These days, I don't take as many photos as I used to anymore, and my computer and hard drive are thanking me for it. Perhaps it's because I have had better luck with my exposure. The more I think of it though, the more I'm convinced that I only take photos that resonate with me now, photos that speak to me. Take the shot below for instance. Among the dozen of photos I took of our camping trip this weekend, this one is my hands-down favorite. It's an emotional photo - one that speaks a thousand words. It describes the relationship between my husband and my son. The fact that it was taken with the light of the bonfire to illuminate it makes it even more dramatic. I'm also proud to say that this photo was untouched - it's a straight out of the camera shot.




I received this article in my inbox today and this summarizes why I am drawn to emotional photos these days:

"What I really hope you can do is find your true self in your next big image. You don’t have to concentrate on breaking the rules or being gaudy for shock value (Thank you Lady GaGa) – but try to focus on what you really want to say with your camera. Do you want to make images that last? Do you want to make images that really stand the test of time? Then be yourself. Shoot for yourself. Shoot what your heart wants you to shoot. Don’t just try to be cool for being cool’s sake. Be true."

Amen!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Like any parent, we struggle to be good parents every single day. We try to provide our children with a good home, a loving and caring environment. We discipline them. We want our kids to grow up with values and manners.

As a mom, I take pride in seeing my boys try help around the house. Kail's favorite lines these days are "Can I help?", "I want to help", "I'll do it". When he sees me preparing dinner, he would want to help out. He can drag loads of laundry down the stairs and even put them onto the washer. He helps me bring the folded laundry up to the rooms. He cleans up his mess (albeit with resistance at first).

Calix, on the other hand, is showing his type A personality this early. Whenever he sees dirt or food on the floor, he'd pick it up, hand it to me or daddy so we could throw it away. He loves to put things on their proper places. We were at a play area yesterday when he saw balls on the floor. He'd pick them up one by one, hand them to me so I can put them in proper places (and sometimes he does that himself). The moms who saw him cleaning up had smiles on their faces. I was a very proud mom!

I think that raising them up without help is a big plus in teaching them to do their part around the house. My mom taught us a very valuable lesson by not hiring help when we were growing up so we'll learn to do the chores. When I came to the US at 24 years old, I was very independent. I have no problems cooking, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, washing the dishes. I want to impart the same lesson to my children. I want them to be able to do things on their own and not rely on help to do things for them. After all, help is so out of reach for middle class families like us here in the US.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Ali posted a couple of my layouts in her blog here http://www.aliedwards.com/2010/05/week-in-the-life-reader-submissions-part-two.html

2010 Goals

It's halfway through January 2010 and I have yet to get used to writing 2010 on my checks, LOL. I just couldn't believe that 2009 came and went like a blur in my memory.

This year, I have set specific goals for myself and having blogged twice this month, I think I'm on the right track, LOL. So, without further ado, I thereby present to my my goals for 2010:

Spend quality time with family. Though I'm home most of the time, I can say that there are times when I'm busy doing something else rather than spending those precious moments with my boys. I know that kids grow up fast, which brings me to my first goal - to spend as much quality time with my husband and kids as humanly possible. This means that my computer time would have to wait until after the kids are asleep and my husband isn't demanding that I spend time watching a movie with him. I just have to keep reminding myself to live in the moment and savor each minute with my family.

Live healthy. Okay, I'll admit, I tend to indulge myself on unhealthy foods. Can you blame me if those are the ones that taste heavenly? So, in light of the bad genes I inherited from my ancestors, I truly have to watch what I eat and make sure I get enough exercise to balance it out. It doesn't help that I live with a carnivore husband who throws up when asked to eat veggies. I have to make sure I eat enough veggies so my kids will grow up so unlike their dad in terms of eating habits, so help me God!

Blog More. I have been a bad, bad blogger last year that I think I've lost following on this blog (not that I have that many in the first place). But because this blog is also a reflection on our daily lives, part of my documenting everyday moments, I have to make sure I blog more often. I will strive for a once a week post, and more if my time allows. After all, I'm a wife and mom first, a working mom second, a life artist and photographer third, a maid fourth, and a woman fifth.

Create More. This is probably the only goal that I didn't slack on last year. I have made so many layouts last year that I have albums brimming full. Hubz even teased me that I have to rent a storage room for all my huge albums because our house will soon be full of them, LOL. Kidding aside, scrapbooking and photography feeds my creative soul so I will continue to do this as time allows.

Use my time productively. I have to make a mental note to myself not to slack off because time is gold. That said, I am big on lists. I make a list of all the things I need to do and check off those that I've accomplished one by one. It gives me a sense of satisfaction to be able to cross something off the list. But, I am just human and I tend to slack off sometimes so this is a reminder to get me back on track.

Never lose faith. With so many people struggling these days, the economy being in its current shape and form, it is easy to lose faith. Despite the many trials that has come to our family in 2009, I am truly happy to say that my faith in God has become stronger. He has been (and still is) my anchor, my shield, my protector, my crying shoulder, my strength, my everything.

Believe. I have to keep reminding myself that despite tough times, I have to believe that all these will come to an end, no matter how long or painful the journey.

Hope. I have chosen hope as my word for 2010. I choose to hope for the best and hope that after all this, I will evolve as a better and stronger person.

Before I end this post, I would like to share with you my first two layouts for 2010:

Template - Kate Hadfield; Papers - Little Dreamer Designs (blue background); Ali Edwards (all others); Cupcake Embellishments - Kristine Pocock; Fonts - Pea Jay (journaling), Georgia (title)

I got the idea to scrapbook portions of the christmas cards we received in 2009 from Ali Edwards. Every christmas, we receive a number of cards I have no idea what to do with. Now they'll be a part of our scrapbook.

This layout was easy enough to create. I used square punches, Basic Grey Fruitcake paper, Stickers for the title, pen for journaling, and some adhesive. I think I am going to do this every year.

On our last day in San Diego, we were greeted with a temperature of low 70s so it was a perfect day to go to the Beach. We decided to go to Moonlight Beach in Encinas upon the resort recommendation - being a family friendly beach and all.

The waves caused Calix to fall down a few times

So Kail, being a great brother that he is, held Calix's hand

Calix finally decided he didn't like the beach too much - water is cold, he kept falling down, and the water tasted funny, so he left

His kuya, on the other hand, had a lot of fun in the water, despite being carried by the waves a couple of times

while Calix tried to figure out how to fly the kite instead.

When Kail decided he had enough of the water, we rinsed the boys off and moved to the nearby playground where Kail had a blast with the slide and the monkey bar

While Calix was content on the swing

December Daily 2009 Album

Click here to view this photo book larger

Another set of digital layouts:


Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Jessica Sprague, Katie Pertiet; Font - Justus, Charms BV

Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Jessica Sprague and Katie Pertiet; Fonts - Parma Petit, Georgia, Ornament Scrolls

Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Jessica Sprague and Katier Pertiet; Word Art - wordle.com; Font - VT Portable Remington (journalling) and You Are Loved (Title)

I've been out of touch again but with good reasons, LOL. I've been so busy scrapbooking - digitally and I'm loving it! I didn't think I'll say this but digital rocks! I've never been this productive - 9 layouts just in the past month (mid-September to mid-October) and an album with 20 layouts plus title and back pages in a month's time (mid-August to mid-September)!

Here are some layouts I'd like to share:



Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Jessica Sprague, Katie Pertiet, Trish Jones, KH Mize; Font - Santana Black, Georgia and Shelley Belley (http://www.kevinandamanda.com/fonts/)

Template and Papers - Jessica Sprague; Fonts - Georgia, Polywog (arrows), Inked God, VT Portable Remington, Century Gothic

Template and Papers - Jessica Sprague; Fonts - Broadway, Georgia, Pea Jay, Big Mummy, Pointers and Monkey Love

Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Jessica Sprague and Ali Edwards; Fonts - Yukon Gold, Impacted, Pea KT Doodles (www.kevinandamanda.com) and Times New Roman

Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Jessica Sprague's Princesa Kit; Fonts - Times New Roman, Laine, LL Rubber Grotesque

New Digital Layouts

Here are my latest layouts for the Beautiful Evidence Album. I only have three more layouts and the cover and back pages to go and I can upload these in Shutterfly to print my photo book!


Credits: Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers and Ribbon - Echoes of Asia Kit by Jessica Sprague; Font - VT Portable Remington

Credits: Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers and Ribbon - Jessica Sprague and Jan Crowley; Font - VT Portable Remington

Credits: Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers and Ribbon - Jan Crowley and Meredith Fenwick; Font - VT Portable Remington

Credits: Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers and Ribbon - Jessica Sprague and Katie Pertiet; Font - VT Portable Remington

Credits: Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Jan Crowley, Jessica Sprague; Michelle Coleman; Font - VT Portable Remington

I brought Kail with me to the library yesterday. While there, he ran towards the children's section and picked a book, then handed it to me borrow. When we were at the counter, he told me "I'll be right back!" and ran back towards the children's section again. After a few minutes, he emerged carrying another book and said "this is for Calix!". I was so proud of Kail because he didn't forget to get one for his baby brother!

Despite their constant bickerings when Kail wouldn't share his toys with Calix, or he would push his little brother aside, or would pinch his little fingers or arms, I know that deep inside, he loves Calix so much.

When Kail goes to school, he would kiss Calix goodbye. As soon as he gets home, he'd ask Calix "did you miss kuya?". When it's Calix's bed time, Kail would kiss him on his cheek and say "goodnight". He'd also run a few errands for his baby brother like throw his dirty diaper away, or get him a fresh diaper or wipes, put his clothes to the laundry.

Calix on the other hand, adores his big brother. He follows him around like a puppy all day. When his kuya is in school, he would run from room to room as if looking for Kail. He probably thinks they're playing hide and seek again. Young as they are, they surely formed this bond with each other that every parent would be so proud of.

Another Day... Another Layout

Here is my page 9 layout for the Beautiful Evidence album. Because I have to go to the office tomorrow, I won't be able to create another layout tonight (bummer!) but I'll catch up whenever I can.

Credits: Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Jan Crowley, Meredith Fenwick; Fonts - VT Portable Remington, Porcelain (for the initial "A")

US... Right Here, Right Now

This photo was taken today at Clearlake, on our way home from an overnight camping with friends. It is pretty tough to get us all in one photo together since I am behind the camera most of the time. When we do, however, there's always someone doing something else or looking somewhere else. This photo depicts our current life - a very busy one with two highly strung boys. Despite all the chaos, I wouldn't trade this life for anything else in this world.

Credits: Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Jessica Sprague, Jan Crowley, Meredith Fenwick, Katie Pertiet; Font - VT Portable Remington

A couple more...

Here are two more digital layouts from the Beautiful Evidence class:

Journaling: I never thought of myself as creative until I found my niche in photography and scrapbooking and a little baking on the side. I love taking photos, creating paper or digital layouts or momentos. I'm so glad creativity has found me! I sure hope it's here to stay!

Credits: Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Jan Crowley, Jessica Sprague, Katie Pertiet; Font - VT Portable Remington

Credits: Template - Jessica Sprague; Papers - Katie Pertiet, Jan Crowley, Jessica Sprague; Font - VT Portable Remington

New Layouts

The Beautiful Evidence class over at Spraground is currently in full swing. I created these two new layouts for Days 1 and 2.

Here is my title page. These are my treasures in life... the moments that make me smile... the moments that make me thank God each day for a blessed and fulfilled life... the beautiful evidence that I live a charmed life:

Credits: Papers - Jessica Sprague and Jan Crowley; Font - VT Portable Remington

Here is my "Me" page. Since I live with 3 boys, I have to infuse my life with pink from time to time to remind me that I'm truly a girlie girl at heart... :)

Credits: Papers - Jessica Sprague, Meredith Fenwick, Jan Crowley; Font - VT Portable Remington; Signature - my handwriting

New Digital Layouts

I created three more layouts from templates and quickpages. Here they are:

Credits: Template - Liv Esteban; Easter Kit - Brenda Mascari

Credits: Template - Tracy B; Kit - Jessica Sprague's Echoes of Asia

Credits: Quickpage - Mega-Doodle Inspired

Goodbye Tita Cory!

I was in third grade when Ninoy Aquino was assassinated. I couldn't understand all the flurry around me then and why my family looked worried, or why my parents were always glued to either the TV or the radio. I was in sixth grade when his widow, Cory Aquino, united the nation to overthrow a dictator. There was no other show on TV except what was happening at Edsa. The spotlight was on the Philippines because of a bloodless revolution that catapulted Cory Aquino to the presidency. I would probably be in Edsa had I been old enough to go. It was, after all, history in the making right there.

The Aquino government was faced with turmoil - lots of it. The economy was in such a bad shape, there were a number of coup attempts to overthrow Cory's governance. In the end, Cory's faith in God prevailed and she was able to complete her term with much admiration from the world.

I can truly say that Tita Cory was the president I remembered the most. She was the president during my adolescent years. I admired her humility, dignity, simplicity, devotion to the Lord, and strength of character. Too bad there isn't anyone in our government today like her.

Her failing health worried me, and from someone who witnessed a loved one suffer from cancer, I knew in my heart that it was just a matter of time. Thus, it was no surprise when I saw in the news that she succumbed to colon cancer in the morning of August 1, 2009. What amazed me was how much she was truly loved! Her entire wake was full of people clamoring to catch a glimpse of her. Her trip from the Manila Cathedral to Manila Memorial Park (where she'll be laid to rest) took 9 hours because of the number of people joining the procession. It was indeed a heartwarming sight to see. I watched the goings-on on her wake on TV, and was glued to the TV to watch her funeral. God knows I've shed tears watching her children and other people close to her speak so highly of her. I do not personally know her, but I do feel sadness in her passing. As Fr. Soc Villegas eloquently said "we will not meet anyone like her for a very long time".

Goodbye Tita Cory. You will surely be missed!

Here's a new layout fresh from Photoshop, LOL! The photos were taken from our camping trip at Avila Hot Springs Resort in Avila Beach at San Luis Obispo. It was Calix's first camping trip and Kail's second. It was a fun but exhausting weekend!

Credits: Template - Simply Yin Template 365 Set 9; Papers and Elements - Nature Kit by Jackie Eckels for Memory Makers

It's almost midnight but I was in the mood to create some digital layouts from my backlog of photos. I'm really loving digital scrapbooking because I can just sit in front of my computer (which I do a lot anyway), pull out a template, pick my photos, papers and templates, drag and drop them, and voila - a page ready to be printed and placed in an album! No messy adhesives, no cleanups needed either!

Credits: Template - Liv Esteban Time of the Year Template; Brads - Liv Esteban's Sun Fun; Papers and Elements - Michelle Coleman's Wild Sorbet for Memory Makers

Credits: Template - Simply Yin's Template #77; Papers, Elements, Photo Mats - Gingerscraps Independence Day Collaboration Kit

An Ounce of Creativity

Three posts in three days - wow, there must be something wrong with me! ;)

As I was on my way to work this morning, I briefly recalled my childhood (I'm not sure why, but I did) and realized that back then, I thought I was adopted if only because I never got an ounce of creativity in my bones. My mom was the artist in the family. She drew very well, she can make anything with her hands - from sewing, to crochet, to any kind of craft you can think of. My brother got the creative genes in our family. Even at an early age, he would be able to whip off a good drawing in the blink of an eye. His notebooks in school do not have lessons on them, but they did have very beautiful drawings! It just shows how much he doodles in class, to his teachers' dismay, LOL. He is both left and right handed. I admired him for that because he had what I craved for - creativity.

During school, I would always ace my Home Education projects (and my projects have always been chosen for exhibits) not because I was good, but because my mom made them herself. I make such rotten artworks that I think my mom couldn't bear to think I was her daughter!

As I left for the US, I realized how sad life away from family can be. I have seen some friends go through bouts of crying and feeling down. To overcome that feeling, I had to be busy - so I read book after book. Then I took classes. Then I got into crafts - from sewing, to cake decorating, to knitting, to scrapbooking and then photography. I found my niche in scrapbooking and photography. I enjoyed the process so much that I spend late nights when the kids are asleep reading on photography and scrapbooking, editing photos, scrapbooking, watching video tutorials on Photoshop Elements and scrapbooking techniques and digital scrapbooking.

I now realize that there are those born with the creative genes in their system, and there are those who develop said genes. I belong to the latter. I don't create over-the-top layout pages nor award winning photos - far from it actually. I scrapbook because I need to tell our story, to make sure memories will not be lost forever, and because I owe my children their life stories. I take photos because it gives a glimpse into our lives - however mundane it is. I take lots of photos because I only have a handful of childhood photos - most were either lost in the move or drowned in the flood. I find that unfortunate because I was a cute kid (ehem - need to feed my ego from time to time).

I take photos and I scrapbook because I am the family's life artist and nobody knows our story better than me.