Christmas

I spotted this LO of Christine's on her blog,
and she kindly gave permission for me to share it here,
it looks a little like our sketch even though she didn't use Tanya's sketch.

I trust that you had a blessed Christmas and look forward to seeing the new year in a few days.
I will be posting the reader's roundup,
the winner of the RAK for December and the new prize and challenge for January in the first few days of 2009.

Wilna's Christmas Countdown.

If you visit Wilna's blog she is giving away a full set of psd files to customise your own Christmas album.

I have to confess that I never got it together like Ali Edwards did to make something before hand and Shimelle's countdown to Christmas is a little overwhelming for me... (her prompts started on the first of December and carry on until the 6th of January 2009)
I will take photos from the get go next year with her prompts in mind.

However for now, this is what I've done and I love it... Page 1.

Page 4.

Page 5.

Page 6.

Page 7.

Page 8.

Page 9.

Yes, I know that this is journaling junkie and I haven't done much of that...

part a big part of scrapbooking is living in the moment,

enjoying life as you live it and capturing the memories as they're made.

And I did that!

Festive greetings

You still have time to submit your LO's to me for the Christmas challenge.
I will be posting the next challenge just before the new year with a glimpse at the prize for January.

I trust that as you spend time with family and friends you remember that all we can take with us when we leave this world is realtionships, no-one looking back over their lives has ever said "Oh, I wish I'd spent more time at work!"

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, that He left heaven to become man and lived in order to die for our sins. Sometimes in the busy-ness our focus shifts to the fat man in the red suit and the gifts we have bought, instead of the Ultimate Gift. He is the reason for the season.

Blessings,
Stefanie.

Tracy K's challenge 47.

One of the best things about the holiday season is sending and receiving Christmas cards.
I love checking the mail in December!
I love getting pictures and those hokey Christmas letters from friends and family.
We exchange cards at work and at church too so there are always tons of cards to display.
Our traditional Christmas card display center?
The back of the living room door, of course!
Isn't that where everyone puts them?

Mia's challenge 47.

Journaling:
Since Daddy's family is in Manila and Mommy's family is in Cagayan de Oro, we usually travel during the holidays --- celebrating Christmas eve in one place and New Year's eve in the other.
This year we spent Christmas Eve in Cagayan de Oro and flew to Manila on Christmas Day and stayed there even after New Year's Day.
How fun to celebrate with both families!
CHRISTMAS 2007

Nicole's challenge 47.

I am a huge fan of tradition, whether it's one that's been handed down through the years or a new one that you make all your own. Over the Christmas season, I try especially hard now that I have children to have lot of little traditions throughout December to extend the fun of the holiday season. Little things like doing Christmas themed crafts, baking pretzel hugs, and exchanging pj's on Christmas Eve are just some of those things. I hope my kids will remember these things fondly and do them one day with their own children.

And the winner is...

Congrats Timi...

Please email me your physical address so that Shannon can pop your prize in the mail to you.
A big thank-you to all you talented ladies who sent in LO's and journaling, sharing your talents with us, to encourage and inspire.
Please remember the challenge for December is on already, I will be posting a pic of the prize very shortly, you have until the 28th of December midnight GMT to have your layouts in to me.

Reader's roundup

This one is from Amy for challenge 47.

Our Christmas traditions include..
~Putting up the Christmas decorations and lights the day after Thanksgiving.
~We use the advent calendar that Grandma gave us to count down the days until Christmas.
~We send out our annual Christmas card, which might include a letter depending on how much time we have.
~The kids always get pictures with Santa.
~ We usually spend a couple days at the mall with our family to shop for Christmas gifts.
~We bake sugar cookies around this time of year, especially the night before Santa comes!
~Christmas Eve we spend with Joe's family in the late afternoon and then we head over to Amy's Mom's house (this year it will be at Laura's). We have fun exchanging gifts and eating together.
~Santa wraps and delivers the gifts the night of Christmas Eve
~Christmas day is usually pretty chaotic with all the excitement, toys and wrapping paper everywhere!
~After opening presents at our house on Christmas day, we head over to my Dad and Jeanie's house to celebrate with them and exchange gifts.
~We want to add going to down town Seattle for one of our traditions. I'd also like to start having the kids write a letter to Santa now that they are old enough.
~Thinking about our Christmas traditions makes me inspired to think of some new ways we can add traditions to our family. These are the things that the kids will (hopefully) remember.

This one is from Lynette for challenge 46.

Journaling:

Sisters trying to stop the last day from ending.

Giggling and whispering through the last night.

If I could turn back time...I would not have given myself to idle words.

Damaging forever the realtionship we had

Thanks ladies, I will be doing the draw for the Oct Nov prize a later today.

Liza's challenge 47.

Since I got married four years ago, we've been spending Christmas with Nelo's family. We've tried to make it a point to spend Christmas with them and spend New Year's with my family.
Year 2006 was no different. Our Christmas celebration begins with Noche Buena on Christmas Eve. We attend mass in the evening and celebrate afterwards together as family. Christmas Day, we get ready to distribute and open our presents together.
After that, we proceed to Loyola to visit Raya. It's a sad moment and yet we have to do it, it's the only way we can actually "spend" Christmas with her.
Then it's off to lunch and celebrate this joyous day once more.
Christmas is time with family and that is how we celebrate it every year.
(December 25, 2006)

Cabbie's challenge 47

i am inspired by the lights of our christmas tree and the food which we will prepare during Christmas eve. Christmas is the most joyous season of all and during this time we give gifts to people we love and share with them the bountiful blessings that we have. Parties and reunions are always held because togetherness bring us closer to each other. With that, we bond and create a sense of gratitude, we also forgive and repay. And yet we should always remember that our feelings for one another should not only be limited to the christmas season but all throughout the year. The true spirit of christmas is measured when we give love and when there is love, happiness abound. Thus the most joyous season of all... a Christmas day for all of us.

Mel's challenge 47

Journaling:
Another special Christmas celebrated at Grannie A and Oupa's house.
Was really special 'cause Uncle D was visiting from America and I was pregnant with your brother.
Uncle S was away and we did miss him.
Both you girls were spoilt rotten and had a wonderful time.

Tis the season (challenge 47)

Tanya has graciously given us permission to use her sketch for our Christmas challenge.

She hosts a sketches blog so if you're looking for a challenge then pop along to her blog. This is my LO.

Journaling as follows:

Our Christmas traditions remain pretty much the same year after year.

Sometime in October I try and photograph the three of you in red and Santa hats…ha ha.

Then from the beginning of December we take down the family handprints quilt and put up the Father Christmas and the Ark quilt.

The handmade ornaments are unearthed and displayed and the tree with all it’s baubles is unpacked.

I usually have a colour scheme in mind ~purple and gold was royalty and silver and red was the blood of Jesus and our redemption.

She loves playing with the knitted Nativity set, especially the mother Mary and the baby Jesus.

Christmas eve you put out milk and biscuits for Father Christmas and carrots and greenery for the reindeer. The presents arrive under the tree some time during the night of the 24th and you children wake up incredibly early and cannot contain your excitement. You have to wait until I’m up and awake enough to take photos. Then you rip into the wrapping papers and squeal and exclaim when you get what you wanted most desperately.

We get ready for church and then come home; you play with your toys while I start roasting the gammon. Sometimes we have salads with it and sometimes hot veg, but always we have the crackers and wear the hot plastic hats for the duration of the meal…It’s a family thing!

Pudding starts with trifle and usually later we’ll have tea with minced pies, shortbread, stollen and liebkuchen. Sometimes it is a family affair and other times we’re with friends, but we always eat too much and enjoy these precious family traditions.

This challenge runs from now (the 9th of December) until the end of December,

when I will post the new one for 2009.

Please have your submissions in to me before the 30th of December midnight GMT.

I will be putting together a prize for the lucky draw for entries in December, posting a pic soon.

The LO has to reflect the sketch and you need to share some Christmas traditions or journaling around the festive season. Once again you can email it to me or leave a comment with your URL for me to collect it there and upload to the JJ blog. (eyeore-at-telkomsa-dot-net)

Many thanks and best wishes for a love filled peaceful Christmas time.

Another one.

This one is from J.Journalling:

" How would be your reaction knowing that you would have a grandson...you always told us you liked girls....How would be to see me pregnant, I know you would be so happy...It really breaks my heart that you're not here physically, to see all this change, to see that we 're carrying on what you've began makes me really wonder sometimes why life takes this path,but I have no control other than the feeling that in way you know what's going on..."

Reader's roundup

These are both from Shayne - challenges 45 and 46. 101 reasons why I love Woolies.

"Leaving Cape Town was one of the hardest (and happiest) moments of my life.
Leaving behind everyone and everything I'd ever known - to start again with
Dean was one of the bravest things I've ever done. I was taking a giant
leap of faith in Dean, and in our fairly new relationship. But as "they"
always say - "you'll never know if you haven't tried". And try I did - the
first few years weren't easy at all. But now (almost 5 years down the line)
I can say it was the best decision I've ever made. Yes, I miss CT and my
friends, but my husband, family and life we share is the most precious gift
I've been given - and I thank the Lord daily for blessing me in this way."

Thanks Shayne.

Stefanie's

My Father, my daughter holding hands

She doesn't hesitate to trust,

Me?

I'm the one holding back,

removed and taking photos

~it's easier than dealing with the emotion of how badly I want to be " my daddy's little girl"

the fear of rejection stings too painfully

and I can't overcome the need to protect myself rather than take that risk...

The result ? Two adults unable to show their love for one another.

Why can't I be mature enough to trust like a little child?

Shannon's challenge 46

the journaling reads:

I can remember what it felt like to wake up on Christmas morning and feel the magic and joy...the eager anticipation, it was almost fuzzy as if it was slightly out of focus - but very clear that Christmas had come. Now I get to experience that with you - getting excited seeing your cute faces light up and big smiles spread across your sweet, sweet faces, my heart filling up as i watch you live in the moment, I get to relive it too!

Tracy K's challenge 46

without. without you its just not the same to go there. to visit your
house. to see your things. to know that you aren’t there anymore. its hard to
see mom. she wears her pain like a cloak. she misses you so much. its
evident in every conversation, in every action, in every sigh. without you she’s
dying a little bit everyday. you were her life. her only love. her
completeness since she was 15. without you she is worried. without you she seems
unsure. helpless. lost. i love her so much, but i don’t know what to do.
for once I don’t have the words. without you I feel without too.

Nicole's challenge 46 LO.

There's something about regrets that doesn't sit well with me. Wasted time. Wasted energy. All over things that are finished and past and can not be changed, no matter how much you want to. Wouldn't it be more productive to look to tomorrow and how you can make things better rather than ruminating on the past? That's not to say I've lived a perfect life and that I'm not sad about some things and how they've turned out. I'm just not willing to beat myself up over it any more. No Regrets.


Journaling Junkie posted it's first official challenge on the 2nd of December 2007 so we're officially One year old. Ta da! Thanks firstly to Stella Crupko whose vision began it and to the wonderful ladies of the design teams (both past and present) who help to inspire every week, and to our loyal followers and participators, thanks for making it such a success.

Dedra Long

I spotted this LO here and asked Dedra Long for her kind permission to feature her work here.
This kind of journaling is the reason that I scrapbook and how I am inspired by the awesome talents of others. A huge thanks to Ronda and Dedra for sharing their art, heart and talents with us.
Please vist their blogs and let them know you appreciate them too.
The journaling reads:

I lied, I lied when I was a teenager and said I was over it….I was OK, that my heart and soul was mended….Because I was not even close to being OK….My heart and soul was screaming because I couldn’tunderstand why my Dad had not kept in touch….not a card, not even a phone call….NOTHING….We were so close and it was like he fell of the face of the earth….I grew up and to this day, sometimes, I still wonder was it ME? Now, that I have children of my own I can’t even imagine not seeing them grow up….The special women they will become….I know it was my Dad’s choice not to be apart of my life, even to this day….Why? Why doesn’t he try now, now that I’m older and he has granddaughters that he will never know….I have realized I was shaped as a person more by his absence then his presence….There is no doubt and I will admit that my heart and soul still hurt….BUT, I will continue to move forward and GROW to be the best person I can be…..

Introducing challenge 46

The awesome Ronda Palazzari of one little word (OLW) fame has issued us the challenge for this week.
One More Day, because the journaling was so hard to get out. So I
think if I was to challenge your players, I would challenge them to tell a
story that is difficult to tell...whether it is your fears, your regrets,
your wishes.

Her actual journaling...
One more day with you is all I should ask. It is hard for a girl of 10 to lose her favorite Grandfather. The memories are fading over these years and I wish I could have one more day together. I had more days with Grandma but what does a 16 year old know about time spent with a loved one who is dying of cancer. I was scared. I made your food and tucked you into bed but that was all. I could have sat with you, listened to you, read to you but I didn't do anything. And now regrets and wishes for One more day with you. I miss you both something terrible. I am sorry for not appreciating the time I could have had with you while you walked on this earth. One more day is all I am asking for so I can tell you how much I love you and how big a role you did play in my life, even if our time together was short. But then at the end of the day I would probably want One more day together...

You have until the 12 of December 2008, midnight GMT to either leave a comment with the URL to your LO, or email it to me, my email is on the right.

My name is Stefanie and I am a branded shopper.

I looked through my cupboards and what did I see... branded items.
Mr Min polish, I only use Avroy Shlain's sunscreen because I sell it and because I believe it is the best.
Mr Muscle for the kitchen counters, Domestos for the loos, Sunlight for washing the dishes and Handy Andy for general cleaning power...

The grocery cupboard was much the same, five roses orange tea, only Jacob's decaf, Nestle's hot chocolate, Ina Paarman's herbs and spices (no MSG), Simba chips (Willards only if it is seriously cheaper, but in my heart I'm a Simba supporter, Lays are good too, but Simba makes them as well), Bakers biscuits, Bokomo weetbix, Crosse and Blackwell for mayonnaise, All gold for tomato sauce and Mrs Balls for chutney, and look, no-name for the peanut butter. Can you tell that's in the cupboard for the kids mainly? My hubby shops for the cheapest, I decided long ago that for some things cheap will do but for the rest, I have my favourites.
Shhh! don't tell him! or my Mother.

Decopatch Papers

Tracy K created these.

These were crafted by Nicole.

These decopatch papers were generously sponsored to the journaling junkie team before I took over and these items were made by Nicole Drewniak and Tracy King.

If you're intersted in any of the papers please contact :

Karen Doherty

Vice President,

Marketing Exaclair, Inc
143 West 29th Street, Suite 1000
New York, NY 10001
Tel. - 1-800-933-8595, Ext. 17
Fax - 646-473-1422
Home Office - 516-484-2930

Reader's roundup take 2

This one is from Gracie Ann.

Journaling:Pink dresses & flowers, little bears & cute dolls,I guess it's a part of a little girl's life.You looked so cute with that dress& even cuter with the cuddly little bear beside you.

Reader's roundup.

Journal: True Friends are hard to find, to be able to find one, you should learn to be one. We've been friends since grade school and for sure our children will do...

Thanks to Bernadine for this one, challenge 43 Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Mia's challenge 45 : brands

Journaling:
Gone are the days of generic toys!
Nadine and Raya are old enough to know what they want.
And they definitely want the branded ones.
Nov 2008

Cabbie's challenge 45.

journaling: the secret to every woman's aura is her scent that's why the moment Victoria Secret's Amber Romance filled up my senses, it captivated me more than any other cologne or perfume. You can smell the fresh flower scent and as the day comes to an end, the smell would linger on!
Talk about secrets!!!

Marisha introducing challege 45

Brand names: Think of the products you commonly use in your household- laundry detergents, dish soap, cleaning products, toilet paper, paper towels, or even food products (cereal, canned vegies, ice-cream etc) What are the well known brands your family tends to use? How did you come up with these brands? Did your parents use the same brands and you just followed suit? Did you experiment with various brands until you came up with the one you liked. Or do you just buy the one on sale? Make a LO including some of your favourite brand names and how you discovered them.

This challenge is due by midnight GMT the 5th of December.

Readers roundup.

This is from Janis for challenge 43.

Journaling: (not) – pretty little thing… possesses that sweet smile that can melt hearts of steel… talented (Karen Carpenter in the making)… a (barbie) doll… future beauty queen… you may be a lot of things but to me, you’ll always be Mommy’s princess….

This one is from Ali.
Only the sandals are left.

My baby, my last one. My special child, the one I worry about most. The one who brings me such joy; excitement in every accomplishment and milestone. They don’t come easily.

You went to school today, Noah. First day, first time. Smiling, excited about “Big School.” You even called it “Noah’s school” once or twice!!

First time in almost 14 years that I have no little people at home with me. All four kids are in school now.

It feels so weird. I go around the house, looking at things, putting away toys, doing laundry, all the million things that Mommies do. My desk is piled with writing, an open Daytimer, work and ideas. It calls to me. I ignore it and take one more tour around the house, finally stopping in the room you share with Daniel.

There are books and toys on the floor, but I leave them. They seem comforting. The shelves look empty ‘cause your sneakers are on your feet, your favourite hat on your head. You went off to school like a big boy. My special child.

Only the sandals are left. Left behind as summer days have been left behind, as being a preschooler has been left behind.

Only your sandals.
This one is from Lynette.
I had to really "dig deep" for this pic. It was taken in 1985 when my children were still kids. Kobus Jr is in my shoes and Wynand in his dad's. The journalling is a poem that I found...the origins and author unknown. It reads " Sandals, pumps and highheeled boots, it really is a treat. To wear Mom's many pairs of shoes, upon my little feet. Loafers, wingtips, cowboy boots, it really is a treat. To wear Dad.s many pairs of shoes, upon my little feet." Wow...looking through old photos really brings back memories. My two boys are already daddy's themselves!

This one is from Timi.
My Journaling: Dannah and I have a lot of things in common. Aside from being look-alikes, we love doing some things together - chatting, shopping for gifts and pasalubong, planning for family celebrations, traveling together, posing for a photo and wearing the same style of clothing and shoes. I just loved these shoes that I also got one for Dannah, size 8 for me and size 7 for Dannah.

Thanks again to all of you ladies for taking up the challenge.

you don't know how glad it makes me that we have readers who actually "go for it "too,

hopefully we all end up with LO's done that we wouldn't have thought of doing

that tell a story and leave a legacy.
Blessings, Stefanie.

Tracy K's "shoes-y"

Journaling: He 's only 10. I was pretty sure that I had at least another year or so before it really mattered. You know..."it", wearing the right shoes, having the right look. He saw the commercial on TV right before we went shoe shopping. I was excited that he was finally taking an interest in anything that he put on his body so I humored him and told him we would look. Wouldn't you know that we found them at the first place we stopped? *laughing* He was very excited by their flashing police car like lights and I was excited by his obvious joy. So, I guess it turns out that sometimes he's a little shoesy.

Marisha's shoes LO.

The journey in my shoes has been quite an interesting one to say the least. I have followed in big footprints and even managed to make some of my own along the way. I have jumped many hurdles, overcome numerous obstacles placed before me, U-turned from a few dead ends, and of course walked through some open doors. These shoes have been there to walk me through the endings of relationships and the beginnings of many friendships. They’ve marched me through racial barriers, moved me through my sad valleys, and helped me climb the mountains of hope over and over again. They helped me to stand my ground when challenged with injustice. They’ve kept me walking forward when I often wanted to turn and run back. They often led me to the light when I wanted to hide in the darkness. Yet, they’ve also been there when I jumped for joy, skipped along, and even when I danced off beat. They’ve truly endured a long trip, yet still managed to provide me with comfort every step along the way. These shoes have walked me through an amazing journey, and I cannot wait to see how they’ll pace me to my wonderful future.

Shannon's "shoes challenge"

the journaling reads: two little shoes that run...two little shoes that stomp when their angry...two little shoes that jump...two little shoes that like to hide beside the house and jump out and scare me...two little shoes that are always happy to see me when i pick them up from school...two little shoes that kick the back of my seat when we're riding in the car...two little shoes who are so very happy to see their teachers and do a little hop...two little shoes who can sit quietly during church...two little shoes that step on mine and order me to walk....two little shoes that fill my life in ways i never imagined they could...even on the worst of days...two little shoes are the most wonderful thing in the world to me and i can't wait to see what those two little shoes will grow up to be, but for now i'll enjoy those two little shoes.

Nicole's "shoes challenge"

Even though you are only 6 years old you already have a growing shoe collection, fuelled by your love of playing dress-up. Are you an actress or a fashionista in the making?

Mia introducing challenge 44.

Just for fun how about a LO about shoes... be creative and inspired by the teams creations. Journaling: The shoe bandit strikes again. Dressed in her pyjamas all ready for bed. Who would have thought that she would take another adventure in Tita Ovvian's room and swipe the most coveted shoes? Waddling and struggling to balance herself with the shoes almost twice her own shoe size, the bandit is apprehended and sent off to bed with tickles and giggles. Indeed there is no telling when she will strike. So beware!

Tracy G and 2 readers LO challenge 43.

Tracy G"s:
BARBIE or G.I. JANE??

My sista, you were a big hit at Bryce’s Paintball Party this year – the 12-yr old boys were amazed at your ability to go “stealth” – almost chameleon-like! And then you’d pop up, seemingly out of nowhere and fire the perfect shot!! I thought you were just another “Barbie Doll” but I see that you’re really a “G.I. Jane” in disguise … Who knew?


This is from Shayne.
Her journaling:
"This was such an impromtu moment, taking photos in the garden on a gorgeous
summer day. How I love you two, my two girls, how blessed I am to have you.
You make my days worthwhile. I love you both more than you'll ever know"



This is from Lynette.
Her journaling:
"You were not born from my body, you were born in my heart. From the moment I first met you, you crawled into my heart. And I knew you were mine..."

Thanks ladies for all your hard work.
Will post the new challenge tomorrow.