Confessions of a slacker mom

You know, in the scrapbooking world, I'm a failure thus far as far as parenting and the fall season goes.

It's just assumed that a good scrapper will take their young child to a pumpkin patch and take some glorious pictures of him enjoying the pumpkins and the fall air (and he just happens to be dressed in a color that will not only perfectly compliment the pumpkins, but will also perfectly match some fall patterned paper that is already picked out for the occasion.)

I'm also supposed to take pictures of him playing in a pile of leaves, wearing a sweater and maybe a cute little hat, cheeks pink because of the cold air but a huge smile on his face none-the-less.

And you know, if I REALLY loved my child I would have bought a pumpkin or two and let him help me carve a face into it (snapping pictures all the while).

And the ultimate sin for a scrapper -- I didn't take my child Trick-or-Treating. I didn't waste money on a costume he would wear only once, then take him trudging about town for candy I would prefer he not have. I didn't dress him up and take dozens of pictures to ensure I have enough great ones for the perfect two-page layout. I just didn't FEEL like it. It's kind of a dumb holiday, and although it's fun for older kids who actually know what's going on, Jake had NO IDEA what he was missing, and would have had no idea what we were out doing. I realized the only reason I would even CONSIDER dressing him up and going Trick-or-Treating would be so I could take pictures for his scrapbook. And that's a pretty dumb reason for celebrating a holiday. So we stayed in and had a relaxing night.

You know, had I not given it to myself, I might have my "Queen of all things scrapbooking" title taken away from me. At least I have Thanksgiving coming up to redeem myself.

Comments

[Sue]

You're definitely not a slacker mom - if people ask, you can say you went 'all Australian' this Halloween and didn't even acknowledge it, just like us! Your scrapbook pages are amazing, Jen - I am in total awe of you and wish I had the dedication and skill to do the same myself.

[emily]

You better hurry!

[Jen A]

So what kind of slacker does that make me if I don't scrapbook at all?! ;-)

[Tanya]

I have been slacking so BAD with my scrapbooking. It is hard to believe that a year ago I was a creative memories consultant doing very well in the buisness and keeping up with my books. When we moved-- I packed away all my supplies and have yet to open them and stopped being a consultant. Eck--- I need to get my butt in gear and start scrapping. What kind of photo paper do you suggest using for digital pictures??? I have 100's of pictures to print up but dont want to use photo paper that will fade in 10 years!

[Jen_Jake'smom]

I take my pictures on a CD to Walgreens and use their kiosk. It works really well, and I think the quality is close to regular photo printing. Printing photos at home is a waste of time and money, unless you're printing them a special size for scrapbooking (I print all my 4x6's at Walgreens, and anything I've formatted for smaller or if I need bigger, I print it on Lou's gma's printer. Just buy the paper at Walmart -- make sure it's a brand that is known for photos, like Kodak or Fuji. And if you DO print at home, never scrimp on ink! Always buy name-brad ink. That's what I've been told!)

Jen