The Mitchell 5 Family

April Desktop Wallpaper FREEBIE!!

2009-04-06T21:07:00.004+01:00

Here is my latest desktop freebie for you...Happy April!!! Happy Spring!!! and Happy Easter!!

DOWNLOAD

Easter Joy Frames

2009-04-02T17:07:00.005+01:00

One of my favorite designers, Kay Miller, posted a new kit to her shop. It's called Easter Joy. It's really so beautiful. I made some frames for each of my kids, my hubby and I, and a lovely scripture header for our family site.

Here are each of them for you!!!!

DOWNLOAD

Happy Easter!!!

Remember This...

2009-03-01T00:19:00.005Z

I bought this really pretty kit today from Simply Sweet Designs over at ScrapMatters. It's called "Carpe Diem" and it was released last year but I am really glad I picked it up. I am very addicted to all things PINK and this kit had hardly any pink...I am proud of myself!! Also, I feel kinda strange using pink when my hubby is in the layout with me...is that weird?! Anyway, here is my first ever digital scrapbooking layout.

The first picture from 1999 is before Harry and I were married (he HATES this pic!!!LOL). Then the next is in 2007 when we had our latest family portraits taken...I think it's time for updated pics for the Mitchell5.

And I also made a freebie QP for everyone :)

Click HERE to download

Here is the original kit:

Click HERE to go to Simply Sweet Designs. There is an amazing sale going on so you won't want to miss it. I am happy I stopped in!!

Until next scrap,
Tracie

First Try at a Desktop Wallpaper...Free to You!!

2009-02-21T22:39:00.008Z

My love for scrapbooking has turned to the digital world or more appropriately...I am addicted to digi-scrap!! I admire so many designers for their work and the amazing things they can do (my list of favorite digi-scrap blogs are on the right). So this is my first desktop wallpaper for March. I hope to be able to make one for each month to share. Here is mine with my darling babies to celebrate St. Patrick's Day or "Green Day" as our middle girl, Lexie, calls it.

Here is the free desktop calendar

click HERE for the 1280x800 {widescreen} version
Click HERE for the 1026x768 version

If you have any problem just let me know in your comments
Big HUGS to all!!!

~Tracie

Credit: Most of the wallpaper is done in "Bit 'O Blarney" from NitWit Collections by Mary Fran, 2009 is from Shabby Miss Jenn Designs and MARCH is by Traci Reed from Sweet Shoppe Designs

Happy Anniversary and Lost/Found Wallet

2009-02-17T10:56:00.002Z

This past weekend, Harry and I celebrated our 9th Anniversary. We reflected on where we began and how far we have come and that we can't wait for 9 more. We can't imagine our lives any other way. Our marriage, so far, has resulted in 3 beautiful, adorable children, taken us to another country, 4 States and a greater trust in God's provision. This weekend we didn't focus on gifts bought for each other but the gift of each other. Next year will mark a decade of the love we share and has only been achevied through hard work and sacrifice.

On another note about the weekend, we visited the Lakeside Mall and IKEA. The mall is an American-sized mall we are accustomed to in the States. We were a little overwhelmed by all the British people because we live in a small community of Americans. We had a ton of fun shopping. However, we had one sour moment at the end of the evening with Harry losing his wallet. He was frantic and we tried to retrace our steps to no avail. So Sunday morning/afternoon was spent on the phone to the bank and credit card companies. They all responded quickly to our request to cancel cards and reissue new ones. Thank goodness we live in an advanced technological world with safe guards for lost credit cards.

Monday was President's Day so most everything in the States and here on base was closed. We thought the wallet issue was over and taken care of. Well first thing today, Tuesday morning, Harry got a call from the bank when he got to work. This was a bank we didn't need to call because that credit card of his had been in my wallet. This made us nervous but to our surprise, someone had found the wallet and contacted our bank on base because it was the only number in his wallet. Praise God for answered prayers.

This was a true lesson on not worrying and trusting God to take care of us. Life is good and God is even better.

~Tracie for the Mitchell5

Note Card for the Esther Study

2009-02-10T00:06:00.003Z

I made this card for the ladies in my study from our Week 4 lesson. It's been a great study so far and I am so excited to see what the next 6 weeks will bring to our group.

For Such A Time As This...

2009-01-11T12:18:00.010Z

On Tuesday, the 13th, I will be leading my first Beth Moore Bible Study. I am beyond excited about leading this study. God has placed a unique opportunity in my hands and I feel so humbled that HE would entrust me with HIS word. My class will be around 20 ladies and I have had request to do the study again for some that are on the waiting list. A handful of ladies in the class are my spiritual mentors...I feel truly honored that they would sign up for a class lead by me.

The study is called Esther: It's Tough Being A Woman. I have already viewed the intro session and the first week's session as well as completed the first week's homework. I know God is going to reveal himself in amazing ways over the next 10 wks of study. In between studies, I always go through this lull-period where I crave the word. Beth Moore has an amazing teaching style that really grips you and doesn't let go. If you have never done one of her studies I highly urge you to seek out one in your local church.

Please lift me up in your prayers as I embark on one of the most thrilling adventures of my life. I can think of no other thing I want to be doing in the next 3 months. Pray also for the ladies attending this study...that they come thirst and hungry for His holy word.

Here is a brief synopsis of the study:
Going up against heavyweights bent on her destruction Esther trusted God and landed a blow that saved her people. The Old Testament story of Esther is a profile in courage and contains many modern parallels for woman today. Her destiny can be yours as you know more deeply the God who is in your corner.

As it pleases the King,
Tracie

Here is the trailer and promo for the study:

The Little Hockey Player

2009-01-07T00:56:00.000Z

After many many weeks of yanking and tugging and wiggling and some tears, Lexie's first top tooth came out. She may not play hockey but that's what Daddy said when he saw her smile. Now the Tooth Fairy has to pay up and she never has cash in her purse...do you think Lexie will take a check?!?!

The True CHRISTmas Story

2009-01-06T19:23:00.000Z

What can be sweeter to God's ears?

2009-01-06T19:22:00.001Z

Wordle Fun

2009-01-06T19:21:00.005Z

Praying for Obama...

2009-01-06T19:21:00.001Z

As the election came to a close on Tues, Nov 4th 2008, I was a little numb yet hopeful. I did not vote for Barack Obama. However, I do believe God has always been in control and will continue to remain in control. I take great comfort in knowing God is in our tomorrows. What hopelessness I would feel without the Him. It's with His strength that I will continue to pray of our President-Elect Barack Obama. I just hope he is praying that God will lead our great nation down a path of godliness and not self-destruction.

I Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Daniel 2:20-22
"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.

May God continue to bless The United States of America

We are the Champions...

2009-01-06T19:19:00.000Z

At 2:15am last night (UK time), Harry was cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Phillies. It was so great to finally cheer for a winning team in the Mitchell home.

Growing up as a Navy Brat and moving around so much made it difficult to be a true blue fan. We usually just picked the main team for whatever city we were stationed close to. However, since we have been married, I have dutifully followed Harry's teams every sports season and now I'm proud that one of them has won a major event.

The last time Harry saw the Phillies win the World Series was in 1980 and I don't think he would really have remembered since he was only 2 yrs old. It seems like this could be the year for champions. Penn State is doing better than they have in a very long time. They are currently ranked #3 in the nation at 9-0 with a very good chance to make an appearance at the championship.

Now we are waiting for the Eagles to step it up. This year looks good for our QB Donovan McNabb and our RB Brian Westbrook. We just want a Super Bowl WIN!!

Philadelphia fans are like no other. Passion for their teams runs in their blood and they will never be disloyal even when they finish last or haven't won a title in a quarter of a century.

Phinally!!!

Less than 2 years...

2009-01-06T19:17:00.000Z

Since this is our first blog, I (Tracie) wanted to start off by giving a countdown of our time left here in the UK. Less than 2 years...where has the time gone?

Sydnie was 6, Lexie was 4 and Bubba was 2 and still had a pacifier. I can still remember the long flight over.

We got here in 2006 and thought that 2010 was too far down the road to even imagine. But as we come to a close for 2008, we can't believe it will be here before we know it. We won't know where God will place us next in our Air Force adventure but we do rest peacefully in His will and providence for our family.

There are still many things we want to do and see while we are still here. Harry's flying schedule has been pretty regular so it's been hard to plan anything around it. We are also very involved in church activities and love that we are so busy serving at the chapel. We truly love our church family.

I have recently started a new endeavor/hobbie/job. I am an Independent Design Consultant for a small company called Bella Donna Couture. BDC makes handmade boutique handbags and accessories. I sell at home parties much like Pampered Chef or Tupperware. However, the products have basically sold themselves and I am loving every minute. It's the easiest thing I have ever done job-wise. The site is www.belladonnacouture.com if you want to take a look.

We are still homeschooling the kids. They all really enjoy the personal time we share together learning. I love that I have taught my kids to read. Reading is my passion so I am overjoyed at the idea of sharing a "great adult book" with my kids when they are older.

Well, until next blog...remember our door is always open!