The Weekend

Over the weekend, we had a huge birthday celebration for Jesse, his dad and his grandpa. This year, they are all turning (or have turned) 40, 60 and 80, respectively. Quite a reason to have a party! We had so many family and friends show up; it was a great time!

 

Then on Sunday I got to take Jesse's cousin from Colorado to the Henry Doorly Zoo. Last year when I went, the new African Grasslands exhibit was under construction. And we were there at the end of the day, so some of the buildings were closed. It was so great seeing all the new animals and I got to go in the Butterfly Pavilion this time as well! I couldn't believe how tame these hummingbirds were!

We were on a bit of a time crunch, so didn't get many photos, but the Aquarium is always a favorite stop. I love all the bright fish and especially the jellyfish.

This coming weekend I get to go wedding dress shopping with my sister-in-law and all of the girls involved in the wedding. I'm cramming in as much fun as I can before the craziness of fall shows and the holidays get here!

What are your plans for the weekend?

My Baby Turns the Big 1-0!

Looking at him, he still looks like a puppy. But my baby turns 10 today! I took some time over the weekend to look through old photos and found 11 great pictures to share with you of Harley's fun-filled life :)

I'm wishing him many more to come!

• 1. April '06 - The day we brought him home. He was no bigger than the wheel on the grill and could sleep in his food dish.
• 2. May '07 - Within a year, he was already a furball!
• 3. July '08 - The first summer we got him shaved. Jesse hated his floofy tail...I loved it :)
• 4. June '09 - Nose to nose with one of our new kittens. I'm not sure either one of them knew what to think!
• 5. August '10 - Harley's first airboat ride. This boy loves to go for rides!
• 6. July '11 - Since day one, he has been a Daddy's Boy!
• 7. February '12 - Meeting his cousin Charlie, the Great Dane, who is now the size of a horse!
• 8. July '13 - Enjoying Iowa sweet corn. He's just a little spoiled :)
• 9. April '14 - He might pretend not to like her, but these two are best friends. I catch them laying in the yard together all the time :)
• 10. November '15 - My constant companion. While he might be a Daddy's Boy, he hangs out with me all day in my studio if it's too cold to be outside all day (where he'd prefer to be).
• 11. January '16 - That face still melts my heart ♥

Branson Vacation

As I mentioned in last Friday's post, last weekend we headed to Branson to celebrate my mom's birthday. (Which is actually today...Happy Birthday Mom!)

We headed down on Thursday to enjoy the beautiful scenery, go to a show and get in some great family time.

One of the best things about visiting my parents is the beautiful view from their back deck! I could sit out there for hours!

They have at least 7 humming birds that visit them each year. I finally got one to sit still long enough I got a (semi-decent) photo of it. They also have a couple wood peckers that visit the feeders, but they were too quick for me and my camera.

I think they come just for the pretty pink flowers my mom has on the deck :) (or maybe that's just me...lol!)

The big event for the weekend was celebrating on the Branson Belle. My parents live right across the lake from the Belle and it's kind of become a hobby of my mom's (and a joke to the rest of us) to watch the Belle. She knows what time it goes out each day and if it happens to take a different route, if it's not on schedule, etc. So we decided it was definitely time she actually rode on the Belle!

  

The show was spectacular! There was a comedian/illusionist, a full band, a 5-member singing group and a woman who played the violin, piano, sang and did an aerial act! The food was pretty great too (see yesterday's post for the desserts we got!).

We also spent the afternoon on the lake, but I was too busy relaxing (yes, I actually do that once in a while) to take any pictures. The weekend was so great and I hope my mom has a wonderful birthday today :)

Thirty-One

Last Monday I celebrated my 31st birthday. While I wasn't all that excited about it, I did end up having a great day. A great week, actually. I got lots of calls, texts and greeting cards from family and friends.

Jesse got me a new TV for my studio (no, still not finished). And even got it installed last week as well. Now I just have to figure out how to use it...it's a Smart TV...and it's smarter than I am...lol :)

And I went out to dinner with a friend that night to celebrate. We had yummy Mexican and I even got free friend ice cream since it was my birthday :)

I also had lunch with a friend on Thursday for my birthday as well. And she baked me the most delicious pie! Raspberry cream cheese with chocolate frosting...YUM!

 Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday here or on other social media :)

Friday Features - Birthday Wishlist

Monday marks the big 3-1 for me! I'm not sure if it's the weather (gray and rainy right now) or the fact that last year was a milestone birthday, but this year I'm just not too excited about my birthday. So to cheer me up, I did some virtual shopping in my Etsy Favorites. Browsing Etsy always makes things more cheerful :) Enjoy!

Clockwise from top left:

This mug pretty much sums up my daily routine :)

Large Coffee Mug - Funny text cup - cup - coffee lover gift - wine lover gift - Coffee Keeps me going until its appropriate to drink wine

 I would LOVE this in pink and black!

3D Birds in Flight Art. Teal. Purple. Turquoise. Mauve. 8x8 inches

One can never have too many beautiful rings!

 Druzy Ring Blue Druzy Ring Purple Druzy Ring Druzy Jewelry Statement Ring Cocktail Ring Adjustable Ring Iridescent Jewelry Women Jewelry

 And these earrings are just dreamy

M O O N - Steel Graphite Dark Grey Gray Glitter Sparkle Photo Glass Cab Circle Silver Plated Post Stud Earrings

Are any of these in your favorites?

Birds for his Birthday

 Today would have been my brother's 35th birthday. While this day is going to be very hard, I am also determined to smile and remember the good times. I am going to celebrate for him even though I can't celebrate with him.

Most of my readers have seen my tattoo of the bird I got in memory of my brother. The coolest thing about this specific bird is that it is on my software program for my laser. I altered it a bit to make it one-of-a-kind and I can create other things with it as well.

I created a window decal for my old car and put it right in the middle of my back window so every time I look in the rear view, I see it :)

 

Since there was some extra space around the bird, I decided to cut out little birds as well. I used them for nail decals. They turned out so cute!

I'll also be blasting Freebird at the cemetery later today. And I'm going out with my sister-in-law and some of Jim's friends for Mexican. It's kind of a tradition as you can see from the photo above :)

The BIG 3-0

On Sunday, I celebrated my 30th birthday! I can't believe I'm really the BIG 3-0! But the day couldn't have been more perfect.

Jesse and I relaxed at home in the morning, then went air boating in the afternoon. It was our maiden voyage for 2013, so that made it even more special :) And the weather actually cooperated and we had sunshine and warm temperatures.

We saw a bald eagle circling it's nest as well as cars buried in the side of the banks.

 

That night we went to Jesse's aunt and uncle's to grill out. Both Jesse's mom and aunt made me sweet treats! I got pink cupcakes and brownies with 30 Edi written in M&Ms...and homemade frosting!!!

A big celebration with lots of friends and family would have been fun, but the older I get, the more I enjoy smaller, more relaxed get togethers. My 30th birthday was wonderful and I couldn't have asked for anything more!

Friday Features - Birthday Wish List

I loved Roses's Birthday Wish List last month and decided to do one for myself this month. My 30th birthday is on Sunday...THE BIG 3-0!!! So today's features are all items I've had my eyes on for quite some time and would love to receive as a gift :)

I could get lost for hours in the jewelry section of Etsy, so this is pretty heavy with awesome jewelry finds!

PEACOCK MEGASTACK. Sterling Silver Stacking rings (set of 7). YOUR Size.

by  CameraSHYphotography 

Button Dangle Earrings - Bright Colorful Multicolored Rainbow

 by randomcreative 

Oven Mitt - Pink Chevron and Polka Dots - Mother's Day Gift Under 20

 by pasqueflower

 

Hammered Aluminum Ring Mens or Womens Any Size Made to Order Ring Hand Crafted

by  BonzerBeads 

I actually don't have any plans for my birthday this year. A big party seemed fitting, but I have a big craft show on Saturday and the thought of partying after a big show just makes me tired...lol...I guess I am getting old :) I'm hoping to get the air boat out for our Maiden Voyage, but we'll see if the weather cooperates. Otherwise, I'm pretty content with ordering in and catching a movie :)

Friday Features - Harley Turns 7

Today is my baby's birthday...he's turning 7 already! I can't believe it was that long ago that we brought home our adorable ball of fur!

Here he is the day we brought him home...

And here he is today!

He's such a happy dog and makes us happy everyday :) I mean, look at that face, how could he not :)

So today's features are for my Harley!

Pomeranian art print CANVAS print of LA Shepard painting 12x16 dog art

by TheDogLover 

PRIMITIVE SIGN - Home Is Where Your Pomeranian Is or Pomeranians Are

by  20milestand 

Pomeranian pendant

by StickManJewelry 

Pomeranians in Love - Valentine card personalized with your message

 by oliverbludesigns

Friday Features - Happy Birthday Mom!

My mom's birthday was on Tuesday! I have been told numerous times not to get my parents anything for their birthday, so I always try to do something special instead :) Nothing over the top, just a sweet gesture or two. I found the perfect ecard and email it to my mom at work so she would receive it first thing in the morning :) And today's features are all things my mom likes :)

One of my mom's favorite flowers is the clematis. She has them by her front door!

Blank Note Cards, 5 Pack, Clematis Niobe

by  floralartcards 

Another of my mom's favorites is hummingbirds. She always has feeders out to draw them in!

 Hummingbird Ceramic Tile Wall Art

by  stephaniekiker 

One of my mom's favorite hobby's is reading. I thought this bookmark could add some fun to her next book :)

BEADED BOOKMARK Girls' Night Out

 by EleganceFarm

 And my mom has a thing for flip flops :) I thought this necklace with the added sea glass would be great for her!

Seaglass Necklace - Aqua Blue Seaglass with Flip Flop Charm and Pearl

by  ShatteredSmooth 

I hope you had a great birthday Mom!

 Love you!

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Birthday Harley!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom :)

Wishing my mom a very happy birthday and wishing I were there to give her a hug!

Have a great day Mom :)

Giveaway-Last Day to Enter

Just a quick reminder that today is the last day to enter my Birthday Giveaway! You have a chance to win a $28 gift certificate to my Etsy Shop!!!

See all the details here! Winner will be announced tomorrow!

Giveaway Reminder!!!

Just a happy reminder that my giveaway is still going on until April 30th :)

For your chance to win $28 to my shop...enter the Giveaway HERE!

Friday Features - Turning 28

In case you missed yesterday's post....and the GIVEAWAY...yesterday was my 28th birthday :) Nothing too special, but I did make a couple sales and get in a treasury! Pretty good presents if you ask me! And we're going to have some friends over tomorrow to grill out :)

I also did some searching yesterday for the number 28 on Etsy. 28 isn't a very popular number, but there are some popular finds to be found :)

Z 28 Buckle

by mikesleatherdesign

Believe - 5x7 Digital Collage Art Print

by BeachCities

1969 Red z28 Camaro 4x6

by ByJenniferLeigh

(And this is Jesse's dream car!)

Bingo I 28 Fun Necklace

by prettyfundesigns

Birthday Giveaway

Today is my birthday!!! And instead of receiving gifts...I'm giving one away! My biggest giveaway EVER!!! In honor of my 28th birthday today, one winner will receive a $28 gift certificate to my Etsy Shop!!!

Here's how to enter:

1. Visit my Etsy Shop and leave a comment telling me your favorite item...and why. (mandatory entry, all others voluntary)

2. Visit my Etsy Shop and leave a comment telling me your least favorite item...and why.

3. Tell me about your most memorable birthday :)

4. Follow my blog and comment that you've done so.

5. Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway and come back and leave a comment with the link.

The giveaway will run from now through April 30th. A winner will be announced on May 1st. Please leave a way to contact you in each of your comments (email, blog profile, etsy shop, etc.) Giveaway is open worldwide.

I'm so excited about this giveaway!!! Good luck to all who enter :)

My Baby is 5

My baby turns 5 today!!! Yes, my furbaby Harley :)

I put together a little slideshow for you to see him getting cuter by the year :)

This free picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Happy Birthday DAD!!!

Wishing my dad a Happy 57th Birthday today :)

He's since trimmed his beard, but I just love this photo :) And the next time I see my parents will be over Christmas break. I sent him a note today letting him know he's getting the biggest hug in exactly 44 days!

Love you DAD!!!