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 Friday morning I left in hopes of being a scrapbook queen.

Packed up way too much (but less than I have in my "earlier" years).

3 days of FOOD, FUN, FUN, sleep, Food, FUN, FUN, Food, FUN, Massage, FOOD, FUN, FUN, and so on.  You get the idea, right? 

56 12 x 12 scrapbook pages completed in my Family Album

12 8 x 11.5 scrapbook pages completed in my Christmas Album.

Not my finest scrapbook weekend.  
But it is more progress than if I hadn't gone on my scrapbook retreat.

I had a bit of a creative block.  It also was compounded with the fact that I took so many pictures of Button this year, that I have to have TWO albums for the year 2011 and I need to purchase a new album for a new volume of Christmas Cheer.

The album pages that didn't fit in my albums

Thank goodness Creative Memories is still having their sale on albums through the 25th this month for their 25th anniversary!!!  I can't believe that I have been using their products for the last 13 years!

Disclaimer:  Not receiving any monetary or products from them!

But I officially have all of our family pictures in albums from January 2009 through November 2011.  Not too shabby.

 (THANK YOU DEAR HUBBY FOR HOLDING THE FORT AND BEING MR. MOM (the REAL BOSS) FOR THE WEEKEND)


I had planned to take photos of the event.  I even had my "good" camera with me, but I just never did.  Maybe next time?  It is only in eleven weeks!


Oh, and I finished Baby William's quilt.  Pictures and the story of the surprise I received from my friend to be coming soon...

Veteran's Day 2011

I wanted to spend today THANKING all of the military veterans AND their families.

I took this on our recent vacation to Pearl Harbor

 

For those who don't know.  

This day is near and dear to my heart.

Why?

Because I am a Veteran!!!

Front Cover of MY Army Album (not the family album)

Army Nurse Corp

HOOAH!!!!!!!!

 Not only did I serve in Army ROTC for 4 years in college, 4 years Active Duty, and 4 Reserve.

I come from a long tradition of Army Veterans.

Front page of the Family Military Album

A few years ago, my AMAZING grandmother and I spent two separate week long visits working on our family Military Album together.  They aren't incredibly fancy because we made EIGHTEEN copies.  You heard that right!  EIGHTEEN!!!

 

We included my great-grandfather who served in WWI.

My grandmother wanted pictures of each war memorial related to the family member that served.

   My great uncle Jack who served in WWII.

The information is taken from the actual WW2 Memorial Website.  That is an actual picture of his bomber plane

He was shot down from his bomber plane SIX times.  SIX TIMES!!!!!

His special card to help him cross enemy lines...I accidentally put the info card upside down...fixed it today!!  Do you see him at the top of the plane!!

Then there is my grandfather. 

My grandmother and I did chronological write ups for each of the family members

An Army ROCKSTAR.  Served in the Korean War, and Vietnam on three separate tours. 

So cool...I love looking at these photos!

By the time he had left the Army, he was a Full Bird Colonel and had an impeccable resume. 

Stud...right?!?!?

How many can say that they were on the Joint Chief of Staff?!?!?

There were some extended family members, but they weren't included in the album because we tried to keep it immediate family only.  And I have only shown you a few of the pages of each family members...there were definitely many more.

In the album...I was next in line.

A few of my ceremonies...and some shots with my little guys!

  Me...nerdy Heidi!  I can honestly say that was a very special time in my life.  I made life long friends with my college ROTC buddies. 

Some ROTC adventures....I have a FULL album of about 30 pages of ROTC photos and then another 20 of my Active duty days

We are all on Facebook and keep up with each other.  My husband and I meet up with some of them every year at each other's "spots" except for the past few years.  With some in Afghanistan and some friends stationed in Alaska...it is really difficult to get together!  But I know we will see them again.

 

A special group...FIRST ALL WOMEN'S ROTC RANGER CHALLENGE TEAM IN REGION 2!  It was a REALLY BIG DEAL!

 I also loved my active duty days.  I loved being an Army Nurse.  LOVED it!   I was stationed outside of Washington D.C at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.  I was so lucky because I was able to go to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital for training.  I met some high speed Nurses because it was D.C after all.  And if there was a high ranking Nurse that needed attendees for their funerals at Arlington Memorial Cemetery....guess what lowly officers were called on hand?  It was such an honor to pay my respects these amazing women that had paved the way for all of us women in the military. 

Some photos from Officer Basic Course and when my friend, fellow ROTC nurse and college roommate came to visit us!!

  Oh, and that yellow arrow above?  My firstborn while I was at Officer Basic Course.  I am about 20 weeks there!  Yup, I was only 13 weeks pg when I left my new husband for training, I returned already in my third trimester...WHOA!

Me with my good friend and fellow Army Nurse....yup...they come in the male persuasion, too!!!

My second was born while I was in the military too.

My friend came to visit....Do you see my little man walking?  So cute!!!

Did I mention that there is a Women's Memorial in Washington D.C. now? 

I went there a few times shortly after it was opened!  It is at the Arlington Cemetery...check it out when you are there!!!

After me?  

My brother and sister joined the Virginia National Guard.  I don't have photos of my brother...we are still gathering them for his "section"!!

My family at my sister's graduation.

My sister married her husband whom she met at AIT.....They are now the "typical" military family.  

About 2 years before they were married...so young....so cute!!

Moving where the Army calls and taking care of business.  My brother-in-law has been to Iraq and is lucky to be around for the coming birth of their second child.

My brother is still trucking along.  He was sent to Iraq two years ago.  Not only is he doing his normal "guard" duties every month.  He is also a member of the Honor Guard.  He is called to do the funerals of the many that served our country.  I am so proud of him that he does these men and women justice at their final goodbye.  I am sure their loved ones appreciate the pomp and circumstance that is so deserved!

Is there more to come in our family?

The last page in the family album

If my boys have anything to say about it, it looks like a possibility.  But I am not forcing...I promise!!

But in the meantime....

I also want to give a shout out today to Quilts of Valor.  I just found a Valor Quilt Bee blog when I was blog hopping for the Bloggers' Quilt Festival.  Remember how I said you can really find some great blogs!  This one is very special.  They contribute blocks to the Quilts of Valor Organization.

I recently found out that you can volunteer your long arm services.  I don't even have mine set up yet. But when I do, and when I know that I have better skills on it...I will definitely volunteer my services!!  I actually have some old t-shirts and sweatshirts of mine I'd like to make as a memory quilt for myself someday....

Sorry this is such a long post....I guess I had more to say than I expected.  

Thank you to all that have served our military services in small and big ways.
Thank you to all those that have sacrificed life and limb for our country

Thank you to my family for supporting me when I was gone or working.  

Thank you to my husband for "following me" for those four years.  I hope I have paid you back by following you the following eleven years so far!

Thank you to all of those who stand by their husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters.  Without you, they couldn't do what they do.

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Harold Who?

Harold the Fish

Was eaten by Susie the Shark....

May he rest in peace.
 
-------------

Not sure what I am talking about? 

Go

HERE

S.S. James

When the teenage boy was moved out of the future nursery, he took a favorite picture of mine (not pictured here) with him!  

It left an empty spot on Button's side of the Jack-and-Jill Bath.

I really wanted something very juvenile, fun, and CHEAP to take it's place.

Excuse fuzziness.....too much light reflections in this bathroom!!!!

I was inspired by one of Bunny's Lego creations.  
It was a large battleship that he dubbed S.S. James.
  BRILLIANT, right?  

I instantly stole his idea and he tells ANYONE that is in the vicinity of my creation that I did so.  

An Artist Disagreement over a sandcastle..

Geesh....prickly artist, much?

............................

How did I do it?

Supplies:

Frame

Art board

Scrapbook paper scraps

Scrapbook wavy, circle, oval cutters

Scissors

Glue dots

Double sided tape

I grabbed a frame from my Secret Stash!

Then I pull out my scrapbook scraps and tools:

I used my oval cutter for the fish bodies.
I simply cut the triangles by hand.

Wavy cutter tool for the water in different shades of blue.

Circle cutter to make the sun. 

And plain ole scissors for the sail boat and sun rays!

Glue dots to make the sun and fish POP from the surface and double sided tape to secure the rest onto an art board.

Do you see the HUGE glob of glue on the fishy in the right?  He is soooo getting eaten by a shark later today!  Stay tuned....

I know it isn't an AMAZING thing, but it sure was simple.

Time

For a Quarterly Review
.....of my Hopes!

Remember this post? (Hopes Not Goals)

I thought I would do a review on how I am doing.  I figure it would either ramp up my anxiety or ease my obsessive mind.

We shall see.

 

• Internet hopes:  My URL has been purchased.  My logo is in the final stages.  The website will have to wait awhile.  In the meantime, I will use this blog and my FB page to cultivate orders.  I have organized my blog recently, adding pages.
• Grief hopes: Things have been picking up on our online support group.  What was once only about 25 of us in Dec 2009, is now, sadly, bursting at the seams at over 200 women.  I have been trying to continue writing grief or recovering grief posts.  And I am really excited about Butterfly Kisses, my very own charity.  It warms my heart!
• Sewing: I am pretty happy with the things I have made for the baby.  I am also happy with some of my custom orders.  I still have a long list to do.  Our first few weeks being parents again has set me back apace.
• Baby Button:  Wow.  What a rollercoaster the last 6 weeks have been.  Yes, six weeks!  I am completely in love with this guy!  He gave us a legitimate worry when he was born, but I think I have relaxed.  I am so THANKFUL he is healthy and here.
• Embroidery:  I have been SO excited with my progress with using both my embroidery machine and my embroidery software.  I plan to learn more!
• Quilting: The only thing I have done is a throw pillow.  Bleh!
• Crafting:  Nothing much going on here.  I am sure some will pop up when I decorate the nursery and Little Big Man's room!
• Scrapbooking:  Went on a retreat in January.  I finished my 2010 and 2009 (ok..confession..have a few more pages in that one to do!). I have a new album for 2011 to start on my scrapbook retreat THIS WEEKEND!!).  Won't promise myself much, but need to get some serious scrappin done.  My hopes list was loooong for this year!)
• Family:  I think I put them first when I decided not to return to work after maternity leave.  I am officially a stay at home mom again.   They need me to keep the home front warm for them again.  I miss working, but I know home is where my heart is.

So in review........I don't think I am doing too shabby.

  But I really need to get it in gear!

Scrapbook retreat....here I come!!!!!

See that empty spot?  Just enough room for my clothes, toiletries, and snacks!

re·treat

n.

1.

a. The act or process of withdrawing, especially from something hazardous, formidable, or unpleasant.

b. The process of going backward or receding from a position or condition gained.

2. A place affording peace, quiet, privacy, or security. See Synonyms at shelter.

3.

a. A period of seclusion, retirement, or solitude.

I am off to spend the weekend scrapbooking!! 

 I have been doing this regularly for at least 5 years now.  It is something I look forward to, even though people don't understand. 

How could I leave my amazing studio? 

I can because the no matter how long I try to lock myself in my room....they will find me!!  That includes the dogs!!!

So, here is concrete evidence that I might actually accomplish some of my hopes!!!!

Gearing up for 2011: Scrapbook Calendar

I guess now would be a good enough time to confess!

I am a bonafide organization freak and love to create.  Not always the best combo...but in this case?  Absolutely!

I bought a Magnetic Calendar Holder from Creative Memories. 

If you need a rep...I have a great one!!!!!

When I first had it, it was up in our kitchen as our family calendar.  But then, I realized I didn't want every single boring detail on it!  But, boy, do I love it to keep up with my family album. 

I admit, I am waaay behind on my family scrapbooking album.  However, I don't think I would be as far along as I am without these.  All I have to do is slip in the calendar page and add a coordinating page for my layout.  I just add pages as needed for that month.  Some months are just the two pages....some many more. 

Here is last April 2010:

As of today, I am up to date with my Family 2010 Album through September.  I am hoping to get October and November done by the end of the week....Maybe even December!!

How can you do this?  So simple!!!

Scrapbook Calendar Tutorial

Materials Needed

12x12 scrapbook paper (12 sheets)

Scrapbook scraps

Sizzix/Cricut (optional)

Embellishments (optional)

Computer

Printer

Word document program

Printing paper

Directions



Now remember...This is too easy!!!

Step One:

Choose 12 (12x12) scrapbook pages.  I chose my pages based on "themes" or colors for that month.  Snowflakes/blue/grays for January.  Hearts/red stripes/pink for February.  I try to chose different ones each years so I am not boring!! (Note: Look at Dec 2010...christmas lights...Dec 2011...Candy canes)

Step Two:

Use a Word Document and pull up a template for the coming year.  Print out the 12 months.  Then create Text Boxes and insert the month in the year.  Note: The first two years I didn't put the year in the text box.  I wish I had because I haven't scrapped those years and now will have to figure out which one is which when I get to them!

Step Three:

Cut out the the text boxes and mount on solid, coodinating scrapbook paper.

Step Four:

Embellishments!  Some years, I go crazy.  Most years I pull out my Sizzix or Cricut diecut machines.  

Sometimes, I add buttons or brads:

Step Five:

Just mount the calendar template, the month heading, and add your embellishments.  I store my pages in a scrapbook plastic drawer so they are ready to go each month. 

All set to go for the year!

At the beginning of the month, I write in birthdays, special days, and of course, appointments. 

At the end of the month, I transfer any pertinent info from my magnetic Family Calendar. 

 I try to remember to write special quotes that the boys said or special moments like lost teeth!

Christmas Letter 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

I will start off saying that this year’s letter might be a bit different for us, so please hang in there through the end! 

 We announced to the boys In March that the arrival of a baby brother or sister was due November 13th.   They could not contain their excitement!  To be big brothers…what a boon!  They debated about whether it would be a boy or girl.  They argued where he or she would sleep.  They guessed at different names at the dinner table.  They debated whether it should be a “J” name.  They battled with us constantly to find out what sex we were having, even though I stubbornly refused to find out.  The dust settled when the school year ended, and the family was excited to enjoy the preparation of the nursery over the summer.   Oh the bliss!

On June 24^th, our lives were forever changed.  We received the worst news a parent could ever imagine to hear.  At our routine ultrasound, they discovered there might be something seriously wrong with the baby.  After an amniocentesis, a fetal MRI, numerous high level ultrasounds, countless appointments with doctors and specialists, the verdict was given.  Our baby had a lethal skeletal dysplasia, or in layman’s terms, a fatal dwarfism.

 Despite recommendations, we decided to hold onto hope that he or she would have a “normal” dwarfism and give the baby the best possible chance and carry to term.  As the weeks went by, it became increasingly clear that our hello would also be our goodbye.  We instead changed our course to prepare for the worst and hope that we would at least not lose the baby before the delivery.  We gathered our courage and strength, and hoped that we could celebrate this child’s life, as short as it would probably be.

We planned all that we could to make sure we had a professional photographer, a special outfit, and a plan of care for comfort.  We also decided to wait for the surprise of boy or girl, since it would be one of the only things we could be excited about.  The baby went to most of big brother Butter's tennis matches.  There was wiggling and squirming while listening to Bean's guitar.  We endured the ferocious Houston heat while watching little, big brother Bunny's play in summer baseball tournaments.  Never was there a more active baby to remind us of its presence.  And every night, we settled to sleep after a nightly hug and kiss from Bunny and sometimes a lullaby from mommy. Despite the baby’s failing health and mine, we were able to make it a couple days shy of 36 weeks.  It was decided that a cesarean section would be the best way to deliver, due to both baby and my health complications.

On October 14^th at 7:39am, Jamie Lynn entered this world with the tiniest cry. Like her brothers, she was nice and hefty at 5lbs, 4oz despite being four weeks early.  She was a mere 14.5 inches long from her perfect head to her perfect little toes.  With her too small limbs, and chest too tiny to survive this world long, Daddy quickly baptized her with the healing waters from Lourdes, France gifted to us by Father Drew.  After a short snuggle with me, he swept her away to be introduced to her big brothers.  A short time later, which felt like an eternity, we were all reunited as a family.  We were able to dress her in clothes washed and smelling like home.  We exclaimed over her shocking full head of the whitest blonde hair.  The boys declared her “cute”.  We adored her tiny hands and her, oh so perfect, feet.  Aaron was enthralled with his sweet baby girl. 

We were together as a family, as she drifted away, her perfect little footprints etched on our hearts forever at 8:54am.

Her immediate family arrived to celebrate her life at a memorial Funeral Mass on November 14^th.  With Father D__ presiding, Mary T__ singing solo, and family gathered round, we said our final goodbyes and wished her well on her journey.  As Father D___ said during his homily, if we had opened the funeral to all family and friends, it would be a packed house indeed.  He couldn’t have been further from the truth.

And this brings me to the conclusion of our letter.   It has always been clear to us in the past, but more so now, that we are loved by the outpouring of prayers, thoughts, and letters from so many near and afar.  We are heartily thankful to all those who made donations to the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep organization that provided us with the most beautiful photos of her.  To those who are just getting this news, we apologize.  This has been the most difficult burden to bear, and even more painful to share.  I apologize for not delivering a more traditional G_ Family Christmas Letter.   However, to not tell Jamie Lynn’s story, would be to dishonor her life and her memory.

For our family, the year of 2009 belongs to Jamie.  And always will….

Mommy, Daddy, Butter, Bean, and Button

"An Angel in the Book of Life Wrote Down our Baby's Birth,

And Whispered as She Closed the Book,

Too Beautiful for Earth."