Happy Monday everyone!!!

I’m new here to Scrap Matters & I LOVE it!!! I’m sure you’ll all agree that this place is a very relaxed, comforting environment.

When I signed up to post the What Matters post I had a pretty good idea about what to write. Then a week ago Sat. that all changed!

My wonderful hubby & a friend of his took our son to target practice. They go all the time & have a blast. I get a phone call a couple hours later from my husband saying that his friend was taking him to the ER! Hubby was having an irregular heartbeat & almost blacked out.

I meet them there & by then all was well. They kept him overnight for observation. I took our son (he’s 12) home to get some rest. Gavin (our son) was crying & I convinced him that I wouldn’t have left daddy if things weren’t good.

Sunday, the Dr.’s released him stating he had to come for a stress echo on Mon. We went & they saw that one of his valves wasn’t moving. They then wanted to send a camera into his veins to see what was going on. They thought it was just a spasm that could be taken care of with meds. We went on Wed. for this procedure.

The Dr. came to me & stated that one of my hubby’s arteries was blocked 100% & another 75-80% & he had to put in 2 stents. It was either that or open heart surgery which he didn’t want to do on a 39 year old man. We didn’t want it either.

They took him back several hours later to have the stents put in saying it would be 45 minutes.

I’ve known fear in my life. I’ve miscarried. I’ve taken Gavin to the ER when he wasn’t able to breath very well. Nothing could possibly prepare me for this. Praying that my husband, my best friend would be alright. Holding my son while he clings to me, crying that he doesn’t want his daddy to die & me telling him that daddy would be alright while praying that I’m not lying to him.

2 hours later the Dr. comes out & tells me that he almost gave up. He couldn’t get 1 of the stents in & was about to do open heart!! The Dr. then told me that he had to put 4 stents in my husbands heart!!! 2 in each artery.

My husband is physically fit. He works out & eats right. We were told that if he hadn’t kept fit he would have had a major heart attack & died instantly! As it was the left side of his heart made it’s own bypass by creating veins to feed the right side of his heart!

I know I’ve babbled on & on but this is what matters. Your family!!!

I don’t know what I would’ve done had I lost my husband. I came so close that it’s terrifying.

Stop everything that you’re doing & tell your significant other how much you love them!!! Hold them & make sure they know how much you care!

Leave the dirty dishes & clothes & play with your kids. Yes, even leave that unfinished scrapbook page! Without those that we love we won’t have anything to scrap anyway.

I did tell my hubby that he better not shy away from the camera. I will take his photo & even though he probably won’t like it, he’ll do it. Because he loves me!!!

Good Monday to everyone!  It’s LoriBear here today to bring you the What Matters post this week.  I was trying to think of something really great for today and think I have done that.  Most times we are often focusing on ourselves and what matters most to us, this week however I am adding others to this equation because the payoff is great for both parties!

We have all heard the saying “It’s the little things that matter most” and this past weekend I was totally reminded of that.  I have been having a hard time personally for the last few weeks and am stating to feel the sun shine again and was much happier this weekend than I have been in awhile so I wanted to spread a little bit of that around!

We were at a fast food restaurant grabbing some grub.  The lady who was serving at the counter was being just berated by someone who had absolutely no manners what so ever and to be honest I felt really bad for her as she was pleasant and nice and actually kind of funny as she tried to use humor in a great way to break the tension with the ruse customer.  It unfortunately didn’t work and the man left very unhappy. By the time it was our turn I had watched this lady serve others with a smile and a really great attitude.  I thought in my opinion she needed a smile in return!  I told her I thought she was doing a really great job and was one of the most pleasant people I had seen in a fast food place in quite some time.  I was totally not prepared for reaction to this.  She actually teared up and told me that it was the nicest thing for me to say so because at the moment she was really not feeling so happy or appreciated.  I made her whole entire night just by saying thank you and praising her for a job that I myself would never want to do!  I felt elated inside to know that I had made such a good effect on this person.  After that I tried to make sure that I spread a smile and some thanks all weekend where ever I was and let the people who serve me everyday that I appreciate the work they did and that I was very thankful!  I felt like a million bucks and was elated that I was making others feel just as happy!  I remember working in the service field and how wonderful that feeling is…

So yes, The little things do MATTER most, not only just to us but to everyone around us as well!  Try it today, thank your neighborhood crossing guard for always watching out for the safety of your children, your store clerk for always serving you with kindness and a smile, there are many people in my life who I plan to thank a little more often.

We are almost 1/12 of the way through the new year! Can you believe it? I’ve spent a lot of time this month reflecting on this past year and thinking about what I want 2010 to look like. I try not to set too many goals for myself at the beginning of the year – I hate to fail – but I do love the feeling of a clean slate, a new beginning, a fresh start. This year is a little different because I’m pregnant and I can’t add weight loss to the new year’s goals! I’ve been forced to shift my focus into other areas of my life that need improvement. I’ve really enjoyed taking the time to really discover what I want to improve and then setting up systems and routines to help me get there. Research says it takes 21 days to develop a habit. Today’s a great day then to look back at those goals and resolutions you set for yourself and see how you’re progressing. Remember that habits don’t develop overnight…they take time and usually encounter some set backs. Don’t get discouraged – get RE-motivated! (and maybe scrap a little bit about your experiences!!) Have a lovely week!

-mary aka Plum Dumpling Designs

The other night I was relaxing in a bubble bath, browsing through the December issue of Scrapbook TRENDS magazine.  The front cover features a layout with an adorable little girl obviously thrilled about Christmas.  The journaling reads something like “You are a believer.  I love to see the delight in your big brown eyes.”   I really didn’t take much note of it until I turned to page 12.  A page titled “Cover Story” where Stephanie Howell, the author of the cover layout had written:

“This past Christmas will be one I will remember for a long time for several reasons.  My husband was in Afghanistan and I was bound and determined to make the holiday very special for my girls.  Harper, being two, was really old enough to enjoy and anticipate Christmas.  She brought tears to my eyes on several different occasions during the holiday season.  The first time was when she saw Santa Claus and ran through the mall screaming “Santa!  It’s me!  Harper!  I love you!”  The second time was when I had the joy of witnessing her big brown eyes grow wide as she saw the Christmas tree at my parents’ home for the first time.  That is when I snapped these photos.  Watching her, I longed for the days when I believed. (I do still believe in the meaning of Christmas, but being an adult can be complicated.)  Oh to be two, and to purely believe with all of your heart – to feel the magic and the joy and to feel it with abandon.”

That is what matters.  The story. The story that should be part of that layout.

A while back, Kate shared this quote with us:

If you don’t journal, then you aren’t scrapbooking, you’re just showcasing a photo

Hmm….maybe I have a few too many “showcase a photo” layouts.

Shortly after I was married, my mother-in-law asked me to help her organize her photos. As we sorted through photos, I discovered a hospital newborn portrait. I could tell it was one of her two youngest sons, but when I asked her which one, she couldn’t tell either. In photos where the children were older, it was obvious. However, when we got to the photos of her husband’s aunts as young women, once again we couldn’t tell who was who. Remember you won’t always be around to show off your scrapbooks. Recording those stories, those details, is almost more important than preserving the photos.  Recording the stories is what matters.

If journaling on your layouts is intimidating, here are a couple of tips:

Check out this WMM blog post from Jen.  She has a short list of ideas to jump start your journaling.

Tell Me More (a journaling class) is starting today at ScrapMatters.  It’s not too late to join us.  You get this fabulous mega kit, 20 daily lessons, weekly freebies, access to a private class forum, and encouragement and support to make journaling a habit in your scrapbooking.  Sign up here. Oh,  and use this code to get $5 off: tellmemore_5

Remember to record the story.  It’s what matters.

–Chelle

I’ll admit it … I like to organize things.  My childrens’ playroom is full of cubes that are labeled for the different types of toys they include – Polly Pockets, Barbies, GeoTrax, Blocks, etc.  I am the same way in my craft room (except I don’t have actual labels on most things … I just KNOW where things belong).  I have spent HOURS organizing my digital supplies and photos so that I could quickly and easily find what I needed to make my scrapping more productive.  I remember the first speed scrap I participated in here at SM and being so grateful that I had a system for knowing where things were!

Fast forward to a few months ago … hit with multiple computer problems we decided it was time to upgrade to a new computer *CHEER*  It ended up being a long and challenging process that included hours of research (that had been ongoing for over a year) and more than one purchase and return.  In the end (of a 2 month process), I had a computer that I absolutely ADORE (a 24″ iMac), an entirely different operating system, and photos and digital supplies that were no longer organized … UGH!!!  I know how much time I had invested in getting things organized before and the idea of having to do it again was/is horribly daunting.  I have, however, found how much I RELY on my system!  I have had a much more difficult time feeling “productive” in my creative work because I feel like I spend so much time searching – for the right photo, for a frame that will coordinate, for the perfect template to get me started.  This feeling of floundering is what has inspired me to begin the journey to getting my stash organized again.  I know it will take time, but I also know how much time it will SAVE me in the end.  I know it will be tedious, but no more tedious than blindly looking through folder after folder searching for what I need or the photos I want.  I know that once I get my system back in place that it will be easier to maintain and not seem so overwhelming.

I know (or at least hope) that many of you may be feeling what I feel.  Where do you start?  What system do you use?  Do you need software?  I believe that everyone has to find what works for them.  I’m sure my system would probably drive someone else crazy or seem too detailed while others might find it too simple.  I also know that it took me a while to decide how I wanted things organized.  One suggestion I received and think really helped me out was to think about the way you scrap … do you look for things by color?  pattern?  kit?  designer?  embellishment type?  Do you look for pictures by date?  event?  people?  For the purpose of this post I am going to look more at the organization of our digital supplies, but a lot of the same concepts apply to organizing our photos, too.

I started by deciding that I would use software to help me.  When I was on a PC I swore by ACDSee Photo Manager.  I loved this program!  I found a lot of great resources at digiscrapinfo.com and once I had established what my organizing categories would be I found it easy to keep up with.  It allowed me to view what I had all in one spot instead of having to go through folders.  Now that I am on a Mac I have purchased Shoebox.  It is different than what I am used to with ACDSee which is part of why my stash remains unorganized (for now) but the little I have used it helps me to see that it will also be an incredibly valuable tool for helping me get things reorganized again.  I know a lot of people who use the organizer that comes with Photoshop Elements or Bridge that comes with full version Photoshop, too.

Next I had to decide HOW I wanted to organize.  What things did I look for again and again?  Digiscrapinfo actually has a list of organizing styles from several different people listed right HERE on their site.  There is a huge variety from really long and detailed styles to ones that are far more simple.  I looked through those styles to get ideas for how I should organize and came up with what worked for me.  I have added and changed categories over time but for the most part have been happy with what I decided on.  If you are interested in knowing what categories I decided on personally, leave a comment and a way for me to contact you and I’ll get back to you … I hate to keep people reading a longer post than necessary

I know how important organization is for me when it comes to my photos and digital supplies … it helps me accomplish more.  I look forward to the challenge of getting my goodies organized again so I can get over this feeling of being “lost” or “stuck” when looking for what I want/need for a project.  Do any of you feel the same way?  How do you feel that your organization style (or lack thereof) plays a role in your scrapping?  What things have you found that help you get organized or stay organized?  I’d love to see you share your tips and/or tricks with us!  Have questions?  Post them here!  I know how much I have grown and learned by what others have shared here.  I hope you enjoy your Monday

Hey everyone!  Jeni here bringing you another “What Matters Monday.”  One of the many wonderful things about my husband’s grandfather was that he always had a story to tell.  He was a POW in WWII, a husband and father, and a writer.  He has since passed on but he left his children and grandchildren with volumes of his stories and recollections.  He spent a lot of his life writing things down so that his grandchildren could have a record of his life.  He was an avid photographer as well and many of his pictures are included in his books along with his memories.  These books are absolute treasures to our family now.  I know you’re thinking, “What does this have to do with me?”  Well, I’m hoping my children will someday want to know about my life before them.  What was mom like as a baby, a toddler, a teenager? (Well, maybe we’ll just skip those teenage years!  hehe.)  YOUR story matters too.

The “My Story Matters” challenges here at SM are the perfect way to tell YOUR story and your journey from the very beginning.  Every other Sunday there is a new prompt to help you create a chronicle of your story.  There have been four challenges so far:  Your Birth Story, Your Name, Your Hometown, and Baby Stories.  I’ve been holding on to some of my baby pictures for quite a while now and just haven’t known where to start in scrapping them.  These challenges have been the perfect answer!  (Plus you can get points by completing these challenges good for coupons to the SM store!)

Here are some pages I’ve been able to complete so far:

These challenges are so fun and bring back so many memories.  I cherish all these pictures and memories and I hope that this book will someday be a treasure to my children and grandchildren.  Now go get busy on YOUR story – your kids will thank you someday!

Kari here to share a little something that matters to me.  Let’s hear it for SPEED SCRAPS!!!  I’ve often heard them referred to as “addicting.”  Now, I will admit I haven’t gotten to participate in near as many as I would have liked to, but every Speed Scrap I have gotten to play along with has been a thrill!  There is something about the energy that rushes through the forum during that 2 hours that can’t be described … it must be experienced   I think playing along is one of the best ways to push yourself to try something new, limit your ability to “fuss” with your page too much, stretch you outside your comfort zone, and take a little (much deserved) time for yourself.  I love that everyone who participates takes the time to leave some love in the gallery – seriously makes my heart gush when I read all of the comments!!  The icing on the cake?  There is always a FANTASTIC participation prize from one of the extremely talented SM designers created especially for the Speed Scraps!  A completed layout, 2 hours of “you” time, stretching your creative mind, having a blast with friends, feeling the gallery love, and a new goodie to scrap with – what could be better?!?!

There is now a thread posted at the beginning of the month with the days and times of the scheduled Speed Scraps for the entire month so you can pencil them into your calendar!  There is a daytime and an evening scrap scheduled each week.  The thread with the March dates can be found HERE.  In case you hadn’t heard there is actually one scheduled tomorrow night!!

Wanna see what you’ll get if you come to play?

Seriously … the prizes are that good EVERY time!!!  If you haven’t tried a Speed Scrap before I challenge you to do one this month.  I can’t make it tomorrow night but I’ll definitely be scheduling myself for some “me” time very soon!  Just remember I *DID* warn you about the addictive nature of Speed Scraps ….

Good morning and Happy Chinese New Year too!

I wanted to talk a little about dates today.  What dates are important to you?  Most would say: birthdays, holidays, anniversary’s…you know those big marked events.  I think we are all pretty good at scrapping those… we mark them on our calendars and look forward to that special day with anticipation.  Now those days are great…but so is every day really, right?

I went through my scrapbook just last week because I was getting ready to print my book. I was reviewing the pages and doing spell checks, and pixel checks, etc.  Then came time to arrange them in chronological order.  I noticed so many of my typical day LO’s were missing dates.  I couldn’t believe that I would forget something so simple and yet so important.  In the Webster dictionary one of the definitions of “date” is:  “A particular point or period of time at which something happened or existed, or is expected to happen.”  Something happens every day!  We exist, we spend time with our friends and family, we create, we think, we breath, we love… we take pictures and then we preserve them.  Besides the photo and journaling, the date should be an important and crucial inclusion on our layouts.  We want to remember, that is why we do this.  Okay, so am I getting to deep now?  I think I was just pondering the fact that I think those special, big days are highlights in my scrapbooks, which is fine too, but I also really treasure those simple moments too.

We have seen many project 365 layouts out there.  I love this idea; I started my family’s just last week (I know I am behind), but what a great way to remember and record each day and its importance in your life.  There are some fabulous products in our store for dating your layouts (some of my personal favorites are below) but there are a ton…fast, easy, simple and just what you need to complete a page.  So, my challenge to you today and everyday:  Don’t forget the date!  It matters…it matters now and it will matter 100 years from now when your children’s children are looking through your scrapbooks appreciating that simple and profound detail.

(Images are clickable)

Have a fantastic day!

Kim

Brenda here with your “what matters monday” post.  I apologize that I don’t have anything fun for you today.  I had great plans but as things usually go, my two little loves are very sick.    I guess all of my inspiration is in the pile of tissues somewhere and there is no way I am digging through that. 

Through all of this I have re-discovered what matters to me.  With all of my responsibilities and hobbies, my children are always the most important.  Sometimes I get wrapped up in the mundane things of my life and I forget to stop (or at least slow down a little) and really see them for who they really are.  My sweet and spicy little crew. My only challenge to you is that you slow down a little today in order to take a closer look at “what matters” to you.

Just a little inspiration for you before I have to go wipe noses (again).

click the images for credits

by littlemuffin06

by neety

Good morning! Monique (monsu) here with a short post on this Monday before Christmas!

I know we’re probably all fairly busy, getting ready for Christmas in only a few days. Taking photos is probably the last thing on your mind right now. But ……., I think you should take some anyway! Every year we all take those pics of the children unwrapping presents, family members dressed up to the nines, posing in front of our beautifully decorated tree or sitting down for a fabulous dinner! Of course those photos are important, but I think it would be so much fun to have some different memories of this wonderful time of year! Be brave, and bring your camera to the grocery store! Document your overflowing shopping trolley, the long lines at the check out counter or the silly hat the sales assistant is wearing! Photograph that lovely pie in the oven (or the one that got slightly burned), your husband wearing your pink apron or the mountains of dishes in the sink after the food has all been consumed! Not only will these photos show your real life in addition to the fairy tale one, but it offers ample opportunity for the all important journaling!

Here are a few behind-the-scenes photos I took last Christmas:

I’m looking forward to all the original Christmas layouts your photos will inspire! For now, enjoy the preparations, be sure to bring your point and shoot camera with you everywhere you go, and a Very Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!