10.6.08

Hi :)

Getting ready for a scrapbooking retreat always gets me focused on my photos and the process I use to scrapbook. Or in my case, not to scrapbook. I honestly haven't done much of it at all lately and that's not good. I needed some simplification, something attainable. I sat down a few weeks ago and wrote out some new scrapbooking goals for myself:

1. All albums matching (black) and spine-labeled - I'll be using the American Crafts D-ring albums. Right now only two of them match and I don't have them displayed nicely.

2. Reorganize albums into categories - Family Life, Christmas, Other Holidays, School, Scouts, Vacations, Special Events. Right now they are only in chronological order with no sorting.

3. Keep a running list /notebook of layouts I want to work on, choosing layouts based on Stories and Photos instead of what holiday is approaching or obligatory events. This includes keeping a list of funny stories or daily things that I want to remember.

4. Once in a while, dedicate a mini-album to a special event with lots of photos or to a story/memory I want to capture or make sure is passed on to Noah. These will be 8x8 or smaller. I have about 15 Maya Road and 7Gypsies blank chipboard albums, ready to go. Ideas for this - a special weekend trip, a cub scout campout, "What You Don't Know About Your Parents" silly facts album for Noah, etc. When I saw Ali's new book was about to come out, I immediately preordered it. (pictured above) A perfect motivator and idea source for me for this new goal. I'm really excited about this one. :)

I've never felt obligated to scrapbook every photo. Never had that "scrapbooker's guilt" and I'm glad. That's probably why I don't have that many albums and layouts. And that's ok. It sure will make this reorganizing of my process easier! And not scrapbooking every photo allows me that creative freedom that I love with lots of patterned papers, color, and texture. I don't want to leave tons of heavy albums. I want to leave some stories, memories, lessons, a few examples of my creativity expressed on pages, and a tangible expression of my love for my family.

Have you made any changes lately in your scrapbooking and/or creative process? I'd love to hear about them!

Simplifying some family dinners as well. :)
Tonight we are having Creamy Tomato Basil Soup and grilled ham/mozzarella/field green sandwiches. Sounds complicated but it's not. Here are the recipes:

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (double the recipe and freeze some for another autumn night!)

4 c. crushed tomatoes (I like the brand Cento- yellow can)
2 1/2 c. tomato juice (I use an organic brand in a glass jar)
1/2 c. cream (I use half and half)
1/2 c. milk (your choice, but whole milk is creamier; You can use all milk and no cream if you prefer a lower fat version, just won't be creamy)
1 c. chicken stock
12 fresh basil leaves
1/4 lb. (1 stick) butter or margarine
salt and pepper to taste
fresh grated parmesan cheese

Simmer tomato juice and crushed tomatoes for 30 minutes in a large stockpot over medium low heat. Remove about 2 cups of the tomato liquid from the pot, pour into a blender, and add the 12 basil leaves, blending together until basil leaves are chopped. Add tomato mixture back to stockpot. (Alternative: If you have one of those hand mixers that you can stick right into the pot, use that to blend the basil leaves into the tomato mixture. Easier!) Add the cream, milk, stock, butter/margarine, and some salt and pepper to the pot and stir. Allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with fresh grated parmesan sprinkled on top. Yum!

Grilled Ham/Mozzarella Sandwiches -
Shaved ham
mozzarella cheese
field greens or favorite lettuce
spicy mustard
multigrain bread (I bought a loaf of frozen multigrain bread and baked it earlier today; will slice it for the grilled sandwiches)
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Oh, check out my Playlist on the right sidebar.
That was fun to make! Just a few favorites.
Have a wonderful evening!

"Lord, reform Thy world, beginning with me."
- Anonymous