kaymcgee

Lost and Found

2011-03-02T09:25:00.000-06:00

That about sums up my afternoons with my parents. (In case you've missed it they both have alzheimer's disease.) Everyday we search, and search and search some more for something, anything, and everything. Eyeglasses can usually be found in the most obvious places. Daddy likes to put his in his shirt pocket and then start looking all over the house for them. When I see him looking for something I start asking him "what 'cha looking for daddy?" Sometimes he knows what it is but sometimes he doesn't. When he doesn't know we have to play the guessing game, for glasses he usually makes circles with his fingers and puts them up to his eyes and then I know what he's looking for. Dentures can almost always be found in his shirt pocket. But I have found them in the refrigerator 'soaking' in a glass of coca-cola! We look for billfolds, purses, shoes, lipstick, earrings, mail and money!!! Not long ago I was looking for mothers glasses, I picked up her purse thinking maybe she had put them in there. No glasses and no billfold! I eventually found the glasses but not the billfold. I looked and looked. I told Pat, my brother, about the missing billfold when he got home. I told him we weren't going to worry mother about this we'd just keep looking, we knew it had to be in the house somewhere. The next morning I told Linda their caregiver to keep an eye out for the billfold and if she ran across it to put it up. She didn't. She did however look for it in every spot she could think of. Now the case of the missing billfold was getting to me. I kept telling mother it was no big deal that it would turn up when we were looking for something else, as most things do! But I just couldn't quit looking. I was going through her closet when I spotted a purse in the very back corner. I finally got to it and opened the old purse and there it was, the missing billfold!! Hallelujah! I have no idea how she managed to get the purse so far back and hid in her closet but she did. When I told her I found her billfold she was so excited. She hurried to find Daddy. "Did you hear the good news?" she asked him "Kay found my billfold!" To which he replied, " I didn't know you lost your bush hog." And so goes another day in the lost and found.....

Snow Shots!!!

2011-01-15T10:09:00.000-06:00

Finally got back to work and on my computer with my photo editing software so here a few of my favorite "snow shots". Enjoy!

LOTS of SNOW!!!

Pearl the PT Cruiser was snowed in!!

Our front yard...yeah, we like Dodge Trucks!

Our big Oak Tree!

Snow day at the Ole Shamrock!!

Norma...our unexpected delivery...born on the Saturday before the big snow came in Sunday Night!

No roping going on in this pen for a while....

The pond at sunset....

The old hollow log covered in snow with the creek running through it....

Zane Daniel and our feeble attempt at a snow man....

Kelly, Zane and Ned with the snow 'cowboy'.....

Ned: Hey Zane, I'm making a snow angel...

Okay Daddy....

Ned: Zane are you watching?

Ned: Pretty cool huh Zane?

Ned: Where'd everybody go?
Oh hey Zena.....

The finished product!

Two of my favorite fellas in the whole wide world!!!

Favorite Embroidery Designs

2011-01-12T11:54:00.000-06:00

I have a lot of places that I buy embroidery designs and fonts from and one of my favorites is Apex Embroidery Designs. They have some of the coolest fonts EVER! I can take any of these designs and fonts and put them on bags, shirts, towels, etc., just let your imagination run wild!
Go to http://www.apexembdesigns.com/ check 'em out and let me know what your favorites are!
Don't forget Valentines Day is just around the corner and Easter will be here before you know it!

Snow Day(s)!

2011-01-12T11:33:00.000-06:00

Between 8 and 9 inches of snow at our house and temperatures below freezing. This was okay for the first day but I think I'm over it now! I took quite a few photos but have to go back to work to download them onto my computer with my photo software. We did go over for a little while yesterday to pick up some more feed and a few supplies. We have a hurt horse and a new calf. As they say...It's always something! When we checked on Mother and Daddy she seemed to be taking it all in stride...Daddy had gone back to bed.
Saturday, Mother and Daddy each got a card from Daddy's sister Betty Ruth. She sent Mother photos and sent Daddy a dollar bill. Daddy got a big kick out that. He said if it weren't for having to buy a stamp he'd mail that dollar right back to her! They tickle me! Mother immediately started through the house looking for a frame for one of the photos of our family! We called Betty Ruth and they both enjoyed talking to her. I'm so thankful for their good days!
Mother and Pat love to watch football together. Mother had gotten to where she couldn't concentrate long enough to enjoy a game but that seems to be improving and they have been watching bowl games and playoffs since New Years day.
I guess the roads have improved today but the high temperature is 26* and with a limited heat source at the store Dan decided we'd stay at home again today...Zane has been sick with a cold for several days now and we're having a blast playing with him and all his toys!
I'm looking forward to warmer temps next week, I'll be busy playing catch up! Hopefully I'll be posting some of my snow shots!

A Little Bit o' Zane Time....

2011-01-04T13:13:00.000-06:00

When I was going through photos yesterday to pick out a couple of Mother and Daddy I saw all these Christmas tree shots of Zane at Gran and Papa Tom's house. Enjoy!

Have You Missed Me?

2011-01-03T12:24:00.000-06:00

I've missed you!
Maybe more than you realize.
In September my mother became ill and was hospitalized. Three and 1/2 months later she has been hospitalized 3 times and spent 12 days in Senior Care rehab. She has been diagnosed with Alzheimers and Congestive Heart Failure. My Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers 2 years ago. Never did I imagine that both my parents would have this horrible disease at the same time. It has been quite an adjustment. My brother and I have managed to take care of them at home with the help of a caregiver 5 days a week. Linda comes in Monday through Friday at 8:30am and stays until 1:30pm. This enables me to work at the feed store in the mornings. I relieve her at 1:30 and then my brother relieves me at 5:30. Throw in Doctors appointments, grocery buying and beauty shop appointments and you can imagine how fast my week flies by.
Last week Mother's cousin came by to visit and was telling about losing her beloved pet and how the best way she found to cope with it was by writing....I guess that was the nudge I needed to start writing my blog again. Many days I just simply won't have the time, but when I do I will be sharing insights into the life of my family as we adjust. I plan to keep you up to date on my favorite little guy Zane Daniel too!
This may not be your 'cup of tea' and if you are a subscriber to my blog via email just let me know, I understand and I will gladly remove you from the list. If you know others who may like to read about how we are handling this difficult time in our lives please share the blog with them.
Many of you already know of our situation and have been praying for us. Your prayers are more comfort than you can imagine, keep 'em coming please!

Mother and Daddy, Christmas 2010!

Beatin' the HEAT!!!

2010-08-12T14:45:00.000-05:00

Hot doesn't even begin to describe this summer!
It has been very close to unbearable in the feed store. Our record high, inside the store, was set last week, 94.4*. The temp usually just hovers around 93.3 to 94 in the afternoon. We have fans but right now they are really just blowing the hot air around. We've been here for 19 years without air conditioning and we're not going to wimp out now! But it has been too hot for Zane to ~~hang out~~ work at the store. However, when he does come over he knows how to cool off!

Aaahhhh! Living the dream....

Hey, what's that?

Don't do what?

Wubby's a frog...of course he can get wet!

Me and PaPa cooling off on a hot day!

NEWS FLASH!!!!!!

We just tied our record high at 2:30 pm!

Tractor "Driving"

2010-07-13T13:50:00.000-05:00

One of the many presents Zane got for his birthday was a John Deere Sit-n-Scoot tractor. Zane's NICU buddy Joyce found this for him and thought he might just like it.
He loves it! And now he's really starting to get with the program. He crawls all over it and raises the seat to see the animals that are stored there. Last week he started walking behind it and pushing the tractor around the house! We think he'll be walking on his own soon...

I'm in my pj's...that's okay isn't it?

See ya later..I gotta go...

....but I'll be back....

I like farming...

...I think...

My tractor goes bbbbbbbbb....

....when I stop I like to make my wrinkly nose face...

..and sometimes my drool is going down my chin...

..and sometimes I'm just plain silly...

...sometimes I like to try to get G-mama's camera...

Peek-a-boo!

For more info on the John Deere Sit-N-Scoot tractor click HERE!

Zane & Gran

2010-07-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, July 2nd was my mother's 76th birthday!
No birthday would be complete without a visit with Zane. The smile on Gran's face speaks volumes as she talks to her favorite little fella!

It looks like Gran wasn't the only one having a fun time!

Vote For Zane!

2010-06-28T08:54:00.000-05:00

Zane is entered in the "cutest kids" contest at our local radio station!

He'd appreciate your vote!

Voting is simple just click HERE

When the new page opens simply scroll down to Zane Daniel Smith's photo and click the circle underneath.

When you have done that keep scrolling to the bottom of the page and click the box that says VOTE! Another box should pop up and say 'thanks for voting'.

You can vote once a day!

Zane says THANKS! and tell you friends, neighbors and co-workers to vote too!

1 year check-up

2010-06-24T10:27:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday was Zane's 1 year check-up with Dr. Colvard.
It went well despite the 3 shots...
Zane weighed 21 pounds and 14 ounces and he is now 30 1/2 inches tall!
Dr. Colvard said he is tall and lanky and looks GREAT!
He also said to stop the bottles...uh oh...Zane loves his bottles.
A week later though they are all packed up and it's all sippy cups now!
Zane has 6 teeth and has his own little toothbrush and toothpaste.
He is pulling up and standing real well, mostly holding onto something. However, he has let go a few times and stood alone for a few seconds. When he wants to go somewhere though he justs drops to the floor and takes off crawling as fast as he can! He loves to laugh out loud and sometimes I think he gets tickled at himself when he laughs!
A couple of his sippy cups have straws and he likes to crawl up to the sippy cup sitting on the floor and bend over to the straw and take a drink...never picking up the cup. Some might call him lazy...I prefer to call him smart! He knows he doesn't have to waste time picking up the whole cup!
Yep! He's changing fast and we're enjoying every minute of it!!!

You've Come A Long Way Baby...and you too "moo moo"!

2010-06-17T12:25:00.000-05:00

Remember when "moo moo" and Zane were the same size?

Maybe "moo moo" was a little bigger and a lot fatter than Zane...

"Moo moo" was our size guide. We would take photos of Baby Zane and "moo moo" every week to see how much Zane was growing. I'd post the photos here on the blog for everyone to marvel at.

Well, last week on Zane's 1st birthday "moo moo" had his photo taken again....

...and again

...and all I can think of is WOW!!

Zane goes to the doctor today for his 1 year check up. Can't wait to find out how he ranks developmentally with other 1 year olds. He doesn't walk yet but he does babble a lot. And he definitely knows how to get your attention!!

A couple of Saturdays ago Joe and Caroline Gilmore came down and spent the afternoon with us. While we were inside watching the horse race Ned, Kelly and Zane headed out to the barn. Shortly I heard the back door open and then I heard a pitter patter of little feet...4 of 'em to be exact!

Yep, the little stinker had ridden his pony into the house! (and people ask me if he's spoiled)

His mommy is the culprit...Zane and daddy are just innocent bystanders, can't you tell?

They claimed "Candy Bar" wanted to watch his "cousins" in the horse race.....

I don't think I'm falling for that one!

Swimming Cowboy!

2010-06-15T13:55:00.000-05:00

That Zane he's an all around hand...

He rides...

He swims...

He does it all...

With style and grace...

My Uncle Matt came to see me this past weekend...he brought me my birthday present from him and my Aunt Mary! A rockin' horse!

Not just any old rockin' horse but a

Radio Flyer Soft Rock and Bounce Pony!

Yeeeee Hawwwww!

We're going to town now!

Has anyone seen my 'wubby'?

When we finished breaking all the broncs in the house we headed to the barn so Uncle Matt could see me ride one of my other ponies...Me and Uncle Matt both wore our cowboy hats because we're cowboys and that's what cowboys do!

We had fun!

Then on Sunday my mommy and daddy blew up my new swimming pool and filled it with water...I played and played and played all day....

I had lots of new toys I got for my birthday...they were great!

When it's 96* outside with a heat index of 106* this is the place to be!

My daddy started squirtin' water on everybody and I laughed....

...and laughed!

Life is Good!

PARTY TIME!!

2010-06-09T17:09:00.001-05:00

What fun would a 1st birthday be without a party?

Family and friends gathered to celebrate Zane's birthday with us and a good time was had by all....especially the birthday boy himself.

Hamburgers, hotdogs, cold drinks, cake, ice cream, presents and pony rides...

It was a BIG day!

I was pretty busy running around keeping the party going. I really wish I had gotten shots of everyone there....sadly, I didn't..... but I did manage to get a few shots here and there. Enjoy!

Photos of Zane from birth to 1 year! Even some of his preemie clothes on display...my oh my he's grown!

Tim the Chef

Joyce came for the party!

So did Hesston and his Nana...

...and Hadlee and her mommy....

Chance and his mommy partied with us too!

Cousin Ian wouldn't miss Zane's party....

and neither would his twin brother Aaron!

The party had an Elmo theme and the cake was delicious!

Zane had his own cake...

...too bad he didn't care much for it....

Not even with a spoon...

Clothes and a cool ball cap from Nana and Grandaddy...

and a Taggie puppy dog...

Zane's little buddies really liked the pony rides...even though they have ponies at their house too....

Cowboy Hesston!

Cowgirl Hadlee!

Cowboy Chance!

Even Joyce became a cowgirl for a while!

Hadlee's Mommy and Daddy got quite the workout!

Lots and lots of presents!

G-Mama and PaPa got Zane a cowboy hat and a swimming pool!

Hesston and his mommy!

One of several tractors...all shapes and sizes!!

Zane and Joyce...party animals!

Even "Big Bertha" came and checked out the party....

At the end of the day when everyone had gone home Kelly and Ned wrote a note and tied it to one of the balloons and let it go.....

It really took off and we still have hopes of hearing from someone who finds it...

It was a wonderful end to a wonderful day!!

Happy 1st Birthday Zane Daniel!

2010-06-03T16:27:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it's been a whole year since our little miracle arrived?

It's hard for me to believe too.

So many milestones in such a short period of time....
So many prayers...
So many blessings...

So many things to be thankful for...

Things like a healthy, happy baby...

Things like an amazing family...

Things like good friends to provide the best support system ever...

Things like incredible nurses, doctors, and therapists...

Happy Birthday Zane!

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the past year. Enjoy!

Joyce Turns 1 !

2010-05-28T16:27:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday Ned, Kelly, Zane and myself traveled to Dickson, TN for Zane's NICU buddy Joyce's first birthday party.

It was a blast!

I do realize that every baby's first birthday is an important milestone but when the birthday girl started out at 2 pounds and 2 ounces it becomes very, very special!

Of course I took a few photos....Enjoy!

Joyce and her Daddy Steve....

Are you sure it's okay to eat this Daddy?

Alrighty then...it's GOOOOOD!

Joyce? Are you sure it's alright to be eatin' that cake like that?

Yeah Zane....I'm sure! Want some?

I'll share....

I've got plenty!

When this one's done I've got another one and it's even bigger....

Daddy? Do you like my Winnie the Pooh ears?

ohhhh...the paparazzie....

What cha got there Zane?

It's a ball and it's mine...

Ha! She didn't get my toy!

Sorry Joyce...Get your own...Your Mommy has 'em she's the one that gave me mine....

You know Daddy...I like parties...

Joyce and her grandmother, Kim

Joyce we must go home now, Thank You for inviting me, I had a lovely time....

and Oh yeah, Happy Birthday!

PaPa, I went to a birthday party and I got these really cool Winnie the Pooh ears and a super ball and some more stuff....and it was FUN!

Cowboy Zane, Bronc Buster!

2010-05-20T12:57:00.000-05:00

Okay, so maybe the pony's not a bronc....

He's more like a gentle pony that's just right for Zane.

I know what you're thinking, "Zane has a pony, "Macaroni the roany pony".

And yes, he does. But apparently a cowboy can't have too many ponies in his herd.

PaPa found this pony the other night and thought, "Heck, Zane might like this little guy."

So he bought him. He was used for Birthday Parties and Zane will be having a birthday soon so now he has a birthday party pony.

That's what PaPas do. They plan ahead.
So now Zane has 3 ponies. Small, medium and large.
Lil' Buck is the smallest of the three. He's actually a miniature horse. When Zane is old enough to walk around a pony and brush him he'll be the perfect size.
Next comes the new pony, name not quite yet determined. He's bigger than Lil' Buck but smaller than Macaroni. We've been calling him "Chocolate Candy Bar" because of his color.
Then the large pony is Macaroni. He's actually big enough for Dan to ride (and he does). He's not real tall but he's real stout and will be a perfect roping pony when Zane is bigger.
Here a some shots of Cowboy Zane, his mommy and daddy, and his new pony. Enjoy!

No, this isn't the new pony...this is Big Bertha, PaPa's Clydesdale mare...she's BIG!

This is the new pony...I'm watching PaPa brush him and making sure he does it right!

Good Job PaPa!

Geeeez...when am I gonna ride?

Oh good here comes the saddle....

My pony is so little that my PaPa has to get down on one knee to saddle him up...

Finally...

My Mommy and Daddy help me with my pony...

Yeeeeee Haaawww!

I'm diggin' this.....

Hey Mommy...this is cool...I love you!

Oh yeah Daddy, I love you too!

Giddy up pony!

Mommy says I should practice swinging my rope....

Nice mane...maybe I could get me a weave out of this....

Just kiddin' Daddy...I know that's silly....

But if I do make a weave I'll make you one too!

I'm Lovin' It!

Do you like my saddle? It was my mommy's when she was a little cowgirl.

I might be a trick rider some day...I'll get back with you on that....

Boy Meets Girl....

2010-05-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

Last Friday Zane got to meet Joyce.
Joyce and Zane were in the NICU together at Centennial Hospital, Nashville.
Joyce and her grandparents, Steve and Kim came down for the day to visit! It was GREAT! It was amazing seeing how much the babies have grown and changed. The days of constant fear and worry behind us. Just enjoying them! Realizing how blessed we have been.
When Joyce was born she weighed in at 2lbs and 2ounces! She was a teeny tiny little thing compared to Zane's whopping 4lbs!
Kim and I became fast friends spending a lot of time in the family waiting room together. Kim and Joyce's mom Jamie and Kelly and I would eat lunch together and compare notes. We became each others support team. Friends made in those situations become very, very special. We certainly cherish our friendship with the Leadys!
Here are a few shots from their visit. Enjoy!

You're sweet....

She's cute Mr. Leady...and I like her...a lot!

I like that you have a lot of hair....

Joyce is getting ready to walk!

Zane, let's see what you've got?

Well, I can dance....

Let's boogie baby....

That's what I'm talking about....

Whew...you'll wear a fella plum out....

Super Star!!!

Back to crawlin' for me....

Under the Big Tent

2010-04-27T11:40:00.000-05:00

I may have to bombard you with blog entries just to get caught up on what all I want to share...

Last Thursday night Dan, Ned, Kelly, Zane and myself all headed out to the Carson & Barnes Circus.

We had a BLAST!

Zane being the 'people watcher' that he is absolutely loved it...

We met up with some friends to sit and enjoy the circus with.....it just doesn't get any better than good friends and good entertainment!

We're off on a big adventure....

A Zonkey...Mama is a donkey and daddy is a zebra...

The daddy....

Liking it so far....

A pygmy hippo.....

April and Shyanne....

Camel rides...and no I don't know these kids but they're cute and they're having a big time...

What a lovely camel expression....

Taking it all in....

Elephants...waiting for the show to begin....

Earning their keep....

Zane kept a pretty close eye on wubby....

Our group...and yes I do realize Zane is not in this shot...and no I don't know where he was...maybe he snuck off to join the circus...

Shy and her sno-cone....

Zane's back and ready for the action to begin...

What's a circus without pretty ladies in pretty costumes?

Lots of pretty ladies....

And camels....

And clowns....

And elephants....

Elephants joined together trunk to tail.....

Amazing!

Even more amazing....

Ahhhh...the trapeze!

Flying through the air...with the greatest of ease...

More pretty ladies and this time riding elephants...

Gives you a good perspective of just how big these guys really are!

Alex! The clown that kept the show rolling right along....

Click here for more info on this incredibly talented man!

I think you'll be impressed, I sure was.

So that about wraps up our trip to the circus...It was fun, memorable and we certainly look forward to going back again and again!

Big Boy Car Seat

2010-04-26T15:19:00.000-05:00

Well, Zane is quickly reaching another milestone.
This one involves his car seat.
He will soon pass the weight limit on his chicco car seat and will move into a convertible car seat.
Zane's mom and dad have decided on the Britax Advocate CS convertible Car Seat in Opus Gray.
The safety features are amazing and include side air bags! This car seat should last him until he moves to a simple booster. Car seats are important business and deciding which one to buy is not an easy task. It requires lots of research and thorough investigation. So believe me when I say I whole heartedly recommend this car seat. If you're needing one check it out!!!
In the next few weeks I'll post photos of Zane in his new car seat!

Chillin'

2010-04-22T16:48:00.000-05:00

Just takin' it easy in my stroller....

It's a cool stroller and I like it. It's the Chicco travel system. It came with my car seat. They're the coolest!

I like to get good and comfy in my stroller...I like to prop my little piggies up...wubby likes to get comfy too!

Then I just can't help it...I start getting sleepy...wubby starts getting sleepy...

And then, before you know it...I'm snoozin' away in my cool stroller....

Multi Tasking

2010-04-21T14:24:00.000-05:00

This is how I roll.....

I can mow with my lawn mower and drive my jeep all at the same time!

I'm a jeep drivin', lawn mowin' little rascal....

Come by one day and I'll show ya how it's done!

Beep, Beep.....Gotta Go....Catch ya Later...

Mother's Day

2010-04-15T14:55:00.000-05:00

May 9th will be here before you know it!
I've been looking around Amazon and I've found some great gift ideas.
I've also found some great deals.
Amazon has made gift shopping easy with ideas sorted by personality, discount, and category. Plus, they're offering special deals, like an extra 30% off select jewelry gifts through May 5th, 2010. Click here to check it out!
Another great deal is a savings of up to 30% off Kitchen and Dining Gifts. Including KitchenAid, Calphalon, Cuisinart, and Wüsthof. Click here to check these out!
Here's an example of what I've found....
KitchenAid is offering this stand mixer for $269.99. It list for $349.99. This is a savings of $80!!!

I love getting a good deal!
I'm gonna keep looking and I'll share with you what I find!

I'm a good driver....

2010-04-07T10:56:00.000-05:00

....I should be, I drive everyday!
I like to get in my jeep that my Aunt Mary and Uncle Matt got me and just drive around the store.
I go forward.
I go backward.
And I turn around in circles.
I love to drive....

If you're looking for a good jeep I highly recommend the

Jeep Liberty Renegade Walker!

The features are amazing....

Rearview mirrors, horn, radio..the list goes on and on.

I like to do the drive through shopping thing...

Nice stuff and fun times on the road....

This is a dog house that my daddy made...it's for sale...it will make some lucky dog a nice house....

I like this taggie but it's not really my color...

Okay, I'm gonna take on off now...

this is like my highway....

then, I put her in reverse and do it all again...

come by one day and we'll go for a drive.....

Easter with Zane

2010-04-06T15:36:00.000-05:00

So many firsts....
So many things to see through a baby's eyes....
There's nothing like it....
Nothing in the whole wide world....
Nothing....
Nothing like that first Easter Basket full of "goodies"...never mind that you don't know what "goodies" are.

They are still interesting....

They still need to be taste tested....

...and sniff tested...

...and chewed on like nobody's business....

enough chewing...back to the basket...

wait a minute...what might this be?

I'll give it the ole taste test and get back with ya...

And now I'm out for my Easter Sunday stroll...in my wagon...with my Easter bonnet on....

Okay...boys don't wear bonnets...they wear cool hats and they chew on their sunglasses...

and they take their shoes off and put 'wubbies' in their mouth....

...and then somebody wants me to sit in the grass and look all cute and everything....

okay, I can do adorable....

Yes, that is a frog I'm wearing...

he's almost as cute as me...

Nobody's looking and I might just make a ~~run~~ crawl for it...

wait a minute, what's that I see ahead?

I'd better check it out....

This may take some time....It appears to be very serious.....catch ya later....

April 2, 1981

2010-04-02T12:41:00.000-05:00

Our baby girl's birthday!

Kelly is a wonderful daughter!

We're so thankful she's ours!

We really enjoy watching her in her new role as a mom.

She's a terrific mom.

We always knew she would be.

Happy Birthday Kelly!!!

What better way to spend your birthday than with Zane!

Wedding Photos

2010-03-30T15:17:00.000-05:00

Thanks for comments and the emails about Corey's Wedding shoes.
I suspected I was behind the times....
Now I know for sure, I was and am behind! I probably won't ever catch up so just bear with me....

Apparently these shoes are HOT!
They are what's in!
Everybody's wearing 'em!

Now that we've settled that let's move on.......

Another comment was asking why I didn't show photographs of the bride. So here is the one shot I took of the beautiful bride Danielle....

Only one you ask....Yes, only one!

Let me explain.

When I go to weddings I only carry my camera in with me if I have asked the bride or the photographer if it is okay for me to take some random shots of the bridal party and the guests. This is photography etiquette. There is a reason the bride and groom hire a professional photographer. They want professional wedding photos. To have 20 people with cameras and cell phones standing up during the ceremony taking pictures is in my opinion totally uncool! It definitely distracts from the ceremony. When a professional photographer has been hired to take the wedding photos they are responsible for posing the couple and the wedding party, providing lighting, making sure the brides dress is "fluffed", etc. I think it's wrong for uncle Harry and 25 other friends and relatives to just step in after all of this is done and take pictures. Many professional photographers do not allow it. I respect that. Some do allow it and this is why I always ask first. When a photographer has to ask family and friends to please stop taking pictures because all of the flashes are causing their flash to misfire something is wrong!

That's all my venting for today...

You're Welcome!

However, while we were waiting for the reception we did have a little photo shoot ( after the shoe shot of course)!

Enjoy!

I'll just kick my socks off and hang out here waiting on the 'grub'....

I thought this was a recliner....

Sure, I can look cute for a few shots....

Grandparents of the groom, my Mom and Dad!

Zane is their 3rd Great Grandchild and their first Great Grandson!

They like him, a lot!

This is all for today! Now go outside and enjoy the wonderful sunshine!

Wedding Shoes!

2010-03-29T16:13:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday my nephew Corey was married.
He married Danielle, a beautiful girl.
I know they'll be happy! They're a great couple.
The bride was absolutely radiant!
The Groom was handsome.
I was impressed.
The wedding sailed along ever so lovely.
Then it was over and everyone was mingling...
I looked down at my nephew's feet and this is what I saw!

Can you believe these shoes?

Is this the new style for 20 something men?

Inquiring minds want to know....we need to know....we crave knowledge...

And just in case you're wondering, they are a size 13!

My mother's reaction was, "I hope he's only renting them."

My reaction was, "come here, I need to get some shots of these shoes!"Never mind that the bride is looking for you for photos... I need evidence."

Evidence that you really showed up for your wedding wearing these shoes!

Maybe I'm out of touch with the latest styles....

Maybe I'm older than I thought....

Maybe he got a deal on the whole wedding party ensemble for wearing these shoes....

Maybe he lost a bet....

Maybe this is the only style that comes in a size 13...

Maybe I'm making too much out of this...

The possibilities are endless...

My son and son-in-law both got married in cowboy boots and I guess to some this sounds strange. For us it was normal. Maybe this is Corey's normal.

Whatever the reason, this is the part of the wedding I'm sure to remember for a long, long time!

Oh yes...please take note of the white socks!

Baby Gifts....

2010-03-26T15:12:00.000-05:00

Right before Zane came home from the hospital I bought Ned and Kelly an "itzbeen baby care timer". Let me just tell you it was money well spent!
We all love it.
It's one of the coolest gadgets ever!
I wish I'd invented it.
The concept behind this neat little timer is that it tells you how long itzbeen since the baby ate (bottle icon) or was changed (diaper icon) or napped (Zzzz icon). There is even a * button for anything else. (Like maybe if they are on medication) This is how it works...say you've just changed baby's diaper, pick up the itzbeen and move the unlock button on the side then click on the button with the diaper icon the timer then says 00:00. Go back to the side button and do the key lock thingy again. This lock button is a good thing...I'm prone to accidentally pushing buttons when I shouldn't. Now when baby eats or naps or takes meds or does whatever, you can set the timer. Then, when an hour or two has passed and you are wondering what time he ate last you look at the itzbeen and it might say 2:34. Now you know itzbeen 2 hours and 34 minutes since he ate! Cool huh? There is a clip on the back so you can clip it on yourself or on your diaper bag or on the dog...just kidding...but you can clip it just about anywhere. There is a built-in flashlight and a clock! There is also a setting for breast feeding moms. Itzbeens come in blue, green (this is the one I got) and pink. So now the itzbeen is my new standard baby gift, along with a monogrammed burp cloth or two. They are unique and useful. If you're looking for a new idea for a baby gift check this out... new moms and dads will love you for it! Guaranteed!

Always Saddle Your Own Horse....

2010-03-24T15:32:00.002-05:00

I love this quote by Connie Reeves. I'm going to have it made with our wall vinyl and put it on the wall in my house! I like it that much! If you have a favorite quote, scripture or a motto that you would like made with our wall vinyl to put on your wall let me know the size you want and we'll get you a price quote.
Below is a copy of an article I found on the Texas Highways website about Connie Reeves. I enjoyed it and I hope you do too!

Speaking of Texas: A Saddle Story

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By: Caitlin Sullivan
For lifelong cowgirl and trailblazer Connie Douglas Reeves, living life to the fullest meant you had to “saddle your own horse.” Reeves was born in Eagle Pass in 1901. At age five, she received her first horse from her maternal grandfather and quickly became a devoted rider.
Reeves graduated with a degree in speech from Texas Women’s University and enrolled in the University of Texas School of Law in Austin. She never finished, as the Great Depression forced her to withdraw and take a teaching job to help out her family.
While teaching at Main Avenue High School in San Antonio, Reeves organized one of the state’s first pep squads. When that school closed, she taught at the city’s newly opened Thomas Jefferson High School, where she formed a Western-themed pep squad, “The Lassos,” whose signature moves were intricate twirling and rope tricks.
For extra income, Reeves worked as a riding instructor at a local stable. Soon, she was renowned in the area for her horsemanship, and in 1936, she was asked to join the equestrian program at Camp Waldemar, an all-girls camp in nearby Hunt, where she taught riding for 67 years. “She was really tough, but in a good way,” says Liz Pohl, the camp’s present equine director. “She taught the girls so much about horses and life. I met her at age 78, and she was so strong. And when she was 100, I could still barely keep up with her.”
At Waldemar, Reeves met her future husband, Jack, the camp’s head wrangler and a former rodeo participant. They married in 1942, and during their 43-year marriage, the pair managed a 10,000-acre sheep and cattle ranch when camp was not in session.
Reeves found herself a role model for generations of young women, students, campers, and even Waldemar’s wranglers. Until the 1980s, only men worked the camp’s horses, but Reeves believed that women had a gentler way of handling and connecting with horses, so she persuaded the camp to switch to female wranglers.
In 1997, the National Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth recognized Reeves’ legacy by inducting her into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon women whose lives exemplify the ideals of self-reliance and independence that helped shape the American West. The following year, she became the first woman to receive the Chester A. Reynolds Award from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City for perpetuating the history and heritage of the West.
In 2002, at age 100, Reeves rode in a parade celebrating the grand opening of the National Cowgirl Museum’s new building in Fort Worth.
The next year, a few weeks shy of her 102nd birthday, Reeves went riding with a friend at Camp Waldemar and was thrown from her favorite horse, a 28-year-old paint named Dr Pepper. She passed away several days later.

Saddle Up
Saddle up and head on over to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, where Reeves’ saying, “Always saddle your own horse,” is an unofficial motto. You can read more about Reeves’ legacy and view photographs of her and more than 180 other Hall of Fame honorees at two interactive kiosks in the museum.
Children can explore the different aspects of ranch life in the Connie Reeves Discovery Corral and read Western stories inside a faux tipi; dress up in boots, chaps, and hats; and pretend to eat dinner from a fireside chuck wagon. Throughout the museum, you can see photos, Western wear, and cowgirl gear that celebrate the independent spirit that helped forge the American West. Don’t miss the popular bucking-bronc simulator, where you can record a video clip of yourself “bronc-riding,” then e-mail it to friends and family. The museum is at 1720 Gendy St.,in Fort Worth’s cultural district. Call 800/476-3263; www.cowgirl.net.

Check this out!

2010-03-23T13:53:00.005-05:00

Over at The Provident Woman she's having a really cool giveaway....
She'll be giving away Satin Hands by Mary Kay. I don't know about y'all but my dry hands could use some TLC. Between handling material all day and then going home to brush and ride horses my hands have just about had it. There are several ways to enter so head on over there and enter up! http://www.theprovidentwoman.com/
Tell her I sent ya!

It's just around the corner....

2010-03-18T11:43:00.002-05:00

Spring that is!
I'm looking forward to it this year as much as ever.
Without talking too much about weather again let's just say we're long overdue for some warm, sunshiny days!
With the end of winter comes "award season". We've been steadily working on awards for different associations for a couple of weeks now. If you haven't checked out our website for a look at some of the cool awards we offer you should! www.shamrockm.com
We've just added vinyl designs. We can make decals for your vehicle, trailer, etc. or we can use a different type of vinyl and create wall art for your home! These decals also make a unique awards in that we can design a decal that advertises your event and location along with the award. Using decals for advertising definitely gives you a lot of "bang for your buck"!
We've also been getting in new handbags and we're adding flip flops this spring too! These aren't your plain ole run of the mill flip flops...these have rhinestones, studs and conchos! They're super cool and they make me wish it was 80* now so I could wear them with a pair of shorts and a short sleeve shirt....

Our Lucky Shamrock!

2010-03-17T14:52:00.004-05:00

Zane's a little under the weather and couldn't make it in to work today but he got all dressed up in his St. Patrick's Day outfit this morning anyway and I whipped out my camera and got some shots of our little shamrock! Enjoy!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Giveaway!

2010-03-16T12:31:00.004-05:00

Exciting "giveaway" going on over at Facebook on the Shamrockm.com fan page!
Check it out!!!

More Changes....

2010-03-13T12:23:00.002-06:00

...Check it out. In honor of St. Patricks Day we are into Shamrocks!

Okay, really we are into Shamrocks every day....We are Shamrock Feed and Tack and shamrockm.com and Shamrock Construction. I'll leave the shamrocks here for a few days but then we'll be on to something else....

Stay tuned!

Our lil' cowboy Zane!

Dan & Ned's Weekend Project

2010-03-09T15:06:00.013-06:00

Dan traded for this truck way back before Christmas....It needed a "little" work. Three months later we finally got it home. Dan and Ned have spent endless hours discussing their plans for their truck. Weekly phone calls to our mechanic...anticipating the big day...Well the big day finally got here last week. That means that this past weekend was the first weekend of many projects. Saturday afternoon I was a "helper". Not much time to take photos. Sunday was different, with camera in hand I chronicled the days events.

The "truck" .....

First order of business was to take the box bed off....

Many years ago Dan bought a 'box bed' that came off a truck and we used it for our feed/tack room in the barn. It was 14' long. It worked out nicely....there were no complaints...but then Dan bought a truck with a 24' box....time to expand! The area where the box set was exactly the right size! 2" bigger and it wouldn't have worked.....Taking it off was interesting! It involved a chain hoist, jacks and a lot of holding my breath hoping it didn't crash to the ground.

It's off and the chain hoist has been used to pull it into place...with only about six feet to go we must now move to Plan A. This involved using a beam placed behind the truck and pushing the box into place. Dan's driving, Ned's directing....Come on back...

Okay Ned get out of the way....

Okay, lets give her a try...

Nothing! Nada! Nil! With no weight on the back end of the truck the tires just spun in the arena dirt....

Okay, lets come up with plan B....How about putting the beam on the front bumper and pushing it?

Front bumper looks strong enough....

Let's give it a try....

It would have been simple to pull the truck outside and turn around and come back in....but Kelly missed the manuever on Saturday night when the only way to get the big truck out was to inch it forward and back with Ned on one end yelling WHOA and me on the other end yelling WHOA and Dan in the driver's seat barely paying attention to either of us. So Dan thought he would show her how he did it.....

Up and back, up and back...

15 minutes later and we're almost there....

Preparing for Plan B.....

So far, so good...

The dove that has taken up residence in our barn decided not to watch....

She was wise...now we're on to Plan C!

This involves taking tin off the back of the barn and pulling it in with the truck....

Hurry up Ned....here comes the truck.....

Got to get the truck in just the right spot....

Finish getting the tin off....

Back the truck up and hook onto the chain....

talking it over one more time....

ready for action.....

so far so good.....

hold it.....

it's pulling too much toward the wall....but we're almost there....

unimpressed bystanders.....

FINALLY!!! Right where we wanted it....

Perfect...

Good job guys...let's nap!

Gotta put the tin back on....

Just like it was....

Nap? Did somebody say nap?

Don't you just love watching other people work?

Changes...

2010-03-01T10:16:00.003-06:00

I've been busy making some changes around the blog over the weekend....

I've added photos from my flickr photostream....

I've added a button for you to share this blog with your friends on facebook or twitter...

I've also been busy over at facebook creating a shamrockm.com fan page. The fan page took off like a shot with over a 100 fans in just a couple of days. I've added a link here to take you directly to the page. I think it's cool how the link shows some of the fans! If you're not a fan you should be. We will be offering specials and having some giveaways for fb fans only! This weeks special is for Bronc Halters! Check it out! If you're not into horses and have no need for horse equipment never fear there will be specials for you too! Stay tuned!
Another addition is that of ads. I've been approached by 'blogger' for a while now wanting me to include ads on my blog. I wasn't sure if I wanted to or not. I mean I've been reading some other blogs that also had ads and lets just say that some weren't very tasteful. I was assured the ads would be family friendly. In fact I was told they would reflect the topics that I post about.
Okay, sounds fine....
I nearly fell out laughing when the first set of ads appeared and they were all weather related! One was even for snow tires!
This will definitely make me want to broaden the content of my blog post! I'll look at it as a challenge....
If you receive this in your email I encourage you to go directly to the blog www.kaymcgee.blogspot.com and look at the new changes...
Feel free to leave comments, I'd love to hear what you think!

Zane's First Valentines Day

2010-02-27T10:50:00.003-06:00

I do realize I'm a little late with these V-day shots.

Better late than never, right?

Enjoy!

"Winter Is For The Birds" WINNER!

2010-02-26T15:07:00.003-06:00

I really enjoyed reading what y'all had to say about winter...some like it, some don't. Some only like it for a short time and then they are ready to move on to Spring. I think that last thought reflects how I feel too. Enough is enough already.

Today's winner is.....

Drum roooooollllllllllllll....

Lisa Perry!

Congratulations Lisa! email me for info on how to get your sweatshirt. kmcgee99@aol.com

Thanks to everyone who entered and I promise to have another giveaway soon!

Winter Is For The Birds---Giveaway!!!

2010-02-22T15:39:00.003-06:00

I know it's been a while since we gave something away around here....I'm really not sure why....maybe I've been busy with other things. Maybe I just didn't know what I wanted to give away...maybe it was too cold... maybe I'm a slacker...never mind the reason...we're giving something away NOW!
In honor of "The Winter That Won't End", the upcoming 'blizzard' for next week, because I have an embroidery business, because today ends in "y" and because I like you I'm going to make one lucky reader the owner of a cool sweatshirt!
Check it out below...This is a photo of my "winter is for the birds" sweatshirt. I wear it often. It represents just how I feel. It's my favorite winter sweatshirt!
Winning is easy around here...just leave a comment telling me if you like winter and why OR if you don't like winter and why. If your reading this blog entry through your email you must go to the website www.kaymcgee.blogspot.com to leave a comment. You must leave your first and last name. If you have to leave a comment as 'anonymous' please make sure you leave your full name in the content.
Winner will be announced Friday, February 26, 2010.
BONUS----Tell your friends! When your friend enters the contest and mentions your name in their comment you're entered again!

Good Luck!!

Jump, Jump, Jumperoo....

2010-02-16T13:03:00.004-06:00

Zane has finally grown into his jumperoo that his PaPa and I got him for Christmas.

He loves it!

We love watching him lovin' it!

He's quite the jumper!

He's quite the squealer!

He's quite the entertainer!

He sits in the center and goes around to all the different "stations" that have things to do and play with...plus he jumps up and down and dances...he's a good dancer too!

Pardon the drool...there's alot of that going on right now...

Enjoy!

I knew it was only a matter of time before he tried to eat it!

Vroooom, Vroooom!!

2010-02-12T13:29:00.006-06:00

When my mommy's working in the kitchen I like to drive my jeep around.....

I'm a good driver.....

...But there are some CRAZY drivers out there...

.... A fella really has to keep a check on the traffic....

...It's good to use your mirrors...

...I like to go fast, real fast....

Uh Oh, .....Hello Officer...

I hope this doesn't ruin my good driving record....

Okay, let's back this thing up and hit the road again...

Catch ya later gator....I gotta roll.....

Eagle Hunt, Take Two

2010-02-11T16:14:00.003-06:00

This past Sunday we once again struck out in search of the Bald Eagle.

This past Sunday we once again had NO luck in finding the Bald Eagle.

We drove 73 miles (Dan keeps up with that sort of thing). We were probably never more than 20 miles from our home the whole time. Let's just say we went the long way around. We went up on ridges, down by the river, around by the creek and sometimes we weren't sure where we were. It was enjoyable, but would have been more fun if we'd actually seen what we were looking for.

But just for the sake of taking photos I did get a few of a regular ole water bird....that's what Dan called it anyway....So Enjoy!

Okay, this is the same bird...isn't the wing span amazing?

This is him (or her) too.....

3 inches continued....

2010-02-10T15:15:00.005-06:00

Monday morning here in North Alabama we woke up to quite a weather surprise!

SNOW!

Not our usual flurries but and honest to goodness snowfall!

It was coming down like crazy...blizzard like conditions....sticking to the ground and everything!

Accumulating fast!

Accumulating to everything...including the roads!

When Dan got up at six o'clock (noticed I didn't say 'when we got up at six o'clock) nothing. No snow. No sleet. No freezing rain. At 7 am Dan always heads to the barn for morning chores. Instead he comes in the bedroom and tells me how I'd better get up and come see this... I had NO idea what he was talking about but I'm a curious kind of gal and I jumped up and ran into the living room (okay I got up slowly and kind of waddled) to check it out...It was amazing and it didn't let up. Dan went on out to feed and I went back to bed. I've seen snow before. Remember I spent 13 winters in Cedar Hill, Mo!

No, I didn't go back to bed because I've been back in Dixie for 19 years and I get excited over snow again. Just like when I was a kid. We didn't get much then either, and now with global warming and all I'm afraid this could always be our last snow...EVER!

Dan went on to the store. He's the boss and that's what the man in charge does. I'm glad I'm not the boss! He called when he got to work and reported that the roads were pretty bad and the inexperienced 'snow drivers' were worse! When the snow finally quit about 10am we had 3 inches at our house. I headed out with my camera and got a few shots... It was a cloudy, gloomy day and all the white snow tended to "blow out" the light in several of the shots. I'm posting some of my faves anyway. Enjoy!

The Creek...

Our brood mares stay turned out...they didn't seem very impressed with the snow and even less impressed with me takin' their picture...

Manure Spreader....

It was eerily quiet outside...only the squeals of neighbor kids out having fun in the white stuff...This mare is listening intently.... The others just don't care.

Okay...notice the "patch" of hair missing on her left shoulder? We had a big branding at Christmas when Matt and Mary were here. This is one of the mares that we branded. You have to shave the hair in the spot where you are going to brand.

What is this you ask....Well we have a strand of barb wire on the top of our fence. Sometimes the mares like to rub their backsides against the fence. Sometimes this causes hair from their tail to get caught in the 'barbs'. I thought it was interesting that the hair had a little snow on it too.

The back pasture...

The only vehicle I saw was the UPS truck...they are so dedicated....

"Kendra" stayed right with me...really in my way....really a pain in the backside...really annoying.

Henry and Snickers enjoyed a frolic in the snow too!

3 inches

2010-02-09T17:00:00.000-06:00

This was taken yesterday morning right outside my backdoor! (the white stuff is SNOW!) More details and more photos coming tomorrow....

A Change of Pace....

2010-02-04T14:58:00.002-06:00

This past Sunday Dan and I went hunting...

We really wanted to "shoot" something...

We drove to Waterloo, Alabama, a place known for good hunting....

We visited several good spots and never saw what we were after....

...... a Bald Eagle!

Apparently they live around the Tennessee River and are abundant this time of year....

We didn't see the first Bald Eagle, so we couldn't "shoot" one.

We were shooting with my Canon T1i! My newest camera...

Despite the fact that we didn't "shoot" an eagle I did get a couple of nice shots...Enjoy!

Keep Your Horse Close...

2010-01-29T09:27:00.002-06:00

Zane all dressed up in his "horsey" overalls, a gift from his cousin Kathy Ludwig. He was ready to head out to Franklin, TN to his Great Grandmother's 88th birthday party last weekend. He looks ready to party doesn't he?

Well today I'm wearing my sweatshirt that says "winter is for the birds", it has penquins on it and I wear it when the weather gets yucky! It's sleeting straight down and we've just been issued a winter weather warning...This weather doesn't bother me unless we lose electricity....then I FREAK OUT! We're at the store but don't know how long we'll stay. The feed truck has just pulled up to unload feed and we've had a few customers. Traffic is moving at a normal pace so I'm not too worried yet! If your in the middle of a "winter storm" take care, stay warm and make the best of it....If you get a minute pray I don't lose power and I'll do the same for you!

Can you do this?

2010-01-28T12:22:00.004-06:00

Seriously, can you do what sweet baby Zane can do?

Actually he just figured out last week that he can do it....

He likes it....

and we like watching him do it....

I certainly can't do it and I've been attending Pilates class for 4 years now...at least that's what they say...it doesn't seem like it's been 4 years but that's another story for another time....

On to bigger, better and sweeter things....

Heeeeeeeeeere's ZANE!

Thanks for stopping in, now go and see if you can do it....

Working "Man"....

2010-01-19T15:42:00.003-06:00

It has warmed up and Zane showed up for work today....

Rice Cereal, Take Two

2010-01-16T11:22:00.004-06:00

Here are a few more shots of Zane eating his cereal the next day...

He wasn't much of a fan of rice cereal the second day either...

Hmmmm, the ole finger instead of a spoon trick....

Back to the spoon....

Excuse me ma'am but my cheeks are FULL!

Is anybody listening? Does anybody care?

What's the big deal? I think I can do this myself....

Sometimes when I'm done with my cereal I go for a drive in my jeep...

Gotta check the rearview....

Sometimes I have a little road rage.....

...but wubby always calms me down....

Don't get in front of my jeep Zena or I'll have to honk my horn at you.....ummm, as soon as figure out which button is the horn....

Mmmmm, Mmmmm, Good!

2010-01-08T16:23:00.004-06:00

Well sort of...

Maybe it's an acquired taste.

Maybe you get nutrition from it through the skin.

Maybe Mommy will forget about this business and keep to the routine that I'm used to!

Very Interesting this thing called rice cereal....

Okay, I'll try it...

It tickles my chin...

...but not for long...

Can somebody help me, Please?

Oh brother, here we go again....

Is she for real? Gimme that spoon.

These chubby cheeks can only hold so much before it all has to come back out....

You've got to be kidding me.....

That's IT! I've reached my breaking point....I'm no longer your easy going, happy go lucky bundle of joy...I have my limits!!!

To be continued...

Little Reindeer

2010-01-04T15:07:00.004-06:00

The pics ma'am...just the pics.

I know you're not interested in the boring details of my hum-drum existence....you're only interested in photos of Zane. So, I won't bother you with the stories about how we've had company in and out for 2 weeks and my house looks like a cyclone came through...cyclone is more severe than tornado, right? I won't even mention that it is 30* outside and 50* in the feed store. I'll keep it to myself about how busy I am with embroidery work (thank you Lord). You can just keep wondering about the Wii and Wii fit plus kicking my butt! You may never know my Wii age....

I'll just show you some new photos of Zane. Enjoy!

I think I have a droopy antler....

Ahhhh, that's better....

Thanks PaPa, did you fix my antler?

You're the best....

Have you seen my wub-a-nub?

Coming soon, Zane tries cereal for the first time....

Two Thousand Ten or Twenty Ten?

2009-12-30T15:58:00.002-06:00

...or maybe Two O-One O, or just Ten.
Decisions, decisions....
Whatever we call it, it's almost here.
Have you made any New Years resolutions?
Are you going to?
Is it even worth the effort?
I mean if you don't keep 'em or even attempt to keep 'em is it worth it?
I have lots of good intentions, but we know what road is paved with good intentions....
Lets just say I'm going to do better at a lot of things.....
I've been a backslider about my "no sweets". I think it's okay during the holidays though. Next week it's back to the straight and narrow.
I'm gonna start back to Pilates on Monday. I've missed my Pilates buddies.
I've thought about joining one of those 365 groups that takes a photograph everyday for a year... I don't think that'll happen so I may have to pass on that one.
I might start my own 365 group called "Kiss Zane 365", I believe I can handle that one.
Let me know what your resolutions are or if you are a total NO RESOLUTION freak... I want to know... I'm funny that way.
Have a Happy 2010! however you want to say it!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T15:56:00.003-06:00

Yep, it's almost here....December 25th, Christmas Day!

It's 4pm on Christmas Eve and I'm still doing embroidery for Christmas! The last item is on the machine now. (that's why I have a minute or two to blog) It has been such a busy week that I'm still spinning.

When I leave here shortly I will go on over to my moms and we'll make the cornbread dressing for our Christmas Dinner. Then it's home to wrap presents and try to make heads or tails out of everything I bought for my loved ones. Zane and his mommy and daddy have gone to Tennessee for Christmas Eve with Nana, Granddaddy, Grandmama, Uncle Mark and the twins Ian & Aaron. Zane will be the superstar I'm sure! A little update on Baby Zane, he's laughing now. It's precious. I love saying something to him and hear him just bust out laughing. He has quadrupled his birthweight, he's over 16 pounds now. He has also grown 8"! He's fixing to start eating solid foods... next thing you know he'll be in kindergarten. Dan and I are soooo loving watching him grow and change on a daily basis. We are truly blessed.

I reckon this is a good time of the year to reflect and thank the good Lord above for our many blessings. I know this year He has been mindful of me! He has blessed me beyond belief and I am truly thankful.

The love of family and friends overwhelms me and I'm thankful for each and every one of you!

So here's wishing you all a Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

Ready or Not....Christmas is Coming....

2009-12-16T11:33:00.006-06:00

This is what the voice in my head keeps saying. And believe me when I say this, "I'm NOT ready!"

It happens every year. We work like crazy getting orders out for folks so they have them by Christmas and our own shopping is done at the last minute. Anything I have this far in advance is because I ordered it on-line. Now I realize I should have ordered more on-line. Some members of my family have yet to tell me what is on their wish list. Next year I'm gonna start hounding 'em in July for the "list"! Remind me of that please.....

Enough of that already....

Last weekend was the Lone Star Rodeo Finals in Cullman, Al. One of the perks of making the finals is that you receive a contestant jacket. (They were really sharp this year.) Rachel had asked me months ago if I would come down and be available to embroidery names on jackets if the contestant would like to have that done. I can't say no to Rachel and it was a paying job and I like to buy Christmas presents even if it is at the last minute. So off we go on Friday, the 4 of us. Ned, Kelly, Zane and G-mama. This was Zane's first rodeo! He got to meet quite a few new friends. Ned and I worked hard all through the rodeo and went back Saturday and worked some more. Zane and Kelly stayed home on Saturday but Ned and myself headed back for another busy day. We had fun despite the cold and despite the fact that we were located directly under the speakers. ( I was deaf until late yesterday!) Well, the cold was only a problem while we were loading and unloading our stuff, the building was heated.

Monday was my Daddy's 81st birthday! I had put out the word for friends and family to send cards or call. They did! He was soooo excited about his cards and phone calls. It amazes me that in this fast paced world of technology a few lines written in a card or a five minute phone call can absolutely change a mood and brighten someones day beyond words! I'm sure Daddy has read and reread his cards a hundred times.

I did find time to shoot a few photos this weekend. Enjoy!

Me at the rodeo! I had my cowboy hat with me but it's getting a little small and it doesn't cover my ears!

How 'bout these fancy duds that my G-mama got me? Your diggin' my cowboy boots aren't ya?

Ned working....

Our neighbor at the rodeo.....

...and his friends

Our machine was set up just on the other side of the fence on the right...

The contestants wearing their jackets waiting on the group "shot".....

Papa Tom, Gran, me and Daddy....

Everybody SMILE!

I hear you talking but I'm not sure what it is you're saying.....

How old are you anyway Papa Tom?

Gran is ticklin' my 'piggies'......

Gran & Papa Tom

Uh, sorry 'bout the slobber-drool on your shirt mom.....sometimes I can't help myself...

This is the face I make when I'm blowing bubbles.....

...then we all laugh and laugh....

I'm watching G-mama's embroidery machine....she keeps telling me about working hard...the machine does all the work... I was watching it!

It's December...It's Suppose to be COLD!

2009-12-04T11:32:00.002-06:00

But maybe not this cold....

My weather bug on my computer tells me it is 11:34 am and the temp is 37*!
Yesterday my little weatherbug buddy didn't get above 38*.
I'm not a fan of cold weather.
Never have been, never will be. PERIOD!
It may snow somewhere in the heart of dixie tonight and tomorrow but probably not here. That's okay with me. I lived in snow for 13 long winters. Thank goodness my kids were little then and we played in the snow, made snow men, slid down the hill past the pine trees, under the cable fence and into the outdoor arena on a regular basis. That part was fun. The part that wasn't so much fun was the fact that the animals still had to be cared for even when it was umpteen degrees below zero! Ice had to be broken out of the water buckets and filled up with fresh water. Stalls had to be cleaned. Customers horses had to be ridden. Steers and calves had to be tended to. Our life had to go on despite the weather and that could be a bummer! We wore a lot of winter clothes. Everywhere. You bundled up to go to Wal Mart or Krogers or just to the post office. Everybody did, you didn't stick out like a sore thumb and you didn't think anything about going to Wal Mart and parking beside a 20' high pile of snow that had been pushed there by the snow plows. It was simply a way of life. A way I'm not going to go back to if I can help it. I'm not thrilled about the cold yesterday, today, and tomorrow, but I watch the weather, I saw where next Wednesday's high is 60's. That keeps me from getting depressed over the cold weather. It provides a break from this bone chilling cold..... and buddy I'll need a break! Meanwhile, I'll just sit by my heater here at the ole Shamrock and listen to the hummmmm of the embroidery machine.
Do you like the cold? The snow? Or are you a warm weather gal or guy like myself? Leave me a comment and tell me how you feel about the weather. I want to know....

On the Road to Recovery...

2009-12-01T13:47:00.007-06:00

That's me!

Recovering....

Taking it easy....

Bossing folks around....

Bonding with my recliner....

Bossing folks around....

Making plans for the new year....

Bossing folks around....

Last Tuesday, one week ago today I had surgery. I'm feeling better every day and looking forward to the Holidays. I'm at the store for a while today so I thought I should blog and put up some photos of my 'sunshine'....Baby Zane! He makes us smile everyday! He's changing rapidly now and will be 6 months old Thursday, December 3rd. Last Saturday he paid ole Santa Claus a visit for photos! (We don't have them back yet) You'll just have to enjoy mine today!

When I go to the store and it's cold my mommy dresses me up like 'Winnie the Pooh'...

I like it....I think....

Thanksgiving morning.... PaPa entertained me while my mommy and daddy got ready for our trip to Grandmama's house in Franklin, Tn.

Me and my buddy "William, Jr."....

Daddy and me....

I'm a pretty sharp dresser don't you think?

Mi familia.....I learned that from tv....

After I saw Santa Claus on Saturday my buddy Trevor Hill came by the store with his mommy and daddy!

That Trevor....he's a mess! He's only 2 months older than me.....

Mommy and G-Mama found my Christmas outfit online at Macy's....Ain't I adorable?

This is where I pretend to be a bear.....

A sleeping bear.....

I like to pretend I'm a prize fighter before my bath.....

I'm still lovin' my whale of a tub....Are you lovin' me in it?

Rub a dub dub....

Oh yeah...laid back...takin' it easy...just enjoying my bath.....

This is where it gets exciting....I love it when the water comes splashing out of this thing...I even try to catch it!

Mommy and Daddy, I think I'll keep 'em!

The Winner Is......

2009-11-30T13:12:00.002-06:00

Thanks for entering the contest!
It was fun for me...
Hope it was fun for you...
We will have another giveaway hopefully before Christmas...
I really enjoyed reading what you all were thankful for.
Everyone was especially thankful for their family! This warms my heart. This confirms what we already know...that material things don't matter as long as we have our families. Nobody mentioned being thankful for their posessions even though I know we are...We are thankful for the opportunity to have nice things. But we'll be alright if they are gone tomorrow as long as we have our families.

Now for the winner!

Drum roll please...

Drum roll a little longer.....and louder....

And the winner is

Jolyn Wells

Congrats to Jolyn! We'll get your necklace and earrings to you ASAP! Thanks for entering.
Don't forget to check out our website www.shamrockm.com I've updated the jewelry page. I know you'll find something you really want for Christmas! And we'd really like to sell it to you! I have no shame....

Giving Thanks & Giving Stuff Away!

2009-11-18T14:46:00.003-06:00

Our Jewelry Parties are going GREAT!

Our jewelry sales at the store are going GREAT!

We've got some really cool stuff!

Folks are diggin' it!

We're thankful!

Thankful beyond words....

So thankful we are going to give this gorgeous set away....Necklace and matching earrings. And yes, the earrings and the necklace are the same color. This morning when I was trying to snap some adequate photos for the contest I was in a hurry and didn't set up a really good shooting area...I'm really busy okay? Soooo the color of the pendant in the close up is a little dark...the first shot really shows the true color but I wanted you to be able to see some more detail...hence the close up, that I'm not so proud of...Let's just move on!

Now here's how you win.....

Leave a comment at the end of this post telling me what you are thankful for.

Leave your first and last name.

You may have to leave a comment as anonymous, if so, make sure you leave your full name.

Only one entry per person.

Contest ends Monday, November 30th.

Winner is selected by random draw.

Winner will be announced Monday afternoon.

Men can enter too even if they aren't loyal blog readers. If they win they can give this to their wife, or girlfriend, or sister, or aunt or the mail lady. I don't care... I just want you to enter. I also want you to go to our website www.shamrockm.com and look around. I'll be getting more jewelry photos up ASAP. I promise.

I'm thankful for my blog readers...You're the BEST!

So enter up now and GOOD LUCK!

Yard Sale Weekend....

2009-11-10T10:24:00.004-06:00

It was BEEEEE-U-TE-FUL! Kathryn and I had been planning this yard sale since September. Every weekend we were both home so was the rain. It rained a lot! Finally, last week Kathryn said, "if it rains this week we are just cancelling until next spring!" Well, it didn't rain and in fact I don't think we could have requested better weather. Friday was our best day! We were selling like crazy. We were raking in the dough. We were on fire. Saturday not so much....

But Saturday was still my favorite day. We were just sitting there enjoying the fabulous day when I looked up and my buddy Julie Kloberdanz was walking up! This wouldn't have been that spectacular except Julie doesn't live here anymore. She and her family live in Brighton, Colorado. They used to live here. Her husband Dan works for Lockheed-Martin. He's a rocket scientist. He was transferred here a few years ago. Julie has horses. They lived less than a mile from our feed store. They bought their house from Dr. Beasley and his wife, the Beasleys were feed store customers. They were moving to Mobile. The Beasley's told the Kloberdanz' if they needed anything to come by the feed store and we would help them. They came by. We became friends. See how easy that is... making friends has always been easy for me. And luckily for me I make friends with the best folks imaginable. You know the kind that their Mother told 'em, "to have friends you have to be a friend." My friends all know how to be good friends! Lucky me!

When my doctor told me a few years back that I needed to start walking everyday I was going up to the community center and walking by myself everyday. Julie came in the store one day and we were talking... when the conversation got around to me walking Julie said, "I'm going to start walking with you." She did. She kept me on track. She came by the store every day and picked me up and we walked and talked and became even better friends. Julie and her daughter Miranda was with us when "Flash" took Kelly's photos for her wedding portrait. It took all of us to get that wedding dress on Kelly in that little Church bathroom! These are the memories that just stay with you. Julie made both the Brides cake and the Grooms cake at Kelly and Ned's wedding. They were beautiful and delicious! I don't think I could have ever gotten everything done for that wedding without Julie. We went to Pilates class together, talked about horses, sewing, and just about everything under the sun. Then it happened. Her husband Dan was transferred back to Denver. I was happy for Julie, I knew how much she missed Colorado and her friends and family and her Rocky Mountains, but I was sad for myself. Good friends like her are treasures. We keep in touch. She's got an embroidery machine too. She also has a new Canon camera and is persuing photography. Julie was here for a week visiting with a friend who has had a rough time this summer. I know Julie's visit was good medicine! I told her when she can come back I'll need her to myself for at least one whole day and I'll take 2 if I can get it!

Now, I'm gonna share some photos of guess who?

You guessed it...Zane! These were taken yesterday morning. Dan and I were getting ready to head out the door going to work but I had to get out the camera and take some shots of my precious baby Zane! He is soooo happy in the mornings. What a blessing God has given us!

Zane 5 Months Old Today

2009-11-03T11:40:00.005-06:00

Can you believe it? Doesn't the time just fly by? In 5 short months he has more than trippled his birth weight. He's over 13 pounds now. He has learned to smile and coo. He sleeps through the night. He knows how to let you know when he's hungry. He's found his thumb and likes it.... A lot. He has learned how to hold his head up despite the weight of those unbelievably fat cheeks. He has us all wrapped around his tiny little finger. And, he has acquired 4 pony saddles! He even dressed up for Halloween! Not really a costume but an adorable outfit! (Next year I'm sure we'll all be excited about trick or treating!) Thank goodness I've taken those 3 million photos....he's changing so fast it's easy to forget what he was like last week! When I went with my favorite daughter-in-law Mary to Ohio I didn't see Zane for almost 2 weeks. This was the longest I had gone without seeing him since his birth. I was amazed at how much he had grown!

Here are Zane's Halloween photos. Enjoy!

Cactus is a Brand....

2009-11-02T11:07:00.002-06:00

I sometimes forget that people other than my rodeo, roping and barrel racing buddies read my blog... My cousin Kathy is one of these people. Upon reading the previous blog she immediately sent me a message. "I want to see a photo of a cactus saddle!" At first I was like okay. Then it hit me. Like a ton of bricks. I should have mentioned somewhere that "cactus" was the brand name. Not the type. Then I started picturing in my mind what a saddle made from Cactuses or is it cacti? would look like. Then came the laughter. The uncontrollable laughter. The images of cowboys riding in a saddle made from a cactus..... Maybe I just needed a good laugh, maybe I'm just goofy but I found it really, really funny. I'm glad Kathy was paying attention and clued me in on this. I hope if anyone else was wondering about this I have cleared it up for them too. Keep the emails coming....and keep me on my toes!

More about My Congress Trip...

2009-10-30T12:57:00.005-05:00

Saturday Mary and I got up and headed out to the trade show...she didn't have a run until afternoon. We met up with Rachel. I was ready to make my purchases. I had everything scouted out and I was ready to buy. Later that afternoon was the dummy roping for the youngsters. Chase and Chaffin Thrasher were entered. It was a big deal with Cactus saddles going to the winners. Chaffin did well and made it to the second round. Chase did really well and ended up winning the 3rd place breast collar and a whole lot of free stuff. Tabby was running all over the trade show picking up all his loot! After the dummy roping it was back to the Coliseum for the barrel race. I sat with Matt and Bendi Dunn and there precious little girl Madison. When Troy Crumrine came in on their horse Mulberry Canyon Moon and ran the 2nd fastest time of the Sweepstakes we were all pretty excited!!! Saturday night was the Calf Roping Classic. Shawn Coleman, one of Matt's old traveling buddies was the winner! We were pretty excited for him to say the least. The entries for the classic were way off this year but Shawn roped good none the less. He and his wife had forgotten their camera so you know I volunteered to take photos for him! It was fun meeting his wife and baby girl Lily. Shawn lives in Indiana now and we don't get to see him as often as we should. After the Classic Mary and I went up to the coliseum to ride. While we were there a lady told us about a covered arena where they had practice barrels set up. Off we go to find this arena. It was nice. Wish we had found it sooner. Then we headed to the Midway for a midnight snack. Mary had her heart set on an apple dumpling. I said, "okay I'll have on too." She pressures me soooo much. Of course they had just run out of 'em. We had turnovers instead. They were good. Almost as good as the cinnamon rolls and pecan rolls I had been eating for breakfast. Not as good as the fried Oreo Mary forced me to eat on Friday. Notice how I can't remember the times of the runs but I can vividly remember the food I ate! Sunday morning was Mary's last run. It was her best run and she ran right out of the money. I headed over to watch Rachel rope in the Breakaway roping. She had some bad luck and missed her calf. Mary and I loaded up and headed out for Missouri. We were TIRED! It was a fun filled week that I will never forget. Visiting with old friends, making new friends and hanging out with my girls! Life doesn't get any better.

Now before I share more photos I'm gonna brag on myself. 7 weeks ago I went for my regular checkup and my Triglycerides were a whopping 1935. The normal is 150 or below. My doctor was freaking out. I actually felt sorry for him. I've gotten those kind of reports before and it didn't bother me as bad as it did him. He hasn't been my doctor for very long. He'll learn. He immediately put me on meds and a sugar free/minimal carbs diet. YUCK! I was to go back in 6 weeks for a re-check. Well last week while I was at The Congress, eating every bad thing available, was the 6th week so my appt. was this week. I went in Wed morning and had my labs done. Went back yesterday for the results. My Doctor was elated! So was I. My cholesterol had dropped from 239 to 163. That is an all time low for me. My triglycerides dropped from 1935 to 142. Another all time low! He said I should keep doing what I was doing..... I didn't mention my eating binge the week before. I did suggest I thought the previous labs were wrong. He said they weren't. The lab had noted they could actually see fat in the blood sample. So hurray for good meds! I'll have to stay on them for quite a while longer and be rechecked in 4 months then maybe on an 6 month schedule. That's my brag for today.

Dan is in Missouri today and tomorrow. He is at an Exotic Animal Sale with Matt. He reported this morning that they have received about 5 inches of rain since he got there last night. I think it's headed my way. I hope to get some good fall shots next week when the colors here peak. So it needs to dry out! Stay tuned.

Now for some more Congress photos. Enjoy!

Mary and Wimpy heading "home"....

Chaffin Thrasher....

Chase Thrasher...

Perfect follow through....

The further you go in the competition the further the dummy is away from you....

Perfect Catch!

Madison Dunn...don't you just love those big brown eyes?

Ashley, Lily and Shawn Coleman...

2009-10-29T10:17:00.003-05:00

Well... I made it to Missouri then Ohio back to Missouri and home again all in one piece! Yippppeee!!!

Mary and I had a BLAST on our trip! Everyone should make the trip to Columbus, Ohio in October for the Quarter Horse Congress at least once in their lifetime. It goes on for 3 weeks and is non-stop! It is the 3rd largest gathering of people in the U.S. behind the republican and democratic conventions. Mary found out this little tidbit of info from the vet tech while she was waiting on her horse to be drug tested after one of her runs.... Yes, DRUG tested! Mary didn't have anything to worry about because 'Wimpy' isn't a 'druggie'. But, none the less it kinda gummed us up for the rest of the day. It was the day it rained, and rained and rained some more...when Mary and Wimpy finally made it back to the barn they were both soaked. Mary tried to tell the Vet that she had left her mother-in-law unattended way to long and needed to get back to her. That she really didn't have time for all this unnecessary waste of her time. No one cared. They obviously didn't realize the danger of leaving me unattended!

Now let me back track... I left Florence Tuesday a little before 1pm and got to Cape Girardeau, MO between 5 and 5:30. I met Mary at Target we bought a few things we needed for our trip and then went to Qdoba's for supper. I'd never been to Qdoba's but I really liked it. Fast food Mexican prepared like at subway...right in front of you! Really good stuff! We headed on up to their house in Oak Ridge and started packing the trailer and truck for our trip. Mary set the alarm for 4am Wednesday morning! We were up and on the road by 5am. Is anyone besides me impressed by that? I thought so! When we woke Matt up to tell him goodbye he just muttered something about 'did you get your horse?' That's my boy....... We made it to Columbus by mid afternoon and soon found out what chaos really means..... Horses everywhere. People everywhere. Golf carts everywhere. Trucks everywhere. Trailers everywhere. The people in the stall office said, "just find a vacant stall and use it, call us and let us know your stall # when you find one." Did I mention the word chaos? Camper parking.... Mary's trailer has a living quarters so that was our home for the duration of the Congress. We parked, unhooked and had trouble with the electric. Had an electician come out and fix that, then we found a better place to park and hook up and we moved. This place was right beside our barn. We were lucky to find it! We went to bed early and got up at 2am for Mary to ride in the coliseum. The arena was open for the barrel racers from like 1am to 6am. Thursday was her first run. Thursday the ground was horrible and horses were not just slipping but they were falling all the way down. It was scary. No, not just scary it was SCARY!!! I felt certain that Wimpy would handle the ground well because of her turning style but I was still very nervous. She did great! Mary was a little apprehensive ( I totally understand) and didn't 'push' her. Her time was good but not good enough. We were both pleased that Wimpy nor Mary got injured because of the ground. After the barrel race it was off to shop at the trade show. We were just scoping things out and getting ready for the "moonlight madness sale" at Rod's Western Wear later that night. Mary is more of a shopper than me.... she found some good buys. Me, I bought stuff for Zane! SURPRISE! Despite the fact that there wasn't much baby stuff there. I bought some boots for me, Mary and Kelly. The girls have to wait 'til Christmas for theirs. I'm so mean. Friday was the rainy day. The rainy, drug testing day. Mary had another good run but was just out of the money. Friday night Rachel got there. It was so much fun hanging out with her too!

Tomorrow..... more about our trip. Here are a few photos. Enjoy!

Baby Girl... Mary's 3 month old Corgi! Our little travel buddy...

Mary riding in the coliseum in the middle of the night...

The Midway...between the Coliseum and Celeste Arena. All the action was in these two buildings. Anything and everything to eat. Outrageous prices. Amazing aromas. Nothing that qualified as healthy eating....

Mary, making a run....

My Bags are Packed and I'm Ready to GO!!!

2009-10-20T10:42:00.003-05:00

Well sort of... My bags are partially packed and I'm almost ready to go....

Where? you ask...

Well I'm leaving at lunch today and going to Matt & Mary's house in Oak Ridge, Mo. Tomorrow my favorite daughter-in-law and I will be leaving their house and heading for Columbus, Ohio. Mary will be running barrels at the Quarter Horse Congress. I have been super busy getting all my "stuff" done so I can leave with 'kind of' a clean slate work wise... Okay, that ain't gonna happen but so far not too much left undone. Nothing too terribly pressing. Nothing I can't handle. I am leaving Dan with the task of embroidering 3 dozen caps for the Women on the Edge trail riding club! He is good at caps! He can handle it!

Mary and I will have fun! She'll be winning $$. I'll be spending $$. What a FUN pair!!

I must leave you with a photo of Zane. It appears that last week he discovered his thumb. He likes to suck his thumb. He may like his thumb better than he likes wub a nub! We're not sure yet! Enjoy!

I'm not sure if he really likes his cowboy hat but he definitely doesn't mind wearing it!

Rain, Rain Go AWAY!!!

2009-10-13T13:46:00.005-05:00

Well I haven't drowned or melted but I must say I'm surprised that I haven't with all the rain we've had! Enough already! I hate to be a complainer. I try very hard to keep a positive attitude. I try very hard to see the good in every situation. I try very hard to be little miss sunshine....But I don't know how much longer we can go without the sun on a daily basis.... This has got to be the wettest October on record.
The rain got in the way of my yard sale Saturday. I was all primed to make a ton of money.
I may never get to ride outside again. Our outdoor arena looks like a lake and I'm not exaggerating! I have been riding in our indoor arena. I'm so thankful for a dry place to ride.
We have to cross a little creek to get from the house to the barn. Our little creek has gotten pretty large lately. We just kinda wade out to the barn.
I have a couple of places I want to go and shoot some photos but it's always just got done raining, raining or fixin' to rain when we leave the store.
Next thing you know it'll be dark when we leave. Now, I'll just tell you that really does bum me out! We should only have to work like 1/2 a day in the winter...that should be a law. If you know somebody who can get that done for me I'd appreciate it! This weekend the rain may stop so it can turn cold! ggggggrrrrrrrr

Next week I'll be in Columbus, Ohio with my favorite daughter-in-law Mary. She'll be competing at the Quarter Horse Congress in the barrel race. I'll leave Tuesday and drive to Matt & Mary's house in Mo. We plan to get up early Wednesday morning and head for Ohio! The shopping is fantastic at the Congress so I've been rolling coins since last Saturday. $335 in quarters and dimes. Not bad, eh? Still have nickels left to roll... I like to start with the big stuff first. What do you bet I spend most of that on Zane Daniel? I probably will.....He's worth it!

Speaking of Zane Daniel, here are a couple of shots of him from this past weekend. Enjoy!

Zane & Daddy in the feed store sitting on the 'saddle' stool that Dan made....

Zane & Daddy checking out the little 4 wheeler that Papa bought...

Farmer Zane in his overalls & work boots....

Is there anything more precious than a sleeping baby?

"I'm ready Papa....let's go!"

Long Overdue!

2009-10-05T15:24:00.007-05:00

A blog dedicated to photos of Zane! Yesterday when we visited Ned, Kelly & Zane I of course took 100's of shots... some good, some not so good... but here are some of my favorites. I realized we hadn't had Zane photos on here in a while.... what with the fair and birthdays and giveaways and all that so here you go....Enjoy!

We starter with a bath in the 'whale of a tub'....

Hey Papa! What 'cha doing over there?

Suddenly I'm not sure about this.....

aahhhh.....

Bubbles? Let me try to blow some bubbles....

Pops, you still there?

Hey G-Mama, how'd you get down there?

I know we're about done when I get this towel on my head....

At least I thought we were done....

Nothing better than playing cowboy in my bumbo seat after my bath....

Got my rope can, my cowboy hat and my wub-a-nub... I'm ready....

I don't need no stinkin' wub-a-nub.....

Hey Papa, wanna go catch some cows or something?

All this cowboy stuff makes me tired..

Chillin'....

Papa and G-Mama keep me entertained....

I entertain them too.....

It's a GREAT day!

2009-10-01T14:37:00.002-05:00

Yep! This has been a super duper funtastic day!
I started it off with a trip to my favorite hairdressers for a cut! Thank you Dee! Dee is the one who knows my inner most secrets...like the real color of my hair and so forth and so on.
Then it was on to the store to work on putting out the new jewelry that just arrived. It's BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mother and I went to lunch and it was delicious even if it was fruit and salad and healthy stuff! Tonight Dan is taking me to the Olive Garden, thank you Rachel & Bradley, ( I think I told him this little tidbit of info) and I probably won't be eating as healthy.... Oh well you only turn 50 once, right?
Oh and by the way... I have a new cell phone, thank you Ned, Kelly and Zane. If you're one of my friends that has just quit calling me on my cell because it was so annoying I think I'm back in business!
I've been totally overwhelmed by all the Happy Birthday wishes from my facebook friends...that has truly put a smile on my face all day!
All week I've been thinking what wonderful words of wisdom should I share now that I've reached such an important milestone.... I thought and I thought and nothing came to me. At least nothing you haven't heard already. So I settled on this.... Keep Learning and Keep Laughing. Learn all you can and laugh everyday! It's what I do.... and some days I should have learned not to laugh at inappropriate times....
Now on to more important things.... like the winner of the gorgeous necklace and earring set. But first, thanks everybody for entering I have so much fun doing these giveaways and I hope y'all enjoy 'em too!

The winner is...

Drum roll please......

Lucky entry # 5.....

Sharon Lovelace!!

Shoot me an email Sharon and we'll figure out how to get you your necklace and earrings. (I'd love for you to come by and visit!)
Check out more jewelry on our website www.shamrockm.com I will be adding more pieces today and tomorrow.

Giveaway Time!!!!

2009-09-24T11:06:00.004-05:00

It's that time again!

We're giving something away!

It's gonna be fun!

and....

It's gonna be easy!

and....

It's gonna start today!!

and...

It's gonna end next Thursday, October 1st!

Wanna know what you're playing for?

I think you're gonna like it....

"precious stone" necklace and earrings! This set is absolutely gorgeous and will look good with any outfit! Oh, you're a guy and you don't wear necklaces and earrings? Not a problem, win it and then make your wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, aunt or just about anybody HAPPY!

Over the next few weeks we will be adding jewelry to our website www.shamrockm.com We're pretty excited about this and want you to be excited about it too! Because I like you, you are getting the sneak peek! Okay better than a sneak peek, you have a chance to win this beautiful set!

Wanna know what you have to do to win it?
Okay, this is the fun part....
Next Thursday October 1st is my birthday. No need for me to be the only one getting all the cool gifts right? Here's your chance to celebrate too!

Now here's the easy part...
Leave a comment at the end of this blog entry telling me your first and last name and when your birthday is. You may have to leave your comment as "anonoymous". So be sure and leave your first and last name. Winner will be announced Thursday, October 1st.
If you receive this in your email you need to go to the actual blog page and enter www.kaymcgee.blogspot.com
Could it be any easier? I didn't think so.....
Good Luck and tell a friend!

North Alabama State Fair

2009-09-23T08:15:00.003-05:00

It's fair time again. It started last night. I took my photos over last Saturday, all 7 of 'em. Remember I was going with the shotgun method. Hoping at least one would win something. Well, Dan and I went over last night to check it out.

None of my photos won anything.

Except one.

It won first place!

It also won Best of Show!!

I was SHOCKED!

I was shocked because I never dreamed any of my shots would have a chance at "Best of Show".

I was shocked because of all my shots this is not the one I would have dreamed would have been named "Best of Show".

I was shocked because none of my other, more deserving photos, won anything. My emotions ran the gamut from happy, excited, dissapointed, upset and back to happy again. I did at some point tell Dan that I hate to criticize the judging since I did just win "Best of Show" but I'm just not getting it. I looked at ALL the entries. It wasn't just my shots that I thought should have at least placed. I saw many, many photos that I really liked and they didn't place either. I was confused. I was 9 years old when I started showing horses and I learned very quickly that when you put yourself (or your horse) out there and ask to be judged you are just asking for that persons opinion and everybodies is different. This is what I kept telling myself. A lot.
Sooo, enough of that already here is the winning photo.....

Swapping Shadows

Remember me blogging about my idea for the "altered" class? Well this is my 'altered' photo. The idea started out using an apple and an orange. Then I asked Dan what he thought of using a water glass and a goblet. He thought that might work better. So after supper that night we got to work on it. Notice I said 'we' ....this was a joint venture. And even though from a photographic stand point it wasn't my favorite shot. It will always be a favorite because Dan and I worked together on this project. Honestly I felt it would place in its catergory. And, I will gladly accept my $140 prize money and spend it wisely!

Now for more important things....
Little Parker Daniel needs our prayers. He is the son of Crystal and Landon Daniel. Landon and Matt graduated from MHBS together and were good friends. Parker was born at 27 weeks and weighed less than 2 pounds. He has made a lot of progress but is in the middle of a set back right now. He is in the NICU at Baptist Hospital in Nashville. Please offer up a prayer for him and his family as they really need them right now! Please pray for all the NICU babies, everywhere.

New Giveaway coming...Check tomorrow for details!

Well I'm heading home now to paint.... Maybe I'll get more on the walls than on me but I doubt it. I'm not a very good painter.

Canon T1i's first photos...

2009-09-22T16:58:00.000-05:00

Well I wish I could say this was one of my original ideas....it's not! I stole it from my buddy Kathy McCloy. Kathy is a real honest to goodness photographer who makes a living taking photos. (link to her site on the left) When she got a new camera a while back her first shot with it was her hubby, her #1! So I stole her idea and took my first shot with my new camera of Dan. He didn't want his photo taken. That doesn't stop me. I shoot any way. Dan has been so patient with my photography hobby. He goes with me to crazy places and helps me look for that "perfect" shot. He sits by quietly while I take my 300+ shots only to have a handful of keepers. He wades in water, mud and no telling what else so I can play photographer. So I think it's fitting that he is my #1 shot with my new camera!

Elder Hatch and Elder Whitaker setting up my new printer/copier/scanner! I miss Elder Brough. He would haved loved to have been in on this project!!!

Zane trying out his "bumbo" seat......

And now.....This is Dan's new favorite photo....Zane getting sleepy at the wheel...He obviously has a lot of McGee in him!

Check back Thursday for the announcement of a new GIVEAWAY!
and......
Please remember to pray for all the NICU babies everywhere!

Canon Rebel T1i....IS MINE

2009-09-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, just like the company said, my new camera the Canon Rebel T1i arrived. I was talking with Kelly on the phone when I saw the UPS truck pull up. "I gotta go, UPS is here!" ... Jerry is our UPS driver. Jerry has been our driver for many years now. Sometimes we see him everyday sometimes only once or twice a week. We've become friends. I hung up the phone and started in with "is that from b&h?" I kinda knocked Jerry out of the way and saw that it was indeed from b&h. That's when I grabbed Jerry's arms and we started jumping up and down together with me saying, "it's my new camera, it's my new camera!" Then I danced him around the store....Okay the jumping and dancing didn't really happen but when they make a movie of my life...the one where I'm played by Jennifer Anniston... that's the way it should go down! I am still pretty excited about my camera but haven't had the kind of time necessary to read the book thoroughly so I don't mess it up before I get to use it. I did that to my first computer but that's another story for another time. My new camera case/back pack came in yesterday. I'm sooo cool! Now all of a sudden I remember the start of school and getting all the new stuff. I get it all out and look at it. I've gone online and registered my new stuff with the canon company. I also think that one of the reasons I haven't had time to "fiddle" with my new camera is because I've been working on my photos for the fair. I finally got all my editing done. I picked them up from the printer yesterday and they are now at the frame shop being mounted on X-board! Dan and I did the 'altered' shot Sunday night. I like it. That's the important thing right? Anyway when all was said and done (and a lot more is always said than done) I have 7 photos to enter this year. I'm using the ole shotgun method...surely one will be a hit! I like 'em all. That's the important thing right? My mama likes 'em all too! It's always good when your mama tells you how much she likes your 'stuff'. Saturday is the day I'll drop 'em off at the fair and when the fair starts next Tuesday Dan & I will go over and see if the shotgun method worked....or not. Keep your fingers crossed....

This is what I saw when I opened the box! The big box on the bottom is the new printer/copier/scanner.

This is all the camera stuff laid out on the table....