Choo-choo! My first Blog Train!

I am so excited to be a part of the September Collaboration over at ADSDesigners. The theme is Cornucopia of Colors! And what colors there are! I love Fall and the changing of the colors, which we do not have in South Texas. Every October, we go to Maine to visit my grandfather, and the colors are beautiful! I was blessed to be able to make four cute things, just for you. I hope you can use one, two, or all four. Be sure to visit all the links so you don't miss out on any of these fall colors! All Aboard! Teri

This QP was made using Scrappy Shannons kit. I love the textures and the rich feel of this kit.For this one I used Julia's Bluetoillescrap Kit. Isnt it great? I love the wood background.

And for this one I used Nora's kit at NB Digi Scrappin's I used Deb's Scrappin Cops kit for this cutie! Now get on board for the train! Choo Choo....

Aisne http://grafx4all.blogspot.com/
Amanda www.mommyaddictedtoscraps.blogspot.com
Amber LaBau http://stolenmomentsdesign.blogspot.com
Andrea - MemoriesByScraps http://andreawhitt.wordpress.com/
Angel http://angelflyingsolo.blogspot.com
Ann http://mumsy-meanderingsandcrafts.blogspot.com
Beckmoore http://beckmoorescrapalittle.blogspot.com/
Beth http://lighthousedesigns-beth.blogspot.com/
Brooke & Joni www.ahhhscrap.blogspot.com
By God's Design http://digibygodsdesign.biz
Carol R http://artsygrannysdigitaldelights.blogspot.com/
cbruski http://digitalscrapfun.blogspot.com/
Charlie http://charliesdigiscraps.blogspot.com/
Chiara http://creativedigitalscraps.blogspot.com
Crazy Diamond http://designsbycrazydiamond.com
Deb http://thescrappincop.blogspot.com
Debbie www.digital-keepsakes.blogspot.com
Jaydensmama http://jaydensmamadesigns.blogspot.com/
Jamie http://jamiescreationsandscraps.blogspot.com
jeannieb http://jeanniebenson.blogspot.com/
Julia http://bluetoillescrap.livejournal.com/
Kathy Goldstein http://thescraploft.blogspot.com/
Kelly http://jrzgrl189.blogspot.com/
Kimberly http://www.CityScribeScraps.com
Lei http://fairydustprincess-magicmaker.blogspot.com/
Lioness3 Legacies http://www.digitalscrapmall.com/Lioness3Legacies/blog.html
Lois http://scrappinwithladye.blogspot.com/
Lori Imel http://living4him2.blogspot.com/
Lori J www.scripityscrap.blogspot.com
Lyndie http://gonescrappindesigns.blogspot.com
Lynn http://heavenlycrafts.blogspot.com/
MagsGraphics http://magsgraphics.blogspot.com
Mandy http://www.scrapswithspunkitude.harkinsfamilyblog.com
Mardesia http://www.craftersboutique.blogspot.com
Marie http://emceescraps.blogspot.com
Melonie http://designsbymel.blogspot.com/
Merrilee http://thisnthatandscrapbookchat.blogspot.com/
Michaele http://burkhartscrapzone.blogspot.com/
Michelle Blagg http://inasunshinestateofmind.blogspot.com
Nadine http://scrappinmammasdigitals.blogspot.com/
Nancy Schmidt http://nancyschmidt.blogspot.com
Nora http://nbdigiscrappin.blogspot.com/
Oase http://www.pandabeardesigns.blogspot.com/
Pam http://lsoldesigns.blogspot.com/
Penny http://buzybeehive.blogspot.com
Penny http://www.alliekatcreations.blogspot.com
Rachel www.creationsbyrachael.blogspot.com
Scrappy Cat http://catstation.net/scrappycats/blog/
Shannon http://scrappyshannon.blogspot.com
Shel http://shelbellescraps.blogspot.com
Sheryl http://www.azonefordigiscraps.com
Stacy http://kalodesigns.blogspot.com/
Stephanie http://superspecialspice.blogspot.com/
Terimayo www.teristhingomyjigs.blogspot.com
Terresa http://terresasdesigns.blogspot.com/
Virginia Higgins http://ladyvdzine.com/

I Live For Little Moments Like These!

Well folks, this is what life is all about, little moments! I love layouts that can reflect a theme or a mood and this is one of those. You could you a series of pictures or a variety of special memories. This is another QP made with Jaydensmama Designs Neapolitan Coconut Kit and can be found at www.jaydensmamadesigns.blogspot.com. I actually used 2 of her papers, one I used as an overlay to get the look I wanted for the background. You can do so much with this kit! Be sure to check out all her cute stuff. This QP has no text on it so you can put what ever is best for you on it! Enjoy! Teri :)

Oh, To Be Blessed With a Godly Husband!

We have been looking at the Proverbs 31 woman and now we get to look at her hubby! Verse 23 says " Her husband is respected at the city gate,where he takes his seat among the elders of the land." I am so blessed to have a very Godly husband. He is one of those men who, everyone he meets, automatically likes him. He has a knack with words, to say the right things at the right time...(well for the most part) He has stuck his foot in his mouth a few times! Ha Ha! After all , he is human. But he is one, who, no matter what you believe, you would respect him and he is well thought of in our community. He is a leader (elder) in our church and is one that people know they can turn to when there are things that need to get done. Now, why am I saying all this? Well, we, as Godly women, can do a lot to help our husbands be this type of man. This is a "Oh, me" lesson. I am way too often, not a helper in our ministry together...but sometimes a hindrance. I am, more than I care to admit, selfish with our time, my wants and desires. I want to be the wife that supports him in what God has called him to be and do. I may be writing this just for me, but I needed to reflect on the blessing of a Godly husband and my role as a Godly wife! Sorry, you got the lecture too! I am going to try to be more of an encourager and less of a whiner....I bet he notices... take care and have a great holiday weekend....His, Teri

Am I Blue? Not me!

Well I was privileged to be able to help out a sweet fellow scapper, once again.
MJ over at Pretty Scrappy is opening her store this weekend! Be sure to go over and check it out along with all the other goodies at Pretty Scrappy. She will have her things on sale this weekend so take advantage of the lower prices while they last. I enjoyed this little QP and I hope you can find that perfect photo to use it with. I think it would also make a great journal cover with matching papers in the circle with a great scripture! My mind never stops as to how one might use all these great layouts that are out there in the digi-scrapping world. I think out-side the box most of the time! You know, there is a lot more room out here! LOL Have a great Holiday weekend! His, Teri

Here are all the links to get to MJ's Store so, click on over!

http://prettyscrappy.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=34

Grand Opening Special Price
on the kit Am I Blue?
plus a free Add-On in the store, My Sweet Tater
at http://www.prettyscrappy.com/

Saturday, Sunday and Monday only.

Beautiful inside and out!

Here is a wonderful QP I made using Jaydensmama's kit. I loved the frame work and how it all flows down. I am showing you my layout of my beautiful daughter...hence the name. Have a great weekend! His, Teri

Credits go to:

Neapolitan Coconut Kit

used with permission by Jaydensmama Designs

http://www.jaydensmamadesigns.blogspot.com/

New Blog Header....woo hoo!

Ok, I am not very good at this, but I wanted to jazz up my header. Whatcha think? I really wanted to do something more "scrapbookie" but couldn't come up with anything! So this will have to do for now! Lates... as my middle son would say!

"Gimme S'more" I Don't Want Summer to End!

My family loves the outdoors! Now my idea of camping has changed over the years, from a tent to a fully furnished home....but the concept is the same for me! Family and friends, hanging out, making memories that will last a life time. Late night talks with my daughter, ton's of laughter, swimming, floatin' the Frio, watermelon, homemade ice-cream, star-gazing, horse-shoes, family reunions, hummingbirds, card games, jeep rides, blown diets, late nights, late mornings, oh and a new tradition, press on tatoo's (for my grandson, but we all get them!) total relaxation! Oh, please, gimme s'more! Enjoy your last little bit of summer! Have a great Holiday weekend!

The "Creative" Proverbs 31 Gal!

Verse 22 of Proverbs 31 says "She makes for herself cushions of needlework; her clothing is fair linen and purple." I looked at several translations of this verse and I loved this one the best! I guess because it reflected a more creative lady. Cushions of needlework? Well they didn't have scrapbooking back then right? If they had I am sure she would have been a digi-scrapper! LOL But we know, she was resourceful right? Creative also. And so are we! She took pride in what she did and how she looked. She made sure she dressed for the part. What part? A noble woman. And in today's world, that in itself is a challenge! Remember, I have not arrived, but am on this Virtuous Woman journey with you. If you feel like you could never measure up to this ladies standards, you are not alone. AND you are right! We, can not measure up to what God has called each of us to do. Only through Christ, can we become what He wants us to be. We are truly, work's in progress. That's the key...we need to be making progress. Come along with me, won't you? His, Teri

September is Just Around the Corner......

Here is my first desktop! I still don't want to say goodbye to summer, we can keep it in our minds and on our desktops, right? I used a darling kit "Paradise Lost" by Spinkd. You can find her kit on her blog at Spinkydinkscraps. Leave some love for her and tell her thanks for letting me use her kit so I could share it with you! I think she is a great designer! A gentle reminder that you still have time to get in on the August Tumbler Challenge at DigiScrapDepot! Please make a tumber using my template and join the fun! You may win one of two great prizes! Hurry before time runs out! His, Teri

With A Cherry on Top!

Here is my first QP for Pretty Scrappy. I am a new CT member and I am loving having so many great designers to work with! I am still in awe, feel like a "little leaguer" playing with the big boys! There is nothing wrong with little leagues! Just kinda scary when you walk on that field for the first time. I love the colors and the texture of this kit. I also think it is very versatile for a mini-kit. To go to the Pretty Scrappy store just click on the preview. I made the QP availaible with and without the word art to make it more user friendly! Enjoy and leave me some love and let PrettySrappy know if you like my designs.... pretty please? With A Cherry on Top!

2009 Calendar Template for March and Some Exciting News for Me!

So as promised, here is the third in my 2009 Calendar templates. I really like the circles in this one...kinda look like flowers. I wasn't sure on my photos, so those can come later! The main thing is to get busy on our calendars so we wont be stressed to get them completed if we want to give them for gifts for the holidays. I have been very busy lately and so that is why I have not had as many posts or freebies to share. But not too worry, I have been busy creating so they will be coming soon! A lot has happened in the past few days. I am now an official CT designer for three great Designers. Pretty Scrappy, Angel Wings and Things and Jaydensmama. They are all fantastic and will open up lots of new creative things that I can share with you all! So a big thank- you to these gals for believing in me enough to let me create for them. Please go to there blogs and say thanks if you like what I do. I will post there information on my blog but here are there addys... http://prettyscrappy.com/ and http://jaydensmamadesigns.blogspot.com/ and of course http://angelwingsnthings.blogspot.com/. So be on the lookout for some great new designs made with their darling new kits!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.......

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. On with the "Virtuous Woman" we have been looking at in Proverbs chapter 31. Some of us have a hard time looking down the road. I tend to be one of those. Far too many times, I have faced a situation, only to look at the "moment" and not the "years to come". Looking only at the temporal and not the eternal. This woman looked down the road and plan accordingly. Tom ( my hubby ) and I are beginning to plan for our future and where we want to "end up" in our journey thru life. Now, we know our final resting place (lol) but what are we gonna do with our life, what's in our future. This woman had already thought of what her family needs would be once winter came and she made the necessary preparations to see to it that her family would have what was necessary. We as mothers, need to do the same for our families. What areas of your life, your priorities, need to change in order to make sure we look into the future and plan accordingly? I know for me, I need to think things thru more carefully, look at what the "ripple effect" would be depending on my actions. I want to make sure when the snow falls, that my family will be safe, warm and dry. Finding all they need, staying high and dry at home! Let's begin by looking a little further down the road when we are making decisions that affect our family. As I type this, we are getting ready to take our daughter back to college today! Now talk about having to look down the road to make sure she will be able to face "the weather" that lies ahead of her, and have confdence that we have planned ahead for what comes her way. Well it shouldn't be too hard, I think she is taking everything she owns! LOL Have a great weekend and I will be back with you guys soon! His, Teri

Daddy's Little Helper

Ok, so this is a perfect example of how you can take one kit and do so many different things with it. This is the same kit from Jaydensmama.blogspot.com "Construction Kit". I started with the word art and couldn't stop...LOL. Maybe I will offer the word art seperatly down the road! I loved the idea of Dad's and their kiddo's working together on a project. Great idea huh? Well the photo I used, not too much help on this kiddo's end! Loved the picture, so I had to throw it in! His, Teri

2 Cool for School QP

Here is my first CT (Creative Team) QP for Jaydensmama Designs. You can find her kit on her blog at www.jaydensmamadesigns.blogspot.com. I used her Construction Kit. I thought it would be cute for those older kids who are, well frankly, 2 cool for school! We all know some kids like that right? Maybe we were once one of them! And this is my layout I did with it with our little angel who at times is, 2 cool for his own good! Enjoy! Teri

Her Majesty the Queen

Here is a quick freebie that goes in my Diva's and Dudes overlay series! Don't we all have a Queen in our families? Mine is asleep on a pallet in the den. She is Brighton, our little 4 1/2 pound, blind as a bat, cute as a bug, Yorkie! Check her out in my sidebar if you don't think she is the cutest thing ever! See, thats why she is the queen! Have a great day! Teri

Go for the Gold!

no download here go to my archive for the links


FREE, FREE, FREE at LAST! Great news! "The Pick a Template" challenge has rolled back our prices and the cost is ZERO dollars! Yep that's right, ZIP, NADA, NOTHING! So here is the scoop! You can post you layouts in the gallery at http://www.digiscrapdepot.com/ and the 1st 25 people who post will get the "Angel Overlay" posting gift. Email me after you post and I will email you the 4shared link to download. So now, you 750 people who already have downloaded my templates, have NO excuse not to post! LOL It should be fun to see the layouts come a tumblin' in! I am so excited. So here's what you do, step by step:

NEW RULES FOR THE CHALLENGE
1. Download August "Pick Your Template" from here
2. Create your layout
3. Post your layout in the Gallery at DSD
4. Trim and put in your Starbucks Tumbler to show off your design! And keep you fingers crossed, you might win the TROPHY!
* well I can't make you put it in a tumbler...it's just fun to think I can!

Go for the Gold!

OH and by the way........ Vicky at DigiScrapDepot is STILL going to give the 2 prizes away! Is that not so nice of her? Please, if you can, leave a donation to keep the site up and going! That was what she wanted the fee for in the first place. But this way, those of us who can donate can help for those who cant at this time. See we are all winners! Be sure and thank Vicky if you get a chance!

Angels Unaware?

OK so we are gonna keep on keepin' on here with our look at this Virtuous Woman in Proverbs 31. Verse 20 "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy". Well ladies, this is right up my alley, so I am gonna use this opportunity to share a little testimony of God's Amazing Grace! Grab a glass of tea and pull up a chair! This is truly amazing! I will try to make this short and sweet! But I doubt it will happen. LOL OK, My husband and I have always felt God's calling on us to open our home to others. We have tried to be obedient in this area. When we had been married about 5 years we had young boys at home and we became foster parents. That is a whole nother story, but it shows where we came from. We did that for about 4 years and when we quit, we knew God still wanted us to continue in this ministry. So, He continued to find others who were sent our way who needed a place to stay, whether for a week, a night or months...So we had a young girl who was 17 at the time with a baby already in need of help and we agreed. This young mother, well, she had no parenting skills what so ever, so I tried my best to help in that area. She lived with us about 3 months and then went to a group home i believe, and I took care of her baby for a little while longer. So, later she got her baby back and we continued to check up on her. She became pregnant a year later and did not want to keep the baby, she had no means of caring for herself, much less another baby. Well we did not want anything to happen to that precious life, so we told a friend that we would take the baby. This friend told this young mother that we would take the baby and SHE SAID OK!!! Now, can you imagine? So, from the time she was about 5 months pregnant, I was involved in the pregnancy and we now have a beautiful 19 year old daughter who loves the Lord and has brought us unmeasurable happiness! I say this not so that you will look at us and say WOW, but so that you will look at my amazing GOD and say WOW! He is the only one who could have ever made our paths cross, and open the door for a wonder gift, the gift of life. I have to share this picture of Maggi and myself, because the other thing is..... we look exactly alike! Well other than the fact that I am 50 years old and 50 pounds heavier! Ha Ha.... Our baby pictures are so similar though, when she was a baby, people would come up to me and say, "Well I can sure tell who

her mother is! Can you? LOL

So what am I trying to say here, that you should do this too? NO, I am saying that we all know people who need a little help now and then and all we have to do is be available to be used by the Lord. You know, He wants to use you right? We are HIS hands, right? We are how others will see him in the flesh here on earth. So, now that we have "clean hands" lets use them for God's glory! I hope this has blessed you today, I know I never tire of sharing how He blessed us when we had no idea when we opened our home to that young girl, that one day, she would be the instrument that God would use to give us a precious little girl! Wonder how He wants to bless you?

A Little Love is in the Air

Ok here is the second month for you to get started on. I would love to have you gals send me your compleated calendar pages and I will post them on my blog! Won't it bw fun to see how everyone makes theirs uniquely there own? So get scrappin and send'um to me! I will show you mine if you show me yours? See how easy that was? Happy Scrappin', Teri

These are just a few of the "loves" in my life!

I Don't Want To Say Goodbye to Summer

Here is another is my "Summer Collection" of overlays. I heard you ladies! Beach, Beach, Beach! I got it! Hope you can make some great layouts with this one. Tomorrow, another month for your calendar. Hope you have gotten January's done. His, Teri

* This is for you SunBum, enjoy!

It's Back to School Time!

Well its hard to believe the summer has come and gone! Now, its time to get back in the swing of school schedules and after-school activities! I was so excited about Shannon at "Angel Wings & Things" letting me design for her I couldn't wait to get started. So I used her darling "Back to School" kit to make my first QP's. I could not choose which one I liked so I am offering them both to you. Click the picture of the one that you want. If you want the kit go to her link on the left of my blog and tell her thanks for giving me the chance to design for her! Hopefully its a win, win deal. Look forward to hearing your comments on my very first QP! Blessings and Grace for today, Teri

It's A Happy Happy Day for Me!

I have so enjoyed designing templates and overlays and the word art for everyone, but I always have admired those smart and talented people who can actually create Kits. I have found a wonderful gal, who makes darling kits, Shannon from Angel Wings and Things at http://angelwingsnthings.blogspot.com/ and she has graciously said that I can use her kits to create quick pages and desktops, etc. to share. I am so excited and honored! So be looking for some new creations from me in the near future! Be sure to check out her cute blog too! Have a great weekend and check back soon to see what I have been up to! Blessings and Grace for today, Teri

Ok....Whats the Deal? Just not ready to tumble yet?

OK, so I have had a combined total of over 700 downloads for the August "pick a template" challenge over at http://www.digiscrapdepot.com/ and yet only one layout has been posted in the gallery there! Come, on! Whats the deal. Is it that the challenge is not interesting enough, or the entry fee of $1( well 1.34 actually, because .34 goes to paypal) is keeping people from posting and entering the challenge? Vicky the administrator at digiscrapdepot, has really been nice to allow me to be the designer for her challenges. I am beginning to think it was not a great idea. I really am curious as to why the lack of participation? Please shoot me an email and let me hear from you on what we (I) could have, or should have done differently. She was willing to continue these challenges, but I am not so sure. Is it the theme, the layouts, my designs, or the fee? The winner will receive a $25.00 gift certificate for Starbucks and the second place will receive a subscription for a digital scrap booking magazine. The fee was to help cover these costs. I am pretty new to the digi-scrapbooking world, but I know other blogs have challenges and seem to be much more successful. I even made a darling "angel overlay" to offer as a posting gift for those that enter. If I don't know what to do to make it better, I cant fix it, right? I so want this to be a fun place to visit, where you are challenged spiritually and even to get out of your comfort zones and do something different, like entering a challenge. I get nothing out of the challenge, except the pleasure of seeing my designs, used in so many unique ways. These would make such cute gifts for the holidays that are quickly approaching! Please let me know what your thoughts are on this. Maybe I need to remind my visitors of the challenge. I just assume everyone is aware that there is one going on. I hope this has not been too much of a "downer", as far as the overall post. But not knowing is killing me! LOL If you want the link to Digiscrapdepot for the info on the challenge here it is:

http://digiscrapdepot.com/freebies/template/august-digiscrapdepot-challenge-quotpick-your-tumbler-templatequot/1035002.aspx

I also posted a picture with the embedded link in the upper left hand corner of my blog. Hopefully this will encourage people to enter, and it will also serve as a reminder to those who may have just let it slip their minds! The contest goes thru the month of August! Are you ready to tumble yet?

Give us Clean Hands......

As we continue in Proverbs "19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." What do you do with your hands? Do you use them to bring the Lord glory? I wish I could say I do, but unfortunately, I often miss the mark here. God has been dealing with me about what I do, and I am doing my best to listen. See, the things I don't really like, well those things are easy to let go of, but things that I do that I really, really like to do, or want to do, well now those things are harder to let go of. I am sure, if you asked the Lord to show you what area's of your life, things you may be doing, working at, working on...that He would like to see you let go of, He will be glad to show you. Now the rest is up to you. This virtuous woman, now she did not just happen to be this way. This was an older woman who, through many years of yielding to the Holy Spirit, nurtured the characteristics. Refined them. This is a process, so their is no need to get down on yourself for not being where you want to be. It takes time, but that's what we got right? We got time to work on being a Proverbs 31 woman. I love the song by Chris Tomlin, "Give us Clean Hands" Please click on this and listen to this beautiful prayer. http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=dd08e11efe57c6ce3dd2 It is one of my favorites. Blessing and Grace until tomorrow! Teri

Uh Oh, I made a Boo-Boo!

A huge thank you to Deena for pointing out that some of my .png files for the fruits of the Spirit overlays were not correctly working! I have fixed them and below you will find the links for the corrected .png files for Goodness, Faith and also the Priorites overlay. So here are the corrected 4 shared files:

Faith:
http://www.4shared.com/file/59183489/d3176438/Overlay_Faith_Edited.html


Goodness:
http://www.4shared.com/file/59184311/9496797f/Overlay_Goodness_Edited.html


and Priorities:
http://www.4shared.com/file/59184659/f8eaf6a2/Priorities_Edited_Overlays.html

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends...

I told y'all I wanted to make another overlay with the text wrap and voila! I saw the perfect little saying today when I got my hair done. I love it! And it is so true. If you can't read what the text says, I will show you. "Friendship is not about the big things, it is about the million little things" Isn't that so true? I am blessed with some great friends that no matter how often we are together, maybe we have never even met face to face ( you know who you are , right"? ) but for some reason, you know the Lord put you together for a reason. And you are immediately good friends. Well this is for all my girlfriends, near and far. I love you all.....Teri

The Lake

Here is a new one to go along with all of our summer fun! I am working on several "The" overlays. Leave me your ideas, I may use them! I would love to do another quote around one like I did on the "Priorities" one, if anybody has any suggestions on what would be a good one to do. Short post today! Got lots to do! Enjoy! His, Teri

I am Woman hear me Roar! Proverbs 17, 18

Proverbs 17 and 18 says: "17 She sets about her work vigorously, her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable,and her lamp does not go out at night. " Now this woman sounds like a go-getter right? I mean she gets up and at' em and works hard. She is strong, and in good physical shape too. Not only that, but she makes wise decisions that prosper her family. And if that's not enough, she works late into the night! Well, one out of four ain't bad right? I mean I stay up late at night. LOL You know, God wants us to prosper. I am not a name it and claim it person. Thank heavens he doesn't give me all i ask for! No, what I mean is, if we lived our life the way He really wanted us to, we would be healthier, and better stewards of what we have. Well, at least I would. I would make better use of my time and talents. Put them in their proper places. I love this passage, the virtuous woman. Who wouldn't want to be like her. It gives me a plumb line. A place where I know I should be. A mark to shoot for. As my husband says to young people these days, "You gotta have a plan. Whats your plan?" We need one, don't you think? Lets make a covenant to begin today to "plan" to be more like this woman! I can hear you roaring now! Grace and Blessings for today, Teri

Word Art #7 My kids are Angels....

As I said in an earlier post, I have a little wooden sign in my house that has this saying on it. Only mine says " My Wife is an....." I wanted to make a word art using this cute saying, but thought it would be so much cuter if I used "Kids" instead. Hope you like it! Leave me some comments.....His, Teri

Time Flies.....8 1/2 x 11 Calendar Template

Have you noticed how fast this summer has come and is quickly going? It is just flying by, school is just around the corner. If you have been to the stores latley you should have noticed the fall stuff already on the shelves and Christmas will be here before we know it. I love to give personalized gifts to my friends and family. This digi-scrapbooking world opens up so many possibilities. My daughter in law has for the past several years given us a special calendar of our grandson for christmas. It is a gift I always look forward to. I stumbled on a blog, Simply Sarah's. She had a darling calendar and I scraplifted it to make one for 2009 that I can share with all my "peeps" here on my blog. I contacted her to make sure it was ok. She said no problem. If you get a chance, go over and check out her blog. I love her layouts. Simple but really well done. http://simplysarahdesigns.blogspot.com/ . Anyway, so I am going to post one each week for the next 12 weeks and that way you can work on one month at a time and not be overwhelmed. And you can get a jump-start on some of your Christmas gifts. Thats crazy right, to be thinking about Christmas gifts already. So without further ado...here is January 2009! I love having the word art on the callendars. A great reminder of His faithfulness! Go make some memories to share. Blessings and Grace, Teri

Here is my January 09 finished layout. I used Charleston by christinabrowndesigns.com. The layouts are so easy to throw together and you can just change the pictures if you wanted to, to give to more than one person. Now who wouldnt like to get a personalized calendar as a gift? Happy Scrappin' Teri

Proverbs 31 continues...

Verse 16 "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." Are you into real estate? Well, I am not! So to consider a field to buy, I would have no idea. I leave that up to my husband, he is the REAL farmer. But the just of this for me is, that it is teaching me to be industrious. Make what I do have, prosper. My talents and my gifts. Put my effort into something that is going to continue to produce, not just the temporary. See, I tend to think too much about, well there is no easy way to say it..... instant gratification! I don't think I am alone in this either. So, God wants me to consider where and what I am investing in.... right? Real estate is really just an investment. So look at where and what I am investing my time in and see if it is something that is going to produce fruit later? If not, look at what I can invest my time in that WILL produce fruit. So maybe we are all into real estate, in the buying and selling of our "priorities". Ever thought of yourself that way? Me neither! I am so thankful for God's word that will teach me, not only how to please Him, but how to live my life so that I can make a difference in others, no matter how small. I just got to adjust, when he reveals a truth to us! Think of it as as attitude adjustment! Till tomorrow, Teri

I Digi-Dare you to find the posting gift!

Ok, I have made my first posting gift and now, you need to find it! I will give you a hint. Have I ever Digi-Dared you before? If so, when? Now thats it. That is all I am going to say.

Happy hunting,

Teri

*These are the links to the overlays that must be used in order to get your Posting Gift! The clue is to find the original Digi-dare. All the details are in that post!

http://www.4shared.com/file/57433810/531454e/DSD_Aug_Template_Holiday.html

http://www.4shared.com/file/58700989/8924fbed/DSD_Aug_Template_Vacation_edited.html

In the Good Ol' SummerTime!

Well since I am off for the weekend to Rio Frio, here is a little piece of summertime for you to enjoy! Have a great, fun "Family" weekend,Ii know I will. We are having a mini-family reunion at my house so lots to do! Lovin life.....Teri

Hey, It's Dark Outside!

Proverbs 31:15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girl. Well, I would be better off just staying up all night! I have a hard time going to sleep, so getting up while it is still dark, sounds like a nightmare to me! LOL Planning, Planning and more Planning is what keeps coming to my mind. And that other "P" word, priorities! She planned to rise early, and get things going. I can tell you, when I do get up and get going early in the mornings, I am way more productive! Are you listening, Teri? You got to make some changes. Another thing, don't you find that when your house is quiet, before everyone gets up and wants something from you, that you can accomplish more? I love that time. This has been a good lesson for me. I know that these are areas I need to personally work on. Now about that servant girl. She not only prepared for her, but for her servant as well. Equality comes to mind. Has Gods placed people in your path that might need a serving of His Love and Grace? I think God wants us to have the spirit of generosity. Doing special things for those who "serve" us. No maid, no problem ( I don''t have one either ) But there are many people out there who serve me. People at the check out line, on the phone, at an appointment and the list just goes on and on. Do you provide them with the "spiritual food" that we have to share? You know, you can't share what you don't have, right? I am going to do my best to rise early, prepare food ( spiritually and physically ) and for my servants as well. You up for the challenge? As my friend Vicky says, I digi-dare you!

Its about Time.......the Virtuous Woman and her family

So, on with Proverbs.... verse 14 "She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar." I didnt post yesterday, had a real busy day and so it gave me more time to think about this verse. My wonderful grandfather, who I worship, was a chief engineer of those hugh ships that go all over the world. Well, I have heard him tell stories about some of his trips and it was not always "smooth sailin' " so to speak. So I thought about that, and how, it relates for me, to this scripture. It is not always easy, planning, preparing, and fixing meals for our family. Then, there is cleaning, and picking up...well you got the idea, right? So, like this scripture says, bringing food from afar....well that tell you right there, that it is not neccessaryly going to be easy. She had to go far to get her food, and like those merchant ships, had to endure all that life threw at her. Well so do we. I need so much to plan my meals better, it is so improtant in our fast paced lives to make sure we have some family time. And what better place than the dinner table. (I forgot we had a dinner table.....lol) And for me, now that for the most part, it is just the two of us, well thats even harder. I dont want to cook for the two of us! But I am going to strive to, at least make our meal times more special. No matter what this ship has to face. After all, family really is a matter of time....enjoy! And speaking of family, I am going to be with mine this weekend so if I don't get around to postin' you will understand, right? Blessings and Grace for today! His, Teri

Still Going.....

In my look at the Proverbs 31 woman, we are on verse 13. " She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. " OK, this one is going to be an easier pill to swallow. We don't have sheep and we dont grow flax, but we do grow cotton. These next few verses are going to look at our behavior. This in particular is talking about what we do with our hands. I wish I would have taken the time to scan a picture of my mom, while riddled with the effect of cancer taking her life, was sitting and cross stitching a baby blanket for our oldest son when he was born. I love that picture! And it is a perfect example of the verse to me. She found what she thought would be the perfect blanket for her 1st grandson and then, with eager, loving, hurting, dying hands....she cross stitched that baby blanket for him! I still have the blanket, by the way. So that's the eagerness that comes to mind when I read this verse. It superseded everything else. She wanted to make that for him, no matter what. And she did. If only I would face more of my life like she did. Setting her mind to get the best she could, and then eagerly complete the task set before her. Ya think you can find an area that you might be able to apply this to? I know I can. We were blessed today for Gods protection on our cotton crop! We were spared any heavy devastating rain and wind. It came within a mile of where our cotton is and then, starting to burn off. Thank you Lord, for your watch care. Blessings til' your basket runs over, Teri

Calling One, Calling All..........Sign my guestbook....

I want YOU to add your layouts that you have made with any of my freebies to my blog. I have a Guestbook slide show all ready to go, now I just need your layouts. Pretty please. just go to my guestbook slide at the bottom of my blog and add your layouts. I want to see what yall have been up to, so please upload them to my guestbook. Leave me some hugs while you are there. I just want to show them off for you! Thanks, Teri

Another Star is Born

As promised, this is the pink "Star is Born" overlay. I loved how the layout turned out. I printed this one of my granddaughter and put a black border around the outside of the layout slightly inside of the edge of the layout and It really helped to "pop" the sparkle " in her eyes! Enjoy! His, Teri

More of Proverbs 31....

OK, lets look at the next verse, verse 12 "She does him good and not evil, All the days of her life." Well that looks like a given. But let's look deeper. (If anyone is still reading this. I have not had a single comment since the first day, so not sure this is going over, but anyway, its where God is speaking to me.) So how do I do that, you ask? Well you ever seen a cheerleader? That is a great way to do our husband good and not evil. Be his best cheerleader! In front of your kids, family, friends...everywhere. Let them and Him know that you are on his team and want Him to succeed. When we put him down, even in small ways, we are putting a hole in his heart, like we are tripping him up and sabotaging his game plan! We are to build him up. You know, we are only responsible for OUR actions? Not his! Boy, do I need this. I know that when I wholeheartedly try to uplift Tom, in all that I do, it makes an incredible difference in how he acts and treats me. It's better for sure! We need to do our best to do things that would be good for him. Remember the saying, "Whats good for the goose, is good for the gander?" Well come on ganders, let be good to our goose!I didn't have a picture of a goose or a gander so I am showing you a picture of my goose and his gander, this was taken in Maine last October!

A Little More Virtue... Proverbs 31:11

"The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain." Ok, I am blessed to have been married for 32 years with the love of my life and my high school sweetie. And we totally trust each other in every way. This is a little different kind of trust. This is knowing that she will take care of all his belongings. Everything is in trusted to her and she will be trustworthy in all areas. Uh Oh, all areas. Woops...that means when I don't tell him everything, and I know I should, that I am not being trustworthy? Afraid so, Teri. Being truthful, in all areas, whether it is doing what is right, in a timely manner or taking care of running the household in the right way. Setting PRIORITIES straight! (did you see my template on priorities?) His heart is at stake here! His heart trusts in her. I love that! Now, the no lack of gain, well if we are doing all we should, he will be fully satisfied and will not be in want of anything! We should be wise in how we spend our time and money. Are there things we can do to help with the finances? Is that an area you might could help. It doesn't have to be a job, it might be, but it could just be being better stewards. Hello, is any one still reading? I am afraid I may have lost everyone by now...lol. "Points to Ponder" for sure! Until we meet again, or the Lord returns, Teri

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star "Boy"

I haven't forgotten all the Little Boy's out there just because I just had a beautiful Granddaughter a week ago ! I saw a layout with a little star and moon hanging from it and thought, I need to hang a star on one of my overlays! So this is what i came up with. I hope y'all are not tired of them yet! I have many ideas on more that I would like to do. I am going to do my best to start praying for my grand kids mates out there. You say, they are only 4 and 1 week old. Well there may very well be a prince or princess out there right now that will one day be in my family. Its never too early to begin to seek the Lords will for our kids, and for me, even my grand kids. If you need a pink star.....are you kidding me, you think I wouldn't do one? Check back.....for a little twinkle, twinkle in pink!

Priorities...Let's Get Them Straight, Okay?

Well as we look at the Proverbs 31 woman, it is going to become apparent that it is about priorities. Where we put them, what we allow to come into our lives, take our time, and what we do with our time. I had two sweet "Sisters in the Lord" email me about this overlay idea. I loved the idea of the quote. Wasn't sure how to implement it in this layout, but it all came together. So as a gentle reminder of us trying to get our priorities straight, here is a new layout. A visible reminder of what is really important! Being important in our childrens lives and in the lives of others. See I do listen to your suggestions! Thank you who ever you are! Have a great day in the Lord.....His, Teri


Here is the edited .png file if you need this in the png format, sorry for the error!
http://www.4shared.com/file/59184659/f8eaf6a2/Priorities_Edited_Overlays.html

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Well I went to bed last night....hrhmm at cough, cough, 3:30. But when I got to bed, I could not get this scripture off my mind. Many years ago, when cross stitching was my thing, I cross-stitched this Proverb. As a young married girl, with out my Mom to guide me ( she died of Breast Cancer when I was 20 ) I really needed guidance in how to be a good wife and mother. What better place to turn to than, Proverbs 31. The Virtuous Woman! So, here I am again, reflecting on what exactly that means....So here is the whole section on what she looks like:

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Remember, you are just eavesdropping on what the Lord is showing me, so I don't claim to have arrived here by any means! But I am gonna take this a little slow.. like just reflect on the first verse, verse 10. Noble Character, my bible says an excellent wife, who can find one? Well they are out there, but they are hard to find. Not only are we as Moms missing the mark way too often, but we are not raising our girls to be of "Noble Character". I have a 19 year old daughter, who loves the Lord, for which I am so thankful, but I know, this is an area I have more often that not, failed at. Really showing her, and guiding her, into this thinking. We are so busy, so selfish, so uninterested in God's way, way too many times. I am thankful that we know, we can ask anything in his will and he will give it to us. So ask today, that you ( and I ) will become more like the Proverbs 31 Woman. It will not only bless you, but bless your family (and for sure your husband). And for you gals who are still single, you are not off the hook. He still wants you to have these spiritual qualities. You are more likely than not, someones spiritual mother. There is someone who is looking to you, or at you, to see how you respond to everyday situations. After all, isn't that true for all of us. We need to reflect these qualities in our everyday life. That's where we live! And to be of more value to Him that Ruby's..well now, thats a thought. Yesterday, I had to do a few things on the computer for my hubby and later, I had to help him find some things he was looking for, telling him where I thought he would have put them, and I thought then, "Yep, my job is secure here, he can't use the computer without me, and needs me to help him find the catsup behind the milk in the fridge." See I am of great value to him. That's what we want right? To be of value to our spouses? So instead of getting frustrated, remember the worth of being a Proverbs 31 woman. So as I continue to grow in His Grace, won't you come with me in this journey?

You Up For Another Challenge? I Digi-Dare You!

Ok, now that we have the July challenge over...Lets get ready to Tumble again! I was Soooo excited over the July challenge and so pleased with the number of downloads, 603 as of this morning! WOW that's so awesome! A big thank you to all who downloaded it and an even BIGGER thank you to all who entered the challenge. So my digi-dare is this, enter the challenge at http://www.digiscrapdepot.com/ ! Its fun and Vicky, the Administrator over at DigiScrapDepot has graciously lowered the cost to just $1 to enter! Well it will actually be $1.34, $1 goes to DSD and the other is for the paypal charge. So for just $1.34 you can join the fun. Because of all the interest in the overlays that I have been doing and that seem to be so popular now, that is the basis for the August Template. And because it is summer time and many are going on Vacations (as we call them) and I know that others say Holiday...(some say tomatoes, some say tomato's)...now you can "Pick-A-Template" Its your choice, you choose which template to use, either the vacation one, or the holiday one. Make sure you add whatever elements, doodles, etc. Then you go grab your favorite pics and create your template. Now all you have to do is just "pop" the new template into your Starbucks Tumbler. Isn't that a great way to keep those vacation (holiday) memories alive? I love the idea that you can choose which one you want to use. So, get busy and download the templates, and get ready to tumble! His, Teri

*edited the vacation template 8/11/08 I had left some of my pics on the template, sorry about that! If you already downloaded, the template is the same, so no need to download it again.

**********FREE POSTING GIFT**********FREE POSTING GIFT************

SEE INFO BELOW ON HOW YOU CAN GET THIS LIMITED EDITION OVERLAY !!!

Well now that you have had several days to download one of the templates, I have a little something for you! I have a posting gift for everyone who enters and posts their layout over at http://www.digiscrapdepot.com/ . So get on over, enter and post your layout, I will email you a link for this freebie! This will only be available to those who enter and post thier layout in the gallery! I can't wait to see what you gals have come up with! Now, be an Angel and get movin' When I made this overlay, I was reminded of a wall hanging I have in my house that says "My wife is a angel, she is always up in the air harping on something!" Oh my! or Oh me? LOL

His, Teri

Drum Roll Please.... And the winner is......

Ok, the Starbucks Template Challenge is over and I so appreciate all who entered. This was a first for me and I can not believe that over 600 downloads on my first template ever! It was so exciting to see what people came up with to make their templates personalized just for them. Isn't that the best thing about digiscrapping! I love my new found hobby. Ok, enough about me. Ha Ha So, in trying to pick a winner, which by the way was not easy, I really thought about what this challenge meant to me. And for me, it was all about stepping out of my comfort zone. Since I was new, and this was my first template and my first involvement in a challenge, thats how I kinda looked at this to choose the winner and runner up! So without further ado, the winner is..."Cutting Footloose" by InHisGrip. Congratulations! You and your scrappin friends were having way too much fun that night! I love how you took a chance and just like you said, "cut loose" and entered the contest. It is and should be all about fun and just being ourselves. And for the runner-up, "Never Too Young" by Flower Power. What cute pictures you came up with and to have had them ready to go for you to use, good job! I wanted to thank all the others who entered this challenge, but I want to make sure everyone knows that all of the entries are really beautiful and it was not an easy task to choose. All unique in their own way. You will find the previews of the first and second place entries below, but all the layouts are in the gallery at www.digiscrapdepot.com so go on over and check them all out, you can even leave a comment if you would like. But to Snowsmoon's Designs- Your Bugs Alive Kit is so cute! I wish I would have gotten over there to pick up the freebie kit! I love the colors. The Emma layout is so cute. What a beautiful little girl. Thanks for entering. Angelbee, I absolutly love the stitched coffee mugs! What a great embellishment for a coffee tumbler! Jackie, your "Founders Day Fireworks" was wonderful. I tried to take some fireworks pictures myself, and so I really appreciate your photography. Great job! Rasberry Road, what a beautiful place to be able to have your morning coffee and enjoy God's beauty. A great way to start any day. I hope I got everyone listed and if I left anyone, it was unintentional. Now to all you gals who didnt enter and now wished you had....well check back real soon, maybe tommorow (hint hint) and you just might be in luck for an August Challenge! Here are the winners:

This is the winning layout "Cutting Loose" by InHisGrip
Here is the runner-up "Never Too Young" by FlowerPower