(more than anything) grateful for them

I was so honored to be invited to contribute another layout to Valerie Salmon's sketch blog! This page is for her Sketch #31.

Journaling:
Once again this year, rather than spending two days in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving dinner, we went out to a restaurant. The buffet at Seven Springs was excellent, as was the view of the mountain slopes from the rear deck of the lodge. The boys’ favorite part, though, was surely the time we spent in the hotel’s game room after dinner. It might not be as traditional as gathering around our own dining room table, but that’s ok. Wherever we are and whatever we eat, the day is about being together and counting our many blessings – especially the blessing of each other. ~Thanksgiving 2006

you are so 4

I loooooooove this Fancy Pants "True"

paper line!

Journaling:
Tyler @ 4 – what a cutie, even if sometimes that sassy 4-year-old attitude takes over. 8-27-07

this boy

From the October Scrapdango kit.

Journaling:
this {boy} defined as
kind
playful
silly
smart
loving
sweet

Here is the sketch!

way to make a splash

From the October kit at Scrapdango. I just love how this turned out! I made the background by "sponging" the blue paint that's included in the kit, and white paint, onto the cardstock.

Journaling:
2007 was definitely the year that the two of you made a big splash in your summer swim lessons at Miss Debbie’s house! Just the year before, I had to stay for your class and get in the pool with Tyler, because he would not go in the water otherwise. This year, he was jumping off the side of the pool – and loving it! And Ryan, who only a year ago was just starting to make progress getting across the pool with a bubble on, was now jumping in without a bubble, doing sit-dives, learning strokes, and swimming the length of the pool on his own! I am so proud of the progress that you both made. I can hardly wait to see what next year will bring!

what a difference one year makes

From the Scrapdango October kit.

Here is the sketch!

too much Thomas?

Love the colors in this My Mind's Eye paper line, from the October kit at Scrapdango.

Journaling:
It’s hard to imagine that you will ever outgrow the love you have now for Thomas the Tank Engine. You can spend hours, it seems, quietly fascinated and entertained, pushing Thomas around the Island of Sodor – often making up stories as you go. It’s so satisfying to watch you enjoy such simple, creative fun.
Tyler, 5-21-07

a few cards from the Scrapdango October kit

Some cards I made with scraps from the gorgeous October Scrapdango kit!

no more pitchkers!

Another one for Allyscraps.com! The papers are Dream Street - Father Knows Best.

Journaling:

Mother’s Day @ 7 Springs and Tyler has had ENOUGH of the Mommy-paparazzi! 5/13/07

Halloween ABC Mini-book

I don't do a lot of mini-books, but this little Halloween ABC book was a lot of fun! This is part of the very spooky Halloween gallery at Allyscraps.com, where they are having a Halloween contest with some AWESOME prizes!

a special bond

Journaling:

For you and Ryan both, the sheer glee in your voice when you see her pull in the driveway, and should "Grandma's here!" says it all. You both have such a special place in your hearts for her, as she has for you. It is, truly, a special bond.