The To-Do list. We all have one...or two. And for most of us the dreaded to-do list is lengthy…and seems to grow exponentially with each passing day. However, there are those rare few who actually kind of like their to-do list; those who enjoy writing the list out and checking off each item with a sense of accomplishment. I would fit into that second bunch; those super organized, type A personalities, who love notepads of all kinds upon which they can generate list after list after list. To-Do lists are really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to lists. There are so many others just as, if not more so, fabulous.

Probably my all-time favorite list to jot down is the “what I want/need to purchase” list. Do you have one of those? This list has two columns. One column contains items I NEED to purchase in the very near future, such as mascara, face wash, running socks…items that have run out or worn thin and without them I simply will not be able to function at 100%. The second column lists items I WANT to purchase if I ever can; things like specific crafting supplies, pairs of shoes, designer jeans, SLR cameras and lenses…I suppose it’s a wishful thinking column. It’s a long one and much like the To-Do list, tends to grow at a rapid pace.

3 Reasons by Shayla Trimble

Digital Supplies: Papers, Chipboard Alpha: Playground Kit by Shabby Miss Jen (Shabby Miss Jen Designs), Boost Action on Photo: Pioneer Woman Action Set 1 (The Pioneer Woman), Doodle Alpha Action (on Title “Reasons”) by Krystal Hartley & Studio Wendy (Scrapbook Graphics), Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3, Fonts: CK Jot, CK Signature, American Typewriter, CK Tipsy.

Design Notes: I created the Title “Reasons” out of a paper from the kit I was using by masking the font onto the paper. In Photoshop, you open the paper you want to use, then choose the Horizontal Type Mask Tool from the Type tool flyout menu. Choose your font and font settings, then type your title. Commit your title by choosing the Move Tool. Grab your title and watch as it “cuts” it out of the paper and move it to your layout. Add a stroke or drop shadow to give it some pop. Instant alpha that matches your kit elements!

Journaling: Wild Imaginations Your little imaginations go wild together. Whether you’re playing Barbies, Littlest Pet Shop, Polly Pockets or just drawing pictures together; the two of you come up with the silliest and fun worlds to explore. The Best Giggles When you two laugh, I have to stop and just listen. Sometimes you’re loud and rambunctious and overly silly, but those giggles are worth it every time. You Make Me Want to Be Better Being a parent has a way of showcasing all your faults vividly and in detail. Having two beautiful girls, just makes me want to be better, it just does.

Visitors by Nicole LeBlanc

Digital Supplies: Template: Give Thanks by Ali Edwards (Designer Digitals), Paper: Tree Hugger kit by Vinnie Pearce (retired), Buttons and Pacifier Stamp: Baby’s Breath Boy Kit by Vinnie Pearce (retired), Fonts: SNF Georgiana (ScrapNFonts), TXT Frankfurt, Software: Adobe Photoshop CS.

Design Notes: I wanted to document the many special visitors that came to visit my little guy after he was born. I used a numbered blocked template and then added the names in a list alongside the matching number. It was an easy way to get a lot of photos on a page and some text too.

Journaling: Visitors, 1. Daddy, 2. Your Big Sisters, 3. Nani & Pops, 4. Grammy, 5. Granddaddy, 6. Hannah Butler, 7. Peyton & Aunt Jennifer, 8. Uncle Matt, 9. Aunt Katy, 10. The Odom Family, 11. Mema, 12. Great Uncle Greg, October 09

Soundtrack by Yvette Nicholson

Digital Supplies: Paper: Me & My Brother Paper Pack #2 by Creativity by Crystal (Jessica Sprague), Paint Swatch: Photogenic by Paislee Press/Audacious Designs collaboration (OScraps), Photo Frame: Photogenic by Paislee Press/Audacious Designs collaboration (OScraps), Staples: Bookworm by Kasia Designs (store), Software: Adobe Photoshop CS5, Fonts: Rockwell, American Typewriter, Arial Narrow, Harold’s Pips.

Design Notes: I create my own design elements by turning vintage items that I’ve collected over the years into digital files like the index card on this page.

Journaling: 5 years later, these songs still hold true. xoxo