Christmas Eve Traditions

On this last mail day before Christmas, we take all our Christmas cards and string them with a piece of twine and hang them in the great room where we can see and admire them all.

The newspaper has an early deadline and press run on Christmas Eve. We go to the Post after dinner on Christmas Eve and pick up a Christmas Day edition of the paper. We try to make it in time to say "Merry Christmas" to the pressmen. This year we were a little late for that, but I got Bob to pose in the photo room with one of the old cameras. In the background you can see some of the photo pages run this year (Bob's "scrapbook pages").

Amaryliis

Amaryllis......fantastic Christmas bloom!

Every year I'm given an amaryllis bulb that blooms at Christmas. Last year, I saved the bulb and planted it outside in the summer. I brought it inside just before freezing and have been awaiting the blooms. I think I have a shoot that will turn into a flower.

This is the page I created 4 years ago, using the Basic Grey Notch n' Dye set for the decorative touches.

2005

Make everday a holiday

Chris was invited to the band dance by one friend. He went to dinner before the dance with a group of friends, met after the dance with another group of friends, then stayed at another friends' after the dance.

The quote from Amanda Bradley fits with the pictures of Chris and friends Jessie, Mary, Greg, Kelsi, Lindsey and Jess:

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make everyday a holiday and celebrate just living!"

Digital brushes (Kate Teague "Damaskalicious")

December 2009

Special Christmas 1961

After Bob saw my "Night Before Christmas 1958" layout, he said he wished he had pictures from Christmas when he was a youngster. So I asked his brother, David, to bring some of those pictures when he visited. Bob was thrilled to see these. He picked the photos, paper and even wrote the journaling for this layout.

"Christmas morning of 1961 was very exciting for me, much like it is for any seven year old who gets those "big toys" only on the holiday.

My brother David, who was ten, and my mother unwrapped presents while my Dad took pictures with his new Christmas camera, a Kodak "Brownie".

I got a Detective Special snubnose revolver set, a Tonka truck and boat trailer set, and most importantly, a Mattel "Fighting Lady" battleship. It was about 3 feet long and had a gun that shot plastic shells, a plane that launched from a catapult, and other great features. It was a state of the art toy for 1961. It brought me many happy hours of play for a long time after that very special Christmas."

Digital frame (Michelle Coleman)
Christmas brush (Memory Makers)

Santa's Elves

Every year I pack pizza kits and fruit bags for 50 staff members at the HSC Cafeteria. One of the boys and I go into the HSC Kitchen when no one is there and pack the gifts. I then leave them in the spots of the serving area or kitchen where the individual starts the work day. This year I was thrilled when both sons and Bob joined me. That made it all the more special.

Mornin' Morgantown

I'm unsure if Joni Mitchell ever visited Morgantown, but she sure wrote a song that's meaningful to a couple that met here, then spent their lives here.

Here's some pictures I took on campus, on a beautiful fall Sunday.

"The only thing I have to give to make you smile to win you is all the mornings still to live in Morning, Morgantown." --Joni Mitchell

Digital Tag (Sande Krieger "Fine China")
Digital Swirl (Michelle Coleman)

Let it Snow

It was Saturday, December 19th. We'd played Santa, made a holiday meal and shopped the day before. I knew that a Saturday snow would give us an excuse to stay home, watch the birds and visit with family. "And since we've no place to go. . . let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!" 2009

Digital paper (Michelle Coleman "Twilight in my Garden")
Digital brushes (Rhonna Farrer "A Little Christmas")

Here's Looking at You Kid

Bob's brother David celebrates his birthday one week before Christmas and travels from Beckley to Morgantown to visit with us around that time. This layout is from last year.

Happy 58th Birthday David.........and welcome to the world today our great nephew, Stephen Oliver Michael!

Journaling:
The theater was cold. Bob and I both dozed off a little, but we all enjoyed the 1942 classic on the big screen. There were so many good lines. . .

"If it's December 1941 in Casablanca, what time is it in New York?

The problems of 3 little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.

The fundamental things apply as time goes by.

To America, to America, to America!

Play it once for old time's sake."

Digital Overlay (Crystal Jeffrey Rieger)

Wii for Cats

Birds, blowing Christmas lights, her own reflection, even the shadows of those things. . . all provide afternoon entertainment for Sugar & her people. 2009

Digital Frames (Cottage Arts #8)
Digital Tag (Sande Kreiger "Fine China"

Night Before Christmas 1958

I was so excited for Santa Claus to come I couldn't sleep. The piano and doll were mine to play and love.

Digital Tag (Paislee Press)

Felt like Miss America

I'm not always comfortable managing nearly 30 people. Some days I feel like no one likes me. When I came back to work after being away at the ADA convention, I was greeted with flowers, cards & presents. I felt like Miss America. It was the handwritten notes that meant the most: "Some days you drive us nuts, just as I'm sure we do you. But if I were to pick a Boss out of the entire world, it would be you. We love you and miss you when you're not here."

Fall Asleep Counting Blessings

We hung lights, got the tree and the first snow of the season came. Then we watched our favorite movie "White Christmas". Bing Crosby sang: "When I'm worried and cannot sleep I count my blessings instead of sheep. When my bankroll is getting small, I think of when I had none at all and I fall asleep counting my blessings."

Digital paper (Erica Hernandez eyelet lace)
Digital elements (Heidi Larsen "candy cane")
Digital frame (Cottage Arts "Scrap Edges 9")

Seeds. . . posterity

My Mom always plays along with things I want to do. When I stopped to photograph the milkweed, she broke one apart and started flinging the seed in the air. She thought I was photographing the plant--in my eyes, the focal point was her. 2008

Sisters

This is a picture of my sisters and I last Thanksgiving 2008. Our whole family eats at Terry's house in Keyser, WV. She even has her apron on in this picture!

Pictured from left: Amy (Youngest Child), Terry (First Child), and Cindy (Middle Child).

Gratitude

I quickly put together 4 of these layouts the night before Thanksgiving so that I could take copies to my siblings and Mom. "It was nice to get a shot of siblings Terry, Jim & Cindy at Uncle John's 80th birthday. 2009"

Great American Plate

Greg is spending his Thanksgiving with Michelle in Minneapolis. I made the 4 of us a turkey dinner two Sundays ago. This is what it looked like.

"1/2 the meal fruits and vegetables, 1/4 whole grains, 1/4 lean protein.
Our pre-holiday meal was made with whole foods and love."

Our Slice of Life

While driving along 50 west on our way to the Ohio River byway, we listened to the CD "Slice" by Five for Fighting. This is my little "Slice of Life" from the trip.

"I caught your heart on an Autumn breeze. Our melodies are memories."

Gallipolis City Park

I was trying to find a motel near Huntington, WV to book a "free" night's stay, but the closest I could get was much further north in Gallipolis, Ohio. We took our time driving there, on a beautiful fall day, along the Ohio River. Our motel was very nice and the City Park in this quaint city was a perfect backdrop for a self portrait. Bob placed his camera on a water fountain and this is the picture that was in focus. My favorite shot was not sharp, so I added textured filters to it to create my page "Our slice of life", preserving memories of the day and time.

A Splash of Color

I got the idea for dying dryer sheets from Shelz Studio, the neatest paper store in West Virginia. (http://shelzstudio.blogspot.com/) She cleverly used Easter dyes for this project, and I followed suit. When I spoke to her this summer she, like I, hadn't figured out exactly what to do with the colored sheets.

I've seen layouts with color blocks in several magazines, and paired photos of my summer flowers with pieces of the dryer sheets.

"It's always nice to have a splash of color in any photo,or for that matter, any setting. What would life be like in black & white?"

Hercules

Halloween is one of Chris' favorite holidays. We decorate and he always gets a costume. This year he was invited to 2 parties. During this party at Jesse Lambs' they all wore costumes and had a good time watching "My Bloody Valentine". 11th Grade 2009.

Digital Tag (Cherie Mask "Thrilling October")

A Spin on Self Portraits

Bob had me laughing when I photographed him--head upside down--looking through the camera to get a timed portrait of us.

Hupp's Hill Civil War Trail
September 2009

Patriotic

This is a layout I did last year (thus the "poofy" bangs). Photo was taken on election day; journaling on Veterans Day. "My Dad's a Veteran, and I always recognize the patriotic holidays. We display an American flag on our porch everyday. I love the land of my birth and appreciate this life and the pursuit of happiness. I support my country and live within my means. November 2008.

Our Hill at Harvest

Last week Chris and Bob each joined me on walks to the top of the hill behind our house. The day Chris and I walked after school the sun was setting...our prize was seeing a harvest moon! Bob and I walked after a WVU game when the sun was still overhead. The deer were visible on both days. The proof is in these pictures. . . there's no place as pretty as our own home! November 3rd & 7th, 2009.

Journaling and additional pictures under hinged photos.

Digital elements: Tag (Jessica Sprague): Frame (Jen Allyson); Brush (Kate Teague).

Mile High

Colorado's State Capital Building was not as pretty as West Virginia's, but the Civic Center Park was pretty and the capital steps had a unique feature: the 13th step was the "Mile High" mark. I had to take my picture there even though that side of the building was shady and I looked real bony with the wide angle.

Journaling: "We stayed in a motel 18 blocks from the convention center above the Mile High Mark on the 13th Step of the Colorado State Capital Building."

Digital images:
Paper (HAL hootfest December) (Jen Allyson Organic Taupe)
Brushes (Jen Allyson Organic Borders)
Stitching, jewelled wire and flourish (Cottage Arts Simply Faith)

Martha's Treat

My friend & mentor Martha Nesser always included me in celebrations she sponsored. This year she invited Bob & I to bring our kids to a party she & Dining Services planned at WVU Farms. All the children were "V.I.P.s" at this party. Our boys dressed in Power Rangers and paraded in the arena. There was a lot of food. Martha--the fortune teller--once again shared her fortune with those she loved. 1995

Journaling Tag (Cherie Mask "Thrilling October" by Little Dreamer Designs).

Not so Shabby

Bob asked me the other day if I thought he was a good Dad. Unquestionably, he is. When Greg wanted to dress up as a Zombie for Halloween, it was Bob who did the makeup and Bob who compiled the costume. He did a good job with this undertaking too. Photos 1998.

Caped Crusaders

The boys loved their capes. Greg's Dark Wing Duck cape was handmade and worn for years as he pretended to be many a super hero. Chris is shown here wearing his Darth Vader cape on an afternoon walk. Greg at Age 6, 1993; Chris at Age 4, 1997.

Cindy Crocker

This was my favorite exhibit at the Food and Nutrition Conference in Denver for an obvious reason. . . it looked like a scrapbook page! The vendors played along, put a pretty apron on me and took many pictures. What fun!

I just love you

"I don't know why, I just do!"

My boys are nearly grown but I'll always treasure the days
"lost in my arms with their head on my heart".
Photos Halloween 1993.

Words from "Five for Fighting".

Lo Do (Lower Downtown Denver)

The shuttle driver was right when he said that in Denver one could experience all 4 seasons in 1 day. I was happy that on the first morning of the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo the skies were blue and the sun was shining. Walking was easy using the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall as the anchor. My spirits were as high as the mountains after attending the award breakfast for Helen Lodge, getting some good pictures of Lower Downtown Denver, then starting my first session early afternoon.

Story Corps

This summer Amy took Mom and Dad to the Akron Ohio library to record their stories. These oral histories are now preserved at the Library of Congress.

Dad on the Battle of Iwo Jima after surviving the mortar attacks: "I thought I was real lucky". What his commanding officer (later the Commandant of the Marines) said about Dad: "Reeves was a good man". After he and Mom first met: "We kind of took to each other".

Story Corps Hinged Photo Opened

Mom says "Everybody's story should be told". Her anecdotes: "Stick to the basics"; "Love one another"; "Family is the most important thing".

Life of a Song

It was gorgeous here this weekend, near peak color in Morgantown, WV. Bob and I drove to the Trout Pond near Coopers Rock, then to the new reservoir at the park. My layout features words from a Joey & Rory song "Life of a Song":

"Oh, how I wish I could live the live of a song.
I could mend the broke and wounded, I could prove that love is real.
I could take someone from China to a Carolina field.

There's an end for me, it's my destiny, But the song will carry on"

I can't sing a note, but perhaps by scrapbooking I'm writing a few verses of my own own. When I posted this on Scrapbook.com I put in the description "I could take someone from far away to a West Virginia field." I got an instant reply from an Australian who said "I'm there!".

You Get Me

More beautiful song lyrics (this one by Collin Raye) to go with a photo I took of Bob. "Sometimes my words don't come out like they should, Somehow you know what I'm saying...You get me, you know me". Photo taken on Hupp's Hill Civil War trail, Strasburg, Virginia. 2009

Digital brush & elements: Paislee "On this day".

Four Times the Fun

It was Bob's birthday, a Sunday, and he took the day off. I planned a meal around the menu he chose. Greg joined us for the occasion. I made sure we got a family portrait before he went back to his apartment.

Scrapbooking note: I made the background paper by typing my journaling, then copying and pasting it to fill the sheet. Digital overlay: PC Layers "Sunflowers".

Till Summer Comes Around

My summer days are no longer filled with endless hours in the pool, but that empty fall feeling is inescapable when school starts and summer ends. Words from a song by Keith Urban. "Everything is closing down, now the winter wind's the only sound......till summer comes around."

Digital paper and elements from Little Dreamer Designs (Heidi Larson and Lori Barnhurst).

Autumn Soup

It wasn't long after Bob said "We haven't been to Winchester this year" that I made reservations for a getaway on his birthday. Though it rained on the trip back when we stopped at Old Town Winchester, that made it all the more cozy.

Journaling: "The perfect duo here wasn't the soup and sandwich. It was the two of us. Recipe for a great getaway: Shenandoah Valley; Old Town Winchester; Route 11; Autumn Air; Together Time."

Patterned Paper (Basic Grey); Masks (Tim Holz; heidi swapp); Chipboard Alpha (K & Co.); Digital Journaling Tags (Little Dreamer Designs, Jackie Eckles); Acrylic Paint.

You're a good kid

Chris was happy with this page I made of him and that makes me happy. He wore his blue
polo shirt on picture day at school and I asked him to stop and let me take a picture of him at home. Halloween is his favorite time of the year, so it's fitting to have some fall decor in the picture.

Journaling: "You're a good kid, Chris. Responsible, Trustworthy, Faithful, Kind and with a Good Sense of Humor".

Bob's Top 55 on his 55th Birthday

Last year I made a page for Bob's birthday with "54 Reasons I Love You." This year I asked him to name his top 5 in 11 categories. Here are a few of his top 55 picks:

Famous people I've met: Leslie Nielson
Mentors: Ron Rittenhouse
Assignments: Stories with good endings
Authors: Steven Hunter
Politicians: Robert C. Byrd
Things I'm proudest of: Greg and Chris(tied of course)
TV Shows: Miami Vice
Movies: Heat
Pictures: Church hostage situation in St. Albans
Places I've been: Home--our retreat in the woods
Colleagues: Jason DeProspero

Looking at pages

It was such a pleasure for me to see my Dad sharing my scrapbook pages with my Uncle John at his 80th birthday party. My Mom pulled out a few pages from her book to bring to add to the occasion. That gives me even more reason to scrapbook and share family memories. I'm going to get Mom a ring binder to make it easier to pull out pages.

There is no time like the old

My Uncle John turned 80 years old this weekend. He is my Mother's younger brother. This past summer, my Mom and I visited with him and cousins to look at scrapbooks and photographs left by still another cousin who passed away this year. They shared many good memories. Here is one of the pages I made for them on this occasion. (Background photo 1933).

Then

I can't write a love song like the one by Brad Paisley, so I'll use his lyrics on this page about Bob (then) on our wedding day in 1976 and in 2009 on our 33rd wedding anniversary.

I borrowed Bob's camera to take this picture as he had a longer lens and I wanted that shallow depth of field. The late afternoon light as we walked the C & O Canal was gorgeous and seemed to match the copper color of the bridge in the background.

Digital frame: 2 Peas in a Bucket, Sande Krieger.

One Last Taste of Summer

I love working in the yard but really didn't do enough of that this year. So on this gorgeous September Sunday, I feasted my lens on the butterflies while they feasted on the flowers maybe one last time before heading south for the winter.

2009

Scrapbooking note: I love the combination of the Bo Bunny paper with the blue die cut Colorbox paper, but the swirls on the patterned paper were too big and would have been hidden by my picture. So I scanned the paper and sized it to make this digital image. Digital borders by Jen Allyson, 2 Peas in a Bucket.

Cindy & Bob self portrait in Fort barricks

Bob loved how the graphic elements blended together to create a nice couple portrait in this beautiful Fort Frederick museum.

Exploring the Frontier. . . Fort Frederick

It has become a tradition to travel to Hancock, Md. every labor day weekend around our wedding anniversary. While we want to devote most of our time concentrating on each other, we wanted to see something new. Fort Frederick is in Washington County, just 10 miles from our hotel. It was the nicest fort I'd ever been to . . . important in 3 early American wars.

In this photo I wanted to show the use of the Tim Holz "borderline" mask. Think they go well with the "fort" theme. I'm thinking about using them for a "Halloween" theme...the barbed wire mask might work too.

In the Spirit of the Day

"It was late afternoon on our 33rd wedding anniversary. As we sat on a bench by the C&O Canal, I contemplated the photo I wanted. Not the typical up close smiling wide angle, but rather a far away glimpse of a passionate embrace. Bob was game. . . and the shot was just what I had in mind."

This digital image was created using a free sampler pak "Barely There" designed by Michelle Shelveland and available for download on her Cottage Arts website.

Not So Perfect

I probably didn't spend enough time in my garden this summer, but I did take the time to photograph the beautiful swallowtail on the butterfly bush. The tail was missing a piece but was beautiful just the same. "None of us are perfect, but beautiful in the eyes of those who love us."

Scrapbook note: For the butterfly embellishments, I cut the butterfly out of other frames I took, creased them slightly and painted the photo with varnish.

Digital frames are from Cottage Arts and 2 Peas in a Bucket (Jen Allyson).

J. Henry Fiers

This heritage page features my Grandmother Marie with her parents and siblings. I thought Grandma looked like an angel, and made her Dad very happy putting her arm on his shoulder.

Journaling: "Henry Fier proudly poses with his family in the early 20th century. His petite wife Anna sits beside him. Left to right: John, Christopher, Marie, Adam, Henry, Henry, Anna, James, Carrie & Annie. C. 1914."

Congratulations Helen & Phil

My friend Helen married her childhood friend Phil on September 5, 2009--Bob & my 33rd wedding anniversary. Helen is a dietitian and scrapbook enthusiast. Wish I could have seen the beautiful wedding in St. Louis. Here is the one layout I created for her fabric album wedding present.

Foam & Digital Stamps

Donna Downey teaches classes on-line (for a price) on "how-to" create a fabric album. It seemed like there was a lot of painting. Here is a close-up of some stamps using acrylic paints as well as digital stamps.