Love is in the Air Blog Hop

It's a brand new year and LOVE is in the air!  Ok, we still have 6 weeks before Valentine's Day, but you can never be to early to share your LOVE, right?  My project is a free download that was made with My Digital Studio 2!  I have the red and black one printed as a 16 x 20 poster, but of course you could print it smaller.  Please visit the rest of the blog hop participants and enjoy their "LOVE"ly projects!  I know they would LOVE for you to leave a comment, too!

Winner-Shelli's Creative Challenge December 2012!

1. Julie Davidse NV (You're here!)

2. Michelle Stoll UT (next blog)

3. Kris Kilkenny OK

4. Cathee Anderson UT

5. Julie Wadlinger UT 

6. Jolene Harris ID
7. Jill Wakefield

Julie

Shared on Skip to my Lou, Tatertots and Jello, WhipperBerry, Somewhat Simple

Sweet Sabbath

It's been a beautiful day today.  The holidays are winding down, but not quite over.  The new year is just about to begin.  This is the time of year when we look back to the past and see where we need some improvement.  As we set our new years resolutions, let's remember not to just select the typical "lose weight", or "exercise more", or "quit _________".  Let's put some thought into it.  And be realistic about it!  Remember, we want to improve ourselves not give ourselves some unreachable goal that may look noble and grand, but makes us feel like a complete failure later!  One of my favorite quotes is by a wonderfully brilliant woman, Barbara B. Smith, who just so happens to be my grandmother!  It says, "Goal are stars to steer by, not sticks to beat ourselves with"!  She was always very wise!  I think that when we choose what we will do to improve ourselves this year, we need to remember not to be so hard on ourselves if we fail to reach our goal that we never want to try again.  Just be good to yourself!  Have a very happy new year!

Julie

My Digital Studio 2 video--Printing a 2-sided box

Stampin' Up! has a few different downloads that you might want to print on both sides of your paper, the Holiday Wrap kit, That's a Wrap kit, Wedded Bliss ensemble, Merry Merry Tags & Boxes, and Mini Project Boxes, just to name a few.  This video will show you a basic way to align your project with your smart guides in My Digital Studio 2. **Disclaimer** This only works if you center your project!  The smart guides stay the same on both pages, but the software presumes you are printing two "front" pages, not one page flipped, does that make sense? Just try to keep your margins (the edges of your project) equal on the sides, the top and bottom margins don't really matter, they stay the same when they're flipped.  So, if you are now thoroughly confused...go ahead and watch the video, hopefully it will clear things up a bit!  If you have any more questions, please leave a comment below and I will help you the best I can!

Julie

My Digital Studio 2 video--Faux Embossing

Have you ever wanted to have the look of embossing on your digital projects, but didn't know how you to do it?  Well, this video will explain how to get the look of embossed (raised) cardstock without having to run it through the Big Shot or get out your heat gun!  Just by using your drop shadow feature, you can change the look of your background in seconds!  You can also use this option with any stamp brushes or punches you have to make up your own one-of-a-kind background.  Let me know if you have any questions, comments or even suggestions!  Enjoy!

Julie

My Digital Studio 2 video--Fishtail ribbon, layers, and grouped photos

I know it's been a while since I posted a video, so I have done a few that I will be posting in the next few days.  If you don't have My Digital Studio and you take digital photos, I ask, "why don't you?" It is so easy to just plop your photos into a page (there are many pages that are already done for you, you just have to add a photo and some journaling!)  You can always try it free for 30 days and see if you like it before you buy it!  What are you going to do with all those photos that you took at grandma's house?  My Digital Studio is your solution!  Make sure you check it out!  Anyway, on to the video!  This video steps you through making a "fishtail" at the end of your ribbon, how to use the layer tool in the resource palette, and how to group your photo boxes.  If you ever have any questions, I will do my best to answer them. Just leave me a comment and I will help the best I can.

Julie

Thankful Thursday

I have so much to be thankful for this holiday!  I have a wonderful family who loves me, a lovely home, fabulous friends.  I am so completely blessed.  We had such a nice, quiet Christmas.  The "kids" didn't get up until 9, so I just took my time getting ready.  We opened presents and then proceeded to the kitchen where the "kids" made most of the breakfast (I only assisted a bit) and David cleaned up.  We had crepes (a Christmas tradition) and candied bacon on our Christmas china and it was so yummy.  After we had cleaned up all the paper and boxes, we finished getting ready and we went to the movie theater to see Les Miserables!  Oh. WOW! It was so amazing!  I actually went into the "ugly cry" where you are trying not to make a sound but your body literally convulses with sobs!  Yep, that one!  I was careful not to disturb the others sniffling around me, but I was pretty much bawling like a baby at the end.  And I don't know about anyone else, but I so wanted to stand up at the end and start singing "Do you Hear the People Sing?"  It was so good, I will be seeing that again...and again!
I don't want to finish today before I say how thankful I am for my Savior who's birth we celebrate at this special time of year.  It is only because of him that I have all that I have and I am all that I am.  He is my example and my elder brother.  He has suffered for my sins so that I can repent and place my burden upon him.  I can never repay gift he has given, although I can live my life so that he will be pleased with my offering.  As we journey into a new year, make it one where you can be satisfied with where you have traveled this time next year, one that you have grown and progressed and done your best.  Hope your Christmas holiday was bright and that the coming year will be even brighter!

Julie

My Faves 2012

Mydigitalstudio.net challenge this week is 2012 Faves!  I just have such a hard time doing scrapbook pages, especially with no photos on them!  Here are some of my favorite things for this year.

Mydigitalstudio.net 2012 Faves Challenge

I'd love to hear what your favorite things are!

Julie

Well, that was fun!

I had such a great Christmas!  We spent a very relaxing day at home, except for when we went to see Les Miserables!  That was such a great movie!  I could totally see that again!  I will share more details later, I just wanted to share a quick printable for the next holiday...New Years Day!  Enjoy your families this week.

Download Silver subway

Download Red subway

Julie

Welcome Lollyjane, MeInLilaPark, iHeartNapTime, and Craftionary readers!  Thanks for featuring me on your blog!

Shared on Somewhat Simple, Tatertots and Jello

Download Tuesday

Quick post for the downloads for today.   Hope you are enjoying your holiday!

Julie

Joy to the World!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Today was our Christmas program and I think it went rather well!  Our first narrator started out by sharing the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day and how he used the phrase from the bible "Peace on earth, good will to men".  We had a few small groups and soloists (including me) along with our choir and I really felt the spirit as we sang the beautiful songs and hymns.  I was able to sing "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear".  I was a bit nervous since I hadn't sung a solo in church for a while, but it all came back to me!  I love singing!  I would rather sing than give a talk! I was so glad to have my friend Jeanna and her family come to hear me sing (and everyone else!) It's wonderful to have that kind of friend to support you!
I'm so glad that it's almost Christmas!  I love the electricity in the air!  The children are extra good, hopefully to make up for the times when they were on the "naughty list",  and parents love to see the excitement in their children's eyes on Christmas morning!  I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas!  I hope that you find what you want under the tree and that you have peace in your home and in your lives!  If everyone had just a little bit of peace in their home, the world would be a happier place!

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep

God is not dead nor doth he sleep 

The wrong shall fail the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men!"

I will be taking off some time for the holidays, I hope you enjoy your time with your family!

Merry Christmas!

Julie

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for my primary children!  I am the president of the Primary children's group at church (18 mo. to 11 yrs.) and they teach me so much!  I have learned how to love, how to be more kind, how to be more patient, and how to serve others.  They each have such a wonderful love for their Savior and their prayers are so sweet and honest.  We decided to make a christmas card for all of our missionaries from our ward family (congregation) who are serving in all different parts of the world.  We have 10 right now from Argentina to Toronto, Illinois to Virginia, even South Africa and France, plus a few in between!  Here's the photo from our Primary Christmas card!

Here they are just being silly--they love to be silly!
I know that some of these cards will not arrive for Christmas (sorry) but they are all sent with love to those who have sacrificed two years of their lives in service to their Savior.  We love our missionaries!!

I'd love to hear what you are thankful for!

Julie

Christmas Carols

I LOVE Christmas music!  And although I haven't been caroling in years (do people do that anymore?) I listen to Christmas music when I'm driving and on my iPod and I sing at the top of my lungs, no matter how stupid I look in my car (oh, and if you're near me at the store, you will probably hear me humming or singing along with the background music, too)!!  I made some fun printables for you so you can have a Christmas carol (or 3) around whether you sing or not!  You can use them one at a time or print all three for a triptych (3 pieces of art together), or you can even print them small and place them in a frame and hang as an ornament.  I designed it with a white frame around each box for layering, but you are welcome to trim or crop that off.

O Christmas Tree download

Jingle Bells download

Let it Snow download

Oh, and it did snow last night in Vegas!  Just flurries, but hey, I'll take what I can get!!

Julie

Shared on Skip to my Lou, Somewhat Simple, Simply Kierste, The Party Bunch

Happy 17th birthday!

MDSMonday 3 and Mydigitalstudio.net Color Combo 2 entry

Winner-MDS Monday 3 and Mydigitalstudio.net Color Combo 2 challenge!

I can't believe my baby is 17!  She has been such a joy and she is smart, kind and beautiful! She is just as lovely on the inside as on the outside!  What a blessing in my life!  She was our Christmas gift 17 years ago and my son finally got the little sister he'd been waiting for!  While I was pregnant with Kylie, Erik would carry his teddy bear around in a big basket like a baby carrier and call the bear "baby Kylie" and he would want to take the bear everywhere he went!  I know that I have learned so much from having Kylie as a daughter and as she has grown older, she has also become my friend!  I am grateful that she was given to me to raise and teach and love.  Happy birthday, girlie girl, I love you!

I love my little baby girlie!  Isn't she cute?

Julie

Post number 100 and Download Tuesday

I've made it to 100...posts, that is!  I'm kind of liking this blogging thing!  I hope you will continue to enjoy following along on my little journey!
Now for the downloads!  We finally have Glimmer paper!!!  I'm so excited for this one!  We've needed a little more glitz on MDS besides the rhinestones!  The All Time Faves photobook template will be a great all-around scrapbook, I can see lots of options!  You can always try the My Digital Studio 2 software free for 30 days, just click on the MDS Trial button on the left.

All Time Faves Photobook template

Glimmer paper

A to Z Woodpress

It's getting down to the wire!  Do you have what you need for Christmas?  I'm just getting started...typical!!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Friday was such a sad day for not only our country, but the world.  We live in a world where even innocent little children are not safe from evil and violence.  I cried for the little children that survived and what they witnessed.  How do you explain to little ones something that even adults have a hard time understanding?  I cried for the family and friends who have lost loves ones.  Loss is never easy, but it's even harder to lose someone who seemingly has a whole lifetime ahead of them.  I cried for the teachers who, in complete selflessness, protected their children--some with their own lives.  There really are people like that out there!  Today we have a choice.  We can spend our time being angry about how it happened, wondering why something like this would happen and try to figure out who is going to pay for what happened, or we can pray for or offer help to those who may be suffering and forgive what was done.  I once read a quote "Revenge (or anger, in this case) is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die!"
I know many of my friends have heard the story of my friend, Chris.  He is my earthly example of forgiveness and letting go of the anger and bitterness that can come from tragedy.  His wife, my dear friend Michelle, two of their children and their unborn baby were killed in a drunk driving accident.  Although, Chris had every right to be angry with the young man who caused this accident, he chose instead to forgive him!  I can't imagine the pain he went through, but as he turned it all over to the Lord, his burden was made lighter.  Any little problem that I may encounter (or even big problem) will never compare to what this family has been through and if they can forgive, I certainly can.  Is it easy?  Absolutely not!  But it is what we have been commanded to do!  "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." 1 Nephi 3:7  If the Lord gives a commandments, he also give us a way to follow that commandment.
I hope and pray that this story will touch the lives of others.  Even if one person can learn to forgive from this story, the deaths of Michelle, Ben, Anna and William and all those who have died from senseless violence will not have been in vain!

God bless!  Have a wonderful sabbath day!

Julie

Chris Williams has written a book called "Let it Go".  It is a great read!

Santa, I can explain...

Download

I'm trying to be good, really I am!!!

Julie

Stamp brushes are from Jolly Bingo Bits, circle punch, rounded square punch, "Martha" swoop punch, scallop punch, freeform brush tool (crumbs).


Shared on WhipperBerry, Skip to my Lou, Somewhat Simple, Simply Kierste

Clearance Rack Blitz

Do you have any last minute gifts to buy?  Check out the Clearance Rack Blitz!  There are tons of fun crafting items still available!  Don't miss out--once they're gone, they're GONE!

Julie

Thankful Thursday

What is your favorite music to listen to?  I love mostly all kinds of music!  When I'm cleaning, I like either some 80's alternative, maybe New Order or Dead or Alive, when I'm working or in the car, I usually just to listen to top 40.  This time of year, of course I love to listen to all sorts of Christmas music, from the MTC to PTX, from Nat King Cole to Coldplay, from "Santa, Baby" to "Hippopotamus".  There are very few Christmas songs that I don't like, maybe if you comment on my post I will tell you which ones I literally have to change the channel because I don't like them that much!!!  Anyway, I am getting ready to sing with my choir at church for the Christmas program.  We are singing some beautiful hymns and there will be other music as well along with a few talks.  I have the opportunity to sing a beautiful song "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" but it will be much different than the normal hymn.  I am so excited to be able to sing, it's been a while since I last sang a solo at church, and just between you and me, I'd much rather sing than speak!  I started singing before I could talk and I was asked to sing my first solo at the age of 3 on the Mother's day program.  In fact, the Bishop liked it so much he actually had me sing it again...all while my mom and grandma cried in the back of the congregation!  I have been in singing and performing groups most of my life, whether it was concert choir or Carousel Kids, my life has been filled with music.  I even had the opportunity to sing with the Ricks College Centennial Choir in the Mormon Tabernacle on Temple Square during General Conference of the LDS church!  That was a wonderful honor!

I am so thankful for music and the impact it has had on my life.  I would love for you to come hear this beautiful Christmas program on Sunday, December 23rd at 9:00 am at the Hillpointe LDS Chapel on 9011 Hillpointe Road in Summerlin (northwest Las Vegas).  You will enjoy it!

"Although it's been said many times, many ways...Merry Christmas to you!!!"

Julie

Twelve Days of Christmas from Stampin' Up!

I hope you enjoy this video as much as I do!  (Oh, and my upline Pam is the one rockin' the tambourine! You go, girl!)

Merry Christmas!

Julie

Noel and Download Tuesday

Ok, quick post today, I don't have a lot of time!  I made this Noel printable a few weeks ago from a cute Pin from Pinterest.  The original was wooden letters and a wreath as the "O"all set up on a mantle. Well, I don't have a mantle, so I thought I would try it digitally to see if it would look ok. I really like it!  I like the background that matches my burlap ribbon on my tree!!  Feel free to download it!  Also, since it's Tuesday, I'll show you the fun downloads from Stampin' Up!

Download

Color me Christmas designer template

Book Buddies designer template

Every Reason & Every Season designer template

Folded Friends designer template

No Peeking stamp brush set

Winter Memories stamp brush set

I hope you're staying warm!  I had the air conditioning on today in my car!!

Julie


Shared on Skip to my Lou, Somewhat Simple, WhipperBerry

Only 15 days....

This year has flown by!  I can't believe that Christmas is right around the corner!  I mentioned before that my favorite rendition of the Christmas story comes from Luke 2 in the KJV of the New Testament. It is like poetry to me.  I made a fun star-shaped printable of the angel's announcement to the shepherds.  The reason I love this part so much is that since I love to sing, I imagine myself in the "multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"!  I get choked up just thinking about it! I am so grateful to have the knowledge that my Savior lives.  He was born of Mary in Bethlehem in a lowly stable.  He is the literal son of God.  He is the greatest blessing in my life, for without him, all that I have now would be taken from me when I die!  I know that I will have my family with me through all eternity!

Download

Merry Christmas

Julie


Shared on Skip to my Lou, Simply Kierste, Somewhat Simple, WhipperBerry

Sweet Sabbath

It's Sunday again!  This week seemed to go by very fast!  We had a wonderful time at my husband's office Christmas party at a great restaurant called Hachi at the Red Rock Station casino, it is basically a sushi place and I'm not really a sushi fan, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried many different dishes and other than the really spicy dishes, I liked all of them!  I even tried the salmon sashimi!  I think my favorite was the tempura lobster--oh, that was so yummy!  Dinner was great and the company was even better!  I really like the people David works with, and their spouses, we always have fun when we get together!  Friday night David and I had date night at the live production of the Nativity, which always brings tears to my eyes.  If it was closer, I think I would go to every showing, it was that good!  Saturday was a fun ward (congregation) breakfast with more yummy food and fun for the whole family.  I did have to leave early to attend the funeral of the mother of my good friend.  It was a lovely tribute for a lovely woman.  I know she will be missed.  Funerals always remind you of those you love and that life is not guaranteed for anyone.  You want to hug your family just a little longer and tell those friends you haven't seen in a while how much you cherish them.  Today we had a great meeting at church and my daughter spoke about being an example and having faith and one of the quotes she shared was "Israel thought Goliath was so big, he couldn't be killed, David thought Goliath was so big, he couldn't miss!"  David had such great faith, even as a young man!  Another quote she shared was "live your life so that people who know you but don't know Christ, will want to know Christ because they know you."  People notice something different about someone who follows Christ!  They are not perfect, but they try their best to act the way Christ would want them to act.  I hope that we can do a little bit better at this time of year to act the way Christ would want us to act.  People will want to know Christ because they know you!

Hope you have a beautiful Sabbath!

Julie

My Digital Studio 2 video--Christmas lights

I had a video for the Christmas printable I did yesterday, but it wasn't quite finished and I forgot I had scheduled my post for last night, and there was no video...so, I finally finished it today and I will share it with you.  This is just a quick video on how to give the "glow" to your Christmas lights using My Digital Studio 2.  I go a bit fast, so if you're a beginner, just know that I'm using my stamps feature and freeform brush feature in the Design Studio on the right hand side of the screen, and if you want more information about editing your punches, you can check out my punch editing video here.  If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I will be happy to help.  Also, I only have a few people that entered my Stampin' Trimmer giveaway, so if you still want to enter, click the link on the left side of the screen and add a comment to name my trimmer!  I'm ending the contest tonight, so hurry!

A VERY merry Christmas to you!

Julie

Christmas lights

I hope everyone is enjoying their Christmas holiday so far!  It's hard to believe it's been two weeks since Thanksgiving and we're just barely into December!  I thought I'd share some fun downloads so you can take your Christmas spirit wherever you go!  Here's the printable--it's sized as a 5 x 7 but you can probably go up to a bigger size and still retain the quality.  I also have an iPad wallpaper and an iPhone (4, 4s) wallpaper download!  Yay!  View the video of how to make your lights "glow", here!

Printable download

iPad wallpaper download

iPhone wallpaper download

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

Julie

Shared on Skip to my Lou, Simply Kierste, WhipperBerry, Somewhat Simple

Thankful Thursday

I mentioned the other day that I started a new "job" on Tuesday.  Well, my new job isn't really a job, as in a paying job, it's a volunteer job.  I volunteer here...

...this is the beautiful Las Vegas Nevada Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On the front of every LDS temple there is a plaque that says, "Holiness to the Lord, the house of the Lord".  It is his house and you can definitely feel his spirit there when you enter. I answer phones and help in the temple office.  It is a wonderful place to be!  Although it is a very sacred place, I work with some fun, energetic, exciting people.  I think one of my favorite things I get to do is to take down names for the prayer roll.  If you ever feel someone needs extra prayers, please call the temple (you do not have to be a member of the church to put names on the temple prayer roll).  People are prayed for throughout the day and their names stay on the prayer roll for two weeks.  I love being able to participate in helping others, even if it's just sharing a kind word with someone on the phone who is concerned about a friend or a family member--or even a stranger for that matter!
I love the feeling I have when I am in the temple!  It is a place where heaven and earth touch, even in Las Vegas!  It is a refuge from the craziness of the world and I can't think of a better place to spend a few hours of my day, aside from my own home!  I'm so thankful for this opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father, in His home!

I'd love to hear what you are thankful for today!

Julie

Merry and Bright

It's not even beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Vegas!  Yesterday it was 72 degrees and today is going to be 70!  Now, I'm not complaining by any stretch of the imagination, oh no, I absolutely love this temperature!  I do have to admit that a little part of me wishes it would snow just to start off the holiday with a bang!  Contrary to popular belief, it does snow here in Southern Nevada, usually once or twice a year.  Very rarely does it stick, but it does snow.  So, I'm just hoping for a few flakes to fall out of the sky one of these days so that I can know that winter is coming and not just because it says it on the calendar.  Here is a printable to decorate your home with (I'll have snowflakes, even if I have to make them myself!!)!  I hope that your Christmas season is merry and bright!

Merry & Bright black download

Enjoy!

Julie

Shared on Skip to my Lou, Simply Kierste, WhipperBerry Somewhat Simple

Download Tuesday

I started a new "job" today and I will share more about that later, but since I've been gone since 6 am, I am a little late at posting the new My Digital Studio downloads.  Are you ready for Christmas?  I'm not even close, but I have hope to have my tree decorated by tomorrow (finger's crossed)!   Here's the digital fun for this week!

C is for coloring swatchbook template

Happy Hour kit

Holiday Wrap kit

Let's Be Jolly frameable template

Light Heart postcard template

If you would like to purchase any of these or would like to download the MDS2 Free Trial (you can finish your Christmas gift list!!) see my website.

Have a great day!

Julie