Maybe it is a result of getting older, but I am
starting to really appreciate the seasons of my life. I remember
when only "right now" mattered and I barely thought about the
future. Now I relish in today, not because of lack of interest of
the future, but because I know how it will all be different in the
future, and I want to enjoy this time right now before it slips
away.
My children are ages three, six and nine. At
these ages my day is filled with Sesame Street,, snack day at
school, playgroup, tiny tot gym class, Girl Scouts, soccer,
basketball, science fair projects, remembering long forgotten social
studies facts, and the never-ending cooking and cleaning. It can be
easy for me to long for when they grow up and I have more freedom.
But then I quickly realize that they will only be small for a short
time. This makes me relish the simple things that are a part of my
everyday activities, such as my daughter clutching my hand
while shopping, being asked to read a story over for the fifth time,
and even having to learn social studies lessons that I never liked
to begin with.
My husband and I just celebrated our
twelfth wedding anniversary! As we went out for a nice
dinner to celebrate, there happened to be a a wedding
reception being held in the same restaurant. As I saw
the young couple full of joy and excitement, it hit
me...what a wonderful stage of life that is. And then I
also thought how perfect life is right now...the kids
need and love me and my husband is my biggest fan. I
can't even imagine what life will be like in another
twelve years. I do know my oldest daughter will likely
be away at college and Michaela will be a
teenager...and, I'm hopeful it will be a
wonderful stage of life, too!
This month's featured pak (Papers,
Elements, and 12x12 ScrapOver Album),
Growth Spurts, is about the stages of life
we all go through. They may be different for each of us, but we
all evolve and grow. Take a challenge and scrap your life's stages
and growth spurts!
This issue's
Digital Tips section
will share how to use the fun Life Tape Measure that is included in the
Growth Spurts Pak. Beth gives an interesting perspective on life from her
son in the
Idea Corner.
Try making the subject extend right out of the photo...learn how in the the
Featured Customer Question. Gain further inspiration of layouts that
showcase the stages of our lives in the
Building Blocks section.
And...don't miss this month's coordinating
free download of word art and a curled
frame! |
Enjoy our sale using the coupon code NL40! |
Enjoy, create, preserve, and always
keep learning!
Doris Castle, Co-Editor,
and the Team at CottageArts.net
Michelle and Doris together in Minnesota last fall!
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Check out the coordinating album
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