A Heartwarming Memorial Day

Each year we get together as a family and take flowers to the gravesites of our loved ones that have gone on before us. We talk about our family history, patriotism, and the gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women protecting our freedom. I am so grateful to be an American, and grateful for the sacrifices that our servicemen and women and their families make to protect our rights.

Last year, while we were visiting the cemetery I mentally took a step back. I looked out across the cemetery at ALL of the cars and families there visiting. It was heartwarming to see so many people there, gathered together with their extended families remembering their loved ones. Some families were on blankets telling stories about their family members and discussing their pioneer history and I just felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to live in a town where people stop and take the time to REMEMBER. To appreciate. To pay tribute.

I created this layout of our photos from last year’s Memorial Day along with my feelings. I used the May 2013 Scraptastic “After the Storm” kit and Add-On. I love that Jessica includes two of a few of the cardstocks so that you are able to create a double-pager if you would like. I think sometimes we forget that we don’t need two of every patterned paper to create a double pager … you just have to get a little creative with your cuts. 🙂

For example, I knew that I could cut sections out of the multi-floral paper to use on both sides of the page because the pattern isn’t directional. Meaning, I can use it both horizontally and vertically and the pattern appears the same. I cut other patterns into blocks, grouping photos together on each of them, and pieced everything together. Keeping the margins the same across both pages keeps the continuity. I also stretched a band of striped paper across both pages to “connect” them together.

I handcut additional yellow butterflies from the patterned paper and popped them up with foam squares. The enamel dots added to the butterfly centers and arrows add another layer of dimension.