Pujols Pitcher Party 2010

By Anna Jones

 

Some moms diligently worked away, looking deeply lost in thought as they arranged and rearranged their photos and layout designs.

 

Other moms oohed and aahed while browsing all the many scrapbooking supplies and still others quizzed the experts on hand or laughed and gabbed with each other.

 

For all the special moms, the Pujols Family Foundation's second annual Pujols Picture Party took on a fun, unique and even high-tech scrapbooking escape that was held March 27, 2010 at Destiny Church in Town & Country.

 

The moms-only event was open to moms with a child of any age with Down syndrome, and they were treated to a calm, relaxing and supply-filled activity center full of fellowship, food and an amazing array of scrapbooking and craft supplies, including one of Cricut’s state-of-the-art digital personal cutting machines.

 

“I take every opportunity I can get to scrapbook because I can’t do it at home,” laughed Tamra Rampold of Collinsville, who was intently working on a layout to celebrate her son Sean’s move from a green belt to a brown belt in karate.

 

The day was custom made for rookie scrapbookers as well as veterans.

 

“This just seemed like a great way to get out of the house with some friends,” said Julie, who has four children, her youngest with DS, and was working on a scrapbook about the little girl with DS that Julie and her family are in the process of adopting.

 

Working alongside Julie was friend Randa Kay Woods, who began scrapbooking the traditional way a few years ago before switching to the digital format and creating blog backgrounds for various blogs, including that of the St. Charles County Down syndrome group.

 

Among the many items available at the Picture Party were:

 

• Mini classes that covered everything from getting started to creating a one-year album to digital layouts. Experts from Hobby Lobby, Creative Memories, Stamp It Up and more explained many of the latest fun components, including the Cricut.

 

• A Tools Table offered cutting and stamping and so much more. Even more tables offered up big varieties of paper.

 

• Inspiration Alley included numerous books done by Jen Cooper, Pujols Family Foundation Program Manager and avid scrapbooker, as well as many other samples such as chipboard books brought in by volunteers.

 

• A Scrapbook Resource Guide was given to each mom and provided details on how to do everything from organizing photos and supplies to embellishments to a large variety of layouts.

 

• Raffle tables had many giveaway items, including albums, refillable tape runners and a raffle table full of accessories.

 

“Scrapbooking gives a chance to celebrate events in your life, to be able to look back and see all you’ve done” said Jen, who also stressed to the moms that there’s no wrong way to scrapbook and to not worry about being caught up on all of their photos!

 

A lunch catered by Fazoli’s was also provided.

 

But it was so much more than a scrapbooking expo. In addition to sharing their crafting techniques, moms had a chance to share stories about their children, how they’re doing, what trials they’ve faced. They could show off pictures of their children’s successes and share ideas on what’s worked and what hasn’t.

 

Or they could totally enjoy the few hours away from all household duties and get lost in thought or just laugh and talk with others about nothing important at all.

 

“Life can be very crazy and hectic, and this is just a chance for the moms to spend some time together,” Jen said.