Turn Journaling Fear into FUN with Life.in.Lists!Use your lists to inspire your scrapbook pages. Integrate them into your layouts with our FREE downloads available on snapncrop.com. You are going to LOVE scrapbooking the Mosaic Moments way!
To prepare for a busy summer schedule - Tami Potter/Snapncrop.com will make a change beginning JUNE 1st. weekly drawing will change to a Monthly drawing (see details below).
Monthly Drawing:Participants will be entered in a monthly drawing for a $30 Coupon good for Mosaic Moments™ products on Snapncrop.com. (To participate simply add your list to our comments on posts - the more times you participate the better your chances to win.) Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.
In honor of the Memorial Day Holiday I am posting one of Kevin's favorite's. A page I created after a visit to the Arlington National Cemetry. (This was originally posted under the Oh My Word category - Respect.)
Upon arrival at the Arlington National Cemetery a sign is displayed reminding visitors to please conduct themselves with dignity and respect.
While we were in the Washington DC area, Kevin and I decided to take our children to see our nations most sacred shrine. The visit was a wonderful opportunity to teach Cole (5) and Alexis (12) about "dignity and respect" as we talked to them about the cemetery, those who are laid to rest there, and how we can show our respect and gratitude for their sacrifice and service.
We walked through the cemetery to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched as soldiers performed a ceremony, "The Changing of the Guards." All who are present are asked to remain standing, in complete silence, for the duration of the ceremony.
Cole is a typical 5 year old boy. He is a little on the wiggly side; but, he did a really good job during the ceremony. Kevin only had to remind him to be silent once, with a quick shush, when he started to make a little noise.
Challenge: I hope you will find an opportunity to create a scrapbook page about "respect." Share your values with your loved ones. Tell them about something you respect and how you show your respect.
Childhood Scars. Do you remember how you got them?
1. Two scars under my chin. I remember getting one of them (bicycle accident.) The other, I was told, came from a fall down the stairs when I was a toddler.
2. Right knee - I put my knee on my sister's glass mouse cage. It broke.
3. Left knee - a stick that was poking up under the "slip n slide" my niece and I made with a big sheet of plastic.
4. Left wrist - I tried to climb over the fence at our grade school - it had metal pokers on top to discourage people from climbing over (they worked!)
What do you remember about your childhood scars? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.
Family Meals can be a challenge especially living in a house where everyone has different ideas about eating. Kevin is pretty easy - he will eat pretty much anything (but he thinks he should be able to put pepper on everyone's food (we don't like pepper!) I try to avoid certain foods and Alexis and Cole are both REALLY picky eaters - especially Cole who doesn't want anything mixed together or even touching on a plate.
Meals our whole family will eat:
1. Strawberry Crepes - This is a long process as each crepe is cooked individually; but, they are so good that everyone sticks around - waiting their turn for a second helping.
2. Pizza - a weekly Costco shopping trip tradition (because even though we all eat pizza we don't want the same kind - Costco sells it by the slice.)
3. Sunday Roast - a family tradition (passed down by my mom) with one alteration - we include extra carrots. At our house the carrots are more popular than the potatoes.
5. Crab Legs with homemade fries. Never a problem getting everyone around the table on a crab leg night!
6. Salmon - broiled or grilled we all love it.
7. Omelets - One of the best things about omelets, Kevin makes them to order. (my favorite: cheese, fresh spinach, fresh tomatoes, onions, a little sausage, and green olives - topped with sour cream.)
8. Pancakes - again made to order works best at our house. Cole likes shiny pancakes (plain with maple syrup on top.) I like to mix bananas & chocolate chips or coconut into mine. Lexi's pancake of choice changes with her mood. Kevin, well, he will eat pretty much any pancake you set in front of him, and he likes to try new combinations.
a few years ago I discovered a blog called Bakerella. I will admit, I have personally never made a cake pop. I tell myself that someday I will. Either way, it doesn't matter because looking at what Bakerella makes (cake pops desserts, etc.) is fun and looking is calorie free!
Happiness is...
1. Bakerella. This week she made the cutest "snow-cone" cupcakes.
3. Pinterest - I love to have a place I can organize all the wonderful things I find on the internet (along with all the wonderful things other people find and I re-pin!)
Here is a little sampling of my boards:
You can follow one or all of my pin boards (look for the follow me on Pinterest button) in the far right column.
I am not a big fan of spoof movies like "Robinhood Men in Tights, or Airplane" or movies like Dumb and Dumber. I get that a lot of people love them. Everyone has their own sense of humor. Some people tease, some prank, some make gross noises...
What Makes Me Laugh?
1. I love a smart comedy act (that isn't vulgar or filled with foul language.) Tim Hawkins - is one of my favorite commedians.
2. Some sitcoms (currently: The Big Bang Theory, & How I Met Your Mother.)
3. Weird Al songs (at least the few that I've heard.)
4. Kids - they say the funniest things!
5. Old family stories.
6. The Laugh Floor (a "ride" at Disney World.)
7. Romantic Comedy Movies - too many to mention all but the first that came to mind was: How to Lose a Guy in 10 days.
Many years ago Kevin and I were assigned the job of "Sunday teachers" to a group of 11-12 year old kids. One of the lessons we taught them (from a lesson manual) has always stood out in my mind. The lesson was called "Thought, Words, Deeds". It was about a process: how thoughts enter our minds, and if we let that thought continue to grow, or have a place in our minds, it will eventually come out in our words, and then in our actions. Years later, I found that lesson to be a great blessing in my own life.
How I've applied the lesson about "Thoughts, Words, & Deeds" in my life:
1. I've learned to pay more attention to my thoughts.
2. When negative thoughts come to my mind, I replace them with positive thoughts. (or I work to change my thoughts by listening to something good - like uplifting music.)
3. I try to avoid entertainment (TV shows, Movies, Music, etc.) that is dark, negative, disturbing, etc.
4. When I am angry with someone that I love, I work to get rid of the anger by thinking of all the good things I can about them.
5. I try avoid people who are not a positive influence in my life.
6. I've learned that happiness is a choice I make with my own thoughts. Most days, I choose to be happy. (Other days I choose to curl up in bed with a fluffy comforter, plenty of pillows, a remote, and if possible, some chocolate.)
Was there a lesson that made a lasting impression on you? How did you applied it in your life? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.
SCRAPBOOKING COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG with PHOTO MOSAIC STYLE:
When I create a page, I often crop photos to fit the grid. Sometimes, the "excess" from images comes in very handy.
On the page above, I wanted to include a photo (image below) I had taken of a picket fence, with a Crepe Myrtle draped over it, in Colonial Williamsburg.
After cropping the photo to fit my 3x3 square space, I had enough of it left over to use as "photo mosaic accent pieces" above and below the image in the top left corner. The squares not only fill in the space, the little splash of color also helps to balance out the page.
10 Things I love about visiting Colonial Williamsburg:
1. The authentic period costumes.
2. The gardens.
3. The wells - each with it's own roof top.
4. The stacks of chopped wood.
5. The colonial shops - (learning about the crafts.)
6. Though it is often "loaded" with tourists there is a peaceful atmosphere.
7. The apothecary shop is one of my favorites - so organized!
8. The houses (and other buildings.)
9. The signage on the taverns.
10. The iron and picket fences.
Have you been to a living history Museum? What were some of the things you enjoyed while you were there? Add your comments to be entered in our weekly drawing.
When Kevin and I were newlyweds we lived in a third floor apartment (with no elevator). The last thing we wanted to do was buy huge amounts of stuff that would have to be lugged up several flights of stairs. (The goal was to be able to carry everything up in one climb.)
There are many factors that weigh into our grocery shopping habits. Where we live, mode of transportation, the size of the refrigerator - extra freezer? What markets are available? What is grown locally? And, warehouse shopping has changed the shopping habits of many small business owner (and others)- who are introduced to "bulk" shopping.
My Grocery Shopping habits:
1. Because we stock up on (and buy in bulk) many items, we rarely shop more than once a week.
2. We love to buy crab legs from the grocery store down the street - they cook them so they are ready to eat.
3. We buy most of our fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables from our local grocery store.
4. I don't like to buy condiments in large containers that don't fit in the refrigerator door.
5. We don't subscribe to the newspaper; so, I only use coupons at Costco (they mail them to us).
6. During strawberry & Apple seasons we like to pick our own - fresh at the local growers.
7. I love to shop in "gourmet" and speciality grocery stores like Fresh Market, Trader Joes, etc. But it is more of an occasional novelty than a routine. One of my favorite grocery stores is the Hubbell and Hudson we discovered while traveling to Houston TX area. (So wish we had one of those in our neighborhood!)
I used a hidden flap on the page above to add more journaling (see below.)
8. I also love to shop in bulk. There is something about saving money and BIG containers of stuff that makes me happy. (May be it's becasue I know I am not going to have to buy it again for a long while.)
I get my bulk shopping fix with...
Paper & plastic Products (toilet paper, tissues, paper plates, cups, garbage bags, paper towels.)
Frozen Chicken & Fish.
Cold cereal.
Snacks for the kids (i.e. Goldfish crackers)
Shredded Cheese (I put the big bags in the freezer and thaw as needed.)
Chocolate chips (Can a bag of chocolate ever be too big?)
This has been a tough week with some difficult news. We all have days or weeks when our hearts feel heavy. I've found on those days that it helps to look for the blessings in my life.
Happiness is...
1. Friends - Especially those who trust that I am capable and strong, but, who offer their support anyway.
2. Shelter - Yesterday there was a big storm with lightening and thunder. I was happy to be inside safe and warm.
3. Reminders - After the storm was over the sun came out and it was gorgeous. I love how God reminds us - "this too shall pass."
4. Patience - mostly Kevin's. It is probably unfair that I depend on his patience so much but I am very grateful that he has it.
naturally |ˈna ch ərəlē| adverb 1 in a natural manner, in particular • in a normal manner; without distortion or exaggeration : act naturally. • as a natural result : one leads naturally into the other. • without special help or intervention
I am Naturally...
1. Quiet. (My house is quiet too.)
2. Observant. (I tend to notice things other people don't.)
3. A Fixer. (When I hear or see a problem my brain starts thinking of solutions.)
4. Forgiving. (I don't see the benefit of holding a grudge.)
5. Curious. (I wonder about everything.)
6. Skeptical. (I don't automatically trust the things I hear. I research & determine the value/truth for myself.)
7. Reserved. (You probably won't see me in front of a crowded room sharing my deepest thought/concerns/beliefs. I reserve that part of myself for close family and friends.)
1. Elizabeth had a big "crazy" family (not so different from my own.)
2. Elizabeth didn't have a good first impression of Mr. Darcy. (He made a lot of girls swoon with his southern accent; but, I was not exactly excited about Kevin when he and I first met.)
3. Elizabeth didn't trust Mr. Darcy's motives. I was suspicious of Kevin's intentions.
4. Mr. Darcy, going against the judgement of his family/friends loved Elizabeth. Kevin's roommates told him he should give it up - I obviously wasn't interested in him. But, he didn't heed their council.
5. Mr. Darcy continued to do "acts of great kindness" for Elizabeth - even after she told him to "get lost." Kevin was kind and thoughtful - surprising me with notes of encouragement, flowers, and gifts - even though I told him I didn't have any interest in him beyond friendship.
6. Elizabeth came to realize that she was wrong about Mr. Darcy. I realized that Kevin wasn't - at all - the person I judged him to be when we first met.
7. Mr. Darcy won Elizabeth's heart. As much as I tried to resist, I couldn't help falling for Kevin - he won my heart too.
I seem to always print a few extra images when I am preparing to make scrapbook pages. The extra photos often end up tucked away in a box somewhere - I can't seem to throw them out. Over time I've collected a lot of random photos.
Having a few sheets of 6x6 Mosaic Moments™ grid paper on hand gave me the opportunity, with very little additional effort, to use my extra photos as well as the paper scraps that would have otherwise gone into the trash.
I have been giving these mini "made from scraps" pages to my children. They display them in their bedrooms. But, for those who have a grandma, I think the mini-pages would make wonderful grandma gifts.
1. Spaghetti - Instead of tomato sauce Mom added tomato soup to the spaghetti - (she didn't like tomatoes).
2. Tacos - Mom didn't like spicy stuff so she poured ketsup on our tacos. I didn't know what salsa was until I ate dinner at a friends. I was a teenager by then. (I like salsa.)
3. Hot dogs with sauerkraut. I was the youngest so she didn't force me to eat the sauerkraut - my older brother and sister didn't think that was fair.
4. Sunday Roast - she let it cook while we were at church. Once we came home (mom had forgotten to turn the stove down) and the roast was burned so bad the dog wouldn't even eat it.
7. Runza - Bread rolls filled with a mix of hamburger, cabbage, and onions. (Mom got the recipe from my Aunt Jane.) She would make them in big batches and freeze the extra for quick future meals.
1. Chocolate Covered Strawberries (Kevin bought them for me before he left for the Great Lakes Mega Meet.)
2. A fun decorative font (link to Rapscallion font - pictured below) - (I was able to use this font and my design skills to help a friend with an invitation - that always makes me happy!)
3. Cole - He always makes me happy - with his unexpected hugs and kisses.
Write your name down the left-hand side of the page, (like you would for an acrostic poem). Next to each letter write a positive word that describes YOU. (That begins with that letter, of course.)
Thankful
Artistic
Motivated
Ingenious
Mine was easy - I have a short name, it's not my fault. My mother gave it to me. :)
My mother made many quilts over the years. Some of the most cherished included fabric scraps from clothing she made for us. I love the idea of making my "scraps" useful like she did. Mosaic Pages are a great way to use those bits and pieces that are left over from a varity of projects.
CHALLENGE:Create a page about someone using your photo and paper scraps (share it on Journella.com or your own blog) AND create a list of the reasons why you love them.
Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.
1. I attended a private kindergarten (at the same place I went to pre-school) because my mother worked. The public school only offered a half day program.
2. We had to take naps every day. (They spanked children who made noise during nap time.)
3. I loved the time on the play ground - especially when I got to bounce on one of the "hoppity hops."
4. The preschool/kindergarten had an indoor sand table - they only let us play with it occasionally. (I'm sure it was messy.)
5. I don't remember the actual name of the school, but I remember thinking the name had something to do with deer - or Bambi. (It was held in a church.)
6. I remember, once, being one of the last children to be picked up. It had gotten dark outside. I thought my mother had forgotten me. My older brother came to get me.
7. There was always plenty of toys and kids to play with.
8. I remember eating cold cereal - Lucky Charms (without milk) as a snack. I liked the marshmallows. (My mom never bought "sugar" cereal.)
9. I remember learning about music notes - but, I don't remember learning the Alphabet.
Do you remember Kindergarten? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.
Life.in.Lists.Weekly Drawing:Participants will be entered in a weekly drawing for a $15 Coupon good for Mosaic Moments™ products on Snapncrop.com. (To participate simply add your list to our comments on daily posts - the more days you participate the better your chances to win.) Aren't sure how to leave a comment/List? Click here for the details.
1. There's a plastic candy cane in the pencil holder on my desk - I have no idea what it is doing in there. (It really should be packed away with the Christmas tree ornaments.)
2. Inside that same pencil holder I found a ping pong ball and a measuring tape. I have no idea how those ended up in there!
3. Once I found a slice of dried up pizza sandwiched between the cushions on our couch - I was not happy!
4. A few weeks ago I went to get a drink of water and found tiny ants in my cup - a group of them decided it would be a good idea to climb into the water/ice dispenser on my refrigerator. (I am pretty sure they had regrets about that decision.)
5. I have to admit, when I am driving along the freeway and I see a shoe on the side of the road, I wonder how it got there. Was the owner of the shoe driving with their foot out the window when suddenly it (the shoe) fell off?
6. A bird built a nest in our rain gutter - I am not sure why it thought that was a good location. It laid eggs; but, they never hatched.
7. We purchased a used mini-van many years ago. There was a quarter stuck inside the air conditioner vent. A few years later we traded in the van for a newer mini-van. I wonder if the quarter is still in the vent or if the new owner was more clever and got it out.
Is something in your life "OUT OF PLACE"? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.
I have friends who I can easily chat with on the phone for hours. We start talking and the conversation just continues to flow from one subject to another. Memories can be a lot like conversations they can begin in one place an end in a completely different place.
Try it out:
Begin with... a circular object
... like the roll of packing tape sitting on my shelf.
1. The roll of packing tape reminds me of the time I was walking into Costco (last summer.)
I was wearing a favorite pair of high healed flip flops when the side strap broke. I hobbled my way into the store and straight to the clothing/shoe department hoping they would have a pair of sandals or flip flops I could buy. (Costco has an ever changing inventory - you never really know what you'll find.) I searched the area and then I thought, "Of course not! Not today, because today my shoe broke!"
I continued to hobble hoping for a solution to my dilemma until I saw, on one of the desks, a roll of packing tape! I boldly hobbled over the the desk, picked up the packing tape, tore off a long piece and wrap it around my shoe/foot so I could continue with the important stuff - shopping!
which reminds me...of another time I had to hobble.
2. I asked a very nice guy I'd met in my college English class to the "Preference" dance (Preference was a "girls choice" dance.)
I was very surprised he hadn't all ready been asked and I was excited that he agreed to go with me. A few days before the dance I broke my foot. I called him and explained that I wouldn't be able to take him to the dance after all. (I wanted him to feel free to accept another offer - from someone with two good feet.) He was very sweet and suggested that we all go to a movie together (me, him, and my crutches).
Which reminds me of another Movie Date...
3. My first "official date" with Kevin. When Kevin called to ask me out I was home alone (my roommates had all gone out) and I was tired of studying. I decided I really didn't have anything better to do - he seemed nice and harmless enough, so I said yes.
We went to see the movie White Nights about a defected Russian ballet dancer whose plane is forced to land in Russia. It was a good "first date" movie (not boring, not sexy, not violent).
Never thought I'd start with Packing Tape and end with a Russian Ballet dancer!
Begin with... a circular object - Where will your memory journey take you? Add your list to the comments to be entered in our weekly drawing.
Until a few years ago, when people asked me, "Where are you from?" I hesitated before answering. That's a good question I'd think to myself. I was born in Idaho shortly after my family moved across the border to Oregon. When I was 3-4 we lived in Eastern Washington. Then we moved to Portland, OR. When I was nine we moved from Portland to the Puget Sound area in Washington. In 9th grade I moved back to Oregon. After high-school I went to college and the pattern of moving continued. My complicated response to the question would prompt many to ask, "Was your father in the military?" "No." I'd reply, "We just moved a lot."
Why is my heart in Williamsburg?
1. In 1998 Kevin and I moved to Williamsburg, VA. For the first time in my life I have lived in the same place for more than 10 years! I love living in Williamsburg and I love that I have a place to call "home."
2. The People I've gotten to know here are wonderful, amazing people. I am especially grateful to those that have been such a good influence on my children.
3. The businesses - not every town has their own Jamestown settlement and colonial era historic districts, a theme park, a water park, and outlet malls.
4. College Town - I love the presence of professors and college students. The campus is beautiful and it keeps a really old town feeling current.
5. Variety - people who live in or come to visit Williamsburg are from all over the US and the world. That brings a lot of "flavor" to the community.
6. Proximity / travel options - We are an hour or less from three international airports and Amtrack comes right into town. I also love living at the midway down the east coast - I can drive to Disney World in 12 hours, Washington DC in 3 hours, and NYC in a little over 7 hours.
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7. Lack of traffic issues. I enjoy the wonderful conveniences of city life; but, I really hate dealing with traffic in the city every day.
Where does your heart live? Add your list to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.
When I was a kid I remember the news talking about a man, named Evel Knievel, who was going to jump over the Snake River Canyon. It seemed like a crazy thing to do - no one could jump over a big canyon like that! Right? He survived the stunt - but, as I remember it, the motorcycle didn't. I am not really a big fan of life risking - But, may be we all need to take a little DARE once in awhile. :)
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This month celebrates a special day for scrapbookers: National Scrapbook Day on May 5th. So, I am going to DARE you to share your talent this month.
A few ideas for ways you might share your talent:
1. Photograph a Neighbors House - one you don't know! (don't forget to take shots of the garden.) Make a page of their home and give it to them.
I took the photos for the page above shortly after a new neighbor moved in. I gave the page to them after they got settled as a way to welcome them to the neighborhood.
3. Photograph a favorite local business: create a page to give to the owner and tell them how much you appreciate their service.
4. Photograph at your local grade school: create a page to give to the librarian, a teacher, the principal... and tell them how much you appreciate their dedication to children.
5. Photograph the children of busy mom: create a page for her (give it to her for Mother's Day.)
Add your list of ideas for sharing the talent of scrapbooking to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.
AND don't forget to show off your DARE! (take a picture of your project or page before you give it away.) Post it on the Journella Story Board - or your own blog.
1. The First time I had a whole Lobster - I'd had parts of lobsters before: tails, claws, and my favorite, Lobster Pie (so yummy!) But, I'd never eaten a whole lobster. So, Last year, after packing everything up at the Manchester CKC, Kevin took me to a casual restaurant called Tinkers - for whole lobsters. It was a fun experience. (I didn't realize it was going to involve so much squirting!) I am really glad we went and I'd recommend Tinkers to everyone; but, I think I'll stick to the less messy Lobster Pie from now on!
2. The first time I went to a scrapbook convention - I had no idea what to expect. I signed up for a booth at the Memories Expo in New Jersey. Me, and two friends who came along to help me, introduced my first product at the convention: "Alphaduets" (Die cut letters with a loop for hanging.) Oh, how things have changed since then!
3. The first time I went to HIA (now known as CHA) - I got to meet (in person) a wonderful group of women and men I met online. We were all part of an online group called Best Friend Scrappers. (We all owned scrapbook stores.)
4. The first time I went to Disneyland - I was 16. I went along on my older brother's family vacation (to help with the kids). We drove all the way down to Anaheim, CA from the Puget Sound area of Washington. (It took a few days - we made many interesting stops along the way.)
One of our stops was the House of Mystery - Oregon Vortex - a place where balls roll up hill!
5. The first time I took my drivers test - I passed. I was very focused during the exam. I wanted to do well. I didn't expect to pass the first time because it seemed (talking to the other new drivers I knew) like nobody had. At the end of the exam a car pulled out in front of me and I had to slam on the breaks. After the incident, the examiner told me to go back to the Drivers License building. I figured I'd done something wrong. Once we were parked I asked the examiner how I did. He said you passed. Suddenly I felt really nervous and shaky - I couldn't believe I passed!
6. The first time I drove across the country - Kevin and I had loaded up our two vehicles to make a big move across the country (From WA to NC). We learned that our 15 month old daughter was not only a practically perfect baby - she was a great traveler too.
7. The first time I saw a Monet in person was (on the above road trip) when we stopped to visit a friend of mine, who lived in Kansas City. She took us to the wonderful Art Museum there. I loved it!
8. The first time I saw a Van Gogh in person - I was in complete amazement. I fell in love with his work. None of the books I'd seen had done his work any bit of justice. (It was at the MET in NYC.)
9. The first time I went to NYC - I was on a student trip with fellow design students from ECU. We stayed at the YMCA. We walked and took the subways from place to place.
10. The first and only time I stood on top of the World Trade Center - was on that same student trip. It was amazing to be so high we could see the tops of large airplanes flying below us.
Begin with a FIRST and let it start the memories flowing. See where it takes you - on a list of FIRSTS! Add your list of memories to our comments for a chance to win our weekly drawing.
MY "FIRSTS" PATH:
I started with the "first" FIRST (Whole Lobster) - I was at a convention, which reminded me of my first scrapbook convention... Which reminded me of my first BIG convention - HIA - that was held in Anaheim CA, which reminded me of the first trip to Anaheim (3.) which reminded me of the long drive and then taking my drivers test... which reminded me of another long drive...which reminded me of stopping in Kansas and seeing the Monet...which reminded me of the first time I saw a Van Gogh at the MET...which reminded me of my first trip to NYC...which reminded me of the WTC.
Designing Photo Mosaics and the Mosaic Moments product line has changed the way I think about taking photographs. This album contains a glimpse into my photo collection and the thoughts behind each shot.
CLICK on image for more detail.
