Finding forgotten little gems

My mom and I got into scrapbooking about the same time

and as I was looking in some really early albums, 

tucked into a "cutting edge pocket page" for back in 2002.

I came across this gem.

 Mom always made sure there were pictures - (I was

usually not paying attention or busy) so there she was

grabbing snaps all around on Christmas, holidays and 

just ordinary times and she created and 

gifted me this little mini album.

 However, the reason I got emotional was not about the photos

it was about the fact that she put this little album

together and it has her handwriting on it

and her thoughts.

 Funny thoughts.

Not real deep journaling and I'm okay with that 

because just getting mom to write something was like pulling teeth.

So here's my question.

How often do you look back and go through your

early stuff. 

Had I not been on a mission to look back in photos

to find some information I would've missed this

(because I had forgotten I had it - as I have

about 40 albums of mine on my shelf and I have

about 12 more of her albums in safe keeping).

I also found to my delight and annoyance (because I'm competitive that way)

 she had pictures and information I didn't have and she didn't

share and it was such a treasure trove and a connection.

My mom passed a few years after she created this gem and her

other albums which I have actually paged through

(not very often now) because they are stored, and love the

comfort it brings because there are times when I miss her beyond a lot

and I feel blessed I have this piece of her.

The Crop was a total blast

- we had so much fun.

Laughing and singing to the oldies.

Trash talking.

Borrowing supplies, helping with designs

and embellies and

catching up with each other.

This is the first kit I yanked out. I thought it was good

for the sketch challenge.

 This is the sketch.

I did love all the laying and arrows.
I did however, take a few liberties - and flipped it.

 And all the layering fun I loved - I left out as

I had a really hard time covering up the photo.

It was fun to piece it together.

I do love the result and the journaling is on the back.

And its another vacation photo-DONE!

I know you're as surprised as I am.

My friend Brooke won the sketch contest - a well deserved win - and it

was a total win for our table. WOO HOO!!

Stay tuned for the rest of the pages.

I actually completed 4 and having them kitted 

took a lot of the pressure off.