WE NEED A NAME

We need a name for our new pet. Tristan, my 26 yr old went out mushroom hunting Saturday and came back with no mushrooms and one little, bitty gray tree frog. I had to smile because as long as he's been able to be outdoors alone he was always bringing home some type of critter. He even has caught several birds as a boy - the largest was a red-tailed hawk that took up residence at the Glen Oak Zoo in Peoria, Illinois for a while. I know some of you won't think a frog is a great pet - but I happen to LOVE frogs and turtles - even some small lizards. I DON'T however like snakes or spiders so it is a good thing that Tristan didn't bring home the 4.5 foot black snake he caught. It appears that after it tried biting him several times that even Tristan has his limits and he set the thing free. Good thing for me and for Tristan!

Here's the thing though - I think the frog needs a name and Tristan and I can't agree so we're asking for ideas. Leave your idea as a comment here on the blog and Tristan and I will choose the one we like best on Friday, May 8th. There's even a little prize for the winning entry so put on your thinking caps and help us out.

(The next few photos are of life events in my world - so if you're looking for the card - scroll down to the bottom of the post.)

It was a beautiful day here in Central Illinois yesterday and as I walked back to my car from the grocery store I saw this red bud tree in full bloom. Of course I had my American Express Card with me (aka my camera - you know - "don't leave home without it") so I just had to take a photo. Isn't it gorgeous????

My nephew is getting married this August and his mother and sister threw a kitchen shower for him and his bride to be. I thought the lemons and limes were so fresh and inviting. There were 4 hurricanes full of them - and I came home with a grocery bag full. Guess who's having lemonade today? Anyway - this is a photo of the happy couple: Matt & Ali.

I haven't been doing much stamping lately - but I was able to get into my stamp room for a few hours today. I made a wonderful, light blue peony from tissue paper with the intent of using it on this card. However, I didn't like the image I colored to go with it and didn't have time to color a second one so instead I opened my drawer full of pre-colored images - some I've done myself but this particular one was cut from the back of this year's calendar cover. All the images in the calendar are watercolor florals by the late artist, Cheri Blum. I thought the small thumbnail images would be perfect for cards and definitely a waste to throw away so I cut them all out and put them in my "finished" drawer for future use.

The cardstock is Stampin'Up Barely Banana that was embossed using Cuttlebug embossing folders and the BigShot. The image is framed by a piece of Barely Banana which is matted on Always Artichoke. The silver flowers are Stampin'Up! Filigree brads with self adhering half pearls added to the centers. The filigree flowers were stuck into place with glue dots on top of Barely Banana 5/8" grosgrain ribbon.

It's fresh, pretty and perfect for my dad's wife for Mother's Day.

Hope you enjoyed the post - and don't forget to leave your suggestion for our little frog's name.

Happy Stamping!

Jill