Tracy's Scraps

Groovy Scraps Turns 2!!!

2010-08-01T11:41:00.006-05:00

There is SO much going on at Groovy Scraps right now, I'm not sure I can fit it all into one post... but I'm gonna try! :D

First, check out our newest megakit! It's called Pool Party and it's on sale for just $2.00!! I'm sure you have some awesome swimming pool pictures from this summer, so get scrapping!

Now check out our August Daily Download... Get 31 days of FREE commercial use products! That's right, free commercial use items!!!

Start here:
http://www.groovyscraps.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80_146&products_id=29890

Ready for more freebies? How about some games? Find them at our Pool Party! Click the ad, then have some fun!

Don't leave yet! We have some fun challenges for you to do - and if you do them you'll get this whole kit!

One of the challenges is a template challenge using my latest template! Also free!

Get it here free, then go do the challenge. :D

Whew! Is that enough for you? No? How about our entire collection of MegaKits for just $2.00* each??? Are we crazy? Maybe!

*Store megakits only. Does not include designer megakits or charity kits.

Be sure to be back every day for a new daily download freebie, and check back every few days for more goodies on the Pool Party page. You never know what else we might add! I'm officially exhausted now.

Blessings!
Tracy

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Psalm 18:32-34

New GroovyScraps Welcome Kit - FREE!

2010-08-01T10:21:00.007-05:00

Get this kit free when you register at GroovyScraps.com! The coupon code will be sent to you in a PM after we update your account, or you can find it in the forums. If you're already a member, you can get it too - find the coupon code here. You MUST use the coupon code to get the kit free!

Blessings!
Tracy

But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:27-31,35-36

Two Templates!

2010-07-16T11:29:00.005-05:00

Yes, I am alive! lol A lot has been happening too - my daughter graduated from high school this past June and will be going off to college in August. I'm gonna miss her so much!!!!! She'll only be about 5 hours away, so I can drop in anytime. he he he!

Today I have two templates for you. They're both fishing themed - and there's a coupon in there for last month's Gone Fishing MegaKit at GroovyScraps! You can get the huge fishing kit for just $3 with this coupon.

Isn't this kit adorable?

I don't have any sample layouts done - honestly I haven't gone fishing since I was 12 - but I'll be glad to post any layouts you guys do!

Download

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Eph 1:3

Happy New Year!

2010-01-15T22:14:00.003-06:00

Two weeks late! lol I've had some computer issues but I think I have them taken care of now.

SALE TIME!!!!!!! My stuff is 50% off!

I actually have a template for you! You'll need to go check out the challenge to find the links though, I'm not posting them here. Just click on the preview to take you to GroovyScraps. Be sure to take the challenges while you're there - we have some nice gifts this month!

There are three challenges and three gifts. The more you do, the more you get. Here's my contribution:

Blessings!!!
Tracy

'If we ever forget that we're one nation under GOD, then we will be a nation gone under.'~Ronald Reagan

New Stuff and Free Christmas Word Art!

2009-12-17T15:13:00.004-06:00

I have some new stuff in the store! And don't forget, my 43 cent sale is still going on.

I have some new Christmas Tag templates. I actually made these last year but finished them too late for the Christmas rush so I decided to wait until this year. Wouldn't you know? I forgot about them until this morning! lol Hopefully it's not too late! And for 43 cents, how can you pass them up?

I have some more new stuff and decided to put them in a Groovy Pack (revealed Grab Bag). You can still get the 43 cent deal, so this GPack is on sale for just $1.72!

I found this really neat music site that is basically a HUGE database of ALL KINDS OF MUSIC! I found AllMusic.com because I was looking for a "similar artist" guide and information on Blues artists. What a great resource! Biographies, discographies, photos, sound bites, etc. Keep this one in your favorites!

http://www.allmusic.com/

Here's your freebie for today. Hope you like them!

Download

Blessings and have a wonderful Christmas/Hanukkah/Whatever!

Tracy

An African boy listened carefully as the teacher explained why it is that Christians give presents to each other on Christmas Day. “The gift is an expression of our joy over the birth of Jesus and our friendship for each other,” she said.

When Christmas Day came, the boy brought the teacher a sea shell of lustrous beauty. “Where did you find such a beautiful shell?” the teacher asked.

The youth told her that there was only one spot where such extraordinary shells could be found – a certain bay many miles away.

“Why … why, it’s gorgeous,” said the teacher. “But you shouldn’t have gone all that way to get a gift for me.”

His eyes brightening, the boy answered, “Long walk part of gift.”

Christmas 2009 Template

2009-12-16T11:27:00.006-06:00

Get over to GroovyScraps for some awesome bargains!

Be sure to check out Kim Cameron's store too - she's got all her stuff on sale for $2.00 each right now!!!!!!!!

Don't forget our MegaKit sale! Just $3 each - including our newest MegaKit - Sleigh Full of Toys. Be sure to check out my layout today, it's made with the Sleigh kit.

Today I have a template for you. I decided to start making my templates 3600x3600 instead of the smaller 2400x2400. I did that for years because some people (including me) had computer memory issues and the larger template was just too much for their systems. I'm not sure that's really a problem any more with newer computers, BUT if you have problems with the bigger size just let me know.

My layout was done with the Sleigh Full of Toys MegaKit from GroovyScraps. It's on sale for just $3.00 right now!

Download:
Photoshop PSD
PNG

Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Tracy

"There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:1

Christmas Pack

2009-12-04T12:00:00.002-06:00

Hey, I'm the Featured Designer at YourDigitalDesigners.com!!!!! Right now you can get all my CU stuff on sale for 43 cents each.

Want my kits? Get them for the same price at GroovyScraps!!!

Merry Christmas!

I have a cute little Christmas pack for you.

Get 'em here!

Blessings!
Tracy

Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go.
(Psalm 143:8)

New Kit and Awesome Bargains!

2009-12-03T08:42:00.004-06:00

I have a new kit in the store! It's called Texas and right now it's on sale for 43 cents!! I know, how dumb can I be? But my entire store is on sale for 43 cents each, so feel free to do some more shopping while you're there. Is that a bargain or what???

MASSIVE MegaKit Sale!

All GroovyScraps megakits are on sale for 50% off - just $3.00 each! Some of these kits are HUGE too!

Made by Lisa C using the Winter Cottage MegaKit.

Birthday Sale!

Speaking of bargains, my entire store is on sale right now. Everything is just 43 cents each! It may be my birthday, but you get the goodies!

You'll find the deals at GroovyScraps, Commercial-Use.com and YourDigitalDesigners.

Blessings!
Tracy

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 6:35

It's Official - I'm OLD!

2009-11-30T21:36:00.004-06:00

My birthday is coming up. I'm not going to tell you how old I am, but I will tell you that I'm having a 43 Cent Sale!!! That's right, every single one of my products is on sale for 43 cents. Still I'm not going to tell you how old I am, there are just some things a lady doesn't share! lol

See my sale at GroovyScraps and YourDigitalDesigners!

Blessings!
Tracy

For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
Romans 14:7-9

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T10:48:00.003-06:00

I've got to rush because I have a ton of stuff to do today, but I made these alphas for your Thanksgiving layouts. Enjoy!

Download

Blessings to you and yours. Be safe this holiday season and don't eat TOO much!
Tracy

Remember God's bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude!
~Henry Ward Beecher

Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.
Rev. 7:12

Massive MegaKit Sale!

2009-11-17T22:17:00.004-06:00

Right now all the MegaKits at Groovy Scraps are 50% off - just $3 each! And we got some amazing MegaKits, let me tell you!

Date Night

Legend of Groovy Hollow	Spicy!
Pizza Party	Workin' at the Car Wash
Island Luau	Picnic in the Park

And lots more!

Oh, and here's a free quickpage for you! It's made from my Whodunit? kit.

Download it free at Groovy Scraps!

Blessings!
Tracy

Ps 34:17-19

17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

A Kid's Christmas

2009-11-09T09:07:00.006-06:00

My daughter - yes, I said my daughter! - created this kit for me last Christmas. It's called "A Kid's Christmas" and it was the best present ever!!!! I now have it on sale for just $2.00 and the proceeds go towards her college. She graduates in 2010 so college is coming fast!!

A Kid's Christmas

I have a free Quick Page for you.

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.
William Carey

UIL Results

2009-11-04T11:05:00.002-06:00

The Band made it into finals! They came in 9th overall, which means they're the 9th best 4A marching band in Texas! Pretty good results for their first time at State as a 4A band! We're SO proud!!! Thanks for the kind messages. :D

Going to State!

2009-11-02T16:12:00.002-06:00

My baby girl and her band headed to San Antonio today to play in the UIL State Competition! We are SOOOOO proud of her!!!! And of the whole band! They've all worked so hard this year, they definitely deserve this chance.

They'll be competing against 25 or so other 4A bands in Texas. This is her school's first time to go to State as a 4A school, so they're all very excited and very nervous.

We'll be heading down to San Antonio EARLY in the morning to watch them play tomorrow. Hubby couldn't get off work today, but he told them there's no way he's missing this performance. Our daughter is a Senior so this is her last chance, and our last chance to support her.

Go Casey!

Watch their performance!

Blessings!
Tracy

America's Freedom

2009-09-08T16:41:00.002-05:00

Wow! This girl is one of the best speakers I've heard in ages. And she's so young!

By the Tree Template

2009-09-07T10:15:00.006-05:00

I have a new template!

Download:
Photoshop PSD
PNG

Here's my layout.... I used our Picnic in the Park MegaKit.

Blessings!
Tracy

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
John 4:13-14

Pizza Party!

2009-08-02T22:54:00.004-05:00

Yay! We turned 1 today! To celebrate, we're having a Pizza Party. We have a few things going on right now, but more will be added as the month goes along.

First, we're having a sale! And since we made this ad, stuff's already changed. It's actually up to 60% off!

We have two, count 'em, TWO new MegaKits in the store. The first one is the Car Wash kit. If you missed any of it during the Daily Download last month, now's your chance to get the whole thing - for just $3.00 you get almost 500 meg!

Then of course you can get the new Pizza Party kit for just $3! In fact, ALL our non-charity collab kits are on sale for $3 each!!!!

SCAVENGER HUNT
Don't have the money for it? No worries, you can WIN this pizza kit by playing our Scavenger Hunt!

PICK A PRIZE PIZZA PARTY PAGE
Then of course, we have some freebies. Check out the Pizza Party Page for prizes, games and more. We'll be add more stuff to this page as the month goes along, so check back frequently. It may be OUR birthday, but you're getting all the goodies!

I have a free template for you today!

Download

Thanks for visiting and HAVE FUN! Please leave some comments, we love to hear from you!

Blessings!
Tracy

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
(Philippians 4:8-9)

Car Wash - Last Day!

2009-07-31T08:30:00.002-05:00

Last day for our free Car Wash kit! Don't worry, if you missed any, the whole thing will be in the store tomorrow for just $3! In fact, ALL our MegaKits will be on sale for just $3 each.

Be back tomorrow for our Pizza Party! Lots of freebies, discounts, games and more throughout the month. Check back often because we'll be adding new things all the time!

Tracy

Car Wash - Day 20

2009-07-20T17:48:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to stop by for your car wash!

http://www.groovyscraps.com/forums/local_links.php?catid=9

I have some new items in the store! And my whole store is 35% off right now!

Blessings!
Tracy

Obama does have one thing in common with God: God doesn't have a birth certificate either.
--Rush Limbaugh

Car Wash - Day 11

2009-07-11T07:18:00.002-05:00

You have TWO Daily downloads today!!!

Blessings!
Tracy

Car Wash - Day 9

2009-07-09T01:00:00.000-05:00

Forgot to remind everyone about Day 8, but Day 9 is really cool!

http://www.groovyscraps.com/forums/local_links.php?catid=9

Oh and we're having a sale in the store! Up to 65% off too!

Be sure to check back in August too - we're having a Pizza Party! Lots of free stuff and some great bargains.

Day 7

2009-07-07T00:05:00.002-05:00

Day 7 of the Car Wash kit is available!
http://www.groovyscraps.com/forums/local_links.php?catid=9

I've also revealed my grab bag and it's still only $3. Here's the preview:

It's also available at Commercial-Use.com!

Blessings!
Tracy

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
(II Chronicles 7:14)

Car Wash - Day 6

2009-07-06T11:07:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to get your daily car wash!

http://www.groovyscraps.com/forums/local_links.php?catid=9

Car Wash - Day 5

2009-07-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's Day FIVE! And today you get my stuff. :D Here's a little preview:

I used my new Starving Artist tagger kit, "Lovely Day," to make this. What do you think - it's the first tag I ever made!

Blessings!
Tracy

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)

Car Wash - Day 4

2009-07-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Get TWO downloads today!!! One is from Kimberly Cameron and the other from Digiheaven.

Oh, check out the cute 4th of July freebie that Farrah has for you in the GroovyScraps Peace & Love forum (lots of freebies there!)

Don't forget about the MASSIVE Starving Artists Collab kits! GroovyScraps has EIGHT really awesome tagger kits. They all use the same color scheme, so you can mix and match kits to make the biggest tagger megakit you've ever seen! 180 designers!!!!!

Oh check out this CUTE layout using the Picnic in the Park MegaKit. It's on sale for just $3 by the way - hint hint!

Blessings!
Tracy

Fear not, for I am with you.
(Isaiah 43:5)

Car Wash - Day 3

2009-07-03T00:27:00.004-05:00

It's Day 3 of the Car Wash Daily Download!!!

We've also turned Day 1 back on for those who missed it. Get it today or it's gone!

Look at the layout that Melissa did with the Car Wash kit. Keep coming back and you could do this too!

Blessings!
Tracy

So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel."
(Jeremiah 18: 3-5)

Car Wash - Day 2

2009-07-02T07:40:00.005-05:00

It's Day 2 of the Car Wash Daily Download!!!

Check out our latest MegaKit too. It's called Island Luau and it's on sale for $3.00. You get OVER 500 MEG of tropical yumminess with this kit, and for such a low amount too!

Lots of new challenges in store too!

ABC Challenge - Jen gives you a letter to use in your layouts!
Connect 4 Groovy Style - Jen gives you a grid and you select 4 items from it and do your layout. Challenging but super fun!
Lyrics and Poems Challenge - Gina is using Martina McBride's Anything and Everything this month!
Layer It Up - Linnie gives you a list of items to use, and you have to layer them on your layout. Great practice for making awesome clusters!

There are lots more too, and some great prizes!!!! Check them out here - and get FREE stuff!

Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
Tracy

“…Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (I Cor. 15:58)

Car Wash - Day 1

2009-06-30T23:00:00.001-05:00

Tons of stuff on sale!!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, get-chur Free Car Wash at Groovy Scraps!!! Today and for the rest of July, just head on over to GroovyScraps.com and get a daily download dose of car clean-ness. That's right, you heard me, we'll (virtually) clean your car every day of the month, and TWICE on Saturdays!

Like this kit? It's called Workin' at the Car Wash and it's yours free!

Get part 1 today. And be sure to come back again tomorrow for more!

While you're there, play some challenges. You can get my Splashes FREE just by playing my Scraplift Challenge. They go great with the Car Wash kit! Lots of new challenges too, so check them out!

Check out the Starving Artists Tagger kits we have too. They're just 2 bucks each and we got some GOOD ones!!!

Blessings!
Tracy

Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
(Philippians 2:14-18)

Free Kit from Kim!

2009-06-27T12:24:00.001-05:00

Want this kit FREE?

Just spend $10 in the GroovyScraps store and get it free!!!!

Blessings,
Tracy

NEW Designers!

2009-06-25T19:20:00.010-05:00

GroovyScraps has TONS of new items in the store, and a bunch of new designers too! I've got a few to show you today, but believe it or not, there's more to come! GroovyScraps is growing by leaps and bounds.

Check out our new ladies:

Ariana's Kreations!!

EAL Designs!!

Fleur de Lis!!

Jillann's Creations!!

Scrappin with Lil Ole Me!!

The Okietoothfairy!!

Be sure to check back on July 1 for our Carwash Daily Download!

Got a freebie for you! These frames are great for your guy layouts, grungy or teen layouts and maybe even vintage. I like 'em! Hope you do too!

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
(Romans 8:11)

Hey Dad!

2009-06-20T08:36:00.006-05:00

Got a sale for DAD stuff!!!

All my stuff is 50% off - including all my masculine kits, just perfect for those Father's Day pics, summer barbecues, 4th of July, etc. etc.

Oh, and get ready for the Starving Artists' MASSIVE multi-store Tagger Collab!!! It starts July 1, and you're gonna be AMAZED at the deals you'll get! For more information, see this blog.

This is my offering for the collab:

I'll be offering a full-sized version too. So check back on July 1!!!

Today's Site of the Day is the Handbook of Texas Online. Don't live in Texas? That's okay, there's still all kinds of cool info here. Did you know there's a town in Texas called "Telephone?" Yep, my great uncle was actually born in Telephone, Texas. Find out more about Davy Crockett, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and of course, the Alamo! Lots more too, so check it out.

CHALLENGE TIME!!!

Want this FREE? Just do my Scraplift Challenge!!!

Here's my layout I did for the challenge. Do one like the example and you'll get my Island Luau minikit free!

Blessings!
Tracy

We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.

You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

(I Thessalonians 1:2-7)

New MegaKit!

2009-06-01T15:40:00.003-05:00

GroovyScraps has a new MegaKit! It's called Picnic in the Park and it's just $3 through the end of June.

Here's my layout with it. Sigh, I was so cute back then! What happened???

Blessings!
Tracy

“Being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”
(Colossians 1:11)

We the People

2009-05-30T09:23:00.002-05:00

Interesting stuff! Not sure I agree with all of it, but the sentiment is there.

Blessings,
Tracy

MEGA MegaKit Sale!!!

2009-05-28T21:24:00.007-05:00

All our Groovy MegaKits are on sale 50% off, and charity kits are 25% off! We got some good ones too, I tell you what!

We also have a new charity kit called Golden Memories. Designers included in this kit are Tracy Drane (that's me!), Kimberly Cameron and GF Designz. It's 100+ meg large! The proceeds go to the Meals On Wheels Association of America, which is a wonderful organization!

It's on sale right now for just $3.00. It's for a wonderful cause, please consider buying this kit!

I have a template for you today! It's called Tied Together 3 and it's available in both PSD and separate PNG files. I can't do PSP anymore, the program keeps messing up on me. It won't let me save without merging the layers. That kinda defeats the purpose of a template huh? I've reloaded the program and it'll work for awhile and start up again. If anyone knows how to fix this, please let me know.

Download:
PSD
PNG

Here's my layout. It's a two page layout, so you can see that I changed the template up a bit for the 2nd one. Click to make it bigger. I used a kit called Love Song by Farrah's Designer Scraps. It's a beautiful kit!

Circle Frames

2009-05-17T08:54:00.007-05:00

We're having a Memorial Day Sale at GroovyScraps!

Also, check out our latest MegaKit, on sale this month for just $3!

Here's a freebie for you. These frames are personal use, but if you want to make your own, get my CU frame templates! These were made using one of my four CU Frame Template sets, available at GroovyScraps, Commercial-Use.com and YourDigitalDesigners.com. Lots of different frame shapes, all layered. Just add your own styles, textures and colors!

Download

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers...”
(Ephesians 1:15-16)

Fenced In

2009-04-11T19:43:00.005-05:00

Happy Easter!!!! I actually have a template for you! It's called Fenced In, and I hope you like it!

I'm still having problems with Paint Shop Pro, so I think I'll just stick with Photoshop and PNG. Sorry if this causes any trouble.

Download:
Photoshop
PNG

Isn't my Godmother's horse a cutie?

Blessings!
Tracy

Romans 1:4-5
And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

BLOG TRAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-04-01T11:40:00.006-05:00

It's Blog Train time!!! This is my first try at DST's monthly Blog Train. Here's my part for April, called Spring Blossoms. Hope you enjoy it!

Download it, and then go visit Brandi, the next stop on the Blog Train Express!!!

Blessings!
Tracy

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
(James 1:12-15)

Remember the Alamo!

2009-03-07T13:32:00.002-06:00

I tried to get this to you yesterday, but it was Saturday morning before I knew it!

Yesterday was Alamo Day!

-- What's that mean?

Alamo Day remembers Texas' loss of the Battle of the Alamo.

-- Loss? Texas lost the battle?

Yep! Texas lost.

-- Why would you want to remember a battle that you lost???

I'm glad you asked that question! The famous battle took place during the Texas Revolution, otherwise known as the War of Independence from Mexico. While Mexico had a large, well-trained group of soldiers, Texas fought with mostly civilians - white, black, native and mexican.

Between February 23, 1836 and March 6, 1836, a batallion of less than 200 men defended the mission called the Alamo, while a well-equipped Army of 6000 soldiers under the command of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna attacked from all four sides. The Texians held off the Mexican Army for 13 days, led by James Bowie (of Bowie knife fame) and then William Barret Travis. 189 men vs. 6000! You could say they put up one helluva fight! On the morning of March 6, an assault of 1800 menu pounced the mission and broke through the defenses and the Texians could no longer hold out.

All fighting Texian men at the Alamo died by that last day. Among the dead were James Bowie, William Travis and David "Davy" Crockett, Tennessee frontiersman and Congressman. The official number is 189, but the count may be as high as 257. Santa Anna lost around 600.

-- Where does the phrase "Remember the Alamo" come from?

The Battle of the Alamo was more than just a loss for the Texians, it was a wake-up call for Mexico - the Texians were more of a force than they realized. It also encouraged the rest of Texas to keep up the fight. Just a few short weeks later, the Texians fought and won their independence in the Battle of San Jacinto, crying out as they charged, "Remember the Alamo!" (We won that battle!)

Find out more about the Battle of the Alamo:
http://www.thealamo.org/history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Alamo
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/AA/qea2.html

Come back in April and I'll tell you how a prostitute helped us win our independence from Mexico!

To celebrate (a day late) Alamo Day, I've made this wordart for your Alamo or Texas layouts. :D

Download

Hope you enjoy it! Blessings!

Tracy

Happy Texas Independence Day!

2009-03-02T10:22:00.001-06:00

Don't miss out on our Site Support Team Contest! You get a free kit just for playing! More info on this thread.

It's Texas Independence Day! Yep, 173 years ago today Texas declared its independence from Mexico! And if things keep going the way they are now, we may have to do it again soon. Learn more about Texas Independence here.

So to honor today, I'm posting this freebie. These are some items that may or may not wind up in a new Texas themed kit I've been working on, but in any event, they're yours today free!

Download

Hope you enjoy the download, and feel free to send me your layouts! I'll post them here. I know I haven't been posting the wonderful layouts y'all have been sending lately, and I apologize. I've just been so busy that my blog has taken a back seat. But I really want to get back to doing my weekly templates and talking to all my friends here on the blog more often.

Blessings!
Tracy

The Ten Commandments - Texas Style!

(1) Just one God.
(2) Honor yer Ma & Pa.
(3) No tellin' tales or gossipin'.
(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'.
(5) Put nothin' before God.
(6) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal.
(7) No killin.'
(8) Watch yer mouth.
(9) Don't take what ain't yers.
(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff.

Mardi Gras!

2009-02-26T11:35:00.003-06:00

Storytime!

Do you like to write? We have this really neat story going on in our forums. It's called Smiley's Story because you have to use a smiley somewhere in your entry. Here's the beginning:

It was a blistery hot day, and even the wild critters gave up scurrying around to find some comfortable shade trees. I was bored out of my mind and wanted to get out of the house but it was just too dang hot! So I decided to go up into the attic to see what I could find. I lived in a 1908 Victorian that had been renovated a few times over the years. Still, there were items left by previous owners up there in the dusty attic.

As I made my way up the creaky stairs, I reminded myself that I still hadn't fixed that one noisy step. One of these days I'm going to fall and break my neck, I thought. As I opened the door to the attic, the musty scent of history closed in around me. It was dark - too dark for such a hot, sunny day. This room must have great insulation for such an old house. The windows were painted as well. It was spooky and I shivered despite the suffocating heat. I felt around for the pull string on the single lightbulb. As the light filled the room, a roomful of history filled my eyes. There was a...

Wanna read more and maybe add to it? You're welcome to join us!

Would you like to have this pretty Date Night mini kit? You can have it FREE! All you have to do is participate in my Scraplift Challenge! Also, there are other coordinating mini kits if you do more challenges. But hurry - this is February's challenge and February is a SHORT month.

My latest Grab Bag is almost gone - so I've revealed it for the last couple of days. BUT if you get over there in the next 24 hours, you can still get it for the hidden price of $3! After that, I'm raising it to $5. So get over there post haste!

Here are the previews:

Ok, I do have a freebie for you today!

Download

Check out my layout! It was done with the Mardi Gras kit by Russian-Dutch Heart Design. Real cute kit!

Blessings!
Tracy

One day a group of scientists got together and decided that man had come a long way and no longer needed God. So they picked one scientist to go and tell Him that they were done with Him.

The scientist walked up to God and said, "God, we've decided that we no longer need you. We're to the point that we can clone people and do many miraculous things, so why don't you just go on and get lost."

God listened very patiently and kindly to the man and after the scientist was done talking, God said, "Very well, how about this, let's say we have a man making contest." To which the scientist replied, "OK, great!"

But God added, "Now, we're going to do this just like I did back in the old days with Adam."

The scientist said, "Sure, no problem" and bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt.

God just looked at him and said, "No, no, no. You go get your own dirt!"

Diva Alphas

2009-02-12T12:33:00.001-06:00

Hey y'all!

Don't forget our Grab Bags Sale! Lots to choose from!

Also, check out this month's MegaKit! It's called Let's Go to the Movies and it's on sale for just $3.00 through the end of the month.

I have some cute alphas for you today. Hope you like them! They're called Diva Alphas, and would look great on your girly layouts, but I think they'll work for Valentine layouts too. Enjoy!

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.
James 1:16-17

Forever Template

2009-02-01T11:26:00.006-06:00

We're having a Grab Bag sale! 10 brand new Grab Bags, both personal and commercial use!

I have a template for you today - I couldn't wait until Tuesday! It's called Forever and it's to scrap a pic of you and your Valentine, your parents or any other loving couple you know.

Oh, and I think I got my Paint Shop Pro working again!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

Here's my layout, done with Kim Cameron's ADORABLE Puppy Love kit! Awwwww!

Blessings!
Tracy

“He who seeks good finds goodwill…” Proverbs 11:27

CT Call for Kim & Tracy!

2009-01-25T17:00:00.003-06:00

Kim and I are combining our CT's and we're looking for some ladies who love to create layouts. If you join our team, you'll get a choice of BOTH our kits for free!

Tracy's Kits
Kim's Kits

If interested, email Kim.

Blessings!
Tracy

Bracket Template

2009-01-14T21:56:00.009-06:00

Got a template for you today! But first, I have an awesome site for you. If you haven't seen it yet, you need to.

I Am Second is a website that has some incredible life stories, and its presentation is pretty darn cool too! You might even recognize a few faces. Why is it called "I Am Second"? You'll have to go there to find out.

And I have a NEW kit in the store! It's called Whodunit? and it's on sale right now for just $2.00!!!

Check out what's been done with this kit so far, wow!

Today's template is called Bracket. Well, cause it has a bracket on it and I'm not good at naming things!

Download

Check out my layout!

This layout was done using BiebelsScraps' cute kit called First Glance!

Blessings!
Tracy

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
(Proverbs 17:22)

It's a New Year!

2009-01-07T08:32:00.006-06:00

Yep, it's a brand new year! I hope all of you have a safe, happy and fun-filled 2009!

I've been majorly swamped so far though... we're getting ready to make some cosmetic changes to GroovyScraps - stay tuned! - and my whole family has had the tummy flu. Not fun, but we're all healthy now.

We had a small, yet still expensive Christmas. My daughter got her class ring in her stocking (boy did Santa spend a small fortune on that thing!) and I got my Ancestry.com subscription renewed. I can't live without it - anyone who knows me will attest to that.

I wish I had found this site before Christmas, it would have been great to share with you then! But it'll still be fun to look at now. It's called Coolest-Gadgets.com and WOW do they have some awesome and even weird stuff on there! There's even a Gadget of the Week and you get to vote. I had fun looking around at all the wild inventions that people have conjured up. And there's a great section on Gadget Gift Ideas! Plan to spend some time here.

I have a new challenge this month at GroovyScraps! It's called "I'm Nearly Famous" and if you play you'll get my part of the new "Let's Go to the Movies" MegaKit! Here's the prize:

I haven't had a lot of time or energy to design, but I do have a little something for you today. I was playing with some freeware filters I found on the Internet, just to see what they would do. I liked the results so I thought I'd offer them to you! Here's 5 overlays that are free and are commercial use too.

Download these overlays if you'd like! I have to run now, but tomorrow I'll have something else for you that I've been working on, plus some absolutely beautiful layouts that were sent to me! I haven't posted layouts in awhile and I sure miss them too.

Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
Tracy

Psalm 39:4-7
“O Lord, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
Behold, you have made my days a few handbreaths,
And my lifetime is nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!
Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
Man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!”

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.”

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T12:06:00.006-06:00

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas! I know the economy isn't that great this year, but let's keep our eyes and hearts on the reason for the season instead of all those gifts we didn't get, it won't seem so bad.

I do have a gift for you (and it didn't cost anything but my time!)

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
{Matthew 1:21}

2 Templates!

2008-12-20T05:38:00.008-06:00

Before we get to the freebies, I'd like to ask you for help for a friend. Lisa's had a very rough year that has included family, health and financial issues, so you can imagine the migraines she's had. Now her car is dead and she needs help getting it fixed or getting a replacement car. Her kids may even have to go without Christmas presents because of this!

You can help by buying her ENTIRE STORE, including commercial use items, full and tagger sized kits and more, for just $15. Lisa has well over $400 worth of stuff in the GroovyScraps store, and this price is practically giving it away, but it will sure help her right now.

Please show your Spirit of Christmas! See her blog for more details. See what you can get:

All this and a lot more! If you can't help financially, please keep Lisa and her family in your prayers. Thank you and God Bless!

Now, on to the freebies!! I'm taking a family trip today, so I'm posting a partial blog entry. I'll do the rest when I get back. Hope that's ok! The first template is called Play:

Not sure who the kids are... I snatched the pics from a photo site! lol! But the kit is Kim Cameron's Exploring My Backyard. Isn't it cute?

Download:
Photoshop

The next template is called Hugged!

Download:
Photoshop

I DO have a kid in this one. She's the one on the right. :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a safe Holiday Season! I wish blessings on you and your families.

Luke 2:9-12
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Happy Birthday To Me!

2008-12-05T08:47:00.005-06:00

Wow, you would not believe what my scrappin' friends have done! Apparently they have been planning for a MONTH to throw me a surprise party! And it worked, because I had NO idea!

I'm still so stunned that I'm speechless, and if you ask my friends you'll know that's a very tough thing to do. LOL!

First, I got some SUPER cute layouts/birthday cards. See them in the GroovyScraps gallery. I love them all, but the Bobby Ewing one has made me giggle all morning!

Then they got me a gift certificate to Monica Larsen's store. Monica even pitched in too! I can't wait to go shopping!!!!

Next, I found out that a bunch of people made some FREEBIES for me, and we're sharing them with you!!!! There all loaded in the Birthday folder in the store, so you'll need to scroll down a bit. :) Believe me, they're adorable and worth the download!!!

My WONDERFUL friend Candie has also made something for me too! She is one of the sweetest people I know, so if you've never visited her blog, definitely check it out! And see the birthday mini kit she made for me, and download it for yourself. :D

I did this layout using a little something from each kit.

My family has stuff for me too, but so far I've received just a card from my daughter. She made it completely from scratch and put some lovely words in there - made me all sniffly too. I think they're taking me for Japanese food tonight. I think this is the best birthday I've had in years!!!

Hugs and blessings to all... thank you for stopping by!
Tracy

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
(Ephesians 2:8)

Christmas Mini

2008-12-01T09:57:00.002-06:00

Oh Holy Scrap! GroovyScraps is having a SALE!

Get my entire store for 50% Off!!!

We also have a Christmas Daily Download starting today! FREE!!!

I have a little Christmas Mini kit for you today. Hope you can use it!!

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4: 10-13)

Fall Brads

2008-11-22T12:02:00.006-06:00

Here are some brads for you, in autumn/fall colors. Use them for flower centers, tag holders, whatever you want! They're even CU!!! Enjoy!

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
(Psalm 46:10)

Been away, but I'm back!

2008-11-16T09:57:00.005-06:00

I know I've been gone for awhile, but between the election (I was an election clerk and volunteer, and no my guy didn't win), football (daughter's in the band), choir (yeah, daughter again), being offline for almost a week and a HUGE list of other activities that I'm SURE y'all don't give a bunny's butt about, I just couldn't get to my blog.

But I am back and I DO have a template for you! I decided not to wait until Tuesday since I made you wait so long.

First though, I have to force an AD on you! (he he) I have TWO MegaKits to tell you about. The first one is a charity kit for MS. It's called My Strength. You don't have to have MS or know anyone with it to use this kit. We made it pretty generic, and it's absolutely lovely!!! It's only $6 and all profits go to MS. One of our designers suffers from this horrible disease, so this topic is near and dear to us. Please help out if you can.

The next one is the new monthly MegaKit called Apple Harvest, and it's on sale 50% Off through November. Only $3!!! It's great for autumn, Thanksgiving, family get-togethers and even Christmas. You MUST have this kit!!!

Now for the template. Finally huh? It's the third in the Big Picture line.

Like it? Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

Oh, I have a favor to ask!!!!
Apparently some of my links are broken. I keep almost all my links active and for some reason, over time, they go away. Please contact me if you find any broken links so I can fix them! Just leave a comment to let me know.

My layout was done with the GroovyScraps.com MegaKit called Victorian Lace. It's a GORGEOUS kit!!!!!

Love my kitty? Isn't he adorable? His name is Niko and he's one of two new kittens we have. The other one is solid black and her name is Kira. My daughter's an anime fan, can you tell?

I promise I'll be around more often. :)

Blessings!
Tracy

Romans 8:31
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Halloween Template

2008-10-26T09:41:00.004-05:00

Ready for Halloween? Yep, me too! I have a template for you to scrap photos of those little ghosts 'n goblins running around.

Download:
Paint Shop Pro (coming soon)
Photoshop
PNG (coming soon)

This is my baby Casey at age 2. :D

Blessings!
Tracy

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22)

Two Freebies!

2008-10-13T07:05:00.007-05:00

Actually THREE freebies, if you stop by and get today's Halloween Daily Download!

Get my latest template!!!

Download sample item for free here. The sample is personal use only.

Today's SECOND freebie is a commercial use alpha! It has a glassy-stone texture on it and you can recolor it, add patterns or edges, just don't distribute them as-is. Enjoy!

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

We have this day restored the Sovereign, to Whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and ... from the rising to the setting sun may His Kingdom come.
~Samuel Adams, Governor of Massachusettes, 1793-1797 and Founding Father of the United States.

Sunrays Template

2008-10-08T09:11:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone! GroovyScraps.com is having a Designer Call!

For more info, see this thread:
http://www.groovyscraps.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148

PickensPlan.com

If you're not familiar with T. Boone Pickens, he's a Texas Oil and Gas multi-billionaire. He has a new plan to incorporate more solar and wind power to reduce dependence on foreign oil. An oilman pushing wind power? Yep! My family was in oil too, and I think this is a great plan. Much better than ethanol and bio-diesel. Sun and wind are completely clean, renewable and abundant.

And yes, I do think we should drill in the U.S. - onshore and off. :)

Today's Template is called Sunrays. Great for nature and garden shots, beach photos, or anything that brings a ray of sunshine in your life!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

My layout is of this moth I found on the bush in front of my house. He was sleeping, so I was able to get pretty close. I even measured him! Wing tip to wing tip, 5 inches wide!!! Wow, he was huge! You see those circles on his wings? They're transparent. I could see the leaves through them.

Have fun with this template! Blessings!
Tracy

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

Daily Halloween Freebie

2008-09-30T23:03:00.003-05:00

Get a HUGE Vintage Halloween kit free with our Daily Download, starting right now! NOTE: You must be logged into our Forums for the links to work. If you need to register, click on the Register link in our Forums.

To get you started, Lisa has a freebie for you! Don't miss out on this - it's not in any of the daily downloads!
http://sassyscrapsbylisa.blogspot.com/2008/09/vintage-halloween-daily-download-and.html

And boy do we have a challenge for you! Win a free kit in our Halloween Decor contest. Scrap a layout of your best Halloween decorations and you could win any kit in our store. See this thread for more details.

Blessings!
Tracy

Hangin' Around 5

2008-09-30T10:04:00.007-05:00

Gotta share this! Just don't get mad if it gets stuck in your head. lol!

Everyone seems to really love the Hangin' Around templates, so I made a new one! This template is actually TWO templates, you can have either a horizontal or vertical photo - or make a two-pager. Hope you like it!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The font is called Care Bear Family and it can be found here. The Photoshop template has a vector title, but I was unable to make the text vector in the Paint Shop Pro version. Sorry about that, but it looks like I'll need to reload PSP yet again!

My layout was done with Chanin's WAY TOO CUTE kit called Orbit.

Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
Tracy

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
(Psalm 91:2)

Football Fever!

2008-09-18T21:22:00.004-05:00

If there's one thing we like in Texas, it's High School Football! I'm listening to my home team's broadcast now - don't you love technology? But of course, we also have the DALLAS COWBOYS!!! Did you see the game on Monday night? Wasn't that exciting????

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

I know I'll get some hate mail for this, but yes, I love the Cowboys! I was born an (mostly) raised in Dallas, so they ARE my home team.

Blessings!
Tracy

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
(Galatians 2)

Heritage 2 Template

2008-09-11T09:17:00.010-05:00

Today's template is called Heritage 2.

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The font is Mary Jane Antique.

My layout was done with my new kit called Jealousy, on sale through the end of September for just $2.00!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everyone knows today is the 7th anniversary of 9/11. No matter where you are in the world, this event has affected you in some way. The World Trade Center in New York was not just American, there were people in there from all over. Please keep the victims and their friends and family members in your prayers on this difficult day. God Bless.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for stopping by! See you tonight at the chat!
Tracy

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

Flowers & Boxes 2 Template

2008-09-02T14:51:00.002-05:00

Got a new template for you!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

My layout was done with a kit called Tranquil by Stephanie Staker. It's on sale right now too!

Blessings!
Tracy

And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
(Galatians 2:20b)

Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen!

2008-09-01T14:31:00.003-05:00

It's Back to School time at GroovyScraps! We're having a 25% off Sale and a chat on Thursday!

My daughter Casey turned 16 on Friday! She's driving on her own now! Yes, I'm nervous, but she's a pretty good driver. Still, I pray several times a day for her safety!

To celebrate her 16th birthday, I made this WordArt:

Download

In case you're wondering, these are lyrics from Neil Sedaka's "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen." It's been stuck in my head for days now!

Blessings!
Tracy

Live so that your friends can defend you but never have to.
~ Arnold H. Glasow

Circled Template

2008-08-26T21:34:00.005-05:00

Howdy y'all!

I do have a template for you today, honest! It's called Circled, and I hope you like it!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

My layout was done with our Groovy MegaKit, on sale now for just $3.

Yeah, that's me. LOL!

Blessings!
Tracy

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
(Psalms 4:8)

Noteboard Template

2008-08-12T22:37:00.005-05:00

I know I didn't do a template last week, it's just been really crazy here lately. I'll come up with something extra this week to make up for it!

I called this one Noteboard because Message Board was too long. But you get the idea! :D

The background texture is optional, but I thought y'all might enjoy it. It was made using a pattern by Obsidian Dawn. The font is called Prime Minister of Canada by Ray Larabie. Get it here.

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

I used a kit called Jasper by Sherri Tierney.

Blessings!
Tracy

Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord.
(Col. 3:23)

Grand Opening is Here!

2008-08-03T08:12:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's finally here! Actually it got here on Friday, but for some reason my blog was marked as a SPAM BLOG! And they locked me out! Can you believe that??? I had to report it for review and then they unlocked it for me. Of all the days for that to happen - our grand opening day.

But it's all good now. It'll be even better if you visit my new website! Kim Cameron and I (and all our wonderful designers) have been working very hard getting this website up and running, and we would love to share it with you.

There are some fun games, polls, a scavenger hunt, and a 50% off almost EVERYTHING in the store sale! We have some great challenges, and check back for chat times (with freebies of course).

To celebrate the grand opening, I have made some FREE (yes, I said FREE) commercial use flourishes!

Get them free at GroovyScraps.com

These will only be available for a short time, so get them now. While you're there, look around at all the other awesome stuff you can get for 50% off!

Blessings!
Tracy

I am simply trying as best I can and as fast as God gives me light to do the job I believe He has given me in trust to do.
~George Washington Carver

Flower Shoppe 2

2008-07-30T09:11:00.005-05:00

Yes, I'm a day late! I was having internet problems yesterday - yuck! I've also been super busy getting everything ready for the store's grand opening. We'll be having a 50% off sale starting Friday to kick things off!

We also have a GROOVY MegaKit that you can WIN in a scavenger hunt! Check back on Friday for details. Here's a preview:

Today's template is a sequel to Flower Shoppe, aptly named Flower Shoppe 2. I'm not real imaginable am I?

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The font used for the title and journaling is called Saginaw, and you can download it here.

My layout was done with Ashalee Wall's adorable Vintage Flower kit!

Her hair is naturally curly by the way. When you see her in photos with straight hair, she's had to use a straightener to get that look. This was natural!

Blessings!
Tracy

"Look up, get up and don't ever give up."
Michael Irvin, 2007 Pro Football Hall of Fame speech

CU Freebie!

2008-07-27T11:10:00.002-05:00

I have a commercial use freebie for you today!

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.
(Isaiah 1:17)

Coming Soon: GroovyScraps.com Grand Opening!

2008-07-26T07:28:00.006-05:00

In one week, GroovyScraps.com will have its Grand Opening! There will be games, prizes, sales... you can't miss it!

Ok, I had to share this with you.

My daughter's band has written their first song!!! Check it out (she's the drummer).

Ok, the sound quality isn't great, but not bad for a little camera in our loft right?

Come back later for a freebie!

Tracy

Zoom 3 Template

2008-07-23T13:24:00.005-05:00

I'm zoomin' again!!!

First... the SITE OF THE DAY!!

Obsidian Dawn! You will LOVE her brushes and patterns. Best of all they're free! Even for commercial use... you just have to give her credit and link back to her site. Isn't that generous? Her brushes are in Photoshop format, but also in PNG for people who use other programs. She also has some free scrapbooking stuff.

Today's template is the 3rd in the Zoom series. The lace overlay was done with a pattern I got from Obsidian Dawn's lace pattern collection. It's included separately from the PSD/PSP files to save space.

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The font I used is called 39 Smooth (It's apparently based on the Green Day font, but it doesn't look much like the font on the album cover). You can find it here:
http://www.dafont.com/39smooth.font

My layout was done with my Lavender & Sage kit, and you can find it at my store.

As Hurricane Dolly hits South Texas and Mexico, please pray for the safety of all those who stayed behind, and for as little destruction as possible.

Blessings!
Tracy

But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.
(Psalm 39:7)

In Stitches 3

2008-07-15T19:42:00.007-05:00

My goodness how time flies! It was Tuesday before I knew it!!!

Look at what Jaya did with the Stripes template! Isn't this adorable? Thanks Jaya!!!

IT'S MAD!!!!!!!! Well, it's Mid Month Madness at DigiByDesign. See what you can get for 98 cents each!

Did you know you can still get my Commercial Use Grab Bag for only $2?

Get it at GroovyScraps, DigiByDesign, ScrapProfessor or YourDigitalDesigners!

Did you also know that someone has revealed my bag? If you want to take a peek inside my bag, check it out here. Then go buy it cause it's a STEAL at $2!

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Have you ever tried looking for just that PERFECT kit, and you had to look at SITE after SITE after SITE? Check out this website: Digital Scrapbook Previews. It looks just like your average gallery - and it is the same gallery software that almost every digiscrap site uses - but it's filled with previews of kits, grab bags, sales, contests, designer calls... you name it!
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I'm going to be taking over the Sketch-Ability Challenge at ScrapProfessor.com! I'm going to be using this week's template for the challenge, so stop in and join me! Please????

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

Thanks again to Kim Cameron for helping me with the Paint Shop Pro version.

My layout was done with my 50's Diner kit. I also rotated it 90 degrees. Have you ever tried that with templates?

Blessings!
Tracy

The love of God is like the Amazon River flowing down to water one daisy.
- Anonymous

Award? For Lil Ol' Me?

2008-07-09T08:31:00.004-05:00

Yes! I've been nominated TWICE for this awesome award!!!!!

Scrappin A Latte' and our friendly Scrapoholic Nexa have both nominated me. Wow! What an honor!!! Thanks ladies!

Apparently I get to nominate some folks too.

Rules
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you've nominated.

My nominees are:
Kim Cameron, who is always so helpful and generous on her blog.
Lisa, the Sassiest Scrapper I know! Not to mention one of the cutest!
Candie - who I swear runs at 300 miles an hour, but still slows down long enough to give everyone a hug.
Dawn, who makes the CUTEST travel-themed templates I have ever seen!

I could go on and on but unfortunately I've run out of time for now. We get to go buy a keyboard for my daughter today! She's taking piano lessons.

Oh, and that reminds me -
the SITE OF THE DAY!

This guy's site is called webpianoteacher.com. He has some videos on YouTube.com as well, that get you started, but for full songs you need to subscribe to his site.

His techniques are very different, but they seem to be very effective. My daughter picked this up FAST!
My Immortal
1000 Miles

Off to go shopping! Blessings!
Tracy

Something's in My Pocket

2008-07-08T18:33:00.008-05:00

And it's a new template!!!! :D

But before you can get to it, you have to check out these cute layouts from my friends!!!! And do a poll!

We're trying to figure out what to call the Designers at GroovyScraps. Check out the answers in this poll and let us know what you like.

Kat (Tragedy Anne) is one of the most creative scrappers I know! And darn cute too! Look at her in this layout!!! (Window Pane 4)

Sanna has used a few of my templates! Look what she did with the Heritage template.... very sweet! Check out her blog to see the others!

This week's template... ta da!!!! Pocketed!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The fonts are Angelina and GrutchShaded. Designers: seems this last font is "swapware." All he asks is that you send a copy of what you made. Sounds like a deal to me!

Special thanks to Kim Cameron for helping me with the Paint Shop Pro copy of the template. My PSP is messing up big time!

My layout...

Blessings!
Tracy

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6)

Stone Stars

2008-07-04T15:24:00.005-05:00

I don't have a lot of time today (cooking, cleaning, etc.), but I do have a gift for you!!! It's a collection of stars with different stone and brick textures. Hope you can use them! I'll have some layouts from my friends that I'll post this weekend.

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

“Now the Lord is the spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
(2 Cor. 3:17)

Window Pane 4

2008-07-01T19:22:00.004-05:00

I have been going CRAZY! My Internet went down late saturday night and it didn't come back up until this afternoon. I was SO not happy!!!

But I'm happy now - it's back!!!

I have a couple of super cute layouts to share with you too. Check 'em out!

Lisa used the Sunset on the Island template! Isn't this adorable?

Oh wow, look at Deb's BEAUTIFUL layout using the Beautiful template!

Thanks ladies! Wonderful layouts!!!

Today's template is part 4 in the Window Pane series. I hope you like it!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The fonts are Angelina and Acknowledgement.

My layout was done with lauraskathi's cute Julia kit!

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to check out my $2 CU Grab Bag!

Blessings!
Tracy

When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.
(John 15:26)

Stripes Fix!

2008-06-28T07:58:00.002-05:00

Oh wow, I didn't realize that my Stripes PSD template had a problem!!! It's fixed now. Here's the link if you want to get it again.

Thanks to Patricia for pointing this out!

http://www.4shared.com/file/50884847/be40d3f5/dranet-StripesPSD.html

Out of This World!!!

2008-06-26T23:18:00.003-05:00

You just GOTTA check out Kim Cameron's new Out of This World kit! Isn't it the CUTEST space kit you've ever seen???

And can you believe it's only $3.99? She's practically giving it away!

There are some spacey, matching alphas too.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this kit.... :D

I'll have a freebie for you very soon, so check back! Blessings!
Tracy

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
(2 Timothy 4:3-5, 3:1-5)

Heritage Template & Chat

2008-06-24T08:12:00.006-05:00

Are you a genealogy nut like I am? I LOVE researching my family history! I inherited a bunch of photos from my Grandmother and I have been able to identify a huge amount of them, but not all.

Oh, before I go on, PLEASE JOIN ME in my CHAT on Wednesday night at 8pm Central at DigiByDesign. I have a GREAT gift for you!!!!!! I have a brand new kit and I've created a couple of add-ons.

First, here's my new kit, and it's only $4.00 (but it'll be 50% off on Wednesday!)

Buy this kit at DigiByDesign or GroovyScraps.com.

Just for attending the chat, you'll get this mini, items that are NOT included in the original kit ~

If you post a layout using the attendance gift and/or the original kit you'll get another gift!!!!

Today's SOTD is actually a collection of websites.... the U.S. GenWeb sites! There's a GenWeb site for every state and county, and get this - THEY'RE FREE! Some have a ton of info, others not so much. But you'll just have to go look.

The starting point for the U.S. GenWeb project is http://usgenweb.org/. There are links on the left side to each state, which will link you to your research counties.

You can also search the archives of the U.S. GenWeb here:
http://usgwarchives.org/

I found this helpful, but it's even more helpful to visit each state and county.

Note: Rootsweb.com is the primary hosting service for most of the free county sites. Right now Rootsweb is undergoing a huge upgrade and many of the search engines are affected. But I was looking for some information this past weekend and didn't have any trouble.

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This week's template is on the same theme - your family Heritage.

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The font for the title was done with Chopin Script and can be found here:
http://www.dafont.com/chopin-script.font
ATTENTION DESIGNERS!!! It's Public Domain!

My layout was done with a kit called Remember When by TerrellS.

If you're interested in joining my CT, see yesterday's post.

Thanks for stopping by, and please join me in my chat. Blessings!
Tracy

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14)

Marquee Template

2008-06-19T07:29:00.002-05:00

I might as well just change it to Template Thursday. LOL!

Site of the Day!!!

Remember the Alamo? Learn more about it at the official Alamo site, put together by DRT (Daughters of the Republic of Texas).

http://www.thealamo.org/

Here's this week's template:

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

My layout was done with Doreen Stolz' cute Funky Girl kit! And in case you're wondering about the font, it's Impact. :)

Blessings!
Tracy

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends." – John 15:13

Stone Alphas

2008-06-16T09:08:00.003-05:00

Cute layouts for you today!

Isn't this a neat layout from Lisa? She used the Around the Bend template!

Look at this lovely layout that Cra-Z-cat sent! She used my Naturally Bound template and Sugar Shack Scraps' Nora Nora Kit.

I made some neat alphas awhile back and dummy me I didn't post them here! So here you go!!!

Download

I have this file loaded at my GroovyScraps store. You'll need to create an account, but it's still free. :)

Blessings!
Tracy

“Ah, Lord God! It is you who has made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” - Jeremiah 32:17

Stripes

2008-06-10T22:45:00.004-05:00

I like stripes, so this week's templates is filled with them!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

My layout was done with Kim's ADORABLE Denim & Daisies kit! Oh, and good news for Kim - she was picked up as a designer at GottaPixel! Go congratulate her at her blog!!!

Get Kim's kit at GroovyScraps.com!

Blessings!
Tracy

There's no problem too big
and no question too small -
Just ask God in faith,
and He'll answer them all -
Not always at once,
so be patient and wait,
For God never comes
too soon or too late...
So trust in His wisdom
and believe in His Word,
For no prayer's unanswered
and no prayer's unheard.

~Helen Steiner Rice

Father's Day Sale!

2008-06-08T07:27:00.008-05:00

Get these items for 50% off at GroovyScraps! Now through June 22nd, and just in time for Father's Day.

It's a Guy Thing! $2.00 --------------- Grunge Alphas $0.75

Grungy Boy $2.00 --------------------- Grungy Boy Add-On $1.00

Lazy Afternoon $2.00 ------------------ Lazy Afternoon Add-On $1.50

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you find something you can use!

Tracy

So Beautiful!

2008-06-07T08:14:00.006-05:00

So my daughter is out of school. It's been a pretty busy week because she had to go back to school every day this week for marching band practice. Yes! I said marching band practice! Even though that doesn't start until next Fall, they had to be there every day this week.

MY BABY IS A JUNIOR NOW! I can't believe how quickly time flies. I only have two more years with her and she's off to college.

Speaking of College... he he he..... Casey has made her very own kit! Here's a preview:

Not bad huh? And she did it all herself - even the preview! It's called Girl, and it's only $1! The proceeds go towards her college fund too. (Please, please, please buy it!)

If you have teenagers, you're probably familiar with the MySpace type photos they take. You know the ones: pictures we probably would have discarded before because they were off center or from the wrong angle. Now these pics are trendy! So I took one of my daughter's MySpace pics and used it in a layout with her kit. Whatcha think?

CHALLENGE TIME!
If you get this kit and use it in a layout (this kit will probably go REAL well with my Rocker freebie kits!) then you'll get this gift:

Just send me your layouts and I'll post it here on my blog, and I'll send you the link to the add-on. How simple is that? :)

SOTD!
Ok, if you're feeling down, you REALLY need to visit this site. You'll be giggling in no time! It's called I Can Has Cheezburger and you HAVE to check it out! Especially if you like pictures of cute kittens (who doesn't?)

My template is late again! But I hope you like it.

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

My layout was done with Maryse Vincent's new Alchimie kit. It's really gorgeous!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
Tracy

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Lavender & Sage

2008-06-01T22:29:00.004-05:00

Hey y'all, it's been a crazy few days, but I have a sampler from my new Lavender & Sage kit, and it has a 15% off coupon at GroovyScraps.com.

Oh, and if you play my June Quote Challenge at DigiByDesign, I have a gift for you! The theme is Summer Vacation. Just click on the preview to find out more.

Here's the Lavender & Sage sampler and 15% off coupon:

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
(Matthew 6:25-34)

I'm In It to Win It!

2008-05-27T13:25:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day!!!

So I was at the gym today... let's step back. I woke up this morning and realized I broke my promise to myself. I was SO late last week getting the template to you that I told myself that I was going to get it posted ON TIME this week. And when I woke up this morning I realized I didn't have a template ready. I didn't even have a CLUE what I was going to do!

:(

Must have been all that brisket I ate yesterday that distracted me! Yummo!

So I went to work out this morning and this idea came to me. Other people work out, do sports, etc. right? And who's kid hasn't done little league? So I made a sports/workout type template. Whatcha think?

The award has either the two ribbons or one straight one with a zig zag bottom. Your choice!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

My layout was done with my new kit! Yes, I have a new kit!!! It's called Lavender & Sage and you can get it here.

This kit is over 130 meg! There was so much stuff I couldn't get it all in the preview. And it's only $4!

Thanks for stopping by. Blessings!
Tracy

"He draws up the drops of water, which distill as rain to the streams; the clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind" (Job 36:27-28, NIV).

Late Again!

2008-05-23T18:33:00.004-05:00

Yes, I'm very late this week. I'm sowwy!!!

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But I have a special SOTD for you... Ancestry.com's military records are FREE to search this week (through 31 May)! So if you don't have an account there and you want to look up some of your ancestors' service records, now's the time!

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Ok, my daughter told me this joke the other day, and I just laughed and laughed!

"I wish my grass was emo."

Why?

"So it would cut itself."

LOL!!!!

Before you go... make sure you get this week's template. It's called Naturally Bound, 'cause it has nature stuff on it and the photos are bound together. :)

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

My layout was done with Maryse Vincent's new kit, Alchimie!!!! It's a gorgeous kit!

Thanks so much for stopping by - Blessings!

Tracy

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
(Proverbs 22:6)

Mother's Day

2008-05-13T13:57:00.004-05:00

Did you get photos of your Mom on Mother's Day? Are you looking for a template to show off one of those pictures? Look no further!

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But first... da da dah!! The Site of the Day!

I used to live in Japan, and boy did I LOVE that country! The people, the gadgets, the music (yeah, I said music - if you haven't heard JPop, you really should give it a listen)... but one of the things I remember most about Japan was the funny attempts at English. I have to admit, their English was MUCH better than my Japanese, but I still got a kick out of what they came up with. There's actually a word for this.... it's called Engrish.

I remember seeing a steak house, and the sign outside was a giant cow. On that cow were the words, "Let's enjoy delicious beef." Being around military guys all the time, you can imagine some of the jokes I heard!

Anyway, if you'd like to read some more Engrish, check out this site: Engrish.com. You'll love it!!!!

Here is this week's template: Mother's Day.

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

My layout was done with Kim Cameron's BEAUTIFUL Timeless Rose kit!

Blessings!
Tracy

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pray for all those in Myanmar and China right now. There's a lot of suffering going on.

Clustered 3 Template

2008-05-06T13:51:00.009-05:00

Yo! Look at this CUUUUUTE layout from Kaytee using the Grungy Boy kit and its Add-On! That's her and her brother. Aren't they adorable?

And Kim sent in this AWESOME layout using the Hangin' Around 4 template!

SOTD!!!!

Do you think you can run a business? Try it out here at the Hot Shot Business game from Disney.com. Have fun!

http://spapps.go.com/hsb4/landing/

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Today's template is in the Clustered series. This is the third one and I think you'll like it. I hope so anyway!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The flowers are by Flyguy Designs, and the font is Tempus Sans.

My layout was done with Kim Cameron's First Day of Spring freebie. Thanks Kim!

Thanks for stopping by! Blessings!
Tracy

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
(Psalm 100:1)

Striped Paper Pack

2008-05-04T13:19:00.002-05:00

SOTD!!!

I know y'all are REALLY busy making layouts and stuff, but if you have any spare time, you really need to play this game. It's so cute!!! Keep your Developer in a Box happy and productive, but be careful... mine blew up. LOL!

http://www.thepocketgeek.com/

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Got a freebie for you today! These are striped papers in a green-blue color. One of them in woven. Hope you like them and can use them.

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23)

Why is America Unhappy?

2008-05-02T09:01:00.002-05:00

I LOVED this email!!! Not sure about all the figures, but the basis is very true. Not sure who wrote it, but it wasn't Jay Leno as many of the emails have said. He did say that last quote though. I guess I'm one of the 33% that's happy!

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, "What are we so unhappy about?"

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?

Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?

Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provides services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?

The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?

Think about it ...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go.

They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a "general" discharge, an "other than honorable" discharge or, worst case scenario, a "dishonorable" discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about "how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way"...Insane!

Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.

"With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?" ~Jay Leno

Hangin' Around 4

2008-05-01T17:09:00.003-05:00

Ok, I admit it, I'm late! This should have been done on Tuesday! I apologize, I have no excuse (except a lack of creative inspiration. I just couldn't think of anything! So I hope today's template is ok.

SOTD! - FamilySearch.org

I've been using this site for years! Did you know you can search the 1880 U.S. Census for free? FamilySearch.org is a free site run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, who are known far and wide for their genealogy records. This site also has the Social Security Death Index and bunch of family trees. You can also look up records that are on microfilm, then go down to your local LDS Library location to view.

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Oh yeah, I have to invite you to participate in my May 2008 Quote Challenge at DigiByDesign!

All you have to do is use one of the following quotes in a layout and post it in the Quote Challenge Gallery, and you'll get this little mini!

What's so cool about this, is that all our challenge gifts are color/theme coordinated each month. So if you do several challenges, you'll wind up with a pretty big kit. This month's theme is called "Blushing Blooms" so you know it's going to be pretty. AND!!! If you do ALL the challenges, you'll get yet another gift that matches the set!

A real friend warms you by his presence, trusts you with his secrets, and remembers you in his prayers.
~Anonymous

A true friend thinks of you when all others are thinking of themselves.
~Anonymous

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.
~Walter Winchell

God gives us relatives; thank God we can choose our friends.
~Ethel Watts Mumford

The best antique is an old friend.
~Anonymous

The world is round so that friendship may encircle it.
~Pierre Teilhard De Chardin

I would LOVE to see some layouts from y'all. In fact, you could easily use today's template:

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The title font is Belshaw by the font genius Dieter Steffmann.

The pretty flower brush is by Flyguy, another creative genius! It doesn't show up real well on the background I chose, but I just loved that background so much! It's from Scrapbook Design Down Under.

Blessings!
Tracy

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
(Galatians 5:1)

Free Quickpage!

2008-04-29T20:32:00.004-05:00

Hey y'all! I haven't done my template yet, I'm way behind this week, but I do have a free quick page for you. And it's also a sneek peek of my CU Grab Bag. Be sure to come back tomorrow for the weekly template.

First, look at this cute layout from Nora. Definitely check out her blog, she's got an ADORABLE watermelon freebie kit!!!

Credits

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Today's SOTD is for you graphics geeks - if you haven't been to deviantART, you're really missing out! Not only can you post your digital art, but you can download tons of brushes, actions, patterns, all kinds of stuff. And if you make your own brushes and stuff, you can post them there too.

deviantART is not a scrapbooking site, but a digital graphics site. You'll spend days looking through everything, honest!

This QP was done entirely with items from my 4th Commercial Use Grab Bag, available for just one more day at DigiByDesign. Hurry up and get it before it disappears! Just $2!!!

Just add your own title and journaling.

Download

Blessings!
Tracy

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
(Colossians 3:12)

Earth Day

2008-04-22T11:08:00.004-05:00

Happy Earth Day! I'm not one of those environmentalists, but I do care about our planet - I don't litter and I recycle weekly. I also love nature photos, especially trees, mountains, etc.

My family and I went down to my Godmother's ranch over the weekend. My allergies are running rampant, but I loved being around all those trees and wildflowers. Here are some photos:

Today's template is green! It's called Big Picture 2: Earth Day. Hope you like it!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The font is called Penguin Attack. Designers - it's a public domain font!

My layout was done using Maryse Vincent's Back to My Garden kit.

Green Blessings!
Tracy

God lives in the beauty that comes with spring -
The colorful flower, the birds that sing.
~Helen Steiner Rice

Feeling Tropical!

2008-04-15T19:59:00.012-05:00

SOTD!

I have another site for you: GodTube.com! You've heard of YouTube.com right? This site has all Christian related videos. And one video I want to share with you is a movie preview for the new Ben Stein "Expelled" flick. We're going to go see it this weekend!

Check out Expelled!

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And I have a couple of layouts for you!

Look at this cute layout Cheryl did using the Flower Shoppe template!

Oh, and isn't this layout from Kim adorable? She used the Whodunit? template, and a kit called "My Grunge Girlfriend." Too cute!

Today's template is called Sunset on the Island. I was thinking about my trip to Malaysia this weekend and this idea came to me. I don't think you HAVE to use it for beach pics, maybe your upcoming BBQ photos? Actually anything!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The fonts used are Oil on the Water and Angelina.

Labuan is on a small island on the northern coast of Borneo (where the first Survivor was filmed) and close to Brunei Darussalem. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera, so I didn't have any photos. I took this one from the Internet.

I used Kim Cameron's By the Seaside kit. The little fish and starfish are from Maryse Vincent's Blue-tiful Seabreeze kit, one of my favorite kits by her!

A tragic thing happened over the weekend. A Junior at my daughter's school died. She had been in the hospital with a heart condition and the surgery did not go well. She was only 16. Please keep her friends and family in your prayers.

Blessings!
Tracy

When you're troubled and worried and sick at heart
And your plans are upset and your world falls apart,
Remember God's ready and waiting to share
The burden you find too heavy to bear.
~Helen Steiner Rice

Now Parenting

2008-04-09T08:57:00.003-05:00

A friend told me about this neat new website they have. It's a community on parenting! Since our kids didn't come with instruction manuals, this is probably the next best thing. Whether you're pregnant now or your kids are in college, there's a place for you there. I even saw a forum for special needs children.

Check it out!
http://www.nowparenting.com/

Blessings!
Tracy

Whodunit Template

2008-04-08T14:05:00.005-05:00

I thought I'd add a little to my blog entries, like some interesting sites, maybe a few comments, whatever. Here's my first:

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My "Site of the Day"

I have tennitus - constant ringing in the ears. Not sure if I got it from all that loud equipment I had to work around in the Air Force, or all the loud rock concerts I went to when I was younger (probably both!)

So now when I design, study, surf, etc., I like to have a little background noise to keep from going crazy. If I'm studying, I can't have the TV or radio on because I can't concentrate. So a couple of years ago I found this really neat website that plays piano music 24 hours a day!

http://www.solopianoradio.com

Unfortunately they've gotten so popular that the "free" server is often busy now. If you subscribe (you get to choose how much you want to pay) then the server is always open. This site has been a life saver for me!

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Now, on to the free stuff - the real reason you're here!

This week's template is called Whodunit? I've been hankering to play Clue lately, but no one in my family likes to play games. :( So I turned my hanker(?) into a free template for you.

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

My layout was done with the cutest mini kit made by NitWit Collections called "Who Done It?" The scissors are mine, and so is the frame. The fonts are Bookman Old Style, Destroy and Josschrift.

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget, my Commercial Use Grab Bag is on sale at DigiByDesign for just $2! It's a good one too!

Blessings!
Tracy

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10)

Comm. Use Grab Bag Sale!

2008-04-07T14:49:00.004-05:00

I have a brand new Commercial Use Grab Bag on sale now at DigiByDesign!!! For just $2 (yes, I said $2!) you get six quality commercial use products. Get 'em now before the bag spills and the price goes up!!!

I also have three new products in the store! First is an Add-On to my Lazy Afternoon kit. If you came to my chat and did the challenge layout, you got this for free. But it's still reasonable at $2.99.

I've made my first Photoshop layer style!! Get this Concrete Diamond style for just $3.99. Commercial use ok!

I made some Grunge Alphas with one of the styles, and they're yours for just $1.49!

Kim has already used these, check it out...

Here's a sampler for you!

Download

Thanks so much for stopping by! God Bless!
Tracy

A Very Special Boy

2008-04-07T08:23:00.003-05:00

Look at this cute layout from Sandra! She used the first Tied Together template, and a kit called Spring Flurry by Lindsay Jane.

The journaling reads:
Born May 10, 2004 to Josh and Heather, Joshua was diagnosed with Phenylketonuria (P.K.U.). P.K.U. is a rare disorder which prevents the normal metabolism of protein foods, thus affecting the growth and developement of the child, particularly the brain. There is no cure for this disease. Treatment involves extensive medical visits, lab work and dietary management. A Poker Run was held May 1, 2005 by “Because We Care” to raise money for the family.

Keep this little guy in your prayers everyone! Thanks Sandra!

Blessings!
Tracy

Whenever we're troubled and lost in despair,
We have but to seek Him and ask Him in prayer
To guide and direct us and help us to bear
Our sickness and sorrow, our worry and care.

-Helen Steiner Rice

I've Been Tagged!

2008-04-04T19:43:00.003-05:00

Patricia tagged me, so here goes!

First, I have to list the rules:

Link to the person that tagged you and leave a comment on their blog, so that their readers can visit yours.
Post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 Random facts about yourself on your blog.
Tag 7 random people at the bottom of your post, linking to their blog. Let each person know by leaving a comment on their blog.

Seven random facts about myself:

I lived in Japan for almost 6 years while serving in the Air Force. I was stationed at Camp Zama, Japan.
I got married and had my daughter Casey in Japan.
No, I don't speak Japanese. I took French for four years in high school and I don't speak French either.
I was also stationed at the Pentagon for five years. I wasn't there on 9/11, and luckily everyone I knew survived the attack.
I have two associates degrees: Telecommunications Maintenance and PC Support. I'm a desktop technician by trade.
I'm a genealogy NUT! And I love history, specifically local history about the people and events of towns.
I have three cats, and I'd probably have more if my family would let me!

Well, I don't tag people, but I love to hear your comments. Do we have anything in common?

Blessings!

Tracy

Tied Together 2 Template

2008-04-03T14:28:00.004-05:00

Hey y'all! Yeah, I'm a little late (sorry!) but I got your template. I guess you've figured out that I've been a little busy. We had a HUGE response to our Close-out sale!

If you bought something and you haven't got your products yet, please do so! We'll be removing the items from the store very soon. Please contact me if you're having problems with your downloads.

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My friend Kim sent me this really cool link. Wait until it loads and wait, or hover over the cup. You'll love this!
http://producten.hema.nl/

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I have to show you a couple of really adorable kits that are out now.

Maryse has a wonderful new kit called In My Garden and you can get it here!

Isn't that adorable? See what I did with it?

Oh, and Kim Cameron has the CUTEST Kitty Kit! It's called "Here Kitty, Kitty" :) and you can get it from her blog. I've been begging her to do a Cat kit like her Puppy kits, and she didn't disappoint!

Can you tell she based her black & white kitty off my sweet baby Domino? :D Thanks Kim!

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Today's template is Tied Together 2. My Tied Together template was very popular, so I did another. Hope you like it!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

The font is OptimusPrinceps and can be found here.

My layout was done with the DigiByDesign April 08 MegaKit, Spring's Promise. This kit is awesome and huge! And right now it's only $3.99!

Thanks for stopping by! If you like the template, leave me a comment or send me a link to the layout use do with it. I LOVE seeing them!

Blessings!
Tracy

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
(1 Corinthians 8:9)

Flower Charms

2008-03-29T17:37:00.007-05:00

Well, we tried to make it work, but just couldn't! So we're closing the store in a couple of days. But don't worry! You can still get my stuff over at DigiByDesign!

Download

Thanks for stopping by, and a special thanks to all those who supported us over at MIS!

Blessings!
Tracy

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good.
(Romans 12:9)

Superstar Template!

2008-03-26T21:13:00.003-05:00

Well, I finally got it done! Yesterday was my favorite singer's birthday - Elton John is now 61 years old!! Yikes! I was listening to some of his old stuff when he was a glam and flashy and this is what I came up with. I bet you have some superstars in your life that would look great in this template!

So here is Tuesday's template on a Wednesday night. There are actually two templates in one (either one or two photos).

The title font is Indigo Joker, available here.

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

Here's my layout!

Credits

Blessings!
Tracy

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
(1 Peter 3:15)

It's Pouring Outside!

2008-03-18T15:43:00.003-05:00

It's been raining all day. Our internet has taken a few hits, but for the most part is up. That's not why I'm late though - my daughter and I went to see Horton Hears a Who! It was SOOOOOOO cute! Definitely check it out.

FUNDRAISER!

My daughter has qualified to go to Europe this Summer with the International Youth Leadership Forum! It's a fantastic opportunity for her to study Art & Music in places like Vienna, Prague and Rome! Unfortunately, it's $6300! Plus! So we're looking for ways to raise some money to send her. With her 16th birthday coming up, we'll be getting her a car, but we can't afford both.

So Casey took my horribly neglected Wacom and made some doodles. For a $2 donation, we'll send these adorable doodles to you. If you can part with $2, Casey would be MOST grateful!

After you donate, I'll get an email from PayPal. Make sure I get your email address if it's different from your PayPal one so I can send you the link for the Doodles.

Look at what Tina did with my Seeing Stars Sampler and the Zoom 2 template! Thanks Tina, this is too cute!

Today's template is called Puzzling. I was playing with the Puzzle Filter in Alien Skin and came up with this. Hope you like it!!!

Download:
Paint Shop Pro
Photoshop
PNG

Don't forget to join in the Challenge!

My layout was done with the Rainy Day MegaKit from DigiByDesign! This is my sweet daughter that wants to go to Europe and made those cute doodles.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!! Blessings!

Tracy

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
(Colossians 3:17)