Laurinda's DigiScraps

Laurinda's Digiscraps Boutique is Down

2011-06-17T21:33:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to let you know that my little boutique is DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. Someone hacked into my site and inserted a script that was sending "get rich quick" scheme emails to everyone on my customer list. They looked like they were from my boutique, but I had no idea that this was happening, and I am so terribly sorry if you received one. I just hope nobody clicked on the links in the email - I'm not sure where they would lead, I didn't want to try them myself. Some people are just rotten to do such a mean thing. They really should be using their talent for good and not evil.

Anyway, I'm trying to fix the problem, but I somehow lost everything. Soooo...now I'm in the process of trying to rebuild the whole site.

Hope your day is going better than mine : )

Another FREEBIE from Fit To Print

2011-06-06T22:37:00.000-06:00

Here's another little brag book page freebie for you from my Fit To Print kit. Click the preview to go to my boutique:

Click the preview to grab it at my boutique. Grab it while you can, it will only be free for a short time...but...it is part of the Fit To Print kit.

Have a great day,

Introducing "Fit To Print" and a FREEBIE

2011-06-03T17:39:00.001-06:00

Just stopping by to let you know that I've added another kit to my boutique. I'm calling this one "Fit To Print". It's a funky, little kit with lots of newsprint looking papers and elements. Click on the previews to go to my boutique and read more about it.

here's the papers:

And here's your FREEBIE:

Click the preview to download it at my boutique. Grab it while you can it will only be available for free for a short time, after that it will only be available in the "Fit To Print" kit.

Have a great weekend : )

Introducing: DELIGHTFUL

2011-05-20T16:27:00.003-06:00

I hope you're all above the water level right now. : )

Spring brings many things to us here in Montana and across the country. The snow is finally melting, the trees are budding, the green grass is growing (not to mention the weeds! but that's another story), flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the rivers and creeks are all rising. Many of the rivers in our area are already overflowing their banks, and there's still a lot of snow to melt. Anyway, I hope all is well where you are.

During my last bible study it got me thinking about how delightful God truly is. So, of course, I decided to create a kit called Delightful. A verse from the book of Psalms kept running through my head “Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in Him.” – Psalm 111:2 (NAS) Granted, this little kit cannot begin to compare to the delightfulness of the Lord, but I do hope that it might bring a little bit of glory to Him.

Here are the previews - CLICK on them to go to my boutique.

And here's a little FREEBIE for you:

Click on the Preview to grab it at my boutique. Grab it while you can, it won't be available long...BUT...it is included in the Delightful kit.

Have a Delightful day,

Happy Resurrection Sunday

2011-04-19T21:42:00.000-06:00

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

In celebration of Christ's resurrection, I have 2, yes two, sweet little Easter treats for you. The first is a 4x6 brag book page and the other is a cute little cluster frame.

My mind has been filled with thinking of the meaning of Easter as it draws near. I love the way the book of Luke, in the bible, tells the story of Christ's resurrection from the dead (our Easter celebration). Here it is:

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' " Luke 24:1-7 NKJV

It's wonderful to know that things happened just as Jesus said they would. I hope that you have given your heart to the Lord. We are saved from our sin, the wrong we have done, simply by putting our faith in Christ and living for him. There's a large cross on a hillside near where I live that says "He died for you, will you live for Him?".

Here are the Easter freebies I promised:

Click on the previews to grab them at my boutique.

Have a blessed Easter,

SALE! at my Boutique

2011-04-03T15:08:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd let you know that I'm having a Dollar Sale at my boutique. That's right, you heard me correctly, and everything in my boutique is only $1 (usd) through the month of April. With the economy still in the toilet, I really wanted to do a little something to help out. Sooo...I hope this helps a bit to make digiscrappin' more affordable.

Have a great day,

EXCITE Freebie

2011-03-23T15:50:00.000-06:00

Ooops! I forgot to add my freebie for you. I just don't know if my forgetfulness is being middle-aged, or menopause, or what...I just know that it makes you feel kind of foolish : )

Anyway, here's your funky little brag book page freebie:

Just click on the preview to grab it at my boutique. BUT, Remember it's only going to be available for a short time - after that it it will be part of the EXCITE kit.

I hope you like it - leave me a comment and let me know.
Have a great day,

Introducing: EXCITE

2011-03-23T14:11:00.001-06:00

I have another new kit in my boutique. This one is called "EXCITE". I think the name fits it well because it's sure to bring some excitement to all of your pages. It's bright, and fun, and even a bit whimsical. Visit my Boutique to learn more about it. Click the previews for more details.

I hope you like it,
Have a great day!

Introducing: FAITHFUL and a Freebie

2011-03-17T23:02:00.001-06:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

I have a little freebie for you and a brand new kit to introduce to you. My kit is called Faithful. God's Word, the bible, says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."(Hebrews 11:1) and "We walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Oh, and I love the words of the old hymn, "Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed thy hand hath provided - Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."

Faith is such an enormous part of our lives. Even if you don't have faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you do have faith in something or someone. Be careful where you put your faith.

You can click on the previews to learn more about it.

And here's your freebie:

Click on the freebie to go to my boutique (opens in a new window) to grab this sweet little cluster frame.
Grab it while you can, it will only be available for a short time. After that it will become part of the Faithful kit.

Happy St. Patrick's Day,

Introducing: Birthday Wishes & a FREEBIE

2011-02-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Here's another sweet little morsel for you. I'm calling this sweet little kit Birthday Wishes. It's filled with all you need to create fun, whimsical, pages for all those birthday photos in your collection.

Click on the previews to get the details:

And here's your freebie:

Click on the preview to download the freebie at my Boutique
Grab it while you can, it will only be available for a short time,
then it will be added to the kit.

Have a wonderful day,

Another Lovey Dovey FREEBIE

2011-02-06T20:47:00.001-07:00

Here's another cute little frame from my Lovey Dovey kit. Click on the preview to grab it at my boutique. Grab it while you can. It's only available for a short time and then it will be added to the Lovey Dovey kit.

Lovey Dovey and a Freebie

2011-01-30T00:13:00.000-07:00

Love is in the air....let me introduce you to my newest kit: Lovey Dovey. This cute little kit just might inspire you to plan something special for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day. At least, it might inspire you to get scrappin' all those photos of your sweetie.

Click the previews to read more about it.

And now, here's your freebie:

Click the preview to download

Grab it while you can...it will only be available for a short time, after that it will become part of the kit

Don't forget to leave a comment. I love reading them and I've been known to randomly handout coupons to some of those kind folks that know how to say "Thank you".

Have a great day,

Introducing: FAMILY TREE

2011-01-20T14:43:00.002-07:00

Wow! I'm on a roll. Two kits in the same month....my motivation must be back, or maybe it's just being cooped up in the house with all my guys and me being sick. Whatever the case, check out my new kit; Family Tree. I think it will be perfect for all of your heritage scrapbooking needs. Click on the freebie below to grab it at my boutique.

the papers

the book plate labels

And now your FREEBIE.....

Click the preview to download

Grab it while you can - it will only be available for a short time and then will be added to the kit

Have a wonderful day,

Shabby Sweetness Freebie

2011-01-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

Hey, just wanted to post a quick little freebie for you from my Shabby Sweetness kit. You can grab this cute little frame at my boutique, just click the preview to go there.

Have a great day,

Introducing: Shabby Sweetness

2011-01-10T22:50:00.003-07:00

Just thought I'd quickly show off my latest kit: Shabby Sweetness
Can you tell that I love "Shabby-chic" stuff? I've tried to capture that essence in this sweet little kit. I've included floral fabric textures and vintage looking elements to give the kit that "Shabby" feel. Click on the previews to go to my boutique to learn more about it.
Here it is....hope you like it:

Here's a close-up detail of one of the embroidered elements:

and here are the papers:

Have a wonderful day,

Happy New Year!

2011-01-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe that 2010 is already gone. What did I do with that whole year? It just seemed to fly by so fast. As you can see by how long ago my last post was, I have not quite recovered from being a bad blogger. Still, here I am.

I'm so sorry that I didn't take the time to wish you all a Merry Christmas - my favorite time of the year. I did manage to add a few Christmasy (is that even a word???) elements to my boutique, but somehow I neglected my blog. I do hope that your Christmas was spent thanking God for the precious gift Jesus. I found myself pondering the fact that Christmas isn't so much about a baby born in a manger, but about God becoming man in the form of that helpless babe in the manger. It's difficult to fathom that kind of love. In this day and age, we have the ability to look back on history and biblical prophecy, and see that that baby was born to save us from our sins. It still amazes me. It humbles me.

A Little Freebie for you

2010-10-28T22:58:00.001-06:00

Just a quick note to let you know that I have another new freebie at my boutique. It's 12 little, felt, costumed cuties that I made quite some time ago. They're only available for a short time so grab them while you can. ~~Click on the preview to go to my boutique.~~ (Sorry this link has expired)

Have a wonderful day,

Introducing "GIVE THANKS" and a little freebie

2010-10-26T13:56:00.002-06:00

Boy, last week certainly was eventful. My sweet hubby and I celebrated the 20th anniversary of our wedding day by taking our boys antelope hunting (Hmmmm....that doesn't sound quite right does it??? Don't worry, he'll make it up to me).

Next, a shirt-tail relation, on my husband's side of the family, went home to be with Jesus after 20 years of struggling with health problems related to an auto accident. She was only 42 and left behind a husband and 3 teenage boys. Please pray for them. Then, last Saturday, my sweet, Auntie Claire passed away too. She lived a long full life, even after being terribly burned over most of her body as a young child. She too knew the challenges of living with a previous injury. She was a beautiful woman. One common thread between these two ladies, who had never met, was the attitude of thankfulness for everyday that God had given them. I'm thanking the Lord that I had the opportunity to know these dear ladies.

In the spirit of thankfulness, I've just finished another new digital scrapbooking kit called "Give Thanks". I just love the colors of fall and I've tried to include them in this charming little kit. It's available right now in my boutique. Here are the previews - feel free to click on the previews to see more:

And here's a freebie brag book page just for you.

Click on the preview to download it.

Have a thankful heart everyday,

and thanks for stopping by,

Introducing: Auntie Claires Quilts & a FREEBIE

2010-09-26T21:26:00.004-06:00

Well, here it is, my latest kit that I aptly named "Auntie Claire's Quilts". My Great-Auntie Claire was quite the quilter and seamstress. She's quite a lady and she made the most beautiful quilts. She can't make them anymore, but many, many homes have been graced by these precious treasures. She put a little bit of herself in every one of them.

So, in honor of this very, sweet, lady, I've created this little quilting and sewing kit. I hope you like it. Here's the preview (click on the previews to go to my boutique and learn more about this kit) :

The elements

The papers

Click the previews to go to my boutique

Here's a sweet little Brag Book Page FREEBIE to start off your album

~~Download the freebie HERE~~
(Sorry this link has expired...but the brag book page is included if you purchase the kit)

Oh, I do hope that you will enjoy this kit as much as I do.
Have a wonderful day,

Welcome Back...

2010-09-23T15:49:00.000-06:00

Boy, can you believe it's been over 2 months since I posted anything new? Okay, so, some of you probably already know that I'm a "Bad Blogger" and now the rest of you know it too.

Wow, summer had me so busy. I'm always looking forward to finishing home school and kicking back and relaxing during summer, you know, sleeping in and stuff like that. I was under the false impression that life would become quite simple when my boys were in their teen years (with the exception of the normal teen dramatics). I know, I know, how foolish can a girl be! Anyway they do keep me from being lazy....and on my knees praying too.

Well, just so you know, I'm back to creating fabulous, fun, and frugal kits for you. My newest is nearly completed and I'll probably have it in my boutique in just a few days. Be watching for it...Here's a little sneak peek just to whet your appetite.

I hope the variety of colors and patterns will make you anxious to see the whole kit.

See ya in a few days,

Introducing "Ability"

2010-07-10T11:07:00.000-06:00

Oh, I am such a bad blogger...it's been so long since I have been on here. We've had such a wet spring and early summer in Northwest Montana. It's been absolutely gorgeous. You know, the kind of days where it's warm and sunny in the early part of the day and by afternoon the clouds roll in and cool everything off - I just love it like that. Hope the weather is just as you like it where you are.

Okay, enough of my rambling and on to my new kit....."ABILITY"! ABILITY is all about seeing a persons ability, not their disability. I hope that this little kit can bring some honor and encouragement to all those living with a handicap and to those that love and care for them. May God bless you.

You can find ABILITY at my boutique, just click on the previews.

I'd like to thank all of you that choose to leave a comment. I love to read them, and just so you know, I review all of the comments that are left before they get posted. For some reason I've had a rash of weird comments with embedded links. Don't get me wrong, MOST of the comments are nice enough, it's the secret link that bothers me. So, if you post a comment with a link I will reject it. Sorry folks but that's just the way it is.

Have a wonderful day,

Summer Fun Freebie

2010-06-03T14:10:00.004-06:00

Just dropping by with a quick little freebie from my Summer Fun kit. You can pick up this little 4x6 brag book page at my boutique HERE. I'll be back later with another little kit that I've been working on called "ABILITY". It's going to be all about seeing a persons ability not their disability.

~~Click the preview to download~~ (Sorry, this Freebie has expired)

Have a wonderful day,

First Fruits Photography

2010-06-02T00:07:00.000-06:00

Okay this is just a shameless little plug here, but you have got to see this gals photography. Her name is Livi Showers, and she is the owner of First Fruits Photography, and I should add that she is such a sweetheart of a lady. If you live near Denver you are soooo fortunate because that's where she's located. Anyway, check out these cute photos she did and visit her blog to see more - http://firstfruitsphotography.blogspot.com/

What more can I say, those are just too precious.
Have a great day,

Introducing "SUMMER FUN" and a Freebie

2010-05-17T23:06:00.004-06:00

I've created a new kit that I'd like to share with you and a little freebie from it. the kit is called "Summer Fun" and it's all about beach style fun in the summertime. The kit has 57 elements and 22 coordinating papers. It's got some cool Hawaiian prints included too. Click on the previews to go to my boutique.

And now for your FREEBIE....

Download HERE
(Sorry, this Freebie has expired)

Have a good day,

Introducing: Baby of Mine...and a SALE

2010-05-06T18:31:00.008-06:00

Okay, I hope you're ready for this...I have a cute, new kit to share with you, and I'm also having a GRAND OPENING SALE!!!

Make sure to enter the coupon code at checkout. The sale is on from now, May 6th until May 12th.

Okay, now on to my new, little, bundle of joy...my new kit
"Baby of Mine." Ohhhh... babies are soooo sweet, sent from Heaven above, precious little gifts from God. Baby of Mine is available in both "vanilla" and "chocolate" (now, don't go getting offended, I just think it sounds cuter than white and black). Here are the previews, and yes, they are available right now at my new boutique.

The papers

I hope you like it, and don't forget to check out the sale

Oh! I almost forgot. I have a little brag book freebie for you from "Baby of Mine"

~~Download the Chocolate page HERE~~
(Sorry, this freebie has expired)

~~Download the Vanilla page HERE~~
(Sorry, this freebie has expired)

Have a wonderful day,

My New Web Boutique is OPEN!

2010-05-04T18:08:00.002-06:00

Whew...I'm glad that's finished...or mostly finished. I'm still adding a few little brag book sets, but the boutique is up and running again. It wasn't without a few glitches and then starting over fresh and new, but the main thing is that it's OPEN FOR BUSINESS...finally. I'm going to run a GRAND OPENING SALE in the next few days, so watch for my big announcement with the coupon code. Thanks to all of you that have been so very patient with me during all of this. It's definitely been a learning experience. Soooo,.....Please stop by and let me know what you think of it:
Laurinda's DigiScraps or http://www.laurindasdigiscraps.com

Have a great day!

I'm BACK! ...and with a FREEBIE too!

2010-04-19T17:24:00.004-06:00

I'm back from my (almost) 3 week vacation. We had a great time with family and friends in Colorado, Arizona, and California. We even experienced the big earthquake on Easter Sunday. We were only about 60 miles from the epicenter. The trip home was mostly uneventful, though we did have a bunch of rain and snow to deal with on the way. The next morning we woke up (at home) to a few inches of the white stuff on the ground, but since then it has been so gorgeous. It's soooo good to be home!

My eCrater store is back online and I'm still working on getting my website up and running again. Thanks so much for being so patient with me. I'm getting the bug to create some new kits too....but the website needs to get finished first. What a hassle this has been. I guess I'm just to cheap too hire someone, and too ignorant to know what I'm doing : )

Here's a little freebie Quick Page for you from my "FOND REMEMBRANCE" kit:

(Sorry this link is expired)...But,
both of my Fond Remembrance quick pages are now included when you purchase the kit HERE

Have a wonderful day,

Website Problems...AGAIN!

2010-03-25T11:55:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm starting to feel like this website thing was a big mistake. It shouldn't be this difficult. After I got the site back online a week or so ago, I still had the same problem with customers downloads timing out. I'd had enough of that so I switched hosts but now my new host is having problems with ftp...Goodness! What's a girl to do??? So, at the moment I have NO store. I'm going to be away for a few weeks so I'll have to deal with this mess when I return.

2 New Kits and a Freebie

2010-03-18T18:39:00.003-06:00

Well, I seem to always be a day late and a dollar short, and today is no different. I have 2 new kits to show you. they both have a vintage or heritage style to them. First is my "day late" kit...IRISH EYES...You guessed it it's my St. Patrick's day themed kit. It has vintage cards and figures, and plenty of shamrocks.

Next is my FOND REMEMBRANCE kit. It's romantic shades of lavender and sage green, give it a soft sweet feel. It's filled with little vintage trinkets, paperdolls, and ribbon roses.

I hope you like them both. You can click on them to go to my new boutique.
Now, on to your freebie...
It's a quick page from Fond Remembrance

(Sorry, this link has expired)

Have a wonderful day,

Site Down

2010-03-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

It saddens me to say that after such an exciting start, my new store is down temporarily. I had a few customers that had trouble downloading the products that they had purchased. It's strange because some apparently were able to download successfully. Nevertheless, I don't want anyone else to struggle with this problem. After all, instant downloads was the reason that I opened the store. I've been spending my days pouring over forums and codes, trying to figure out php, html, and css, not to mention back and forth with my host about this. I'll let you know when it's up and running again ----- and if any of you have a way to fix this (I'm using Zen Cart on GoDaddy) PLEASE let me know.

Grand Opening Sale

2010-03-05T12:00:00.004-07:00

I'm having a Grand Opening Sale
at my new store.

Sale starts today, March 5, 2010 and ends Sunday, March 14, 2010

MY NEW WEBSTORE

2010-02-22T13:16:00.002-07:00

WOO HOO! I've just created a "Real" website for Laurinda's DigiScraps. At times I thought I would pull my hair out trying to figure out all of the code, but it seems to be working. I even have my own domain name: www.laurindasdigiscraps.com I always thought that it would be too expensive to have my own webstore and a server to store all of my files, but this option will save me over half of what my blog store with the Payloadz system charges. I'm currently changing everything over and will be removing my products from the blog store soon. Here's a screen shot of my new store: (click the preview to open the store in a new window)

Check it out and let me know what you think

Have a great day : )

Love Always QP Freebie

2010-01-27T10:34:00.003-07:00

I have another little freebie for you from my Love Always kit:

(sorry this link is expired)

Have a "Lovely" day,

Introducing: Love Always & a freebie

2010-01-21T10:42:00.005-07:00

Well, I've finished a sweet little kit that I've named "Love Always." It has kind of a vintage Valentine's Day feel to it. It's loaded with 74 elements and 18 papers in romantic shades of pink, red and ecru. I was, of course, inspired by romantic love, but also by the love God speaks of in His word. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a it says: "Love suffers long (love is patient) and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade it's self, is not puffed up (is not proud); does not behave rudely, does not seek it's own (is not selfish), is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails".
Ahhh.....Love, sweet love!

You can find Love Always at my store HERE

And now on to your FREEBIE....

(Sorry this link has expired)

Please leave me some love if you grab the download

I love reading your comments : )

Have a great day,

Winter's Charm QP Freebie and a Peek...

2010-01-17T23:16:00.005-07:00

I have a little gift for you today. It's a quick page that I created from my Winter's Charm kit .
But, first I thought I'd give you a little sneak peek at the kit I'm currently working on, I call it "Love Always". I should have it finished this week, so keep watching for it.

Okay, now that I've whet your appetite, Here's your freebie...

Sorry, this freebie has expired

You can find the kit at my store HERE

Have a wonderful day,

Winter's Charm kit

2010-01-08T22:21:00.003-07:00

Well, I did it. I was so inspired by the beautiful, frosty,snowy blanket that's covering northwest Montana and I just had to make a kit to go with it. Don't worry the sub-zero temperatures don't come along with it. Although it sounds like most of the planet is experiencing cold temps these days. Where is that so called global warming anyway? Well, hopefully, my new kit will at least warm your heart. Click the previews to find out more info.

Click the Previews to go to my store

Have a warm, cozy day,

Another QP from Scrap Tonic

2010-01-05T11:05:00.007-07:00

Wow! I'm looking out my window and it is so white outside. We got quite a bit of snow last night. It's absolutely gorgeous! Hmmm...I'm thinking I need to do a frosty, blue, wintery kit...we'll see.

Anyway, what I really wanted to tell you is that I have another one of those gorgeous quick pages that Amy put together with my ScrapTonic kit.

(Sorry, this freebie has expired.)

The Scrap Tonic kit is available in my new store HERE Be sure to check it out. My new store can even do instant downloads so now you don't have to wait for an email.

Have a great day!

A New Year & a new FREEBIE

2010-01-01T10:53:00.007-07:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow, it's 2010...can you believe it. It seems like it was just the beginning of 2009, and now the year has already flown by. Gone are those days when the years just seemed to drag on and on. I guess I'm showing my age.

I hope that the new year finds you growing in your faith, trusting in the Lord, and rejoicing in His goodness. May God Bless each of you and your families.

Well, how about a little quick page FREEBIE to start the new year off right. I have 3 new quick pages that were made by one of the sweetest and most talented CT gals in the digiscrap world. Here name is Amy and many of you already know her as "amy!", one of our Hula Girls at Scrapable. She made me some beautiful quick pages, just for you, using my Scrap Tonic kit. I'm certain that you'll love 'em as much as I do.

In this first FREEBIE download I've included 2 QP's from Amy, 1-with a title and 1- without a title. Both pages are 12x12, png format

(Sorry, this freebie has expired)

You can find Scrap Tonic at my store HERE

Please be sure to stop by Scrapable and tell amy! a great big "THANK YOU"

SHOP NOW...SHOP RIGHT HERE

2009-12-20T19:04:00.002-07:00

Did you happen to notice the new ADD TO CART buttons under a few of my products? I've been searching for a way to make your purchases smoother. Selling at Scrapable has been a great way to get products to you instantly, but my eCRATER and Etsy stores, which I love, don't offer a way to get your download links to you instantly when your transaction is completed. This has been a bit of a problem for a few of you. Anyway, I've found a site, Payloadz (click their logo on the lower right hand side of this blog to learn more about them), that allows you to purchase items directly from my blog with an instant download. I hope this works well for all of you.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas celebrating Gods perfect gift to us, His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. May you all come to know Him as your Lord and Savior.

Introducing Scrap Tonic

2009-12-18T13:21:00.014-07:00

Hey! I have a new kit to introduce you to. I'm calling this one Scrap Tonic since a tonic is something that invigorates and refreshes. Scrap Tonic is elegant yet it's also fun & funky. I think it will go well with a variety of photos...especially those New Years Eve photos. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Visit my Shop for more details or to purchase
Scrap Tonic

Brrrr...Baby it's COLD Outside!

2009-12-08T08:50:00.002-07:00

Brrrr....and I do mean Brrr, It's -16 degrees F. this morning. Yes, I said 16 degrees below zero...Brrrr. What's the temperature where you are?
Leave me a comment and let me know.

Introducing: ChristmasTime

2009-11-28T08:06:00.012-07:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and survived all of the crazy Black Friday sales. Well, now we can move onto my favorite time of year...Christmastime. I just love all of the sights and sounds, and smells of this time of year. Of course, my favorite thing about this time of year is the reason we celebrate - the birth of God's one and only Son, Jesus.

I'd like to introduce my new kit, ChristmasTime. I used softer, Christmas colors in this kit, with a little bit of glitter to give things a frosty feel. There are 62 elements, and 16 papers.

Please visit my shop for the details or to purchase

I'll try to put together a little freebie for you. So, please come back to grab it.

Have a great day,

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2009-11-26T08:38:00.004-07:00

Oh, we have so very much to thank God for today. God has blessed us in so many ways, like a wonderful family, good friends, a warm home with soft beds, plenty of good food to eat. But the thing that I am most thankful for is God's mercy and grace. Mercy can be described as being forgiven for things that you are guilty of. Grace is simply unmerited favor. How sweet is that! God forgives us of all our sins, and all we have to do is humble ourselves, and accept the gift that he offers. There's a verse in the bible, John 3:16, that tells us that God sent his only Son - Jesus - to pay the price for our sins, and he did all of this just because he loves us. That truly is something to be thankful for.

So, in the spirit of thankfulness, I'd like to offer this little Thanksgiving Day freebie:

Click the preview to download (Sorry - this link has expired)

Hurry it's only available 11/26/09 - 11/29/09

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,

Nursery Rhymes Brag Book Set & a little FREEBIE

2009-11-20T10:54:00.010-07:00

Here's the Nursery Rhymes Brag Book Set that I created from my new kit. It would make a perfect Christmas gift for mom's, dad's , grandma's and grandpa's. Just place photos of your little one in the openings. You could even use it to teach your little one nursery rhymes with photos of favorite people mixed in to add to the fun.

Nursery Rhymes Brag Book Set
Please visit my shop for more details or to purchase

Here's the Freebie I promised you.

This Little Piggy Went to Market - click the preview to download

(SORRY - THIS LINK HAS EXPIRED...but,

it's included if you purchase the set above)

I love to hear your comments - please leave me one.

Have a great day,

Introducing my Nursery Rhymes Kit

2009-11-19T15:44:00.009-07:00

I hope you like it. Click on the previews to go to my shop.

Surf's Up Event at Scrapable

2009-10-28T08:48:00.010-06:00

Hey, just thought I'd let you all know about something new happening at It's called Surf's Up :: Color Play and it's a color coordinated, 4 day event. You can purchase elements and papers from different designers that all coordinate with each other. And this is the best part....each item is only $1, but hurry it's only from Oct. 27 - Oct. 30.
Have a great Day,

I'm back again

2009-10-12T12:51:00.008-06:00

Sorry that I have been so bad about posting lately. My father-in-law passed away October 2nd, just a few days after he had valve replacement surgery. While we are all mourning our loss we are also rejoicing in knowing that he had accepted Jesus as his Savior, and is now in Heaven. What a beautiful legacy to leave your loved ones.

He lived life to the fullest. He traveled to so many places and did so many things. He went on missions trips to many places, including Thailand after the big tsunami, to help rebuild. He and his wife rode in a balloon over the Serengeti. They went skydiving in their late 70's. And he skied all over the country...he loved to ski.

So, with all of that being said, our goal is to celebrate not just the life he lived here but also the life he now has in Heaven. I keep being reminded of the song "I'll Fly Away". The words of the song are:

Some glad morning when this life is over,
I'll fly away,
to a home on God's celestial shore,
I'll fly away,
I'll fly away, O glory, I'll fly away;
When I die hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away.

When the shadows of this life have gone,
I'll fly away,
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I'll fly away,
I'll fly away, O glory, I'll fly away;
When I die hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away.

Just a few more weary days and then,
I'll fly away,
To a land where joys shall never end,
I'll fly away,
I'll fly away, O glory, I'll fly away;
When I die hallelujah by and by, I'll fly away.

I'd also like to say, "Thank you" to everyone that has been praying for our family. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Have a wonderful day,

A Little Quote

2009-09-30T08:54:00.001-06:00

"'Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud,' is the only maxim which can ever preserve the liberties of any people."
— President John Adams

Introducing my Logger Kit

2009-09-12T09:35:00.011-06:00

I've added a new kit to my store. I'm just calling this one, "Logger", since that's what it is all about.

This may be a controversial subject to some of you, however, I happen to live in a logging community, as do many other families across this great nation. I've seen first hand what good stewardship can achieve. A well managed forest is a healthy forest where both plants and animals thrive, and fire fuels are reduced. Loggers attend courses every year to learn how to be better stewards of our forests. Let's face it folks, we all need and use wood products of some sort in our daily living. Some of the products made from wood may surprise you, like:

rayon,

inks, varnish,

ping pong balls, tires,

photographic film, football helmets,

shatterproof glass, artificial vanilla flavoring,

adhesives, turpentine, camphor, waxes, fireworks, crayons,

chewing gum, cosmetics, vitamins, egg cartons, nail polish,

toothpaste, shampoo, diapers, postage stamps, pencils, baseball

bats, magazines, ice cream thickener, birthday cards, food

labels, candy wrappers, buttons, linoleum, disposable medical

clothing, this is just a short list, but let's not

forget to mention,

something we ALL

use, toilet paper!

If you are like me you probably use way more wood products than you ever expected. Keep in mind that WOOD IS A RENEWABLE RESOURCE. Heck, even recycled paper products are made of wood. And it may also surpise you to know that it actually takes more energy, and causes more pollution to recycle paper (and plastic) than it does to produce new products. But, the bottom line is this: if we don't properly manage and harvest our own forests, fire and beetles will demolish them. Leaving all of that beautiful, usable, renewable forest land to be ruined. We already import way too much wood from Canada. Wouldn't it be sad if that was our only source?

You won't hear any of this on the evening news, nevertheless, those of us closest to it know what really goes on in the woods. And just so you know, it only loosely resembles what happens on the History Channel's show AxMen. In fact, here's a good website to help kids learn more about it http://www.logging.org/kids/kids.html and here's another good site: http://www.idahoforests.org/index.html educate yourself.

Click the previews to go to my store.

I have this kit organized under my, "Guy Stuff" category.

Please also read my last post and visit my friend Kathy Winters store and help her out if you can.
Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings.

Have a great weekend,

I'M BACK!!!

2009-09-10T11:57:00.006-06:00

Oh, it's shameful that I haven't blogged in such a long time. It's been a really busy summer. It should be easier to get back to creating now, since I'll be home more now since school has started again.

PLEASE READ: I know that a lot of you also visit a friend of mines site, Kathy Winters Designs. You may or may not know that Kathy's husband has been in the hospital with kidney failure, heart trouble, and eye sight problems this past week. In fact, they almost lost him a couple times. They live in Michigan where the recession has had them struggling to get by for months. They have no health insurance and it is unlikely that he will be able to work again. Anyway, I'd like to ask all of you to please, support Kathy with your purchases. Please go to her store at Scrapable and purchase as much as you are able to. Even one purchase will help. If we all pull together we can make a difference for a truly sweet lady that has been so generous to all of us.

Kathy's store is located here: http://www.scrapable.net/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=46

Thank you for your anticipated response.

Click the preview to download (sorry, this link has expired)

Here's a little Autumn freebie for you. It's from my Autumn's Allure kit which can be found at my store HERE

Have a great day,

Whatever...

2009-07-28T12:21:00.006-06:00

I'd like to introduce you all to my newest kit, "Whatever...". I know the name is kind of funny, but it also seems to be a word that is very much a part of the teen culture these days. The way it is said gives the impression that nothing matters. Well, this little kit is not about that kind of whatever. I was inspired by a verse from the Bible, Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things." Kind of gives you a whole different impression of the word, doesn't it?

Whatever... elements

Whatever... papers

You can find it at My Shop. Let me know what you think of it. If you create layouts with it, please send me a link so I can drop by and leave you some love (the same goes for any of my products).

I'll be back tomorrow with a post for the last download for me and Kathy's Fabulous 50's kit.

Have a great day,

Fabulous 50's Week 4 Download

2009-07-23T09:24:00.008-06:00

Can you believe that this is already the 4th week of July. This month is flying by so fast. Anyway, here's the preview for this weeks Featured Designer download at SCRAPABLE.
Remember you must be registered in the forum to be able to download it. Next week is the last week for the downloads, but don't worry, the kit will also be available in the store in August.

I'm hoping to have one of my new kits finished soon, so check back for a preview and a freebie.

Have a great week (UPDATE: You can now find the whole kit available in my store HERE)

Fabulous 50's Week 3 Download

2009-07-15T22:19:00.008-06:00

Wow, I can't believe it's already week 3 of our Fabulous 50's downloads. I hope you were all able to grab the first 2 weeks downloads, if not, we are thinking of making it available in the store when the month is over. You can grab this weeks download at Scrapable's forum (Island Mingling, as we like to call it). Make sure you are a registered user and come back each week to grab a freebie from the featured designer(s). Here's the preview of this weeks download:

(UPDATE: You can now find the whole kit available in my store HERE)

I'd love to hear what you think of the kit. Kathy and I put a lot of work into it and it would be quite a thrill to see what you create with it.

Thanks for stopping by,

Weekly Wednesday Download

2009-07-08T10:21:00.009-06:00

Hey, today is Wednesday! That means that the 2nd part of the Fabulous 50's kit, that Kathy Winters and I created, is ready for you to download. Here's a preview of what you'll get this week.

(UPDATE: You can now find the whole kit available in my store HERE)

Sweet Freedom Brag Book Album and a Freebie

2009-07-02T14:15:00.013-06:00

I've created a little brag book album for you, just in time for all of your 4th of July memories. I just love this kit, but I love anything patriotic.

I hope that we all spend some time this 4th of July to remember what it is that we are celebrating. I know I am so thankful for all of the men & women who so bravely fought, and still fight, to keep us a free nation. Our founding fathers were strong men of faith, yes, Christian faith. All of our founding documents were guided and based on christian principles.

I believe it was John Adams that said that our nation was built on Christian principles and morals, and that it worked because we were a nation of Christians, but if we failed to be a nation of Christians, most likely our form of government would also fail.

Prayer was very much a part of every gathering. Unfortunately, prayer and our Christian heritage have, for the most part, been removed or obscured from history textbooks. Brave men and women gave their lives so that we could live in a nation free from totalitarian regimes. So we could live in a nation where the government was not all powerful, not in control of any business, not a property owner, but was controlled and led by the people and for the people.

It breaks my heart to see this nation stray so far from what was intended. I think that many of you feel the way I do. We need to take a stand for what we believe in. Some gave all...what are you willing to give for freedom?

Read through my post to find the link for the freebie's download link. (Sorry this link has expired) Please don't just grab and go, take the time to leave me a comment too.

Thanks for stopping by.

Have a great Independence Day,

Featured Designer at Scrapable

2009-07-01T23:13:00.008-06:00

Hey! I'm the Featured Designer at Scrapable this month. I'm sharing the spotlight with another very talented designer, Kathy Winters of Kathy Winters Designs. She created some really cute wordart for the kit. You'll have to hop on over to Scrapable's blog to read the article about us. But, wait there's more...We also created a kit exclusively for this special event. It's called "FABULOUS 50's" and you can get the whole kit FREE, in 5 downloads, one for each week in July. The downloads started yesterday, Wednesday, July 1st. You'll need to register in the Scrapable forum, we call it "Island Mingling", to have access to the downloads section. Then come back each week for another part of the kit. Scrapable has a different featured designer(s) each month, so keep checking the blog for more free stuff.

Here's a preview of Fabulous 50's. It's all about life in the fifties, poodle skirts, saddle shoes, rock n roll, bowling, diners, and of course, those great cars.

Here's what you'll get in this weeks download:

(UPDATE: You can find this entire kit available at my store HERE)

If you grab this kit, I'd love to see what you create from it. Please send me a link if you post a layout so I can come comment on it.

Have a wonderful and safe Independence Day.

4th of July SALE

2009-06-30T23:11:00.002-06:00

Click the ad to see what I have available

The sale is only from the 1st of July through the 5th. The whole store is on sale. Stop by and check out the great bargins.

Have a wonderful Independence Day

Sweet Freedom

2009-06-29T08:13:00.006-06:00

Here it is! Sweet Freedom.

I just love the 4th of July, Independence Day, and all that it stands for. I love living in a free country, and I am sooo thankful to all of the men and women that have fought, and still fight, for our freedom. May God bless each one of you. Because of your bravery, we in this country have the freedoms and rights that other people do not have.

So, in honor of all of those that have made freedom possible, both here and abroad, I've created Sweet Freedom. It has a kind of vintage, americana feel to it. I've even included some cute little Uncle Sam figures, and of course patriotic bunting. Here are the previews...I hope you like it.

The Elements

The Papers

You can find it at my own little shoppe: HERE.

I hope to have a freebie to go with it soon.

Have a great day,

Sneak Peek

2009-06-26T22:22:00.003-06:00

The papers:

Just thought I'd give you a little peek at what I'm working on right now. Check back often, I'm just finishing up some of the details and then I'll be ready to show you the whole kit.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-20T08:38:00.019-06:00

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. I have been blessed to have a loving father and father-in-law in my life, and had loving grandpa's, and great grandpas,. Though my grandpas have since passed away, the legacy they left behind is a testament to the kind of father they were.

My father has been living with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) for well over 20 years now. He doesn't have the type of MS that goes into remission. Over the years he's had to learn how to do things differently, like walk with a cane, a walker, a scooter, and then to a wheelchair. Now, he stays in bed. It has to be very hard on such a strong, independent man, but through it all I have never heard him complain about his illness. He has this incredible sense of humor. We should all have such good attitudes. He wasn't always the father that he is today. Maybe the the good that came from the MS is an appreciation for everything, even the small things, not just for him but for all of us that love him. I'm so thankful for him and who he has become, MS or not.

The father I admire the most is my husband. He's such a good dad. He takes such good care of our family. I love to watch him working with our boys and teaching them, leading them down the right path. Over the almost 19 years we've been married, I've watched him begin and grow in his walk with the Lord. What a beautiful thing to witness. What a beautiful legacy for our boys. I thank God for him.

In honor of these great men, I've created a mini kit called "Thanks Dad". I've even included a couple pieces of duct tape - my dad was a sheet metal worker (heating and air cond.) for many years, duct tape was a staple at our house. You could fix anything with duct tape : )

Thanks Dad is available at my own little boutiqueClick the preview to go to the kit

Here's a little Thanks Dad brag book page that I made for you. I hope you enjoy it.

Click the preview to download (Sorry, this link has expired)
BUT...it's included if you purchase the kit

You should also check out Kathy Winters Designs. She has 3 really cool Father's Day wordart sets available. I just love her work. Here's a preview of her Fatherhood wordart:

Have a great Father's Day. Go hug your Dad.

Friday Freebie at Scrapable

2009-06-12T01:30:00.001-06:00

Hey, Just thought I'd let you know that I am offering the Friday Freebie at Scrapable today.

Click the preview to go to Scrapable and grab it.

(Sorry this download link is expired)

$1.00 Wednesday Sale

2009-06-09T21:22:00.004-06:00

Click the ad above to go to the sale.
I hope you take advantage of this great one day sale.

Have a good day,

My Home Town Brag Book Album & a Freebie

2009-06-07T08:40:00.004-06:00

I have a little treat for you today...I've created a little Brag book album to go with my newest kit - My Home Town. There are 8 cute, little, 6x4 pages, to make it easy for you to create an album quickly. I had a lot of fun making all of the elements for this kit. I hope you like it. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

This cute little brag book album is available at my store
Click the preview to get a closer look.

Here's a little freebie Brag book page so you can get a start on your album.

Click the preview to download (Sorry, this link has expired)

Have great day!

Introducing: My Home Town (50% off today only)

2009-06-05T08:22:00.008-06:00

I have another new kit that I thought you all might like. I call it MY HOME TOWN.
My Home Town is relaxing, fresh, and colorful with tree lined streets, picket fences and quaint little shops and boutiques.

This kit contains 35 elements including: shops and boutiques, trees and plants, fences, frames, ribbons & bows, and wordart. There are14 printed papers. They’re decorated with dots, textures, stripes and plaids.

All are 300 dpi, created in either png or jpg format. The kit is designed to fit 12x12 scrapbook pages, but most items can easily be resized. It's for personal use only.

My Home Town - Elements

My Home Town - PapersYou can find it at Laurinda's DigiScraps boutique.
Just thought I'd remind you that today is the last day of my 50% off SALE at Scrapable. Yes, that means that this brand new kit is also 50% off for today only. Use coupon code: halfprice at the checkout.

Have a great weekend,

It's Official...I'm Exclusively at Scrapable

2009-06-01T00:37:00.006-06:00

Woo Hoo! I am officially an Exclusive Designer at Scrapable : ) Ahh, Digi Scrap Paradise, as we like to call it. I can almost feel the sand beneath my toes as I type. Okay, back to reality...In honor of this momentous occasion, I've put my whole store at Scrapable on sale for 50% off!!! just enter the coupon code: halfprice at checkout. You will need to hurry because the sale is for 5 days only 6/01/09 - 6/05/09.

Click the preview to check out the products in my store

Have a wonderful week,

Bloom! Freebie Quick Page

2009-05-21T14:39:00.005-06:00

I have a little treat for you today...a quick page freebie from my new kit, Bloom! You can grab it from my post on Scrapable's blog. Since I'm about to be exclusive for them, I get to join the other exclusive designers by posting on the site's blog once a week.

(Sorry, this link has expired)

Have a great day,

Introducing Bloom!

2009-05-20T09:00:00.007-06:00

Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner. Bloom! is the perfect kit for the season. It's bright and cheery and full of flowers and fun. It's available at my store. Here's the preview - click on it to find out more.

I thought I also should give you a heads up...I'll be leaving DigiScrapShop at the end of this month. It was a tough decision to make, but I believe it is for the best. I've decided to be an "Exclusive Designer" for Scrapable .

Have a great day,

Blinkie Tutorial

2009-05-14T08:21:00.005-06:00

I've created a tutorial on making blinkies. Hopefully, you'll be able to understand my rambling. A blinkie is such a little thing, but can be very time consuming.

Blinkie Tutorial

Well, since I’ve got “Blinkies on the brain” this week, I’ve decided to give you all a tutorial on making blinkies with PSE (I’m using PSE7). This is also my first time to write a tutorial, so bare with me. I’ll try to keep it as short as possible. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, please feel free to send me a through comments. …Let’s get started…

First you need to have a pretty good idea of the look you want to achieve. With any animated graphic it’s good to remember that to achieve a nice smooth flow your layers must change just slightly each time, and you will have many, many layers.

The standard size for blinkies is 150x50 px, but I like to create it in a larger size that is easier to see and work with and then reduce the size when I’m finished.

To start we’ll need a 300x100 px, 300 ppi blank file. Open all of the elements or papers that you will be using so that they are available in your tray. Create your first layer of the blinkie by adding a background and elements just as you would when you create a lei-out. Add any styles and shadows to the elements now. I like to rename every layer so that it is easier to find when you need to move something later. Try to visualize how things will flow.

Here’s what I’ve created to start my blinkie. This will be one layer when it is merged but for now it is what I call a layer set.

When you have it the way you want it, select all of the layers in this first set. This is very important: DO NOT MERGE THE LAYERS. Duplicate the layers (as shown below).

It can get kind of confusing with all of the layers so labeling each item definitely helps. You’ll notice that the Scrapable, the flowers, and the little crab have moved just slightly in this set of layers. Keep duplicating and moving items slightly and adding layers until everything you want it to do or say is included.

When you are finished creating– and this is soooo important – SAVE YOUR BLINKIE BEFORE YOU MERGE THE LAYER SETS. I usually give it a file name like: Scrapable_blinkie_Master. If you don’t save it now you won’t be able to go back and change things after it’s merged. Below is a screen shot to show you the merging process.

Now we’re ready to merge our layer sets. Use shift+click to select each set of layers, right click on any highlighted item and when the pop up window appears select “Merge Layers”. Be careful to only select the layers in that set. Continue merging until all of the layer sets are merged. I’ve had as many as 90 layers after merging the sets. These are time consuming little boogers.

Now your layers pallet should look something like this:

Those are merged layer sets. Now we’ll just call them layers.

Now we’re ready to resize our image. Follow the screen shot below

Click on “Image” on the top left side of your screen. From the dropdown menu choose “Resize”, then choose “Image Size”.

Now in this dropdown menu, change the width to 150 pixels, the height should change automatically to 50. Click OK.

Now it gets good. You’ll be able to see the fruit of your labor in this next step.

Click on “File” in the top left side of the screen. Now select “Save for Web” and you should see a window like the one below:

In this window, we’ll start at the top and work our way down.

Preset: GIF 128 No Dither (you can choose others here to reduce the size but it will also reduce the color)

Be sure that GIF is selected for the file type and “Selective”

Transparency must be checked

ANIMATE must be checked

You shouldn’t need to mess with anything in the “Image Size” boxes. Skip down to Animation.

In the “Animation” box you have a choice on how fast the blinkie will flash through the layers. I normally choose 0.2 but if you want it to move slower try 0.5.

Now to see what your blinkie will look like online, click the little globe on the bottom, where it says “Preview In”. this should open a web page for you to view your blinkie. Watch it a few times to see if it’s working properly. Now, exit out of the web and you’ll be back at the page above. If your blinkie is perfect, click on OK and it will ask you to name it and to choose a location to save it, then you can upload it to a photo sharing site and start using it.

If the blinkie is not what you wanted, choose “Cancel”. Back in PSE you will want to close the merged blinkie WITHOUT saving it. Now, reopen it. If you saved it before you merged the layer sets, you will be able to make the changes you need to in order to get it right. Then just go through the steps again until it’s what you want.

I hope this tutorial has been helpful. Boy, you thought I was gonna keep it short! : )

By the way, I’d love to see your blinkies when you finish them.

Have a great day!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-08T22:24:00.007-06:00

In honor of Mother's Day I have a special little gift for you, a quick page made from my Mother Dear kit. You can find the preview of the kit if you scroll down a few posts. The little tag says, "A Mother holds her childs hand for a little while, she holds their heart forever." Download it HERE (sorry, this link has expired)

Also, don't forget about the Mother's work collab at DigiScrapShop - FREE with any $5 purchase. (See my last post)

Happy Mother's Day! Go hug your Mom.

National Scrapbook Day & a Freebie

2009-05-01T09:04:00.009-06:00

Boy, have I got a lot of news for you today. First, as you can see above, May 2, is National Scrapbooking Day, and Scrapable is having a huge sale along with tons of fun events and of course, freebies. Be sure to hop on over there and get in on all of the fun. Here's the schedule of events at Scrapable:
Speed Scraps - 5 am, 10 am, 3 pm CST
Designer Chats - 7 am, 2 pm, 5 pm CST
Name that Kit game - 6 pm CST
Sea Shell Hunt - all day long!! - I can't say what the prize is going to be - but I do know it will be MEGA!
Oh! And of course.......you know there will be SALES, SALES and MORE SALES!!! And the 50% off sale starts today!

Oh, and I almost forgot, the Cabana Girls (designers) at Scrapable have put together this gorgeous kit called "One Kit Fits All Families". You've got to see this kit to appreciate it. It's my favorite collaboration so far. It's absolutely beautiful, not to mention HUGE! Get on over there and check it out - It's FREE with any $10 purchase
________________________________

Okay, next on my list is the National Scrapbooking Day sale at DigiScrapShop.

DigiScrapShop is offering 20% off on any $10 purchase. The Coupon Code is cut off on the ad above so use
Coupon Code: NSBD
Stop by and check it out too. Keep watching this little shop. We have a collaboration kit coming up for Mother's Day that you won't want to miss.

_________________________________

Finally, today is my day to supply the Friday Freebie for Scrapable. It's from my newest kit called "Mother Dear". It's all about honoring Mom. You can grab it by clicking the preview. It will take you to Scrapable, once there, all you have to do is register. I hope you enjoy it and can honor your mom by making some great photo memories of her. Enjoy your weekend,

Honoring Mom

2009-04-28T11:47:00.005-06:00

I know that Mother's Day isn't quite here yet but it is awfully close. It's often hard to find a way to express the gratitude we owe to our mothers. I created this kit to be just one small way that we can create lasting memories to remember and honor our moms with scrapbook pages, bragbooks, cards and more. The kit is filled with pink and red carnations, beads, lace, and wordart about Mothers. I've even included the quote from Abraham Lincoln "All I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother".

I must say that I have been very blessed to have a wonderful mother of my own. She loved us, cared for us, and sacrificed things she may have wanted or needed to make sure that we had all that we needed. She was always there for us. And she was fun too. I didn't truly appreciate these things until I became a mother myself. What an eye opener. I challenged my mom far to often when I was a teen. Now, with teens of my own, I hear my mom's words emanating from my own mouth from time to time.

My mom wasn't born a good mom, it was something that she learned by watching her own mother, my grandma, who learned it from her mom, my great-grandma, and so on. Knowing how it be a good mother was something that was "caught" more than it was taught. In the age we live in today, this seems to be a bit of a lost art. So many kids are growing up spending more time each day in daycare and school than they do with their parents. No wonder so many struggle when it comes to being a parent themselves. If you're a parent, please take the time to spend time with your kids. I'm not talking about that "Quality Time" garbage either. Kids really do learn more by what is caught than by what is taught. They're always watching us. The future generations are counting on us to get this right. Let's leave a legacy of love that our great grandkids will be proud of.

So...don't forget to show your mom or grandma, or step-mom, or mother-in-law, etc. the love and appreciation she deserves this Mother's Day.

Mother Dear - elements

Mother Dear - papers

You can find it at My Store

Come back later this week for info. on 2 freebie QPs from this kit

Have a great day

Scrapable Birthday Mega Kit

2009-04-27T15:26:00.001-06:00

Whoa. I almost forgot to tell you about this incredible gift - Birthday Gift - that you will receive on your birthday this year from Scrapable. All you have to do is register in the forum. The kit was created by all of the "Cabana Girls" (designers) at Scrapable. They did a wonderful job on it. It has 69 papers, 118 elements, 2 full alphas and 6 glitter styles. The plan is to have a new kit each year. Here's the previews for this years Birthday Mega Kit.

the elements

the papers

Get registered today so you don't miss out on this great freebie on your birthday.

Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-11T15:42:00.008-06:00

An empty tomb
A risen Savior
A great reason for rejoicing!

As I sit here this Saturday, contemplating all the beauty that God has created in my small part of the world, it's hard not to be thankful for all the wonderful gifts that He has given. The most precious gift being that of His one and only Son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I know that it's easy to get caught up in all the fun merchandise that the stores put out every Easter, and I'm not saying that it's wrong to celebrate this way, but I wonder how many of you really know what we are supposed to be celebrating on Easter Sunday. It's not the Easter bunny or brightly colored eggs, or even family get-togethers. It's the truth that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, to save us, but it doesn't stop there. He also rose from the grave and was seen by a great many people before He rose to Heaven. No other religious leader has ever been able to make this same claim. Their tombs are full of their dried bones, but Jesus' tomb is EMPTY. He rose to Heaven on the third day...just as He said he would. "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!..." these are the words the angel spoke to the women that came to the tomb after He had risen (Luke 24:5-6)

"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. " (Isaiah 55:6) There will come a day when this period of grace will end - seek Him now.

We live in a world full of people that are constantly searching for something to fill a void in their lives - possessions, relationships, success, and even religion. Narcissism and immorality are rampant. None of these things can fill that void, only God can fill it. Each one of us is born with a "God sized" hole in our hearts. My hope is that you will all find a good Bible believing church and truly seek the Lord. Let Him fill that void.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this post. I have a little gift for you that can be found HERE it's a quickpage(SORRY, this link has expired). If you want more information check out the following links:
http://www.harvest.org/knowgod/
http://www.crosswalk.com/who-is-jesus/christ/
http://www.csnradio.com/
http://www.saved.com/index.htm
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/becoming_a_christian.aspx
As Jesus said to the woman at the well "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die..."
(John 11:25)

Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday.

Another COWBOY UP Freebie

2009-04-04T08:53:00.007-06:00

Oh! what a beautiful day it is in Northwest Montana. Finally it's feeling like spring. Yesterday morning we had snow flurries, but today is absolutely beautiful, all sunshine and blue skies. The sun shining on those majestic, snowy mountains in Glacier National Park is definitely a sight to behold. The temperature is supposed to get up to about 50 degrees - yippee!

Anyway, on to the latest freebie from my Cowboy Up kit. If you haven't checked out the whole kit, be sure to scroll down to see the previews below. It's available at My Store

Download HERE (sorry this link has expired)

Have a great spring day!
Thanks for visiting,

Cowboy Up Quick Page Freebie

2009-03-30T18:50:00.005-06:00

Here's the freebie I promised to go with my new COWBOY UP kit. You can check it out below. Click the link for my boutique, or click the image below, to see more details. I hope you like your little freebie gift. I'd love to see what you do with it.

Download HERE (Sorry this link has expired)

Let me know if you like it or not.

Yee Haa! introducing COWBOY UP

2009-03-30T11:00:00.007-06:00

I've just finished my new kit ~ Cowboy Up ~
It's full of tooled leather, bandanas, denim, barbed wire, rope, and more. There are 69 elements, and 14 papers (not all of the elements are shown in the preview). This was a fun kit to put together. In fact, I'd love to see what kind of scrapbook pages you can put together from it. Anyway, here it is, I hope y'all like it.

You can find this kit at my little boutique

I'll try to put together a little freebie for you as soon as I can.

Have a great day,

Birthday Boy Kit & Freebie

2009-03-28T18:41:00.010-06:00

Well, here it is, my Birthday Boy kit. This is just a mini-kit to follow-up my Birthday Girl kit. I used a similar color scheme but with blue instead of pink. I added some little frogs, a snail, and balloons just to make it more boyish. You know, snips and snails and all that boy stuff. It's available only at My Store - Laurinda's DigiScraps. I put together a little brag book freebie for you too. I hope you like it.

Download HERE (Sorry this link has expired)...BUT...
IT'S INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE KIT!

You can find this kit at my new store HERE

Thanks for visiting my little blog,

Last Day For the Sale at DigiScrapShop

2009-03-26T23:18:00.007-06:00

Whoa!........Today, Friday, 3/27/09, is the LAST DAY of the Blog Train and SALE at DigiScrapShop. Hurry! You don't want to miss out. Here's the info. again, just incase you missed it:

The coupon code for the discount is: CHOOCHOO

Make sure that you visit DigiScrapShop for last part of the blog train - a glittery alpha created by Piccolina Designs - find the preview below in the store to grab it (click the preview to go to the store) Follow the links below to get all of the pieces of the train. But do it fast before it's over.

Here's my part of the BLOG TRAIN

Download HERE (Sorry this link has expired)

Follow these links to get the rest of the Blog Train goodies:
Piccolina Designs: http://www.piccolinadesigns.blogspot.com/
Kalo Designs: http://kalodesigns.com/wordpress/
Blind Sight Designs: http://blind-sight.org/blog/
Serene by RW: http://www.serenebyrw.blogspot.com/
Word Art Fun: http://www.wordartfun.blogspot.com/
DigiLover's Addiction: http://digilovers-addiction.blogspot.com/
Connies Creative Chaos: http://www.conniescreativechaos.blogspot.com/
RK Design: http://rkdesignsdigiscraps.blogspot.com/
Kathy's Scraps: http://kathysscraps.blogspot.com/
Laurie's Scraps: http://lauriesscraps.blogspot.com/

$1 Wednesday at Scrapable

2009-03-24T22:00:00.002-06:00

$1 Wednesday at Scrapable, digi scrap paradise. Wow! Eleven (11) of my Quick Page and Brag Book sets marked just $1.00 each set. Here's the list of what I have for just $1:

Birthday Girl QP set
Country Quilts QP set
Got Sand? QP set
Got Sand? BB set
Jeepin' QP set
Memreez QP set 1
Memreez QP set 2
Memreez BB set
Serenity QP set
Serenity BB set
Sweetie Pie QP set

But hurry if you want them...the sale is for one day only, 3/25/09. Grab them while you can. While you're there be sure to check out all of the other great products at Scrapable.

Thanks for visiting,

DigiScrap Shop BLOG TRAIN

2009-03-20T06:00:00.009-06:00

Whoo Hoo! or maybe I should say, Choo-Choo! Today is the big day. It's the first day of Spring and it's also the first day of the DigiScrapShop designers BLOG TRAIN. Our theme is SPRING FEVER. I know you'll all want to get on board, so all the information is below. The blog train will be kicked off with a SALE at DigiScrapShop. You will get 20% off all orders of $10 or more, but HURRY, the sale and the blog train are for one week only, March 20th thru March 27th.

The coupon code for the discount is: CHOOCHOO

Make sure that you visit DigiScrapShop for last part of the blog train - a glittery alpha created by Piccolina Designs - find the preview below in the store to grab it (click the preview to go to the store) Follow the links below to get all of the pieces of the train.

Here's my part of the BLOG TRAIN

Download HERE (Sorry this link has expired)

Follow these links to get the rest of the Blog Train goodies:

Piccolina Designs: http://www.piccolinadesigns.blogspot.com/
Kalo Designs: http://kalodesigns.com/wordpress/
Blind Sight Designs: http://blind-sight.org/blog/
Serene by RW: http://www.serenebyrw.blogspot.com/
Word Art Fun: http://www.wordartfun.blogspot.com/
DigiLover's Addiction: http://digilovers-addiction.blogspot.com/
Connies Creative Chaos: http://www.conniescreativechaos.blogspot.com/
RK Design: http://rkdesignsdigiscraps.blogspot.com/
Kathy's Scraps: http://kathysscraps.blogspot.com/
Laurie's Scraps: http://lauriesscraps.blogspot.com/

I hope you all have fun following the train.

Welcome Sweet Springtime

2009-03-18T09:34:00.003-06:00

I am looking so foward to spring! Winters in Montana are definitely long, but I must admit, they're so beautiful too. I like it when the sun makes the snow sparkle like little diamonds, or when the frost covers everything with sharp little spikes. Oh, but it's hard to compare to the beauty of springtime, when the leaves start to bud, and the the flowers start to bloom. I could go on, and on, but....

I thought I'd better let you know that the designers at DigiScrap Shop are preparing a BLOG TRAIN for you as we speak. It will start rolling down the tracks onFriday, March 20, 2009 - the first day of Spring. The theme is Spring Fever. I'll post a list of all the blogs involved on Friday, so check back to grab my part and to see the rest of the train. This is my first blog train, so I'm pretty excited about being involved.

Thanks for stopping by,

Another Freebie from Birthday Girl

2009-03-04T09:08:00.007-07:00

Here's another GRAND OPENING gift from Scrapable. It's another cute, little quick page from my Birthday Girl kit. Grab it while you can, it will only be available for a short time.

(Sorry, this link has expired)...But, you can find this page and more at my new little boutique

You can find my Birthday Girl kit and quick pages at my new boutique HERE

Thanks for stopping by,

GRAND OPENING SALE at SCRAPABLE

2009-03-01T14:17:00.008-07:00

Okay, in my last post I told you that I was now designing for Scrapable. Well, now they're having a big GRAND OPENING SALE. If you haven't been there yet you really should check it out. It's full of some really great designers ...and me. Click on the ad below to be transported to Paradise.

While you're there you might want to check out this cute little quick page from my new kit - Birthday Girl. Oh, did I forget to say that it's FREE. It is, it's a Grand-Opening gift and it's waiting just for you.
Click on the preview to grab it. It's only available for a short time, so grab it before it's gone.
(Sorry, this link has expired)
YOU CAN FIND MY BIRTHDAY GIRL KIT, QUICK PAGES AND BRAG BOOK SET AT MY NEW STORE

Here are the previews of my Birthday Girl kit.

Birthday Girl elements

Birthday Girl papers

Thanks for visiting

Hello again

2009-02-26T21:16:00.003-07:00

Wow, I've been gone a long time! My whole family has been sick lately. It started with me and unfortunately I passed it on to the rest of my guys. My oldest son turned 16 today and the poor guy was sick as a dog. We'll have to postpone his birthday celebration until the weekend.

In other news, I'm designing in paradise (as I say this it's like a blizzard outside!). Actually, what I mean is, I've joined another store...Scrapable. It just re-opened under new management. What a cute store! You really should check it out. I've also been busy designing blinkies and a banner for Scrapable. You can view mine to the right.

I am working on a new kit too. It's called Birthday Girl. I'm thinking of following it with Birthday Boy - we'll see. Anyway keep watching for it, it should be finished soon.

I've Got a new Blinkie

2009-02-05T15:11:00.005-07:00

I've made a new blinkie for anyone who wants to
grab it and give it a home on their blog.
I used my Memreez kit to create it. I love those colors!
I hope you like it too.

Click on it to get the code.

If you're interested in having me design a blinkie for you
CLICK HERE for more information

Thanks for visiting,

Here's another Freebie from Memreez

2009-02-02T10:50:00.005-07:00

Here's a another cute, little brag book page from my Memreez kit. If you like it, you should check out the set of 11 that are available at Laurinda's DigiScraps Boutique - HERE. I hope you like this little freebie.

Download it HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)

Thank you so much for visiting my blog,

Memreez Digital Scrapbook Kit

2009-01-30T15:30:00.010-07:00

Well, here it is, my new Memreez kit. I think it's a nice well rounded kit. I love the way the colors blend so well with each other. It has a soothing, calming feel to it. Some of you may remember a few of the QPs as I offered 4 of them as freebies last summer. Their links have since expired but now they are available in the kit. Check out my store HERE to see the other quick page sets that I have available, such as Sweetie Pie and Raggedy Ann. I'm hoping to have more sets in the store soon too.

Click on the previews below for more information.

Memreez Kit

Memreez Quick Page Set #1

Memreez Quick Page Set #2

Memreez Brag Book Set
Get more information about Memreez HERE

A quick page FREEBIE for you
Download it HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)

Thanks for stopping by,

Memreez Brag Book Freebie

2009-01-29T16:09:00.006-07:00

I'm putting the finishing touches on a new kit that I've named Memreez. I know, it's a silly name. But I think it will be a very useful kit for scrapbooking all sorts of memories. Here's a cute little brag book page for you. I hope you can use it.

Download it HERE

(Sorry, this link has expired)...BUT...
This page is included when you purchase the set.

Thank you so much for visiting,

Introducing: GOT SAND?

2009-01-20T13:48:00.017-07:00

Okay, you're probably thinking that this is really hard core guy stuff, but it really isn't. It might surprise some of you to know that I used to be a "Desert Rat" myself. I spent way too much time playing in the sand dunes at Glamis, California. We'd usually camp at Gecko and ride all over the dunes. I think my favorite rides were when we'd ride through the dunes to Gordon's Well and then cross the border into Algodones. I used to love going off jumps on a quad or in my buggy. Oh, and the rush of racing around a big bowl...somethings you never forget.

Anyway, enough of my rambling. I am hoping that some of you have similar memories captured in photos that you're needing to scrap. My new GOT SAND? kit is full of quads (4 wheelers), dirt bikes, a cute little buggy, helmets, goggles, boots, tiedowns, diamond plate metal, and of course SAND. I hope you like it. The freebies below are the same quick page but one says "Boys and their toys" and the other says "Girls and their toys". Click on the previews for a better description.

GOT SAND? Kit

GOT SAND? Brag Book set
GOT SAND? Quick Pages

To purchase or learn more about these items visit

Laurinda's DigiScraps Boutique

Here's the freebie that I mentioned above. Choose which one you need or download them both, it's your choice.
Download HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)...BUT...
THEY ARE BOTH INCLUDED WHEN YOU BUY THE SET.

Pleeeeeze leave a comment if you download

Download HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)...BUT...
THEY ARE BOTH INCLUDED WHEN YOU BUY THE SET.

Pleeeeeze leave a comment if you download

Thanks for visiting my blog,

Another Freebie Quick Page from Serenity

2009-01-06T19:41:00.006-07:00

Here's another freebie quick page from my Serenity kit.

Download it HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)

Please be kind and leave me a comment if you download.

Thanks for visiting,

Today's Freebie From Serenity

2009-01-05T08:22:00.007-07:00

Here's another quick page from my Serenity kit for you. This kit has been a lot of fun to work with. I'm really enjoying how all of the color combinations are fitting together. I hope you like it too.
Here's your freebie:

Download it HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)

Please leave me a comment - so few people take the time to do so,

but it's so greatly appreciated when you do.

Have a wonderful day,

Serenity

2009-01-03T18:18:00.008-07:00

Here's my new kit ... Serenity. It's soft yet bold and very versatile. It contains 128 elements and 22 papers. I've also created a quick page set and a brag book set. I hope you like it.
Click the previews for a more detailed description.

Serenity - Elements

Serenity - Papers

Serenity - Quick Pages Set

Serenity - Brag Book Set

a little freebie for you

Download it HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)

Don't forget to leave some love

Thanks for visiting,

Another Freebie from Serenity

2009-01-03T11:37:00.011-07:00

Here's a little brag book freebie from my new Serenity kit. I'll try to get the kit posted tomorrow.

Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you, the store that I joined, Digiscrap Shop is now open. Yay!
Here's the link to my part of the store:

http://www.digiscrapshop.com/m-24-laurinda.aspx
and here's the link for the whole store:

http://www.digiscrapshop.com/

Here's your little freebie:

Download HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)

Don't forget to leave some love.

Thanks for stopping by,

Introducing my new kit

2009-01-02T07:56:00.006-07:00

I'm finishing up the previews for my newest kit called Serenity. I should have it posted in the next day or two. In the meantime, here's a little freebie for you. I hope you like it.

Download HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)

Don't forget to leave a comment and let me know if you like it or not.
Happy New Year,

Happy New Year

2008-12-30T14:32:00.005-07:00

Just wanted to say a quick "Happy New Year"! I hope you all have a wonderful year filled with blessings.

Just so we start 2009 off right, I thought I might let you in on a little secret I've been keeping ..... I have finally joined a store. I'm sure most of you already know that Digiscrap Depot is working on getting a store opened. It was originally scheduled to open the beginning of December, but now they're planning to open January 1st, 2009. It's been a long, slow process for them, but from what I've seen it's going to be a really nice store. They have about 50 designers - yes, I said 50. I have a six month contract so we'll see how it goes being part of something so huge. I will still keep my own stores on both Etsy and eCrater too.

Anyway, here's a little wintery brag book page freebie for you. I hope you can use it.

Download HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)

If you download, please be kind and leave a comment for me.

Happy New Year!

Country Christmas Brag Book Set

2008-12-14T11:33:00.007-07:00

Well, here they are, the brag book pages to go with my Country Christmas kit. There are 14 page in this set, and what a value at only $3.00. You could create a little brag book for everyone on your Christmas list at that price. Click on the preview for a more detailed description.

Get them HERE

Here's a little freebie treat for you

Download it HERE

(Sorry, this link has expired)

Merry Christmas,

Laurinda

Country Christmas Kit and a Freebie

2008-12-11T09:36:00.011-07:00

Well, I finally finished my Country Christmas kit. It's a MEGA kit! I got a little carried away with it, and probably should have broken it into 2 or 3 smaller kits.....but I didn't. So here it is with a whopping 123 elements, 34 papers, and 8 quick pages - and that doesn't include the freebie quick pages. I'm also making a brag book set to go with it. The kit has a wide variety of elements. I started creating these cute little felt elements and then the Christmas cookies...I was going "hog wild" with it.

Oh I do love Christmas, the reason for Christmas that is. God holds out to us this precious gift, eternal life through His only Son, Jesus. And it's completely FREE. You can't earn it. Jesus paid the price for you when He willingly died for our sins on the cross. All we have to do is accept it, the same way we accept presents at Christmas. It's sad to think that so many push that gift away. To think that God would send His only Son to save me (and you), it's hard to comprehend such love, but I'm soooo thankful that He did.
Know where you're going and why.

Here's my new kit. I hope you like it. Just click on the previews to get a more detailed description. Not everything is shown in the previews.

Country Christmas Elements

Country Christmas Papers

Country Christmas Quick Pages Set #1

Country Christmas Quick Pages Set #2

And here's your freebie Quick Page

Download HERE

(Sorry this link is expired)

Please leave me a comment and let me know if you like.

Merry Christmas,

Another Christmas Quick Page

2008-12-08T16:58:00.005-07:00

Here's another quick page for you from my Country Christmas kit.

Download HERE

(Sorry this link has expired)

Merry Christmas,
Laurinda

My 1st Christmas FREEBIE

2008-12-05T17:08:00.007-07:00

Wow! Can you believe it's almost Christmas? Oh, it's my favorite time of the year. And the music! Don't you just love the music? I suppose you noticed the new blog layout. I hope you like it. It's made from pieces of the new kit I'm finishing up...Country Christmas.

Here's a freebie quick page for you. You can find a brag book/Christmas card from Country Christmas at My Aunt Lauri's. I started that blog just to test some of my blog backgrounds but then decided that I might offer some of my cheesie (or cute) little graphic creations there.

Download HERE

(Sorry this link has expired)

Oh, I almost forgot, the verse on it is Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Merry Christmas,
Laurinda

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T07:59:00.006-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope you spend this day giving thanks to the Lord for your many blessings.

We know that thanksgiving has been celebrated by many cultures throughout history. However, here in the United States of America, we know of it's first celebration in December of 1621. The pilgrims, under the leadership of William Bradford, and their Indian friends with their leader, Massasoit, shared a three day feast giving thanks to the Lord for their provision.

In 1789, following a proclamation issued by President George Washington, we celebrated our first Day of Thanksgiving to God . That same year, the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which President Washington was a member, announced that the first Thursday in November would become its regular day for giving thanks, "unless another day be appointed by the civil authorities." Yet, despite these early national proclamations, official Thanksgiving observances usually occurred only at the State level.

Much of the credit for the adoption of a later ANNUAL national Thanksgiving Day may be attributed to Mrs. Sarah Joseph Hale, the editor of Godey's Lady's Book. For thirty years, she promoted the idea of a national Thanksgiving Day, contacting President after President until President Abraham Lincoln responded in 1863 by setting aside the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving. Over the next seventy-five years, Presidents followed Lincoln's precedent, annually declaring a national Thanksgiving Day. Then, in 1941, Congress permanently established the fourth Thursday of each November as a national holiday.

Lincoln's original 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation came - spiritually speaking - at a pivotal point in his life. During the first week of July of that year, the Battle of Gettysburg occurred, resulting in the loss of some 60,000 American lives. Four months later in November, Lincoln delivered his famous "Gettsysburg Address." It was while Lincoln was walking among the thousands of graves there at Gettysburg that he committed his life to Christ. As he explained to a friend:
"When I left Springfield [to assume the Presidency] I asked the people to pray for me. I was not a Christian. When I buried my son, the severest trial of my life, I was not a Christian. But when I went to Gettysburg and saw the graves of thousands of our soldiers, I then and there consecrated myself to Christ."

Here is Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation:
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful years and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the Source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict, while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the field of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than theretofore. Population has steadily increased notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
In testimony wherof I have herunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
[Signed]A. Lincoln

I hope you've enjoyed this short history lesson. The truth of this holiday and what it stands for seems to have been swallowed up in the modern culture, changed in the history books, and turned into a day for parades, football, and getting ready for the black Friday sales.

You can find all of this information online. Here's a couple good sources where I copied text from: http://www.christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g007.html , http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/source/sb2/sb2w.htm

Since you have taken the time to read through this post, I'd like to thank you with this little freebie that I created to go with my Autumn's Allure kit. You can download it HERE (Sorry, this link has expired)

Have a wonderful day of thanks to the Lord,
Laurinda