Scrapbook Challenges - Sketch 310

Last weekly sketch and layout for the month of August... it's sure has been a scrapping bumper month.

This is the sketch it is based on:

The Sketch Crew did a fantastic job this week.  Check out the forum for a lot more inspiration.

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #13

Day 13

I really liked this sketch but decided to add in two smaller photos in the big stars as well.

This is the original sketch

The forum has a few more layouts that you can check out for inspiration.

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #12

Day 12

I only realised after I had cut my photo that I had cut it too small... so with a bit of adjustment my layout still came together.... just shows that you can make a sketch work for any photo/layout.

The sketch for today:

The layouts in the forum are really piling up... check out today's offering.

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #11

Day 11

I flipped the sketch to make my photos and the journal strips to work a bit easier.


This is the original sketch

Have you done any of the sketches yet?  Link up your layouts in the gallery.  Remember to check out the forum for lots more inspiration from the Sketch Crew.

My Daddy

You might have notice my sudden absence on my blog over the past week.... well the reason was that my beloved Dad died very suddenly on the 11th of August and with that my world got knocked completely off kelter.

I took this photo of Dad on his 72nd birthday, just last month.  It was the last time that I saw him.

Over the past week I have had soooooooooooo many happy memories of Dad and also lots and lots of sad thoughts about how different life is going to be from now on.  The one thing that I do have is lots of photos and lots of scrapbook pages that help me to remember the wonderful man he was.

The very last page I scrapped on the Thursday before Dad died, was this one of him and Aaron... a great memory to treasure.

I wrote a letter to Dad that was read at his memorial service last week, I share it here so that you can also get a glimpse of the great man he was:

Dear Dad,
It is soooooooooooo sad to have to let you go. To get me through these are just some of things that I am holding onto.

Your favourite likes:
All types of sweets, especially Turkish Delight, Coconut Ice, Chocolate
Lemon Meringue Pie or Apple pie & ice cream for dessert... but don’t give you cream!
You’ve never really liked Chocolate cake but would eat it if there was nothing else!
You started the family tradition of having two pieces of Cadburys chocolate after lunch and supper.

You loved all your family so very much.  The extremely close bond you have with Aaron is something that I always treasured and will especially miss. I really appreciate all the help, guidance, teaching and encouragement you’ve given Aaron... you’ve had a huge influence on him being who he is today.  Looking through my photos I can see your love shining through you whenever you looked at any of us.  Thank you for showing us what love is.

I know Mom has appreciated it that you always washed dishes while on holiday.  The number of times you even washed dishes in my house is something I remember.  

Another particular holiday memory is you packing the suitcases.... we just had to put out what we wanted to take, then put half of it back in the cupboard. You would pack the rest in the suitcase... take it out and try again... over and over till you would get it all in neatly.  Must admit this is one skill that I really am glad you taught me... now I need to pass it on to Aaron too.

I remember moving day for me... you packed all my worldly possessions and borrowed furniture onto Grandpa’s bakkie... again and again till it all fit and we only needed to make the one trip across Joburg... you are definitely the master packer!

Your love and enthusiasm for trains has permeated throughout the whole family.  We all enjoy riding trains, playing trains and even thinking trains.  Your train room has been the topic of many family conversations about it not being finished after all these many many years. But I know it was always a work in progress for you.  I am grateful that I got to help you with printing the backdrops for you. Thank you for passing your love of trains on to Aaron.  He was sooooo excited when you gave him his first electric train set... a real special memory to treasure is the tearful thank you hug you two shared on Christmas day last year.

Your quiet yet strong and dedicated Christian walk has been a powerful influence on my upbringing and relationship with God.  Without that I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today.  I am so thankful for the example you and Mom have set for me and the rest of the family.

Yes I also remember fights and arguments from when I was little... and even one or two over the past few years.... but the happy memories far out way all the sad ones.  Your scout days were a big part of growing up for me too.  All the meetings, camps, campfire songs and especially the knots (round turn and two half hitches!).

I remember to those special nights when you used to drive me home to Greenside on a Sunday night and we skeemed Mom’s surprise birthday party for her 50th.  Who could have thought that quiet, meek Dad had such a fun and special side.  All those secret phone calls and planning.  Even down to getting Mom to make her own birthday cake!

The memories go on and on and I don’t want to say goodbye.  It’s hard Dad.  I will never hear your voice again on the other side of the phone asking me how we are, or how Aaron’s first day of the new school term was, or even just to say hello.  We never did get to have our one-on-one lunch... reckon you will see all the goings on whilst you sit at Jesus’ feet and have a party in heaven.

Dad, you’ve been my “go to” guy all my life... whenever I needed stuff fixed or sorted out I could always count on you.  Guess it’s time I learn to stand on my own two feet now.

I love you lots and lots Daddy and will miss you even more.
Your little girl
Cathy


I will be recording a lot more special memories over the next few months.  These special layouts I am sure will help me to heal and to remember.  Through all this sad time, I am holding on with both hands to this bible verse:

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13

NOTE: I will be updating and back dating my sketch posts for the last week or so, so if things are a bit confusing this is why.

Scrapbook Challenges - Sketch 309

There sure has been a lot of scrapping happening this month... I have really loved seeing the postings each day.

Here is my layout for this week

This layout is all about Mom getting her brand new car in 2010. The little green Ford had served her well since 1981.

Here are the sketches for this week:

The forum has been abuzz all month with the fantastic layouts by the Sketch Crew... so please come join us and check it out.

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #10

Day 10

This is today's sketch

Check out the forum for some more inspiration

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #9

Day 9

I made a flap on my page... this is what it looks like when it's open

This sketch is super versatile and easily adaptable

Again, come check out the forum for more ideas.

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #8

Day 8

and the sketch

Remember there is a free digital template available for each sketch.  Check out the forum for more details.

Scrapbook Challenges - Sketch 308

I've just had a long weekend at home... it's been a great time to watch Olympics ... well done Team South Africa... and also to scrap.

EDITED: all this came to a great crashing note on Saturday at 4pm. Mom phoned me to tell me the dreadful news that my Dad had died. You can read more in my post about my Dad.

Here is my layout for today

This is another layout that I rotated a bit to make it work around my photo.

It was based on this awesome sketch

Remember to check out the forum for more inspiration

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #7

First week of our Sizzling Summer of Sketches... wow it's been a great week of inspiration.

and this is the great sketch for today

Remember the team has lots more inspiration in the forum for you to see.

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #6

So how are you doing withe the first few sketches for the Scrapbook Challenges Sizzling Summer of Sketches?  Ready for the next one?

My layout for today's sketch is all about decorating for Christmas

This is today's sketch:

Join us in the forum for lots more fun.

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #5

Day 5 .... Another day and another layout.... 

and the sketch that is for today

The Sketch Crew are scrapping up a lot of inspiration this month... check it out in the forum.

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #4

Day 4 of our Sizzling Summer of Sketches and this is my layout for today.

Here is the sketch for you.  As you can see I flipped the sketch to make it work with my photo and patterned paper.

Now head over to the forum to see some more inspiration.

It's Snowing

Brrrr just when we thought winter was over, we've been hit with a freezing cold front that has brought SNOW!!! Needless to say, Aaron is happy!

I feel like a little kid too... it is sooooooo beautiful to see and feel the snow falling.

This was a harder flurry that came through and I managed to capture the snow falling!

Happy little boy ... even with some snow drops on his beanie

My absolute fav action shot!

So yes, the snow didn't really reach the ground and cover it... but just to see it falling has been a treat. 

(We are hoping it will snow more overnight so that we can stay home tomorrow.)

Scrapbook Challenges - Sketch 307

First Monday in August already.... wow the months are flying past.  I've spent most of the last week and this past weekend, glued to the tv watching the Olympics.  I reckon this week ahead will be no different.  At least I might even get some scrapping done while watching... it's called multi-tasking!

Here is my layout for today:

Based on this sketch from Scrapbook Challenges.

Don't forget to head over to the forum to see what the rest of the Sketch Crew did this week... there is lots of inspiration.

Our Sizzling Summer of Sketches will continue tomorrow.

Nuts About Sketches Design Team

Just read on Nuts About Sketches that I've been selected to serve again on the Design Team.... super super happy!

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #3

This week has been such a fun week with the Olympics going on.... South Africa has now won 3 GOLD and 1 SILVER medal.... wow.... what a great way to spend the week.... glued in front of my tv cheering on our athletes..... unfortunately no scrapping has happened!  But I did scrap lots last week on the Sizzling Summer Sketches, so no fear there are layouts aplenty coming.

Friday was Day 3 of SCSS and another layout from me.  This one is about my birthday presents I received last year.

Here is the sketch:

The Sketch Crew are scrapping up a storm... so be sure to head to the forum for even more inspiration.

Scrapbook Challenges - SCSS #2

Day 2 of our Sizzling Summer of Sketches... are you having fun yet?

How apt is it that my layout is about swimming?  I am so enjoying the Olympics swimming at the moment.

I rotated the sketch a little to make it "flow" better... heehee.

Remember to check out the forum to see what the rest of the Sketch Crew have done with this sketch.  Remember that for each sketch there is also a digital template to download.