Project Fail

That is what I call my attempt at Project Life last year.

First of all I didn’t really like the kit, I thought the colors and cards were ugly and my enthusiasm for the whole thing faded pretty quick. I used it as a book to put little things now and then but really didn’t do much beyond that. I didn’t like how it lacked creativity- it was just cards and pictures to put in a book. No fun.

When the new Project Life came out for this year, I thought, “ha, not falling for that one again.”

But then I started looking at some blogs and a couple videos of people that actually completed it last year, and were doing it again this year.

And I got enthused about it again. The kit this year is more my style, so that helped me make the jump to try it again. But the lightbulb moment came when I realized that I didn’t have to stick to the basics of the kit. That I could make it my own, add my own supplies, incorporate my love of being creative with the ease of this book. There were no rules.

I recently read something on a photography site that sat with me a while. The question was, “How did photography change your life? And she wrote about how she led a creative life, until she had kids. And how the mundane, 24 hour payless job started to wear her down. She was unhappy. But then she bought a camera….

And at night, after I had tucked them into bed, I would look at the photos I had taken that day, and it helped me to focus on the good, on the joy, on their innocence, and at how truly lucky I am to be able to share these years with them. My husband noticed almost instantly that my mood had lifted, and it reflected in the way I interacted with my kids and the way I approached each and every day.

YES.

I feel like the same thing can be applied to scrapbooking. Because when I look at old books, read old stories that I took the time to write down- I think- yes, this is what is important. How very cool to give my kids these awesome memories. This “time capsule” as Andy likes to call it.

So I ordered the new Project Life and when I opened it last night, with the boys looking over my shoulder to see what it was all about- I read this that Becky wrote

….Now is the time to get those photos off your computer and into a book where they can be enjoyed for years……As you add photos, stories, memorabilia, and anecdotes you will grow more appreciative of your life experiences. You will recognize ways to make the most of the here and now. You will become more keenly aware of the blessings in your life.

Don’t we all need that reminder? Well- I do. And so here I go- gonna give it another try.

I whipped out last years book and started working on it again. It’s a mess, random and unorganized.

But that’s ok. I can get it together. I made smaller page protectors with my sewing machine (and quickly ordered different sized ones from Amazon) so I could include cards and other fun stuff

One thing I don’t like is that there is no place to put vertical pictures. I take a lot of vertical pictures.

But what is making me the most excited about it is the idea that I can do whatever I want. I am writing and drawing on pictures, putting word stickers on pictures- whatever I want. I let go the idea that it had to be a certain way.
And it became much more fun.

These passport pictures from last year crack me up

These pics are all snaps- and it was pretty dark. Sorry about the quality.

I included this book from my fave place- Ft. Walton Beach

There is so much more I want to add about our summer last year. It was a crazy one. This was just the start of it. Trying hard not to forget the details before I get them down.

I printed off a bunch of my iphone pics- because they tell such a great story as well. Who cares if the quality stinks.

So that is where I stand on Project Life at the moment. The only resolution I have this year- keep it up!!

Because…. I have boxes and boxes of pictures that need a home.

For those of you who think Blake and I look alike- you are actually right. Blake has Andy’s coloring but my face- and I am told my quirky expressions. In fact when I first saw this iPhone picture- at first glance I thought it was Cole and Blake- not Cole and I

And the crazy thing is Austin is the exact opposite- he has my coloring but Andy’s face. Genetics are so weird.

One of the boxes I opened recently was filled these really old polaroids of me and my brother.

I seem to always be rocking a very short skirt with boots- here with the neighbor kids in California.

These pictures are all getting warpy and scratched up in the box. They really need a home

Wonder if I should try to scan these old pics- the thought of how long that would take makes my head hurt

Anyone out there doing Project Life?