Hi again!

I'm back after spending the last two weeks immersed in my boys, who were back with me after spending several weeks, far out of town, with their father, where he lives.  The first week we had endless sleepovers, lots of yummy food, movies galore (both rented and at the theater), and hugs for mom, who had missed them so much.   And the second week we packed up the entire family (Tim, Zack, Toby, Noah, Shel) and Zack's friend, James, and headed to Las Vegas, Nevada.  Tim and I found it so fun and different when there recently for IDEX that we thought it would make a terrific family trip.

We did so many wonderful things, from shows (including PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and KA, by Cirque du Soleil), to attractions (no less than three roller coasters, and lunch atop the Stratosphere, where we had a gorgeous view of the entire Las Vegas area.)  I've been busy for days, ever since our return, sorting and editing nearly 400 photos we took while there for six days and five nights. I'm using Picaboo to create a hardbound photo book, which I'll have printed as a keepsake for our family, and can share online, too, with family and friends -- that part, for free!  We'll print a copy for James, as well.  I'll let you know how it turns out as this is the first time I'm using them.  Looks promising!

I've been trying to catch up on some art cards due, as well as a huge pile of eMail and snail mail (bills -- aargh!) that arrived in my absence.  It amazes me, how much mail I get, given that I'm mostly an at-home mom.

I'm also busy imagineering the final details on two new Boyds prototypes and a piece for Mindy Kinsey's 12 Days of Christmas editorial to run in Teddy Bear & Friends this holiday season.

So if you're waiting on mail from me, or wanting to know why I don't have bears for sale at this time, or just plain wondering where the heck I've been, I hope this fills in some blanks.

To those of you who responded with such heartfelt comments to my "real job" post, below... you have my thanks for your compassion and understanding.  It's so good to be heard.

:)