Dream A Little Dream...

December Daily Progress

So, I'm slowly gathering my materials to join Ali E. (and many others) in this wonderful adventure of documenting the month of December. I had such a great experience with last year's book, I couldn't pass up the chance to do this again. You can see the whole book here (or click on the Daily December 08 on the right sidebar). I lost a little momentum towards the end so I'm hoping that I can keep up a good pace this year.

Right now...I'm undecided on what type or size of an album to use. In the photo above, I have a red 8x8 cloth binder by American Crafts and I also ordered an 8x8 corduroy album (leaf color). I even toyed with the idea of making my own 6.5x8 covers out of chipboard. I'll have to make my decision soon so I can start prepping.

I'm also excited about challenging myself to use what I have on hand with a few new items mixed in for good measure. I'm trying to stay away from looking at all of the new Holiday lines, but boy...it sure is hard. Have you seen this line?! It's adorable. Must. Restraint. Myself.

'Til next time

::Flashback Friday::

This class is truly inspiring! I can't believe that 6 weeks have passed by. Not only am I learning so much about the digital side to scrapbooking; i've also been able to look past the events of our lives and focus on storytelling. I've thoroughly enjoyed the process of looking at my families photos and remembering the good and not-so-good times that we've had. Jotting down the stories that I want to tell. Although I have yet to create a page for this class, I am so enjoying Ali's perspective on life. 

The layout below is one that I came across during the first week's assignment. We were to look back at our layouts and jot down what we love about our creations and what we would change. I made this layout in December 2007.

This specific layout really stood out for me. I love these photos about my brothers and I. They were our school pictures taken when we lived in the Philippines. 

What I love:

• Our hair! My brother is going to kill me! It's hilarious but truly a picture of our lives back then. My hair in the photo is the shortest that it's ever been. That is a whole story in itself that I would love to share one day!
• The design of the layout. Totally inspired by one of my favorite scrappers: Michelle Guray (i miss her layouts)!
• The products! Who can resist Making Memories and October Afternoon. I think I may still have some of this in my stash.

What I wish I would've done differently:

• I wish I would have journaled. There are so many directions that I could go in but one that I would've chosen is an Q&A. Possibly some hidden journaling attached to the back of the layout. 

So with that assignment behind me, I move forward with a quest to get my stories told. This weekend I'm hoping to get the first few assignments completed. Wish me luck!

'Til Next Time

Goulish Greetings...

from a Ninja and the Greek Goddess!

Hoping you had a safe and happy halloween! 

'Til next time

::Flashback Friday::

[circa 1980 - Gene's 2nd Birthday]

This boy came along in 1978 to complete our little family of five. He was and continues to be the baby boy of the family. He had the most curliest hair that I remember and if I remember correctly, he cried often. 

Now...because I was the only girl and the middle sister, it was my job to make sure that you were entertained. Well...I should say that I was entertained. Some of my favorite memories that I recall were putting barrettes in your hair; always trying to pick you up; sneaking in your room to sleep cause I was to scared be by myself; watching the Monkees and watching you play basketball.

[circa 1980]

It's crazy to think that you're now 31 years old, have a great career and soon to be married (which by the way, we can't wait to have Patty officially a part of the family- even though you've been around since 8th grade). 

You will always be the little brother that gets so excited about his birthday (so surprised you haven't called to remind me), the brother that puts the whole family in the mood for Christmas (seriously not the same with out you), and the brother that continues to make me laugh my head off whenever we get together. 

So what kind of sister would I be if I didn't take the time to wish you a Happy 31st Birthday on the world wide web. I can't wait for you to publish your first book! I'm sure the dedication will be awesome [wink, wink].

Love you lots! You're big sis',

Chele

I love Fall!

 

 

I just love pulling out the Fall decorations! It's a welcome surprise to unwrap each decor item. I always forget what I have on hand. I have yet to find that perfect fall wreath for my front door. I don't want anything to busy, but I do want it to say "Welcome to my home." I've even contemplated making one myself but I've been putting it off. So...hoping that on our shopping trip today that I just might find it!

Enjoy your weekend! 

'Til next time 

So many stories...

[My Mom sometime in 1974]

For the last two weeks, I have been immersed in the past. On a whim (and some unexpected $) I decided to take my first on-line class with Ali Edwards- Yesterday&Today. We've been looking back at our old photos (before the digital era) to create 12 Stories. The stories are mainly about you (or I should say me). Before going into the creative process, we've been talking about our "baggage." What stops us from telling our stories of the past? What stops us from creating? What stories do we want to tell?

One of the assignments was to look through our scrapbook pages and write down what we love and don't love about them. I was a little apprehensive to do this assignment because I often struggle with writing and the whole creative process; but what I found is that I do tell quite a few stories and that I've actually documented myself, my thoughts, my fears for my children, my love for my family, the silly, meaningless things that I'm into at the moment and the celebrations of our life. 

I realized that I do love the simple and complicated layouts that I've made; that it is much about the photos&story as it is about the products that gives me gratification. And I'm okay with that! In putting these layouts in albums this past week, I did find something missing: My husband. I don't scrap about him often enough and I'd like to change that. 

[Dad, Vaughn and me - 1974]

Another lesson that I'm learning from this class, especially from Ali, is truly embracing the imperfections of photos, especially those from the past. I know that I'm not and probably never will be a professional photographer; however, I do have a love for taking photos and will continue to learn how to get better. But for those photos that I can't change, embrace them. Someone down the line is going to love them just as much as I love the photos from my parents. 

[Mom, Vaughn and me - 1974]

I decided to showcase the following three photos from the past because I just love the colors, the furniture, the curtains, the bar & barstools, our clothes, how young my parents look, our home. In the first photo, if you really pay attention, my mom is typing on an old Smith-Corona typewriter.  I could've easily overlooked this picture, in all its simple-ness; but by just looking past her sitting and looking down, I learned that she was just learning how to type, a skill that came in handy for her in the future. I have so many more photos and albums to go through and I'm truly enjoying this process. The joy of photos and the past!

'Til next time!

14 Things I Love About You!

[Arianna @ 1 years old - circa 1996]

1. I love that you love to SING! It's the way you learn best and has really come in handy when you were trying to remember Bible Verses back in Preschool. You are truly musically inclined. 

2. I love that you see the good in everyone but it also scares me because I wonder if you'll know when someone is taking advantage of you. Sorry for being so overprotective in this area. 

3. I love that you still love to play with your Bratz. The little girl in you is still there somewhere (although this has seemed to taper down a bit). 

4. I love that you and I can now where the same size shoes. Those black skechers are really cute and comfortable. Thanks for letting me where them the other day :)

5. I love that you and I love "Dancing with the Stars." It's one of the few shows that you and I love to watch together. 

6. I love that you that you love school so much. Homework is your #1 priority! I hope this continues when you're in highschool (I can't believe I just wrote that you're going to be in highschool!)

7. I love that you can be so helpful...at times. It's during those moments that I feel that you are definitely capable of taking care of yourself...something that I worry about all of the time. 

[Arianna @ 9 years old - circa 2004]

8. I love that you take care of your personal things. Out of everyone in the whole family...you are the neatest and tidiest person. Keep that up!

9. I love that you enjoy spending time with Mama & Papa. They have been with us from the very beginning when it was just you and I. You are truly loved. 

10. I love that you don't really like sweets. I never have to worry about you wanting some of my ice cream sundae! :)

11. I love that you are learning a little about being independent (taking the bus, going to your first school dance, making your own breakfast...and sometimes Nyna's breakfast). 

12. I love that you ask me how my day was at work. 

13. I love that you can entertain yourself for hours. 

14. I love that you were brought into my life to make me the person that I am today. I know that there are many more transitions that you and I will go through. You have truly blessed my life these past 14 years and I would not trade it for the world! You are my lifesaver!

[Arianna @ 14 years old - circa 2009]

Happy 14th Birthday! I LOVE you with all of my heart!

A New Week, A New Outlook

So my last post was a little woe is me! Thanks for the kind words and emails. This week is looking much better.

Why?

Well...because we were APPROVED for the SCHOOL TRANSFER PERMIT!!! That's why! Arianna is beyond excited and as for me...let's just say i'm no longer having nightmares. Last Tuesday was her first day back and she was immediately greeted with hugs from the Teacher's Aide, Ms. Howard. She is in a class of 10-12 other students, with most of them returning from last year. The school is ready for the year with a focus on the Arts and Science. Can I just say that "I LOVE THIS SCHOOL!" We won't get school bus transportation this year which is a bummer, but I would take "no transporting" versus the school that she was at. What's a 20 minute drive gonna hurt? Right?!

Anyway, now that things seem to be falling into place I can get back to creating. I'm really missing it! I've just been so inspired lately by so many people and places. I think it's also the time of year. Fall seems to be one of those seasons that speaks to me and says "Stay in, relax, and create." 

'Til Next Time

Vulnerable

That's my word for the day! 

Not a word I chose on my own...that's for sure. It's a feeling that has been with me since 8:15 am this morning!

That feeling of vulnerability is just creeping into my skin and it's not a good feeling!

I'm feeling a little lost with my role as a "Mommy." And I say "Mommy" cause "Mom" just makes me feel old:)

Today I walked Arianna (my now 8th grade daughter) into her sixth school of her educational career. At this moment, today, all day, tonight...I have no faith in our school system. I try so hard to advocate for her education to just get knocked down. It's tiring! 

The Special Education System has done great wonders for her but with budget cuts, increasing classroom sizes, layoffs, this year it has done nothing but hurt us (or I should say me)! But that is another story!

So why the vulnerability?! Because I worry about her socially. You can imagine that with six schools in 8 years leaves little room for her to develop friendships. I mean true friendships with girls her age that laugh and play together. 

This morning I walked on campus (the campus where I went to Jr. High) and witnessed these bonds between young impressionable teen-age children. The goofing around before 1st period, the laughing, sneaking in the bathroom to put on lipstick, hugging and sitting in the Quad.

These are experiences that my Arianna has not had. Experiences that I want so much for her to live. 

The 1st period bell rings and my Arianna looks at me, gives me a big hug (something that I would've been so embarrassed to do with my mom at 13) and says she loves me. 

I walk off of the campus to the car where Dre is waiting for me. And then it happened. The tears just fell. I feel like this is all of my fault. That I didn't do enough to get her the services that she needed. 

The great husband that I have just listened and let me cry. Then patiently said that "Arianna doesn't know any different. This is her life as she knows it. And to be honest, I don't think she really cares. To her, everyone is her friend."

And you know what? He's RIGHT! 

But is doesn't change the way I feel at the moment! 

So long Summer!

Our 2009 Summer Vacation has come to an end! Although we didn't go to many far off places, spending time in our own neck of the woods has been wonderful. We had lots of BBQ's, water play days, painting, 2 Reno Trips, hangin' out with family and of course sleeping in.  This summer has brought us some new changes...career change for me and going back to college for Dre. So many plans to look forward to as we move into the Fall season. But before I get into a new routine, I want to relish in the last day of summer vacation with a few of my favorite photos. Enjoy!

'Til Next Time