One Page Layout - "New Family Tradition"

I have just one sibling..an older brother. He lives about 3 hours away in Michigan. Our parents are both gone now, so we only have each other as far as our core immediate family. Last year, my brother and sister-in-law joined us for dinner on Christmas day. We had already celebrated with my kids and their families. We had a great time. They just came for the day, but it was nice to have a quiet day catching up with them.

We were in the process of moving the week after Christmas, so this is one of the last formal photos inside our old dining room. The tree on our table was the only tree we had because it just didn't make sense to put one up as we were in the process of packing. It was a crazy time for our family!! Moving is not my favorite!

Since then, my brother and his wife have separated. I'm not sure how that will turn out. Personally, I think they're a great pair, but I have to trust that God will work that out between them. My brother came for Christmas day again this year and we enjoyed his company. This time he was able to spend the night in our guest room at our new house and spend a little more time with us. We loved having him!! I'm sure I'll be scrapping that event in the near future.

I hope that my brother will come down more often now that we have guest space ready and waiting. We are looking forward to hosting family and friends as much as possible! 

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

One page scrapbook layout - "Joy"

Here's another Christmas layout with Heidi Swapp paper and embellies. It's easy to crank out nice looking layouts with a stack of paper that all blends and is easily layered up together.

 We all try to get together and visit my Mom at Christmas. She's three hours away in an assisted living center in Michigan. It's hard to make the trip up there, especially when weather is so unpredictable. She enjoys the craziness of a big group, when we can all make it, although she tires quickly.  It's nice to spend some time with my brother and his wife too! This year my son, Jacob and his GF, Katie came along.

 The ribbon is Celebrate it and the floss from Sew Easy. The title font "Joy" is a great find from the old Wild Card cartridge.

Thanks for stopping by! Stop back tomorrow for another Christmas layout!