General Conference 2011-The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn

I am not one to do a lot of genealogy myself. Although, I do understand the importance of it. My patriarchal blessing talks about it, and I write a lot about it here. But, I do not do a lot of things to research names, and progress the work. I always think that is something I will have time to do when I’m a little older. But, what if that time never comes? Elder Bednar’s talk in General Conference was about just that. He spoke of not putting off our genealogy by saying it is something we will do when … Continue reading

More Halloween Scrapping Tips

Halloween is one of those holidays when you can really let your creative juices flow freely. Weddings, graduation and anniversaries scrapbooks can be a bit stuffy at times, but when you have a holiday like Halloween, the sky is the limit when it comes to creating unique layouts. Scrapbook supply stores are filled to the brim right now with Halloween-themed stickers, rub-ons, rubber stamps, charms, chipboard embellishments, and decorative patterned papers, as well as brads and cool cardstock. However, you don’t have to blow your budget to design one-of-kind Halloween layouts. For example, if you have some leftover yarn around … Continue reading

Scrapbooking Your Family Tree

During my genealogical research, I have accumulated quite a few old photos and heirlooms. Some I received from relatives, both near and far, and others I’ve had passed on to me specifically to include in my genealogy records. One elderly lady I met was so happy to give me some photos she had of my ancestors (who were also related to her in some manner) because she was afraid they would be thrown out after she died, since they didn’t have any meaning to her immediate family. I was honored to accept them. She passed away a few months ago. … Continue reading

Helping Children Get Started With Scrapbooking

Although scrapbooking is a hobby seen mostly with adults, many children and teenagers enjoy creating their own unique books. I have always tried to set aside photographs that I want to keep but might not incorporate into a scrapbook, or I always made sure I had doubles on hand. These were pictures that my children could use to create their own special scrapbooks. Don’t think that it’s just girls who will enjoy this activity. When my children were younger, they put together an entire book of their own. My son was in the 3rd grade at the time. Most children, … Continue reading

Your Kids are Ready for Sleep-Away Camp. Are You?

Reading a recent article at Huffington Post about sleep away camp has me in a bit of a tizzy. The writer (Tina Traster) described a camp information session she was recently at where parents worried about peanuts, and junk food, and socializing with other kids. She also recalled the reality of her own camp days were counselors weren’t screened and she experienced “the most unadulterated part of childhood”. At 13 and 15, my kids have never been to sleep away camp unless you count a few 4-day church youth retreats and a couple of trips to Bob Jones University for … Continue reading

September 2008 Scrapbooking Month in Review

Did you know that the month of September was actually National Stamping Month, and that National Stamping Day fell which after a bit of research, I am find actually started with Close to My Heart, a home-based scrapbooking and stamping business. They have also made the second Saturday in September each year, National Stamping Day. What fun to celebrate one of our passions. Here is what was going on in the scrapbooking blog in the month of September. Time Saving Scrapbooking Tips for the Busy Holiday Season That magical time of year is quickly approaching and as each day passes, … Continue reading

August Scrapbooking Month in Review

I cannot believe it is already September. Our children are back to school, today is Labor day and fall is officially on its way. The year is simply flying by and before we know it we are going to be sipping apple cider and watching the leaves change colors. In the Midwest we are already experiencing unseasonably cool weather. Here is what happened in the scrapbooking blog in the month of August. See if you missed anything. How to Get Your Scrap Space More Organized There is nothing more inspiring than sitting down to scrapbook in an organized space. However, … Continue reading

Quick Tips For The New School Year

The first few weeks of the new school year are always very hectic for all parties involved, from the teacher, to the student and home again to the parent. There are forms to fill out, supplies to get and events to attend. Here are a few quick tips to make your first few weeks of school much easier. Everything Needs a Place Clutter is almost a guarantee as the school year begins and papers start coming home. Setting up a homework station that is stocked with sharpened pencils, pens and erasers, paper and other supplies is a great way to … Continue reading

Quick Tips to Have a Smooth Back to School Transition

It’s that time of year again, and in most parts of the world, school is looming before us. It is time for sharpened pencils, creaky textbooks and the smell of the cafeteria. The transition time between summer and back to school is extremely difficult for both children and adults. Here are a few quick trips to help you get back into the swing of things with the smoothest transition possible. Start Early About a week or two before school resumes, start going to bed a bit earlier and waking up closer to the time you would need to get up. … Continue reading

Finding Time For Yourself

Sometimes as a single parent it is difficult to find or make time for yourself. There isn’t anybody else to sit with the kids during homework time, or tuck them in bed at night. Single parents often feel as if they never get any time at all. It is important to rectify that as soon as possible, to prevent resentment from building. How do single parents find time for themselves? Early Riser/Night Owl Many single parents choose to wake an hour earlier than their children, or stay up a little later after their children have gone to sleep. This doesn’t … Continue reading