Blogging since 2006 ~ Formerly known as Stamping Therapy

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

GKD - Illustrator Blog Hop and Challenge

It's that time again! Gina K. Designs had their illustrator blog hop last night. Now it's our turn to play.

Gina's challenge: create a project that depicts a favorite summer memory. With so many great memories of summer, choosing just one is the hardest part of this challenge!
Create a project using ANY Gina K. Designs stamp set and add your "direct to the project" blog link in the Mister Linky below. For more details, click here.

I had so many ideas running through my head for this challenge. I've been meaning to get back to scrapbooking and my wedding certainly is a favorite summer memory. Six years later, I am not done with my wedding album. I know, shame on me. LOL! This is Brian's page that I devoted to him with photos and stories. Actually, I have more stories to tell, so I'll continue on a second page. It will be more of a journaling page with maybe one photo. I have a few close up shots below if you'd like a better view. (Recipe after the next photo)


Since this was a 2nd wedding for the both of us, I chose a non-traditional environment. I wore a mint green (almost aqua) dress and we were married on the shore of a lake at a small wedding chapel. It was very small and I was so happy that all the difficult planning was taken care of by the wedding chapel personnel. Planning a wedding without worrying about every detail was nice.

Stamps (all Gina K Designs): Lovely Labels (Nina Brackett), Hope Grows (Theresa Momber), Masculine Messages (Gina K)
Paper: white, certainly celery, ocean mist, black
Ink: black, certainly celery, cool caribbean
Accessories: SU ribbon originals, Spellbinders Nestabilities labels 9, SU punches: large oval, circle, & designer label, pop-up dots
Size: 12x12

Jim is like a real father to Brian. When we meet new people, they are usually surprised when Brian starts calling him Jim. Jim took on big responsibilities when he married me. He insisted we were a team when it came to Brian. He has helped Brian mature so much. It's incredible. Jim often tells Brian that he is his hero. Why? He has to endure so much just to do the things other people take for granted (Well, not in those exact words... but you get the meaning.) He is a special man.


My son and I posed for a photo before the wedding began.


This photo was staged by the photographer, but it's so, so cute!


My son Brian was born at 24 weeks gestation. He is still small for his age. But being cute and lovable makes up for it. (Spoken like a true mom, huh? LOL) Brian has cerebral palsy, with high-functioning autism, and after serial casting and extensive physical therapy, he started walking 11 months before this picture was taken. He was a big part of the wedding!

Just as a side note, Botox shots stopped working and the teen years are tough. He's back in his wheelchair quite a bit and we're considering invasive surgery... something I've putting off for a year now.

8 comments:

Jean Cross said...

Nice layout, Jen--good for you for working on your album. Great memories.

Giovana said...

Beautiful pages! Love all the memories that you put on those pictures. Your son is certainly a blessing.

Giovana

Jennie said...

Oh now that is a wonderful summer memory! Fabulous pages Jen and great job :o)

Shirley-Anne said...

Wonderful pages . Thank you for sharing such a precious time in your life .

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Thanks for sharing those special moments with all of us! Great pages!

Melina said...

Oh Jen this is lovely! Thank you for sharing such a personal piece of your life. Our son is also Autistic with an Expressive/Receptive language disorder. It warms my heart to hear of other families with beautiful blessing children. The pic of your son walking is beautiful. I am praying for you in the decision of invasive surgery. God's Blessings upon you and your family. :)

Kelicat_Calandrino said...

Jenn--gorgeous pages and touching story. Thanks for sharing both your talent and heart with us.

Donna Baker said...

this layout is so special, Jen! I love the photos (esp the staged one!) and what a special tribute to your husband - kudos to him for being willing to care for Brian just as much as you! thanks for sharing your heart with us.