30 Days of Thankful and Bridegroom

Long time, no new post. Sorry about that! We've had a crazy few days around here, but now that the kids are out of school for Thanksgiving, things are quieting down a bit. I spent some time this morning catching up on 30 Days of Thankful. Here are pages 12 - 26.

I can't believe that I only have four days left until this project is complete. It's gone by quickly, and it's been fun. Yay for easy-to-do albums!

I was in my studio last week looking for something interesting to watch, when I happened upon a documentary called "Bridegroom" on iTunes.

I watched the trailer, and knew instantly that I absolutely had to see it. As it turns out, this film has had an incredible impact on me. It's the true story of a young man named Shane Bitney Crone, and his life with his boyfriend, Tom Bridegroom. Shane was the love of Tom's life, and Tom was the same for Shane.

Tom and Shane shared a home, a business, and a six year relationship. Together, they traveled the world.

When a tragic accident took Tom's life, Shane was unable to be with Tom at the hospital, or even attend his funeral. Why? Because in the state of California where they lived, marriage between same sex couples is not legal. Tom's parents were able to deny Shane permission to attend Tom's funeral, and Shane had no recourse, no legal rights.

I have felt for a long time that marriage equality is important, and should be legal in all 50 states. I don't think I really "got" it, however, until I watched this film. It's so clear to me that marriage equality is not a gay thing or a straight thing, a conservative thing or a liberal thing. It's a human thing. So if you can, watch Bridegroom. Watch it with your kids, like I have. Discuss why it's important for all people to share the same rights. Why love is love, and gender doesn't matter. I promise, this film will touch you heart!

More 30 Days of Thankful

I've been really good at keeping up with this little project so far. Here are days 5-11.

I'm planning to take part in Ali Edwards/Studio Calico December Daily project this year. More about that next post, but here's a sneak peek!

Hope you enjoyed your visit! :)

30 Days of Thankful

I'm taking part in Cathy Zielske's "30 Days of Thankful" project this year. There are so many things that I love about it! The page size is a super-cute 6x6. The colors are great, and it's so easy to simply attach a photo and add a little journaling. What I'm enjoying the most, though, is spending time every day really focusing on what I'm grateful for. Knowing that I'm going to need a photo to document something new each day this month has really sharpened my focus. This is how it's shaping up so far.

Cute, right?! I'll post more pages as the days go by. I hope you'll come back and check 'em out!

Project Life Week 43

Okay guys, I'm feeling that end-of-year pressure to get my 2013 album done and my 2014 album ready to roll. Along those lines, I present for your viewing pleasure (hopefully!) Week 43. :)

Oh, check this out! I even included a little strip of Instagram photos. It's so adorable!!!

"Adorable" ranks second only to "precious" in The World According to Jeanne, so you know you'll be seeing more Instagram inserts in the future! :)

Glad you stopped by, hope you saw something you liked!

Project Life Week 42

I just put the finishing touches on week 42. This was a crazy week - homecoming activities, lots of homework with the boys, detention (oops!) . . . let's just say that I'm glad week 43 was much less hectic!

I almost forgot about the Homecoming insert!

I can't believe that there are only 10 weeks left to document this year. I've participated in Project Life since 2010, but this is the first time I've gotten as far as week 42. Pretty cool indeed!

Oh Christmas Tree

Did I really want to document this photo, or did I just want to make cute Christmas trees? A little of both! It was a quick, fun little project, and hopefully someday Matt will enjoy it. No big story to tell. Just a cute little boy and a Christmas tree. :)

Elf on the Shelf

Last December, we were visited by the Elf on the Shelf for the first time. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed planning and executing Charlie's antics, and then observing Matt's reaction. It brought new excitement and life to our holiday. In short, it was a blast! We are gearing up for another round of elf mischief in just a few weeks, which inspired me to document last year's fun.

The page design is by Cathy Zielske (of course). I probably included too much text at the bottom. I also went a little crazy with the snowflake stickers. It just felt right in the moment! Sequins are all the rage right now, and I used a handful on the scalloped border and in the centers of the snowflakes. Pretty!

The Thickers and snowflake stickers are part of American Crafts' new "Peppermint Express" line. It's gorgeous and I can't wait to play with the patterned papers.

Catholic High's Homecoming dance was on Saturday night. Caroline's dress was my favorite so far. Here are a few pics of the fun.

Wasn't she beautiful? She's so much more put together than I was at that age. Or ever!

Gil was on call all weekend, but happened to be home in time for pictures. Yay!

Caroline and her date, Zach. I love how well they matched!

Now that Homecoming is over, I'm hoping for a quiet week, and maybe even extra time in the studio. We shall see!