create the life you love

Happy Spring!

The 'boys' have new monogramed, Lilly scarfs to start out the season.

Baxter ..

Murphy was not cooperating for the photo shoot!

Party Boy

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

{ Murphy }

 Don't look too close .. he need his teeth cleaned!

 

 

"May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow
May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love."

***

"May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.

May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.

May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.

And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.”

Me & Murph

 

 

I was so surprised and pleased to see this fabulous painting on face book. 

fifi flowers is the artist and she used my profile picture to create this painting - love it!

 

The 'Rebels'

Now that the middle son is at Ole Miss, I had to get the 'boys' new spirit wear. They also have jerseys, but I am waiting for game day to dress them out ;)

We are now a 3 team family ...

Seminoles - Gators - Rebels 

{ overexposed photos due to having the setting wrong on my camera. No time to change them with these two. I have to snap quickly! }   

My Big Boy

 

 Murph wanted to go for a ride, but he couldn't quite fit in my basket - Griff tried!

  

Etsy Finds

I haven't done an etsy post in a while and have had many of these items saved for quite a while. Some of my current favorites!

{ somethingblue }

I own these earring (wearing them in the post below) and just love them. I ordered another pair for a gift.

A few more pieces from Somethingblue ...

Oh my, too cute ...

 

   { proper puppy }

Pretty hair accessories ...

{ blue sun emporium } 

Pretty Pillows ...

{ hettie }

{ lola bear }

I am thinking about purchasing the above for my bedroom

 

{ red door }  

Too, too sweet!

I may have to purchase these for a future (waaay in the future) grand daughter ...

   

{ sherbet baby } 

{ party poms }

{ the vintage lilly }

Just order a few of these headbands for my niece :)

Darling booties ...

{ looking for lilly 

Cute tee's ...

{ smitten &  company }

Sweet little seersucker dress ...

{ dogwood lane }       

My sweet friend, Lori's creation. Another item, I just think I may have to have (for the future!) ...

{ charlotte english }

 

Pretty in Pink

My little girl, Lilly. Her and I only girls in the entire family. So glad she is so precious, pretty and looks beautiful in pink.

{ Lilly's middle name is Precious!}

 

Photo Project 52 - One photo a week

Last year, I signed up for the 365 photo project, but failed miserably. So ... this year I am aiming for 1 photo per week, photo project 52. I think I can definitely handle this. My biggest problem is I have no subjects. Only one child at home ... and he will do anything (just like his brothers) NOT to be the subject of a photo. Of course, there are always the pets. They are usually willing ;).

This past summer, I did well with taking photos of my every day life, trying to find beauty in all I see. I also enjoyed working with textures in photoshop and learning new techniques. I am hoping to continue working on my photography this year with this project. Just one of my many goals for 2010!

Since our Lilly has returned home, she gets the honor of week one.

1/52

Sweet Lilly

Back home after being missing for six months. She is doing well, but has a few health issues. We love her.

 

**************

 

Be sure to check out the giveaway at Paige's blog

 

 

Our Christmas Miracle!

Our sweet kitty, Lilly is back home!

 I can not believe that she has been missing for so many months now (almost 6!!) and just this afternoon I received a call (while at the mall!) from a women who found her on Christmas eve (they were calling Lilly, "Eve"). I think Lilly had been living on the streets all this time - since the end of June, when she ran away from home. Judy, the wonderful women that found her lives just a few streets from us and I recognized her right away from our church and around town, but have never actually met her. She took Lilly to the vet this morning (not her personal vet, but another that was opened today) and since Lilly had a chip, they were able to contact us. Poor kitty is very thin though (weighing 5lbs) and may have some other problems. She is breathing very hard, but eating well. The vet took xrays and I will be taking her to our own vet for a follow up on Monday.

I have her in one of our downstairs bathrooms now so that she can rest and be comfortable (away from the dogs too who went crazy seeing her again!)

She is hiding under the vanity  ..

I put a soft towel down for her and a little later she came out and was cuddling on it :)

 

I am just over-joyed with happiness and hope and pray that we can bring Lilly back to good health again.

The Reader

I stacked these large books on one of my berger chairs in my living room to keep Murp off -his favorite chair, he never sits in the matching one - but he seems quite comfy, books and all!

 

Thank you all for the kind anniversary wishes. We are so busy that we can't even find time for a little get away. Traveling out of town 4 weekends in a row for lacrosse tournaments and Gator games. We do have a weekend away planned in a few weeks - Palm Beach!  
 

'My Dog Murphy'

 A school paper written by Griff:

    Do you have someone or something that you can’t leave without? I do, and it’s my dog Murphy. He is so important to me because he is so loving and caring. I believe he’s that way because my family rescued him from the streets. Now I think he is just thanking us by giving love.

    If I would have to leave every thing I own and just pick one thing to take with me it would be Murphy. His soft and fluffy fur and his warm body is so comforting and it never gets old. His barks might be annoying sometime but I know he is trying to protect me. And he knows when you’re sad, then he cheers you up by snuggling with you, and when you’re happy, then he plays with you.

    I feel like Murphy is just another member of the family. He acts like a human and behaves polite too. I actually believe he might be human, but disguised as a cute dog instead. Every day when I come home from school or football practice, he is there waiting to jump on me

      So in conclusion, if I could only take one thing or someone it would be my dog, Murphy.     

 

 

Chic Kitty Bed

 

Is this not the cutest kitty bed? And .. it was completely hand made. Just darling! Love the photo gallery. I have been a follower of this blog, A Brooklyn Limestone in Progress and the very talented owner for some time.

 

Speaking of kitties, we lost our sweet Lilly :(. My only 'girl' is gone. Somehow she got outside and never came home. She was an inside cat, but did go out in the yard occasionally. We looked and looked for her, hung signs all over and called to see if anyone reported her (she had a chip), but no luck. SO sad, but hopefully she is being taken care of by another family and is happy. She may even be happier than living here - those 2 'brothers' (the Westies) weren't exactly her best buds.

Happy 4th of July

 

 

{ the westie boys }

One Year Anniversary

It was just a year ago yesterday that Murphy joined our family. I can not tell you how much joy he has brought us (you to, Baxter boy). He is the sweetest dog and such a pleaser - anything goes with him!

Thank you Miss Janice!

The lovely Miss Janice featured me on her blog as her 'Lilly photo of the week'. Such an honor! Thank you so much, Janice for the beautiful post and sweet words about me ... my pets, my stationery and my Lilly :). Be sure to visit her blog, Etiquette with Miss Janice ... it is full of preppy-ness, pink and southern charm!!

 

And ... thank you all for the nice comments about my hair! Seems that the consensus -both in real life and blog land - is it is a 'winner' and that I look younger, which it is all about! ;) Next on my 'list' is taking care of my smile lines (nasolabial folds). Since I have lost weight they are really bad :(. Once I get the braces off and have the lines taken care of I can smile big! SO much work and maintenance in growing old!

Catie Copley

While staying at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, we were able to meet a very sweet labrador.Catie is the 'canine ambassador' of the Fairmont and spends her days in the lobby of the hotel. She lives with Jim, who is the hotel's director of concierge services and he brings her to work every day (Sunday & Monday are her days off). Guests are able to take her for walks or just play with her in the lobby. Catie was trained to be a guide dog to the blind but failed her testing. She now has two bookswritten about her work and adventures at the Fairmont and the proceeds from the books benefit the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, where Catie was raised. I bought two of her books, one for myself and one for my god daughter ... both signed by her owner,  Jim and 'paw-printed' by Catie.

 

 

 

Thanks for all the kind comments about my trip and my mom 'awards'! I really can't complain, the boys are great kids and were so good, just typical 13 year old boys who happen to love sports.  And, I did manage to get a little over an hour to myself on the morning before we flew home. I had a nice walk down Newbury Street and the Public Gardens - took quite a few photos too.

Hoppin' Down the Bunny Trail ...

 

 

Big, sweet Murphy will do just about anything for me ... not so with Baxter, so I didn't even attempt a Easter photo shoot with him. Murph keep these ears on for the longest time, just walking around the house until they fell off on there own.

The Little Fellas are Famous!

Baxter and Murphy made the

LILLY BLOG

Orchids

I have a love for orchids and almost always have a few in my home. One of my good friends, 'the orchid lady' has been selling beautiful orchids at our farmer's market for over 20 years now. She also has many personal, as well as business clients in which she provides service to- including me. I usually just drop one of my pots at her house (she lives just a street away) and she fills it with beautiful orchids that same day - such service! Most all of my orchids are phalaenopsis orchids, and most often white.

A few of my current plants

  

   

 

{ I love this pot, it holds 3 orchid plants }

   

 

 

{ Lilly in her favorite spot - she loves it when I open the kitchen window & she likes to 'bat' at the orchids }

 

 

Lilly actually fell out the window the other day and I ran outside to get her, but somehow she managed to jump back in! By the time I got back in the kitchen she was back in her window spot.The window is about 4 feet high?! She is quite the jumper.

Big Murph

Oh, how I love this dog of ours. God was certainly looking over him when he was found homeless on the streets and God blessed us with finding him! We actually didn't find him, but I happened to know the family who did find him roaming the street. They already had 2 dogs so really wanted to find a good family to take him in. Our Baxter boy needed a 'brother' (I highly doubt if he would say this!), but no doubt, Murph was meant to be a part of our family.

I can not tell you just how sweet this pup is. Such a pleaser, sooo loving. While I love my Baxter boy, he is a bit more 'quirky', very stubborn and very set in his ways, very much the typical Westie traits. The poor dog has had a lot of adjusting to do since we adopted Murphy back in July, after being an only 'pup' for almost 4 years. While Bax likes to be near me (and sleeps smack against me every night), he also likes his own space - not so with Murphy, he is by my feet at all times (he would sit in my lap if he could fit, but his eating is another issue!). He goes with the flow, nothing really bothers him, except when it comes to food. The big guy LOVES to eat and has never not finished all of his food (and many times Baxter's too). Like Dan likes to say, 'his heart is as big as his butt'. lol.

Some of the things he does, just cracks me up. Here he is laying on the top of my berger chair in the living room! I guess he gets a better view of what's going on outside from on top of the chair ...

  

  

And on the dining room chair - another great view ..     

   

 

Now Baxter has a little better manners. He chooses to find a comfy place on the living room sofa with a nice silk pillow for his head. He still has a great view of outside too! ...

Hello Kitty!

I made this little 'Hello Kitty' coloring book for Bridget (will probably give it to her as part of her Valentine's gift). I mentioned in my last post that I was feeling a bit creative these days ;). Such a fun, easy, girl project! The idea came from Jill, who is my pink preppy swap partner :). I changed my design a little. You can print out the coloring pages free at this site, Coloring Book Fun.  Other characters are available too (I noticed Dora!).

 

  

And .. speaking of  Hello Kitty, my little, shy Lilly sitting on a bar stool and peaking over the counter ...

  

 

Oh Lilly!

   

I just happened to stop in the Lilly store yesterday and saw these dog collars and leashes - too, too cute! Of course, I am already a bit ahead since my pups both have custom made Lilly scarfs with their monogram ;) ...

 

Thank You, Lisa!

I've been meaning to post about the wonderful gifts I received from my blogging friend,Lisa. She creates such beautiful and unique jewelery and was so sweet to think of me.

The necklace is made from a scrabble tile - just darling! I also like her display cards :).

And ... oh my!! Look at this adorable ornament - those are my 2 pups!  I had forgotten about this picture that I posted on my blog back in the summer (4th of July). I didn't realize they were Basx & Murph and thought that Lisa found a photo of 2 westies that looked very much like my own. Of course, since the photo is of my own little boys, it makes it all the more special!!

 

The ornament on my little pink tree. I plan on hanging it here in my office year-round though since I love it so!

Thanks so much, Lisa for such sweet and thoughtful gifts!! ...

 

Happy Halloween

Murph, the littleBIG piggy. I couldn't resist this costume that barely fit. Murphy has an eating issue, he can't get enough and chows down so fast (we are working on this, he is on a program!). The hat was off in a minute, but he let me get a few shots ...

 

 

Baxter in his 'puffy pumpkin' costume from last year. He didn't like it then, and even more so this year. It took me 20 minutes to get him and put it on. He kept running away and hiding. He especially hates the hat! ...

 

 After this afternoon dress up and photo shoot took forever, Bax and Murph ended up wearing their Gator jerseys in the evening for the trick or treaters. They were much happier boys (as was Dan - he couldn't believe I would dress them in those costumes) ...

 

Griff wore his usual Gator 'costume' - Tim Tebow jersey. I think he has worn a Gator jersey for the past 3-5 years! ...

 

The candy, all ready for the trick or treaters ...

  

Griff's 'masterpiece' all lit up ...

 

Saturday Lacrosse & Football

Another season of lacrosse for Griff. This year he moved up to the 7-8th grade division (even though he is in 6th grade).  He started playing in 2nd grade so he has a lot of experience behind him and was ready for stronger competition.

 

 

And Saturday afternoon. The  Gator game (FL vs Tennessee) at our house. Dan had about 6 guys over. Tons of bbq and I made the Sweet Potato Casserole that everyone loves for dessert, served with ice cream (Blue Bell, of course).

Bax and Murph were both dressed in their jerseys. So hard to get a picture of them both together.

 

Bax loves to roll on his back in the grass ..

  

The 'big boy' Murph - he has gained lots of weight since we adopted him, the boy eats like no tomorrow!  ...

  

     

Pink Saturday

Lilly in her pink collar on my pink chair ...

 

For more of Pink Saturday, visit Beverly's blog. 

Will it Ever End?!

Another day of unrelenting rain! The schools were closed again (Tuesday also). We had a few moments this afternoon with no rain and even a bit of  'brighter' skies, but just as soon as I would step out the rain would come pouring down again. Water is standing everywhere. Lots of trees and branches down in our area and power outages too. By some small miracle (thank you Lord), our power never went out. We almost always have outages during storms due to the above ground power lines here. My poor friend, Jan has been without all last night and today.

To make matters even worse, TS Fay has traveled up the state. Barret is back at FSU (went back last Sunday) and he has been without power at his house all day and still out as of tonight :(. Connor headed back to Gainesville this afternoon and so far, no problems at his place.

Here's to hoping for bright skies tomorrow - good riddance Fay - we've had enough of you already!

_________________________________________

Also: Don't miss out on my give away (see below) and thank you to those who have ordered and/or posted about it on your blog - much appreciated. I am really trying to 'boost' my business and become a 'real' working girl!  With 2 boys in college, I have more time - I am basically a mom of 1 these days.

Just because I like to include a photo with my posts. Here's our formally 'homeless' boy, Murphy out in the back yard (before Fay came our way). He's been with us over 2 months now :) ...

 

 

The 'Boys' (canine) in Lilly!

A few photos of the pups. I had another Lilly scarf made and monogrammed with a 'M' for Murphy, so he can match his 'brother'. My boys (the human ones) think they are so 'gay' ;)

Murph ...

Look at this fabulous print I found at etsy. This shop, Dog Art Studios also has some originals, but not any Westies at this time, so I purchased this print...

If you are a dog lover, check out the shop - it has prints just about every breed, very inexpensive ($12.50) Some cats too!

A Post for TONIA!

My sweet Murph with his 'baby'. Does he look familiar to you, Tonia?! This little stuffed dog (a large Beany Baby, I believe) is Griff's and he has had it since he was first born. Our new pooch, Murphy found it and carries it around with him everywhere - even outside. Every time I tell him 'let's go outside', he goes and picks it up and brings it along. He never chews on it and treats it very gently. Of course, Baxter looks at him like he is crazy - they have such different personalities. Anyway, I remember Tonia posting about her daughter's love of this same little stuffed dog and although Griff never was very attached to it, Murph certainly is!

My All American Boys!

Monday, Monday

• Griff arrived home from camp late last night, along with all his wet, smelly stuff! Ugh, nothing worse than all that stinky lacrosse equipement and clothes.  As expected, he had a great time and as usual with my boys, he hasn't offered much talk on all that went on.
• Connor left this morning for Gainesville. He starts classes on Wednesday. Sad to see him go, but not at all sad to his his mess gone! God love this boy, but he is the messiest kid. Can't wait to venture into his room and see how he left it!

His car 'packed up'. Everything just thrown in, never mind that I had all his laundry done and nicely folded, as well as all his dress clothes fresh from the cleaners. Half of his clothes are in a big trash bag - that's it under those red & white boxers he has thrown on top?! He always says, 'it works for me!'

• Spent the day in Clearwater visiting my mother. She was in good spirits and doing well.
• My computer is back and like new. The only problem is that I have had to reinstall all my programs, which I am still working on.
• Went to the gym TWO TIMES today!! Cardio and weights this morning and then I went back at 5pm for a pilates class. Yea me. I am really trying to step it up in my exercise. I love pilates and now that Griff is out of school and has less going on, I can make more classes. I even went to a class on Saturday. First time in ever that I have been at the gym on a Saturday. I am almost always at games on Saturdays - thus has been my life for many, many years.
• And, just to prove to you all that  (with his 'old man' glasses on) loves his new 'boy' That's Murphy up in front ..

Awww, sweet boy ...

Monday, Monday

:: Ugh ... my computer crashed or has a virus or something! Not sure what's up with it and my computer tech can't get here until Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, I am using Dan's laptop and/or my iphone.

:: Our home phone is not working either, so of course I have to wait all day for a repair man - up until 7:15 this evening.

:: I pulled something in my lower back, right side this morning while working out. Guess I'll just have to spend the day laying around reading - never mind the laundry and other thing that need to be done ;)

:: Connor's last week of work. He goes back up to Gainesville this weekend and starts summer school the first week of July.

:: Griff leaves for lacrosse camp at Duke University this Thursday - he can't wait.

:: AND, an update of the new pup: Dan has taken to him quite well. As long as he is well behaved, house broken, no chewing, tearing up or destroying anything, he is okay with Murph. He actually is very smitten with him (as we all are), but is worried about Baxter feeling neglected or unloved. I came into the room yesterday to hear Dan talking to Bax about how much we love him and that he will always be our first boy. LOL. I have had to take ALL the toys away from the 'boys'. They just can't seem to share nicely and always want the toy the other has, which causes them to fight. So...for the time being no more toys!

*no photos due to my computer problems!

The 'Boys'

Well, so far so good! Murphy (who has been with us since Tuesday evening) is a dream dog come true! No issues what so ever. So well behaved, completely house broken, and the sweetest personality with so much affection to give to all. He loves to give kisses and he loves toys!! Baxter wasn't big on toys until Murph came along. Now of course, he wants to play too. The problem is they always both want to play with the same toy. I bought 6 new toys, with a few duplicates, but they still insist on playing with the same toy...

 

Allow me to Introduce ...

"Murphy"

Although he looks so much like Baxter (with the same Westie head 'tilt'), this is NOT him, but a sweet dog we have taken in on a 'trial' adoption.

Yesterday evening a lady I know from the neighborhood (she walks by our house most evenings), stopped by to tell me about a dog that was found near her home. She know our Baxter and thought I may be interested in this stray dog. I had seen a few signs up about the found Westie, but thought for sure that the dog was most likely claimed by it's owners after an hour or so of being lost. This seems to happen often, when dogs get out and run away by mistake. I was told that another couple still had the dog and no one had claimed it (they put an add in the paper also) after almost 2 weeks and they were desperate to find it a good home. The couple that found it already has 2 dogs and one is old, a bit mean and not happy with this new found dog. So ... long story, but Griff, I and Baxter walked over to see the dog and of course, I fell in love with him right away. They had already taken him to both the vet and groomer and were told he was a healthy dog about 3-4 years old - same as Bax, who is 3 1/2 years. They think someone may have just dropped him off in our area because they could not care for him. The vet said that this is happening more often these days with the economy being as it is. So sad. This couple was so sweet to take him in and take such good care of him, including taking him to the vet, having all his immunizations and tests taken care of and also having him groomed. I always thought I would like to adopt an older Westie, a pal for Baxter - had even looked into a few Westie Rescue sites. And, after seeing the Oprah show on puppy mills and all the poor dogs in shelters, I had more of a desire to take in a dog in need. So of course, I thought this was meant to be! We agreed to take him home on a 'trial' bas with the understanding that if it doesn't work out we would return him back to this couple. We don't know his real name since he did not have any tags and they were calling him 'Buddy' for lack of a name, but Griff decided he wanted to call him 'Murphy' or 'Murph' for short. So far, so good! He is just the sweetest pup, follows me everywhere and does not leave my side. Bax and Murph seem to being adjusting to each other, although I have had to break up a few of their rough playing/fighting. They are both alfa males, so I think it will take a bit of time to adjust to each other and of course, Baxter is so spoiled and use to being in charge. 

There is one slight issue I have failed to mention though. That is, my husband does not know yet! He is out of town and won't be home until Saturday. I know he would completely freak if I told him about it on the phone, but I also know that when he comes home and finds this sweet, well behaved, trained dog in our home there is no way he will be able to say no! I figure that by Saturday, both dogs (and kitty too, who has not been a problem at all) will be well adjusted to each other and it will be like Murph has been apart of our family all along. He does look like he could be Baxter's long lost twin!

A few pictures that Griff took with my iphone last night when we were 'interviewing' for the adoption.

Murphy in the foreground, Bax in back ...

Murph,'laughing'! ...

And the 2 boys making themselves comfy at home - Bax asleep in the background!

 

 

 

Pink Saturday

Once again it is Pink Saturday. This week I am posting a photo of my pink suede chair in my pink & green office. Baxter boy's favorite resting spot ...

 

 

 

Baby Birds

ETA: to answer a few questions - the feeders are just outside my kitchen window in our side yard, only 3-4 feet from the window. I use a 75-300ml lens for these shots, usually with my ISO set at 400 or 800, depending on the time of day. I have to say the cardinals are the most cooperative birds, very willing to have their photos taken and not so quick to fly off. I have a few very large blue jays that I have yet to photograph. I have never seen them at the feeders (only in the surrounding trees) and they are so fast - take off the minute I raise my camera!

We have a whole new family of cardinals. Love seeing these baby birds and how they are learning to 'feed' ...

 

And big papa ...

Happy to be Home!

While we were away in Boston, Baxter visited his 'club', complete with 'spa'. Actually, we just call it that - hate to mention the word 'kennel' or 'boarders' to the boy!! While he seems to enjoy his stay at Uptown Dog, (that's what they always tell me, how much fun he has with the other dogs at their 'home-like' facility), he is so very happy to be back to his real home. I don't think he had quite the same luxeries at Uptown, certainly not his beloved faux fur blanket and pink suede chair!

Quite comfy, don't you think ...

And, he obviously missed his yard and nice, soft, green grass. Every time I take him out, he does his business and then plops himself down in the grass and will not budge!

Looking very handsome with his new 'groom' and plaid scarf ...

 

 

 

Yes, my family thinks I've lost my mind.

I bought some Lilly fabric on ebay and had a bandanna made and monogrammed for Baxter (excuse his wild hair 'do' - it was windy out and he needs grooming). This was done before we adopted our kitty Lilly, so I think I just may have to have another little bandanna made for her!

I even entered Baxter in the photo contest in the Lilly Lover Days Contest and this picture of Lilly that Griff took (they may not be posted yet) ...

And, speaking of ebay ... I just scored this Lilly dress, new with tags - love it!! Since I am very short-waisted, it hits me at the knee ;)

   

We Have a New Member of the Family

... and it's a GIRL! All Griff wanted for his birthday (and actually for Christmas too) was a new kitty. Our beloved 'Wishbone' passed away a little over a year ago and he really missed him. So today, we went down to the SPCA and adopted a new kitty. She is approximately 8 months old and was a stray who was just brought in a week ago. Today was the first day that she was ready to go to a new home (after being spayed), so our being there today was meant to be! She is very tiny (6 lbs.) and I believe full grown. Such a petite little girl. After changing his mind about 10 times, Griff has finally named her 'Lilly' (with a little prodding from me). Baxter is having a little adjustment issue, but is being very kind and welcoming. He was very friendly with Wishbone - the two of them got along just fine and even slept together, so we are hoping for the same with our new kitty.

Here she is in her crate at the facility ...

Taking her home in her 'pet wagon'...

In the car ...

Home sweet home ...

Her favorite place, in the bathroom sink ...

 

And of course, I had to buy her a pink collar with bows, which cost almost more than she did! ...