Jennifer Smith

Military Moments Family Tree Journal

When thinking about all my blessings during Thanksgiving, I always count my family as a huge blessing.  I am extrememly blessed to have a rather large, close, loving family.  We all live in the same county and get together often.  Some families aren't as fortunate as I am, that's why I thank God everyday for my family.

When Thena Smith released her newest book, "Military Moments," I knew immediately that I had to do something with that book.  Several members of my family have served in various branches of the US Military, so, I realized that I needed to honor each and everyone of them.  I came up with the idea of  "Family Tree" Journal.  Using Thena's Poems, my pictures, and letters from members of my family, I created this little journal to honor the men in my family who have proudly served. 

I hope this journal honors them in a way that makes them proud, and I also hope that future generations of my family will be added to this journal, and the stories and memories of our Military Family Tree will never be forgotten, because of this journal.

Military Moments Family Tree Journal Pictures

MATERIALS:
Board Book (I used the 8 x 6 size)
12 x 12 patterned paper
8 x 8 solid cardstock
8 x 8 textured cardstock
Silver Brads (star shaped and round)
Gold Brads (star shaped and round)
Black Brads (round
Pewter Brads (round
Black Metal Photo Anchors
Ribbon
Metal Photo Frame Embellishments
Patritic Wooden Embellishments
Patriotic Punch - Out Cardboard Embellishments
Chipboard Alphabet Stickers
Patriotic Metal Embellishment Stickers
Patriotic Dimensional Stickers
Patriotic Stickers
Punch Out Cardstock Alphabet Letters
White Gel Pen
Staples
Military Moments by Thena Smith from Bluegrass Publishing
Limited Edition Military Vellums by Bluegrass Publishing
Envelopes (vellum, white, and ivory)

TOOLS USED:
Paper Cutter (Fiscars)
Personal Trimmer (Creative Memories)
Stapler
Scrapbook Scissors (Cutter Bee)
Alphabet Stamper
Ink Pads
Sponge
Paper Distressor (Stampin' Up)
Corner Tag Punch (Stampin' Up)

ADHESIVES USED:
Small Xyron Create A Sticker
Xyron 900
Permanent Mono Adhesive

STEPS:
Embellish your journal with souvenirs, letters, awards, purchased embellishments, or other memorabalia that are special to that military "hero".

I chose four pages for each military family member.  On each of my four page layouts, I included a picture page, a "name" page, a journal page, as well as a page for a poem, from "Military Moments".  To make my journaling page, I chose white and ivory card stock, cut down to fit my page, then attached an envelope to match the card stock so that members of my family can write and place their memories in the envelope.  That prevents things from getting lost, and also allows more people to contribute to the journal.  I also included pages in the front of the book for names of family members to be written keeping record of all who serve.

In this particular board book I purchased, there were 60 blank pages.  I only decorated a few as examples of what could be done using Thena Smith's newest release, "Military Moments".

Download military_family_tree_journal.doc 

Christmas is Coming

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, can you believe it?  Where has the time gone this year?  Hopefully you all have your plans ready for tomorrow and will be making wonderful new memories with family and friends.

I will be doing most of the cooking for tomorrow, I'm getting started tonight so that I will not be as stressed tomorrow.  After we eat, my mom and I are going to be making her Christmas Cards.  I am excited, I don't know about her.

I have found a new item that is absolutely wonderful for those Christmas Greetings.  Sharon Hammond has created a Digital CD for Christmas Cards.  This CD is awesome!  She has the outside competely finished, all you have to do is print the cards out on cardstock, score them, write a little note on the inside and you are done!!!  What could be easier? 

Check her CD out at BluegrassPublishing.com.  I made samples with her cards and have them posted in my photo album.

Thanks Sharon for this awesome CD!  I hope to see more things from you soon!