I think that Scrapjazz.com has the best articles on beginning scrapbooking.
Might I also suggest doing a photo book, then using stickers to "dress it up?" That would be a really easy way to get some journalling onto your pages next to your pictures without making it too difficult or time-intensive.
If you want to do paper scrapbooking, I'd start at a craft store, like Michaels, because they have a good selection of papers. Start with a few pieces of patterned paper and a few pieces of colored papers that go well with the others. Grab some acid-free (most are) double sticky tape and a paper trimmer. That's all you really need to get started. At first, you can just match the colored paper to the patterned paper, trim the photos and mat them with the colored paper. Stick it all down with double sided tape and your set. You can add other techniques as you get good at the beginner stuff.
As for an album, I would suggest getting a binder from an office store, like Staples. Get one with a slip cover on the front so you can make a pretty cover for your scrapbook. Buy a packet of 8.5x11 sheet protectors (you can get like 200 of them for $13 or so). Just put the sheet protectors into the binder and start filling them with scrapbook pages.
Have fun and try not to stress yourself out- just start. You can alway so back and redo your beginning pages as you get better.
