Celebrate

...& sharing more wonderful family news...

Our younger daughter, Girly~Whirly...

 a sweet princess...

Top photo: 2007 University of Lousiville Homecoming Queen

Bottom Left photo: 2008 Kentucky Derby Princess

Bottom Right photo: taken this spring 2011 @ the Kentucky Derby tea party for "those future princesses" :o)

*****

...had met her Prince Charming...

A sweet couple

  ...in every season...

Clockwise: Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg snow!

Keeneland Races, Keeneland again

...in sunshiny days...

...in stunning sunsets...

...while out and about...

...while in Savannah...

Clockwise: after church, lunch at an old Savannah restaurant, at Forsythe Park

...visiting at our other daughter (Girly~Twirly) 

& son-in-law (Dr. Awesome)'s beautiful new home...

...at numerous weddings of friends...

...at a special occasion...

Dr Amazing's dental school graduation

*****

This sweet couple

on 11/11/11

 ...at a surprise beach picnic planned by Dr. Amazing...

 

...at the Outerbanks...

& after a ride on the beach...

 ...the proposal!

...engaged!

From when our three were very little, we have always prayed for their future spouses...My husband would pray for them to have Chrisitan spouses, whose whole heart is given to Jesus Christ, strong in their faith and walk, who would love, honor, cherish, support, care for them...

When our girls were older, they interjected one night with..."Dad, don't forget "good-looking" too :o)

We look forward to the many blessings ahead as our family grows!

Happy to be joining in again...

...with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday's "C"

 

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Here are a few art orders completed:

I have more, but will wait until I know that they were already given.

 Thank you Linda, for sending this photo of one of your Eiffel Towers. I love the matting and framing that you chose!

 

Thank you also for your feedback at my Etsy shop:

"We asked Maria to sketch the Eiffel Tower with our son, Zachary's name. He will be serving a mission for our church for the next two years and we wanted something in our home (and in his one day) to remind us of the selfless work he will be doing and how proud we are of our son, Zach. Maria captured our idea perfectly and made this beautiful sketch for us. We couldn't be happier with her artwork or her customer service. Thank you, Maria! "

Here are two orders from Tracie. I'll post her other order later, since it has not been given yet.

She chose this sweet pose from her sweet pup's photo. ...who had passed away not too long ago.

 & this one is of Lady Justice, as a gift for her boss, who is a lawyer.

Thank you very much for your email:

"...The package arrived yesterday (safe and sound!).  I knew the sketches would be amazing, but they are AAAMMMAAAZZZIIINNNGGG!!!!  You are so talented!  I can't wait to pick out frames for them, and I will send you pictures once they're framed and ready.  I will definitely pass along your information to all my friends and family!

And I'm sure I will be ordering again -- I'm already thinking of more things for you to sketch :)"

 *****

Thank you all for your lovely visits and comments! I still need to catch up with last week's post!

A winner and a few updates

Congratulations to the winner of UPrinting's 250 club flyers!
It is this comment left by Jen:

 "My husband could really use some business cards right now so I would love some of those! I also love that you get a free 16X20 poster with a $50 order!"

Now, remember, although these are what is called "club flyers", they can be printed with whatever you choose.  I am very happy with the items for my business that I have received in the past through UPrinting.  So, I look forward to the 250 flyers that UPrinting has so generously given me as well.  

It has been wonderful to be busy with art orders and calligraphy work, so will be sure to get around and visit all the wonderful blog friends once, I get caught up :o)

I'm looking forward to the upcoming Fall Social Freebies with IPOD giveaway ...a great event for meeting new blog friends and fun giveaways hosted by Pink Dandy Chatter & Between The Lines!

& I will be joining in on the Secret Santa fun over at Colorado Lady. 

If you are interested...

take a peek at these lovely ladies' blogs to see what all the *F*U*N* is about & ...C'mon & Join in!

*****

Here are a a few of the most recent art orders, that I can share since I don't think they will be accidently viewed here by those still yet to receive them.

Thank you Linda for your initial email:
 "...I attended the Smiles for Life brunch and fundraiser on Saturday and fell in love with your work. Would it be possible for you to create another sketch just like the one of the "Kentucky Horse" you donated for the auction?..."




& for your request for the other 3 to be drawn.

"I really love the Horse picture we saw at the Smiles for Life auction this year so I think we will stay with that for our sketch.  ...the Eiffel Tower to be used on both sketches.  You don't need to add the trees on the sides or the other details of the city shown under the tower in the picture unless you feel it enhances the over all sketch..."     

1. Horse head for Linda's home, chosen to remind them a bit of their time living in Kentucky.

2. Same horse head image, but drawn this time with their friend's last name: BLODGETT & also with additional calligraphy centered beneath of Lexington, Kentucky (name of lettering style chosen: Californya A).

3. The Eiffel tower, drawn for the 2 years, their son will be living in Paris, France.

Additional calligraphy of NOVEMBER 2011~2013 (Name of lettering style: Californya A). 

 

 

4. Another Eiffel tower also drawn to be given as a gift. Additional calligraphy of NOVEMBER 2011~2013 (Name of lettering style chosen: Californya A).

Linda, I am glad that you are happy with your art & I appreciate your email that you sent after you received them all.

Linda's email:      "We received our sketches in the mail yesterday and they are absolutely beautiful. I am heading over to Michaels as soon as I'm finished working today to purchase my frames and put everything together. I am SO excited to share a few of them as gifts...they will love them! Thank you for putting a rush on everything so that I would have them in time."

Thank you again for stopping by and commenting! (I am still behind in returning my blog visits to all those that commented in my past few posts, but will be sure to stop by! I truly appreciate all of you that stop by to say hi!)

Yipee! Yay! Yahoo! Yesiree!

...the comment drawn for the $50 NOVICA gift certificate...

"I've been following your FB page for awhile! I've always admired your work!"

Thank you Jennifer for participating!

Please contact me in the next 48 hours, so that I can give you the special code.

I finally decided on what I would like to purchase with my $50 NOVICA certificate.

They truly have so many unique and beautiful items, from jewelry to home decor to clothing, etc...so I did take longer than I planned in placing my order.

I have a fine silver filigree necklace, (with *I think* Black Mother of Pearl insets), that belonged to my mom back in the 1960's...it was handcrafted and purchased in Bagiuo City, Philippines. 

It is beautiful; however, I have not worn it as often as I would have, since I didnt have any earrings that would go with it. 

So, I took it out of my jewelry box and looked at NOVICA's site to see if there might be something that would work well with it. 

The photo is of my mom's necklace. 

The inset on the bottom right shows a set of earrings that has the filligree and tiny silver ball details that are like those on the necklace. 

The name of the artisan that handcrafted these earrings is Giuliana Valz-Gen from the Andes. 

There was another pair that she created that was so identical with the details on the necklace! (But since I decided to share the gift certificate with one of my readers, I am very happy with this pair that was at a lower price.)

I also learned the difference between "fine silver" and "sterling silver".

"...Fine silver is 99.9% pure or more, but it is very soft..." So much more malleable with work like filigree details.

"Sterling silver is 92.5% to under 99.9%. The remaining 5 to 7.5% is usually copper, because this has been found to be the best metal to alloy with silver and not discolor it, while making it hard."  (source: Ted Mooney on google search)

*******

Today, was my day off from work, so I wasn't polishing any pearly whites :o) 

Instead, I went to a retirement ceremony and lunch at my husband's work.

(Usually, I share our past family photos on my post, but I thought I would share these ones that show a bit of what we were doing today.) 

My handsome hubby has a wonderful speaking voice. (side note: I love to have him do his "radio announcer type voice for me! haha    ...& I tell him all the time that he should do voice overs or something with radio/tv, etc...)  Today, he was narrating the awards of appreciation given to three of their hard working men. Between the three of them, they have about 87 years of combined Department of the Army Civilian service! Thank you, to these men for that service!

& Thank you to all those that participated! As I have done in the past, I would like to extend to those for commenting to this giveaway, 10% off of one Personalized Sketches artwork.  (I do this because when I do have a giveaway, I wish that I was able to give each commenter the winning piece!  So, please feel free to contact me, if you are interested  

in ordering any image with the name of your choice with 10% off.)

*******

The following two drawings were drawn for the University of Kentucky's 5th Annual Smile for Life event. Both our daughters, with other dental students, have and are very involved with making this event a success.

Our daughter chose a beautiful frame and mat for this one.

(sorry that this image came through the email a little fuzzy)

& this one also for the silent auction

I love this one that she picked out for the horse head too.

(Girly~Twirly has participated by modeling, organizing, and designing tshirts for this event... And Girly~Whirly also modeled, organized and actually is working tonight on more of the details for tomorrow's event).

"Smiles for Life event was begun by Dr. Erin Langfels in order to create a fund for victims of domestic violence so that they would be able to receive dental care for no cost to them at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. In order to raise  money for this fund, she began Smiles for Life; a Fall Fashion Show, Brunch, and Silent Auction. 100% of the proceeds from this event go directly to the Bluegrass Domestic  Violence Center where the money is earmarked for individuals and families entering the center to be able to receive much needed dental care. Their needs stem from injury and neglect, as oral health often is not a priority when one is trying to survive in a violent situation.

As women in dentistry, the UK chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists has continued this event and is proud to say that over the past 4 years over $40,000 has been placed in this fund and we have helped many victims of domestic violence across the bluegrass.

Joining in
...with Semper Wifey & Life with My Littles for Military Monday Blog Hop

...with Jenny's  Alphabe-Thursday's "Y" 

...with Mel for Fancy Friday Blog hop.

So glad our daughter invited me to join in the fun with Pinterest!
Would love to invite you to follow me on Pinterest.

Blessed because He LIVES!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

I am  joining in this week's  Alphabe-Thursday's "B" with Jenny!

&

Alicia for FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK.

Although our family is scattered physically, living in various states, we are so thankful that no matter the miles between us...our love is forever connected and brings us together in thoughts and hearts.

While our children were able to spend a wonderful day at our son-in-law's parent's home to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, Dave and I were blessed to spend the day at the beautiful home of our dear, dear friends here in Georgia. 

It was fun to be there with their children and their 10 grandchildren!

Here are some past "1st Easter" photos...

My hubby's 1st Easter... with his big brother, who is 14 months older. 

~Hilo, Hawaii~

Their mom sewed a lot of their outfits, although these matching ones was sewn by one of their dad's sisters.

Girly~Twirly's (aka theluckiestmrs.)1st Easter

~Hilo, Hawaii~

This was taken in front of Mr. B's parent's home.

 Girly~Whirly's 1st Easter. I sewed the girls dresses and the bonnet and hairbow.

~Ft. Walton Beach, Florida~

This was taken when we went to visit Mr. B's uncle, aunt, their daughter and granddaughter.

Heartbreaker's 1st Easter.

~Schofield Barracks, Hawaii~

It was a beautiful, sunny day...the little tshirt dresses, I drew a little bear, bunny and racoon on with fabric paint and sewed the bottom to create the dresses and Heartbreaker had the t shirt with the little racoon drawn with fabric paint.

We have so many other past Easter photos, but thought I would share just a couple more:

I love that Mr. B's mom sewed the matching shirts and the dresses. Love the matching colored purses and shoes that his mom and sister have. (Mr. B's 5th Easter)

~Hilo, Hawaii~

Here we are also in Mr. B's parent's home...about 22 years later :o)

I was pregnant with Heartbreaker. (That dress made me look Humongous!!)

**********

And then these were taken this past weekend with our dear friends (B & T) after church.

These are the desserts that I made to bring to their home. The cute bird's nests I tried from Lorraine's recipe.. There also was the Strawberry pretzel dessert, the Chocolate Krinkle Cookies, and the pretzel turtles.

They have a gorgeous home.

This is one of their beautiful grandchildren helping bring some of the amazing food prepared by B.

And here are some art orders recently sent in the mail...some of the recent winners of the recent giveaways on my blog and my facebook. I will be posting more after they have been received. I love to do these and appreciate everyone's interest.  I'm very blessed that I am keeping busy with so many great requests for the art that I do.

"I have received the wonderful gift you made for me and I am amazed at your talent!  I plan on purchasing a mat and frame to display it in my home.

Thank you so much!  I will always think of you and your sweet family when I look at this lovely and inspirational drawing."   

Thank you, Lorraine!

This eagle was drawn for Michelle's military hubby.

"OMG! OMG! I won! Yeah! Woohoo! ... o.k. I've got it out of my system. What info do you need?"

She sent me this quote of General Douglas MacArthur's to add to it.

Thank you Michelle for also being a wonderful repeat customer!

And this monogram...

"Maria, I am so excited!!! What info do you need? Just let me know:)"

Thank you Amanda for also being a past customer.

 Thank you for your visit and comments! I love to find that you have been by and will be sure to return your lovely visit.

Zoo in Honolulu & giveaways too!

 ~~~ Z is for Zoo ~~~

We have been to other zoos besides the Honolulu zoo, but I am sharing these photos and memories, since this zoo is one that our children and my hubby have in common when they were little.

The first photo was taken in front of the Honolulu Zoo entrance.  My Handsome Hubby is the one hugging his momma.  They flew over from the "Big Island" to visit family on Oahu and went to the zoo while they were there.

I love that the boys were wearing matching shirts, shorts and "slippahs & shades" (slippers and sunglassess).

Mr. B was about 5 years old. His cute little sister is 13 months younger. And his big brother is 15 months older! 

This is such a cute shot of them watching the baby elephant. 

Next...

back to 3 years earlier...

The pigeons, doves, and other birds are a familiar sight at the Honolulu zoo...they know that they'll get food at any time. Mr. B (about 2 years old), his brother and dad were feeding them popcorn.

It looks like his dad was trying to keep Mr. B from chasing after the birds.

Here the two brothers are...free to try to catch one!

Mr. B's mom had put two albums (from birth to 7 years old filled with photos that have him in them and also his birthday cards and some special school programs) together specially for him and gave the albums to us after we were married. I love that she wrote captions underneath all the photos. 

 ~~~ Moving forward about 27 years! ~~~

We were blessed to get the assignment to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii right after Mr. B finished flight school.  Blessed to spend that time near enough to see and spend time with Mr. B's dad before he passed away.

...our Heartbreaker was born in Hawaii, so I think that's so neat that he was able to be follow his daddy, his daddy's daddy, his daddy's daddy's daddy by being the 4th generation born in Hawaii.

(It's neat to me, considering how mobile my life has been with being a military daughter and then a military wife).  

So, we tease, saying when he is married and his wife is ready to give birth, they'll have to fly to Hawaii, so that they can continue with the "being born in Hawaii" streak.

I tried to find our photos of when we were at the Honolulu zoo entrance, but cannot find any...

So, this was about that time frame. My Handsome Hawaiian Hubby holding Heartbreaker, with our sweet girls squeezing as close as they can to their daddy :o)

Mr. B, Heartbreaker, Girly~Whirly & Girly~Twirly

 Me and our three...

This was actually taken the day after Girly~Twirly's 7th birthday. We are posing by her new bike.

~~~ Two years later ~~~

...near the zoo...the many, many birds, whose lineage may have been of those when Mr. B was little.

..still there waiting for food!

Mr. B, Girly~Whirly and Girly~Twirly

Like Mr. B's mom, I liked to dress the girls alike... 

Thankfully, they thought it was fun to dress alike when they were little too. 

(Side note: Actually, even when they were grown, Mr. B and his brother & our girls have had times where they had not discussed wearing something similar, but meet up and see that they are dressed alike or pretty close to it!

...example: we were at a family get-together, and both brothers wore jeans and similar colored, plaid shirts....even more hilarious to us at the time was when two of their boy cousins (also grown with their own families) arrived...those brothers also were wearing similar plaid shirts! & I don't think it was because  plaid was necessarily more in fashion at that time).

...example with our girls: One year, in one of our family photos for our Christmas card, the girls had almost the identical sweater style and color...not planned).

In this photo, they aren't running after the birds, but Girly~Twirly and Heartbreaker are kicking a soccer ball. Girly~Whirly is by her daddy, showing or telling him about something.

>>><<<

I am joining in with Jenny for

ALPHABE-THURSDAY "Z".

&

Alicia for 

FRIDAY PHOTO FLASHBACK.

>>><<<

~~~~~

Here are some past art orders of some animals you can find at a zoo...

Oh also about this week's giveaway...It ends midnight April 9th. 

Please go to my previous post to enter & find out more details.

Thank you for stopping by! I love to find your comments.