Memory Album

Last week my uncle passed away suddenly. He has been battling diabetes for about twenty years. It had gotten so bad that he had lost one of his legs. He was about to lose the other one when he had a heart attack. We were all quite shocked by the events of last week. Comfort in family helped us get through the funeral. Getting together with family and reminiscing about good times and some not so good helped start the healing process. My uncle's granddaughter had the courage to speak during the mass about her grandfather and about how much he will be missed. She will be putting together a memory album about her grandfather, my uncle. I thought that the Metro album would be perfect for this. We chose a color that suited my uncle's personality. We are gathering pictures and other momentos that remind us about what a great man my uncle was. We may shed some tears while composing the album, but it will help all of us in the long run. Part of therapy is letting go of the hurt and anger about losing a loved one. Creating the memory album is a positive way of doing this. Plus having the memory album will remind us of what a great man he was and will always be.
A few years ago I put together a memory album for my mother. It was a gift for mother's day. Although the album was filled with pictures of her mother who had passed away, I knew that she would love the album. We cried a little when my mother opened the album and turned the pages. Whenever my mother is missing her mother she pulls out the album and looks through the pages to remind her of what an amazing woman my grandmother was and what a full life she lead. I included journalling throughout the album. The last page features the passage that was read at my grandmother's funeral mass. The passage spoke of the strength within a woman. She was always an angel on earth; I know she is an angel in heaven.
Give thanks to your mother on May 13th. Mother's are incredible people. Sure we may get angry with them, or disagree about things. But a Mother will always be there when it matters most. Show your mom just how much you love her.

Ideas for newsletter

ToteandBrag.com is a site created for anyone who loves purses; who travels; who is creative.
There are so many styles to choose from. My personal favorite is the Vituri Lifestyles handbag in Sage. I can fit everthing I need in it: my water bottle, my files and magazines, personal items, and I always have pictures of my little girls with me. I have actually been caught without pictures of my baby..."What kind of mother am I?" But not anymore.
My BFF is expecting a baby in October. I think I'll get her the MOCHA Vituri Lifestyles handbag. It'll be perfect to carry baby supplies (diapers, changing pad, bottles) without having to carry a dorky or cumbersome diaper bag. It's great because the handbag has interior pockets and pouches to hold her personal stuff (credit cards, change, lipgloss, etc.). Plus she'll have a great looking purse.
We are putting together a monthly newletter.
Although we have lots of ideas for uses of the totes, albums, bags, etc. we would love to share some of your ideas. Send us pictures or stories of crafts you have made or of any ideas you have.
At ToteandBrag.com we also sell camera bags. It would be fun to hear about your vacations, trips, or prom. Tell us about your dress and which bag will match. Then share your photos.