Family Layouts

Layouts of my family.

My brother the author



My brother always wanted to publish a book. In 2009 he self published his first book. I am so proud of my brother!

Credits:
-Story time by Britt-ish Designs
-Kylie Anne font by Stolen Moments Designs

Finding Milo



A layout about finding my Great-great-great granfather's grave.

Journaling says:
When I first started researching my family I was very excited to find that my great-great-great Grandfather Milo A. Thompson was a Civil War veteran. Not only did he fight in the Civil War, but served with the 1st Michigan Cavalry. I have always been fascinated with the Cavalry so it was exciting to find that my ancestor had fought with the Cavalry. Since that discovery I had been searching to find where he was buried. One day I came across someone on Ancestry.com that had posted his obituary that stated he was buried in Lewiston, MI. I did some research online and found a cemetery survey that listed both Milo and his wife Ruth. I knew then that I had found him. The text on the grave matched the other information I had about Milo. I was super excited. I decided to wait until the weather was nicer before heading up to Lewiston to see his grave in person . Melinda and I were able to locate the cemetery without much trouble. We knew that he was buried in Block 1 and a nice cemetery employee pointed us in the right direction. It was such an incredible moment actually seeing his grave. Melinda and I thanked him for his service and for his contribution to preserving the Union. Now I want to learn more about where the unit he was with fought and to maybe learn more about his service with the Cavalry.

Credits:
-Made in America by Britt-ish Designs

Sweet Memories of the Goody Closet



Credits:
-Candy Shop by Britt-ish Designs and Sahlin Studio

Mama, I'm coming home



A photo of me on the day I came home from the hospital on the outfit that my Daddy bought for me.

Credits:
-My baby love by Britt-ish Design

Hello sweet baby



This is a redo of an earlier layout. Photos are of my brothers meeting me for the first time at the hospital.

Credits:
-I'll love you forever by Sahlin Studio

A century of life and love



On October 10, 1990 my Great-Grandma turned 100 years old. We had a huge party for her in Panama City Beach, FL. I've wanted to scrap this photo for a while now, but couldn't find the perfect elements. I'm really happy with how this turned out. My Great-Grandma was an amazing woman and I am so thankful I knew her.

Credits
-Paper (recolored), frame, leaves, and flowers from "Ever After" by Matahati Designs
-Ribbon (recolored) from "Heritage Happy" by Erica Zane

1996 memories



The year I turned 16 was 1996.

Journaling Says:
The year that I turned 16 was 1996. There are several events that I remember from that year. In January Michelle Kwan won her first U. S. national championship title skating to Salome. Earlier in the year she had blossomed into a mature artist. Then in March at the World Championships in Edmonton she won her first of 5 World titles. The program was magical! She earned two perfect 6.0’s for the performance. Also at the World Championships Todd Eldredge won in the men’s division. His program was perfect. I remember watching him hit one of his triple axles perfectly with the music. At the end I remember watching him put the medal around his Mom’s neck. It was such a touching gesture. That was one of the best competitions. The summer Olympics that year were in Atlanta and I was glued to the TV, especially during the women’s gymnastics team final. This was back before the Internet and we were completely unspoiled. It was such an exciting competition. When Dominique Moceanu fell on both of her vaults during the final rotation it didn’t look good for Team USA. Then when Kerri Strug fell it felt as if the gold medal was slipping away. Kerri’s final vault was incredible given how injured she was from the previous vault and took guts. It was amazing when the final results were announced. We were all so excited. I had to stay up until the medal ceremony. There is nothing better than seeing the American flag being raised with the Star Spangled banner playing. It was such an exciting night. I was most happy for Shannon Miller. She was such an incredible athlete, especially on beam.

In August I got to see Celine Dion in Concert at Pine Knob. She was great, though she talked a LOT. The best was when she sang her song from the Olympics. I had goose bumps. It was a fabulous concert. She had also released her album “Falling into you” earlier that year, which is my favorite album of hers. It has some amazing tracks, “Because you loved me,” “It’s all coming back to me now,” and “All by myself.” One of my favorite shows in 1996 was Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. In 1996 it was in its fourth season in which Dr. Quinn gave birth to her daughter. In October the Counting Crows released their sophomore album “Recovering the Satellites.” It wasn’t as good as their first album, but had some great tracks on it like “Long December” and “Angels of the Silence.” In November “Star Trek First Contact” came out and I remember going to see it on Christmas with my siblings. It was a great action pack movie. I loved the character of Dr. Zefram Cochrane. That is what I remember from 1996.

Credits:
-Ohana by Britt-ish Designs
-Bunches of Flowers by Britt-ish Designs
-In Stitches: Basics by Britt-ish Designs
-Monstrosity by Britt-ish Designs
-Sunshine in my soul alpha by Britt-ish Designs
-Artistic License by Britt-ish Designs

Time Flies







Some of the things I will remember most about 2008.

Credits:
-Background paper, blue paper, pink paper, green paper, yellow paper, pink ribbon, wordart from "Dragonfly Dreams" by Erica Zane
-White stitches from "Hustle and Bustle" by Britt-ish Designs
-"remember" wordart and darker yellow flower from "The Bright Side by Britt-ish Designs"
-Pink flower from "Pink Eyed Blues" by Erica Zane
-Yellow flower from "Sprite" by Britt-ish Designs and Erica Zane
-Leaves from "Family Affair" by Matahati Designs and Sya's Blueprints

29



I've loved the song "29" since I was about 14 years old and love it even more now that I am 29. The lyrics are so amazing. Photo is from my birthday back in april

Lyrics:
Time won't stand by forever
If I know it's true
And I've learned not to say never
Or else I'll seem the fool
Twenty-nine you'd think I'd know better
Living like a kid
When my lies may seem less than clever
Is when I fall for it

Only time will tell if wishing wells
Can bring us anything
Or fade like scenes from childhood dreams
Forgotten memories

Some rides don't have much of a finish
That's the ride I took
Through good and bad and
straight through indifference
Without a second look

There's no intentions worthy of mention
If we never try
So hang your hopes on rusted-out hinges
Take 'em for a ride

Only time will tell if wishing wells
Can bring us anything
Or fade like scenes from childhood dreams
Forgotten memories
Only time will tell...

Credits:
-Green papers, Stitches, tag, and rope from NEW Basic Training by Denise Beatty Originals
-Flowers, staples, leaves, and alpha from Lets Get Together by Denise Beatty Originals and Erica Zane

An afternoon with Grandma

Wild blue yonder



One of my favorite parts of summer growing up and even now is going to air shows! :smile:

Journaling says:
One of the best parts of summer was always the roar of the jet planes as they whizzed past us at air shows. Each summer we would go to at least one air show. The best were in Dayton, OH. In the early 1990’s the air shows there were HUGE! They had all kinds of different acts from different eras with tons of static displays. They would finish each show with either the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds. We usually would go to the air show on one day and then go to the Air Force Museum on another day. One of the most memorable experiences at Dayton was in 1991 when they had a recreation of Pearl Harbor to honor the anniversary of the attack. It was incredible! Though Melinda and I didn’t really care for the smoke bombs that they used.

We often went to the ones at Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda, MI. These weren’t as big as Dayton’s but so much fun. We were lucky enough to go to the last air show held at Wurtsmith in 1993. It was so sad when the base closed.

One of the most memorable and tragic experiences at an air show was on June 11, 1994 at Selfridge Air National Guard base in Mount Clemons, MI. At about 1:15 pm a pilot flying a Canadair T-33 crashed when his wingtip touch the ground while trying to do a low pass. The pilot was killed in the crash Prior to the crash Melinda and I had gone to use the restrooms and were in line with our backs to what was going on, but without a word we both happened to turn to see the crash. The plane burst into a giant ball of flame and thick black smoke. The crash happened near the runway, which was a blessing that no spectators were injured. We ran back to where Chris was and stood watching in utter disbelief. It was unreal. It took several hours for the show to resume, but when it did the Blue Angels honored the pilot who died with the missing man formation. It was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. It was an experience I have never forgotten.

Air shows have remained a big part of summer for us. Pat, Melinda, and I went to Dayton in 2004 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brother’s first flight. It was the most incredible air show ever! Both the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds performed along with a ton of other fabulous acts. It was such a popular event they ran out of programs, parking, and even toilet paper! They were totally not prepared for the crowds. It was such an amazing experience to be part of the celebration.

Credits:
-Cloud paper, red paper, and frames from Natural Wonders SM Collab
-Staples, string, flag star from Stars and Stripes forever - Scrap Matters Design Team collab kit
-Stars NEW Faith Trust, Pixie dust version 2 by Britt-ish Designs
-White paper from Imperial girl by Britt-ish Designs

All American Girls



Photos of Melinda and I in our sailor suits.

Credits:
-Made in America by Britt-ish Designs

Always believe



Credits:
Explore, learn, grow by Sahlin Studio

Always my friend



My sister and I at Walt Disney World from March 2009. My sister is and has always been my best friend. I really don't know where I would be without.

Journaling says:
I often wonder how I ended up with such an amazing sister. You are such a kind hearted and compassionate person. You’ve always looked up to me even when I thought you were an annoying pest. You always wanted to do everything that I did just to be like me. You’ve always been loyal to me, though sometimes I feel unworthy of such devotion. You always can make me laugh with just a single word or look. You’ve always been there when I’ve needed a shoulder to cry on. You have a way of making the world seem brighter. Just to hear your voice can erase the tears and hurt. You know what lies in my heart and you know me as no one else does. You’ve seen me at my best and at my worst. You have always been willing to forgive all my faults and help me mend my mistakes. So much of who I am is because of you and you will always be apart of who I am. I couldn’t have chosen a better sister. I love you!

Credits:
-"Imperial Girl" by Britt-ish Designs
-"Sisters for life" by Britt-ish Designs
-"All Strung Out (staples)" by Britt-ish Designs
-"We're just dating version 1" by Britt-ish Designs

Family matters

Remembering Anya







Anya was my sister's car and her baby. She got it right before her 18th birthday. She loved that car. It was a very dark day when Anya died. We both have a lot of funny memories of Anya, which I journaled about a few of them. Though there wasn't room to include all the complete stories.

Credits:
By Britt-ish Designs:
-Green paper (recolored) from "Let's Kick It"
-Yellow paper from "Her Royal Highness"
-Brown paper, stitches, and buttons from NEW "Thanks Indeed"
-Brown and yellow ribbons from "My Ribbon Jar"
-White flower from "Tiny Cowgirl
-Keys from "Motor Mania"

Alphas (all were recolored):
-Witchy Woman
-I'm a Dreamer
-Lil Brother
-Fairchild

Beautiful Baby



When I was 10 months old my parents entered me into a beautiful baby contest at the mall and I won! I was the only one who could walk. I won the teddy bear in the photo.

Credits:
-Pink and green papers, flowers, ribbon, stitch frame from "Flower Girl" by Angie Kovacs and Designs by Megan Turnidge
-White frame from "Just Frame Crazy" by Britt-ish Designs
-Messy Masks by Britt-ish Designs
-White paper from "Love Bytes" by Britt-ish Designs
-Wordart tag from Sya's Blueprints' "April Grab Bag"
-Paper Shapers" by Britt-ish Designs
-Alpha from "Far Away Pixie" by Ellie Lash

Beautiful Baby



A photo of my Mom as a baby.

Credits:
-Captured Romance - an SM Designers Collab Kit