Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

We had a great time at my Project Life Retreat yesterday.  Everyone was very productive!  We're already looking forward to the April 25 retreat... all new, with a new collection of cards, new color story and more inspiration on ways to use Project Life.   Now, here's some Sunday relaxing fun for you... proof that you should let sleeping dogs lie...

... and, before I go, here's a funny little bit for you.  He looks like he could be Toby Joe's cousin.

Coming up next... some beautiful butterfly cards.  Come back soon so you don't miss a thing.  

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world.

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

My Sweet Toby Joe, Playing in the Leaves

Could there be a more beautiful boy?

While I'm recovering from a severe chest cold, I'll let Toby Joe take the limelight for today's post.  I was so pleased with these 2 shots.  I actually took them with my phone, with 1 hand, while holding the 2 puppy leashes with my other hand.  I'd have more shots of the puppies today, but each one I took looks like 2 black blobs.  It is EXTREMELY difficult to photograph all black dogs!!!

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Happy 7th Birthday, Toby Joe!

Today is a busy and happy day.  It's Grandparents' Day at our church, it's my Holiday Stampin' Party / Open House this afternoon and it's Toby Joe's birthday.

Toby Joe adopted US when he was just 6 months old.  Today, he turns 7 years old.  Time has flown by with this wonderful little boy.  He has blessed and enriched our lives.  I am so blessed to be a grandparent (more on that at another time) and so happy to be Toby Joe's mommy.  I'll soon be sharing more on all this and lots of new holiday projects as well, so check back again.  I did some quick antiquing yesterday morning, so I'll have more 'treasures' to share with you soon, too.  I don't want you to miss a thing!

We had a great time at my Open House yesterday.  People came in at staggered times, so I never had more than 2 or 3 at a time.  Everyone got lots of personal attention, which I love.  I hope the crowd staggers their arrivals today, too, but however they come I know we'll have fun.  Thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back soon!  Have a blessed day... and Happy Birthday, my sweet Toby Joe.

- Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogging world. 

- Click on the tab at the top of the page to see my class schedules and registration policies or click on the left for sneak peeks. 

- Come back soon and come back often for more creative inspiration.

Welcome Home!

Toby Joe is sooooo glad to be back home.  Here he is already taking a break in one of his favorite spots.

Look who is on hand to greet him with a big, gentle hug.  I think Aaron missed him a lot!

Welcome home, Toby Joe.  We're all glad to be back here.

I'm not finished unpacking yet, but I've already started working on a bit of a project in my studio.  You can't let those ink pads gather dust, you know.  Come back soon for more fun stamping news.

Toby Joe And The Storm

It's going to be a long day around here.  My Toby Joe is a big baby and super scared of storms and fireworks.  I've had to move his blankies underneath the knee hole of my desk and he is hovering under there, staying close to his mommy.  It is difficult to work while straddling your feet around a 62-pound furry baby.

He pushed his blankies to the outside of his little hiding place, almost like he was making a protective barrier for himself.  He looks so sad!

I will spend the day comforting him, setting up for class tonight and, hopefully, getting a little work done in my studio.  Have a great day and could the thunder stop now?  Please???

Every Little Boy Needs a Teddy Bear

With all the heartbreaking news lately, I thought we needed a little something to warm our hearts.  I called upon my sweet Toby Joe to help.  We had a room full of company yesterday and he decided, quite unexpectedly, to claim my teddy bear as his own.  I thought these shots were really cute.

I love my sweet Toby Joe!  Won't these make for some good scrapbooking?

Toby Joe at the Vet

We have the most wonderful vet clinic ever here and have been clients there for over 25 years, at least.  They helped us say goodbye to 3 beloved Cocker Spaniels after giving them excellent care for all their lives.  Dr. Rojas is the one in charge of Toby Joe's care now and she is wonderful with him.  She has never lifted a finger to hurt him in any way.  I mention this because we just returned from his yearly check-up.  He was absolutely pathetic!  Each visit, he becomes more and more of a basket case.

Just waiting in the outer room had him quivering and trembling, like a little bitty puppy.

Can we go yet... please!!!

In the exam room... Are you sure we have to stay?

This looks like a good hiding place.

She will never find me back here.

I hear something... I'm scared.

I'll just lay low back here and maybe she'll forget about me.

Oh... I really think she's coming.  I need a bigger bench to hide under!

Yup, Dr. Rojas is coming.  She's here now, isn't she?

I AM being as brave as I can be.  Could someone get a mop?  I drool when I'm nervous.  

He had a perfect check-up and is in perfect health.  We celebrated by going over to the Barkery and getting a new collar, leash, toys and treats.  So... going to the vet shouldn't be such a trauma... until next time, anyway.

These will make a cute scrapbook layout.

How fun is this?

Some days, when the UPS man rings the doorbell, this is what you get!  No, it's not all for me, but I did have 3 items included in with it all.  We have promotions going on now that include earning one entire color family (Brights, Subtles, or Regals) of ink pads and that means this is the time to stock up on extra items from your wish list, as well as gifts for Christmas.  This week, it's even more exciting because we have our Online Extravaganza going on (Nov. 19-28) too!

   

Poor Baby

I'm home with a sick Toby Joe today.  We'll be making a trip to the vet this afternoon.  Nothing like needing help on a holiday weekend.  Keep us in your thoughts.

I was busy all yesterday afternoon and evening making favors and other goodies for my upcoming Open House/Catalog Party.  It's next Sunday afternoon and I hope you can join us for all the fun.  I'll share some sneak peeks this week!

Family Time

I'll pause today to share some photos from the boys' visit.  We had a ball!

Playing in the Leaves --- The photos tell the story.

What fun!
By the way, I've been so busy in my studio working on my 'White Christmas' projects that my hands actually ache today.
Check back soon for some beautiful Christmas projects!!!