Every new beginning...

There's a song with the line, "Every new beginning marks some other beginning's end..." That kind of describes our week. On Thursday I taught my last class at Bloomin Scrapbooks. I've been fortunate to have been on their design team the last few years and have met so many wonderful people through the experience. I'm sad to see the store close but am so thankful for the memories left in its place. Here is the layout from my first class in 2006:

Then on Friday, my 17 year old had the last basketball game of his school career. He's been playing since 4th grade, so this marked our eighth season of games. It's been a frustrating year for him with most games being watched from the bench and we knew this would be his final season. He had acted like it didn't bother him, but once the game was over and the players returned from the locker room, I could tell his eyes were red. Later I asked if the coaches had said something to him, and he said, "No I was just emotional because it was my last one." Boy, that tugged at my heartstrings... Oh well, track practice starts Monday!

5th Grade Tournament Runner's Up

Friday night:

Why I scrapbook

A few weeks ago, I was featured in my job-related professional association newsletter. When I was interviewed for the article, one of the questions asked was "What are your hobbies?" So I immediately responded, "I like to scrapbook." Then there was a momentary silence. "Oh." I couldn't help but crack a smile. Obviously this person didn't get it.

I love scrapbooking. It's my "happy place," my escape from the rigors of a hectic day at work. Playing with photos, paper and scissors is great relaxation! It's a way I can put into words how much I love my kids as well as tell the stories behind my photos. And I'm fortunate to have developed so many new friendships with other scrapbookers who get it just like I do.

This is one of my favorite scrapbooks ever. It's a Prima canvas album featuring photos of my mom as a little girl. She loved to sew and I wanted it to have lots of fabric and stitching to make it feel like "her". My favorite part of the book is the page with her toy trinkets sewed into it. I found them in an old doll case in a dresser at my Grandma's house. The one in the middle is a medallion engraved with the words "forget me not." Another is a tiny June 1954 calendar page--it was her birthday month--she had turned seven. Several people have told me some of the trinkets are Cracker Jack prizes. So sweet!