I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...

It was a very white Christmas in Minnesota. Gigantic fluffy snowflakes fell from the sky all afternoon on Christmas day. It was light and airy. Perfect for building snowmen and forts...and getting the family out of the house to take some family photos. Smile. Ethan and I celebrated Christmas at my sister's warm, cozy home (Eric stayed with his mom). We spent the afternoon snacking on an endless supply of calories, catching up on family stories, opening gifts, and taking pictures of each other. We're a festive bunch. Lot's of children running around, people chatting loudly, and excitement brewing in the air. When Santa finally arrived, the party really started...the kids were soooo happy. I luved it. Just like old times. Ethan was a bit overwhelmed by it all. He's still a little lad. The whole gift thing isn't something he comprehends at this point or why there were so many people in the house to begin with. Halfway through the party, he was out like a light for a peaceful nap. Thank goodness. Wasn't sure he would even consider going down for a nap with all the entertaining going on. While he slept, I opened my gifts from my parents. They were very generous this year (they always are). I received a gift card to Archivers, Patinas, The Bibelot, Target, Starbucks, and a few other places. My father is familiar with my shopping habits, so he knows where I shop best. Ethan got lots of toys. Grandpa picked up a toy kitchen for him along with a rocking horse and a few other small items. He also got a vacuum which means mommy can finally start putting him to work around the house (j/k). He,he. After the gift opening ceremony, we headed outside to take some photos. The snow was so inviting. Here's a few of my faves:

This is my fam. From top, left to right: Charlie (my sister), Me, Kathy (my big sister), and Duane (my little bro) with his son, Jackson.  From bottom, left to right: Lynne (my mom), Duane (my dad), Myles (Charlie's son-my nephew), Grace (Kathy's daughter-my niece), and Izzy (Kathy's second daughter-my second niece).

I took a bunch of photos of my nephew, Jackson, with his mom, Brie (my brother's wife). They were having such a good time together while catching snowflakes. A perfect candid moment.

My dad with his grandson, Myles. I got sorta lucky getting this photo..just caught them in the nick of time as they were running towards me. Smile boys!

These are some of my favorite girls in the whole wide world. I spoil them with my love. These are my two nieces, Grace & Izzy, with their mom. This was by far the best photo I captured on Christmas day..the blue and greens are nummy. Can't wait to scrap it.

What's a Christmas day without a well manicured snowman? It was assembled Christmas mornen' by my nephew Myels and his dad. I think they did a dandy job putting this cute guy together. He's one handsome snowman.

On an off note, this was my Christmas theme color. Pink on everything. Studio Calico used a lot of pink in their December Scrapbook kit. It inspired me to use it for my gift wrapping this year. I kept it simple and sweet. This gift has yet to be open. Still waiting for it's owner. A left over gift...I'm sure you have some of those too. :)

Ok. I've actually got a layout to share with you. I feel like I don't get to the scrapbook book desk much these days, but it's temporary. It's sort of nice cause it's giving me time to refuel my creativity. Instead of scrappen' most nights, I've been reading scrapbook & graphic design publications. I need some new ideas. Something fresh and fun to add to my style..concepts, color combinations, composition ideas, etc. I've been feelen' my work has gotten a little stale lately. Not sure why..I imagine we all feel this way from time to time. Most creative types do. On this next layout, I broke some boundaries and let loose. It was sort of spontaneous. Free flowing. It's about my husband's last moment with Ethan before his last BBBD treatment (it was after the treatment he suffered brain damage and lost some long term memory and all his short term memory). Eric doesn't remember this moment (so glad I caught it):

There's no stitching involved in this layout. It's all pen and stamps. Simple. I also got a tad bit carried away with tearing paper, but it adds another layer of texture to the layout. I curled all the torn edges and inked them with distress ink using a sponge. I then colored in the enclosed areas of the lace paper with a white gel pen. I'm always trying to come up with new ways to use the KI lace paper. Hopen' to see more of it come next CHA in February of '08. What have you done with your KI lace paper? If you've used this product (or a similar one), leave a comment right here at my blog. Let's inspire each other. I'm always up for new ideas.

Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday. I've been thinken' about all my readers this Christmas. So many of you have left me comments or have emailed me with your caring, thoughtful words. I read every single one of them. Each one resonates with me in some way, both big and small. It means a lot to me to know so many of you are thinken' about us this holiday season. Thank you so much for making this season brighter!