12.03.2012

Scrapbook Therapy

There are many reason to scrapbook. I certainly enjoy going through my albums and seeing my photos displayed in a more creative and unique way than just tossed into a simple photo album. And even though I struggle with journaling (writing is NOT my strong suit) I know it's good for other people to know the story behind the photo, because I realize that I may forget some of the details and one day I will not even be around to tell the story. But what I love the most about scrapbooking and cardmaking is that it's a creative outlet for me. Sometimes it's even a way to escape from my present reality. Almost three weeks ago Noé lost his job. At first he enjoyed being away from a job that he has dreaded going to for the last two years and the kids and I enjoyed having him around. But now that we're into the third week of being unemployed, I think reality has set in. Unemployment checks won't even cover our monthly housing costs, let alone food. So I've been trying to update my résumé (which is quite a task since I've been out of the work force for five years now) and looking through the want ads. I pray that it won't come to that. As exasperated as my children make me at times and as exhausted as I am at the end of the day, I feel called to be a SAHM, and I love doing it. I have faith that the Lord will carry us through this trial but fear that His way will not be mine. So in the midst of this, I find myself praying...and scrapbooking. Noé can only spend so much time searching for a job, so he has also spent a lot of time working on a Honey-Do List and playing with the kids. With the time that I now have freed up in my normally hectic schedule, I have found myself escaping into my creations. Last week I made a dozen Christmas cards and completed three layouts. I can't remember the last time I got that much done in that time frame. So I thank God for the faith and optimism He has given me as well as my artistic abilities. We are created in His image and are meant to enjoy the beauty around us, even in the midst of the trials in our lives. Now on to what I created this past week...

Since I'm on Team B at Let's Get Sketchy! I was not required to create a sample for this week's challenge, but since I had the time I thought I would have a go at it anyway.
The photos were taken the night before Paolina was born. Having a scheduled c-section definitely provides an advantage to an avid scrapbooker like myself.

One of my sketches is also being featured this week at Colorful Creations for Twisted Blueprints.
These photos are from Memorial Day 2010, a month after Santiago had turned 2 and a few days before Paolina was born.

On this third and final layout I doubled up on challenges. I used this week's sketch from the My Scraps & More Sketches blog. And I must confess that I fell in love with one of their DT member's interpretations of the sketch, and I lifted it. So a shout out to Missy Whidden for creating such a fab layout!! The challenge I combined with this sketch was this month's Plus Challenge at Colorful Creations. We were to use the colors cream and green, as well as incorporate butterflies.
These are photos of Paolina scooting around on the floor "cleaning" with my dish towel. My kids really love to play "cleaning"...I guess this is a natural result of witnessing their mother's daily OCD lol.

Thanks so much for looking. Once I finish the rest of my Christmas cards I plan to post all of them.

14 comments:

  1. I love your layouts! They are all fabulous! I wish I had pregnancy photos of myself. I'm so sorry for the pickle you and your family are in. I really pray it all works out for you! I know what you are going through, and it can be stressful. I'm glad you are getting some enjoyment time in here and there!

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  2. Your layouts are so beautiful. I'm so happy that in this stressful time you have somewhere to escape to, even if just for a moment or two. Keep the faith, something is just around the corner. When God closes one door, he opens another.

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  3. what great layouts! Thanks for playing along with our sketch at My Scraps & More! I pray that your hard times end and a job opportunity opens up for your family!!

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  4. hey there, love your layouts, all three of them are awesome! Hope that everything works out for the best, :)

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  5. I very much enjoy your layouts and reading your blog. The Lord says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer...present your requests to God..." Philippians 4:6-7. I believe that God will help you in these trying times. God bless you. I can't wait to hear some wonderful news soon. Keep those happy layouts coming. :)

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  6. All your layouts are fabulous! Thanks for playing along with us at My Scraps & More Sketches!

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  7. Jenessa, these layouts are all super fabulous! I'm so happy that we have become scrappy friends! I know that these times are hard for you. Keep your faith, and keep leaning on God. He will see you through all of this and make things better than they were before! I am praying for you, my friend!!

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  8. Beautiful pages Jenessa, God does everything for a reason and sometimes we find that hard to believe, I know I sometimes question why things happen but keep the faith, keep praying and its all going to work out and you will be back testifying about the glory of God:-)

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  9. Love your layouts! Still keeping you in my prayers.

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  10. Many people are in the same boat as you, but so few have the positive outlook and faith in our loving Father! He will bless your husband with something better, just keep your faith strong in His promises!!!

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  11. You have been a busy girl. You looked beautiful the night before your little girlie was born. I loved having scheduled c-sections (2 of the 3 of mine were). Sorry dh is still out of work. The Lord has some crazy ways of loving us. It can be hard to keep faith, but His word tells us "do not be anxious about anything, but in ever situation, by prayer, and petition, with THANKSGIVING present your requests to God. Phil 4:6 I've always had a hard time with the thanksgiving part. But yet, can attest to the countless times I've been able to look back and see how his plan unfolded in just the right way, and in just the right time for me and my family. Praying peace on you and your household my friend.

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  12. Your LO's are amazing, I really hope things get better soon. But I'm thankful that you share your work and time with us :)

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  13. These are just beautiful! Great job.

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  14. beautiful pages.. .. and great takes on the sketches .. thanks for playing along at LGS

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