FYI: Posts will be sparse around here until I replace my laptop.... Coming back to work after Christmas break apparently was too hard and it quit on me!

22 December 2010

It's okay to say...Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Christmas is only in 3 days!!! can you believe it?! sigh, I feel so unprepared.  I had all these great ideas and gifts planned--but I never had the time to complete them. But you know what? All that really doesn't matter.
*gasp!* Yep, you heard me right--all that doesn't matter.  Why?
Because Christmas is all about Jesus.  Gifts, traditions, snow, cookies(yes even those yummylicious coconut balls dipped and drizzled in dark chocolate...), trees, and lights can't even start to compare to Him.  (He created them all!! wow.)
So this Christmas let's focus on the real reason--Christ.  The sacrifices that He made for us--being born a man, and ultimately His death and resurrection!
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
One of my pet peves is when people take the Christ out of Christmas! (x-mas, happy holidays, season's greetings--they try so hard not to say His name) My automatic response to that is to say, "Merry Christmas to you too!" and give a big smile! =D
Because you know
it's okay to say..Merry CHRISTmas!

Pass it on! 
It's okay to say…Merry CHRISTmas!!!


It's okay to say…Merry CHRISTmas!!!


It's okay to say…Merry CHRISTmas!!!


It's okay to say…Merry CHRISTmas!!!


Merry Christmas everyone!

Love in Christ,

08 December 2010

the 8 Questions Tag x2

Sorry that this is being posted late--I'm still not completely over whatever flu I had, but am feeling much better!


I was tagged by Katie over at HEllo highLIGHTS!


8 Questions Tag [Christmas Style]


1. Do you hang stockings?  If so, how many?
Yes, 5 -- one for each of us kids =)

2. How many marshmallows do you put in your hot chocolate?

none--cinnamon and and whipping cream for me!

3. Do you get a real tree or a fake one?

Real! Every Thanksgiving weekend we go pick ours out and decorate it =)

4. What do you call Santa? (Example: Saint Nick, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, etc.)

Santa, Santa Claus, eh it varies 

5. What's one thing on your wish list?
NIV Study Bible! and a fuzzy sweater... ;)

6. What is a special Christmas tradition that you and your family do every year?
We do the Christmas advent ornaments, and we visit extended family(my Dad's family this year, my Mom's the next, my dad's, etc)

7. Favorite Christmas movie?
oh, its so hard to choose--probably It's a Wonderful Life

8. Are you excited about Christmas? :)
Oh yes!




I was tagged by Abby at To Touch the Stars!


8 Questions Tag



1. If you had to live in another city where would it be?
I don't live in the city, and I'd like to keep it that way =)

2. If you could have one HUGE gift for free what would it be?
hmm, all dance expenses paid, or a horse, or I really don't know!

3. Would you rather live by the beach or on a mountain?
mountainous beach =P  okay, okay, a mountain =D

4. Purple or pink?
blue or green please? alright, purple

5. Wii or X-box?
uh, I guess a Wii

6. Buddy the Elf or Santa?
herm, Santa ;)

7. what's your favorite kind of ice cream?
Homemade! alright, I'll do the store-bought kind too...
vanilla with real strawberry chunks (mint chocolate chip comes in as a close second)

8. What's your favorite thing to take pictures of?
oh, hmm, let me think about this one--I have to be very broad in this but nature would win out. From landscapes to macro shots, I enjoy taking photos outside the most. =D You just can't get the same lighting inside as you can outside. =P



Now here are my eight questions: (because today is last week was my birthday, it will be Birthday Style!)
1. What was your most memorable birthday and why?
2. What was the craziest gift you have ever received?
3. What was the most outlandish birthday cake you've ever had?
4. What was the most embarrassing thing you've ever had to do in order to open a present?
5. What was the most thoughtful thing anyone has done for you on your birthday?
6. Does your family have a 'Birthday Tradition?'
7. What is something you do/receive on every one of your birthdays? 
8. What are you planning for your next birthday? (or are you like me and haven't even thought of tomorrow much less it...)


And I tag Shaynie, May Amelia, Lauren Nicole, Stella, Hannah, Lauren, Racheal, Stephanie, Noelle, and whoever else would like to join in! =D




Love in Christ,

07 December 2010

Tuesday's Tips -Header Menu Using an Image Map

Today's Tuesday's Tip is on how to make a header menu using an image map.
Because this is a more complicated and advanced tutorial I split it up into two parts.  The first part is the simple basics for those who don't want to know all the advanced options. (hint: this is the less confusing tutorial) The second part includes all the different options for you image map and is more advanced. (hint: the harder tutorial which takes more time and effort)

But what is an image map anyway? An image map enables you to click on different areas of the image that will direct you to different web pages.  My header above uses an image map. If you click on 'Home' it will take you to this blog, 'About Me' will take you to my about me page, and clicking on 'Photography' will take you to my photography blog.  Go ahead and try it out! =)

That said here we go!

Part 1: Image Map --the easy way


1. Creating the Image
Open whatever image editing system you would like to use to make your header image.  You can make it as fancy or as plain as you would like.  I would suggest including your blog name, subtitle/tagline, graphics for decoration, and of course the objects/words that are going to link to different pages of your blog.  Just remember that the part that you want to have linked must be in a rectangle shape.
I suggest using Gimp because it is free and works great for this purpose.
Once you've created your image, upload it to the web.  I suggest MeJuba because it is free, doesn't shrink your images, has unlimited bandwidth, privacy settings, and is easy to use.

2. Creating the Code
Once you have your image, it is time to make the code. Here it is:
<map name="YOUR MAP NAME HERE">
<area shape="rect" coords="x1,y1,x2,y2," href="YOUR LINK HERE" alt="YOUR ALTERNATE TEXT HERE" />
</map>
<img src="YOUR IMAGE LINK HERE"
Usemap="#YOUR MAP NAME HERE">

Now to understand it...

<map name="YOUR MAP NAME HERE"> --this part identifies what map this is and the start of the map
area shape="rect" coords="x1,y1,x2,y2," --this identifies what shape and where the area linked to is (x1 and y1 are the x and y coordinates for the top left corner of the rectangle. In the same way x2 and y2 are the x and y coordinates for the bottom right corner of the rectangle.)
href="YOUR LINK HERE" --this identifies where clicking on the area will take you
alt="YOUR ALTERNATE TEXT HERE" --this is what controls what will show up when you hover over the linked area
</map> --this identifies the end of the map
<img src="YOUR IMAGE LINK HERE" --this makes the image show up--it is not part of the map but rather the html code that will use the map
Usemap="#YOUR MAP NAME HERE"> --this identifies what map to use with the image (don't, don't, don't delete the '#' !!! If you do then your map won't work in IE and Firefox)

Don't worry about filling it out quite yet--we don't have all the information needed

3. Finding the Coordinates
For this part you need to find the coordinates upper left hand corner and lower right hand corner of each rectangle that you would like to be 'clickable.'
Here is how to find them using GIMP

As I don't have any other image editing system I can't show you how to find the coordinates using them.  I'm sure you can google it and find an answer or figure it out by yourself.

4. Filling out the Code
Now you have all the information you need to fill out the code
Here is an example of mine all filled out

<map name="headermenu">
<area shape="rect" coords="205, 250, 298, 288" href="http://emilygrace-blog.blogspot.com/ " alt="Home" />
<area shape="rect" coords="326, 257, 480, 288" href="http://emilygrace-photography.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html " alt="About Me" />
<area shape="rect" coords="504, 252, 693, 300" href="http://emilygrace-photography.blogspot.com" alt="My Photography" />
</map>
Usemap="#headermenu"> 



5. Applying the Code
 note: you will want to place your gadget at the top of your page so that your header appears at the top of your blog

6. Removing the Original Header
You will need to remove the blogger header to use the header that you have just created. (unless you want two headers. oh, and don't worry, you can always put it back if you'd like)

note: anytime you would like the blogger header back simply add gadget>select header(usually at the bottom of suggested gadgets)




Part 2: Advanced Image Map Options
1. Creating the Image

Open whatever image editing system you would like to use to make your header image.  You can make it as fancy or as plain as you would like.  I would suggest including your blog name, subtitle/tagline, graphics for decoration, and of course the objects/words that are going to link to different pages of your blog.  The part that you want to have linked can be in whatever shape you want--rectangle, circle, or polygon.
I suggest using Gimp because it is free and works great for this purpose.
Once you've created your image, upload it to the web.  I suggest MeJuba because it is free, doesn't shrink your images, has unlimited bandwidth, privacy settings, and is easy to use. 


2. Creating the Code
Once you have your image, it is time to make the code. Here it is:
<map name="YOUR MAP NAME HERE">
<area shape="rect" coords="x1,y1,x2,y2," href="YOUR LINK HERE" alt="YOUR ALTERNATE TEXT HERE" />
<area shape="circle" coords="x,y,r" href="YOUR LINK HERE" alt="YOUR ALTERNATE TEXT HERE"/>
<area shape="poly" coords="x1,y1,x2,y2,x3,y3...." href="YOUR LINK HERE" alt="YOUR ALTERNATE TEXT HERE" />
</map>
<img src="YOUR IMAGE LINK HERE" Usemap="#YOUR MAP NAME HERE"> 


Now to understand it...

<map name="YOUR MAP NAME HERE"> --this part identifies what map this is and the start of the map
<area shape="rect" coords="x1,y1,x2,y2,--this identifies what shape and where it is for the area linked to is (x1 and y1 are the x and y coordinates for the top left corner of the rectangle. In the same way x2 and y2 are the x and y coordinates for the bottom right corner of the rectangle.)
<area shape="circle" coords="x,y,r" --this identifies what shape and where the linked area is (x and y are the x and y axis values for the center of your circle.  r is the length of the radius for your circle--the length from the center of your circle to the outside)
<area shape="poly" coords="x1,y1,x2,y2,x3,y3...." --identifies what shape and where the linked area is
href="YOUR LINK HERE" --this identifies where clicking on the area will take you (x1 and y1 are the first corner values, x2 and y2 are the values for the second corner, etc)
alt="YOUR ALTERNATE TEXT HERE" --this is what controls what will show up when you hover over the linked area
</map> --this identifies the end of the map
<img src="YOUR IMAGE LINK HERE" --this makes the image show up--it is not part of the map but rather the html code that will use the map
Usemap="#YOUR MAP NAME HERE"> --this identifies what map to use with the image (don't, don't, don't delete the '#' !!! If you do then your map won't work in IE and Firefox)

Don't worry about filling out the code yet, you don't have all the information needed. 

3. Finding the Coordinates

For this part you need to find the coordinates for each shape that you would like to be 'clickable.'
Here is how to find them using GIMP

As I don't have any other image editing system I can't show you how to find the coordinates using them.  I'm sure you can google it and find an answer or figure it out by yourself.


4. Filling out the Code
Now you have all the information needed to fill out the code.
Here is an example of mine filled out:

<map name="headermenu">
<area shape="rect" coords="205, 250, 298, 288" href="http://emilygrace-blog.blogspot.com/ " alt="Home" />
<area shape="rect" coords="326, 257, 480, 288" href="http://emilygrace-photography.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html " alt="About Me" />
<area shape="rect" coords="504, 252, 693, 300" href="http://emilygrace-photography.blogspot.com" alt="My Photography" />
</map>
Usemap="#headermenu"> 


5. Applying the Code
note: you will want to place your gadget at the top of your page so that your header appears at the top of your blog

6. Removing the Original Header
You will need to remove the blogger header to use the header that you have just created. (unless you want two headers. oh, and don't worry, you can always put it back if you'd like)

note: anytime you would like the blogger header back simply add gadget>select header(usually at the bottom of suggested gadgets)



There you have it! =D I would love to see the result of your work! Leave me a little note below with the link. =)
If you have any questions please let me know in a comment below or by emailing me: emilygrace.ax(at)gmail(dot)com.
As always, any suggestions for a topic for Tuesday's Tips would be welcome! Right now, I'm thinking of doing a series on comments.  After all they are very important and they are what make blogging interactive and not just a monologue. =)

Love in Christ,

06 December 2010

the Monday Morning Daybook --06DEC10


Date: Monday, December 6, 2010
Starting time: 7:10
Outside my window...it is SNOWING!!! 
I’m creating...a geometry project on tessellations(we had to draw a tessellation that uses transformations, one that uses rotations, one that uses reflections, and one that uses dilations) 
I’m feeling...excited for snow and ready for a new week of school
I’m hoping for...a NIV Study Bible for either my birthday or Christmas =D
I’m learning...electricity in physical science...yay,
I’m listening to...Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music!!!
I’m looking forward to...my birthday Wednesday! and starting pointe this week!!!
I’m praying for... diligence
I’m reading...Die unendliche Geschichte(the Neverending Story) by Michael Ende
I’m thinking...that I should get the camera out before it stops snowing
I’m wearing...my pj's still--oops! I guess today is a jammy day =P
I’m wondering...who all will link up =)
Ending time: 7:24

and now for your answers! I had several comments encouraging a link up so here you are...
Just fill out your answers to these questions:

Date: 
Starting time: 
Outside my window...
I’m creating...
I’m feeling...
I’m hoping for...
I’m learning...
I’m listening to...
I’m looking forward to...
I’m praying for...
I’m reading...
I’m thinking...
I’m wearing...
I’m wondering...
Ending time: 


and don't forget to grab the banner or button:






then link up at the bottom of this post!note: the linky closes at midnight tonight (Eastern Standard time)

I can't wait to see all your answers and get to know all of you a little better. =)

Love in Christ,


04 December 2010

A Beautiful and Snowy Saturday Morning!

It is an absolutely gorgeous morning! Especially compared to yesterday....
Yesterday it was cold, cloudy, and gloomy.  I woke up late, school wasn't going well, I wasn't in the best of moods and was teased because of it, and to top it off I didn't have*make* time to do my devotions. That made for a very yucky bad day.
This morning I woke up to find the room illuminated in the pale blue glow that only comes from sun reflecting off snow! My sister had pancakes all ready for breakfast.  I had*made* time to have my devotions and clean the bathroom before I had to leave for work. =) It is amazing what a difference spending a little time with the Lord does to your day. I'm going through the study guide for A Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall and Debby Jones.  I'm going through the book with the girls from my youth group.  It is really good!  I was expecting it to just be about waiting for your husband and purity and stuff, but it is more about growing your relationship with God. I love this quote from the book,
"Lady in Waiting is not about finding the right man, but becoming the right woman."
If any of you are looking for a good devotional book I would really recommend it. =D
I believe that I have now learned my lesson about spending time with the Lord! Now I'm off to work for the day. =)
a Story--Photography Challenge


I am having a photography challenge over at my photography blog! I would love it if you went and checked it out. =) Plus you get a sneak peak of my new blog design coming out the first of winter by the button!

May Amelia's 100th Post Caption Contest!




May Amelia is having a caption contest in celebration of her 100th post! Head on over via the button to the left. =) She picked some really cute pictures for this contest, so head on over!





Have a great day and don't forget to make time with the Lord! =D

Love in Christ,