha by Flergs and Distressed edges by Flergs, Simple Family Word Art Pack from Elegant Word Art by Bethany and template from Lolly Bag by Kristin Skjæringrud. Fonts Used: Rough Typewriter and Milk & Cereal


Fonts:

Lazy Days of Summer

An antiquities photo from 2005 - and the boys are always wanting to go fishing!

Credits: Faerie Lake by Irene Alexeeva, Water from Natali's Sea Side, Worn overly from Worn overlays by Manu

an evening ritual

an evening ritual - tickle time in the computer room. this started when you were a few days old - you wanted to be with us, so you joined us in the computer room. now you have your own computer and it seems like a regular thing for the entire family (including your little brother) to be in the computer room! - March 2005

Credits: Ode to Joy and Notebook by mgl, Frames from I heart Frames by Joyce Paul and alpha from Alpha stash 1 by Joyce Paul and Sugar rush alpha by Flergs. I also used doodled borders by Tracie Stroud.

Fonts: CK Melton and Century Gothic

Alexander

This is the cover for Alexanders' baby/toddler book. I have it a bit backward - there are still 20 or so pages that I need to complete for the inside!


Journaling: Alexander, what did you dream about when you were a baby? Was it the days when you could crawl and even walk? Or did you just dream of clouds and flying things - wouldn’t mommy like to know! Maybe you dreamt about the days when you would run and play. Maybe someday you’ll clue me in.


Credits: Everything from Flying Dreams by Lorie Davison

Being Alexander

alexander, this is
one of those everyday
moments, not a special event,
when you are doing what you excel
at - just being YOU!
october 2005

Credits: Play Kitchen by Baers Garten and I Heart Frames by Joyce Paul

Bathing Beauty

Yesterday, we went to SeaWorld, and I took my camera, not really knowing why, but I did. When I saw Alexander laying on a beach chair - I sure was glad that I had my camera with me!

Credits: Natali's Sea Side & Playing With Overlays vol. 5 & Art Masks by Phuong Ton