celebrating simple modern memorykeeping
Is that a stink eye that I see? Or is Rowan just teasing me? I hope its the latter! Haha!
I can’t believe that it is March already! With two months completed of 2018, here is my second monthly pocket page spread, summarizing family life. I am so in love with all of colour, especially “when it rains look for rainbows” journaling card. The cards are available today as part of Elle’s Studio March release! You can purchase that kit here.
Olympics, swim lessons and soccer practice – oh my! For this month’s summary, I used the monthly puffy stickers as well as those awesome puffy star stickers. I realize I can’t write everything that happened in February but my motto is something is better than nothing. This cards give a nice overview of things we did and what held our attention – like the Olympics, 24/7!
Although I don’t classic pictures of Valentines Day or the Olympics, my strategy this year it to include cute pictures of my kids doing every day things and overheard conversations. If I want to tell a more indepth story, I leave that for another 9×12 spread. To me, repeating this formula, month after month, is going to help me finish my 2018…..that and Elle’s Studio awesome colourful cards are going to keep me on track!
What’s your 2018 documenting formula? Are you “caught up”?
Happy Scrapperday!
Hooray for reveal day at Elle’s Studio!
Here is a look at all the colorful cards that you can purchase in February 2018 kit. I love all those yummy die cuts that are included too! I used almost all of them this month!
As you can tell by my January Project Life page, I was inspired by the rainbow cards and I divided my layout by colours. On the left I have the February Kit cards and die cuts that are red, orange, pink and yellow while on the right i use cards that are blue, teal, green and purple. Such a fun way to scrapbook! I really let the colours inform the pictures I selected for my page.
Since I am completing our family album by month this year, i have decided to focus on pictures of me and my kids. Journaling includes conversations that I overheard in the month as well as a brief summary of events. Speaking of which – Rowan lost 2 teeth this past month! How crazy is that!?!
Simple journaling at its finest. For me, these pages are all about small facts and details to give a brief overview of what happened. Longer stories I will document in each of the kids story albums. I know I only have a certain amount of time and space to document this all so, monthly 9×12 spreads it is!
Thanks for looking!
Please note: *All product links contained in this post are affiliate links. You don’t pay any extra, but I get a small percentage of your sale! Thanks for your continued support of this blog!
This layout is all about: cha-cha-changes!
For this month’s story kit, I decided to tell the story about how I coped the death of my beloved Auntie. Last week would have been her 72nd Birthday and after watching Ali’s presentation I had a few ideas of what I wanted to write. Scrapbook = therapy, people! So grateful to have this hobby as an outlet.
Fun fact: for this layout I included the first know photo of my aunt from 1949 and one of the last pictures I had of her before her death in 2002.
As always, my love affair with chipboard stickers, enamel dots and that awesome “hard story” digital stamp continues.
Thanks for looking!
Who loves yoga? I thought I didn’t but now I do 🙂
In early January, Ali linked to “Yoga with Adriene and her 30 day video series on her instagram. Full disclosure, if Ali suggests something, I am pretty open to giving it a try….Can anyone else relate? Ha! I was a little skeptical, as I am an inflexible runner. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I actually LIKED the movements and the teacher. The inner documenter in me decided to snap some pictures. When the January digital kit became available I decide to record this story. I knew I wanted to use the “Welcome to a new story” stamp as well as the quote card which seems to apply to my situation / perspective.
Add a few pink hearts in from an old WITL kit and viola! the first page of my 2018 personal story album is complete. Thanks for looking!
Stuffie love is in the air!
Ali Edwards has a new physical kit subscription! Stories By The Month kit are the monthly digital kits from last year that have been turned into physical products. Just have a look at some of the journaling cards and chipboard as shown in my above layout. It also comes with a stamp set too! Let’s just say, I am better at using digital stamps then physical ones!
If you love Ali’s digital designs but aren’t tech savvy then you may want to consider subscribing. You can check out her information here. I loved using this month’s kit to document all the stuffies that my daughter currently loves.
Thanks for looking!
Happy New Year Crafty Pals! Is that a Project Life Title Page I see? Why, yes, yes it it.
This year I am so thrilled to be joining the design team for Elle’s Studio. I have long admired Elle’s products; not only are they modern and fresh, they always gets my creative juices flowing. Above is a 9×12 title page for my family 2018 album that I created using the January kit which is currently on sale here. Major love for that “this is us card” which is apart of the main monthly kit, and hugs and kisses puffy stickers which I used to embellish the page.
My title page features cute pictures I took of my kids jumping on our bed. When the weather is -20 C here in Toronto, you tend to hibernate and go a little stir crazy.
On this page I have included small details, like our ages, our family motto and where we are living at the beginning of 2018. Love the mint green, black and white colour scheme.
Thanks for looking and check out Elle’s Studio here for more information /inspiration on the January Kit!
Happy Wednesday!
6:30 AM Feeling well rested after playing volleyball last night. This morning I awake as Aaron gets ready to go to the gym. He takes out Charlie and packs Rowan’s lunch in her backpack. Normally, I don’t work Fridays but given that Monday was a holiday here, I am going into the office. I quickly hop out of bed and get into the shower. Mid way through my morning routine, Sammy joins me. He patiently waits while I finish brushing my teeth and putting on my makeup.
7:57 AM Letting the kids watch Peppa Pig on the iPad as I run around the house, parenting solo / getting the kids ready for school. Today I will drop Sam off first and then Rowan second. It’s a treat to watch a show in the morning and at the table. For me it is a perfect distraction to help me get organized.
8:47 AM Catching up with school crowd and I instantly miss my mom friends. When I went back to work, I don’t know how I would handle not knowing how school was going for Rowan. Turns out, I have lots to keep my mind occupied. Now there are large chunks of my day that I have no idea what Ro is up to. Fridays are one way I can get a sense of what is happening.
8:59 AM Buying gas for the black car which comes to $46.00 for regular. Next I buy breakfast which includes coffee and a bacon gouda breakfast sandwhich which comes to $10.40. Normally I try not to buy anything through the week, saving coffee as a treat for the weekend. Sometimes life you go against your self imposed rules.
9:21 AM Seeing this en route, every morning on my way to work. Fun fact, I live to take the backroads / scenic route to the suburbs. Things have changed in the decade that I have started working at the hospital, scenery included. Listening to podcasts in the car during my commute has stayed the same.
3:31 PM Snapping a work elevator selfie. As a social worker and memory keeper, I have a uniquely keen interest in other people’s stories. As always, I am honoured with the fact that clients share their stories with me which include: the good, the bad, the ugly and the inspiring and everything in between. It is a priveledge that I do not take lightly.
5:11 PM Listening to the latest Fresh Air interview in the car. It is sunny but cold and my whole feeling towards the week has changed. Feel much more relaxed!
5:59 PM Arriving home; Aaron and Sam are first, while Rowan and I arrive second. Charlie is excited and starts to dig a huge whole.
6:15 PM Drinking Sommersby Pear Cider which is now available to buy at the grocery story! Love the cool sweet crisp taste.
Eating this tonight for dinner. It’s a Toronto favourite: Mad Mexican corn chips, guacamole and salsa. Such a treat! Yum!
6:42 PM Decompressing after the week that was. Sam is eating the chips and guacamole while Ro is watching Teen Titians. Aaron is reading Reddit and making pasta for the kids. Charlie is up to no good, waiting for us to drop something.
9:57 PM Relaxing with Aaron in bed. While he reads “Blind Sight” a science fiction novel, I am uploading and editing photos. The iPad is in the middle of us, streaming the latest Louis CK stand up special. We are what those crazy kids say: “netflixing and chilling”…or something like that. Bring on the weekend.
Friday Reflections
I am focused in the morning and relaxed in the afternoon. Maybe I realize its the weekend or it could be the fact that we are almost done this WITL project. Either way, I feel good about work, home and scrapbooking. No big revelations today, just feeling good.
Gratitudes
Favourite Conversation From the Day:
When Aaron tells me that I am getting a refund on my taxes this year. I forgot exactly what he said, but I am excited. Good times!
2017 Week In The Life Intention: To showcase the small things (stresses and all)
7:15 AM She is the last to wake up. Normally she is full of energy but today is different. Today she walks half way down the stairs and then sits. She is not impatient, but seems tired. Sammy says “Ro-ro” on repeat and points to her incessantly. After opening the gate she lays down on the couch and says she has a headache. She never does this. She is warm to the touch so we opt for Tylenol and rest. Today is a sick day.
9:01 AM It’s clear that Rowan is not herself, so I call blank school & speak with the secretary. We don’t own a home phone so I call on my cell. It’s so weird how technology changes. Ten years ago I would have called from a landline. While on the phone the secretary tells me a cute story about Rowan practicing for her school concert. The gist of our conversation is that Rowan gave the secretary a hug and asked her to stay to watch. Today is for finding out new stories about my girl.
10:17 AM I take a break from work emails and start to load the dishwasher. Fun times here at the Forster Hunter household. Today is for work and housework.
11:14 AM I decide that Rowan has had enough show for the morning. I pull out white paper and her markers. She “completes” a journaling page, drawing pictures of thermometers and butterflies. Today is for going with the flow.
1:02 PM Working from home / working from bed! While Ro naps in her room, I work on advocacy letters and chat with coworkers and clients by phone. Today is about making it work.
2:15 PM We eat a late lunch after my work call. On today’s menu: chicken noodle soup. She’s got the twinkle back in her eye and wants to play a game of “guess what I ate?” She and her brother love being silly. I can’t get over how she lights up when she is playing. Today is for connecting.
4:19 PM Hop in the car with Ro to pick up Sam from daycare. It’s raining and althought its suppose to be 11 C today it feels like winter. I put my cold weather gear away over the Easter long weekend thinking it couldn’t possibly get colder. Well it has. My apologies to all for jinzing the nice weather. Today is for complaining about the weather.
5:45 PM Today is for quick and easy meals. The kids have eggs with fruit and veggies and I have Vegetarian Bi Bim Bap with tofu.
6:35 PM Today is for splitting the evening routine. I feed and bathe the kids while Aaron will come home and put them to bed. Thursdays are the nights I play volleyball and I am excited to get onto the court.
8:00 PM Today is for sweating. Tonight we are a player down which means I have to be more alert than normal as we play for two straight hours. I always feel better after exercising and today is no different. Of note, I had the best sleep!
Thursday Reflections
For me, what has become increasing obvious over the course of my day is that I need more one on one time with my girl. I know it’s a cliché to say, but I am so busy concerned about the deadlines and drop offs that I am not always mindful about the relationships that need nurturing. It is clear that I need to carve out more time with Rowan and we need to cultivate our connection. I can see some mama-daughter dates on our horizon.
Gratitudes
Thursday Present Participle List
Eating all the leftover Easter candy by the handfuls. Luckily mini eggs are only on the market for a short time.
Buying wet food for Charlie as he has only had kibble for one week.
Thinking that both the kids and I need a haircut ASAP.
Wearing my work clothes while I am at home because I am too lazy to change.
Listening to the nineties at nine on the radio as I drive home from volleyball. Seriously I am reliving my youth. Ha!
Favourite Conversation From the Day:
Overheard at Rowan’s bedtime:
Rowan: “Daddy, can you bring me Princess Poppy?”
Aaron: “Yes! I am so glad you like her, Rowan. You will have to tell Nanny that she is your favourite gift.”
Rowan (referring to the earlier Facetime call with Nanny): “We already talked to your mother!”
AND
Overheard at Sam’s bedtime (Or what I think he said):
Sam (speaks like he has marbles in his mouth” “Where’s towel*”
Me: “There is a blankie in your drawer Sammy”
Sam (speaking like he has marbles in his mouth & grabbing two blankets from his dresser): “I get towel for Ro-ro”
Me: “Oh, that’s nice Sammy. Let’s show Rowan your blankie’s”
Sam (speaking like he has marble in his & carrying two blankets) : “I take towel to Ro-ro”
Me: “Okay! Let’s show her!”
Sam (speaking like he has marble in his & carrying two blankets, goes to Rowan who is still in the bathtub and proceeds to throw one blanket in the water, then the other) “Uh-oh”
2017 Week In The Life Intention: To showcase the small things (stresses and all)
6:29 AM Most days I wear makeup even if it’s a work day or not. I am not going to lie, I feel naked going out in public without foundation and a little mascara. Even on maternity leave, I kept up wearing it. Silly or not, it is apart of my self care routine.
6:41 AM Most days I tidy up spaces that I leave, which includes the bathroom. I don’t know if I feel pressure to do this but I feel off if something is left on the floor. I notice that the laundry bin is getting full. Make a mental note to wash the towels when I get home from work this evening.
7:01 AM As Aaron makes Rowan’s lunch I set out the kids clothes and bags. Today it is raining and so I set out their rainboots. Most days I wonder if I dressed the kids appropriately and if they are warm enough.
7:03 AM Some days Sammy sits at the counter and plays with the tap. Today, he found a box of Dori gummies in the cupboard and is playing / talking to them. Everyday we are keeping a close watch of him and telling him to sit on his bum.
7:12 AM Most days she shares with him; sometimes she protests.
7:37 PM Most days I feel like we are running late and today is no different. I read a quote on Facebook that said something like when you are working parent you feel like to have parent your kids like you don’t have a job and work like you have no kids. I am trying to balance each of the aspects of my life. Tonight I work late which mean I am going to miss evening routine. I am happy to feel productive but I miss my kiddos on nights like these.
These days I feel like the “good” weather is right around the corner.
8:11 AM Most days I drive the black car, but today I drive the blue one which is my husbands. I notice when we get in that the car is almost empty. I fill up the it with $43.33 dollars worth of gas. Extra bonus: there is a Starbucks close by.
Most days I make my own coffee but today I buy one.
1:51 PM Once rounds are finished, I head back to my desk with a purpose. I have items to check off my to do list and clients booked with appointments at 4 pm and 5 pm. After finishing three key items, I feel a little squirrely and need to get out of our small office.
3:31 PM Most days, I power through behind my desk but today I go for a walk to get some fresh air. My head immediately feels better. I think about running and if I could fit training for a 10 km race into my schedule. Jury is still out on that idea but clearly just walking would help. Need to build more of this in to my self care.
6:01 PM Most days, I race to pick up the kids. Although I am eager to get home, I am able to enjoy the weather outside as I walk to the parking lot.
8:01 PM Most days he is asleep by 7:30 pm. As I walk up the stairs he calls out from his room. Aaron tells me that he has called out for me, so I can’t resist a snuggle or two.
8:15 PM Most days Aaron reads Rowan bedtime stories. Today I get to spend some time one on one time with my girlie at the end of the day. We read Pinkalicious and the Pink Planet, a book the Easter bunny brought here.
8:21 PM Most days she asks us to shut of the light and close the door when it is time for bed. Tonight she falls asleep as I read to her.
Wednesday Reflections
After a long day at work, I am so happy to be at home with my kids. However my day isn’t finished when they go to bed. I clean the kitchen, put dishes in the dishwasher and start on laundry. Oh yeah, I am also trying to document WITL. I know the value of this project which is why I keep pushing through. There are less photos today vs yesterday and that’s okay. Just keep swimming!
Gratitudes
Wednesday Present Participle List
Attempting to drink more water after realizing I only drank one cup of coffee yesterday …. thank you intense week long documentary project!?!
Listening to “throw back hits” on the radio during my commute and thinking to myself, those songs aren’t that old!
Thinking about my fitness goals and how to regularly schedule in running time into my routine…why oh why is it so hard !?!
Checking my smart phone incessantly for WITL updates and inspiration! Thanks for all the encouragement this week!
Watching Neil Brennan’s 3 Mic’s comedy special on Netflix for the fourth time as I write this blog post on Wednesday evening
Favourite Conversation From the Day:
Overheard when Sam wakes up:
Aaron: “Morning Sammy!”
Sam (speaks like he has marbles in his mouth): “Daddy, Where’s Ro-ro?”
AND
During Rowan’s bedtime stories:
Rowan: “Mommy, read it again!”
2017 Week In The Life Intention: To showcase the small things (stresses and all)
