The pattern for the Reading Bear can be found in the next two images in this gallery. I originally created this layout in 2001. I have given it a 2009 makeover for this gallery. The article that this layout went with originally was about how our focus changed after the tragic events of 9-11. Here is the text of that article:
Recording Important Moments in Your Scrapbook
In the days and now months following the horrific events of September 11th, we have heard many times that things will never be the same again, that America has lost a certain innocence, that we have been given a new view of our world. As I talk to scrapbookers all over the country, I hear stories about how indeed our lives have changed, but perhaps in many ways for the better. How has your focus changed over the last few months?
While reflecting on this question, I think back to a memorial service that my husband and I attended for Todd Beamer. Todd lost his life while heroically challenging the hijackers of the United flight that eventually crashed in rural Pennsylvania. Todd and his wife, Lisa, graduated from Wheaton College with the same class as my husband and me. Our ten year class reunion was scheduled for late September and at that time our class chose to honor Todd's memory with a service. While there was a heavy sense of loss for Todd's family and friends, there was also a challenge issued to our class via a letter from Todd's father. In it, he stated that (quoting from memory), "Today is a second commencement for the class of 1991, a new beginning. Go forward and focus on the things that are truly important in your lives."
With this as our goal, my family has made a concentrated effort to cherish the time that we spend together. My husband has especially renewed his goal to spend many quality moments with our young daughters as they grow up way too quickly. I have seen several times over the last few months that one of our daughters will say, "Daddy, will you play a game with me?" or "Dad, can we read a story?" and no matter how busy he has been, he takes the time with his girls. This layout, titled "Reading With Dad" reminds me of his resolve to treasure family times.
Has your focus been renewed or altered in a positive way since 9-11? Have you decided to go ahead with a long held dream? Or have you simply re-evaluated the importance of the things that have been taking up so much time in your life? Consider finding a way to capture this resolve on a scrapbook page.
Recording Important Moments in Your Scrapbook
In the days and now months following the horrific events of September 11th, we have heard many times that things will never be the same again, that America has lost a certain innocence, that we have been given a new view of our world. As I talk to scrapbookers all over the country, I hear stories about how indeed our lives have changed, but perhaps in many ways for the better. How has your focus changed over the last few months?
While reflecting on this question, I think back to a memorial service that my husband and I attended for Todd Beamer. Todd lost his life while heroically challenging the hijackers of the United flight that eventually crashed in rural Pennsylvania. Todd and his wife, Lisa, graduated from Wheaton College with the same class as my husband and me. Our ten year class reunion was scheduled for late September and at that time our class chose to honor Todd's memory with a service. While there was a heavy sense of loss for Todd's family and friends, there was also a challenge issued to our class via a letter from Todd's father. In it, he stated that (quoting from memory), "Today is a second commencement for the class of 1991, a new beginning. Go forward and focus on the things that are truly important in your lives."
With this as our goal, my family has made a concentrated effort to cherish the time that we spend together. My husband has especially renewed his goal to spend many quality moments with our young daughters as they grow up way too quickly. I have seen several times over the last few months that one of our daughters will say, "Daddy, will you play a game with me?" or "Dad, can we read a story?" and no matter how busy he has been, he takes the time with his girls. This layout, titled "Reading With Dad" reminds me of his resolve to treasure family times.
Has your focus been renewed or altered in a positive way since 9-11? Have you decided to go ahead with a long held dream? Or have you simply re-evaluated the importance of the things that have been taking up so much time in your life? Consider finding a way to capture this resolve on a scrapbook page.