A woe is me post

[scraphappy]

Scrapbooking is my passion. I think about it everyday, layouts, all the wonderful ribbon and how I want to use it, embellishments, and of course all the glorious paper. I have my camera in my purse so I can catch those unexpected moments and then immediately plan the layout or title for it.

Yet, I can't really call myself a scrapbooker. I can probably count the layouts I do in a YEAR on my fingers and toes. And, most of them are done at the CM retreat. I vow each year to make more time for scrapbooking. After all, I deserve a little time doing something that I truly enjoy. But, another year has gone by and still I can count my layouts on my fingers and toes.

I told myself the problem was that I just didn't have a good stash of supplies to be able to just jump up and do a page or two. So, I joined a monthly kit club (which I love) so I could easily take it and have everything already matching for me. That was a great idea I thought, but why are they all still sitting there in their bags. Only opened once, so I could oh and awe over them. I've really enjoyed stamping and have been eating up these CTMH stamps. I keep buying them, even though I don't use them much.

I also told myself that it's because I'm living out of my crop bag at the kitchen table. So, I get a desk and set it up in my room. I unpack my crop bag and organize my stuff. Which felt wonderful by the way, just looking and holding my scrap supplies. I haven't done a single page at that desk. I don't like sitting in my bedroom. It's become a place I really don't like.

Now, we are building onto our house, FINALLY!!! We are adding on 3 more bedrooms, 1 for Devin, 1 for Kyle and 1 for a scraproom. Yep, you read that right. A scraproom for ME!!! I've been trying to plan it all in my head and getting sooooo excited about it. It's going to be the upstairs bedroom so I can have some peace and quiet. I'll plan whole days to where I can just scrap all day.

But who am I kidding? Will I ever really use it to scrap, or will it become a junk room. How can I be upstairs if I have Kyle with me? Maybe I should try to talk Roman into moving upstairs into that room instead. But then, there goes the idea of peace and quiet.

I want and NEED to make the time for scrapbooking!! I know this, so why can I not seem to do it? How can I have this kind of passion for something I seldom do? So now, I'm fighting a scary feeling of being down when I think about scrapbooking.

[NoelF]

Hugs Tracey!

I think we all go through dry spells (yes, some longer than others ) but it's normal. You are a busy Mama! You work a full time job and you come home to 3 boys who want you. It is a season so don't fret!

As for the scraproom... do you think you would get more use if it was on the main floor? That way you could pop in and scrap here and there. But if you want the privacy upstairs keep it there.

When you design it how about including a TV. You could have bean bag chairs for the boys. Also have a place for bins of toys. When my girls were younger that was how I was able to scrap since my area shares the TV/toy area.

I have found that sometimes when I'm in my "dry" times I need to actually schedule scraptime. Maybe you need to tell M that on Saturdays from 10-12 (or whatever time) that you are going to scrap!

[JTHmom]

{{HUGS}} Tracey! I really don't have any advice for you. I couldn't imagine what it must be like to have 3 boys, a fulltime job, a home to run and a dh to care for and STILL have time for scrapbooking. It must be stressful to not have some time just for yourself. I hope you find some time to practice your passion instead of only dreaming about it~~ More {{HUGS}}

[punkin]

I so know the feeling. It's just so overwhelming to get started sometimes.

[rae]

Tracey, pack up that crop bag and head my way. Let's plan a get together, when you will be free. Maybe several of us can all get together and spend a day scrapping. Please look at your schedule and let's plan to meet up soon. I'm totally serious. I have three work tables in my garage, just steps away from my scrap table, ready to set up in the house. Bring your stuff and let's play!

About the room, I'd look at the floor plans and figure out where you spend the most time. Also, think about if it's feasible to scrap near sleeping kids, or playing active kids, or if you will hate being out of earshot while you scrap. Whatever answers you come up with, that should determine where you have your scraproom. I am loving my area just off the kitchen. I can feel like I'm still a part of things, even though I have my own space to work in.

[FlaMom]

i don't have much advice since you don't get any support or encouragement to take "ME" time. if he was onboard w/ that, you'd do better, i think.

your other comment made me sad. i'd hoped things were better. i'm sorry.

[scraphappy]

Tracey, pack up that crop bag and head my way. Let's plan a get together, when you will be free. Maybe several of us can all get together and spend a day scrapping. Please look at your schedule and let's plan to meet up soon. I'm totally serious. I have three work tables in my garage, just steps away from my scrap table, ready to set up in the house. Bring your stuff and let's play!

Michael just called me, so I asked him about taking a trip up. He, of course wasn't real thrilled. He mentioned that I have the retreat in 2 months for that. I mentioned that it would be nice for my birthday weekend, but alas he disagree's. Would your dh be there to entertain M? Would he be willing to? I think he would be more willing to listen if there was something in it for him as well.

i don't have much advice since you don't get any support or encouragement to take "ME" time. if he was onboard w/ that, you'd do better, i think.

I think you have hit the nail on the head. That statement has made me think that maybe my woe is more about dh than scrapping. And, my phone call with him a few minutes ago confirms that.

your other comment made me sad. i'd hoped things were better. i'm sorry.

It was better for a while. I'm not sure what has changed other than the pressure, pressure, pressure since I've been home.

[Nank]

My Scrap room is upstairs. When my DS was little I was up there while he napped. Those were the days!!!! Now that he is older I have a desk up there for him. He hangs out with me for a while. I've got old ugly slab paper , markers, crayons, stamps, stickers, etc. I don't get alot of actually scrapping done but I can sort pictures, organize, put some page kits together. But he is also old enough now to be downstairs for a little bit while I still stay upstairs.

Its very exciting to get your own scrap room! You should do it up. Did you see Noel's or Andiamo's or Lotte's. Their excellent. Why not do that for yourself?

I have also not been scrapping that much and I've got 1 kid and no job, so don't be so hard on yourself. My mojo comes and goes all of the time.

[hopie]

I know your feeling. I just can't seem to take time for myself to scrap. Yet, I can take time for everybody else and their family. I think I did one layout last year.

[SayCheese]

Tracey ((((HUGS)))) I can feel the stress in your post and I'm so sorry you are feeling so cruddy; may this "season" pass quickly for you, Hon!!

My SB area is in my bedroom and sometimes on Saturday mornings S&S will watch cartoon on my bed while I do a little scrapping. Gouda has *really* gotten into doing her own scrapping, but there's very limited space for her at my little desk.