SAFARI!

I'm finally getting around to posting about the Faith Christian '08 Auction.

I've been decorating for their auctions for about 4 years now & ALWAYS love doing it. Nita gives me 'free rein' (or that could be interpreted 'reign' too!) to do whatever I want with the theme & she is SO supportive of my ideas. There are always a bunch of ladies to help (without whom I couldn't do what I do!). And voila --- before you know it - it's done.

This was the first time I've done a Safari theme & my idea was to create a look based on early 1900's Africa ie: Out of Africa/African Queen, etc, with lots of textural elements, including animal prints and not too focused on the 'kill' factor, which makes some people squeemish. (is that a word?! - I think it ranks right up there with dollop!)

I think we were successful - I know I loved the results & they did too!

If you want to see more pics, check out my album on shutterfly (be sure to view the slideshow in full-screen mode for the best effect) http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbuW7Fs2YuGLwQ&emid=sharshar&linkid=link5

Blue Nami

We FINALLY made it to Roseville for sushi with the Afatos! We've been threatening to go for sushi together before Shari ever got pregnant with Nyla (who just turned 1!) We may be slow, but we're sure!

Fou & Shari introduced us to this neat little place called "Blue Nami" (as in blue wave). Of course, the guys ordered a BOAT!!!! and we have the remainder in our fridge, waiting for a midnight snack. Shari was a good sport & tried a little bit of sushi (not a big fan) I ordered a deep-fried soft-shell crab roll (my personal fav) and something new to me from the boat was a roll w/thin lemon slices..... and in my book, anything lemon is the best! To quote Rachel Ray --- "YUM-O!"

Thanks Fou & Shari for such a fun evening --- we especially appreciate the effort it takes for the two of you to get out of town while shepherding your 6 little people at home! You are two of the best people, parents, and friends we know!

Leo -- the Rooster?

Remember the Baby Einstein video from a month ago? Well, now our boy is doing something even cuter! After watching a rooster strut around & crow --- Leo started to imitate the crowing sound after the rooster crowed. Of course, once mom & dad realized what was going on, they had to play that part of the tape over & over -- after about the 3rd time thru, Leo would crow whenever the rooster appeared on the video --- BEFORE the rooster even crowed!
My grandson IS a genius!

Find Your Style

"Find Your Style" - I LOVE this show -- check out their website & find your own personal decorating style. For those of you who know me well, decorating is something I absolutely love. I took the 'quiz' and my results were spot on! -- **Traditional elegance meets modern lines**

Here are a couple shots of our living room (dressed for spring/summer).

Check out the show -- and have fun! http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/shows_hfys

The Proud Gramma

This is the best pic yet of me & Leo --- the only thing better would be if Grampa was in it too!

Love you Grampa Ken XOXOOXXXXX

Leo's 1st Visit with RaRa's 'kids'!

Well, it was inevitable, Leo had to be introduced to the 'kids'. If you check out Rachel's blog, you'll see her post about the puppies (I use that word in the loosest sense of the word!)

We had Sunday family dinner with Trevor's extended family & all the dogs were there. Rachel & Trev have PigE (the black English Staffie) & the newest member of their family, Heffe (the white French bulldog). Heffe's pretty much a handfull --- just like a toddler - into EVERYTHING! Like Rachel says "who needs kids when you've got Heffe?" PigE keeps him under control tho.

Leo's Mommy & Daddy Too!

Couldn't wait to show you this precious little family! I loved every minute of my time with them --- they put up with me even when I'm cranky & missing grampa~