Life Through the Lens// Nature

Just a happy photo of a lovely blue bird I spotted the other day. Scrub Jay's are awfully bossy, but they sure are beautiful. We've had them in my parents yard for as long as I can remember. Nerd alert... I have a not-so-secret love of bird watching, and I'm actually pretty good at it. When I was younger, my sister Jeni was taking a bird watching class at school and took me along for some of their class excursions. I helped she and her friends earn credit for spotting several beautiful and unique birds, and I've loved it ever since...

It looks like this photo was taken in the fall, but I actually shot it earlier this week. Sadly that once beautiful evergreen now has some sort of disease and will need to be cut down soon... and yes, I truly feel sad when trees get sick and die. It's been there, just beyond the back fence of my parents yard, for as long as I can remember. It's been the home to many beautiful birds, and even a cute little family of squirrels.

I have a theory that everyone has at least one story about a tree they've loved... I know that sounds odd, but seriously, just ask someone to tell you about their favorite tree, and you'll be sure to be in for a good conversation. Usually when I ask someone this question they look at me funny, think for a moment, and then share a touching memory that perhaps they hadn't previously considered. For me it was the beautiful maple in our backyard growing up. I have so many fond memories of climbing that tree with my big brothers, of trying to get our cat out of the tree, and just watching it change from season to season through the kitchen window. It was a very sad day for our whole family when that tree had to go. If you're so inclined, leave a comment about your favorite tree... I bet you have something lovely to share!

L

Scrapbooking// One Hour Challenge// Be Free

Today I gave myself a creative challenge to complete a page from start to finish in under an hour. I also tried to limit myself to using only the supplies that were already on my desk. (Clearly I need to clean my desk...) I ended up adding a bit of washi tape and a few brads to the mix, but other than that, everything was already within an arms reach. The photos and title kind of sum up how I've been feeling lately--it feels so good to just be free and embrace all that life has to offer me right now! Come what may and love it!

Supplies Used:
Cardstock and Patterned Paper: Dear Lizzy for American Crafts, Maggie Holmes for Crate Paper, Fancy Pants; Thickers Foam Letters: American Crafts; Letter Stickers: October Afternoon Mini Market; Brads: Close to My Heart; Wood Veneer Chevrons: Studio Calico; Spray Mist: Mister Hueys for Studio Calico; Washi Tape: American Crafts; Doilie; Machine Stitching

Thanks for looking!
L

Life Through the Lens// Dolly and Lincoln

I really can't say how happy the warmer weather is making me. Miss Dolly and I love heading over to Mom and Dad's home in the afternoon for a little playtime with the kids. We all just head straight for the backyard. The littles play ball, make messes in the dirt, and run; I try to keep my camera handy to capture it all. I love seeing how well Dolly plays with the kids. It looks like she's trying to convince Lincoln to sneak her some treats or something in the later photo. He's thinking very carefully about it--"hmmm... will we get in trouble for this?"

Yesterday Max was so active while we were playing outside... I think he wanted me to be sure to recognize that he was there too... He's anxious to come and be part of the fun! Soon little one. Soon! 

L 

Papercrafting// Storybook Bunting// Baby Shower

My family had a little storybook themed shower for us on Saturday. It was so much fun and I am honestly overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the generous gifts little Max was showered with! I felt so loved, and I felt so much love for our little boy. It was a lot for me to take in--it was simply a beautiful and wonderful day!

Max now has the most fantastic library of books that I can't wait to spend hours pouring over with him. We read one of his new stories to him last night and he was a very active listener;) I grew up in a home where I learned to love reading--even with a childhood struggle with dyslexia, I had a great desire to learn to read like my brothers and sisters. My sweet parents spent countless hours reading to me and helping me cultivate a love of learning. Oh the adventures you can go on with the turn of a page!

To decorate for the party I created a cute little banner out of some vintage children's book pages and library cards. Here's how I put it all together:

Step 1: go to the thrift store and purchase a couple of children's books (I looked for ones that were well loved--with crayon marks, torn pages, and loose binding... that way I didn't feel as bad about destroying a book)
Step 2: cut the pages into simple flags. Nothing fussy, just easy triangle cuts at the bottom of the pages
Step 3: machine stitch the pages together with library cards and pockets.

Such a simple project, but it really made a big impact.

Thanks for looking!
L

Scrapbooking// Life is an Adventure// Glitz Design Contest

I discovered Glitz Design through Instagram. The Glitz girls are so nice and down to earth! I've been loving their products for a couple of months now, and I was so excited to find their new line at my local scrapbooking store. Over at the Glitz Design blog they are teaming up with Gossamer Blue for a guest designer contest. Since I had just picked up some cute new Glitz products I thought I'd join the challenge...

I love the woodgrain paper and quote about adventure--the moment I saw them I knew they would make a perfect page about Danny. I love this photo of him! For my 30th birthday he surprised me with a little weekend adventure in Park City--we had so much fun! He brings out the adventurous side in me and I love that about him!

Supplies Used:

Cardstock and Patterned Paper: Uncharted Waters and Color Me Happy Collections by Glitz Design , Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm by American Crafts, Darling Dear collection by Studio Calico; Washi tape: American Crafts; Enamel Dots: My Minds Eye; Paper Clip: Close To My Heart; Wood Veneer Chevron Snippets: Studio Calico; Precision Pen: American Crafts; Adhesive: Tombow

Thanks for looking!

Lynley J

Life Through the Lens// Hello Spring

Today was the first day of Spring! It's actually been a bit overcast, and I've spent most of the day indoors, but the last several days have been beautiful and sunny! We've been soaking up all the warm weather we can get, and loving every minute of it!

I'm so happy to be able to take photos outdoors again! I forgot how much I love that soft golden evening lighting! Thought I'd share a few quick snapshots of Mr. Lincoln from earlier this week. He is such a fun little boy! I love his happy little personality and the funny things he says. So glad I get to be his Aunt!

L

Life Through the Lens// Sunshine

I'm itching to take some photos with a bit of color and life in them!! Spring is coming, but everything is still a bit drab and lifeless around here.

I was looking through my recent photos for something that had a bit of sunshine and cheer to it, and I found this one... the last shot I took as we were leaving Las Vegas back in January. The sunny colors and leaning palm trees make me want to ride a bicycle to the beach, drink lemonade, and breath in salty ocean air... daydream much? (Ironically, I took this photo in a pretty slummy part of town--not at all like the lovely daydream I just described. Reality is overrated sometimes.) 

Be back soon with some scrapbooking pages to share...

L

Life Through the Lens// Down on the Farm

I've been feeling pretty run down for the last few days--it seems morning sickness and extreme fatigue have returned for another round. Hopefully it won't last too long! After staying in bed for most of the weekend, I ventured out with Danny to soak in a little sunshine and fresh air. While he was working with his Dad on the car, I sat in the sunshine snapping photos. It was just the pick-me-up I needed! 

I think little Max is going to have a lot of fun playing down on the farm. He's going to love helping Daddy and Grandpa with the man stuff--cars, trucks, tractors, and a whole lot of dirt... the kind of stuff little boys love! He's a pretty lucky little guy!

L

Scrapbooking// Carefree & Happy As Can Be

I adore this photo of Miss M! It captures her personality so perfectly. So happy and sweet! I love playing outside with her and watching as she delights in the little things--the sunshine, the breeze, and the joy of swinging "higher and higher," as she practices pumping in and out. She's such a happy little soul and I love being her Aunt.

I wanted to create a quilt-inspired look on this page for an interesting background design. After creating a pattern that I liked, I wanted to keep the rest of the page pretty subdued with lots of white space--so I went for a tone-on-tone, white on white, look with the embelleshing. I quite like the final result. The white butterflies, title, and brads add dimension and interest, without drawing too much attention away from the design.

Supplies Used:
Cardstock and Patterned Paper: Amy Tangerine for American Crafts, Dear Lizzy for American Crafts, CTMH; Paper Die cuts: Dear Lizzy for American Crafts; Brads, pearls, and button: CTMH; Washi Tape: Love My Tapes

Thanks for looking!
L

Scrapbooking// It's a Big World Out There

I love this photo of the littles looking out Nana and Papa's front window. They love sitting there together, looking out on the world outside. They keep on the lookout for people, stray cats, and birds in the trees. Anyone coming up to the door gets a very warm welcome from the kids--they wave, cheer, and jump up and down excitedly. On the other hand, Miss Dolly takes on her roll as resident guard dog, giving a stern warning bark to let strangers know just who's in charge. 

Supplies Used:

Cardstock and Patterned paper: Dear Lizzy and Amy Tangerine for American Crafts, My Mind's Eye, Studio Calico, and Close To My Heart; Diecut scallop borders: Close To My Heart; Stamp: Amy Tangerine for American Crafts; Brads: Close To My Heart; Enamal Dots: My Mind's Eye; Spray Mist: Mister Huey's by Studio Calico; Washi Tape: American Crafts; Thickers: American Crafts

Life Through the Lens// Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my dad's birthday. I couldn't be more blessed to have him as my father. He is so dear to me. In honor of his special day, I thought I'd share a few photos of him doing what he loves best, being Papa to Miss Mauri and Mr. Lincoln--My little Max is going to be pretty lucky to have him for a grandfather! Dad has blessed my life in so many ways... Words can't express how much I love him, and how grateful I am for all he has taught me. It's easy for me to believe in a loving Father in Heaven because I have been blessed with such a loving earthly father. My brother Brett, who is much better with words than I am, wrote a beautiful post all about Dad, here.

Happy Birthday! I Love you Dad!

L

Scrapbooking// Project Life

I have a bunch of pages and Project Life spreads that I need to photograph and share here! Project life has been the perfect fit for me. It gives me a simple and organized approach to keeping up with our pictures and stories, while freeing me to create traditional 12x12 pages in whatever haphazard, disorganized manner I please. You see, I haven't ever enjoyed creating 12x12 pages in chronological order--I like being able to pick the pictures and stories that speak to me in the moment, no matter how old or recent they may be. However, while I liked a more carefree approach to creating pages, I always felt a bit stressed about missing out on the here and now, and forgetting the specifics while they were fresh on my mind. With Project Life, I can easily keep up with the day to day, making sure I don't miss the everyday moments as they are happening. I've found it easier to create 12x12 pages in whatever order I like, while knowing that I'm not getting behind, or missing out on the here and now.

There is no right or wrong way to scrapbook, but my creative right-brained self is happy to have found a system that seems to be working to help me keep it organized, creative, and productive.

L

Scrapbooking// Hello Best Friend

I might be in love with this page. It may or may not have been inspired by the color scheme for Max's nursery--the nursery that we haven't started on yet because we don't know where we will be living. I think we'll be sticking with more grey//yellow//teal and just little pops of orange... but I guess we will just see how it shapes up. I adore this photo of Dolly and I. It so perfectly shows our everyday life together. She is always right there at my side--the two of us are rather attached to one another. I just love my Dolly girl.

Supplies Used:

Cardstock: CTMH// Patterned paper and tags: American Crafts Dear Lizzy "Charmed" and "Fifth and Frolic Collections", American Crafts Amy Tangerine "Yes Please" Collection, Sassafras, Girls Paperie, Studio Calico// Wood Veneer: Studio Calico// Thickers: American Crafts// Washi Tape: American Crafts// Brads: CTMH// Doilies// Sewing Machine

Thanks for looking!
L