About a month or so ago, I helped my friend, Pam, make bridal shower invitations for a shower for her niece. Then, about a week and a half before the shower, she says to me “what kind of favors can WE make for the shower”. Are you catching all this? “A week and a half before the shower” and “WE”. I give her two suggestions of cute ideas I’ve seen recently. First, was a decorated notepad matchbook. Second, was a Post-It Note coaster (see the Chic ‘n Scratch blog for a great tutorial). What do WE decide to make…yes, the Post-It Note coasters.

Fortunately, I have enough coasters, mostly purchased. Some pillaged from Outback and Sweetwater Traven (shhh!). The key is then finding a store locally with the Bind-It All wires in stock. Between Angela’s, The Queen’s Ink and the USPS...we’re in business. And, WE decide WE want them all personalize with the first initial of the guests who are attending the shower. Oh, and by the way, did I mention that WE have to make 36 of them?

I have to say, WE did a fabulous job…didn’t WE!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day does signify the unofficial start of summer. More importantly, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. I, personally, would like to thank our service members, past and present for their personal sacrificies to protect our country and our freedom.

My cousin, Jeremy, is currently serving the U.S. Marine Corps. One of his tours brought him to Washington, DC to serve with Marine One during former President Bush's second term (he's on the right). Jeremy's dad also served on Marine One during the Carter administration.

Marlynn recently blogged about starting a "Gratitude Journal". Each night you write down five things you are grateful for. I am thankful that every night when I go to bed, I will wake up and still be free.

I'll Scream Later - Marlee Matlin

Recently, Phil and I ventured in to DC for Marlee Matlin’s book signing at Border’s. Her new book, I’ll Scream Later was released on April 14, 2009.

She first read from her book and then took a series of questions. She is just as beautiful in person as she is on the cover of her book, the big screen and television. But, listening to her speak, you can tell she is just as beautiful on the inside as the outside. I would think in another life, we could be girlfriends.

Phil had books signed for his mother and sister and her family.

He shared with her that he is the child of two deaf parents who raised two great kids. She laughed at his comment and even shared it with her interpreter, Jack. How proud I was to see my guy “signing” with a movie star!

2009 Reston Pet Fiesta

For the second year in a row, we have attended the Reston Pet Fiesta with Oliver. The fiesta is an outdoor festival of local businesses, animal rescue groups and pet owners. The fiesta was kicked off with the Tails on the Trails dog walk to benefit the Gooddogz.org organization. The walk was approximately one mile on the WO&D trail. Oliver still doesn’t quite understand the concept of a leisurely walk and pulled us along the trail, with the occasional puppy ADD moments of backtracking to say hello to the pack behind him.

Dozens of animals are wondering throughout the day (with an escort…of course) looking for their forever home. Oliver provided his words of encouragement to one puppy in particular looking for a good home.

As you can see, Fairfax County encourages recruits of all sizes.

The wonderful organization Westie Rescue, Inc. once again was on hand with their representative, Bell. She is quite the queen/lady and maintained her composure as Oliver hopped around in front of her like a court jester.

Tails were waggin’ and bellies were being scratched.

It was a good doggie day!

Rock Lobster

(singing)

"We were at a party
His ear lobe fell in the deep
Someone reached in and grabbed it
It was a rock lobster

We were at the beach
Everybody had matching towels
Somebody went under a dock
And there they saw a rock
It wasn't a rock
It was a rock lobster"

On a recent trip to the "man's store" (Lowe's) for a dryer vent hose thingy, I wondered through the garden section looking for potting soil. There he is...

Now was he on my shopping list? No! Did I need him? No! But he had to come home with me. Why was I drawn to this portly lobster? Is it my Florida roots? My love of the beach? It certainly isn't my love of seafood (my motto is "if it swims...I don't eat it"). Or am I just reminiscing of the frat parties The B-52's concert back in the 80’s? Probably all of the above.

So, in case you missed the frat parties or just want to relive the memories, sing with me (Rock Lobster).

Rubber Ducky...You're the One...

This is Oliver's warm up to a visit to Korie's house this summer. Apparently, she loves to photograph her beautiful little girls and visiting pets ala Anne Geddes. Since he's got the hairy white face going on, don't be surprised if you see Oliver sporting an Uncle Sam get up on the 4th of July!