You'll be saying "WOW" too when you see all the goodies they have to offer!
(There's your plug girls, you can pay me in merchandise!! teehee)
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
My Sis's New Venture!
You'll be saying "WOW" too when you see all the goodies they have to offer!
(There's your plug girls, you can pay me in merchandise!! teehee)
Summer Wrap-up, Fall Beginnings
Ahh it's been awhile since I've posted (like over a year!!) LOTS has happened since the passing of my beautiful German Shepard Kazmir. And, NO, we did not get another dog - yet!
Left her brother, Justice, in the great care of my friends Dave and Kay Rumple while I went to Colorado w/my hubby and stepson. What a BEAUTIFUL state Colorado is - especially in the summer. There's just so much to do and so many gorgeous sights that my eyes could scarely take it all in! The mountains, the flowers, the rushing creeks, the animals and most of all - the clean, fresh AIR! Took awhile to get used to the altitude but after that, I couldn't breathe that freshness in fast enough!
Upon our return home, we hurried to ready the house and the yard for a wedding! That's right, a wedding! It turned out marvelous - the day was warm, sunny and the landscaping finished..in the nick of time! I know it's a day that neither Brian nor myself will ever forget - let alone the bride and groom!
Then comes Birthday MONTHS. Yes, we celebrate all month long - first Brian then me! As this was a 'Big' birthday for me, my hubby threw a surprise party - and boy WAS it a surprise! I actually thought I was going to a business dinner with a number of business owners only to find out the guest of honor was ME!
Don't ask me how many people were there cuz I couldn't begin to tell you - I just kept seeing all the people I knew and love, including my famly who drove 6 hours to be there for the "big" event! And my Big Bday present to myself was a 12 day tour thru Sicily and southern Italy!! Details will be coming soon - and pics too!
Left her brother, Justice, in the great care of my friends Dave and Kay Rumple while I went to Colorado w/my hubby and stepson. What a BEAUTIFUL state Colorado is - especially in the summer. There's just so much to do and so many gorgeous sights that my eyes could scarely take it all in! The mountains, the flowers, the rushing creeks, the animals and most of all - the clean, fresh AIR! Took awhile to get used to the altitude but after that, I couldn't breathe that freshness in fast enough!
Upon our return home, we hurried to ready the house and the yard for a wedding! That's right, a wedding! It turned out marvelous - the day was warm, sunny and the landscaping finished..in the nick of time! I know it's a day that neither Brian nor myself will ever forget - let alone the bride and groom!
Then comes Birthday MONTHS. Yes, we celebrate all month long - first Brian then me! As this was a 'Big' birthday for me, my hubby threw a surprise party - and boy WAS it a surprise! I actually thought I was going to a business dinner with a number of business owners only to find out the guest of honor was ME!
Don't ask me how many people were there cuz I couldn't begin to tell you - I just kept seeing all the people I knew and love, including my famly who drove 6 hours to be there for the "big" event! And my Big Bday present to myself was a 12 day tour thru Sicily and southern Italy!! Details will be coming soon - and pics too!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
My German Shepherd girl, Baroness Kazmir von Boyer
Baroness Kazmir von Boyer was born February 28, 2002 at 7:35p and died July 28, 2011 - almost to the hour that she was born. She leaves a big hole in my heart, in my husband's heart, in her brother's heart and his life...Justice is lost without her. He has never known life without his "little" sister. Although she was younger than him, as she was 'puppy #7' and Justice was 'puppy #2', she was bigger than him. She was his sister and playmate, following her everywhere. He didn't like walking behind her but rather beside her when going for walks to the park....he was anxious when she was gone.
Although they were siblings, they were different. Kazmir LOVED thunderstorms and fireworks - she barked for more! She LOVED swimming in the river - summer and winter! She LOVED going for rides in the truck or car - always alert, never sleeping, but watching out the window until it was too dark to do so! Kazmir always walked the perimeter of wherever she was. She LOVED her mailman (who always gave her treats which she caught) but did NOT like the UPS man!! She was intimidating but really she was just a big baby!
And she LOVED US!! Always happy to see us, whether we were gone for a week or just a few minutes.
My girl had a cancerous bladder tumor - inoperable and incurable. The time had come for her departure from this earth....and although she is not physically here, we know her spirit is around us and with us.
There hasn't been a day since she left us that I have not thought about her, been reminded of her....and her unconditional love.
So, with love and thru tears, I say to her "Kazmir, we love & miss you - your memory will always be with us."
 |
| Baroness Kazmir von Boyer |
Do you know what unconditional love is? Anyone who is lucky enough to own a dog knows! This past week was a very tough week for me and my family....we had to give our German Shepherd back to God.
Baroness Kazmir von Boyer was born February 28, 2002 at 7:35p and died July 28, 2011 - almost to the hour that she was born. She leaves a big hole in my heart, in my husband's heart, in her brother's heart and his life...Justice is lost without her. He has never known life without his "little" sister. Although she was younger than him, as she was 'puppy #7' and Justice was 'puppy #2', she was bigger than him. She was his sister and playmate, following her everywhere. He didn't like walking behind her but rather beside her when going for walks to the park....he was anxious when she was gone.
Although they were siblings, they were different. Kazmir LOVED thunderstorms and fireworks - she barked for more! She LOVED swimming in the river - summer and winter! She LOVED going for rides in the truck or car - always alert, never sleeping, but watching out the window until it was too dark to do so! Kazmir always walked the perimeter of wherever she was. She LOVED her mailman (who always gave her treats which she caught) but did NOT like the UPS man!! She was intimidating but really she was just a big baby!
And she LOVED US!! Always happy to see us, whether we were gone for a week or just a few minutes.
My girl had a cancerous bladder tumor - inoperable and incurable. The time had come for her departure from this earth....and although she is not physically here, we know her spirit is around us and with us.
There hasn't been a day since she left us that I have not thought about her, been reminded of her....and her unconditional love.
So, with love and thru tears, I say to her "Kazmir, we love & miss you - your memory will always be with us."
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Households and Budgets
Little scary watching the news recently....Here AND abroad! My heart hurts for the survivors and families of the victims in the Norway massacre. Good thing my vacation is going to be in the states in a "lesser known" area!
And the Nation's budget?! Come on! Let's get it together...bottom line is you're gonna have to do what the rest of the nation is already doing - tighten your belts, let some 'luxuries' slide and pay your bills! How difficult is that? I think the Senators and Congressmen should just move over and let the housewives/househusbands of the world come in and get things in order!
We know how to set a budget, get creative with finding ways to fund that budget and most importantly, we know how to stick to it!! After all, running a household complete with kids, pets, a working spouse - plus working ourselves - is pretty much like running Congress (everyone is talking at the same time, always wanting something, going somewhere and no one wants to clean up the messes) Even the president and the guy that just started shooting in Norway are acting like spoiled children because they're not getting what they want, not getting their way.
Well, there's less than a week to start straightening up and acting like civilized grown-ups who know how to communicate, compromise and negotiate for the American people. This is one little lady who's gonna be keeping a close eye on them - and if I'm not happy with the outcome, then I'll use my vote to "clean house".
"If Mama Ain't Happy, Watch out!"
And the Nation's budget?! Come on! Let's get it together...bottom line is you're gonna have to do what the rest of the nation is already doing - tighten your belts, let some 'luxuries' slide and pay your bills! How difficult is that? I think the Senators and Congressmen should just move over and let the housewives/househusbands of the world come in and get things in order!
We know how to set a budget, get creative with finding ways to fund that budget and most importantly, we know how to stick to it!! After all, running a household complete with kids, pets, a working spouse - plus working ourselves - is pretty much like running Congress (everyone is talking at the same time, always wanting something, going somewhere and no one wants to clean up the messes) Even the president and the guy that just started shooting in Norway are acting like spoiled children because they're not getting what they want, not getting their way.
Well, there's less than a week to start straightening up and acting like civilized grown-ups who know how to communicate, compromise and negotiate for the American people. This is one little lady who's gonna be keeping a close eye on them - and if I'm not happy with the outcome, then I'll use my vote to "clean house".
"If Mama Ain't Happy, Watch out!"
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Is it HOT enough for you?
Oh - my - goodness!!!! I think my favorite phrase this week is the one uttered by the Wicked Witch of the West in the 'Wizard of Oz' right after Dorothy threw water on her - "I'm melting..."
That's how I am feeling these days as the temperatures reach the upper 90's and the heat index in the triple digits! I'M MELTING!!
Doesn't seem like anything keeps me cool these days...I walk from my studio downstairs to the kitchen upstairs and I just melt....the glass of ice-cold tea cools me off enough to walk back down the stairs to the studio again to finish working. You might be thinking "Liz don't you have air conditioning in your studio?" to which I'd tell you "Nope, but even if I did, with all the talking I do, the hot air overpowers the cool air anyway!"
Forget about finding clothes that are cool enough, even a swimsuit isn't cutting it now! I may single-handedly bring the halter-top back!! Oh and forget about drying my hair (with the hairdryer) after taking a cold shower..the only hairstyle I have these days is the ponytail! Whew!
I don't mind heat but I do mind the humidity that comes with it - it just zaps you! Wish you could see my dogs & cats right now - downright lazy as they sleep the day away! It zaps them too!
There is an upside to this however - I have empathy for Frosty the Snowman!! I now know how he felt as he melted away.
That's how I am feeling these days as the temperatures reach the upper 90's and the heat index in the triple digits! I'M MELTING!!
Doesn't seem like anything keeps me cool these days...I walk from my studio downstairs to the kitchen upstairs and I just melt....the glass of ice-cold tea cools me off enough to walk back down the stairs to the studio again to finish working. You might be thinking "Liz don't you have air conditioning in your studio?" to which I'd tell you "Nope, but even if I did, with all the talking I do, the hot air overpowers the cool air anyway!"
Forget about finding clothes that are cool enough, even a swimsuit isn't cutting it now! I may single-handedly bring the halter-top back!! Oh and forget about drying my hair (with the hairdryer) after taking a cold shower..the only hairstyle I have these days is the ponytail! Whew!
I don't mind heat but I do mind the humidity that comes with it - it just zaps you! Wish you could see my dogs & cats right now - downright lazy as they sleep the day away! It zaps them too!
There is an upside to this however - I have empathy for Frosty the Snowman!! I now know how he felt as he melted away.
The Royal Clothing Tour
I'm just enthralled with Royalty! British Royalty to be exact....and yes, I DID follow Prince William and his bride Catherine during their trip to Canada and the United States. I'm sure they're home resting and trying to be a "normal married couple" now.
The focus should have been on their goings on, however, for me, the focus seemed to be on Kate! (yes, I know I'm not supposed to call her Kate, but I just can't help myself!) Her choice of clothing seemed to be perfect....and I'm told by a very reliable source that she chose her wardrobe with very little help. I will say that it was on the "safe" side - not too flashy and not too outlandish, very "proper" for a Duchess and a young lady. By the way, Prince William looked handsome in everything he wore!
I'm in awe of her poise and her clothing taste. I tend to agree with Cara Kelly in her blog of Kate's top 5 best looks....read and enjoy....I've got to go clean out my clothes closet!! ;)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/royal-wedding-watch/post/top-5-kates-best-looks/2011/07/11/gIQAyeCX9H_blog.html
The focus should have been on their goings on, however, for me, the focus seemed to be on Kate! (yes, I know I'm not supposed to call her Kate, but I just can't help myself!) Her choice of clothing seemed to be perfect....and I'm told by a very reliable source that she chose her wardrobe with very little help. I will say that it was on the "safe" side - not too flashy and not too outlandish, very "proper" for a Duchess and a young lady. By the way, Prince William looked handsome in everything he wore!
I'm in awe of her poise and her clothing taste. I tend to agree with Cara Kelly in her blog of Kate's top 5 best looks....read and enjoy....I've got to go clean out my clothes closet!! ;)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/royal-wedding-watch/post/top-5-kates-best-looks/2011/07/11/gIQAyeCX9H_blog.html
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Aftermaths
The weather in the Midwest has been so very UNpredictable! First we lost our Spring, well, had about 2 weeks of spring then went directly into the "Dog Days" of Summer! Sweltering...to say the least. And the storms! Wow - those really HAVE been something to write home about. In my little part of the world, the trees are still standing and the river is still in it's banks....but in my hometown, they've been hit hard! There are many beautiful trees that are down in the state parks making them inhospitable to campers. The power has been out for many people for as many as 4 days - and in THIS HEAT and HUMIDITY that's NOT a good thing!
I know there are still people I love who are dealing with the aftermath of tornados that have torn up their homes and towns....there are still people I love who are dealing with the aftermath of flooding....there are still people I love who are dealing with the aftermath of the power outages..those are the people that I am still praying for as that's all I can do from here. But the power of prayer is enormous!
So when you get ready to lay your head on your pillow - please say a prayer for those that are still awake and dealing with the aftermath of something!
I know there are still people I love who are dealing with the aftermath of tornados that have torn up their homes and towns....there are still people I love who are dealing with the aftermath of flooding....there are still people I love who are dealing with the aftermath of the power outages..those are the people that I am still praying for as that's all I can do from here. But the power of prayer is enormous!
So when you get ready to lay your head on your pillow - please say a prayer for those that are still awake and dealing with the aftermath of something!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Gathering of Elizabeths
Are you or do you know someone named 'Liz', 'Betty', 'Beth', 'Liza', 'Lizbeth', 'Bessie' or 'Elizabeth'??
If your first, middle or even LAST name is "Elizabeth", then YOU are wanted - Saturday, June 25, 2011, 9:30a-12:30a CST for the "Gathering of Elizabeths" at Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth Illinois to set a new world record for the largest number of people named 'Elizabeth' gathered in one location! WOW!
Yes, I am an 'Elizabeth' although everyone except my mom calls me 'Liz' - I can't wait to be part of this day. My hubby and I happened upon this quite by accident as we were taking a motorcycle ride one weekend thru Illinois, specifically near Galena. Once we returned home I looked up the event and was amazed at what was being planned!
This is the 3rd Annual Gathering of Elizabeths. The first year had 436 registered Elizabeths with the oldest being 86 and the youngest just an infant! The farthest away an Elizabeth traveled to attend was overseas (England) but from the states, Maryland won that prize. Most Elizabeths have come from Illinois and the surrounding states - Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.
The three women named Elizabeth who helped save Apple River Fort during a June 1832 Black Hawk War battle, thus becoming the inspiration for the town's name, will be recognized. There will also be the crowning of a "Queen Elizabeth" for the day. (Perhaps I should bring my own crown, hmmm? After all, I was a pageant queen!) Although Great Britain's monarch of the same name has been invited in the past (and sent her regrets), organizers still plan to name thier own royalty in cse Her Highness' schedule once again precludes her attendance. You know, it's just too bad Prince William and his bride Catherine won't be in the states for the event, that would really be a "royal coup"!
Once the registration is over (9:30a-11:30a at the Community Building) and all Elizabeths accounted for, there will be a short program at 11a and a group photo taken at noon. Visitors can enjoy a craft show; downtown sidewalk sale; the unveiling of the "Elizabeth" wine by Massbach Ridge Winery; a "barn dance" concert featuring 1800s music with several people dressed in 1830's attire and much more!
The event is open to the public....Guaranteed fun by all - especially those named "Elizabeth"! Come spend the morning with me...if you can't find me, just ask for "Elizabeth"!
DETAILS: http://www.MostElizabeths.com
If your first, middle or even LAST name is "Elizabeth", then YOU are wanted - Saturday, June 25, 2011, 9:30a-12:30a CST for the "Gathering of Elizabeths" at Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth Illinois to set a new world record for the largest number of people named 'Elizabeth' gathered in one location! WOW!
Yes, I am an 'Elizabeth' although everyone except my mom calls me 'Liz' - I can't wait to be part of this day. My hubby and I happened upon this quite by accident as we were taking a motorcycle ride one weekend thru Illinois, specifically near Galena. Once we returned home I looked up the event and was amazed at what was being planned!
This is the 3rd Annual Gathering of Elizabeths. The first year had 436 registered Elizabeths with the oldest being 86 and the youngest just an infant! The farthest away an Elizabeth traveled to attend was overseas (England) but from the states, Maryland won that prize. Most Elizabeths have come from Illinois and the surrounding states - Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.
The three women named Elizabeth who helped save Apple River Fort during a June 1832 Black Hawk War battle, thus becoming the inspiration for the town's name, will be recognized. There will also be the crowning of a "Queen Elizabeth" for the day. (Perhaps I should bring my own crown, hmmm? After all, I was a pageant queen!) Although Great Britain's monarch of the same name has been invited in the past (and sent her regrets), organizers still plan to name thier own royalty in cse Her Highness' schedule once again precludes her attendance. You know, it's just too bad Prince William and his bride Catherine won't be in the states for the event, that would really be a "royal coup"!
Once the registration is over (9:30a-11:30a at the Community Building) and all Elizabeths accounted for, there will be a short program at 11a and a group photo taken at noon. Visitors can enjoy a craft show; downtown sidewalk sale; the unveiling of the "Elizabeth" wine by Massbach Ridge Winery; a "barn dance" concert featuring 1800s music with several people dressed in 1830's attire and much more!
The event is open to the public....Guaranteed fun by all - especially those named "Elizabeth"! Come spend the morning with me...if you can't find me, just ask for "Elizabeth"!
DETAILS: http://www.MostElizabeths.com
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Where did it go??
WOW - where did our Spring go? It seems like it went from winter right into summer! OK, I know it really didn't cause there were a few REALLY cold days and nite and LOTS of springtime tornados...but it sure seems like it when the temps reach 95-degrees and it's only the first of JUNE in the midwest!
Makes it a little harder to want to plant a garden, work on the yard or do any "spring cleaning". Wonder what Mother Nature is thinking? Or what Father Time is doing? They seem to be outta sorts too!
Better enjoy it now because before long we'll be back in the deep freeze!! :)
Makes it a little harder to want to plant a garden, work on the yard or do any "spring cleaning". Wonder what Mother Nature is thinking? Or what Father Time is doing? They seem to be outta sorts too!
Better enjoy it now because before long we'll be back in the deep freeze!! :)
Friday, May 13, 2011
A new Angel
Wow it's been a tough week on earth....although a joyous one in heaven! Why? Because Heaven just got a new angel named Kailey. While my heart is heavy and my eyes are tearing up just typing this, my soul is singing out loud knowing Kailey is with our Lord and out of pain. I want to thank all of you who read, followed and prayed for my little cousin and her family even though you didn't know her....if you did, you'd have loved her too! :) I'd like to share with you the posting from her CaringBridge website. I hope it inspires you like it does me. Again, Thank you and God Bless.
Therefore, we have received a miracle today: she is with the LORD! While this is not what we wanted, we know that she has the peace of God in his presence from now until everlasting. We are so sad to have lost her and we lament that she is not physically being a light to those around her any more. Her impact is still being felt and will be felt for a long time. Please turn your prayers to us for the Lord's strength to get us through this time. We grieve deeply, but we grieve with the hope of the resurrection. We think of the story of Lazarus, where Jesus says "I am the Resurrection and the Life." He says that Lazarus' story will not end in death, and Jesus raises him. Kailey's story will not end in death; she will be raised up with a new body when Jesus comes back. (John 11)
We thank you for your prayers and your support. You all have been wonderful. Please send emails and cards and avoid phone calls at this time. We thank God for all of you.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 11:16 AM, CDT
Glory to God! There was a miracle today, although not quite what we hoped and prayed for. At 10:15 am today, Kailey went to be with the Lord. She died surrounded by her family and knowing that she is greatly loved by us and many others. She also knew that God loved her infinitely more than we ever could. At an FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp, she professed repentance and faith in Christ with mom present. By the blood of Christ shed on the cross and in the power of his resurrection, she has been reconciled to God and her sin has been wiped away. She is wrapped up in the Lord's embrace.Therefore, we have received a miracle today: she is with the LORD! While this is not what we wanted, we know that she has the peace of God in his presence from now until everlasting. We are so sad to have lost her and we lament that she is not physically being a light to those around her any more. Her impact is still being felt and will be felt for a long time. Please turn your prayers to us for the Lord's strength to get us through this time. We grieve deeply, but we grieve with the hope of the resurrection. We think of the story of Lazarus, where Jesus says "I am the Resurrection and the Life." He says that Lazarus' story will not end in death, and Jesus raises him. Kailey's story will not end in death; she will be raised up with a new body when Jesus comes back. (John 11)
We thank you for your prayers and your support. You all have been wonderful. Please send emails and cards and avoid phone calls at this time. We thank God for all of you.
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