Little Brother Graduates from College

Saturday, May 11th, I had the honor to watch my little brother walk across the stage at East Tennessee State University with a degree in Computer Science.

One super-cool thing was that Mike Smith, Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons

was Keynote Speaker at Graduation.

 

They had a huge graduating class from doctoral degrees to undergraduates.

Since birth Z's been a little genius. Instead of mom and dad, he's always called them by their names.  He's always been smarter than me, even at four years old.  I spent allot of time babysitting him while my mom ran her own business.  The summers of my early teens was spent taking care of him and I loved (almost) every minute of it.

The only embarrassing part was when we would go shopping and people asked if he was "mine" rather than my moms.  Even though he is a college grad our mother still looks as if she was closer to my age.

 

Right After Graduation

 

I've very proud of him.  He's worked while going to school, met an awesome girl who I hope one day becomes his wife and has made a huge step of getting a job and moving away from home to get a great job in the city.

So, here's to you lil' bro.  I love you like none other and always will.  Congrats on your degree and best wishes for a happy life.  I'll always be here for you.

Zach and Ashley after Graduation.

 

In front of the fountain at ETSU.

 

Me and Z after his Graduation. : )

 

Now, after 22 years he is moving away with his incredibly smart girlfriend of 3+ years to start a life in the "real world".  Am I sad?  Of course!  I will miss those 30 min afternoon phone calls when he is on his way home from work or school, and seeing them each weekend at my grandma's.  But, I know its for the best and, Ash's family lives fairly close to their new awesome apartment so, he will have family nearby.

 

Good luck Lil' bro.  I love you!  And, I love Ash!  I wish you the best in the world and will always be your big sister.  You can count on me always. Or, most of the time. : P

 

I KNOW you will stay in touch or me or mom will kill you. ; )

 

Love,

Tiff

 



Polaroid Fotobar Mother's Day Giveaway Winner!

Today was the last day to enter the Polaroid Fotobar Mother's Day giveaway!
I'm happy to announce that the winner of the giveaway is: (drum roll).....

#3 Teresa!

 

True Random Number Generator

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Result:3Powered by RANDOM.ORG

 

 

Teresa, you have won the $50 giveaway from Polaroid Fotobar.  Please contact me ASAP with your contact info so that I can get your gift code sent to you in time to order your Mother an awesome gift from Polaroid, like the metal print I had made for me mom. Congratulations! 

 

For everyone else, thank you for entering.  There will most likely be a Father's Day giveaway from Polaroid Fotobar as well so, start digging through those photos now and be ready to enter. It won't be long!  Spring has sprung and Summer is just around the corner.

 

Thanks to everyone who entered and I loved reading all the wonderful comments about your moms. : )

 

Another great giveaway tomorrow!  Come back tomorrow to see what you could win or try out.  I'm lovin' all these great products and know you will too.  Also, an awesome new recipe to boot! 

 

Polaroid Fotobar = Perfect Mother's Day Gift

I'm LOVING this new site (or new-to-me site) www.polaroidfotobar.com.  It is awesome for creating any and all things with photos.

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to create a Mother's Day gift for my mom using their incredible site.  It was so much fun and SO easy!

Typically, I rely on Photoshop or InDesign to create photo projects.  Especially if they are going to be printed or used on a canvas, etc.  But, with Polaroid Fotobar, all the tools you need are right there.  No fuss, no using several programs to get the results you want.  Simply upload your picture on their site and start designing!

I talked with my mom in advance because I wanted her to choose which photo she wanted me to use.  She chose several pictures (all of which were old Polaroid's (no pun intended) or regular film prints).  Out of those I picked a picture of her at two years old. I
of course was going to pick out a cute baby picture of me. ; )  But this one was too good not to use.

She is sitting on the mailbox post at my great-grandparents house.  It's one of the few "baby" pictures we have of her, not to mention she was such a cutie!

Mom, circa 1956

 

I just love this picture; everything about it.  Not only is she adorable but, I played in the barn in the background with my cousins as a child (which is no longer standing).  It is the barn from which we harvested rusted tin and wormy chestnut planks which hopefully will be included in the home we build one day.  

 

Also, the old trucks and dirt road are now paved roads and vehicles with navigation systems, brakes that stop themselves and rear-view cameras.  To me it is very special.  Not only a glimpse of the past but also my mom's childhood.  

 

Polarod Fotobar made is so easy for me to create a great piece of art from this simple picture.  I chose to create a piece of metal art.  It's one I've never done but, I've heard lots of incredible reviews about them.

 

They print their "Metal Art" on 1/8" double bonded aluminum which is high-def printing with a polished satin finish which radiates light and makes vibrant prints and photos "glow".  They also come pre-mounted for easy hanging for the floating look. 

 

My mom already knows I was having some sort of photo project made for her and but, she hasn't seen the incredible finished product yet which I know will make her fall in love with it more than ever. 

 

I'm so thankful I was able to have the opportunity to create this piece for her for Mother's Day. She is the best Mother anyone could ask for. Such an inspiration, friend, caring, unselfish, caring and wonderful person. I can't imagine a day without her.  I love you mom! You are the best!  If I had a million bucks I would give split it with you!  

 

I'm so thrilled with Polaroid Fotobar and all the great products available to design so easily on their site.  All you need is a picture and you can create virtually anything in minutes!  They offer everything from canvas art to posters or coasters.  You can have high quality metal prints, bamboo prints, framed art, awards, or even lucite (which I didn't even know about before looking at their site but looks SO cool!  I can't wait to try it. 

 

They also offer a 100% money back guarantee (90 days) if you are not satisfied. Every other photo/canvas site I've looked at in the past pretty much says, you order it, you don't like it, its your own fault. Not this company! They stand behind their work and products.

 

The VERY generous folks at Polaroid Fotobar want your mom to have something special for Mother's Day. They are offering $50 off anything you want to design.  Their products ship within three day so PLENTY of time for Mother's Day. 

 

Get to peeking through those old albums, digital photos, facebook, instagram, etc. and find one you want to turn into something special.  Don't leave your mom empty handed this Mothers Day!

 

To sign up, just leave a comment telling me why your mom is (or was) special. You can leave two separate comments if you are a follower of my blog (two chances to win!).  So, 1 comment about your mom &1 comment if you follow me by google or RSS feed.

 

The winner will be draw via random.org on May 6th so sign up now entries in NOW so you can start creating!

 

They are also offering a 20% off code for all readers.  Use the code: FBLTIFFANY

BEFORE May 31st to recieve 20% off any order!

 

Good Luck!!