Valentine Minis

I've recently had a burst of creative energy. And just in time for Valentine's Day! I've had a Summer Mini Album in my mind for some time now (more on that soon), and these 2 Valentine minis were taken from this tutorial. I LOVE Ali Edwards! Her designs are wonderful and simple, and I actually use many of her journaling spots and overlays in my projects. By the way, Designer Digitals is having a fantastic sale on right now until midnight Tuesday. Check it out.

So, I made these 2 mini albums out of felt and paper. I have wanted to do a little felt book for ages, and now was just the perfect time! The first one I made for my parents and the second one I made for my sweetheart, Andy. It was very simple with Ali's free download and her fantastic instructions.











I also used this die to make valentines to hand out to some family and friends and it was a big hit! I borrowed the die from a friend, but will have to get my own because I know I will make good use of it. I can see thank yous and birthdays and favors and special holidays celebrated with this box and a handful of candies. It is SO adorable! I wish I took a picture of one of the ones I made, but they were gone fast! I will post another picture another time.

I hope your Valentine's Day was a lovely one!

Love this girl!

Last week I checked my mail, expecting to find the usual: flyers and bills, bills and flyers. Well, was I ever pleasantly surprised when I found an envelope addressed to "Auntie Kaly". The return address? "Eartha". Thanks, Eartha girl. You really made my week! The card is still sitting on our table for all to see! Eartha made this card all by herself and insisted that her Mom send it to me in the mail. You are so special, Eartha!

It's Valentine's Day and we've spent the day sleeping and watching movies. My poor Valentine was up sick all night and morning. I started feeling better by noon, but we're still pretty lathargic. Poor Andy.

I found this quote on love just yesterday and I think it's beautiful. Especially because of the reference to trees and roots. Happy Valentine's Day!

"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two."
- Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday, Lucky Me

I'm so behind! I've been busy and not busy, sick and not sick. Did everyone catch that awful stomach flu last week? I knew about a dozen people who had it the same time I did. Nasty.

But on to more exciting things! Like, happy one year anniversary to Andy and I! Andy planned the day and all along I assumed we were going to Banff. He first took me out to Black Diamond for breakfast at the Barn (A favorite for us. I wanted to take a picture of the pancakes - they were huge! - but I forgot my camera in the car). Then we followed hwy 22 up to the 22X or Spruce Meadows Trail. I thought we'd head straight for Banff, but instead turned into Calgary. I was confused and Andy would not tell me where we were going. Then when we turned into Deerfoot Meadows or Run or whatever that place is called (with the IKEA) I joked that he was so nice to take me to IKEA even though I know he hates to go there. Well, we didn't go to IKEA. Instead, Andy said to me, "I want you to have your camera today. We don't have to wait until Christmas!" So, we got the Canon Digital Rebel Xsi!!!!! Wooooo! This is the LUCKY ME part!

So, we've both been playing around a bit and figuring things out with this new camera. So fun and exciting! I love my Andy for giving me a surprise like this! Oh yes, and my present to him was a mini album comprised of pictures and text from our dating life - things that we both had written in our dating journals!

Next, was Andy's birthday! Yay! Happy Birthday Andy! It was games at the church with a potluck supper. The highlight of the evening was opening and playing with Paul's present to Andy. Uh... we're not really sure where Paul scored this beauty, but the guys sure had fun rolling around in it! We kept joking that maybe Paul nicked it from the Rotary Club? Anyway, I'm glad you had a good time Andy!

Getting back to reality

Well it's been awhile, but hey, I've gotten a lot done in the last few weeks. I've been in Calgary as a caregiver to a young boy with autism and downsyndrome while his family went on vacation. This was my third summer with him and it was great! Since he likes to watch his shows, I set up a scrapbook area to work while he is occupied. I had several free hours a day that way. I finished a slideshow, phoned all my piano and choir peeps, set up most of my fall schedule, and scrapbooked 2 mini albums and about 18 pages! I feel so accomplished!

Thanks to my wonderful husband for taking me out on a lovely date the night before I left him. We drove his 1958 Ford Edsel to Okotoks, where we went electric skateboarding on the wind-y paths down by the river. I wish I had some pics of that, but I left my cam in the car! Oh well, we'll go there again and I'll post pics then. It was a gorgeous night and a fun ride. Thanks Andy!

I had a few goals as I started to scrapbook during this time, and I'm pleased to say that I actually accomplished these goals! Have a look:

#1. Use more negative space on my layouts. I find these layouts refreshing to the eye,

not having to look at all the millions of pictures that are crammed onto one page. How did I do? Let's see:

#2. Use my stash! I have so much stuff that I save because it's too "pretty" for this page or that, but then in a year it will be old news. So I gotta rip and tear and use bits and pieces here and there.

#3. Use my sewing machine. This is one of my favorite layouts, from the

picture to the journaling to the scraps of paper and ribbon I used.

#4. Do more journaling on the page. I got some cute journaling stamps and used my computer for others. I love it!