Well, it is finally finished. I am so relieved! As some of you know, I am entering a scrapbook Hall of Fame contest (I tried to keep it quiet, but so many were wondering what happened to me for days on end. I was scrapbooking, of course!). For those of you not in the scrapbook world, it is a BIG deal. It's the top 25 scrapbookers of the year, you win money, scrapbook supplies, your picture and layouts in a book, but mostly it's just the honor of winning. One of the biggest names in the scrapbook world (in my opinion), Creating Keepsakes, saying "Wow, you're awesome!" is quite a reward in itself. It's been a secret goal/wish of mine (not so secret anymore) and something I just really want. I am excited about it. I know my cha
nces are average, because there are a lot of good scrapbookers out there, but I wanted to give it a shot this year. It was a LOT of work. You have to submit 10 layouts, 6 of which follow their specific criteria, and four that are my personal favorites. I have thought entirely too much about scrapbooking layouts over the past month or so, but I am happy with what I have accomplished. I have given it my all. So, win, lose, or Honorable Mention, I have done my best, and that is all I can do. Of course, I hope that I 
win, but if not, I can at least say that I gave it my best shot. My layouts mail out tomorrow, for a February 9 deadline. I'll keep you posted!(Note: Unfortunately, I can't post any of my layouts online because of rule restrictions. But as soon as I can, I will share! :))
This morning I decided that the lighting was perfect in our family room, and Ansley was looking particularly cute, so I tried for a photo shoot. Let me just say that getting a two year old to sit still longer that 30 seconds is a real task (well, my two year old anyway). She would sit down for about 5 seconds, then jump up, run in the other room and bring me a toy. "Here you go Mommy!" and then she'd sit down for about 3 seconds, jump up and start it all over again. I ended up with a large collection of toys, stuffed animals, trucks....but not too many great photos. Anyway, here are two of my favorites. Hope you enjoy them!
Oh, and check out my new quote in the side bar over there <------------------ . I love it. I think it really captures why I scrapbook, and why I so love this hobby of mine. Scrapbooking started out as something fun, a creative outlet for me, but has really turned into a passion, something that I can really put my talents into, and record our lives and memories right now. It's so fun to me, and so powerful to be able to capture these precious, fleeting memories. The Hall of Fame assignments really allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and do layout concepts that are different for me. For example, ALL of my layouts, in one way or another, are about Ansley. What we did, what she's up to, who her friends are, etc. But two whole layouts of the ten are not about Ansley at all! So, just something different, something fun, that I probably wouldn't have scrapbooked about if it hadn't been for this contest. Anyway, sorry to get your interest and then not be able to elaborate, but I promise I will share the layouts if/when I can.
Hope you all had a great weekend, and enjoyed this novel. ; ) (I've had scrapbooking on the brain for far too long, so I guess I had too much to share!) :)
Megan, I am SO PROUD of you for all your effort to enter your layouts in the Hall of Fame contest. I can't wait to see them one day!!! I really like your quote - you know I think I learn a lot about myself when I'm recording how my family just lives and loves life together.
Posted by: Renee | January 30, 2006 at 03:57 PM
I don't think I've ever seen Ansley so serious as that first picture!! But, they are very good pictures (love those red pants!) and a very good quote. Where do you find the quotes? Now we all have to sit on pins and needles waiting the results. When do you find out?
Posted by: MiMi and PopPop | January 30, 2006 at 04:17 PM
Those pics look great - and I'm so happy for you that you've completed your layouts - and early nonetheless even with being out sick for 2 weeks. How wonderful. You didn't tell us when the results were being revealed...when will your bloggers find out? Let us know...looks like she was telling you she had 'red' on in that picture.
Posted by: Ashley | January 30, 2006 at 08:15 PM
We know you'll do very well in the contest. Even if you don't win, you should know that your talents are very impressive to your family and that we marvel at your creations.
Ansley looks cute in the pictures. Is she needing a Jon Jon and Missy visit soon?
Posted by: Jonathan and Missy | January 30, 2006 at 09:46 PM
Congratulations on getting finished with the layouts. I told John yesterday that I realize I don't have a clue what I am looking at, but I can't see how any layout can be better than the ones you have created. Good luck and see you soon!
Posted by: Mark | January 31, 2006 at 09:35 AM
I am sure you put in lots of hard work to this project! Can't wait to see the pages!
Posted by: Angie | January 31, 2006 at 09:43 AM
Awesome website Megan.
Posted by: D Dansereau | February 03, 2006 at 02:40 AM