ScrapMatters

Precious Baby

yzerbear19 — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:00:41 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: A photo of my Mom as a baby. Credits: Lilacs in Bloom by Jennifer Labre Designs Bookkeeper's Daughter by Jennifer Labre Designs

2 comments

The Dilloway Family in 1940

yzerbear19 — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:22:18 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: A look at my my Grandparents' lives in 1940. Included are the 1940 census records for my Grandparents. Credits: Vintage Paper and Bits by Amy Stoffel A Drop In The Ocean by Amy Stoffel Sentiments of Yesterday by Amy Stoffel and Creations by Rachael

3 comments

If I could go back in time . . .

yzerbear19 — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 23:41:42 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photo of my Dad who passed away in 2009. Credits: Things I Should Have Said by Amy Stoffel

2 comments

Uncovering a murder!

yzerbear19 — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 12:10:18 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: The story of finding the truth about my 3rd Great-Grandfather's murder. Journaling says: When I was a little girl, Grandma Harrold always used to tell us stories about our ancestors. They were fascinating stories. Once I started getting interested in genealogy I wanted to find proof that the stories Grandma told us were true. One of the stories that I remembered was one of our ancestors being murdered by getting shot in the head. I couldn�t recall the details so there was very little to use to find the truth. As I uncovered more branches of the family tree I found one person who it might have been in my Grandma�s story � my 3rd great-Grandfather Rondle Bruce Hussey. He died at the age of 46. I searched on GenealogyBank.com to see if there were any news articles about him or if they had his obituary. I found two newspaper articles from when he was killed in December 1872. The story that the newspapers told was that Bruce Hussey came home from work and was under the influence of alcohol. He began to abuse his wife and possibly the children. His wife Mahala took the four children and went to her brother, John Gibson�s house. Bruce followed her and there was an altercation between John and Bruce. John then shot Bruce in the head with his rifle. John Gibson was arrested. The articles don�t say what happened to Mr. Gibson after he was arrested. It was amazing to have proof that the story my Grandma told me was true. It seems that my 3rd great-Grandfather was not a very nice man if he was abusing his wife and children. There were some details in the articles that my Grandma left out of the story when she told it to us. I am still curious to find out what happened to John Gibson. I can�t imagine what it was like for his family to witness his murder. Credits: Fresh by One Little Bird and Sahlin Studio It�s a mystery by Kate Hadfield Layered ephemera paper stacks by Sahlin Studio Ledger papers by Sahlin Studio Tabbed folders by Sahlin Studio Treasured Moments by Sahlin Studio and Sugarplum Paperie

2 comments

1st Birthday Cake

yzerbear19 — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 11:40:16 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photos of me with my 1st birthday cake that my Mom had made. Credits: Birthday cake: Papers by Sahlin Studio Birthday cake: Snippettes by Sahlin Studio Borders: birthday cake by Sahlin Studio Insta frames by Sahlin Studio Journal cards: birthday by Sahlin Studio Retro cut outs: birthday by Sahlin Studio Make a wish by Sahlin Studio by Valorie Wibbons

3 comments

Hazel Alberta Roberts

yzerbear19 — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 22:53:35 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photos of my Great-Grandma Hazel and her headstone. Credits: Yesterday, Today and Forever by Juliana Kneipp and Sugarplum Paperie Staple from A time to remember by Britt-ish Designs

5 comments

a Mother's treasure is her Daughter

yzerbear19 — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 22:34:50 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: My great-grandma Hazel and grandma Frances. Credits: Days Gone By Elements by Down This Road Designs Days Gone By Papers by Down This Road Designs Days Gone By Solids by Down This Road Designs

4 comments

The Harrold Family in 1940

yzerbear19 — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 19:52:34 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photo is of my grandparents from around 1940. Also included are the 1940 census records for my Grandparents. Credits: Sentiments of Yesterday by Amy Stoffel and Creations by Rachael Fallen - Mish mash by Amy Stoffel

13 comments

Senior Year

yzerbear19 — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:08:00 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photos from my Dad�s senior year in high school Credits Embossed frames by Sahlin Studio Enjoy the moment by Sahlin Studio Explore.Learn.Grow by Sahlin Studio Instaframes by Sahlin Studio Ledger papers by Sahlin Studio School ephemera paper stacks by Sahlin Studio Snippettes - Explore.Learn.Grow by Sahlin Studio

4 comments

School Days

yzerbear19 — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:04:11 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: This is my Mom's kindergarten photo. :) Credits: Apple orchard by Sahlin Studio Explore. Learn. Grow. by Sahlin Studio Learning - jouranling bits by Sahlin Studio School ephemera stacks by Sahlin Studio School time: papers by Sahlin Studio Snipettes - Explore. Learn. Grow. by Sahlin Studio

6 comments

Saying Goodbye

yzerbear19 — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 19:52:38 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Journaling says: For my birthday this year I knew where I needed to go. I was so sad last June to find out that my Great-Uncle Bob had passed away, especially since I didn�t get to go to the funeral. My great-Uncle Bob and I shared the same birthday. From the time that I was 10 years old until he passed away we had sent letters and gifts back and forth. I loved hearing his stories about his time in the army during World War II. He was so proud of his children and always talked about them. We met a few times in person. He was such a cool and neat person. I knew I had to go visit his grave and take him one last birthday card. So the day before my birthday Melinda and I drove down to Wauseon, OH. We stopped at Walmart and bought a card, some flowers, and a birthday balloon. The cemetery was beautiful and peaceful. My mom didn�t know exactly where he was buried except that it was towards the back. Melinda and I split up and I found it right away. I fought to not cry, but I suddenly missed him so much. He had led such a long and good life. I know I will see him again in heaven and am thankful to have known him. Obituary says: C. Robert "Bob" Hollister of Elgin C. Robert "Bob" Hollister, 91, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at Rosewood Care Center. He was born on April 30, 1920, in Fulton County, Ohio, and was married to Bette Roberts of Toledo, Ohio, on June 20, 1941, at the Congregational Church of Wauseon, Ohio. He entered the military service on July 4, 1942. His training began in Ohio, through Missouri, California desert, Louisiana and New York. Shipping out on the Queen Elizabeth I, along with Champ Joe Lewis and 14,000 other anxious soldiers, landing in Swansea, Wales, on to England, settling in Windsor near the castle. While there, he transferred from the Fourth Armored Signal Battalion to the newly organized First Allied Airborne Army, serving under General Eisenhower, as a courier and airborne glider trooper. His first hostile encounter was in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, after which he was sent to Copenhagen, Denmark, for R&R. Then back to England, then on to LeHarve and Paris, proceeding across France and Germany under General Patton. After he was discharged, he returned home to Ohio and enrolled at the University of Toledo, residing on campus in the veterans' family housing with his wife, his daughter and his soon-to-be-born son. Upon graduating with a BBA degree in 1949, he entered the financial sector of the automotive industry, serving as an auditor in dealerships of Lincoln-Mercury, Oldsmobile, Ford and Jeep. After taking a job with Chrysler, he and his family moved to Elgin in 1962. He retired from Daimler-Chrysler in 1980. He was associated with the Wauseon High School and the University of Toledo Alumni Association. He was also a member of the American Legion of Toledo and the VFW of Elgin. Surviving are his wife, Bette; daughter, Vicke Paluch of Freeport, Ill.; son, Tony (Jill) Hollister of Elgin; grandchildren, Josh (Kristi) Paluch, Tracy (Scott) Billings and Andy Hollister; and great-grandson, Logan Billings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Maysel Hollister; infant son, Tab Robert; and brothers, Hi and Raleigh. Bob loved life and loved helping people. He had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. Bob's venue in life and his message in passing is "Live each day to its fullest, preparing for your own place and glory in His being." Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 23, at the Edgar-Griser Funeral Home, 219 S. Fulton St., Wauseon, Ohio. Burial will follow in the Wauseon Union Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 20, from 5 until 8 p.

3 comments

My Pedigree Chart

yzerbear19 — Sat, 12 May 2012 23:24:01 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Credits: -Find your roots by YB Designs

5 comments

The Harrold Family

yzerbear19 — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:44:31 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photos of my Mom's parents and siblings. Credits: -Find your roots by YB Designs -Find your roots word strips by YB Designs

6 comments

Finding Frieda

yzerbear19 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:27:31 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: This is the story of finding out how my Great-Grandma died and her grave. The obituary and marriage registration are recreations since I couldn�t take photos of the originals. Journaling says: Since I began looking into my family�s history I have had a lot of questions about my Great-Grandma Frieda. I recently received some information about her from a distant cousin on Ancestry.com which included information on where she was buried. I was really excited about this. I decided to plan a trip to La Porte, IN to find her grave and see if I could uncover any other information about her. Since we were planning to go to Fort Wayne in April for the Vera Bradley outlet sale I decided it would be the perfect time to go find Frieda�s grave. Our first stop in La Porte was the La Porte County Historical Society museum which has a research room. I was hoping we could find an obituary for Frieda there. I was really hoping that the obituary would say how she died. Our first place to search was the archives of obituaries. Melinda found Frieda�s right away. I was so excited, but even more excited when I read it because it said how she died. She died from blood poisoning from an infected tooth. She was just 26 years old. It was so sad and tragic. My heart broke for my Grandpa and his brothers to lose their mother in such a way. It was very sad. But this was the information was I looking for! Finally! The obituary also gave us Frieda�s birthday, the day she died, and the day she was married. After looking through the obituaries for our other relatives we turned our attention to the marriage records since we now had a date. I pulled the book for 1912 which contained the original records. After figuring out how they were organized I found the record for William and Frieda. I was beyond ecstatic. It was amazing. It was totally a moment like on �Who Do You Think You Are.� I wasn�t able to photocopy the page or even take a photo of it, but I painstakingly wrote down all of the information so I could recreate it later. This recorded provided me with some more interesting information. It said that my great-Grandfather William was a photographer at the time of his marriage to Frieda. It also gave me the names of his parents including his mother�s maiden name. I haven�t been able to find much on them since they immigrated to the United States from England before William was born. The story has always gone that our last name was changed when they came to America which would seem to be true since I haven�t been able to find any information on my great-great grandparents before they came to America. We finished looking through the records that the historical society had, but didn�t find anything else. We then looked around the museum a bit before we left. Our next stop on this journey was to find Frieda�s grave. I had the location of it from the cemetery�s website along with a map. It turned out that the map I had wasn�t quite accurate and we had been searching in the wrong section. After an extensive search of the one section we decided to try looking in the section next to it. It was Mom who finally found Frieda. It was amazing to be standing there after so much looking and searching. It seemed that the mystery of Frieda was finally solved. I wish my Dad and Grandpa could have been with me. I don�t know if my Grandpa ever knew how his mother died since he was only 5 years old and his father remarried not long after. I don�t know if he ever came to visit her grave. I was really happy to have my questions answered, but it was so sad that her life had to end so soon. It was a very successful trip that exceeded my expectations. I only wish I had a photograph of Frieda. For so long she seems to have been forgotten by the family, but I know I will never forget her and will share her story so that others will know her too. Credits: Backyard bliss by Britt-ish Designs Insta-frames by Sahlin Studio Layered ephemera paper stacks by Sahlin Studio Pressed petals by Sahlin Studio So grateful by Sahlin Studio and Sugarplum Paperie Treasured Moments by Sahlin Studio and Sugarplum Paperie Worn by One little bird and Sahlin Studio

3 comments

I hope you dance

yzerbear19 — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:19:02 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photos of my and Juno dancing to "I hope you dance" at my brother's wedding. Credits: Arabian adventure by Britt-ish Designs I'm yours by Britt-ish Designs and DeCrow Designs It's magical by Britt-ish Designs Opening night by Britt-ish Designs and Stolen Moments Insta-frame templates by Sahlin Studio Ophelia neat font by Stolen Moments

4 comments

All I want is you

yzerbear19 — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:03:26 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photos from my brother's wedding. The title is a quote from the song they danced to. Instead of a unity candle they did a sand unity ceremony. The blue sand is for Chris, the red for Emily and the purple for Juno. :) Credits: I'm yours by Britt-ish Designs and DeCrow Designs It's magical by Britt-ish Designs Kiss the frog by Britt-ish Designs and DeCrow Designs Let down your hair by Britt-ish Designs Love bytes 2.0 by Britt-ish Designs Cindy's layered templates - double it up set 7 - left page by Designs by Cindy Schneider Delightfully ordinary font by Stolen Moments

5 comments

Snapshot

yzerbear19 — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:57:05 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photo of my Grandparents on their wedding day. Credits: Key to my heart by Sahlin Studio Layerable ephemera paper stacks by Sahlin Studio Love you forever by Sahlin Studio Pressed petals by Sahlin Studio So grateful by Sahlin Studio and Sugarplum Paperie Treasured Moments by Sahlin Studio and Sugarplum Paperie Worn One little bird and Sahlin Studio

3 comments

Uncovering the past

yzerbear19 — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:22:16 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: A layout of how I discovered a little bit about my Great-Grandma. Journaling says: Growing up I knew a lot about my Mom�s side of the family, but my Dad�s side was a bit more of a mystery. When I got interested in Genealogy I hoped to finally learn more about my Dad�s family. Unfortunately my Dad and his siblings really didn�t have a lot of information on either set of their grandparents. My Grandma could still remember some of the names for her relatives but had little information on my Grandpa�s family and my Grandpa was no longer alive to ask. We had the name of my Great-Grandfather, but my Great-Grandmother proved to be the bigger mystery. I knew her name was Frieda and she had passed away sometime in the early 1920�s when my Grandfather was just a little boy, but that was it and it wasn�t a lot to go on. I added what I did know to my family tree on Ancestry.com but was unable to uncover anything else. A few months later when my Mom was helping to clean out my Grandma�s apartment she came across a copy of the obituary for my Grandpa�s youngest brother who had been raised by an Aunt and Uncle. This tiny piece of paper provided a very valuable clue to finding more information finally about Frieda � I finally had her maiden name. Also in my Grandma�s papers my Mom found a photo of Frieda�s grave which listed her year of death as being 1920. I felt that I was finally going to find something out about her. When I added the newly discovered information in Ancestry.com I was hopeful, but no little leaf appeared. I was disappointed, but several months after that I would receive a message from a long distant cousin. A fellow user on Ancestry.com saw the information on my tree and knew that we were related. They sent me a message that they had information on Frieda�s parents and grandparents. I couldn�t believe it! I replied that I would be grateful with any information they could send me. From this long distant cousin I was able to add the name of Frieda�s parents and grandparents. They also sent me the names of the cemeteries where they are buried. I quickly looked up the cemeteries online to locate the graves. I can�t wait to go and find them. There are still a lot of unanswered questions like how she died since she was quite young. My Grandpa and his siblings were very young when she died and didn�t talk about her much and their father had remarried. It was amazing to see that branch of the tree just blossom after being bare for so long. Credits: Worn by Sahlin Studio and One Little Bird

6 comments

Flower Girl

yzerbear19 — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 21:53:17 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photos of me when I was in my cousin's wedding in 1987. [b]Credits:[/b] -Build-a-princess by Britt-ish Designs -Build-a-princess papers - hair by Britt-ish Designs -Build-a-princess papers - satins by Britt-ish Designs -Build-a-princess papers - skins by Britt-ish Designs -I'm yours by Britt-ish Designs and DeCrow Designs -Let down your hair by Britt-ish Designs -Just married by Britt-ish Designs -Thinned out alpha by Britt-ish Designs -[b]Delightfully Ordinary by Stolen Moments Designs[/b]

4 comments

My brother the author

yzerbear19 — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:19:22 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: My brother always wanted to publish a book. In 2009 he self published his first book. I am so proud of my brother! BTW, if you want to read it you can find it on Amazon. You can PM me for more details. [b]Credits:[b] -Story time by Britt-ish Designs [b]-Kylie Anne font by Stolen Moments Designs[/b]

3 comments

Finding Milo

yzerbear19 — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 22:27:51 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: A layout about finding my Great-great-great granfather's grave. [b]Journaling says:[/b] When I first started researching my family I was very excited to find that my great-great-great Grandfather Milo A. Thompson was a Civil War veteran. Not only did he fight in the Civil War, but served with the 1st Michigan Cavalry. I have always been fascinated with the Cavalry so it was exciting to find that my ancestor had fought with the Cavalry. Since that discovery I had been searching to find where he was buried. One day I came across someone on Ancestry.com that had posted his obituary that stated he was buried in Lewiston, MI. I did some research online and found a cemetery survey that listed both Milo and his wife Ruth. I knew then that I had found him. The text on the grave matched the other information I had about Milo. I was super excited. I decided to wait until the weather was nicer before heading up to Lewiston to see his grave in person . Melinda and I were able to locate the cemetery without much trouble. We knew that he was buried in Block 1 and a nice cemetery employee pointed us in the right direction. It was such an incredible moment actually seeing his grave. Melinda and I thanked him for his service and for his contribution to preserving the Union. Now I want to learn more about where the unit he was with fought and to maybe learn more about his service with the Cavalry. [b]Credits:[/b] -Made in America by Britt-ish Designs -Stamp my ABC's alpha by Britt-ish Designs

5 comments

Sweet girl

yzerbear19 — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:03:17 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: This is a redo of a previous layout. Photo of me at 5 months old. Credits: -I'll love you forever by Sahlin Studio -Snippettes: I'll love you forever by Sahlin Studio -Baby tags: Dates

4 comments

Hello sweet baby

yzerbear19 — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 20:03:16 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: This is a redo of an earlier layout. Photos are of my brothers meeting me for the first time at the hospital. Credits: -I'll love you forever by Sahlin Studio

3 comments

In my dad's arms

yzerbear19 — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:41:30 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: The first photo of me with my Dad. Credits: -My baby love by Britt-ish Design -My baby love - more words

4 comments

Handcrafted with love

yzerbear19 — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:41:30 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: A layout about the cradle my Dad made. Journaling says: When Mom was expecting Chris, Dad worked in secret to build a special gift for her and the baby. It was a beautiful handmade cradle. He wisely purchased the mattress first and built the cradle around it. Mom was amazed when he finally presented it to her. All of us slept in that cradle for the first few months. Now that Chris is expecting his first child, another generation will get to sleep in the cradle. It is wonderful that little Juno will have a small connection to Dad through the beautiful gift he made all those years ago. Credits: -My baby love by Britt-ish Design

4 comments

Mama, I'm coming home

yzerbear19 — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:41:30 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: A photo of me on the day I came home from the hospital on the outfit that my Daddy bought for me. Credits: -My baby love by Britt-ish Design

4 comments

The Price of Beauty - Page 2

yzerbear19 — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:05 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: [b]Full layout:[/b] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/Yzerbear19/PriceofBeauty-SM.jpg[/IMG] [b]Journaling says:[/b] Leading up to the wedding there was a lot of tension. One source of tension was the issue of the hair appointments. When Roberta made the appointments for everyone in the bridal party at JC Penneys there was one appointment for 8:00 AM, hers was at 9:00 AM and then the rest were at 10:00 AM. Roberta didn�t think much when she made the appoints because she booked the earliest appointment for Jenny who had the shortest hair. Melinda and I tried to tell her that I should probably tell her that I should go first since I had the longest hair and a lot of it. I also have hair that doesn�t really like to curl and can be uncooperative. When Melinda and I suggested that Jenny and I switch times she refused to listen to logic. On the day of the wedding Melinda and I were already upset with Roberta following the fiasco of the reception dinner. The salon was packed since it was also the day for Midland and Dow�s prom and it seemed that most of the stylists were running behind. We waited and waited. Slowly the other girl�s names got called while I was left waiting. I finally got into the chair about 10:40. I was near tears and extremely upset. We were supposed to be at the church at noon, but we still had to go home to get our dresses. The entire trip from the salon to home to the church would take about an hour. That meant there was really only 20 minutes to do my hair. I didn�t say much in the beginning because I didn�t trust my voice. All of the other girls were done and had left by the time they got started on my hair. Melinda stayed and tried to cheer me up, which I was grateful for. The stylists all thought it was stupid that I didn�t� go first, a sentiment that I agreed with. The style I had wanted took quite a bit of time since I have a lot of hair. As expected it didn�t want to curl. The stylists really tried to get it to curl. Bobbie pins covered my head. I think there were bobbie pins on top of bobbie pins, but it was the only way to get my hair to stay. I think they must have used a whole can of hair spray on it. I think I was in the chair for almost an hour. My hair had taken by far the most amount of time. I was feeling better when I left, but I was still hurt that Roberta hadn�t listed to me. On the way home even though we were already running late we stopped at Hallmark where Lib was working because we needed a friend. Our spirits were buoyed by just a few minutes spent with Lib. We headed home then to get our dresses then went to the church. Roberta yelled at us for being late, but that couldn�t have been helped since it took so long to do my hair. All along the plan was to have someone at the church to do our make up. Melinda and I trusted that this was going to happen so we didn�t bring any makeup with us. When we got to the church we were told that the person to do the makeup wasn�t coming. Melinda and I were furious. Had she told us we could have brought some makeup with us or gotten it done while we were waiting for our hair. It turned out that she knew the night before at the reception dinner that the person wasn�t going to be there, but did not bother to tell us. We scrambled to think of a solution since there was no time to go buy any. We were able to get a hold of Aunt Joyce and Aunt Nette who said they would bring some for us. Thank goodness. We got dressed while we waited for them to arrive. When they showed up they went right to work. They did an awesome job. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful and caring Aunts. Melinda and I both felt really pretty and I think we both looked beautiful. The day seemed to have a lot of bumps and hiccups, but it all turned out quite nice. There is definitely a price to pay to be beautiful and we found it out that day. Thank goodness for the love and support of our friends and family along the way. [b]Credits:[/b] -Time for a haircut by Britt-ish Designs -Sailor boy by Britt-ish Designs

3 comments

The Price of Beauty - Page 1

yzerbear19 — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:00:04 -0500

All American Girls

yzerbear19 — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:21:49 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photos of Melinda and I in our sailor suits. [b]Credits:[/b] -Made in America by Britt-ish Designs

2 comments

One Year

yzerbear19 — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:28:42 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: This layout is about the year since my Dad passed away. Photo is the rose I bought to place next to his urn. [b]Journaling says[/b]: One year. That�s 365 days or 8,760 hours. Broken down further it�s 525,600 minutes or 31,536,000 seconds. All it takes to change everything is just one second. On June 2, 2009 my family�s lives were forever changed when my Dad passed away. How does one live when a piece of them is missing? Even though he was gone, our lives had to go on. It was difficult at first. At first it seemed that he was still in the hospital. Our hearts wanted to believe this and pretend it was true, but our minds knew the truth. There were days when I called that I expected to hear his voice on the other end. Sorrow pierced my heart whenever I would see something that he would have liked. It was difficult to watch the shows he liked or listen to the songs he liked. It was tough to watch a Tigers game without remembering how he would cheer and yell at players on the TV. The entire month of June was a challenge because we had to get through both Father�s Day and what would have been my Dad�s 68th birthday. Slowly the tears tried and the hurt became manageable, but there was always something missing. The holidays were especially challenging. At Thanksgiving my Dad was always the one to carve the turkey. This past year it was left to Mom to do. Since he passed away there was a lot of things that she had to start doing and learn. No one in the family was really looking forward to Christmas. It was strange to go shopping and not have to buy something for Dad. It was by far the worst Christmas I can recall. Once the holidays passed it seemed that grief subsided some. In February after suffering from several panic attacks where I felt that I was going to die I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety that started after my Dad passed away. It was pretty scary at first because I didn�t know what was going on. Luckily it is easily treated with medication and I have began to feel like my old self. I haven�t suffered an attack in several months but have to be careful to avoid things that can trigger them. It has brought on some lifestyle changes. Though Dad is gone, I can now look back happily on his life. I can think back to so many happy memories and smile rather than cry. A lot of the guilt I felt after he died of all the things I didn�t get to say has slipped away. Through my faith in God I know my Dad is in a better place and take comfort knowing he is with my Savior. I know I will see him again in heaven. I also take comfort in knowing that he is watching out for me from above. On June 2, 2010 at 4:30 a.m. I lit a candle to honor Dad�s memory. Next to his urn I placed a single white rose to mark the one year anniversary of his death. It was probably the most difficult year of my life, but looking back I feel that I grew and matured. I cherish every day with my family since I never know when God will call them home. I know when my time on Earth draws to a close, I will see him again and no longer fear that. I feel that after a year of darkness I can finally see the sun again. [b]Credits:[/b] -I'm yours by Britt-ish Designs and DeCrow Designs -My Ribbon jar by Britt-ish Designs -My {handi}work - flowers by Britt-ish Designs -Around the world by Britt-ish Designs and Sahlin Studio -Tack it down by Britt-ish Designs -In stitches: wacky by Britt-ish Designs -All for one templates by Britt-ish Designs

6 comments

Remembering my 20's

yzerbear19 — Sun, 23 May 2010 21:30:50 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Full layout: [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/Yzerbear19/Remember20s-SM.jpg[/IMG] [b]Journaling says:[/b] As I turned 30, I thought it was important to look back at the past 10 years of my life and reflect some of the important events and moments. In 2000 Melinda, Jaime, Lib and I had an awesome adventure to Toronto. In 2001 I turned 21 and had a nice dinner with Jaime and Melinda to celebrate. In 2002 we went camping and to Mackinaw. The next year in 2003 we kidnapped Lib after she got back from Scotlan and went to Greenfield Village. Chris got married in 2004 and Melinda and I were bridesmaids. For my 25th birthday in 2005 Melinda and I went to Orlando. In 2006 I conquered my fear of flying when Melinda and I went to Chicago for her birthday. In 2007 we went to Orlando to celebrate Melinda�s 25th birthday. The next year in 2008 we went to Disneyland for the first time. It was also our first trip west of the Mississippi river. In 2009 we took Mom to Walt Disney World to celebrate her 60th birthday. These are just a few of the highlights from my 20�s. [b]Credits:[/b] -What say? by Erica Zane

4 comments

Remembering my 20's

yzerbear19 — Sun, 23 May 2010 21:29:27 -0500

Coloring Eggs

yzerbear19 — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:10:27 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: Pat, Melinda, and I coloring Easter eggs with our Dad in 1985. [b]Journaling says:[/b] One of my favorite parts of Easter was coloring the eggs. It was one of the few times that Mom allowed us to make a mess. She would boil dozens of eggs. Then her and Dad would set up the table. Lots of newspapers. We would get out bunches of mugs for the different colors. Then we would follow the directions on the package and put the coloring tablets in the water and watch them disolve. Then it was time for the magic to begin. It was so neat to watch the pristine white eggs be transformed into vibrant shades of blue, pink, and yellow. It was fun to mix the colors to see what we could create. Mom and Dad never hid the real eggs, but would use them for breakfast on Easter morning. It was such a fun process. [b]Credits:[/b] -Easter Salutations by Britt-ish Designs and Studio Tangie

6 comments

Monkey jammies

yzerbear19 — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:06:28 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: [b]Journaling says:[/b] One day while looking at the flannel material at Joanns I saw this really cute monkey pattern. It was green with cute little sleeping monkeys with bananas. I had to have it! So I got some to make pajamas out of it. On Christmas morning as I was opening my presents Mom had quite a surprise in store for me . . .. She had seen the same material and purchased it before I did! We all had a pretty good laugh. So I ended with not one, but two pairs of monkey jammies! [b]Credits[/b] -Banana split by Britt-ish Designs and Gwenipooh Designs

5 comments

On the move.

yzerbear19 — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:23:13 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: A layout of the day we moved my brother down to Detroit. [b]Journaling says:[/b] In early 2002 Pat got a job in Detroit, which meant having to move down there. He found an apartment in Clinton Township and moved down there with only the bare necessities that would fit in his car. He would wait to move down the bigger pieces later. It was all planned for Saturday, March 23, 2002. Pat rented a U-Haul truck and would drive that down. I was to drive Pat�s car and Melinda would drive hers. Mom and Dad also decided to come and drove their van. So we had a nice little convoy. On the morning of the 23rd Chris helped us load up the truck and then we were all off on our way. All was going fine until we got stuck in some construction on I-75. We got separated, but luckily we all had directions with us. Melinda managed to stay with me, but Mom and Dad fell behind while Pat pulled ahead. Eventually we all made it to the apartment. It was a nice one bedroom apartment. Nice view of a pond with lots of geese. Melinda was strangely motivated to get the truck unloaded, which confused us all. She was very anxious about getting the TV set up. The Red Wings were playing the Colorado Avalanche that afternoon. Melinda�s favorite player, Brendan Shanahan was stuck at 499 goals. It had been 8 games since he scored his last goal. Melinda wanted to be done moving everything before the game. At some point while unloading the truck, Dad tripped on one of the steps and hit his head. He was scrapped up a bit, but otherwise fine. After we unloaded everything and set up a few things we sat down to watch the game. Mom and Dad had left for home already because they wanted to stop at a few places along the way. Shanny had some shots on goal, but still no 500th goal. Pat had to take the truck back and Melinda kept telling us to leave. She said that Shanny would score once we left. So at the end of the 2nd period with the score tied at 0 we decided to take the truck back. There was a Papa John�s next to the U-haul rental place so while Pat took the truck back, I went to order a pizza. While sitting in the car I turned the radio on to listen to the game. It wasn�t more than 30 seconds after I turned on the radio then the puck found the back of the net! Shanny had scored his 500th goal! The most amazing part was that Melinda was right! He scored after we left! I picked up Pat and we drove back to the apartment. As we were leaving we saw Melinda leaving. We couldn�t figure out what she was doing or where she was going. She wasn�t familiar with the area, so we were really confused. A short while later she came back with some bottles of Jones Cream Soda since she couldn�t find any sparkling grape juice and she wanted to celebrate Shanny�s goal. Silly girl! Melinda and I stayed then for the rest of the game. The Red Wings won 2-0 and clinched the President�s trophy. Afterwards we said goodbye and made our way home. It had been quite the day. [b]Credits:[/b] -Where the heart is by WM [Squared] Designs and {Simplyscraps}

2 comments

Now entering the fun zone

yzerbear19 — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:09:03 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: My friends and I at a local playground back in 2006. [b]Credits:[/b] -Templates 1 by Pri Rocha Designs -Vibrant memories by Pri Rocha Designs

3 comments

Kidnapped for a day

yzerbear19 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:12:02 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photo of my sister and her best friend at the end of the "kidnapping" day. This was the last time we got to spend with her friend before she left to study abroad. [b]Journaling says:[/b] Before Lib left to study abroad in Scotland, Melinda and I �kidnapped� her for the day. We didn�t tell her where or what we were doing. We went to see �The Two Towers at Cinema Hollywood in Birch Run. Then went out do dinner. We showered her with presents which included a stuffed Stitch to take with her. We made her cards for all the holidays she would miss that should couldn�t open until the holiday. We also made a mix CD of songs to remind her of us. It was just a wonderful day. I was so happy we were able to spend some quality time before she left. [b]Credits:[/b] -Around the World by Britt-ish Designs and Sahlin Studio -Taste of Great Britain by Britt-ish Designs and Sahlin Studio

3 comments

Precious love

yzerbear19 — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:57:37 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: A photo of my grandma holding a kitten. Credits: -Cute Lil Kaylee by Erica Zane

7 comments

Beautiful Baby

yzerbear19 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:01:55 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: A photo of my Mom as a baby. [b]Credits:[/b] -Captured Romance - an SM Designers Collab Kit

3 comments

Christmas Walk

yzerbear19 — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:21:38 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: Photos from the annual Christmas walk through the local gardens. [b]Credits:[/b] -Season of Giving by Sahlin Studio -Holiday Mixed Media by Sahlin Studio -Snippettes: A Season of Giving by Sahlin Studio -Lots of photos template by Sahlin Studio -Leaves from Hustle and Bustle by Britt-ish Designs

2 comments

Good Riddance 2009

yzerbear19 — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 19:42:21 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: I was very happy to see 2009 go. Hopefully 2010 will be better. [b]Journaling says:[/b] As the clock draws closer to midnight I look forward to the end of 2009. It was a year full of sorrow, but also a bit of joy. In February Grandma Harrold passed away quietly in her sleep at the age of 97. She had led a long and full life. Shortly after that Melinda, Mom, and I went to Walt Disney World where we met up with Aunt Joyce for a few days. It was such a fun trip full of magical memories that I will always treasure. For my birthday we went to Detroit. We went to a Red Wings playoff game, which was an incredible experience. Melinda and I went to Greenfield Village for Memorial Day for Civil War Remembrance Weekend. This year we purchased a membership to the Henry Ford. Then tragedy struck when Dad passed away early on June 2nd. It was a day I will never forget and it seemed that our lives changed within an instance. June was such a difficult month. On the 27th which would have been Dad�s 68th birthday, Melinda and I took Mom to Greenfield Village. In August we went to the air show at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, but spent most of the day in traffic. We only really saw the last 2 hours of the show. The Thunderbirds were great though. In September we took a trip that I have been wanting to do for a long time - we went to Antietam for the anniversary of the battle. It was surreal being there on the anniversary, seeing the battlefield as it would have been on the day of the battle. The skies were gray and overcast adding to the ambience. Seeing the cornfield with the corn that towered over our heads was mind-blowing to think that during the battle there wasn�t a single stalk left. We also went to Gettysburg. We found several monuments that we had missed on our previous trips. Overall it was a fantastic trip and just want Melinda and I needed. There is nothing like a long road trip to bring people together. I have some really amazing memories from that trip that I will cherish forever. In October we took a day trip to Chicago with Pat. We didn�t have much time in Chicago, but we really made the most with our time. We went to the Field Museum to see the �Real Pirates� exhibit, we had lunch at Navy Pier, went shopping at American Girl, and even found a few of the locations where they filmed �The Dark Knight.� We then went to the Henry Ford Museum for the first time to see the Lego Castle exhibit. In December Melinda and I took Mom to see the �Nutcracker,� which was fantastic. I hadn�t gone to see a ballet since I was little. The next weekend Melinda and I went to �Holiday Nights� at Greenfield Village. It was such a fun event. There were lots of carolers dressed up in period clothing, they roasted chestnuts over an open fire, all of the houses were decorated for Christmas, and the end was capped off with fireworks. There wasn�t any snow, but it was still a great night that really put us in the holiday spirit. The week before Christmas Melinda and I went to Dow Gardens for the Christmas Walk. It was beautiful with the snow and lanterns. There was a bit of sadness at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was so strange not having Dad. Melinda and I tried to make the pancakes on Christmas, something that Dad always did, but we didn�t do as good of a job as he did. Back in August we had purchased a special ornament to honor Dad, so that in a way he was with us on Christmas. Despite all of the happy moments throughout the year they seemed to be overshadowed by the sadness. I look forward to 2010 and pray that it will be a better year. [b]Credits:[/b] -Its going to be a good year by WM [Squared] Designs and Jennifer Barrette Designs -Ringing in the New Year wordart by WM [Squared] Designs

7 comments

Sweet Dreams

yzerbear19 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:19:04 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: My sister Melinda in the hospital when she was born. b]Credits:[/b] -Angel Baby by Haynay Designs

5 comments

Pure Michigan

yzerbear19 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:36:18 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: [b]Journaling Says:[/b] In 2006 the state of Michigan launched the �Pure Michigan� advertising campaign. The commercials show gorgeous views of Michigan set to the theme from �The Cider House Rules� with Michigan native Tim Allen doing the voice overs. I get chills each time I see one of the ads. There is so much I love about my state. These are just a few photos of mine of �Pure Michigan.� [b]Credits:[/b] -I'm a Dreamer by Britt-ish Designs -Sunshine in my Soul by Britt-ish Designs -I'm Yours by Britt-ish Designs and DeCrow Designs -Itty Bitty by Britt-ish Designs and Erica Zane -Bunny Foo Foo by Britt-ish Designs

5 comments

Decorating the Tree

yzerbear19 — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:32:29 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: A photo of me decorating the tree from 1983 [b]Credits:[/b] -Santa baby by WM [Squared] Designs -Fabulous Negative V.3 templates by WM [Squared] Designs -Just saying: Christmas by WM [Squared] Designs -Just Dating v.4 by WM [Squared] Designs

3 comments

The Vacant Chair

yzerbear19 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:23:29 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: As Thanksgiving approaches this poem has been on my mind since there will be a vacant chair at our table. The words are lines from a poem by Henry S. Washburn. In July 1861 John William "Willie" Grout was an 18 year old from Massachusetts who joined the Union Army . He was killed on October 21 of 1861 during the Battle of Ball's Bluff in Virginia. His family�s despair over his absence at Thanksgiving inspired Henry Washburn to write the poem. It was popular in both the North and South. [b]Credits:[/b] -Turkeys and Stuffing by WM [Squared] Designs

10 comments

Thanksgiving Birthday

yzerbear19 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:26:05 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: My brother's birthday will fall on Thanksgiving every couple of years so we have something extra to celebrate. [b]Credits:[/b] -Turkeys and Stuffing by WM [Squared] Designs -Fabulously negative templates 2 by WM [Squared] Designs -Hat (recolored) from Let them Eat Cake by WM [Squared] Designs

5 comments

The Shows I love

yzerbear19 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:16:54 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: These are my current favorite TV shows. [b]Credits:[/b] --Let's get together by Denise Beatty Originals and Erica Zane -EZ Paths by Erica Zane

5 comments

29

yzerbear19 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:34:15 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: I've loved the song "29" since I was about 14 years old and love it even more now that I am 29. The lyrics are so amazing. Photo is from my birthday back in april [b]Lyrics:[/b] Time won't stand by forever If I know it's true And I've learned not to say never Or else I'll seem the fool Twenty-nine you'd think I'd know better Living like a kid When my lies may seem less than clever Is when I fall for it Only time will tell if wishing wells Can bring us anything Or fade like scenes from childhood dreams Forgotten memories Some rides don't have much of a finish That's the ride I took Through good and bad and straight through indifference Without a second look There's no intentions worthy of mention If we never try So hang your hopes on rusted-out hinges Take 'em for a ride Only time will tell if wishing wells Can bring us anything Or fade like scenes from childhood dreams Forgotten memories Only time will tell... [b]Credits:[/b] -Green papers, Stitches, tag, and rope from [b]NEW[/b] Basic Training by Denise Beatty Originals -Flowers, staples, leaves, and alpha from Lets Get Together by Denise Beatty Originals and Erica Zane

5 comments

My German Roots

yzerbear19 — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:33:15 -0600

by: yzerbear19

Description: Most of my family's roots can be traced back to Germany. My Great-grandparents on my Mom's side came over from Germany late in the 19th or early 20th century. My mom wasn't sure when they came over. The photo is of my Great-Grandma H who came from Germany. [b]Credits:[/b] -A Knights Tale by Britt-ish Designs and Man in the Moon Designs -Tale as old as time by Britt-ish Designs and Suzy Q Scraps

2 comments

Tu-tu cute!

yzerbear19 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:15:18 -0500

by: yzerbear19

Description: A photo of me in my dance costume from my first recital. Credits: -Black paper, white paper, yellow bows, feathers, yellow ribbons, and staple from Nocturne de Fleur by ScrapMuss Designs -Yellow paper from Make a Rainbow by ScrapMuss Designs

6 comments