Thursday, January 31, 2013

Michigan Humane Society to open EIGHTH Off-Site Adoption Location at PetSmart in Ann Arbor


Expansion of successful adoption program
 means more animals Going Home




Following a year in which more than 8,000 animals found loving homes through its adoption programs, the Michigan Humane Society (MHS), the state’s oldest and largest animal welfare organization, is expanding its off-site adoption program to an eighth location at PetSmart in Ann Arbor. 

The grand opening feline adoption events
 will take place this Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3.

Preparing the adoption area


“We are so incredibly grateful to the wonderful staff at PetSmart for inviting us into their community,” said CJ Bentley, MHS senior director of Operations. “We share the goal of seeing more pets going home to happy families. Our off-site adoption program has helped thousands of homeless animals find loving homes, and we’re looking forward to seeing that happen here in Ann Arbor.”

The adoption events will take place Saturday, Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ann Arbor PetSmart, located at 2865 Oak Valley Drive. Following the grand opening, MHS adoptable cats will be available for adoption seven days a week during regular store hours. The store will house between eight and 12 adoptable cats and kittens, all of whom will be ready to go home with their new families the day they are adopted. The adoption process mirrors that at MHS’ three adoption centers.

Adoption fees for MHS cats and kittens at each off-site location are $65 each or $95 for a pair. All have been microchipped, spayed or neutered, received age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormed and tested for feline leukemia. New adoptable cats will arrive each week. The store will also hold regular weekend adoption events that will feature adoptable dogs, puppies and rabbits.

MHS’ off-site adoption program, which now comprises seven PetSmart locations and one Petco location, is part of a campaign called Going Home. This initiative expands current life-saving programs and partnerships to find more good homes for pets while keeping more animals in their loving homes through challenging times. For more information, call 1-866-MHUMANE (648-6263) Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.michiganhumane.org



The Michigan Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for more than 100,000 animals each year, while working to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Do you have "America's Luckiest Pet?" Enter the Petfinder "Luckiest Pet Contest!"

I know from reading many of the blogs that I follow, that there are a lot of people who have adopted pets that have a "story."

Cody and I on HIS
adoption day on
July 28, 2007
it was an adoption event
held by Petco!!


Some pets were Seniors when they were adopted, some had already been adopted  and for whatever reason it didn't work out and  the pet was returned to the shelter. Some pets were found abandoned by the side of the road and brought into a shelter, sadly, the list of reasons that  animals end up at shelters  goes on and on.



Wants to know:

What is YOUR pet's adoption story?

What was your pet's life like BEFORE they were adopted and how has their life changed since you adopted them?

Share your story by entering the PetFinder Luckiest Pet Contest and you could win a $500 gift card from Petco AND a $5000 donation to the Petfinder shelter of your choice. The runner up will win  a $250 Petco gift card.

Petfinder will be accepting entries until noon on Wednesday, February 20th, after that, from February 21st through March 18th, the public will vote on who they think is "America's Luckiest Pet." The pet with the most votes will win the grand prize!!

Best of luck to all who enter!


Mark Poulin Jewelry Give-Away WINNER!!!

Ohhhh we couldn't be MORE excited
 to announce the winner of our
Thanks to all who entered!

Ready?
does the PINK
give it away?
Here she is!
Click here
to visit her fabulous blog!

HUGE CONCATULATIONS!
We can't wait to see
what you pick for your prize!

Love and
Happy Early Valentine's Day!
Cody & Caren

Monday, January 28, 2013

Caption Cody!

Happy Monday All! It's Cody, and today I am purrticipating in a fun event over at the Tabby Cat Club being hosted by Gracie and Raz, called "Caption This!"

Here is my contribution, what do you think I am thinking?

After you give me your caption
 head on over to The Tabby Cat Club 
and caption some other kitties!!!

Visit the Tabby Cat Club 
by clicking here!
Have a "Meowvalous Monday All!
Love, Cody

Monday, January 21, 2013

Mark Poulin Jewelry! Purrfect for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and I cannot think of a BETTER gift to drop hints about to your significant other, or to purchase for yourself, than a  gift from the VAST assortment of the most stylish, artsy, quality jewelry, pins, magnets, etc. made by the extraordinary Mark Poulin.


Here are Mark's specialties as stated on his main website, markpoulin.com,  which you can visit by clicking on the categories below:



Charms - affordable sterling silver treasures
Glass - sketches of your favorite creatures
PureModern - simple, bold color combinations
MarmarSuperstar - magnetic necklaces, magnets, buttons, prints, and cards

While preparing this blog post I was wracking my brain trying to remember WHERE I had FIRST read about Mark Poulin and his jewelry, because I own a few pieces of his that I actually BOUGHT! (Imagine that!)

The first piece that I had bought was for the BlogPaws Conference that I had attended back in 2011, so I had to have first learned about his fabulous jewelry on another blog prior to that. Whomever you are, I apologize for not crediting you, because I can't remember! You can view my  first purchase  by visiting Mark's main website right here.

Then,  a few weeks ago I was reading one of Dakota's doggy friend's blogs, Come Wag Along, and they were having a give-away and guess who won! You got it! For my prize, I was able to select an item ($36 or less) from either of Mark's Etsy shops:
Click here to visit this shop on Etsy!
This shop is where Mark goes to have "fun" From Marmar Superstar:

 "This is the place I get to use every day materials like paper and magnets to make art projects that become necklaces or key chains or greeting cards."


Part of the "Kitty Love" necklace set
click here to visit





Click here to visit his shop on Etsy

From marmar.etsy.com:


Marmar is my first etsy store.

This is the core of my metalsmithing style, it is where I mix my charm designs and my enamel cartoon line. Years ago I took some metal classes at the local Recreation center here in Oakland called Studio One. I learned how to make a wax carving from a drawing and how to cast it in to sterling silver. It still a process that fills me with excitement and fuels my creativity. The only thing I love more than metal work is drawing and the marmar collection allows me to keep doing both. My biggest challenge is editing my drawings down to their simplest essence so they will still pack in the personality but can still be worn as jewelry. If you love animals like me this is the place to be.
Stick Kitty Enamel and Sterling Silver earrings
Click here to visit


Are you ready to see the necklace
 that I chose as the winner of Come Wag Along's give-away?

Here it is!!

Tiny Angel Kitty necklace
Click here for details

This piece is going to be one that I will cherish forever. I already have pieces to represent Cody and Dakota but none to honor my beloved and dearly missed "Soul Kitty", Bobo. I chose this necklace to have him near me always. The only difference is I chose an 18" silver chain. It is now one of the favorite pieces that I own.

The BEST news? One of our lucky readers (we apologize but due to the cost of shipping this give-away is limited to U.S. ONLY) can choose an item priced at $36 or less from either of Mark's Etsy Shops. Enter using the Rafflecopter below and good luck!
IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you are just leaving a comment and NOT entering by using the Rafflecopter form below, your entry WILL NOT COUNT.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, January 18, 2013

50TH CELEBRATION ALL BREED & HOUSEHOLD PET CAT FANCIERS’ ASSOCIATION CAT SHOW


The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) will hold an all breed and household pet cat show on Saturday January 26 & Sunday January 27, 2013 at the Monroe County Community College – 1555 S. Raisinville Road – Monroe, MI 48161  from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.


The show will feature two days of judged competition (10 rings), as well as exhibitors and breeders providing information and offering close-up views of their cats.  Breeds represented will cover a wide variety, including Persians, Maine Coons, Orientals, Birmans, Tonkinese, Ragdolls, Siamese, Bombays and more.
"Merlin"


The show is sponsored by the Midwest Persian Tabby Fanciers, a local non-profit cat club. Internationally qualified CFA judges will evaluate the cats.

The show offers a variety of interests for all people, from cat enthusiasts to families with small children.  Judging will take place throughout both days, so you can be in a ring watching the judging, or walking the exhibit hall looking at the beautiful cats.  You can ask questions of breeders and exhibiters.  It really is great fun for everyone
Admission to the show is $6 - adults
 $5 - seniors
 $4 - children
 and no charge to children under age 6.
 
Founded in 1906, The Cat Fanciers’ Association has been devoted to the promotion and protection of all cats.  CFA as a whole, as well as individual member clubs and individuals associated with CFA, have together made outstanding contributions in feline health, feline health research, animal welfare and disaster relief over the years.

For more info:
Contact:  Cathy Hawley

Thursday, January 17, 2013

"Love Saves The Day" by Author, Gwen Cooper, Order NOW and you could win a visit from Gwen!

Gwen Cooper, the renowned author who brought us  Homer's Odyssey, (which I reviewed here on August 8, 2010), has just released her latest book: LOVE SAVES THE DAY!

Gwen has a special place in my heart.  Little did she know when she contacted me on Twitter back in the summer of 2010 asking if I would be interested in reviewing Homer's Odyssey, I was terrified! The review I did for her was my FIRST book review. I never told her that because I didn't want her to know that I had no clue what I was doing at the time. My review of Homer's Odyssey was the beginning of what is probably the most popular feature on Cat Chat, my book reviews.

I am honored to be one of a number of cat bloggers who were personally asked by Gwen to review her latest book: LOVE SAVES THE DAY! My review will be featured at a later date, but I wanted you to know about an exciting contest that Gwen is conducting right now!

ORDER LOVE SAVES THE DAY BETWEEN NOW AND JANUARY 20th and you could win the GRAND PRIZE, a visit from Gwen! Gwen will come to your home town and lead a book club discussion in a library, at your favorite shelter, at a coffee shop, book store or even in your living room! She will answer all of your questions as well!

SECOND PRIZE: you could win a portrait of your dog, cat, horse or whatever animal, by Sue Hains, an incredibly talented animal portrait artist who did this gorgeous portrait of Homer. She CAN work from photos!

Photo Courtesy of Gwen Cooper


THIRD PRIZE: Autographed copies of LOVE SAVES THE DAY and Homer's Odyssey,  plus one of the original photos of Homer (also autographed) that was used to create the artwork for Homer's Odyssey.

For complete details on how to enter, click here

Purchase LOVE SAVES THE DAY on Amazon by clicking here

Barnes & Noble click here

You can also purchase it "in-store" at your favorite bookstore!

Good luck with the contest and watch this blog for our review of LOVE SAVES THE DAY coming soon!!!!!!


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Art for Change –by Artist BZTAT (AKA Vicki Boatright) #BtC4A


FROM CAT CHAT: Today  we are once again proud to participate in the annual:

Click here to visit Blog the Change
event that many bloggers around the blog-o-sphere are participating in. We are honored and proud to feature Artist BZTAT aka Vicki Boatright, a gifted artist who acts tirelessly on animals' behalf. We hope you enjoy her guest post!

 Art for Change –by Artist BZTAT

"Juniper"
Artwork by BZTAT
When I graduated with a Master's Degree in Visual Art back in 1985, I was bold with color, but I was pretty timid with life. It did not take me long to realize that, despite my talents, I did not have the business acumen to make a living as an artist. At that time, there were not many ways for artists to survive solely from the sales of their art, so most did other things for a living. I realized fast that making art your top priority in life required significant sacrifice.

Although creating art was very important to me, it did not seem like it served an "essential" purpose in life for me, certainly not enough to justify living in poverty and doing meaningless jobs to support it.

So I went back to school and earned another Master's Degree - this one in Counseling. I spent the next 20 years counseling children and families coping with trauma. I often joke that I went from being a starving artist to being a starving therapist, as counseling was not a very lucrative profession either. But it seemed to serve a more "essential" purpose for me. 

Many years later, things have come full circle for me. My art has become my top priority, and I am no longer working as a counselor. The disarray of the mental health system made it increasingly difficult for me to help people, and it no longer served an "essential" purpose for me. I grew tired of confronting life and death circumstances in people's lives with diminished resources for making a difference. Changes were needed in the system designed to make change for people in distress, and they simply were not happening.

Although it was not my career focus, I continued to create art throughout the years that I worked as a therapist. The art of my young clients had a huge influence on my own work. Three things that children often included in their art were also important to me: bright colors, simplified shapes, and animals.

I now am working as a full time artist, and strangely, it now does serve an "essential" purpose for me.

I paint custom pet portraits  for people who share my love of pets, often providing a healing experience for individuals who have lost a cherished companion. My involvement in a worldwide pet community has led to close connections with rock stars in the animal rescue movement. And I have been able to use my art to advocate for change and promote awareness of important issues.


"Safe Animals Safe Kids" Mural
Artwork by BZTAT
My new passion blends the two "essential" tracks of my life. My Okey's Promise Art for a Change program  uses artwork to raise awareness about the connections between animal abuse, child abuse and domestic violence - issues I often encountered while working as a counselor with children. Research has shown that the connections are deeply intertwined, yet there is not a widespread effort to combine intervention efforts for children or animals.

Through large public art projects, I seek to highlight the need to increase awareness and combine intervention efforts, so that we can better serve people and animals. I have been blessed to have many "Okey's Promise Keepers" who have contributed funding to make the projects possible. I am currently raising funds for my third project , which will be a mural on a building in Barberton, OH.
proposed sketch for Barberton, OH mural
Artwork by BZTAT

Whether we do it in our careers or whether we do it as a side passion, the need to work for change in our world rests in the hearts of many. I am not unique with that. I do feel incredibly thankful for having the knowledge, skills and talent to bring forth works of art that inspire others, even though it does require considerable sacrifice. 

Everyone has something they can do to work towards change. What is your gift, and how will you use it to bring about positive change to your world?

You can learn more about Okey's Promise Art for a Cause and how you can become an Okey's Promise Keeper here . You can see more BZTAT artwork here .



Monday, January 14, 2013

Paws to Reflect: 365 Devotions for the Animal Lover's Soul by Devon O'Day and Kim Mclean

I have always been a fan of books that offer daily readings or "devotionals", not for the religious aspect per se, but for the positive messages that they offer.

I was delighted when my friend, Rachel Shubin had a give-away on her We Have A Situation blog, where her readers could enter to win Paws to Reflect: 365 Devotions For The Animal Lover's Soul and I was the lucky winner!



The book couldn't have arrived at a more appropriate time, January, a new year, a new beginning. Paws to Reflect: 365 Devotions For The Animal Lover's Soul is meant to "inspire, encourage, heal and teach."

From the publisher: Sometimes human communication falls short in conveying spiritual truth. God speaks through whatever means he chooses, and often he chooses animals. Dogs teach unconditional love. The purr of a kitten can bring peace. Horses show us how to harness our strength with grace.

Paws to Reflect offers gentle daily reflections for those who seek to grow spiritually by observing the animal kingdom and all the lessons it teaches.

 I have LOVED what I have read so far. Here are a few examples:

January 1: let last night's nightmare fall away and become today's glorious dream. d.o.

January 2: if you are saying good-bye to someone, something or some place, reflect on what you have gained from the time you have spent. Let it be woven into the fabric of who you are becoming. Just remember, nothing is taken without being replaced by more of what you need. d.o.

January 5: you are the songbird. Your life is the song. k.m.

January 8: Freedom often involves a surrender. We must surrender our need to be accepted by the "cool" group. We must surrender our desire to have all the things the world says are essential. In that surrender, God can give us the blessings waiting in store for us....the dream God has for us is always bigger than the dreams the world has for us. d.o.

January 12: No Whining! Does bringing kindness to a day mean we are trying to live in a false reality, becoming a fake Mary Sunshine? No, it means putting in the effort to be a solution giver, a problem solver, and an encourager to all we see. Do you think your dog or cat agonizes over being happy to see you? No. They are extraordinary teachers in the "how to treat your neighbor" category! d.o.

Speaking of "kindness" when the book arrived, Rachel had written a sweet note and also included a surprise!! Look!!


See the kitties?
Rachel sewed those on the gloves
just for ME! I love these!

This is going to be a most "interesting" year. Less than a month into 2013 it has already presented it's fair share of surprises, headaches and challenges. Each morning I will be  turning to Paws to Reflect for the passage of the day, where I am sure to be comforted, motivated and inspired.
 Thank you Rachel, I think 2013 just might be a good year after all!


Thursday, January 10, 2013

PET ADOPTION: FIND YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND THIS WEEKEND AT MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY’S PETSMART ADOPTION EVENTS


Pets available for adoption at Dearborn, Taylor PetSmart locations

 The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is teaming up with PetSmart to hold two adoption events this weekend at PetSmart stores in Dearborn and Taylor. The events are part of MHS’ partnership with PetSmart, which has helped find homes for thousands of pets over the past several years.
Jazzy and volunteer Sarah Quasarano - by Merideth Gillhespy



The adoption events will be held at the following times and PetSmart locations:

Saturday, Jan. 12
 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 at the Dearborn PetSmart, located at 5650 Mercury Drive

Sunday, Jan. 13
 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 at the Taylor PetSmart, located at 23271 Eureka Road

The adoption process mirrors that at MHS’ three adoption centers. Adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified families.

MHS’ adoption fees for cats and kittens at its PetSmart partner locations are $65 or two for $95; adoption fees for dogs over 4 months are $200; puppies and lap dogs (20 pounds or less) are $300. Adoption fees for rabbits are $20 or two for $30. All dogs and cats have been spayed or neutered and received age-appropriate vaccinations. All cats have been microchipped at no additional cost. For more information, call 1-866-MHUMANE (648-6263), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.michiganhumane.org.



The Michigan Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization which cares for more than 100,000 animals each year, while working to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values.


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Cody On Canvas-Semi "Wordy" Wednesday

The other day I was reading one of my favorite blogs Max The Quilt Cat and was thrilled to read that "HH" who if you didn't already know, happens to be a super talented painter as well as a genius writer, is participating in a 30 Paintings 30 Day Challenge from the Leslie Saeta blog.

HH chose "Cats" as her theme for the challenge, and soon after beginning her paintings she realized that she needed more photos of cats to paint. She posted a request for more cats on her blog and I was all over it!.

There is nothing I love more than original art, I have a deep appreciation for it, and the time it takes to create it, since I draw and come from a family with a heavy artistic influence.

So, I submitted this photo of Cody.


This is one of my favorite photos because it shows the gorgeous green of his eyes.


HH emailed me yesterday with the finished product, and gave me the option of purchasing it at a discounted price. Here is the painting, done in an "impressionistic" style, and I am completely in love with it!!

Thank goodness HH accepts PayPal! I purchased the painting and cannot wait for it to arrive! When it does, I will photograph it again after it is proudly displayed on the wall.

Would you like a painting of YOUR cat done by the incredibly talented HH? All you have to do is email her a jpg photo (close up is best so she can see the eye color of your kitty). Email her at: MaxTheQuiltCat at gmail dot com. You can refer to her blog for more details here.

I am completely in love with this painting of my precious Cody, and I can't wait for it  to arrive!!




Monday, January 7, 2013

SuperCat™ Catnip Package For YOUR "SuperCat!"

Everyone knows how cats react to catnip. Most cats are in complete euphoria when presented with a catnip toy! My Angel Bobo used to be a catnip connoisseur of the first order. Cody? That's another story. I am convinced that Cody has to be the LAZIEST cat on the planet. He exerts little to no energy on any activity, unless said activity involves EATING. Hmmm...maybe I should come out with a line of FOOD scented toys for cats? Any one with plans to steal that idea, be sure to give ME part of your earnings because you heard that idea HERE...FIRST! But I digress...

Regardless of Cody's less than enthused reaction to catnip, I BELIEVE in the products that I am showing you today. My goal is to ALWAYS give an honest review, and you will get just that. Cody didn't react to the products that I am going to show you in the way that I expected, but I think that his low key reaction is just HIM.

The SuperCat™ catnip toys are a new, patented innovation that is being presented by  Quaker Pet Group.

SuperCat™ uses the same technology as Scratch N Sniff stickers. The stickers are "printed" with small bubbles of "microencapsulated"  catnip oil that bursts when cats rub or scratch the material.  SuperCat's "Nano-Burst Technology" constantly releases the enticing scent of catnip as the bubbles are broken, each lasting approximately six weeks.

I was excited to have been contacted to have Cody test these innovative and NEW products.  I am confident that when it is late at night and I am NOT present in the room with a video camera, that Cody IS going to play with all of these items in a more enthused manner!

Here are the items that I received and that YOU are going to be able to enter to win as well!



Catnip Crumples


Catnip Crumples come in 40 per REGULAR pack, (there are 5 per trial pack)
They continuously release a scent whenever the paper is folded or scratched.

Catnip Markers
They come in 2 per pack
They are non-staining and non-toxic and are purrfect for "writing" on toys, paper, floors, walls, scratching posts, and bedding. **Writing is in quotes because when you "write" with the pens whatever you have "written" shows up rather lightly. It is mostly used to distribute the scent.

Catnip Spray
(1 per pack) is clear, non-staining and non-toxic. Can be used to re-vitalize "dead" catnip mouse toys or to entice cats to enter a carrier.

Scratch N Sniff Catnip Stickers
(60 per pack) are great to stick on just about any surface that you actually WANT the cat to scratch!

My personal favorite, and one that all of you cat people out there are going to just bunny-kick yourselves about, because YOU didn't think to market/patent this,  is made out of an object that CATS LOVE...A PAPER BAG!

Catnip Caves

of everything that Cody and I received this had to be my favorite (and Cody's as well). It's so basic and simple, and is so well-suited to cats and their likes, that I happen to think that this is PURR GENIUS!

You get 4 caves per pack. The "caves" are catnip scented and are great for pouncing and hiding!




Want to win? Our friends at SuperCat™  are offering 3 WINNERS their own SuperCat™  Package! GIVE-AWAY IS OPEN TO U.S. AND CANADA. ****CANADIAN WINNER(s) must provide phone number if they are chosen. WINNERS IN EITHER U.S. OR CANADA MAY NOT USE A P.O. BOX as their address.

GIVE-AWAY CLOSES JANUARY 14TH. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16TH.

Enter using Rafflecopter below.

Good Luck!!


In Full Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. I was given the same prize package that you will receive. All opinions are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, January 4, 2013

Fun Friday... "I'm Cool!!"

Hi every kitty and woofie! It's Cody!  While cruising the blogs on January 1st, what did I find? This!

My furiend, Ann, at the super "cool" blog, My Pawsitively Petscreated an infographic of the "10 Coolest Pets with blogs in 2012".

While reading the infographic I wasn't a bit surprised to see the  blogs that I saw mentioned, (that being said, there were MANY, MANY COOL PETS with blogs that weren't on this infographic but you can't fit all of them here....it would go on furever!) but what DID surprise me Mom was surprised, I wasn't the least bit surprised,  was to see ME mentioned!! YEP! ME! The "Codester!!" You notice it didn't say the "10 Coolest Peeps with Blogs and their pets" Nope! No way! If it had, Mom would be kitty poop out of luck, that is for sure!

What a "Cool" way to begin the New Year! Anyway, I am honored and all of that fake modesty kinda stuff, but hey, I know I am a "Cool Cat!" Glad to see that Ann realizes that!

Speaking of Ann, her blog hasn't been around all that long, and I must say that Ann blogs as if she has been around furever! Her blog is set up with a super attention to detail unlike ours, it is attractive, well-written, it is full of information, fun, and is about all sorts of animals, not just dogs and/or cats.

Ann is super knowledgeable and I think that's cause she is a registered Vet Tech! I still love her regardless of that "V-E-T" stuff in her title.

 Be sure to visit her blog right here!

 Ann, thanks for recognizing just how "cool" I am and I am honored to be in the company of all of those "cool" pets with blogs!

Oh, Ann, one more thing, if you make an infographic of old, lazy, slacker peeps with blogs,  who eat too much, complain too much, and have the brains of a flea, be sure to include my Mom in that one, ok?

Love, Cody, "One Cool Cat"




Tuesday, January 1, 2013

It's another year...and somebody partied too much!

Speaking of parties....
we know someone
who is turning 13 today!!
Our buddy Sammy!

Head on over to
his blog
and wish him a
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!