Our Family Webpage

No New Posts here.. but to Follow Laura & Sequoya....

2011-06-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

This announcement is a bit late in coming, but I'm sorry to have to tell you that Bob & I split up and have gone our separate ways. I do not want to delete this blog especially as there is so much about the Girls here!

Bob, the whippets (Cleo, Athena, Pandora) and Basset Stella stayed in Chicago. Laura & Sequoya moved to Lexington, KY to be closer to her Mom.

If you'd like to keep up with what's going on with Laura & Squirt, feel free to follow Laura's business blog (which will now also have regular personal stuff on it) and Sequoya's blog:

http://teddiesbylauralynn.blogspot.com/

http://charmingchihuahuas.blogspot.com/

We Love you Isis

2009-08-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday August 22, 2009, Isis finally lost her almost 2 1/2 year long battle with severe heart disease.

She went the best possible way... while running to play with her sisters in the back yard. Jen was with her so she wasn't alone. She was particularly feisty that day and would NOT be kept inside while her sisters were outside. :)

We are very sad, but we know how lucky we were to both have her in our lives and also to have those many extra months with her while she was sick.

Laura's Great Adventure

2009-07-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 25, Bob and Laura got ready to go to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Little did Laura know... this was not to be one of their "typical Faire days"!

Bob: Well it’s a long story and many months in the making. It started in October of 08 when I first saw the white sapphire and commissioned Paul Hapip to make it into a ring for Laura. Rather than give it to flat out, over the months I devised this scheme and with the help of 20 co-conspirators.

Two of those co-conspirators were not even at the Faire! Thanks to Sylvia and Mary at Protech (Bob's work) Mary printed up all of those clues, and Sylvia stayed with the Girls (our dogs) at home as we would be gone the entire day.

Moonie was most helpful by delivering all of the packets of clues to all of the conspirators the morning of the big day. And Jane the Phoole arranged for the grand finale, my presentation of the ring to Laura at Court with Queen Elizabeth.

Here is the instruction letter to the conspirator company:

Laura’s Grand Adventure
The Order of Battle

Welcome all to the conspiracy of Laura’s Grand Adventure. As you all know during the recruiting process each of has elected to participate in me giving my wife a new shinny ring made by long time Faire vendor Paul Hapip of Gems of Antiquity. Laura is completely clueless on what lies in store for her-a grand adventure!

Below is the order of the visits for her day, mostly revolving around making sure she is at the end of the performer’s shows, with in between stops at the merchants, progressing through the day.

Each of you will receive a packet of information which will contain your clue to give her, only after Laura asks you a question, in the proper format that will be supplied to her. She will be searching for me and looking to see if I have been seen in your area. Once she has properly asked you the question, you may give her the envelope provided which will contain her next clue/destination/person to see. She should thank thee for thy help and use her magic pictures box to record the moment.

Laura: As Bob mentioned... I was clueless! As we walked into the gates, we said hello to some of our Faire friends.. and then headed over to the Globe stage to see our friend Moonie at his 11:00 show. As the show neared its end, Bob said he'd be right back.. he didn't feel so good. He gave me the tip money and then told me to wait for him here.

Well, as the show ended, I joined the line to put our tip in Moonie's basket. Moonie told me that he had something for us if I could just wait a minute till the line was done. I told him "No problem, I'm waiting here for Bob anyways!".

Well.... what Moonie had to give me was an envelope.... from BOB! I opened it and this is what I read.....

Welcome to Laura’s Big Adventure!

Hi Honey!! Bet you’re a bit confused at the moment, but don’t worry all is well. You are going to have a big adventure today and many of our friends here at Faire are involved!!

As I continue to tell you, I am completely unworthy of you and am amazed that you wake next to me each and every morning. So today I am going in search of something to show my worthiness and your job is to try and track me down, following the clues I am going to leave for you. You will need to approach the holders of your clues and ask in the manor prescribed, and they will give you more information, all leading to a chance to find me as I quest for worthiness.

This should be a fun filled adventure for you full of surprise, mystery and delight!

Now a couple of things, some of our performers are involved and you need to be there for their performances, so some schedule adherence is required. Second, I have breaks for food and water in FOF built in. Third, if you are lost or confused at any time, good friend Moonie and Nixie are your emergency back ups! Finally, do not worry about the girls at home. As part of my clever deception I had Sylvia come to meet the pups so she could come over today and take care of them.

So have fun and hopefully I will see you again when I am again worthy of you!!

Love ya!
Husband a sorous

Ps-use your magic portrait box to chronicle the event!

Clue # 1

This be a tight one for thee my love. Thou must make haste to the German Scientist’s Stage near where the elephants play. Remember to say YA! and that there is no giggling in German. Ka Boom! You must present thyself there by twelve, but no later than the end of the show at twelve and thirty. Per chance you might find me there.

Please ask the good doctor:

Heir Doctor, I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #2

Honey, I am sorry I missed thee at Dr Ka Booms stage, however I may still be in the area, visiting the other KaBoom we know at our favorite clothiers. The girl with glasses and the very long blonde hair there may be of assistance to thee.

Ladies Ladies, I pray you may help me! I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #3

Alas I have waited as long as I could, however a short trip over the glen to the footwear store, where you feel you are walking on wind, I may be. Ask of the Lady Mary or Sir Tim:

Moccasin makers of Snowflake, I pray you may help me! I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #4

I could not linger long my love and have moved on in my quest to obtain worthiness. Per chance you may come and see me where our friends, recently engaged, reside. He is the good natured fellow whom all at the show know and love and she is girl that owns his heart. Perhaps he will have another rose for the pin he gavith you two weeks past and please avoid eating the garlic mushrooms on the way to their shop! I wish to kiss thee when we meet!

Ask of Sir Dan or Lady Julie: I pray you may help me! I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #5

My love, thy hunger must be growing with they trek, please stop by the FOF garden and partake some in the feast and refreshment. But linger not long, as thy have an appointment to see the Bold and Stupid Men, for I am seeking instruction from them in hopes of becoming a gifted orator and once again being worthy of thee. I am reminded of one of Guido’s oratations,

Hot Blooded, check it and see
I have a fever of five score and three……..

Be there to see their 1:30 show, at least near the end. Ask of the two adventures: I pray you may help me! I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #6

My love I was unable to meet thee here as well. Alas the rigors of my quest called me on. Please despair not for I have not wandered far. I have wandered over to the Garden of the Copper Dragon to see if perhaps another dragon for our humble dwelling back deck would make me worthy of thee again, or perhaps a mirror or two……….

Master Copper Sculptress, I pray you may help me! I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #7

I have quested on again my love-if I may still call thee my love. Please read not more into this than is superficially meant, but I go to hang out with the Whores of the Girl Glass Garden, to see if a goblet or other trinket of shinny glass may suit thy fancy. Please feel free to linger and look but not too long my love.

Gaffer oh Gaffer, I must see the gaffer! I pray you may help me! I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #8

I hope this clue finds you well and enjoying the adventure, however even our friends in the glass garden have been unable to provide me with what I have been looking for. Please proceed to the feast at the FOF garden as I am sure you are in need of drink and food. However not to linger too long as you need to go see the man that Cracks us up with his whip like humor and horrible puns! Be careful not to get too close, as he does play with fire at the end of his 3:30 show!

Whipmaster I pray for thy assistance. I pray you may help me! I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #9

My day rolls on as does thee’s. Despair not I am working most arduously on establishing my worthiness. You may find me at the family jewelry store, where the gems seem to grow on vines, collected from around the world by the gem master himself. I am sure that Master Paul will have what I need.

Master Jeweler, I pray you may help me! I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #10

Ah Ha! I bet you thought this might be the end of the quest, but alas it is not. I have had to proceed further into the faire to gain favor with thee. Please try to catch up with me with the Heartstone folk at their booth. They have made thee thy fine tee cup and green and black dinner wear we love so much. And if in need ask for water to quench they thirst.

Pottery Artisans! I pray you may help me! I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #11

Alas my love, I have done run to the end of my course. I am in despair! I am still in search of worthiness in your eyes! Please return to the FOF Garden, enjoy some food and drink, and seek out the company of our sometimes house guest and our little Sequoya’s black and tan little friend. Now she may be working, so best to ask permission and who knows she may have the guidance I need.

My K-9 friend, Keeper of Dana-I pray you may help me! I am in search of my good husband, Master Robert. Hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed this way?

Clue #11

Alas Nixie and Dana were unable to provide me guidance. I feel such a Phoole! Perhaps thy should await the advice of a Phoole. Who knows when a Phoole will appear in the garden, but perhaps Her Majesties Phoole can offer the help I so desperately need. Per chance if Her Majesties Phoole does appear you can ask her:

Jane my dear, I am distraught! My husband, that mischievous scoundrel, hath involved half the Faire in a game of cat and mouse! I am glad to see thee as I am in hopes that thee, of all people, can put an end to this Phoolishness and please tell me of my good husband, Master Robert, hath he per chance been seen by thee or passed thee a message?

Jane informed me that I was to join her while she traveled to Her Majesty's Glade. It can take some time to travel with Jane as she is stopped many times along her travels to greet everyone she meets. It was quite fun! At last we arrived at the Glade and rested a while.

Bob: After spending the day hiding from Laura, and following around behind her to ensure that things were going according to plan, I arrived in the Glade where court is held an hour and half before Laura was to get there. I hung out in armory tents passing the time. I observed Laura being escorted by Jane the Phoole to the Glade and had to make myself scarce until the big moment.

Thank you to Kimari for taking all these photos in Her Majesty's Glade!

When Barron Strange, Keeper of the Queens Schedule, announced Jane to the Court with urgent business, I moved into position in a nearby tent. Jane then brought Laura up to stand in front of Her Majesty and explained that this good woman had been abandoned by me and was hoping Her Majesty could help.

Then Jane invited all the Court to join together at the count of three to yell Master Robert.

At which point I appeared and bowed to the Court and Her Majesty

And gave Laura the biggest grin of my life! She still had no idea what was to come!

I was then questioned by Her Majesty as to why I had put this poor woman through such an ordeal. I told her it was in fun and to give her a present. At which point Her Majesty ordered me to show her my present, so I advanced, leaving Laura to stand alone in the Glade by herself as I presented the ring to Queen Elizabeth and her Court.

Needless to say Her Majesty was quite impressed, as it is indeed a beautiful one of a kind piece. At this point, Lord Hester implored Her Majesty to accept this ring on his behalf as he had been trying to get her to wear one of his sense she was 12! Laura was shocked!

Her Majesty did take the ring from me to further admire it and show it even more members of Her Court

Finally Her Majesty asked me what was the reason for this gift, a birthday perhaps, to which I answered nay. An anniversary perhaps, nay I answered again. I give this to her for no reason at all, which brought about the collective sigh of the entire Court. Her Majesty instructed me to give Laura the ring, and to make sure I took a knee when doing so!

And Laura finally gets her first glance at the ring!

Her Majesty wishes us well and thanks us for sharing the adventure and asks for her to show the ring off to Court once again!

And finally the ring, Paul Hapip placed 2 Tiger Lily flowers on each side of the heart shaped 2 karat white sapphire with two small blue sapphires set inside the center of each flower.

The final epilogue of this story is that members of Her Majesties court continue to approach her to see the ring again. I have also been asked by numerous members of the Court and the conspiracy to never mention this to their wives!

More Isis News

2009-07-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been thru some more issues with our Sweet Isis Girl, but she's doing much better now! You can read more about what was happening on the Girls' blog :)

Live Video of an Eagle's Nest

2009-05-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

This is so cool we had to share it here....

Plays with Fire

2009-04-25T20:39:00.001-07:00

Bob playing with fire!, originally uploaded by Laura Lynn - Teddy Bear Artist.

Fire WHIP that is! Click on the photo to see the full size version.

Laura's New Interest - Reading eBooks!

2009-04-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

I've discovered reading books on eReader and love it! I've had a few people ask me about how I like it and more information, so I made up website about the eReader I chose to buy. The link is below...

http://ebookwise.blogspot.com/

Athena's been sick - dog food problem!

2009-04-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

Just a quick note and a link. Athena's been sick.. Cleo & Pandora too but they weren't nearly as bad. Turns out there was a problem with their dog food (Isis & Squirt didn't get sick and they eat a different food)

You can read about it on their blog - http://loveourwhippets.blogspot.com/

Had a Lovely Impromptu Visit from Jen!

2009-04-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

Jen stopped by for a quick visit last night! She had just gotten back from her choir New York City trip the night before and wanted to say hello... and had to drop something off too ;) No laundry this visit though LOL!

Jen had a GREAT time! I forgot to ask if she took any pictures (this is from our trip in Jen's freshman year of high school that I chaperoned!)

She did say that although she had fun on that trip in high school... this one was WAY more fun! When they had free time they did not have to stay with a faculty member, just their "bus buddy". Well gee... she is almost 21 now LOL!

I'll have to ask her if she took any pictures....

What Bob had been up to....

2009-04-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Look what Bob made me for my birthday!! I call it a "bear case" cause it will never be used to hold books LOL!

It's solid oak with a natural finish to bring out the beauty of the natural color of the wood. If you want to see a larger version, just click on the picture.

I had been wanting a case in this spot for a while. I walk by here all the time and I love to look at my furry friends as I walk by.

My Newest Project: www.LaughatYourBoss.com

2009-03-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Yep, we've been busy and I DO need to catch you all up on what's going on with us. One project that I (Laura) have been working on (which I've had on my "to do" list for a couple of years) is a new website.

That website is: www.LaughatYourBoss.com
Yes, it's a funny name. I wanted something that would be easy to remember.

What's the website about? I've had many people ask me what I do when I tell them I work from home. Although I started off making collectible teddy bears, I do so many other things also that I decided to create a website about it so other people can learn how to work from home too.

Fun Last Weekend!

2009-02-06T19:07:00.001-08:00

We had a great time last weekend! Dayna is a friend of ours who we met several years ago at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. It's because of her and her charming Chihuahuas (shown with Bob here) that Laura realized she NEEDED a Chihuahua ;)

Last Saturday there was a party for many of the regulars of the Faire and we attended. Dayna comes to Faire all the way from Minneapolis! We convinced her to stay the night with us after the party.

If you'd like to read Sequoya's version of the weekend, you can find it on her blog HERE ;)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

Well, as you can see, it's been a long time since I've updated this page! I update my Teddies by Laura Lynn Blog more often than this one, (even with family news) but I hope to be better at updating both ;)

Here are some very quick updates....

Sequoya (also known as Squirt) has joined our household. Sequoya is an adorable 4 pound Chihuahua from Chihuahua Rescue USA. She was 1 year old when she came to our house.

Our friends across the street who had the house fire have moved back in several weeks ago!

We spent most of the summer at The Bristol Renaissance Faire. And Laura is WAY behind on uploading photos taken there this past summer....

We went to the NASCAR race in "Chicago" this year (Joliet)

Bob and friends went to Ohio for a diecast model open house.

Bob of course has been working on LOTS of models.

Laura's best bear artist friend Daphne flew in during October so they could both drive to Kohler, WI to participate in the Kohler Doll & Teddy Bear Show.

Laura & Daphne decided to produce a bear show in Schaumburg starting fall of 2009 - The Chicagoland Teddy Bear Show.

ABC Unlimited Productions had produced artist teddy bear shows in Schaumburg for over 20 years and had decided to retire. We waited a couple of months to see if anyone would pick up the show... when it wasn't, we decided to do it. Chicago just can NOT be without an ALL teddy bear show! It's been a LOT of work already... and lots more to come.

The deck was finished! I'll have to see if I have the final photos. I finally convinced Bob to put latticework around the bottom of the deck. It was a pia, but it looks wonderful! Also I'm hoping that we don't have momma bunnies thinking that under our deck is an ideal place to raise baby bunnies.... Pandora caught quite a few of those this past spring....

Isis our "miracle puppy" is still doing GREAT!

Well, that's it for now. I need to get crackin' on making bears! Hope to post again soon! :)

Train Derails in our Neighborhood

2008-09-12T07:48:00.001-07:00

1, originally uploaded by Laura Lynn - Soft Sculpture Artist.

Train derailment of freight train on 9-11-08 on the tracks that border the south side of the Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin, IL.

Worker worked all night with construction equipment to put the approximately 20 cars back onto the track.

As of 9-12-08 morning, they are still working on repairing the track.
I did not get photos of the actual derailment, but here are some photos of the morning after as they are working on the track.

Previews of the photos are below.. but if you want to see them uncropped - you will see them in my Flickr Account here.

"Adam Crack" One of our New Favorite Shows at Bristol

2008-07-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

"Adam Crack" is one of our new favorite shows at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Check him out here... but you MUST see him in person!

I Love Animal Videos

2008-07-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Generally I update my Teddies by Laura Lynn blog more often than this one. Yesterday I posted a link to a You Tube video about Christian the Lion - an amazing story!! I decided today that I had to cross post this one.... I know not everyone reads my business blog. Grab a box of Kleenex for this one (or in our case - Puffs!)

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

An All Ren Faire Weekend!

2008-07-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend we spent both Saturday and Sunday at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. When we woke up Saturday morning at 7, it was raining quite hard. (we get up at 7 every day to keep Isis on her medication schedule). We took care of the Girls and then went back to bed - hoping that the rain would let up a bit.

Today was Feast Day in the Friends of Faire Garden - rain or shine - so we were going to Faire regardless of the rain!

Feast Day is like a pot luck, but in addition to bringing your basic "dish to pass" many people also bring meat to be cooked. There are some awesome chefs in the Friends of Faire - and it's just wonderful to be there when they start bringing out hot plates of meat :) (Bob's favorite!) Some people even brought quail, salmon and of course there was a lot of beef, chicken and pork.

As we pulled up in the parking lot, the rain turned to light rain, and then later to a fine mist - eventually drying up altogether. The cloud cover stayed, but that was just fine with me as it kept the temperature down.

Sunday we returned to the Faire again, this time with Jason and Jeremy in tow. J & J are the 13 year old twins that live on our street. They love to go to Faire and we love to take them with.

Sunday was quite hot, however. By early afternoon I (Laura) decided we had time for one more show (Adam Crack - The Firewhip Show) and then we had to go. I just do not do well in the heat with humidity... ever since I was in kindergarten.

No pictures this time -- but I will take my Nikon with one day before the end of Faire....

NASCAR Weekend!

2008-07-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's July already???? I see my last post was in May - sorry about that! We've been busy doing lots of things (the deck is done! more pics on that later....) but last Saturday we went to the NASCAR race in Joliet (Chicagoland Speedway). This was the first time it was "under the lights" as the track just installed a huge lighting system to accommodate night time racing.

The race in Chicago has always been sweltering hot! I was looking forward to a much cooler race this year :) Wouldn't ya know it, this time a day race would have been very comfortable LOL! But it was cool under the lights. (not as cool as Under the Lights at Bristol, but still....)

It was an exciting race although the end stunk - Jimmy (#48) lost in the last lap :( due to a STUPID racer causing a caution in the last laps... and that driver was 5 laps down anyways.... grrrrrrr.

I don't take my camera to the races anymore as I don't like carrying a lot of stuff anymore. I did manage to take one sunset shot of the track with my phone though.

Deck Progress!

2008-05-08T12:02:00.001-07:00

Wow the deck is really coming along! We decided to go ahead and stain the entire deck this past weekend. The temps were going to go just little below 50 degrees (directions say it must be above 50 for 48 hours after applying the stain) so we decided to chance it. Worked out just fine!

Also that weekend Bob had cut all the rails to length, predrilled all the holes in them and stained them all (in the temperature controlled workshop)

Monday after work Bob decided to start attaching the rails (vertical pieces) figuring it would take him 3 evenings. Much to his surprise it went VERY well and he finished it all in one shot!

Here's how it looks so far.... This Saturday Bob and his dad should be able to put up the gazebo!

2008-05-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Outdoor Project for 2008

2008-04-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

This past March for my birthday, Bob got me a new patio gazebo and the loveseat and one chair and small table from the set that is shown down below!

When we had talked about possibly getting the new stuff earlier, Bob questioned whether we would ever really use it because we didn't use what we had very often.

I had thought about it, and realized the reason we didn't use our deck much was that the Girls had to be out with us (or they'd be whining at the patio door!) If we had them outside with us I could not relax because they run around like maniacs in the yard, and do some rough and tumble play.

It was then that I realized that if our deck had a railing with a gate so we could keep the Girls ON the deck with us, that I could relax and we'd actually use our deck.

This weekend Bob started the project!! He moved the posts as necessary because whoever built the deck had them spread apart in an uneven pattern. He ripped out the old steps and added new ones, replaced a few planks that needed replacing and added the horizontal rails to which he will add slats.

Now he's waiting for it to be warm enough to stain what he's done so far. Then it's on to the rails!

Sad Day......

2008-04-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a beautiful day... but marred by tragedy. Our good neighbors across the street had a horrible house fire! They are alright as they were out to breakfast, but they lost their beloved Scotty. Scotty was a WONDERFUL dog! I would watch him any time they went out of town. I'd bring him over to play with the Girls - he must have thought he was at the doggie Playboy Mansion. We were so sad to say goodbye to Scotty. We love you Buddy!!!

Spring Break!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-16T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well, actually today is the last day of Spring Break for Jen. She's been home with us this week and the timing couldn't have been better. Monday I slipped on the ice in the back yard and fell down HARD on my right knee. I couldn't walk at all. Thank goodness Jen was home as she helped me tremendously!!

Spring appears to be trying to make an appearance in Chicago. Now.. (after my fall) the snow has almost all melted. We've had a day or two of temperatures in the 50's! Mostly high 30's to low 40's... at least it's above freezing! I've even seen & heard the robins and redwing black birds singing. We ARE supposed to get some snow later this week.... but the end is in sight!

Last night we took Jen to dinner at Ju Rin -- our most favorite restaurant. Jen has not only helped me out in the house, she's helped Bob out in the workshop.

It's Snowed... AGAIN! And News on Laura

2008-02-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

OK I'm posting this for all you family members who had the good idea to move AWAY from Chicago.... it's snowed AGAIN!!! I think the weather people are saying that this winter is one of our worst as far as snowfall goes. It started early... and it sure seems to be going on for a long time.

And GREAT news about Laura -- that's me ;) One of my bears has made the cover of the major teddy bear collecting magazine here in the States!! I can't tell you how thrilled I am!!!

Rain & Warm Temps brings Flooding....

2008-02-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

Fortunately, the house is dry, but the shop got some flooding. Sunday morning and afternoon was spent getting rid of all that water. Fortunately it wasn't very deep. We still have a LOT of ice all over and lots of snow too which is pushing the water into the shop as it has no where else to go.

Bob was out there today on his hands and knees chopping channels into the ice so the water has a place to escape... away from the shop. At this moment he's got a pump to try to move the water out into the yard. This winter really stinks... for more reasons than the weather....

New Family Member!

2008-02-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to introduce the newest member of the Matthews Family to you.... Sequoya.
Sequoya is a 1 year old chihuahua adopted thru Chihuahua Rescue USA.
You can read all about her and see more photos on the Whippets' Page.

Jen is OK!!! Our Hearts go out to the Families ....

2008-02-14T18:53:00.000-08:00

There was a deadly shooting on campus at Northern Illinois University today -- our hearts go out to all the families that lost loved ones. Jen is OK. She was on campus at the time but fortunately for her and us, no where near the building when it happened.

Stuff Going On....

2008-02-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

Argh!! This has been a VERY long winter!! A large part of that is due to the wintry weather starting in mid-November instead of late December or January. It just doesn't seem to let up! We've had many more "yucky" days than OK winter days this winter, that's for sure! Oh well, the only option is to move -- and that is just not an option at this time.

UPDATES: I've started to write up some biographies on our Girls. I've started with Cleopatra -- you can read them and see pictures on The Whippets' Page.

An Evening in the City

2008-02-03T11:05:00.001-08:00

Last night we had the wonderful pleasure of spending the evening at the theater... The Goodman Theater to be exact. We went with Jennifer and her BF Dawn, Tom (Bob's boss) and Tom's fiancee.

We started the evening with a wonderful meal at The Melting Pot. FABULOUS!!! We highly recommend them, but be sure you have enough time. Dinner takes at least 2 hours.

The performance we attended was "Talking Pictures" by Horton Foote. Our friend from the Renaissance Faire - Phil Earl plays Willis and did a WONDERFUL job! In fact, the entire cast was awesome! You could tell they had amazing chemistry together. We highly recommend it. This performance was the first one that the Goodman has ever done "in the round".

Some Ren Faire Fun in Off Season

2008-01-06T09:51:00.001-08:00

This past weekend we had the pleasure of attending "The Swordsmen" at the Noble Fool Theater located inside the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL.

Dirk & Guido (The Swordsmen) are one of our favorite shows at the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Bristol, WI. We had a wonderful time seeing them during the off season. They say laughter is the best medicine and boy did they dose out the laughter!

We chose the dinner package and so had a wonderful dinner at their buffet in the atrium and then went over to the theater. Jen and Dawn came with us... a fun time was had by all!

Happy 2008!

2008-01-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and New Year's. Christmas was very busy here. Bob's Mom and Dad came over as well as Auntie Jan!! I did plan it easy at least with the food... a Honey Baked ham (yum!) and Bob's Mom brought home made mac n cheese.

Bob & I surprised Jen with a new nice winter coat for Christmas. I shocked Bob with a new GPS, and he got me an entire new outfit for the Renaissance Faire. How he's been able to keep that secret since summer I have no idea! It's just beautiful! Auntie Jan got us a subscription to Dog Fancy, Bob's Mom & Dad gave us the most beautiful bird carving that his Dad created. I'll have to take a picture soon. I wasn't sure what to get Auntie Jan, so I decided to make her a bear.

I'll post Christmas decoration photos soon!

Bob & I spent our New Year's Eve in our favorite way.... went out to dinner at 3ish... got home by 4:30 (the snow was already REALLY coming down) and stayed at home and watched hours of movies along with yummy frozen junk food later in the evening.

Changes Coming to the Family Website

2007-12-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

Yep, changes are coming to our family website. Although I do know HTML and am perfectly ABLE to keep our website updated..... it just doesn't happen. I'm in the process now of moving everything over to blog pages!

As you can see on the side there - the pages have been made and the links set up. I still need to populate those pages - and since blogging is so easy, hopefully I'll get that done soon!

And Now it's October.....

2007-10-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Guess if you want to know that I'm still here... you need to check out my teddy bear blog LOL!!! Yes, that seems to be what I spend the majority of my time on. Not the blog... but the bears!

If you don't want to have to go to the blog every day to see if I've posted anything... you can always sign up to receive the posts via email :)

It's been a busy and fun summer.... many weekends at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. I NEED to get the rest of those photos uploaded to my Flickr account!

Last Saturday we went to our last Ren. Faire of the summer in Oregon, IL. This is the same small faire we attended last year - but this time we did not stay overnight at the Pine Hill B&B. Not that we didn't WANT to... it is so wonderful! We just thought we'd save a little money... and besides - we would have needed Jen to stay overnight with the Girls and did not want to impose too much on her ;)

We had a wonderful time meeting up with friends from the summer... one more time to put on the Ren Clothes... and for Bob to wear a sword in public - legally LOL!

We did ask Jen to come by for the afternoon to be with the Girls and so Isis would stay on her medication schedule. Jen decided to stay for dinner too when we got back - typical college student LOL! Seriously though.. it was great to see her! Jen also stopped by for a short surprise visit on Thursday :)

It's a Busy Summer, that's for sure!

2007-08-20T08:27:00.001-07:00

Nubble Light 5, originally uploaded by Laura Lynn - Teddy Bear Artist.

No, we have not fallen off the face of the planet! We've been having fun this summer!

Lots has been going on... and I'll fill you in on more later. But I had to show you my latest trip.

I went to visit my friend Daphne of Back Road Bears who lives in New Hampshire. She not only creates artist bears, but she also produces 2 all artist bear shows per year in New England.

I went out to participate in her 2nd annual Maine Teddy Bear Show which was lots of fun! I was lucky enough to be able to stay a couple of extra days. Daphne was awesome and took me to take some lighthouse photos. You can see all of those pictures here.

Of course, we did some shopping too! I'd never been out on the East Coast before and I had no idea how much shopping there is - or how beautiful it is!

Now I'm getting ready for another teddy bear show... this one in Kansas City!

Pandora IS a hunter!

2007-07-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Pandora has been going nuts trying to find this little chipmunk that enjoys teasing the Girls from the safety of the "other side" of the glass doors. If you want to hear what happened... see the Girls' blog here.

Opening Day of Renaissance Faire!

2007-07-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

July 7th was the opening day of the Brisol Renaissance Faire! Yep, that's me up there in one of my outfits. We have a BLAST here..... Heck, where else can Bob go and wear multiple swords in public and not get in trouble? LOL! Here's where you can see the pictures I've taken so far... more to be added! Bristol Renaissance Faire 2007 PHOTOS

Went to see Mom!

2007-06-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Uhhh... no... I forgot my camera... but I had a great time down in Kentucky visiting Mom and Gene!

I DID bring my sewing machine LOL! It was really nice just to relax and hang out with Mom... and work on some bears.

I drove down... my... that Mercedes drives SO nicely! And it got 30 mpg on the highway too!

Busy busy busy!!!

2007-06-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it's not because "nothing" is going on that I haven't posted!! Jen is in England right now with her Grandma Martha. They went with Grandma's choir on a singing tour. Bob has been busy working on painting cranes... I've been working on bears... and many other projects.

I'll FINALLY be going to see my Mom next week! I was supposed to go the first weekend in May... but Isis had her accident the weekend before so I postponed it. Isis is doing very well now.. and I feel very comfortable leaving her in Bob & Jen's very capable hands :)

I've signed up do do THREE teddy bear shows this year! For me... that's a lot! PLUS they are one right after another: August, September and October. I'll be flying to Maine.... then driving to Kansas City with my friend and teddy mentor Jo, and then doing my local Schaumburg show. Bob will be going to a model open house this summer too in Ohio.

Jen will be leaving for Oregon to visit her Dad about a week after she gets back from England. She'll go back to school mid August.

And this year... I'm ATTEMPTING a few flowers. Keeping it easy and simple so I keep up with the watering :) The top picture is at the front of the house.... here's the first photo of the flowers in the back. I've recently added some more "fru fru" as Bob calls it and need to take some new pictures.

Isis is doing GREAT!

2007-06-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know... Isis is doing wonderfully!!! If you want to see pictures or read about her in more detail... visit our whippets blog!

Isis has an Accident!

2007-05-19T09:47:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon ~ April 28th, one of our Girls - Isis, had a bad accident while running in the back yard. This accident left her back legs paralyzed. It was a spinal injury.

The treatment for this is cortizone shots and then oral steroids. Unfortunately, 2 days later we discovered that Isis has a very bad heart condition.... The steroids almost killed her (but was the only treatment for the spinal injury!) Large amounts of fluid were building up in her heart... and her lungs. She could barely breathe.

Monday night... about 10pm we brought Isis into the emergency vet. We were given 2 choices... to have Isis stay in the hospital while they tried a very aggressive treatment... followed by a long time on pills... or let her go.

We decided to give our Girl a chance! We don't know how long we have with our Sweet Isis.... after her 1 week check up - her long term prognosis was not good. We were told days, weeks or months. That was 2 weeks ago :) She appears to be doing well! Our vet DID warn us... her heart could go at any time... even on a day that she appears to be doing well. I'm glad she told us that so that we are at least a little prepared... just in case....

If you want to read/see more about Isis... and eventually our other Girls... check out their own blog here: http://loveourwhippets.blogspot.com/

April 2007 Schaumburg Teddy Bear Show!

2007-04-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

I did not have a table at the ABC April Teddy Bear Show.... but I did go as a collector! I do enjoy being able to do either... when you go as a collector you do get to see EVERYthing!

There were about 40 artists at this show - and the work was amazing! It was SO hard to choose! Thankfully, the weather was not great (although not raining) so there were a lot of collectors buying at the show too. Last year the weather was fabulous.... so there weren't so many collectors .

Well, I wish I could have taken more photos.... but I couldn't even start taking photos (with Artists' permissions of course!) until later in the day because there were so many people buying bears! I know I missed a LOT of my friends' tables... but here are the ones I did manage to take!

Bob really "got me" for my birthday!

2007-03-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

This year I am 42.... and in June we'll be married for 10 years :)
Bob was so excited about what he got me for my birthday that he made me open my present in the morning... before he went to work. I think I screamed when I opened the box!!!!!

He has never given me an artist bear before.... and this one (as if you couldn't guess!) is Zebeddee a Back Road Bear by Daphne!!!! Daphne is a VERY good friend of mine who is (obviously) also a bear artist. She lives in New Hampshire.

I think I screamed louder than when he's given me jewelry LOL!!!!I had planned on spending the rest of the day re-organizing my studio and trying to finish up a special order bunny I have... I also went out to lunch with a friend from Bob's work.

Bob asked me what plans I had for the day.... I said working on bears. Terry asked me what I was doing after lunch... I said working on bears.But... WHAT did I do after lunch? I didn't "go shopping" as my hubby said... I just went to 3 stores to "pick up a few things"

It was for the re-organization of my studio!!! (I swear!)

Well, got a call when I walked into the 2nd store... hubby checking to see how I'm enjoying my day (or so I thought) Told him I was at Hobby Lobby.Then I went to Target.... got another call from hubby... (this is about 2 hours after lunch) He told me "well, I have to let the cat out of the bag.... I'm having flowers delivered and the florist has tried 2 times but you aren't home yet...."I apologized... I was sorry for wrecking his surprise!

So... I check out quickly and get home.... press the garage door opener.... and see this......
>
>
>
>

So..... if you couldn't guess by now.... I got NOTHING done for the rest of the day Oh... here's a pic of BOTH my presents!

The Movie... The Last Mimzy

2007-03-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if you've seen the trailers for the movie: The Last Mimzy..... but I have to tell you why I am so excited about seeing this movie....

The story's main characters are a brother and sister... and a stuffed rabbit named Mimzy. Well... the bunny maker who made Mimzy for the movie... is a very good friend of mine!!
Her name is Daphne Blau of Back Road Bears: http://www.backroadbears.com/

This bunny was NOT Daphne's typical soft sculpture style... but was a very unique and rewarding opportunity for her!
You can find out more about the movie here: http://www.mimzy.com/

Our Trans Am!

2000-01-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

This is a portrait that Laura did of our 2002 Trans Am w/ Ram Air.
Yes, this page is WAY out of date.... but for now... here are some fun photos at the DRAG STRIP!

A Little About Jen

2000-01-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

Jen is now a Junior in college. She's majoring in Music Education - she loves to sing! She wants to be a music teacher. Her freshman year of high school she (and I was a chaperone) went on a choir class trip to New York City - and had the opportunity to get some pointers at Juliard!

The summer of her Sophomore year in college, she was home for a month... then off she went, "across the pond" to Merry Ole England! Then off to Oregon to visit her dad. I'll try to find out where she has the photos from her trip ;)

When she's at home with us, she enjoys snuggling with her whippet and chihuahua girls and going with us to the Bristol Renaissance Faire!

A Little About Bob

2000-01-01T06:39:00.000-08:00

Bob has many interests! Links to his hobbies and websites are listed below. Many of these interests are shared with Laura.

There is always the fish! He favors African cichlids the most. At one time there were 25 aquariums in the house! Now it's down to 1 at the house, and 1 at his office.

He was once VERY involved with a Chicago area cichlid club - Greater Chicago Cichlid Association. He's stepped back quite a bit in order to make more time for new interests.

And as many of you know... he just LOVES to do woodworking! Bob is a person who needs to stay very busy! Once you understand that... you'll understand how he is able to work full time, yet build so many wonderful pieces of furniture for Laura. You can find a link to his projects at the end of this post!

A new interest of Bob's is collecting diecast cranes (1/50th scale). He not only collects them, but he has also been painting and customizing them for collectors all over the world now! More about that down below too!

A recent passion for both Bob and Laura has been to go to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. You can see lots more about this (and photos) on the home page.

This year at the Renaissance Faire there was a new show - Adam Crack! He's an incredible whip cracker and holds 4 world records for whip cracking. You can see a video of him in my original post on the main page: http://bob-n-laura.blogspot.com/2008/07/adam-crack-one-of-our-new-favorite.html

And so... Bob became infatuated with whip cracking! He has one whip already, purchased from and made by Adam. He's got another on order from Adam, and.... now he has a new fun thing to surf for on eBay!!!

www.BobsCranes.com

Diecast Crane Collecting & Customizing

Bob's Woodworking Projects

New Shop Tour!

A Little About Laura

2000-01-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

Now here's a little bit about me - Laura.

My business is making collectible teddy bears and selling them on the internet. The bears are actually for adults who collect bears ~ they are not safe as toys.

I started selling them on Ebay in 2000 and eventually learned how to make my own website. I now sell them on both my site and on Ebay. In 2002 I quit my job and started doing the bears full time.

My bears have homes all over the US... and also in the United Kingdom and Australia! At the end of this post you can find links to see more photos of my bears and also my websites.

I love making my teddy bears of course, but I also enjoy collecting them!

I love to read - although I have less time now. I usually read mysteries! I love "The Cat Who..." mysteries series by Lillian Jackson Braun. My NEW favorite mystery series is the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich (One for the Money,....) Thanks to Mom for turning me onto her! I've even got Jen hooked on these!

Although I haven't done a lot of it lately... I still love photography! I'll get some photography up here on the site eventually. I've been learning more and more about my Adobe Photoshop Elements program too which is fun.

I also keep busy by selling things on Ebay! If we haven't used it in a year (sometimes less time) then it goes on Ebay! With no basement - we just don't have room to keep stuff we don't use. It's a great way to help pay for the new hobbies and stuff too. Of course, I also keep busy BUYING stuff on ebay too!

I LOVE seasonal decorating! One of my favorite things to do is to go to my best friend Nancy's house to get ideas from her. She has a marvelous eye and talent for putting things "just so". I do tend to be a little more sparse in my decorating... or looking for things that do "double duty". We don't have lots of storage left for things that are just up for a little while.

And of course another hobby of mine is to TRY to keep the family webpage updated. I'm always fooling around with it and changing stuff. Maybe this time I'll actually keep the news part updated!

Laura's Websites

Laura's Stuff - Click Photos to See More

Laura's Original Bears

Laura's Photography

Fun Decorating