When my sister Jessica came to visit, she taught me how to make it. It was then that I completely understood why Jess & Majdi’s friends were always talking about this soup on Facebook. One other amazing thing is that ALL the Lamoreaux children and Troy LOVED it. YAY! Healthy food we ALL love is a big win around here.

Being a scrapbooker I documented the soup story for posterity. I love that marriages in our family mean expanded horizons, recipe books and hearts. I seriously can’t imagine my sister Jessica without Majdi – they are just meant to be together. I also now can’t imagine my life without this soup!

I created this layout using a template by Cathy Zielske. I must admit there is a part of me that feels guilt for always using templates, but seriously there should be no shame in templates! Especially when there are so many great time-saving options out there.

For those of you who asked on Facebook, here is the recipe. You can also find other awesome Abbas family recipes (many of which are vegetarian) in this book by Majdi’s Aunt and Uncle. Personally I can’t wait to make the Stuffed Swiss Chard & Dip.

Someday I really hope to compile a family recipe book with memories – anyone have ideas/templates for that?

Document it:

Another fun tidbit – this layout was created while I was waiting for my car at Jiffy Lube. Sometimes documenting life means doing it on the go… I’m thankful for the technology that allows me to do that.

Products Used: Biograffiti’s Around One Album Template, Cathy Zielske’s Weekly Wrap Ups (slightly modified).

Kate’s basketball season ends next week with State Tournament the last week of February. I was gathering photos last night for Senior night and decided to put together a layout for Kate’s scrapbook.

I decided to run with the new 6×12 inch page trend as I picked up a few 6×12 protectors at the American Crafts Warehouse sale in December. I am really excited to print it out and see it in her album. Here’s the front of the 6×12 page…

And the back of the 6×12 is the journaling…

Journaling:

It always starts with tryouts that usually reveal results on your birthday. It seems like you were born to play. From November to February you have four games a week and practices everyday except Sunday. It isn’t uncommon for you to have bruises on your arms and legs from all the rough play. I sit in the stands and pray most of the time I’m watching you. I’ve seen you take elbows to the throat, chest, stomach, and face. I’ve also watched as girls purposely push and trip, hoping to injure you while refs stand idly by. You’ve come home with bloody scratches on your eyelids & face, twisted ankles, jammed and swollen fingers and still you love to play. You tell me that when you are on the court you are the happiest. It’s the closest thing you know to flying. I guess that’s what I love about watching you and capturing these moments – you can see it in your eyes, the happiness, freedom and LOVE you have for this sport. I LOVE that when you are really focused in a game you have a certain way you stick your tongue out – it’s Michael Jordan-esque. Basketball for you is also about shoes and socks. You have your favorite brands and colors – Nike Dri-Fit Elite socks and Nike 2011 Zoom Hyperdunk Shoes. Thankfully you’ve also been blessed with an awesome grandpa who makes sure you have what you need. I just want you to know that because of you I LOVE Basketball Season. Watching who you play is seriously one of my favorite things in life. I love you Kate.

This is a rough sample of what the page will look like in the album -

Then you turn the page to see this -

Then turn the page to see this two page spread -

I love watching this girl play. I love being a “basketball mom” even though it means I get a lot less sleep and there is so much more to do in a day – basketball is seriously one of my favorite seasons of the year!

Products Used:

Becky Higgins’ Digital Project Life Templates and Turquoise Edition Kit

CZ Weekly Wrap Up Journalers ** I modified the title (Basketball instead of Everyday) with Avenir Font.

CZ 6×12 Photo Templates and CZ Little Labels No. 01

Gina Cabreara Flower Doodle (I’m sorry I don’t have a direct link – this is probably an old freebie so I’ll link you to her present GREAT digital scrapbooking freebies).

Fonts: Avenir, Dancing Script, Arial

It is amazing to me how much my creative process has changed since I organized both my digital scrapbooking supplies and photos in Lightroom. I pull things together from different kits, different designers and even products created years apart! In fact, on the Finding Photo Flow blog I just wrote a post about this creative process, sharing each step of how I gather my photos, digital scrapbooking supplies and then create.

In the above layout I used products from 10 different designers and 11 different kits. That would never have been possible without Flow!

What has your flow done for your creativity? Please share in the comments.