Another Memory Box

Take 1: I once again tried to post last night but my internet went out after I uploaded photos. I will try again...

Take 2: Okay, I'm glad my favorite geek is coming over on Saturday. Hopefully Kyle will be able to explain to me why my internet keeps giving me fits. I tried again this morning to post and halfway through I lost my service :-(

(And finally success!) I thought I would finish this project today, but there were too many distactions: a trip to the library...text messages and fb messages, helping with school work, and mint chocolate chip ice cream, and MacGyver...not to mention dinner with my sweetie...I know - excuses. I really need to have this project done by Friday, though, since it is a wedding gift. I'm not happy with the way the pictures turned out but I'm too tired to go back and retake. (I used pictures of Alyssa and Jay so I could see how it looks with photos but obviously I will remove them before giving to Jaclyn and Joel!)

Top of box:

Inside of box:

side view of box:

Cover of accordian album to go inside:

And a graduation card:

A little note: when I make my memory boxes, I prefer to use spray adhesive (such as Elmer's) which are acid free. It takes a little work getting used to using it, but worth the time spent because it gives a much smoother finish than other glues or decoupage.

Marie with a :-)

Mock Trial and ANOTHER magnetic box....

I spent seven hours in the Jefferson County Courthouse yesterday, with my fifteen year old son.
 No, he wasn't in trouble with the law; he was participating in a program called Mock Trial. It is an amazing program that many schools throughout the nation engage in. In the Mock Trial program, high school teams are presented with a fictional (albeit realistic) case that might find itS way into court. The team members need to know all of the facts pertaining to the case for both sides - both defense and prosecution. They then compete against other teams. They have attorneys who work with each team, helping them understand the nuances of the court system. When the teams compete, they do not know beforehand whether they will be defending or prosecuting. Yesterday was the first day of state competitions; Matthew's team had won at regionals and was competing against 22 other teams from around the state. As one judge told them yesterday, "Even if you don't pursue the field of law, the experience you are getting today - standing up in a courtroom, presenting your case and thinking on your feet - well, it will benefit you no matter what direction your life takes." Another attorney, after evaluating their first round, told them "You are doing things today which I didn't do until I was three or four years into practice." While there might be some hyperbole there, I agree that they were gaining incredible experience and were presented with an amazing opportunity. I am grateful for the judges (actual courtroom judges) who gave of their time and talents to listen to the "cases" and teach the young people even more about the way the court system actually works. And I am thankful for the attorneys who participate in this program, giving of their time and money to support these young people. Most of all, I am grateful for "my hero," my husband, who, despite working two jobs right now, arranged his schedule and worked long, difficult hours so that he could be there to support Matthew.
I made this "you are my hero" magnetic box to keep all of the sweet notes and cards from my husband. I used all CTMH products except for the 3 pink sparkles. (which I ended up having to glue on because they don't work nearly as well as the CTMH sparkles...)

Wishing you a beautiful weekend,

Marie with a :-)

Magnetic box

There were furtive glances sent my way and a quick crossing to the other side of the trail. No friendly hellos today, and no looking me in the eye. I can't say that I blame them. Here I was, a middle aged woman with disheveled hair, in a bulky fleece sweatshirt, oversized headphones and tears streaming down my face.
I love music; it has a way of reaching into the depths of the soul and touching something that no mere spoken words seem to be able to do. So yes, music alone can make me weepy. Today, however, it wasn't just the words to Steven Curtis Chapman's Cinderella; it was the e-mail I had glanced at before heading out for my morning walk. K was in the hospital. Two weeks of isolation, the e-mail read. It seems her young, frail body was not fighting the CF well and she was losing weight. My heart sank. I hadn't seen K for nearly 8 months but I could picture her sweet, porcelain face as though it was yesterday.
I'm hoping that Scott and I will be able to go visit her on Sunday. In the meantime, I made a quick Close To My Heart magnetic box for her and will fill it with craft supplies to help occupy her time while she is in the hospital. And I will pray. Not only for precious K and her family, but I will pray Lord, let me never take for granted each moment I have with my precious children.



I used bubblegum and ocean cardstock with a flower punch, window charms , the March SOTM, and the You are Beautiful SS. The sparkles and chipboard K are not CTMH.