![\"impala](\"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/daughter.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIt was 1989. I got a letter in the mail that said “Come see the new Shoebox to Showcase scrapbook albums; learn how to get your pictures out of those yucky sticky albums. Bring a friend and get a FREE PEN!”<\/p>\n
Of course I wanted to learn about putting pictures in albums. Ordering triplicate copies of pictures was the ”in” thing to do when you got them developed. Which meant that my once-scant box of pictures was now exploding all over the place in numerous boxes, spilling out of bags, and peeking out from under the bed.\u00a0 SO many pictures because I had two little children.\u00a0 And I meant to capture every new outfit, messy face and everything in between.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
I worked as a Home Care nurse and was fortunate to be able to take my babies with me to some of my patient’s homes.\u00a0 During those long drives they asked to hear stories of when they were little. “Mama! \u00a0Tell me when….” \u00a0(But you ARE little, I’d think to myself.) I would struggle because my days were so\u00a0busy and I couldn’t remember stories. That is, until I took out the boxes of pictures.\u00a0 Every picture had a story! \u00a0Amazing.<\/p>\n
So when ‘that’ \u00a0letter came in the mail, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my pictures. “This will help your children’s self-esteem!” \u00a0Oh yes, I was all over that one.<\/p>\n
And the FREE pen – I wanted that too. I mean, it was FREE! \u00a0I thought, “who can I invite… let’s see…Jeannie! \u00a0We have kids the same age, I’ll invite her.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
My old car was bigger than Jeannie’s and fit all of us. It was a 1969 Chevy Impala, purchased brand new by my grandmother. But this was 1989, and although only 20 years old, the air conditioner didn’t work on that 103-degree August day. \u00a0The six of us (me & my kids and Jeannie and her two) settled in for the sweltering 2-hour drive from Redlands, California to Escondido.<\/p>\n The look on the lady’s face when we walked into her house is one I will never forget\u00a0– it was clearly along the lines of “Oh my… they brought FOUR kids under the age of 3? I never promised a babysitter!”<\/p>\n But that day changed our lives.\u00a0 I saw her opened family album with pictures and written stories.\u00a0 I touched the pages, turned them slowly, looking at Jeannie. \u00a0“We HAVE to DO this!”<\/p>\n Interestingly, our hostess didn’t want to offer us the career opportunity. We asked, we begged and a couple of months later she finally told us “you can join now if you want to.” \u00a0I am SO glad I persisted and kept saying “I want to do this!”<\/p>\n That drive of misery was one of the best trips of my life.<\/p>\n When Jeanne and I showed our mom’s group, they ignited with excitement like we had. We made photo albums for our kids: we talked, cried, worried about being good mommies.\u00a0 And we wrote it all down.<\/p>\n My mantra has been ”share joy every day” because that’s what we do with Creative Memories. \u00a0Taking pictures with a purpose, working on our own albums, sharing CM with more and more customers: we truly share Joy.<\/p>\n I ask new people I meet, \u00a0“How does your story start?\u00a0 What event happened in your life to change its course, and is your story written down?”<\/p>\n At my crops, there is nothing more satisfying than when customers thank me over and over for the peaceful day of putting pictures into albums, or a wonderful relaxing weekend retreat full of learning and making albums, and making lifelong friends.<\/p>\n I invite you to Creative Memories however you’d like to be part of it…as a customer who loves your photos and memories or as an Advisor who would like to help others.<\/p>\n If you’re already an Advisor, are you ready to change a\u00a0life by sharing the Creative Memories Advisor opportunity? One life touched causes a ripple effect that becomes a tidal wave: a wave of sharing joy every day. Hugs! \u00a0– Advisor Lanita Medina<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It was 1989. I got a letter in the mail that said “Come see the new Shoebox to Showcase scrapbook albums; learn how to get your pictures out of those yucky sticky albums. Bring a friend and get a FREE PEN!” Of course I wanted to learn about putting pictures in albums. Ordering triplicate copies […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":95570245,"featured_media":22253,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4289191],"tags":[453952,56000,406,27979,723500084],"class_list":["post-22250","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-special-stories","tag-advisor","tag-creative-memories","tag-family","tag-income","tag-photography"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/lanita-kids.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6NsZA-5MS","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":115849,"url":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/2026\/07\/17\/picture-perfect-memories-with-the-perfect-match-collection\/","url_meta":{"origin":22250,"position":0},"title":"Picture-Perfect Memories with the Perfect Match Collection","author":"Creative Memories","date":"July 17, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Cue the happy tears! Whether it's the big \"I do,\" the first dance or the candid moments in between, this layout is a beautiful way to celebrate the memories you'll want to relive again and again. Featuring the Perfect Match collection and coordinating Variety Mats, it's full of thoughtful details\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Classic Creations"","block_context":{"text":"Classic Creations","link":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/category\/classiccreations\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PerfectMatch_MatPack_CU_1800x1800.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PerfectMatch_MatPack_CU_1800x1800.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PerfectMatch_MatPack_CU_1800x1800.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PerfectMatch_MatPack_CU_1800x1800.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PerfectMatch_MatPack_CU_1800x1800.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PerfectMatch_MatPack_CU_1800x1800.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":16258,"url":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/2017\/02\/21\/sorbet-fast2fab-new-tools-sweet\/","url_meta":{"origin":22250,"position":1},"title":"Sorbet Fast2Fab + New Tools = Sweet!","author":"Krislyn Mattei","date":"February 21, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Fast2Fab Albums have quickly become my favorite way to scrapbook! I love how quickly and easily the pages come together, helping me stay\u00a0caught up on my projects. Plus, with the matching papers and embellishments, I can add a little personalization and flexibility to the printed pages. Here are a few\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "New Products"","block_context":{"text":"New Products","link":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/category\/products\/new-products\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/0220-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/0220-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/0220-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/0220-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/0220-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/0220-1.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":111362,"url":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/2026\/03\/27\/one-kit-endless-stories-unboxing-4-beginner-friendly-album-kits\/","url_meta":{"origin":22250,"position":2},"title":"One Kit, Endless Stories: Unboxing 4 Beginner-Friendly Album Kits","author":"Creative Memories","date":"March 27, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"If your phone is overflowing with photos but you aren\u2019t sure where to start, you\u2019re in the right place. We believe your memories deserve a finished home, which is why we created our 12x12 Album Kits. These kits are designed as a complete, guided system to take the guesswork out\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Album Kit"","block_context":{"text":"Album Kit","link":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/category\/album-kit\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OntheBrightSide_AlbumKit_CU5_1800x1800-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OntheBrightSide_AlbumKit_CU5_1800x1800-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OntheBrightSide_AlbumKit_CU5_1800x1800-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OntheBrightSide_AlbumKit_CU5_1800x1800-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OntheBrightSide_AlbumKit_CU5_1800x1800-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OntheBrightSide_AlbumKit_CU5_1800x1800-1.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1902,"url":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/2016\/03\/18\/the-stories-behind-your-photos\/","url_meta":{"origin":22250,"position":3},"title":"The Stories Behind Your Photos","author":"Creative Memories","date":"March 18, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"While it is true that a picture is worth a thousand words, you still need to say something about it. In the scrapbook world, we call it journaling, and it\u2019s really important. I know that this is a daunting task for some. \u00a0Journaling and storytelling do not come easily to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Product Tips and Ideas"","block_context":{"text":"Product Tips and Ideas","link":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/category\/product-tips-and-ideas\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/img_1460_1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/img_1460_1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/img_1460_1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1895,"url":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/2016\/04\/11\/baby-10-firsts\/","url_meta":{"origin":22250,"position":4},"title":"10 Firsts to Include in Your Baby Scrapbook Album","author":"Creative Memories","date":"April 11, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"There are so many firsts in the first year or two of your baby\u2019s life that I\u2019m certain we can come up with a very long list. Your baby\u2019s first smile, trip to the park or zoo, holiday, steps, tooth, plane ride and first time to roll over are just\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Baby"","block_context":{"text":"Baby","link":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/category\/baby\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/dsc_0955.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":103121,"url":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/2025\/01\/23\/2024-official-guides-blog-post-recap\/","url_meta":{"origin":22250,"position":5},"title":"2024 \u201cOfficial Guides\u201d Blog Post Recap","author":"Creative Memories","date":"January 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Crafty croppers, we hope 2025 is off to a great start for you and that you're setting your scrapbooking goals for the year! If you're new to scrapbooking or to Creative Memories, this post is going to be your BEST friend as you explore our products and find the ones\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Advanced"","block_context":{"text":"Advanced","link":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/category\/advanced\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Purple-Colorful-Illustrated-Hello-Designer-Home-Blog-Banner-1-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Purple-Colorful-Illustrated-Hello-Designer-Home-Blog-Banner-1-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Purple-Colorful-Illustrated-Hello-Designer-Home-Blog-Banner-1-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Purple-Colorful-Illustrated-Hello-Designer-Home-Blog-Banner-1-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Purple-Colorful-Illustrated-Hello-Designer-Home-Blog-Banner-1-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Purple-Colorful-Illustrated-Hello-Designer-Home-Blog-Banner-1-1.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22250","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/95570245"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22250"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22250\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22253"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22250"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22250"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22250"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"3c180466-b6b8-473e-8122-837bf5e1c5ac\"](\"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/3c180466-b6b8-473e-8122-837bf5e1c5ac.jpg\")
![\"Lanita](\"https:\/\/creativememories.com/apps/thepages\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/lanita-w-customer.jpg\")
<\/p>\n