Adoption...a life long process

Our adopted daughter is 7 now.  She loves to look through her scrapbook.  I tell the story over and over about how she grew in my heart.  She understands what foster care is.  But I wasn't ready for the hurt and anger that came out of her today. 

"What I can't understand Mom is why SHE didn't keep me!" she said.  I explained that the foster mom was only to take care of her until we found her...that God had a plan for us.  She abruptly replied, "I KNOW.  WHY DIDN'T THAT LADY THAT GREW ME IN HER BELLY KEEP ME."  Mind you that we aren't looking at the birthmom's picture...we don't have one.  I very calmly replied with my well-rehearsed line, "She chose to have you.  That was a good thing.  But some mommies and daddies aren't ready to parent their children."  Of course, that led to, "Well, did SHE have any other kids."  Instead of directly answering, I gently replied, "Well, when you are 18, maybe you can look her up and ask her yourself."  I know the truth.  I know that she has at least one other child.  I'm not ready to answer that one!

Some people think that adoption ends with the court document saying yes, you are the parents.  But that's just the start.  It's the beginning of a long road in which you won't have all the answers.  It's a constant struggle for acceptance.  Then one day, 18 years later, some questions may be answered...ending some of that hurt and anger.  Then the healing can truly begin.

This week's sketch at the Everyday Scrapper

Hop over to The Everyday Scrapper and see what's happening this week.

Smashing Bottlecaps via Sizzix

What a cool technique...now I just need some bottle caps!

Smashed Bottle Caps

I haven't tried it yet so let me know if you do!

This week's sketch over at The Everyday Scrapper:

the everyday scrapper updates......

Ever want to create a quick fridge magnet?  Well head over to http://www.theeverydayscrapper.com/ and see what I've been up to.

The sketch for this week is:

Hop over and have some fun!

The Water Effect on Scrapbook Pages and Cards

I've seen shaker boxes and now I've seen water!  This is a great way to add texture to your cards or scrapbook pages.  I'd use caution on scrapbook pages...don't use pictures that you don't have a copy of of!!  (just in case the bag breaks!!)

Key Supplies Needed:

Hair or Aloe gel (I didn't have hair gel so I used green aloe gel)
Jewelry ziplock bag

Other Helpful Supplies:

Sticky Tape (very tacky double sided tape)
Glue Runner
Desired Cardstock

Step 1:

Squirt desired amount of gel into ziplock bag.  The more you squirt, the more colorful and liquid you will have.  Less might give you more bubbles.

Step 2:

Release most of air from bag.  Zip closed.  If you don't release the air, you will be left with unneeded air pockets and a fatter project. 

Step 3:

Make a frame.  You want your opening to be slightly smaller than your ziplock bag.  This way you have room for sticky tape.

Step 4:

Tape bag onto frame.   Attach photo behind the bag.  Lightly kneed the bag until the desired bubbles are where you want them.   Trim photo if needed.

Step 5:

Finish your page/card.

Visit us over at www.theeverydayscrapper.com for more great ideas and challenges!

How to Make a Fleece Flower

Just when I thought I'd seen it all with flowers and scrapbooking, here's another way to create flowers.  It's very fun.  You could leave off the pin backing and use it for a scrapbooking page!



Thanks to www.stampwithtami.com for the awesome video!

Here's my version:

Guest Designing Over at Scraptacular

This month I'm guest designing at www.itsscraptacular.com.  Their kits are awesome!!!  So far I've designed 4 pages and a mini album with the kit.  Plus I have plenty left over for cards or more pages!!

How to Recycle Glass Containers

I've had these rooster containers for quiet some time.  They didn't fit into my kitchen theme but didn't want to throw them out.

My first step was to take off the labels around the neck of the bottles. 

Then replace it with card stock.  I used sticky tape to adhere the card stock.

Then I took the metal off the cover.  I sanded the cover so the paint would stick better.

Then painted the cover.

Once dry, I put the cover back together.  I added an embellishment to the front.

Finished product...

__________

Sneak Peeks for Scraptacular August Kit!!!

I'm guest designing for the month of August over at www.itsscraptacular.com.  Here are some peeks at my pages!!  I'm very excited and love the kit!

Come back on August 1st to see the whole pages!!

Cute tutorial found on how to crochet flowers, hearts and butterflies!!

I could make the flowers by looking at another flower...but hearts? Or butterflies?  Oh...crocheted butterflies on a scrapbook page??  I found this great blog that covers it all!

Here's the butterfly to get you started:

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/search/label/crochet

I shared this and other things over at http://www.theeverydayscrapper.com/.  Come and join the fun!