almost Christmas in july!

I can't believe it's time for a (late) ADVENTure post! it seems like our summer days are passing by so quickly.

check, check in july:

* three additional dish cloths for the collection

* updated gift list with new ideas

* assembled a 2011 holiday album

* knitting still in progress

* Christmas card photo of boys

each year the "December Daily" scrapbook theme always draws me in. but considering that I finished my 2009 December Daily album just a few short months ago, I haven't been very successful at completing them. this year I chose a simpler route.

I had all the supplies on hand and spent a few hours on a saturday bringing the elements together:

1. K&Company red cloth album from Target

2. favorite holiday scrapbook papers and stickers from my stash

I'm trying to simplify all aspects of my life right now... so I kept this album very simple and uncluttered. I used a 4x6 photo as a guide to cut a matting template for each page. the same size photo mat was attached to each page adding additional papers and stickers where I could.

when the holiday photos start flying in, I'll adhere them to the pages, add the story, and call it done. I'm learning that capturing single moments and telling individual stories is more valuable to me (and hopefully to my family) than showcasing multiple pictures of one event.

and this project is still on the needles, new needles I should say. after finishing and frogging one, because I didn't check gauge before starting...I'm back on track and will share soon!

tips of the month:

you may want to visit monika's blog for some awesome Christmas In July ideas! this post was one of my favorites.

if you enjoy sending out photo Christmas cards, think about taking your photo during the summer! a picture of the kids or the entire family at your weekend cottage, vacation destination, beautiful garden, or favorite family summer spot can easily check one additional holiday stress of your list! we already have ours!!

just a note of thanks:

I continue to be so thankful for those of you taking this year-long journey with me and leaving such wonderfully nice comments! I hope you're celebrating your successes and wish you a productive and fun month of august! now don't forget to link up your ADVENTure posts here: