Monday, April 4, 2011

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

20 comments:

Roban said...

Your scrapbooks are and will remain treasures for you and your family to enjoy. It sounds like you and Relyn have one more thing in common and that is creating memories with the people you love and hold dear.

It's so nice to meet you!

Jennifer Richardson said...

A woman who has invested years
into building and crafting
strong, tender familylove
is to be celebrated and cherished.
Thanks for sharing this
lovelyhearted beauty with us,
Relyn.
Inspired am I:)
-Jennifer

Pearl Maple said...

Nice post, like the concept of guest bloggers and meeting new folks to share ideas. Scrapbooks are a great way of preserving family stories to share forever.

Scrappy Grams said...

I have given each of my four children their own scrapbooks. I'm well on the way of doing them for my 6 grandchildren. Scrap-booking is time consuming, but when I'm doing it because of love, I know that the receiver will treasure it. So glad to meet you.
Grams

Anonymous said...

Scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby and past time. I enjoyed the post and getting to know your aunt.

Gayle at Planet M Files said...

I love the idea of making scrapbooks as gifts! It is great to meet you through Relyn's blog!

Laura said...

What a wonderful passion!!!!! And how exciting for those in your family to pour over your scrapbooks of memories. They will bring endless hours of pleasure!!!!

Anita said...

@Rita, I think it's great to preserve your memories by scrapbooking them. I like making them as gifts and also to keep for myself. I think it's wonderful that you want to travel and try new experiences. Great post, Rita!

@Relyn, you have the sweetest aunt!

Amy said...

So really, you're a treasure hunter ... or, looking back, maybe a time traveler! :) It seems that memories are a great adventure in and of themselves ...

Kirsten Steen said...

Thanks Grammy!

susanna said...

Wonderful post, Grammy. I value the photographs taken at family get-togethers and while on trips, too, although you are certainly ahead of me when it comes to organizing them in a book! Your sons are going to be thrilled when they see their individual scrapbooks. Obviously, they value the moments they spend with you as you value the moments spent with your father. It's a great gift idea.

Suvarna said...

Wow, those are more than just scrapbooks, they are wonderful pages of history, beautifully laid out. Your children are very lucky! Nice to meet you.

Marilyn Miller said...

Oh how precious to have a "Grammy" in your life and a Grammy that likes to scrap book and treasure memories.

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

Those are treasured memories, Rita.

I sure want to scrapbook!

Nice post!!

Doris

Jakki said...

Grammy...I hope its okay that I call you Grammy...I do not wish to offend but...

this is the very reason I scrapbook...scrapbooking is a gift from the past to the present. I truly believe that and that is why I do it. and I LOVE to meet people who do it as well..

thank you for your post!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Relyn Sweetie...
I did not realize or else I did not remember that you and Rita were related. An Aunt Grammy Rita, so sweet.

Rita I have so enjoyed this little peek into your lovely scrapbooks that you are working on for the boys. How lovely they are going to be and what memories they hold. I love seeing the photo oh your Daddy fishing. That is what my Daddy loves too. He has always said if anything ever happens to him out on the water, to know that he died happy and already in heaven, as the calm waters is the place he always loves to be. He said he loves seeing the sun rise, and the wildlife that come to the waters each morning. Yep I think these Daddy's already have everything figured out. They are so smart.

Thank you for sharing Rita sweetie. Relyn thank you too. I have so enjoyed reading about my beautiful friend. Many hugs and much love to you both, Sherry

Sherrie said...

What a beautiful post Rita!

Jeanie said...

How wonderful! And what special gifts these will be. I know I treasure all the photos I have of my family, some of which become even more meaningful as we go through the cycles of life. I have a feeling there are going to be some big smiles at Christmas at your house!

Jaime said...

Those memories you have captured and collected are so so precious. A way to hold on to them forever.

Wanda said...

The pictures you have and the scrapbooks you are making are the visible products of your family's times together--even more precious are the shared memories all of you have.

Oldies, but Goodies