Here's a combo of Robin's "Memories" challenge and Jeanne's "New Year, New Toys" challenge.
For Robin's challenge I have two memories combined. I just couldn't choose. I have a three year old and a four year old. Frankly, every day is magical at my house. One of my favorite memories of 2017 was the quick trip we took to Toronto and Niagara Falls in May. We went to the Toronto Aquarium and my little Raleigh was just amazed at all the fish ("Look at that fish, Mummy" "Oh, look at that little guy"). So I chose this little fish in a bowl. But another great memory was picking blueberries from the bushes in our yard. They were a wedding gift from my aunt and I just think it is so special picking the berries off of them with my boys. We got so many blueberries this year, we were out there every day picking them like crazy and that is all my kids wanted to do every morning. Fortunately, I had some blue polka dot DP to represent my blueberry summer.
Jeanne challenged us to use new stamps, dies, and stencils today. I used my new tag dies by Umbrella Crafts that I ordered from scrapbook.com. I realized recently that I just needed to buy some tag dies, so I did. I realize this stamp set is old, but I just bought it on Ebay last year and haven't used it until now. So I consider it new--and I've got a LOT more "new" stamps hanging around (don't we all).
Thanks, ladies, for two wonderful challenges. I had a great time playing with my new toys while reflecting on a wonderful year!
Registered: June 29, 2004 Location: Sugar Land. Texas Posts: 79843
Fri, Jan 12, 2018 @ 5:31 AM
Love your combinations of memories on this well designed card, Jennifer.
------------------------------ LizThe joy of the LORD is my strength.Right Brain Madness --My blogProud member of the redDivasKSS certified multi-step stamperFan Club member since 2004
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Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 132007
Fri, Jan 12, 2018 @ 7:54 AM
Love that you combined two memories so perfectly on this card. Thanks for sharing them with us too.
That's a fun set to use. I don't believe I've used this particular stamp from it ever, though.
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Registered: October 26, 2009 Location: Oakhurst, near Yosemite Nat'l Park. Posts: 46821
Fri, Jan 12, 2018 @ 9:01 AM
So cute and what a great memory! My kids were the sweetest at 4 and 5...that is a magical age and so very special...treasure each day! Thanks for playing!
------------------------------ Blessings, Robin Encourage one anotherMy Blog-InkMagination , QFTD201,Dirty Dozen Alumni.Impression Obsession DT, ECraftDesigns DT, Formerly HC DT, ODBD DT, DRS DT
Registered: May 23, 2009 Location: sunny california Posts: 9825
Fri, Jan 12, 2018 @ 9:22 AM
I love your write up Jennifer....i remember those days when my boys were 3 and 4....likje you said it's magical. How cleaver to use the blue dot bg for the blueberries. Do they stain as much as the pomegrants my boys and I used to pick? The little fish tag is adorable. Faved.
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Registered: May 18, 2004 Location: Southwest Michigan Posts: 37113
Fri, Jan 12, 2018 @ 12:17 PM
I love both of your stories, Jennifer! I am a retired preschool teacher and absolutely love kids the ages yours are at - they are so eager and interested in just about EVERYTHING! Your blueberry story also brings back many memories for me; my sister and I took our preschoolers blueberry picking every year together - great memories! Love your dotted blue papers and tag ~ with all the dies I own, I don't own any tags, hmm...
------------------------------ Claudia Splitcoast Fan Club Member
Registered: August 21, 2007 Location: Wayland MA Posts: 105275
Fri, Jan 12, 2018 @ 12:47 PM
Blueberries in your own yard. What a treat! No wonder your little boys wanted to pick them every day! The dotted paper truly is blueberry-like. The little fishie is certainly cute........as I'm sure those little guys are ... and what a fun memory of the aquarium with them!!
------------------------------ Anne HarmonFS154, QFTD58, PROUD FAN CLUB MEMBER (photo of our Great Granddaughter Elise, just 6 months old) and me, even older.
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Registered: April 18, 2011 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 51844
Fri, Jan 12, 2018 @ 3:07 PM
I loved reading the inspiration behind your terrific card Jen, your words made my face and heart smile. I love how you combined the blueberries and the trip. P.S. What a fabulous gift from your aunt!
------------------------------ Susie
Please don't take your organs to heaven - heaven knows we need them here.