Not So Wordless Wednesday: Ten Reasons I Love You

There is no sound worse to a mother than that of intermittent sobs coming from their child. Especially when they are 11 1/2 yrs old. And no amount of hugs or kisses make it better.

I want my children to be happy, well adjusted individuals. To be free of pain and hurt of all kinds. Unfortunately that is not the way life works. Let's face facts. Kids are mean. And junior high stinks. And my heart is breaking into a million pieces just thinking of the alienation and sadness my pre-pubescent tween is experiencing.

By the way, this is one thing no one ever told me about motherhood. You can see more over at Drama Mama's place. (With a never before seen pic of me as big as a house.)

It was just last year that we learned of little man's NVLD diagnosis. He is an extraordinary child, which makes for more challenges in his little life. This week has been one of those rough weeks for my little man. And I've been racking my brain trying to come up with the perfect way to let him know how special he is and how much he is loved.

Then I saw this idea for an 8x8 book over at Ali Edward's place. Perfect!

You can find a great tutorial by Melissa Speelman over at freckle photo blog.

So I hopped over to designer digitals and put the layered template set in my shopping cart.

And voila.

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(This is about half the size of the actual book.)

And if you make a purchase at Best Buy, you can get a free 8x8 20 page shutterfly book- good for 6 months from date of purchase. (I am actually only doing one 8x8 page for the cover and last page so that it can be just 20 pages and free for my first book.)

I thought this would be a perfect Valentine's gift. But you can't do it for one child and not the other (thank the lord I only have 2), so I threw one together for Pokey too. (I did her's a little different, only using photos and leaving off the frames.)

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So excited to get them printed!

And with the month of love just around the corner, I am excited about this upcoming class that I am enrolled in. Have I mentioned that I HEART holidays?

It is a FREE 28 day class put on by Willette Photography called the Joy of Love. Pop over and check it out.

And before I close, I have to mention those little buttons on the bottom (right above the place to comment.) I am just a little proud of those. I figured that out all. by. myself! Feel free to try it out and make sure it works. Also, if you'd like to have those yourself and don't know how, I shared a tutorial this week. Idiot's Guide to Adding Social Media Buttons to Blogger.

As always, so nice of you to stop by. If you have a photo to share, just link up below.

Wordish WednesdayLive and Love...Out Loudseven clown circusShibley Smiles reviews and giveawaysDagmar's momsense blog button Better in Bulk




83 comments

  1. LOL, love the blue tongue! But that fish pic, fantastic. They'll fantastic, she's adorable!
    Happy WW!

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  2. I hate that your little guy is having a hard time. My youngest is 11 and next year will be Junior High. I am so dreading it. Give him lots of hugs and love and it will work out. I know this is hard for you! Prayers coming your way and I love the books!

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  3. Wonderful article and beautiful children.

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  4. What a great gift and reminder to let your children know how much they are loved! I'm sorry your little man is having a rough time :( Praying it gets better soon!

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  5. Your collages are always so amazing girl! I said a sweet prayer for the little man, Have a wonderful night Alicia!

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  6. This is an amazing gift and your kids will cherish it forever!

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  7. Lisha
    I am sorry to hear about your son and his troubles at school.I imagine the kids love the photo book that you've done for them....so beautiful

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  8. That is an awesome gift idea, and the little ones are so precious! Happy WW.

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  9. I'm sure both of your kids would treasure this book.

    What a great idea and this couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you for sharing!

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  10. My oldest is still only four right now, but there are parts of the coming years that I absolutely dread - mean classmates being one of those things. I think your project looks fantastic and will sure put smiles on their faces!

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  11. Oh my goodness, those are beautiful.
    Teaching that age group, I can say it can be hell how they treat each other.

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  12. goodness how much I know that kids can be mean. I dread my babies starting school because of that reason....
    I do think your books have turned out great though! What a great project!

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  13. Love it!!
    I need to make a collage like that, what a keepsake!
    Great job Alicia!

    Tammi
    http://www.myorganizedchaos.net

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  14. You are such a good mom.
    I am so glad those years are behind us. We survived but my heart broke far too often.
    You just need to be as involved as you can and be sure that things that need to be noticed by authorites GET noticed.

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  15. Your pictures are always amazing and capture the moments perfectly! Your books are going to be wonderful keepsakes for your kids!! You Rock!! ;)

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  16. Your books look INCREDIBLE!!! Sounds like is just what the dr. ordered for your son. My oldest son is also 11.5. School can be tough. My heart aches for him. Hopefully things will look up very soon. Thanks for linking to my site! I was excited to see your books! The photos and layouts are so wonderful! Love those underwater shots!

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  17. My daughter is 11 1/2... this post resonated with me. Yes, nothing worse than our kids sobbing. You are a good mama...

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  18. Great catch, lovely series of shots.

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  19. Wow, those are amazing. Being a great photographer helps! :) sorry to hear little man is having a rough go of things. I hope things improve soon.

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  20. omg! I am in the midst of working on this Ali Edwards 10 Reason I Love you too! Except I'm making mine as a 12x12. Plus, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Kelly's JOY classes. Have you taken her other ones yet? She is the BEST instructor ever!

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  21. This brought tears to my eyes. Just beautiful!!!

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  22. I actually teared up! It's an amazing idea, & your photos are beautiful as always! Happy WW, & thnx for sharing such a wonderful idea! :-))

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  23. These made me cry. What a wonderful gift to give to your children. <3 you

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  24. Kids can be absolutely ruthless! The collages are beautiful though and your little ones are so very lucky to have you.

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  25. Those books are awesome! So cool!

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  26. My oldest is in 6th grade and will start middle school next year. REALLY not looking forward to that. Love the collages. You're a thoughtful mom! :)

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  27. I love Love LOVE this and it is the perfect Valentine's Day gift!! And one that your children will always cherish.

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  28. What a gorgeous gift idea. Do they ship to Australia ?

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  29. wow these are amazing :) what a perfect gift!

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  30. Alicia, so sorry to hear about your son having a rough time :( Hope it will get better really soon. He certainly has a wonderful mom who is always there for him.

    LOVE the collages!

    And oh my word, you added my blog button and didn't even say anything! I'm going to return the favor right now. And thanks for being the first to link up this week :)

    Dagmar
    Dagmar's momsense

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  31. Poor, poor Little Man! That makes me so sad for you both. I know it must be really hard as a mom. We just want to make it all the bad stuff go away, but we can't. Life is so unfair sometimes and people can be so cruel. I hope that things get better for him. If not, I'll gladly drive to Iowa and stink-eye those mean kids to death. :)

    And...

    Speaking of the Best Buy Shutterfly offer, my mom gave me her coupon thingy yesterday! Woohoo! And as for the photography class, I'm so stinkin' psyched! Yay! It should be tons of fun. I hope I survive. lol

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  32. Hi Alicia!
    Great photo ideas! Wow!
    Yes, Jr. High stinks, but just want to tell you both of my sons made it through intact.
    :0) David

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  33. Being the mom of a junior higher is HARD. SO much harder than I thought it would be. Since my oldest is a boy, I admit to being TERRIFIED for a few years from now when my girls are that age. GAH>

    LOVE the books. What a wonderful way remind your kids that you love them!

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  34. How neat! I am def going to have to check this out, although I am guessing it will be pricey for me.... lol

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  35. What a great WW post...I love it!!!

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  36. What a wonderful Idea - and I loved loved reading your guest post. Such beautiful pics!

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  37. You NEVER, EVER cease to amaze me. Always know I'll find not only beautiful photos, but amazing layouts and sweet dedications!

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  38. What a wonderful idea! Your kids are going to LOVE it!

    I may have to try to come up with something like this for my husband. I may do it for my kids in the future, but right now they are a bit young to appreciate it.

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  39. So sorry your son is struggling. That's is so unbelievably hard. For him, and for those who love him, too.

    The books look amazing!

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  40. that is just precious - love the idea! :)

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  41. Another great post and I clicked over to your guest post (the big as a house one!) and that was fabulous too!! My daughter is 14 now and we have moved on to a different set of challenges but those middle school years were so freakin' painful with the peer stuff and the cyberbullying stuff and the drama stuff -- will say some prayers for you!!!

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  42. oh wow... i so love the idea... i would like to try that out sometimes too :)

    thanks for the linky party :)

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  43. I'm such a sap, I got choked up looking at these. What a sweet and beautiful gesture for your kids to treasure.

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  44. What a beautiful gift for your kids, no matter the reason!

    I am SO dreading the middle school years - we're a couple of years away still with our oldest, but I know it's coming soon. :(

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  45. that is a fantastic gift idea!

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  46. "I love you because you love your brother" Sigh. That's my favorite :)

    Hope you're doing good - I feel like we never talk anymore and I miss you!

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  47. Love Ali's little albums and your version has turned out fantastic!! Thanks for the headsup on the Best Buy deal...I'll have to check it out. :> Hope your week has been a good one so far!

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  48. these are so great, so creative! the image of her twirling in her red skirt's my favorite! i want to make one for my hubby & kiddos... thanks so much for sharing & happy WW!

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  49. Oh that is just fab!
    What a wonderful idea!!!
    I love it.
    Love it.
    Soooo sad that little man is having a rough time :(
    Just as well he has a mommy like you, aye??
    You are his soft place to fall.
    HUGS
    xx

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  50. Your so creative!! I love the collage! Your kids are totally cute!!

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  51. What an awesome idea!! You are a great mom!

    Happy WW!

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  52. Alicia you are an absolutely awesome mom, your children are so fortunate to have you. I had to look up NLD. You'd never know it from his photographs, he looks so active, athletic, expressive, loving, and outgoing. And your daughter too. Your kids are gorgeous. I think the book is a great idea so they can see themselves the way others do as super special. The world is a big scary place especially new schools coupled with the changes and adjustments that occur with tweens. Your little man is going to be fine though because he has your love and support.
    My daughter tells her not qite 2 year old when she gets frustrated and cries. "Use your words" Ironic becasue she has been teaching her to sig since she was born, but it's about communication tools I suppose. You effectively communicate love and that is the most important tool of all when raising children. Everything else is secondary. The ability to love is the greatest of all achievements.

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  53. Jellybean will be 11 in April and start Jr High next year. I think I like calling it Middle School better, but it really is Jr High, isn't it. *sigh*

    I gave my parents a gorgeous shutterfly book for Christmas 2009. IT was absolutely gorgeous. I LOVE your ideas!

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  54. Oh, wow, those are so beautiful! What a great idea. Can someone make one for me? :)

    Visiting from Hobo Mama and Natural Parents Network!

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  55. Junior High is tough. I dread those years.

    I love your gifts to your kids. What a sensational way to make them feel special while sharing gorgeous photos and memories. Your a great mom. :-)

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  56. This is the best WW post! Your words to your kids are touching and beautiful. My WW was inspired by one you did a couple Wednesdays ago, cousins who are good friends.

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  57. Ugh! Sorry your son is having a hard time. Kids can definitely be mean. what a beautiful and awesome gift that you have done for them! <3 it!

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  58. Very cool collage! I love the underwater shot. Hope the meanies stay away.

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  59. Sorry your son is going through a rough time. Love the photo book idea. I'm stealing it for sure.

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  60. LOVE these collages!! SO totally beautiful :)

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  61. This breaks my heart! I have 2 kids in junior high, and it is such a tough age. I love your gift idea, I'm going to do this for my own kids. What a wonderful way to let them know how special they are!

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  62. Seriously love that book. And, good for you for figuring out the button thingy. I love it when my fellow Dumb Mom's drop knowledge on people!

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  63. This is an AMAZING idea and book to give your kid! So sorry he's going through a rough time. I personally believe teenagehood is difficult for everyone, and every kid has his or her challenges. They all suck. Your son is so lucky to have you and your family behind him and supporting him and fighting for him. ((((hugs))))

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  64. Oh my goodness! I am in love with those layouts!

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  65. Love the collages! Really creative, personal and beautiful.

    I am sorry to read about your son. My brother was badly bullied back at school and it seemed like an endless battle. I still remember how sad he was and how it affected the whole family. Kids are really mean! It's unbelievable. I do hope the situation will get solved, in one way or the other. With my brother's case, the only thing that truly worked was when my mother went and personally addressed the bullies one day. Everything else had been tried: from meetings at school to calling parents. Take care. Wishing you strenght!

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  66. Kids ARE mean, and I'm so sorry your son is going through that right now. :-( I was picked on and bullied a lot in school and I know from experience how horrible it can make you feel. I hope this doesn't last long for him.

    Great gift idea!

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  67. It's a shame that kids are so cruel. I hope things work out soon.

    I love your books and I so appreciate your sharing the free workshop link and your knowledge. I can use all the help I can get.

    Thanks so much for everything and I look forward to next WW.

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  68. I love what you are doing for your kids. Those book covers are just priceless. I wish this stuff had been available when we were kids!!! How wonderful that your kids will have all these cherished memories to share with their kids!

    Great attitude for dealing with the trauma of middle school.

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  69. This is such a great idea. Your photos are so terrific and will be lasting memories.

    Thanks for sharing all you do.

    Happy WW!

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  70. i love all of your pictures...
    and i love this book!!!!
    thanks...
    i could not post my link..
    but here it is:
    http://jumpin-beans.blogspot.com/2011/01/ww-we-love-to-color-and-be-outside.html

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  71. LOVE them! I'm going to look into doing that book for my son and his Birthday or his Gotcha Day (the day we brought him home). :)

    These are amazing photos as usual. ;)

    Kim

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  72. What a wonderful book. I hope Junior High gets easier. It really does suck.

    Lots of yummy love,
    Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner
    www.mawhats4dinner.com

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  73. Ugh. I hate kids. I mean, I love kids...but I hate them for how hurtful they can be. My heart breaks for your boy.

    Your kids are so beautiful - I know I've said this before, but it bears repeating. And the books you made are beautiful, too. You're a great mama, and your kids are so lucky.

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  74. Ha, ha! Anything but wordless - But great post!

    Thanks!

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  75. I am sorry to hear about the trouble your son is having...one of the reasons I'm glad I home school. We never have to deal with that in school nonsense.

    Your collages are so beautiful!!! and your buttons! Ya! I have been wondering how to do that.

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  76. oh, these are all so gorgeous!!!

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  77. You are SOOOOO talented! I hope this really cheers up your son! Poor guy. Junior high has always sucked and always will....

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