Wednesday, June 1, 2011

June's Blog-Follower GiveAway Prize...

I've decided to start a monthly blog giveaway to show all my followers how much their support means. This month, I've compiled a gift-basket of awesome things I have in my Etsy shop, Night Owl: The Shop. Here is what ONE, lucky follower will receive:


Aren't these items JUST AWESOME?! I'll announce the winner on the last day of each month - the prize will be shipped the next business day after the winner is announced. Spread the word: The Crafty Night Owl Blog is super awesome! You are too (nudge, nudge)!

Betsy, Reunions & Five Guys...

For those of you who don't know, Betsy is my car and she's been out of commission for the past 7 months. Yes. It's true. I've had this car since I was 18 years old - the 1st and only car I've ever had! Here are some photos of Betsy:
I took her for a much-needed bath today - isn't she pretty!
Yep, I still have a cassette player. I LOVE it. LoL.

I've been stuck in the apartment during the days for THAT long.
It hasn't been a total loss, though. I mean, I've used the time wisely sewing new items for my Etsy shop:

(Please, Please, Please spread the word about my shop. I need some business to pay for tuition!)

Let me know what other cutesy items you'd like to see in the shop - won't you, please?

Ok. So, maybe that's not the most exciting part - my dad (yes, the REAL one) help fix it! Eeeee, I'm so excited. To catch you all up: I haven't seen my dad due to some family issues for the better part of 5 years!

Here's a photo of my dad, myself and my grandpa from a couple weeks ago.

After some talks, many nights of prayer & putting the past where it belongs (in the past), we've re-united and it's been pretty awesome. I can't even express how happy I am. It's such a weight lifted off my shoulders. He and Josh spent some hours under my car bonding, talking car parts & laughing... I'm so glad my dad is getting to know my husband (and that they get along very well)!
I spent those hours, inside (out of the blazing heat) with Julia, my dad's girlfriend. We watched Law & Order and tried to hide our feet from the vicious kitty, Kiwi (she had a little too much catnip... or something). 

Since my dad paid the tab on the fuel pump, I thought it only fair that Josh and I pick up the dinner tab - we went to.... 
It was my dad's first time eating there (he's un-american, I know)! We were there for the better part of 3 hours reminiscing and sharing wild, hilarious stories. Needless to say, we had a BLAST and shared a ton or much-needed laughter. 

Monday, May 30, 2011

May Blog GiveAway WINNER...

CONGRATS

***Ashleigh Sandoval***

FOR WINNING THE MAY {BLOG-FOLLOWER} GIVEAWAY!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING MY BLOG. ENJOY!


Do you want to win one of the monthly giveaways? All you have to do is follow THIS blog and you'll be entered - there is one giveaway per month to one blog-follower. 





Memorial Day Shenanigans....

I could write a novel about all the wonderful adventures Josh and I had throughout this past weekend... but,  I'll let you experience them all through pictures. Cool?
Memorial Day Weekend WORE US OUT... and we loved every minute of it!

FRIDAY
RockBand: Blasczyk/Jackson Style. 


Apple, Angela & Abby (Now THAT'S an awesome trio).


I showed Abby & Izzy my pet photography. They recognized an iconic pup - Mister Boaz Terry (our pastor's pup). Abby LOVED them all. 

SATURDAY

It was SOOO hot. I stood on the patio for 10 minutes just to see if I could stand laying out by the pool. I did this because our apartment pool has only 2 chairs worth of shade. Seriously. It's ridiculous. 
My honey thought I was "cute" so he snapped a photo. I think it turned out pretty cute. 

We had the pool to ourselves for a good half-hour... then EVERYONE decided to join. Needless to say, quiet & peaceful turned into noisy & obnoxious really fast. Sigh.


SUNDAY

Our WestGate Church Kickball Team: Crush (Pre-Game)


Valarie, Myself & Gabby (Post-Game = EXHAUSTED)

We came in 3rd place out of four teams. Not great but NOT LAST! Haha. I didn't wear my knee brace so I was pretty limpy afterwards. 

Even though we were completely worn out, we got a group together to see the following movie at 10:40pm (and it was a 2hour, 5minute movie):
The BEST, most hilarious movie adventure, EVER! We had a good group, too: Rob & Chasity, Derrick & Valarie, Josh & Myself and Mrs. Cassie. 
BTW: This movie is make-you-cry HILARIOUS (way better than The Hangover & equally as funny as The Other Guys). 

MONDAY: MEMORIAL DAY
Josh worked until 2pm then we ventured out to my momma's for a family cookout/pool party. I didn't have time to take any photos because I was having too much fun (which is CRAZY because I, usually take photos of EVERYthing)!
Josh and I played Heather and Cody in MANY, MANY games of Pool VolleyBall - talk about F.U.N.
My grandmother and momma prepared some amazing food:
 Grilled Steak
Grilled Chicken
Potatoes
Salad
Rolls
Sweet Tea
Chips & French Onion Dip
Kuddos to them for being so amazing in the kitchen and on the grill. I have much to learn. 
I'm so happy that Josh and I are able to have days like this with my family... we can be ourselves, be real and still be loved & supported. Now, that's something to be thankful for. 

Kuddos to all the military personnel (past & present) for all their hard work, dedication and sacrifice. You make precious freedom possible.







Thursday, May 26, 2011

College Bound, Baby...

Josh had applied for college at Regent University a couple weeks ago, so we had anxiously been awaiting the results. Well, they arrived yesterday..... AND..... HE GOT ACCEPTED! I can't even explain how proud I am of him. He took the step and got the reward. This means so much for our family... for our future. The only thing we have to work at now is funding the tuition without taking lifetime loans out. If you know anyone willing to help or want to know more about our campaign to raise tuition funds, please visit Our Path to College Fundraiser

I would ask that you keep my in your prayers as I'm, officially, applying to the same university next week. I'm quite nervous! I didn't take college seriously the first time around and am hoping and praying for a second chance. 

If you know of any ingenious ideas to raise money OR earn money, let us know! We would so, greatly appreciate it. Thank you, in advance!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

May's Blog-Follower GiveAway PRIZE...

I've decided to start a monthly blog giveaway to show all my followers how much their support means. This month, I've compiled a gift-basket of awesome things I have in my Etsy shop, Night Owl: The Shop. Here is what ONE, lucky follower will receive:


Isn't that JUST AWESOME?! I know I'd be excited to receive all these hand-crafted goodies. I'll announce the winner on the last day of each month - the prize will be shipped the next business day after the winner is announced. Spread the word: The Crafty Night Owl Blog is super awesome. You are, too (nudge, nudge)! 

Visit my Etsy shop and tell me if there's anything you'd like to see in the future! Feedback is welcomed & appreciated!


I do so Love my Camera: Pets

I love my camera. I love that fact that it allows me to capture such beautiful moments, so many different people. crazy pets, unfiltered emotions, etc. My wonderful husband, Josh, bought a Canon EOS 60D for me some months ago - oh, how he knows my little, creative heart. I've been super busy with life, church, family & Night Owl: The Shop that I've barely managed to get "camera time." However, here is what I have so far...



Mister Boaz Terry




Mister Tigger West


Miss Kiwi Jackson

I'm available for hire to photograph YOUR four-legged friends!
I charge $50 for a 60-minute session with your pet. You can get in on the fun for an additional $10.

Do you like what you see so far? Do tell.