Digital Scrapbook Page | You bring JOY


During my life, honestly I must admit I haven't had many 'joyous' memories.  
Oh, wait a minute, being back 'home' has triggered a few up from the grave of this glorious Oklahoma land.  
My children are my present Joys..it is my continuous prayer for their futures and above all that they would love the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul.  Instilling love inside is one of the Lord's many promises and the ultimate outcome is unspeakable JOY. 
John 16:22 says : "No one can take away your JOY!"  

Also:  Zechariah 10:7 says... Their children will see and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the LORD.  Grab hold of JOY it's yours to take!  ~Blessings Melanie


Joyous Kit by Wild Blueberry Ink for Owl Tree Studio
Links no longer available sorry.


Digital Scrapbook Page | Warm Memories

Happy December!
This year is quite a change for us as we settle in Oklahoma. 
Such bittersweet memories I have remembered from my past. 
Its been 20 years since I spent Christmas with my Dad or any of my Dad's family. 
My husband and children have been adjusting to so much change. 
Number one the lack of rain!  
Love that we can get all decked out in hats and scarves and actually be warm. :) 
All good.  
Living here with my Dad has been a nice blessing.  
Yes we are under tight living arrangements, but honestly I believe we have all grown closer. 
I have re-discovered the true meaning of what a family bond should be!  
I blog today with a warm heart, full of compassion this Christmas season. 
You are dearly loved...... ~Melanie

Memories
Life is made of memories -
some are good and some are bad.
It's never too late to add some good -
some day they'll make us glad.
Bad memories need a firm hand -
throw them out and lose the key;
Good memories put a song in our hearts
for both you and me.
We take comfort in those special times
we build with one another;
They keep us warm and hold us tight
like a baby held by a mother.
A good memory is to cherish
and recall how it came about.
It will stay with us forever -
of that I have no doubt.
Doing a good deed will make us feel good;
it's something we will remember.
Attend a play, write your thoughts,
make a snowman in December.
This is how we build memories;
it's easier than you think.
We'll benefit with happiness,
and feel we're in the pink.
Things we remember through the years
are memories we've made;
They make life happy for others, too,
and for us they never fade.
-Joan Adams Burchell

I designed this scrapbook page with one of Owl Tree Studios December line: Winter Love Kit
(Links no longer available sorry.)

In God We Still Trust!

 


Just had to share this video!  :)  I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

A Season to be Thankful | Capturing Moments


The crisp, cool, breezy mornings and the final signs of beautifully turning red leaves really put me in the fall mood. Hopefully, you’re ready for fall as well and I’d like to suggest some ideas for 

“10 Photos to Capture” this month.

1.  Leaves. Take some photos of your final pile of raked leaves. If you have kids, they’ll have a blast throwing the leaves and watching them blow in the breeze.

2.  Enjoy the Scenery. Take a drive and absorb all fall has to offer.  Fall trees are the most fabulous photos!

3.  Go to a Nut House. No, really…go to a real pecan, peanut or walnut shop.  You’ll discover the best peanut brittle on the planet and the perfect opportunity to pick up a gift basket for yourself or a holiday gift. Here in Oklahoma they have a pecan orchard near by called the Crooked Little House. I grew up going there every year for the biggest bag of cracked pecans you can imagine and it’s something I look forward to every year.

4.  Get Cozy! Sweaters, mittens, hats, gloves, scarves and boots all start coming out in November!  Take some photos while you’re out shopping for a fun, colorful matching set or snap some photos of sets you already have.

5.  Take Time to Socialize. Get out of the kitchen!  Catch up with a friend or take your visiting relative to a local coffee shop. The aroma of coffee surrounding you while sipping your white chocolate mocha, chai tea or a straight shot of espresso will definitely put you in the mood for big family gatherings.

6.  Election Day. Have you ever read Ali Edwards Blog?  She will usually share a layout of her husband.  So,  if politics are your thing get out there and get some photos of yourself voting, maybe a group of family and friends with the “I Voted” sticker on your shirt.  If it is your child’s first year of being away of the elections, have them journal their thoughts about this moment in history.

7.  Veteran’s Day. Take the opportunity to visit your dad, grandpa or someone else you know who has served our country. While you’re out, snap some photos to look back on later.

8.  Thanksgiving Day. Almost always, my Thanksgiving photos are random, non-posed snapshots of family and friends that leave me laughing out loud when I look back at them later. Recently, I asked myself what I could  do this year in order to change this horrible display of random photos and the only conclusion I could come to was not to take any photos or to get everyone together for group photos. That’s a task not easily performed when the men are yelling “Touchdown” and the women are in the middle of kitchen and kid chaos.  So instead, I will just accept the fact that Thanksgiving is time for fun, family and friends and that funny pictures just go with the territory. Whether you’re hosting the Thanksgiving dinner, traveling out of state or just driving down the road to Mom and Dad’s,  let the family traditions take over and expect candid camera moments. Here are some Thanksgiving ideas to capture.
  • Hugs from loved ones walking through the front door

  • The presentation of the turkey, all the fixings and of course the fancy desserts

  • Table settings (Don’t forget the children, where do you put their table?)

  • Flower arrangements and decorations

  • Yard football and NFL football time (Bonus points for folks wearing their favorite player’s jersey)
 9. Black Friday. Yes, Ok, I know it starts really early but really, truly I love doing this and cannot be the only one! After the kitchen is clean and all the children are asleep,  all the ladies in my family gather up all the ads and make a shopping plan.  I know you do this too – admit it!  Be sure to document this crazy day of sales by remembering when you are half awake to take photos of  your beautifully made up self at 4 a.m. in the morning and the long lines you are about to tackle!  For me, this event just kicks off Christmas. When you get in your car to head out in the morning,  guess what’s on the radio! Christmas music!
10. Just for fun. Snap some photos of you and your shopping adventures, surround yourself with shopping bags while you sit on a comfy chair with your feet up.  Don’t forget hiding the presents and getting a head start on the wrapping!  Put together wrapping parties with family and friends.  Take turns hosting this event and get the dreaded wrapping completed with style!
I have had a blast putting this together and hope you have an equally great time snapping all of your photos! Don’t forget to share your layouts in our gallery.  I will definitely be sharing mine!
~Melanie

Digital Scrapbook Page | journaling on a text path using PSP

Layout created with Whispering Trees Kit at Owl Tree Studio.
Learn how to journal around your photos with ease.
I'll see you there.

Digital Scrapbook Page | Halloween

Are you ready for Halloween?  
I still have a few things to pick up today!

Only you can SAVE!

 
I saw a man today, his whole world across his back
A living monument opposed to my success
I tried to look into his eyes as his shuffled past my car
Sweat beading on his skin, his clothes and hair a mess
As the light turned green and I pulled away, he slowly disappeared
Just a memory of another chance I failed to show your love here
I wanna love because You love
I wanna give because You gave
I wanna reach my hand out to the lost
because I know Your hand can save
Only You can save
Only You can save
Sometimes I have to wonder if I really want to know
The struggle and the pain that others feel
Do I want to hear the stories I see echoed in their eyes
Or is this love I say that I’m reflecting even real
As the light turns on inside my head and I slowly disappear
I steel myself cuz what you call for me is to show your love here…
I wanna love because You love
I wanna give because You gave
I wanna reach my hand out to the lost
because I know Your hand can save
Only You can save
Only You can save
(Save) Let me be Your hands
(Only You can save) Let me be your eyes
(Only you can save) Help me understand
(Only you can save)
That I’m Your hands and feet hidden behind this frail human disguise
I wanna love because You love
I wanna give because You gave
I wanna reach my hand out to the lost
because I know Your hand will save
Cuz only You can save
Cuz only You can save
Cuz only You can save

Hoot Fest!!

If you haven't popped over to the OwlTreeStudio forums yet to participate in HootFest, you are missing out! The site is hosting an event through the entire month of October that is super easy to participate in. During October, when you chat in the forums, upload photos to their gallery or participate in challenges, you earn points. At the end of the month, the people with the most points will win gift cards to go shopping for digital scrapbook goodies! Everyone who participates will win a gift card to the OTS store which is opening this month! For complete details, visit the HootFest info page.
Digital Scrapbook Store contest

Homeschool | Field Trip + Digital Scrapbook Page

corn maze, pumpkin patch, apple picking, bee keeping, harvesting, hay sitting, tractor riding, squash seeing, duck racing, picnic eating.... GOOD TIME! Field Trip to WA corn maze. Love that place.

I used a cute kit at 2peas for this layout!  
I couldn't locate it for a link. 
The kit is called That was Yesterday. :)

Digital Scrapbook Page | Fall Fun

Three different kits used to make this layout!
You'll find some great kits available in October!
See you there.

Digital Scrapbook Page | Halloween


Halloween Kit.....The most talked about kit available for October.
You'll love this kit...perfect for all your Halloween Scrapping!
I'll see you there!

Digital Scrapbook Page | Butterfly Girl

another cute cute kit.....Natures kit now available.
I'll see you there.

Digital Scrapbook Page | Monkey Birthday Kit

Look like a monkey kit from the shop!
Such a cute kit.......
I'll see you there.

Blessed | Amazing Sunset


Driving home the other day. 
We seen the most wonderful sunset!
It was mouth dropping awesome. 
Thank you Lord for all you have made.
Blessed be your glorious name, 
exalted above all blessing and praise!
You're the one, 
God, you alone;
You made the heavens, 
the heavens of heavens,
and all angels;
The earth and everything on it,
the seas and everything in them;
You keep them all alive; 
heaven's angels worship you!
Nehemiah 9:5-6 MSG

Digital Scrapbook Page | Fun with Frogs

This kit comes from the talented designer JD titled Field Trip...
I'll see you there.

Stepping Up | Beth Moore

Fall bible study kick off September 28!
To my local girls, send me a facebook note if you have any questions.
I pray you will join me on this journey through
The Psalms of Ascent
STEPPING UP!

The where's and what's about this study. 
Where:  Ladies Bible Study Tuesday Nights at 7pm.  If you live locally I would
love to see you there. Miracles of Love Community Church Claremore OK 74017.  I will post an update for blog readers and regular attenders that simply want to keep motivated throughout the week during homework.


What: I have been involved with ladies group
study for over ten years. Love the word of God and pray my enthusiasm for the
scriptures will splash into the lives of others. This blog started in 2009 as an attempt to communicate with my 'small group table' throughout the week and has became so much more. So throughout the week I will post at least once about the homework. You are welcome to leave a comment anytime and link up, share thoughts or ask questions.. I'll do my best to answer. Main thing girls is to have a blast in the Word! Let it speak directly to your heart, as it speaks differently to all of us due to our own personal journey.

Digital Scrapbook Page | erase!

More fun using the school kit from Owl Tree Studio!

Digital Scrapbook Page | Baseball Team

Remembering baseball as the football season begins.

Enjoying this school kit.
I'll see you at the shop.

Digital Scrapbook Page | Happy Braids

WOW!  
I love to create,  being creative is just relaxing!
  Finally, I was able to get some down time to breathe and unleash my creative brain.... 
all you creative types out there know exactly what I'm talking about! :).  
Just me and the puter for a good hour! 
WOOT!
I created this layout using our September School Kit.
Hope your having a creative - down time- day!
I'll see you at the shop.

Goodbye AZ, Hello OK!

The Lord is good.  
He is our protector during this time.
August has been a busy month.  
Pressures of moving, getting settled, loading and unloading....

I just want to say thanks to all who have kept us in their prayers while we are on our trip.
Our move was successful and today we take off on our final journey from AZ back to our new home in Oklahoma.

Blessings,
The Crnich Family

Summer in HOT AZ!

August has been a month FULL of travel and moving!
We have been blessed with an amazing family who has guided us along the way!
Thank you so much...{you know who you are!}
Bittersweet moments have surrounded us,  moving on is hard, yet so rewarding.
Many more photos to share.  
Leaving AZ this morning.
Will be home in Oklahoma soon.
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.
Love,  The Crnich Famiy


My new Digital Scrapbook Home | Creative Team

In case you haven't heard (maybe because you've been on an exotic vacation without internet or maybe you've been away from digi-land), Owl Tree Studio is officially open. In case you haven't heard enough from me about how much I am loving their products, here’s an official summary of what you’re guaranteed to get each month as an inside member:
1 Mega Collaboration Kit

3 Individually Created Designer Kits

3 Designer Bonus Items (examples include frame packs, brush sets, Alpha packs, etc)

16+ quick pages created by our creative team

2 project tutorials that walk you through the process of using our digital goodies for tangible crafts

Unannounced goodies throughout the month, including page templates!


Starting in September, Owl Tree Studio be featuring a new guest designer every month and you’ll receive an extra individual kit AND an extra designer bonus each month. Exciting!
It may sound a little sensationalist, but for the money, there is no better value on digital design available online. Not only are the Owl Tree Studio designers incredibly talented and responsive to inside members, their products go through rigorous quality control testing to ensure that the products you receive each month are ready to be turned into beautiful layouts and art for printing. There are absolutely no strays or jaggies in their products (I would know, since I've seen all of them).
Their monthly product line is full of digital goodies you won’t want to miss out on. All of the Owl Tree Studio products are ONLY available through Owl Tree Studio and are only available for a one month period of time. If you see a kit you like, you’ll have to be a member of Owl Tree Studio during the month it is featured to add it to your stash.
What are you waiting for?  
Hope to see you there....~Melanie

Goodbye Pacific NW....Hello NE OK!!

Goodbye Pacific NW....Hello NE OK!!
http://melaniebritt.blogspot.com/2010/08/goodbye-pacific-nwhello-ne-ok.html


Goodbye Pacific NW....Hello NE OK!

ON THE ROAD!
Will post an update as soon as we are up and running again!
Please,  keep us in your thoughts and prayers while we travel.


Brand New Digi Shop | Creative Team

 I am so EXCITED to share with you all,
I have been aksed to be part of a fabulous 

"NEW"
DIGI-SCRAPBOOK KIT CLUB!
Click below on the 
"OWL" 
woo woo
to read more about Owl Tree Studio and all the site has to offer.


Wanna JOIN ME over there?  
Many FREEBIES waiting for you.  The digi-kit club officially kicks off August 1st.
Today is the last day for the MEGA GIVEAWAY.  The MEGA GIVEAWAY includes a chance at winning FREE MEMBERSHIPS and other FREEBIES.....
Hurry over there and sign up if you haven't already, 
you don't want to miss the FUN!  

Hope to see you! ~Melanie

Devotion | Matthew 7

This is my prayer I have grown with this year and hope you will be inspired to use it to.

Father,
Teach me how to ground my life on YOU.
YOU are the author of my life and restorer of my broken-ness.
Help me to trust YOU alone.
To rely on YOU and seek YOU in every storm that comes across my path.
YOU are always there to take my hand and lead me across the rocky rivers and I thank YOU for the opportunity YOU so willingly give.
Lord,
YOU are the only ROCK who will stand forever against any storm!!
With You and only with You,
there is POWER to overcome.
Amen

Digital Scrapbook Page | Toadily Cute

I heart this kit by Kerri Erikson over at DSP!
Thank you Ruger for being so silly and adorable!
Your many faces are 'toadily cute'......

Digital Scrapbook Page | Another Horse Snapshot

Here is one more layout I just threw together. 
This is our other horse Peanut.

Digital Scrapbook Page | My Horse Little May

Horses are any photographers dream!
They are the most beautiful animal to photograph, and almost always you are able to get the perfect shot!
I love hanging out with my horses and getting a few snapshots. 
Here is the latest one of my horse "Little May".
Her Daddy is Tennesse Walker -so she is anything but little. 
No matter,  that is the name my Grandma gave her the day she was born May 1, 1990.

Seeking Inspiration? | What inspires you most?

Seeking Inspiration?
Q&A
What inspires you most?
My husband and children.
Sipping my coffee in the morning, having a peaceful quiet time to renew, and finally searching through thumbnails of my most recent snapshots.
This motivates and inspires me before my morning blog posts.
How about you?

Devotion | Psalm 73

 

Choosing God over anything else in the world?  

I love Psalm 73.
Uplifting, Encouraging and Motivational.
No doubt about it! God is good—
good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
But I nearly missed it,
missed seeing his goodness.
I was looking the other way,
looking up to the people
At the top,
envying the wicked who have it made,
Who have nothing to worry about,
not a care in the whole wide world.


Pretentious with arrogance,
they wear the latest fashions in violence,
Pampered and overfed,
decked out in silk bows of silliness.
They jeer, using words to kill;
they bully their way with words.
They’re full of hot air,
loudmouths disturbing the peace.
People actually listen to them—can you believe it?
Like thirsty puppies, they lap up their words.

What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch?
Nobody’s tending the store.
The wicked get by with everything;
they have it made, piling up riches.
I’ve been stupid to play by the rules;
what has it gotten me?
A long run of bad luck, that’s what—
a slap in the face every time I walk out the door.

If I’d have given in and talked like this,
I would have betrayed your dear children.
Still, when I tried to figure it out,
all I got was a splitting headache . . .
Until I entered the sanctuary of God.
Then I saw the whole picture:
The slippery road you’ve put them on,
with a final crash in a ditch of delusions.
In the blink of an eye, disaster!
A blind curve in the dark, and—nightmare!
We wake up and rub our eyes. . . . Nothing.
There’s nothing to them. And there never was.

When I was beleaguered and bitter,
totally consumed by envy,
I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox
in your very presence.
I’m still in your presence,
but you’ve taken my hand.
You wisely and tenderly lead me,
and then you bless me.

You’re all I want in heaven!
You’re all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
God is rock-firm and faithful.
Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.
But I’m in the very presence of God—
oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord God my home.
God, I’m telling the world what you do!

Digital Scrapbook Page | A Gift of Dance Recital

Raeleen's final performance was last night. 
Wow! 
What an amazing performance by ALL.
It truly takes talent to pull off such a fabulous show.
Such a blessing to be involved with such a great dance studio.
Raeleen and her friend Hannah recieve a hug from their teacher at the end of the recital.
Thank you teacher Heather for all you do!
scrapbook elements by shabbyprincess

"Mornings like these.."

It's mornings like these that make me happy!
Listening to the birds sing while discovering 'ripe' findings in the garden.
Nothing better than a fresh picked breakfast.


The Gardener's Morning


The robin's song at daybreak
Is a clarion call to me.
Get up and get out in the garden,
For the morning hours flee.


I cannot resist the summons,
What earnest gardener could?
For the golden hours of morning
Get into the gardener's blood.


The magic spell is upon me,
I'm glad that I did not wait;
For life's at its best in the morning,
As you pass through the garden gate.


- Howard Dolf










The Inheritance | Daughter of the King

Try and convince my sweet eight year old Raeleen that she is to young for a Beth Moore bible study! 
I suppose this could be my doing...
Ok, I admit it...all of her life... her Mama (that would be me) has been a lover of a good intense bible study!
Being that my very first Beth Moore bible study was Living Beyond Yourself ..the internet study...
and sweet Raeleen was hanging out in her playpen or in my lap as I watched the videos and did my homework.  Dial-up no less, so yes, I watched Beth's hands move like she was doing the robot.  But nevertheless, I was instantly hooked...and obviously Raeleen must of been too.  Eight years and counting. :)
Never underestimate the power of God's Word.  Don't think for a minute you and I as parents cannot spiritually influence our baby before their first chocolate birthday cake!
I am thrilled that my actions have inspired a
tabbed  bible carrying, 
passage underlining,
morning devotional reading,
index card writing,
and perhaps even a......
Future LPM Siesta Scripture Memory Team spiral index card carrier!

I have been blessed with a smart, talented little girl to teach and train up how to be not only a Mighty Woman of God some day, but now right now at a young age, I firmly believe with everything I am that instilling biblical values in our young ones heart is critical for the time we live.

Timothy recieved a beautiful inheritance of love for God..
"That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible." 2 Timothy 1:5-7 MSG

Did you know?.. That is the same inheritance we are to leave our children?
I believe.. When our children see a consistent devotion to God,
they are encouraged to follow.
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

~Precious Princess of the King~

Garden Fresh Strawberries and a Sunshine Strawberry Cake





Garden Fresh Strawberries!  Are you kidding me?
These strawberries are absolutely amazing.
Yes, I suppose I'm bragging a bit here, but really, they turned out so sweet this year.
Yummy.  I made a fresh strawberry cake the other day and was asked to share the recipe on my blog.
~BUT~
I apologize for not posting a snapshot of the cake.
I completely forgot until the cake was sliced and almost gone!
I will make it again soon and try to do a better job of remembering.
But here is the recipe anyway... :)
Enjoy!


Sunshine Strawberry Cake
2 1/2 cups flour
1 2/3 cups sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup crisco
----------------------------------
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup fresh strawberries


Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
Add 3/4 cup milk and crisco.
Beat 2-3 minutes until smooth.


Add eggs, 1/2 cup milk, vanilla and strawberries.
Beat 2-3 minutes more.


Makes 2- 9" round or 1- 13x9
Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour.


Frosting:
1/4 cup crisco
1/2 cup fresh strawberries
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt


In a saucepan on low heat, melt crisco. 
Remove from heat and stir in milk, vanilla, powered sugar and salt.
Pour in mixing bowl and add strawberries.
Beat until smooth and creamy.
Add an extra teaspoon of milk if needed.
Spread generously on cake and chill.

The Inheritance | Beth Moore | Introduction

Girls, it's time for The Inheritance study!
I am so excited to go through this study again.
For my NCCTK girls, we have already completed this study and I was in the midst of doing Breaking Free here on the blog so wasn't able to put the Inheritance on the blog as well.
BUT now this is our summer study at CTK and would love for you all to join with me as I get going on The Inheritance journey once again.  This is indeed one powerful study....
mouth opening, tear jerking, eye widening study.....reminding each of us that we have
a beautiful inheritance and not only a heavenly inheritance but an earthly inheritance as well.
I mean,  once I realized that I'm not only living for a heavenly reward which is my inheritance, but also that I have been given an earthly inheritance...ground under my feet and what in the world am I doing with it to glorify Him?
~I tell ya this study will make a woman place her feet out of her bed in the morning running!~


Ok, so the details....
Every week I will post the discussion questions from the video as well as ....
yep, you guessed it, notecard verses.  Living Proof has created a cute notepad if anyone is interested in purchasing it you can do so by clicking on the Living Proof link above. It is the notepad- I will be using as a background to house my weekly notecard verses.
If you are joining this study here on the blog or missed a week at the church...
you can find all nine downloads in MP3 format HERE.


At the end of the study I compile a little binder ring full of all the notecard verses for the girls at church, but if you are joining me here on the blog only and would like a set, please leave a comment at the end of the study and I would love to send you a set. :)


Happy to walk along side you,
~Melanie


A Gift of Dance Float at the Farmers Day Parade

Morning and what a constructive morning it has been.
Had a very creative quiet time this morning.
Here is one of the digitial layouts I came up with ...
I took many cute up close snapshots of Raeleen and did some really cute layouts of those and some with her friends.  But for now, I wanted to share the entire float photo and I purposely added the shot of Raeleens hand waving rather than one of the closeups.  I thought it stood out and was the perfect touch to add to the float photo.


Digital elements by Shabby Princess