I have to share this great, post-Christmas book idea.

Anna and Maggie (of Always, James fame) are working on their next book - a compilation of family Christmas card photos from 1958 to 2005.

Isn’t that great? So much better than just tossing them each year…and so fun to look through Christmases past!

I think it’s such a great idea, I plan to steal it for our family. Feel free to join me - start saving your Christmas cards now, or get in touch if you’re ready to start your book!

Yes, that is a photo of a little girl with a lot of turkeys. Welcome to the childhood memories of Ellie Yordy.

For Ellie, childhood meant grandparents with a dairy farm, parents with a turkey farm (still in operation today), and an entire family with a Mennonite faith central to daily life.

Needless to say, when Liz called me to put together her mother’s - Ellie’s - memoir as a Christmas gift, I knew it would be a fun project.

The most inspiring part for me was the way Liz dove into this project! She visited family members throughout the country - including the farm - and compiled information on her Mennonite heritage and history to include in the book, learning much about her mother and family along the way.

I absolutely adore all the great old photos of turkeys and the farm. We also had amazing memorabilia to work with - from napkins to business cards to news clippings.

The chapter on Ellie’s mom focused on her passion for nature and gardening. I especially love her ID card for being a flower competition judge.

And I’ll close with this really fun cheerleading photo of Ellie, and a big “rah” to Liz for letting me work on this amazing project! I love what we created!

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After a great holiday season, a healthy dose of reflection, and an inspiring first few weeks of the year, I feel totally ready for 2008! Thanks to all those who helped make the past year the BEST of my life. I’m still pinching myself!

And now, I’m excited to share what’s on the little clipboard you see here…

GOOD STOCK TO-DO’s!
1. New + improved website - coming soon!
2. New book styles, including a clever little wedding book for brides, bridesmaids, or parents of bride/groom. (Yes, I’ve heard you, brides!)
3. More blogging! I’m loving this little blog and will be expanding the content to include some tips and tricks for pulling together family photos and history, suggestions for telling your family’s story, some DIY keepsake projects, ideas for organizing all those darn boxes of stuff, etc. Topics and suggestions are welcome!
4. My personal mantra is keep it simple, simple, simple. I have been on a “get rid of stuff” kick for the past 1.5 years (moving 4 times will do that!) so less is more, and simplifying is key! My hope is for all I design and write here to inspire simplicity.

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