Firsts

Two of the layouts I completed this week had 'First' in the title! That led me to think a bit about firsts. Firsts are usually wonderful, memorable experiences like our first encounter with snow, and our first night in NY, and I scrapbook these so we won't forget how we felt.

The children have more firsts by virtue of their age, and just for the record (or, my records), some that come to mind, Jared just received his first Lego Mindstorm set (bought 2nd hand over ebay with my scrapbook design takings, thanks ladies!), bought (finally) his Insaniquarium PC game from his savings, had his first taste of dried and roasted cuttlefish at suntec mall today. Now Ryan had a memorable first 3 weeks ago when he finally rode a two wheeled bicycle on his own! It was a struggle for him and us, he has some difficulties with motor skills and we felt we had to force him to it. It was not without tears and much arguments (and 2 years) but the joy on his face when he finally rode off with Jared (competitively, even) was worth it all.

Ryan is generally someone who doesn't like change, well, he is from a family who likes routine. For eg, when we eat out, we go to the same few places all the time, even order the exact same item on the menu most of the time. LOL. When I ask dh what are the recent firsts in his life, most of it revolves new changes at work, and the same is true for me! We don't like the stress, but I'm reminded of Ryan, that the results may surprise us. Especially when we are praying and know that the good Lord is watching over us, and allows changes for our training and our good!

So much for all the rambling, here is our first encounter with snow, I wish I can keep that sense of absolute wonder, excitement, thrill we felt, for, well, everyday! We were so thankful and happy the entire day. Actually it lasted only one day, so I'm sure the next time we see snow, it will be just as magical!

Credits: Background paper by Laren Reid, snowflakes by Michelle Coleman, word art by Anna Aspnes, sparkle frames by Carol Abrams, beads by Nixon.

And this is us at the Arlington Cemetary, we are so glad we went, and so glad we brought the boys, they asked a lot of questions about war that day.


Credits:background paper by Mamrotka, journal paper from Weeds & Wildflowers, smaller journal paper by Meredith Fernwick, frame corver and tag by Nina Scraps designs, 'lest we forget' words by Sue Jones, branch by ShabbyMissJennDesigns.

The templates for these layouts are available in the store here

Now here is the layout of our first night in New York. After arriving and checking into our tiny hotel one block off Central Park, and wondering to the Christmas market at Union Square, we were not sufficiently warmly dressed and it was so cold, we decided to get indoors and went to Fao Schwatz. Not quite my idea of our first night in NY, but it will have to do! At least the boys were happy and we were not freezing!


Credits: Background paper by Ami Collofello, heart by TangieBaxterDesigns, fiber wrap by GinaMarie, confetti by Ajay Abney, paint strokes by Nancie Rowe Janitz, red alpha by Monique Gascon.


This template will be available in the store soon