Is it Scrapbooking or Art?

This is an interesting question and one I was discussing with a friend a while ago. She is a CM all the way type scrapper and she had the hide to say that my work is not really scrapbooking its art with a photo attached. I don't say much when she gets on this stand...but it got me to thinking.

Yes it is art...LIFE ART! I am taking pieces of our lives (the photos) and turning them into works of art for my children and my future generations. A love of love and emotion goes into that art...a lot of time...a lot of me...and sometimes a little bit of DNA (I always seem to stab myself and bleed on a LO when stitching LOL). I am a big believer in telling my/our story...and while that is not for everyone it's part of who I am and why I scrap.

I am not about telling the general details...like we went here on this date and blah..blah..blah. But more about all the little things I want the girls to remember about themselves and about our lives together. DH was raised by his grandparents...both of whom have now passed on...his mother has passed and his father is only now starting to be a part of our lives. My grandparents have all passed and sadly we have very little of their stories to tell....but I am determined that my children won't have that problem.

So I think it's a bit of both....it is art...but art is what you make it. Art is a piece of you....and is it so wrong to take that and put it to something that you want to remember?

Photos To Appease My Mum

Letter To Lolly at 13

Lauren

You and I have been through so much. There was a time when we were first making our way in this world as mother and daughter that the days were tough but I look back on them with pride. You taught me about a real no strings, no boundaries kind of love. You have been special since the moment I found out you existed, and the journey we have taken so far has been the best journey I have ever travelled.

There is only you and your sister and you are both very different people. You are each special and incredible. I know that being the oldest is not always easy. I know that I have made learning mistakes with you, and that does not seem fair. Your dad and I have always done everything in our power to make the right choices for you and for our family. Sometimes I am sure that it seems that Kate gets a lot of extra time and attention, but that in no way means she is more important than you or that we love her more in any way.

You have just turned 13! We are starting to have some ups and downs as you are well into you begin the process of breaking free. There are bound to be times that we will disagree, moments when we will feel that you are so wrapped up in your own life that we no longer matter, moments when we will be sure that you feel we have no clue about your feelings, and still a bit of fear of your growing up from both your side and ours. There will also those awesome moments when we will see you as the adult you are turning into.

This is a milestone birthday. Many new freedoms and responsibilities come with this age. Before you embark into new adventures, there are a few things I want you to remember and hold in your heart. We love and believe in you more than you know. We do remember how it feels to be your age. You are going to discover that you still need our advice, and that does not mean you are weak. You have a few year to go before you graduate high school. You have many dreams and goals for the future. While you are still in our home you have a built in safety net, use it. Learn as much as you can from us now so you will be prepared when that day comes that you leave the nest and fly. I know some days it might feel like we are against you but believe me our intentions are only to give you every possible opportunity to be the strong, independent, smart, beautiful woman that you are becoming.

We love you, we am very proud of you and we do accept that you are growing up. Just know that you will always be our baby and that it is a good thing. We apologize for our part for any disagreements we may have in the future. Please just remember who you are and where you come from. Remember that we love you and that no matter what happens in life, your family is always here. Like it or not. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl

Wow...

I can't believe it has been so long since I posted here! A lot has happend at the zoo in the past two and a bit months...Crockett has changed jobs, we have had more fur babies arrive at our house, Lolly officially became a fully fledged teen and we had a visit from Grandad!

All too much to write in length about but I will make a few photo posts now so you can see whats been going on.