Meet Maggie

Maggie is a new member of my brother's family, but she has been staying with us while Louise and Ryan visit DC. Maggie was a shelter adoption, at the shelter because of abuse and neglect at a puppy mill. Those eyes look so sad, don't they? But already she is showing signs of being a happier dog. Before she left us tonight, she has started to play with Beau, even though he wouldn't let her play with his toys. (aka... the cats)

In related news, my friend Maggie came over to crop On Saturday after GASC and didn't appreciate our humor. "Maggie, don't lick yourself."
"Jacob, can you let Maggie out to pee."
"Who knows how many babies Maggie has had? Look at those nipples."

It will take alot of Margaritas to get Maggie to come back for a visit. The friend. Not the dog.

I will, of course, provide updates on her progress! The dog. Not the friend.

Great American Shopping

This weekend was the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Virginia, and I almost didn't go! Maggie and I made a deal to help curb each other's spending and each went armed with the cash we were willing to spend. I even left my credit card at home! This is what I bought. Look closely and you will see the lens Maggie bought for me. Hey, our deal did not include refraining from spending the other person's money!

Lots of great paper from Luxe Designs and Rusty Pickle. That album will say ASMC (not scam) for work photos. A super cute album kit from the Button Farm. And that tree on the left is a little mini album, but I am not sure who makes it.

And here is a shot of my unwilling subjects with the new lens. I am not loving it and may go to Penn Camera to look at some other options. It is not as smooth as I would like it to be, like my other lenses. Will report later as to what I decide, but would appreciate any feedback you might have on your own 18-200 lenses, and above!

Digital Design

Every once in awhile I get in a digital mood - especially when Libby comes out with a fantastic new kit! This is a little sneak peek at her latest new digital kit - coming to Sweet Shoppe Designs soon!


Even though I gave up on digital scrapbook layouts, I still love digital stuff for cards and hybrid creations! I found that expression online and knew it would make the perfect card!

Clams, Crawfish and Corona!

I know many parents who have a hard time getting their children to try new foods. I am proud to say that my kid is not one of them!

So, tonight we decided to go to Crosby's for some seafood. (If you are local and haven't been there - you really should!) We knew we would get clams because Jacob loves them, as he does most pricey food. As we were paying, he asked me what the red things were. The gal that works there took one out for him to try, even going so far as to show him how to eat it. (again, it is a great place!) Of course he loved it!

I have a feeling we will be eating alot of seafood this summer because as we were leaving he asked my about the oysters.

The only way it could get better than that is some sweet corn, a game of horseshoes and sharing it with friends!

Jacob Patrick Sizemore Day

June 9 is Jacob Patrick Sizemore Day.

Maybe you didn't have that date on your calendar, but it is a date that will always be a day of celebration for me. For Dave. Someday for Jacob. June 9.

One year ago today, we had spent the night at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC. We woke up early in Jacob's room, having slept very little all night, knowing that in the morning, he would undergo surgery. For any parent that has had to put their child's life in the hands of a surgeon, you will know what we felt. The helplessness, the worry, the trust, the heartwrenching pain of the unknown. The four hours in the waiting room that morning were almost unbearable. I couldn't stop shaking, couldn't stop worrying. Couldn't stop praying.

The minutes after the nurses wheeled him out of recovery will be forever etched in my memory. My baby, scared and reaching out to me. There is barely a day that goes by that I don't think of that moment. It truly reminds me of how precious are babies are, no matter how old. The days that followed were hard, made bearable by the love and support of our friends and family.

So, one year to the day the tumor was removed, we have declared June 9, as Jacob Patrick Sizemore Day. He can pick out dinner, he can control the remote, he can pick the nightly board game. And in true Jacob fashion, he has reminded us that he should be allowed to stay up late on Jacob Patrick Sizemore Day Eve.

Man, I love that kid!

(top photo at Potomac Hospital before we knew about tumor, but after seizure.)

(bottom photo is during recovery, looking as one of the many presents from friends and family.)

30 miles

That is how many miles the pedometer said I walked between Thursday at 3:00 pm and Friday at 6:00 pm. And that is without the evening activies on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Why is in then that I gained three pounds????

Sharing a few pics:

- Ready to Rock in Nashville (and Cleveland) Be sure to check out that wad of cash! No, drinks are not on me.
- Me with my friends Jeff and Chad. They rock!
- What would a party be without a Conga line?
- By the stage, never without the radio and my cell phone, USB hanging from my neck.
- Banquet with Gina and Ron. Those were not both my glasses of wine... maybe. And yet again, with a beautiful green money bag instead of a purse.
- My favorite photo od PDI every year - the last one at the banquet with Jen. Note to self: take photos before drinking red wine.

When life gives you lemons...

.... just make fun of yourself.

In my defense, my annual show is just days away now - and attendance has soared this year (more than 4600.) And just in time to make a show stopping appearance is this. Attractive, eh?

Going to get the Windex.

Rocking the Red!

Unleash the Fury!!!!!

enuff said!