A Passion for Scrapbooking

The first guest blogger for our month of passions is none other than my own Aunt Rita. People sometimes get confused because our family calls her Grammy. We do that because she was such a special aunt to me and no child can have too many grandmothers. So, with our mothers' blessing, Jeffrey and I invited my aunt to be Sloane's third grandma. She's that special. Grammy is warm and loving. She's talented and tender-hearted. She's generous with her skills, her time, and her wisdom. I am very happy to introduce you to Grammy of Grammy's Sweet Nothings.

One of my passions is scrapbooking my memories of our vacations through the years. I don't want to just go, see, come home and forget. I love to travel. I love to see new things. When our boys were young, we went on vacation every year. As I grow older, those memories have become so valuable to me. I don't want to forget the good times we had together. And scrapbooking them is one way to remember.


My dad and mom went their separate ways after we had been married only two years. My mom was not a fan of traveling. We invited my dad to go with us on many vacations as he loves to travel. (I guess that's where I get my love for it.) He is a great traveling companion. He's always game for whatever everyone else wants to do. Yet, he has many suggestions for a fun time, be it out in nature, in a museum, going through a submarine or outdoor drama. And, we've done all of those things together.


We've been to the ocean, squished the sand between our toes on the beaches, collected seashells and sand dollars, fished on the jetties and out in the boat, rode the waves, and just enjoyed sitting on the sandy beaches.


We've picnicked together, watched the buffalo roam, ridden trains around scenic views, gone to outdoor dramas, visited zoos, and beautiful botanic gardens.


I want to remember all of these things that we did together. Not only the vacations, but the times of just being together, of laughing together - good times! So, I started scrapbooking all of those memories. It became a passion. One I hope to never outgrow.


Four or five years ago, my sons both told me that they would like to have a copy of the pictures of the vacation trips we have taken. I have stalled them, because I wanted to finish the scrapbooks that I was making before giving them to the guys.

I love putting in maps, memorabilia, pictures, and brochures in the books. And, that takes time. In the mean time, we moved and have had many things to do to the home we bought. So, I have not finished the scrapbooks. I hope to finish them this year and give a copy to each son for Christmas. But, shhhhhhhh! Don't tell them. I want it to be a surprise. I'm sure they've forgotten after all this time.

Are you ready to scrapbook your memories?


I feel very honored that Relyn asked me to do a post for her on passions. You see, she knows me; she knows my faults, my quirks, she knows my passions, my loves. She is like me in so many ways that she could be my daughter instead of my niece, yet she has a passion for life like no one else that I know. I so admire her. You have never seen anyone that could set a more beautiful table where they could enjoy their meal. I have sat at her table many times and been thrilled with my surroundings many times and it always amazes me at the joy I feel when I do. She is a very passionate lady. Thank you, Relyn. ~ Grammy