I’ve made my list, and I’ve checked it more than twice. Last year was definitely a year filled with all kinds of memories—and even some tough challenges. Regardless of which, I had plenty to scrap about. I hope you were able to scrapbook the moments that defined your life this past year.
If you haven’t had the chance, it’s not too late to create a layout with a snapshot of the highlights from your year, just as Noel Cutbertson did on this page.
"I Heart this Life" by Noel Culbertson, as seen in the Decemer 2009 issue of Creating Keepsakes
Memories from 2009 can be a constant reminder of what’s really important in our lives and a motivation to focus on the little pleasures in life. Lori Anderson’s “Yes” layout is a great example.
"Yes" by Lori Anderson, as seen in the February 2009 issue of Creating Keepsakes
By documenting everyday routines, we can’t help but realize all the blessings we have in our lives! I love Becky Higgins’ “Celebrating the Everyday” layout. It showcases personalities, favorites, routines, and the love of family.
"Celebrating the Everyday" by Becky Higgins, as seen in the August 2009 issue of Creating Keepsakes
Speaking of celebrating, it’s also important to record the celebrations, holidays, and milestones throughout the year. I love how Lynn Ghahary scrapped a family holiday tradition.
"Santa's Visit" by Lynn Ghahary, as seen in the December 2009 issue of Creating Keepsakes
For more ideas on scrapbooking a a year in review, check out the “Scrapbook a Year of Memories in One Night” article in the December 2009 issue of Creating Keepsakes.
Year-in-Review Giveaway
Speaking of the year in review, we have some great product from American Crafts and Glitz Design released in 2009, and we’d love to give it to you! Leave a comment on this post by January 4, 2010, and share your favorite memory from 2009. You could be one of five randomly selected winners!
From all of us at Creating Keepsakes magazine to all of you, have a happy holiday! May 2010 bring even more great memories—and cute scrapbooking products to use on our layouts.
—Joannie McBride, assistant editor
Seeing Disney World at Christmas time is a lovely site and swimming in winter was really novel for the kids…plus seeing my kids’ holiday concerts at school was cool.
2009 was a roller-coaster year for me and my family, a lot of things going on, feelings and memories…
And my best memory was this past November, the day my sister graduated as an Engineer
I’m so proud of her, she is my baby sister (I’m 4 years older) and I still remember the day she was born, when she was finally brought home and when I got to hold her for the first time…
Anyway, on her graduation day, we said bye at lunch since she needed to arrive earlier than us and we would meet up later. We arrived there, and as soon as the ceremony took place that I saw my baby sister (I still see her as a 2 year old with her spiky pony tails) wearing her graduation cap and gown, well… I started crying, a happy crying, I was so overwhelmed to finally see her as a grown up that I couldn’t avoid the tears… when I turned around my mom was standing behind me, thanking me for helping her be the big sister… (so that you know, when C was born, my mom told me very seriously “This is C, your little sister; from now on you are the big sister and that means that you have to keep being the good girl you are, because you will be her example, and she will copy you in everything you do. You have to take care of her, because once mommy and daddy are in heaven that you two are grown ups and have your own kids, the only thing that you will have left from us, is one another; she will be your best friend from now on, and remember, she already loves you.” I just smiled at my mom, for giving me the best present ever.
I would say my favorite memories of 2009 would be seeing my daughters in their school concerts. My youngest daughter with her cello solo and my eldest daughter singing and doing “a little dance” during her choir concert. I am so proud of both of my girls!
Favorite memory – being published in CK, of course!
Favorite memory – being published in CK, of course!
I am SO doing this! Thanks for the great idea!
My favorite memory of 2009 is seeing my son and daughter become friends. They are 2 and 4 and their relationship has really grown. Nothing melts my heart like seeing them hug each other.
fav memory of 2009—moving my classroom back to the garage for GOOD:)
My favorite memory of 2009 is when my dear friend visited me and we had a weekend of good ole girl time! It was extra special b/c i had had a hard year of Breast Cancer and 5 surgeries -so we were celebrating that I am a survivor! Lots of good family memories too and on to better ones in 2010!
Another wonderful year of memories! It went by way too fast for me, so I am looking forward to a slower moving 2010!
Favorite Memory – cruise to the Mexican Riviera with my man.
As this was the first year of our marriage so I enjoyed every moment what we had together with my husband. I am from Latvia in EU but my husband is US citizen. So it also meant my moving to USA. Everything there was different but I enjoyed to start that life together with him. The best memories still we both have from OBX. We spent there vacation at the ocean and enjoyed great walks together. I loved all the sunsets and sunrises together what we spent at that time.
My favorite memory was when my daughter first started walking. She looked so cute as she took her first tiny steps. I always wanted her to walk before she was 1 but it doesn’t matter anymore.
My favorite memory of 2009 is time spent with my family. My Dad died this year unexpectedly. I cherish the time I spend with my Mom, sister and her family. We don’t know what the future holds.
Favorite memory… Watching my son be the starting quarterback for his freshman football team. First time ever playing football! Wow, I was so proud of his hard work and determination. I can’t wait to scrap the memories! Lots to look forward to in 2010!
Family camping trips were definitely a highlight of 2009. But I also really enjoyed sitting with the family on New Year’s Eve and looking through my completed Project365 album to see a photo representing every day of this past year. What a great way to remember the small things!
best thing in 2009 would definately have to be becoming parents and watching our little boy grow and change every day!
My favorite memories are about my kids this year – my daughter blossoming at her new school, my son “graduating” from early intervention because he had progressed so well!
My favorite memories are about my kids this year – my daughter blossoming at her new school, my son “graduating” from early intervention because he had progressed so well!
The best memory for 2009 was the return of my husband from Iraq and the family vacation we took just after. I’m looking forward to a quieter year coming up.
2009 was the year of my 15th wedding anniversary when my husband surprised me with a trip to Great Britain, just the two of us. It was the best thing ever.
I love the idea of having one page with a picture for each month. I’m so going to try that. Thank you!
2009 was a fun, bittersweet year for me and my family. Not only were there calamities galore in the Philippines, which, thankfully we were spared, but it was also a year full of goodbyes and hellos.
We moved into our new home, our very own cozy little next, which is the highlight of the year. But in juxtaposition, although it is a good thing that my sister-in-law and the kids are finally reunited with my older brother in the US who’s in the Navy, we miss them dearly and life has definitely gotten a lot quieter around here.
It was sad to say goodbye to friends who’ve migrated and are now living in other countries and even painful to see long-lost classmates who only came home because their dad is sick with cancer.
It feels that at the start of 2010, there has to be lots and lots of healing first before the good things can start coming in.
But, as always, I am filled with hope and faith that God will find a way to make everything amazing.
My favorite memory of 2009 was definitly our vacation at ile d’oleron in France. Loved the sunfilled days, spending lots of time on the beach. Just relaxing. Bye Irene
My favorite memory for 2009 was my husband and I went on a back road trip through Indianas’ Amish country in our RV. We stop at many Amish homes and did some shopping in their barns, wood sheds and even were invited into their homes to purchase candles and homemade preserves. It was so amazing to see how some can live such simple and uncomplicated lives – it was definitely amazing.
I can never get enough Glitz or American Crafts!!!
My favorite memory from 2009 was meeting Elizabeth Kartchenr at her book signing, it was a highlight for sure!!!!
Watching my girls learning to love the water this summer was a highlight since I am not all the comfortable swimming, I want to make sure they are great swimmers!
I have to say that CKU Nashville has to be one of the best memories of the year. My “Dorn” and I just love each other and have SO MUCH fun together. We would all be so ready to do it again if CKU was offered in the future (hint, hint). I’m still on cloud nine from winning runner-up in the layout contest – and am still singing the occasional verse from “Scrap Girls Gone Wild.” Thanks CKU for the memories!
When me card won a evening dress challenge on the Moxie Fab’s blog
Watching my 2 DS’s discover new things this past year has been my favorite memories of 2009. With my boys being 1 & 6, each boy had new adventures & discoveries.
A very favorite memory was the trip my husband and I took to Hawaii to celebrate our 25th anniv. It was a wonderful time and look forward to going back soon.
Favorite Memory….trip to myrtle beach..so fun
Best memory … reunion with the college girlfriends. Even after marriages/divorces/new jobs/babies and life, things are still the same as they were nearly 20 years ago. What a blessing!
Best memory … reunion with the college girlfriends. Even after marriages/divorces/new jobs/babies and life, things are still the same as they were nearly 20 years ago. What a blessing!
First Communion of oldest son? – nope
vacation to the beach? – nope
16th wedding anniversary? – nope
Best memory – all the goofiness my friends and I created with Twilightmania! Such a silly relief from the world’s seriousness.
My favorite memory from 2009 is watching my 11 year old son pass his 2nd Degree Black Belt test in Taekwondo. I am in awe of his perseverance and commitment to this sport at such a young age!
My Best memory is a simple one…my family spent the day at a park by the river, the day before my oldest moved to another state…we had a picnic, threw frisbee, took family pics, and just enjoyed each other. It was wonderful.
Now that I’m back in a rural setting instead of Suburbia, I enjoy coming home after dark, getting out of my car, and gazing up at the canopy of dark sky sprinkled with stars. It’s just awesome! That’s one of my fondest memories of 2009.
Beats all the stuff I’d rather not remember such as some of the trials of moving, building, being states away from spouse/kids at times, and temporary living quarters in a VERY old but very loved house. Thankful for simple things that make me smile like the snoring cat by my side or the Xmas lights strung by the kids’ mirrors to light their rooms until I go to bed.
My vacation in South Africa in december… fantastic country and fantastic people
My best memorie this year is my second boy going to preschool… he was so happy
Thanks for this great giveaway
My best memory for 2009 : my 40th birthday … i’m young anymore
For 2009, my best memory is my holidays in Portugal this summer
My best memory of 2009 was my father visiting our family in October. Little did I know it would be the last time I saw him. He passed away on January 10, my birthday.
We had so much fun during his visit. We saw lots of sites and just enjoyed his company. I miss him so much, especially with the first anniversary of his passing coming near.
Hands down, our trip to Australia was the best memory of 2009! I will remember it always!! It was an absolute blast, trip of a lifetime!
My favorite memory this year was on our family trip to California. The kids saw the ocean for the first time and played on the beach. They would run out and the waves would chase them back, giggling with glee!
My favorite memory this year was on our family trip to California. The kids saw the ocean for the first time and played on the beach. They would run out and the waves would chase them back, giggling with glee!
Nice way to start the year, THANKS!! Ohhh, to choose just one memory… It would have to be the day that I took my daughter to go rock diving, I was the oldest mom out there taking the leap but I could tell that my daughter was proud!
my fav memory was trick or treating with my son.
2009 was a very blessed year and we are looking forward to an amazing 2010!
2009 was a very blessed year and we are looking forward to an amazing 2010!