This evening, as our family sat around the dining room table, our thoughts turned to the one member of the family who was missing. The ottoman on which she sat in front on the window was painfully empty. When my son left for college in the fall, he never dreamed that when he returned for summer, Missy the Boxer, a constant in his life, would be gone.
“Do you remember how Missy would always look out the window watching for birds, Mom?” Brady was the first to speak the words that I was thinking.
How could I ever forget. “Yes, Brady, I do,” I replied.
“Do you think I could look at her scrapbook?” My heart melted at that point, as I realized how important the pictorial memories which I had so carefully preserved were to all of us.
We spent the next hour as a family… laughing, smiling, and yes…shedding a tear. Scrapbooks have that power.
There is still time to take advantage of Stampin’ Up!’s Scrapbooking Promotion. During the month of May, if you purchase one of the qualifying stamp sets listed below OR My Digital Studio, you will receive a FREE package of Designer Brads…your choice of four fabulous designs: Circle (112571), Star (112572), Flower (112579) or Filigree (112577)!
Qualifying Stamp Sets Page 81 Extreme Elements W 115181 $26.95
Page 119 Framed with Love** W 114389 $27.95
Page 128 Certified** W 113706 $27.95
Page 129 Circle Circus W 115778 $28.95
Page 12* Elements of Style W 118611 $27.95 C 120045 $19.95
Page 13* Mementos W 119910 $27.95 C 120105 $19.95
Page 13* Elements de style W 119900 $27.95 C 120099 $19.95
Page 14* Rough Type W 118659 $26.95 C 120072 $18.95
Page 22* Sentimental Journey W 118513 $23.95 C 120075 $17.95
Page 25* First Day W 118521 $23.95 C 120051 $17.95
Page 25* Camino a la Escuela W 120152 $23.95 C 120154 $17.95
Page 32* My Digital Studio 118108 $79.95 * From the Summer Mini Catalog ** A “Last Chance” Stamp Set
Unsure how to incorporate stamping into your scrapbook designs? Let Carrie, one of Stampin’ Up!’s facilitators, show you how!
I began paper crafting as a scrapbooker. At that time, I would not have dreamed of using a stamp on any of my layouts. NOW I wouldn’t dream of creating a page without using stamps, punches, embellishments and paper from my Stampin’ Up! stash. Isn’t it funny how our styles change through the years?
Remember, I love talking about stamping and sharing my ideas with you. So, never hesitate to email me if you ever have any questions about any of the techniques that I use or cards that I create. And remember, if you do not currently have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, won’t you let me be that special one? And if you have ever thought about becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I would love to discuss joining my team with you. Coming up next post…The PPA Sneak Peek! Until next time…
PS…Only 9 more school days until retirement! Let the count down begin!
What a gorgeous layout Ann….love the story you shared too….my children LOVE to look at their scrapbooks….we have some of the goofiest pic in there of Sasha and Kloiee! {SMILES}
Oh, Ann! What a beautiful page. I swear I could visualize Missy sitting there. How wonderful that you had your scrapbook to remind you and to bring laughter into your heart. I haven’t been able to scrapbook my babies who are waiting at rainbow bridge yet. Seeing your page and reading this story made me realize that I really should. Thank you so much for sharing – oh yeah… and making me cry 🙂 Hugs Jaydee
How sweet are the memories of your Missy! My dog loves to chase birds, too, even when they are up on the wire! I am so glad you put those memories into a scrapbook for your family to enjoy always. It is such a comfort!
Oh Ann, I remember this page and how I thought it was such a perfect moment captured!! Now even more precious isn’t it!! What a beautiful keepsake for you all!
ah…ann. when i read that you talked about missy yesterday, i was afraid it would bring something to the surface. i am so glad how you have kept her alive in your book and how you and brady and fam shared your experience of her. this was so beautiful ann. she looks just beautiful on her ottoman. i know she is helping you each and every day….
Tears welled up in my eyes when reading about Missy. She is dearly missed by your family. She is in doggy heaven playing and romping and having a great time. So glad you have a scrapbook filled with memories of her. Best Wishes to your family.
Oh Ann, This brought tears to my eyes seeing the picture of Missy and hearing the words of how much you miss her. I lost my Zoe just a few months before Missy earned her angel wings. Even though our furry family members are gone they are not forgotten and sometimes that can be a piercing but loving memory. You are so fortunate that you documented her life with your family and that you can all relive those precious moments with her together. I know many roll their eyes when they hear about scrapbooking, but “we are the keepers of memory” which is priceless as is your picture of Missy and the wonderful memories it brings.
What a gorgeous layout Ann….love the story you shared too….my children LOVE to look at their scrapbooks….we have some of the goofiest pic in there of Sasha and Kloiee! {SMILES}
Oh, Ann! What a beautiful page. I swear I could visualize Missy sitting there. How wonderful that you had your scrapbook to remind you and to bring laughter into your heart. I haven’t been able to scrapbook my babies who are waiting at rainbow bridge yet. Seeing your page and reading this story made me realize that I really should.
Thank you so much for sharing – oh yeah… and making me cry 🙂
Hugs
Jaydee
How sweet are the memories of your Missy! My dog loves to chase birds, too, even when they are up on the wire! I am so glad you put those memories into a scrapbook for your family to enjoy always. It is such a comfort!
Oh Ann, I remember this page and how I thought it was such a perfect moment captured!! Now even more precious isn’t it!! What a beautiful keepsake for you all!
ah…ann. when i read that you talked about missy yesterday, i was afraid it would bring something to the surface. i am so glad how you have kept her alive in your book and how you and brady and fam shared your experience of her. this was so beautiful ann. she looks just beautiful on her ottoman. i know she is helping you each and every day….
Tears welled up in my eyes when reading about Missy. She is dearly missed by your family. She is in doggy heaven playing and romping and having a great time. So glad you have a scrapbook filled with memories of her. Best Wishes to your family.
Oh Ann, This brought tears to my eyes seeing the picture of Missy and hearing the words of how much you miss her. I lost my Zoe just a few months before Missy earned her angel wings. Even though our furry family members are gone they are not forgotten and sometimes that can be a piercing but loving memory. You are so fortunate that you documented her life with your family and that you can all relive those precious moments with her together. I know many roll their eyes when they hear about scrapbooking, but “we are the keepers of memory” which is priceless as is your picture of Missy and the wonderful memories it brings.