Monday, September 10, 2012

Why?

Here is layout number two this month using the September Innocence kit by Scrapbooking From the Inside Out. The alphabet Thickers that make up my title are from American Crafts DIY line. I actually used some powdered chalk this time and it worked beautifully. I also chalked the Prima flower down at the bottom right so it wouldn't be quite so bright. :)

Here is the journaling:
Why does it seem that children are often the ones who suffer because of the choices adults make? Years of teaching and then having children of my own, have made me a bit of an advocate for their well being. Their safety. Their happiness. And I feel so frustrated and even angry when I see children treated like pawns and used to hurt others. Treated with so little respect, or even ignored! It makes me wish I could be a surperhero and rescue each and every one from such callous and hurtful behaviour.

But I can't. I can oldy do what I can to help out as much as possible. And still it doesn't seem enough sometimes! It feels as if children aren't allowed to be children any more, and so much innocence is lost too soon. Why can't we just let kids be kids?

This idea came to me pretty early on when I was brainstorming. It's something that has been on my mind ever since I left teaching. It is on my mind now as I watch my husband's family struggle and cousins go years without being able to see or talk to each other. As I see those close to me deal with loss and divorce. So much pain to all concerned and I can't help feeling frustrated at times. But I keep praying. I pray for forgiveness. I pray for the children involved as well as the parents. But mostly I pray that I am not a part of the problem. And I know sometimes I fail as well.

Ironically, this photo was taken on a happy occasion. A birthday party for a good friend and neighbor. I was taking some photos of the kids all lined up together and snapped a photo of their feet as well :)
And I am happy to say that these children are all pretty much allowed to be their age. Our families are pretty much on the same page when it comes to that. And I thrilled to be a part of this group! :)

Thanks for stopping by today, and I will be back on Wednesday! :)


22 comments:

  1. Beautiful layout, Mary Jo, and beautifully said. I struggle with this issue each and every day. It's so sad and so hard trying to keep your own kid a kid when so many others are trying to rush it.

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  2. great layout and your journaling is spot on

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  3. Love your words....really I do. I always wish I could do more for children.

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  4. Just a beautiful layout all around!

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  5. That is a great photo. So perfect to pair with your heartfelt journaling. :)

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  6. Gorgeous layout, and the journaling is spot-on! I couldn't agree with you more!

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  7. Your layout and journaling are both lovely. I am glad that you have a good group for your children to hand out with. I believe it is so important for them to have friends whose parents have the same value as you do.

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  8. This is something I think about too. It is sad to see so many couples divorcing or split up. Marriage is hard work -- as hard as parenting. Sadly so many families are destroyed.

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  9. This is so beautiful, Mary Jo! It is so elegant. Such an amazing subject and the photo that goes with it!

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  10. What great journaling, so emotional. I love the photo, it goes perfectly.

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  11. That is great journaling. I was a cheer coach and amazing the push-pull some kids go through with parents.

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  12. Your journaling is amazing. I know exactly what you mean, as a teacher also, I see it all the time. It just breaks my heart to see what some of the kids go through.

    The photo works so perfectly with the journaling. Although I was glad to see it was taken on a happy occasion!

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  13. I LOVE your layout, Mary Jo and your journaling is beautiful and SO true!!!!

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  14. Great layout, and awesome theme.
    I was so grateful that my girls didn't want to grow up to fast.
    My daughter just took a photo of a childhood doll and the title had to do with this exact same theme.

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  15. I love your journaling on this layout-so, so true! It breaks my heart sometimes to see kids who's parents just don't seem to care. If I could I'd take every one of them home with me.

    Beautiful layout!

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  16. I adore this layout with the colours and the design, but your journaling has me in tears. Beautiful.

    Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. I appreciate it.

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  17. Great Layout! The chalking worked out great! I love the journaling. It is too true! Thanks for sharing -Amanda

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  18. Wow. Great page with some serious food for thought. I've certainly seen my share teaching piano for over 20 years. The good, the bad, the ugly.

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  19. So beautiful. I love what you are doing with these pages and the journaling.

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  20. Beautiful LO!
    Love the design and love your journaling. I agree I hurts me when I see children suffer too and especially when I see neglect!
    TFS.

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  21. Very lovely and thoughtful layout! The journaling is beautiful.

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  22. Amen! I work with teens so I have seen it so many times! So glad you are lucky enough to have a solid group of families for your kids. My oldest kids dont have any friends whose parents are still together,it's sad but we are the only ones.

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