Once Upon a Sketch

I am sure everyone has heard of "Once Upon a Sketch" but just in case you haven't you should pop over and have a look. I have been wanting to participate for the longest time. I love Nadia's sketches but I just never have much extra time to do challenge sites. So this month I made it a point to get this layout done and I think I am just minutes shy of the deadline!!!!

I followed Nadia's beautiful sketch for inspiration and the layout and journaling are in answer to the question she asks" What is the best thing about being a woman?"

My layout focuses on what has so richly defined me for the last 16 years ---- Motherhood.

This photo of my youngest daughter and I was taken over this past summer by my now famous friend Gina ( Gina Coppolino Photography) I wish I had known her when my older daughter was a tot. I would have a lot more special photos of her if I had.  I used Prima papers on this layout. The fence was cut on my Silhouette. The vines are a clip art file that Lisa Gregory generously shares on her blog.

I like hidden journaling so I tucked this in behind the scripted circle paper. It reads "My greatest joy as a woman has been the gift of Motherhood. Being a Mom has made me a better person."
It's funny how when I was young, I never wanted to have kids. Then the clock started ticking and so did the desire to have children. My first child came after a heartbreaking miscarraige. The second one didn't come until 11 years later. Bless IVF and the dedicated doctors that assist in making dreams come true. At 25 weeks I went into pre term labor with her and was frightened with my entire being that I was going to lose her. I made it to full term on faith and prayer and when she drives me insane I try to remember what it took to get her here.  Since I have had children I really have become defined by it. The real me is on hold until they grow up!

I love my kids beyond words. There really is no journaling to describe that.