"Crazy" Cookie Recipe . . .

I have a story about these cookies. Years ago, a long, long time ago, I worked a job where I got paid. Those were the days I received cold, hard cash for doing a job I loved. I had a nice comfy chair that set behind a gigantic desk and I got paid to talk on the phone {or at least that is what my boss would say!!} Seriously, I worked at a dental office and I did love my job. The funny thing is when you work in a place like that, people always brought in sweets for us to eat. Chocolate was a huge one. I actually loathed chocolate until that job. Then I just got so use to eating it that I barely remember a time when I didn't?

Well, one December {pretty sure I was pregnant with Hudson,} a patient came in with these Crazy Cookies. Me, never being the one to turn down a sweet, grabbed one up and basically embarrassed myself by shoving the entire thing in my mouth. Once the flavor settled on my tongue AND with my mouth full, I looked at the patient and said, "Did I just bite into a saltine??" as crumbs flew out!


To answer that, Yes I did . . . and it was one of the best flavors I've ever tasted!!!!!! And thankfully she shared the recipe. And you will thank me after you take your first bite! {Have I ever steered you wrong with a recipe?? Think back on that potato salad?!?! Hmmm hmm, that's what I thought.}

I'm quite sure these were called "Holiday Cookies," but with the saltine as an ingredient, I've changed the name to "CRAZY cookies"!!!

Crazy Cookies

*2 sticks of butter {NOT margarine}
*1 cup sugar

I'm sure you can see why they are sooo good?! Butter and sugar . . . and a lot of it!

*1 sleeve of saltines
*12 oz milk chocolate chips {or any flavor chips - white chocolate, butterscotch, etc. . .}
*optional - 1 cup of nuts {any kind}

I'm not a fan of any kind of nut so I omit this one!

Turn oven on to 400. Line Cooke sheet with foil. {Cookie sheet needs to have sides.} Line cookie sheet with crackers. Boil Butter and sugar for about 3 minutes - stir the entire time. Pour and spread over crackers. Bake in oven for 5 minutes. Pour chocolate chips over crackers and spread as they melt. Immediately sprinkle with nuts and press into chocolate. Cool in refrigerator to harden. Break into pieces.


You can thank me later.

Merry Christmas . . .

What a Christmas. I'm quite certain everyone got what they wanted!

Hudson with his Leapster2.

Lawson with his marble maze!

Carson with his Batman Cave AND toboggan! He didn't take that thing off his head the whole day!?

And Emme finally got to see Santa . . . that is what that sweet baby wanted more than anything! I wish I had recorded it. We are still laughing at her reaction!

I just gorged myself with these {Dad, I hate you wouldn't eat any of the "Crazy" cookies - completely YOUR loss! But I'm planning on making them for your birthday next month! So you will get another chance. haha-hehe!!!}

And several little people are now asleep with some new toys in the exact spot they were just playing.

Fantastic DAY! And a wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

Only in Tennessee . . .

****edited at bottom****


. . . . would someone build a castle.

and actually live in it!!!!

Since Carson is obsessed with castles, he was yelling, "that's my home!"

haha!

*** after a few comments - it seems it's not just Tennessee! You guys are cracking me up! {Check the comments} there is a castle for sale!

Ainsley . . .

This is the last one before Christmas! I really told myself that I was NOT picking up a paintbrush until tomorrow morning . . . but I was just fooling myself! I still have a goal that has not been met - and the end of the year is a but a week and some days left! I'm a huge goal maker - don't always meet them, but strive none-the-less!

The dots are ivory, cranberry, pale pink and a citron color. My room was a little too bright this afternoon when I took the picture.

I love the room this painting is going in! The walls are a pale/muted pink and the furniture is an ivory color. Like normal - I do not have permission to use these photos, so they might disappear!

The painting may go over the changing table or . . . .

the crib! Check out the mobile?!?! Love it!

I did wrap the dots around the sides.

I have painted for this fabric before in the past . . .

But that canvas looked like this!


Makes it easy when the paint colors have been matched to the fabrics! {Yes, I used the exact same colors!} Crazy how different the two canvases look after they both came together!!!

Playdate . . .

I'm done! Oh yeah - that's right! Finished! Finished 1 day before I did last year! Because I finished yesterday around 4:30 in the afternoon! Of course I was suppose to ship yesterday . . . didn't quite happen - ERRR! But I'm about to print out FedEx shipping labels and then head to FedEx!!

The funny part is where and how I finished!! I worked on my last painting {which I'll post either later today or tomorrow} at one of my bestie's house. That is what I said. I loaded up all 4 kids, all the painting supplies I would need and headed to her house in Nashville. I had to drop off the the 3 16x20 Classic Collection paintings you see above yesterday morning. The drop off was somewhat close to her house . . . so we figured we would let our kids exchange gifts NOW instead of waiting till we did our annual Opryland Hotel Christmas light par-TAY.

I didn't expect to make this visit all day . . . but we did. I really thought we would do snack and leave - haha! We not only did lunch, but dinner, too!

Between the 2 of us, we have 8 kids. Yes, 8. Since July of 2004, we have added 8 kids to our mix.

We are fully aware that this is a playdate for some people - say 6, maybe 7 moms . . . but this is our playdate of only 2 moms. haha!

MEET

Jake - You will always know what is going on in every room with this kid! He likes to "inform" us of everything. The good and bad.

Hudson - This kid has issues with remaining dressed - no matter whose house we are at. Notice the pants are missing?? He also loves standing in front of the TV and screaming at it! Makes for fun times.

Will - If the room goes quite, this kid is NOT in it. Or he is asleep {fat chance!} Look at that twinkle in his eye!

Carson - We will all say has got to be the quietest kid in the bunch. ONLY because they have so many "new" toys. Every single time we leave, he tells us what he wants for Christmas {or birthday?!}

Lawson - Has got to have his "numbers" when he is at the Spence house. And he will drive us NUTS until we find enough "numbers" for him to carry!

Alaina Claire - This girl is the observer. We normally don't hear much from her . . . she just watches the crazies.

Emme - Loves AC. Idolizes her. Covets all her baby doll toys. Loves the hand me downs we {use} to borrow before they both started wearing 18 months . . . at the same time! She too, observes, but with funny looks and all the while sitting in a doll stroller.

Eli - Our newest member of the group - AND let me add the final member of our group. Has to be the happiest baby! We have learned that talking about Disney World really tickles his fancy. He will crack up at the mere mention of the Best Place on Earth. I'm sure he is really excited that we are going to attempt to take all of them in the fall!

Ask us how we do it and we will tell you that we just let them run crazy.

Like normal, we had a blast! Thanks Rachel! And Hudson woke up this morning and asked if we were coming back over today! When I said no, he was totally understanding. He then asked if we could come over after you went to the grocery store! haha! {Obviously, that was why we were not coming over today!}

Breagyn . . .

Talking about forever for me to get back to you with some art!!!!

So I lied . . . this one does have dots! But not so many. I knew that I wanted this one to have stripes {predominantly!} But I really didn't have a real plan when I made that "no dot" promise!!


Breagyn is a{n almost} 9 year old. I had to make this one appropriate for a tween! The color combination is fantastic!

I painted the exact pattern on the side that you see in the center.

By the way - this one is for Cora's sister.

Yes, another incredibly short post . . . I have to figure out what is left for me to do before the holidays officially kick off here at our house!

She is . . .

going to kill me for these one day!

Notice her big-fat-daddy-knot on here head?? We got an ambulance visit for that one!

Nothing but fun times here at the Wheelers.

And I honestly mean that!

Hannah Holstein . . .

I did it! I finally did it! I ordered the clock!!!! The clock that I've talked about for 2 years. The clock that will look fantastic in Hudson, Carson and Lawson's room!

The moocoo!

The silly part - I ordered it for ME for Christmas for the boys' room! haha! Because I'm just that kinda momma!

A New Wheeler in Town . . .

I can't believe I'm even typing this . . . really, I can't.

This is when I feel like we should be labeled as "Suckers" while my husband swears it should be considered "Good Will."

Do you remember forever ago when I made some funny comment about thinking of getting my dog a dog?? Some of you won't because you are new to me and my blog, but I know some of you will. Especially several who know me in real life.

And for those who know me in real life, these is going to come as a shock because I was embarrassed to tell anyone this . . . .

but we got a new dog.


Meet Dusty. Who really sat and cocked his head into this pose when I pulled out the camera!

Lonnie just got home from Kentucky where Dusty was currently living.

His real name is Paytons Bragger. But he is called Dusty for short.

Do I like the name Dusty? No. But we'll worry with that later.

Let me explain. This little guy needed a home. That is why I say we are suckers and my husband says it is good will. As most of my real life friends know, every dog {except for our sheltie, Tiddles} have all been strays. I swear, it is as if we have a neon sign hanging above our house. All strays show up on our door step! Now, since we moved into this neighborhood, we haven't quite had the problem. {This area is a "step up" if you know what I mean.} Now, I say quite, because a shih tzu did stay here over night one time, but we found the owners the next day.

This dog, "Dusty," was born out of a line of champions in hopes of being a champion. Well, as of his first birthday {November 29th,} he is well over the champion height. The breeder knew that we had shelties in the past and asked if that was still our breed of choice {which, YES, it is!} She said she wasn't in the "business of raising" dogs - she was in the business of "champions." She really just wanted to find him a good home . . . . for FREE!!!

Since she was positive this was going to be her next champion, he has been training this whole year for it. And let me tell you - this joker is well behaved!!! Tiddles is a good dog - but this one is way better in the behavior department {just not quite as cute as Tiddles if you want to know the truth - haha!}

Dusty

He does have a little issue with his eye - an infection that has cleared up, but has caused a little haze. We have been told that it too will clear up over time. But if it doesn't - really who cares! He can see out of it and we are not into glam shots around here {unless your name was Frenchie . . . .}

Frenchie

Okay - so I had a really sick obsession with this dog. She was before kids and we all know how we treat our dogs before the babies start coming along. {And for the record, I miss this dog so much. I swear if I believed in reincarnation, she was once the nicest little old lady that everyone would have wanted for a grandma!} For those who know her, tell me that isn't so!!! I should probably start a facebook page for her or something {just kidding!!!!!}

Tiddles

So, Tiddles has a new brother - currently named "Dusty" {have I said that I don't like that name??} Suggestions would be fantastic! Do leave me some in the comments!

Too bad Tiddles hasn't met him yet! Lonnie has went to pick her up from getting her do done. She will be elated, I'm sure! That is one dog loving dog!! I'll let you know how their first meeting turns out!

Which will be in a few short minutes!

Sources . . .

**Edited to add the sprays!

I'm having some folks ask me where I got some of my Christmas things . . . soooo, I thought I would share!

The pink, turquoise, green and red Christmas trees that belong to my kidlets ALL came from Hobby Lobby. The pink one was from last year. And the other 3 are from this year. They had a pink one this year - BUT it looks like the other 3. My pink one is taller AND better made than the boys' trees {and I'm quite certain it was the same price!!!}


The string of beads on the pink tree came from Hobby Lobby. I noticed the last time I was there that they had a ton of colors to choose from. They have an interesting quality - I'm going back and buying more . . . the pink and pearl colors. I have absolutely NO IDEA what I'll use them for, but they are definitely worth getting for Em's room in the future!

The stockings came from Target - unfortunately they do NOT have anymore at our store and online! I only know this because I was really going to get a couple more and had bookmarked the page. Welp, homey here waited too long and the jokers were gone when I went back to get them!!! So, the 2 reds and the 2 greens will just have to do!! For those who inquired, hopefully they have some at your store! I've bought some great ones at {but where else} Hobby Lobby over the past several years. This is the first time that I've ever bought some that actually look alike. Normally they only match in color - and of course fit the "wacky and tacky" theme I try hard to keep!!


The sprays on my Christmas tree ROCK!! I'm talking about the wirey like pieces that have the flat discs attached to them. I found those THIS year at TARGET! {I see a trend in my shopping!} Apparently, if you can't find it at Target or Hobby Lobby, I won't have it?! hah! Seriously, I got them in the section where they sold all the fantastic decorations that would look awesome on a white tree! Our Target still had them - a ton of them! Selling them at $3.99 each!

I hope that helps!

Hudson's biopsy

It was just brought to my attention that I never posted the results on the blog about Hudson and the biopsy results! I posted on facebook and twitter - and, well . . ., I guess I took it for granted that you all would see it?!?! I'm sooo sorry! So many of you prayed for him and us as he went through such an ordeal - it would have been nice of me to atleast tell you all the findings!

We did get them back in a timely manner and they did read minimal change disease. It is the best of the worst we could have gotten. The best being absolutely nothing was wrong with his kidneys, just the strips that tested his urine were bad {yeah - wouldn't that have been nice!} And the worst being, . . . well - who wants to talk about that!

Basically his kidney's do not filter correctly. So, he pees alot of protein. It is something that he should and will outgrow between the ages of 5 and 8. Hopefully with little to no damage. Normally, the only way for damage is if it is left untreated. His kidneys still look perfect in the ultrasounds and the biopsy. Which is a fantastic thing! But they really don't know why the medicine at such a high dose has not kicked it into remission. ????

We are still on the steroids, but are actually weening him off. He has finally tested "trace" for protein in the urine, so that is our sign to start this process. It will still be about 5 months before he is off of them completely because his daily dose is so high that it will take that long to slowly get him off of it without him going through DTs! He also started a new medicine that transplant recipients take when they receive a new organ. It helps their body accept the organ and heal as if it was originally their own. This is actually a much better form of treatment for Hudson because there should be NO SIDE EFFECTS as long as he is at the right dosage! Whoo-hoo! He will be on this one for 6 months to a year.

Now, why did they not give him this a year ago?? Because they say steroids always works! And the fact that if he takes too much of the new one, it could damage his kidneys by causing permanent scarring. This means he has to have blood drawn ever so often to check his levels.

So far, so good.


He is still puffy and swollen. I noticed he was very swollen yesterday. This is caused from both the steroids and the nephrotic syndrome he has {which, like I said, is minimal change disease!}

But we have a diagnosis - AND that is exactly what I was wanting! Now, we know how to attack this mess.

I can't thank you all enough for all the prayers you covered us with. The biopsy was a little rough because of all of Hudson's sensory issues. But he came out of it all like a champ. Including taking out his own IV and removing the bandage from his back within 3 minutes of waking up.


The first words out of his mouth were, "I need a mighty kids meal from McDonalds. And when I'm finished eating, lets bounce up out of here! Sound like a good idea to you?" hehe - And I have no idea where he could have heard anything like that before!! Funny though - he even uses the same inflection in his tone that I use when I say it! haha!


I love this kid!

Cora . . .

Keeping it short . . . . because my kids are running around like the crazies they are. But I wanted to show you guys some more art! {I promise the next one is not dots!}


I really love this name.


Can you guess my favorite letter in this one??


I did the dot border on this one.


Kept the sides very simple stripes.


{I love my camera and this lens! Even though I have no idea what I'm doing with either!}

I have to pick up my studio before I can do anything else. It shouldn't take me but about an hour. Both tables are covered as well as the floor. Every time I walk in here, I trip - literally!

I'm also still going through emails - so if you sent me a message, I hope to be done with those by the weekend.

I hope to be back tomorrow with a "stripe" one that will be going to Cora's sister!



{My spell checker said that I have no misspellings?!?!? That is a first!}

Our Christmas Card . . . .

**Edited to add link**

I was wrong, the Christmas Card link is not until tomorrow {Wednesday!} Oh well, but I'm posting TODAY! hehe . . . I'm sure you won't mind!

Fabulous K {Kelly} did these. And she did a fantastic job!! I don't know if these are something she is planning on adding to her business? I did kinda spring it on her through twitter when she tweeted that she "finished" her Christmas cards. {My opinion - because we know it counts - is that she should!}

Watch what you say on places like twitter, facebook and your blog - you never know when it could give you some business!

Just sayin'!

Wacky and Tacky has always been the theme!

. . . when it comes to my Christmas decorating! I feel like time ran out and due to the fact that have a whole-lot-a work left to do - this is IT! Too bad really, I have still so much stuff! Including a village!! Oh, well . . . . on to the tour of Christmas homes!!

I must link up to my friend first - who, did you see, has a NEW blog! Obviously, I was trying to be number 1000 - BUT I'm tired of waiting for everyone to link up! hah! Just kidding - I sorta forgot . . . and then remembered. And I had most of it typed up . . . but now I had to add a few things {such as these lines!} It just takes me fo-evah to do anything these days!

I know I gave you guys this little number a few weeks ago - and it looked so good all decorated for the boys' room - ALL 27 TIMES I DECORATED IT! So, I said forget! I think they like them better plain!

But I will admit - they looked very arthritic after my kids played with them! I did have to smooth out the branches for this picture {let's see how long it last!}

Do you have an elf on the shelf?? OMword! This is the best thing ever! I linked to it, so you just go right ahead and read what it is all about on the site! Our little guy doesn't have a name - we just kinda call him Elfie.

I have always used real ribbon with my packaging - especially with items such as these. But with kids . . . .

. . . they love this mess! Kills me - but they really do prefer these bows. And yes, I do put atleast 2 on every package {normally 3!} Did anyone else buy this paper from Hobby Lobby last year!? Yeah, looks like it will be used through Christmas 2013! These rolls have NO end! Craziest thing ever! My Grandmamma Tate would have loved some paper like this!

For some reason, I keep buying stockings every year. Not my intentions - but these were classic and totally fit my "wacky and tacky" theme that goes strong throughout my holiday decor! But then again - all the stockings fit that theme or I wouldn't have bought them?! So, I'm starting a new tradition and letting my kids pick each year which ones they want to use! I mean, they all do coordinate - so we are doing it!

Em's tree - I forgot to get a bigger pic of the whole thing! I'll do that before Christmas {someone just remind me!} By the way - I think I'm keeping everything as is in her room . . . . pink trumped the blue and that will be the color I repaint the dresser, mirror and night stand - because I know so many inquiring minds wanted to know!

My Kringle! I love him so much! I really want to replace the plastic snow ball with a glass ornament filled with some kinda fake snow! I'm working on that - just don't be surprised if it is next year before it happens!

Got a few new ornaments this year.

Just a few - I thought I took a picture of the pirate one {apparently I didn't!}

And my tree - what can I say!?

I do like the bright ribbons I'm seeing everyone add to their trees. The type that just hang from the top! I'm copying that idea next year!

I heard that tomorrow there is a Christmas card linky! And yes, I have one this year! I'll tell you all about it then!

One fantastic give-A-way . . .

I'M NOT GIVING ANYTHING AWAY!

But Kelly is!!! And let me tell you - it is way better than any art that I would give away!!! Everybody knows Kelly! That is one popular girl! With one gitisimo heart of gold. And she has a great southern accent {I do to. Saying I have an accent, not that it's great - but it is totally Tennessee - hers is so Arkansas and I love it! haha} I know that when I meet her in real life {because I know I will} We are going to be great friends!!! This girl is giving away a flippin' computer! An HP TouchSmart PC! I just told my husband I wanted one of these! Go check it out NOW! But don't enter . . . . it lessens my chances of winning! I was just told to blog about it - NOT to ask you to enter the give away {haha!} As long as you understand this, we are good!!

__________________________

So, I'm still painting {like some mad woman on some kinda crazy drugs!} And I'm determined to keep up this pace {if not faster!} So, I'm hoping you will see all kinds of art this week!!!

This canvas was a challenge . . . . but only until I got started. Once the paint hit the canvas, it came to me. So, I'm admitting that I had no plan for this one! Color wise that is! See, it is a gift. And the giver really like the "Stella" painting . . . everyone knows which one that one is right??!?! The one on my home page that Emme is posing with even though it was Emme and the painting said Stella {?} So, what was the problem, you ask since she knew what she liked? Well, I was told they call this kid "Bulldog." The Stella painting was predominantly pink . . . not quite the bulldog type, ya' know! So, we racked our brains about all the colors I could use. I should add that I had no bedding to match. But I did know that the walls were green - but not a specific green color.


So, I just started painting . . . . and I'm soooo happy with the results!



It is slightly different in design to the Stella - but this is a 12x12. I didn't have as much space to paint - so I kept it to the basic flower design but with no glitter, beads or bling! {By request!}



I'm into my little dots lately! {The reason you are seeing alot of them!}

Okay - I've got to paint like mad, RIP tonight {which I swear I'll tell you guys about that soon,} drop off the kids with dinner back at the house and then finish up my Christmas shopping because NO I didn't do that by the end of November! Lonnie is going to be gone to Maryland/DC for a military conference for a few days and I have to nip that before he leaves or it will drive me nuts! I say all that to say I'll be back tomorrow with more art!

btw - Z is for Zadie . . . I'm sure you guys wanted to know!

I know - just another cool name!

Let me just say it . . .

MY KIDS ARE STILL SICK!!! Seriously - this is the worst case of the funk we have ever had around here! It is basically Carson and Lawson. Friday, I finally went to the doctor. He gave us a prescription for phenergan in a lotion form . . . . God bless the soul who invented that stuff! I just rubbed a drop on the inside of their wrist and the puking stopped! I'd never heard of such!? AND it worked . . . that was the best part! But the poopin' has been just as unbearable. It has gotten so bad that I've been making the two sleep together so that I only have one set of sheets to clean the next morning. The good news is that the past two mornings they seem to have it under control. The problem is still there - but only a few times during the day and not the whole day! Carson has lost some weight. But they are both hydrated so we were told not to worry. {Nuts?!}

Not that you wanted to hear about all that, but I just wanted to let you all know what has been going on. And I'm over it! I still have not answered alot of emails because I can't find the time to get on the computer due to laundry - but I'm going to try to get on that during naptime today. That is the goal anyways . . . although I probably should be painting - since I only have a week or so to get Christmas gifts out! Ack!

But I have been getting them out such as this one. . . . .


The fabrics for this room are fantastic. I love the touch of green with all the pinks and yellows {and a smidge of a cranberry color!}


Since this is my blog - and I tell you all my insecurities - let me just say that I'm always concerned when I have the same letter side by side. Because, after all, this is hand-painted and they are never going to look alike. But seriously, when they are side by side they need to! But I've never been able to pull it off?! And I know I'm not the only one out there that thinks that! I invite all you fellow artist to comment on that!


And even in a situation such as this . . . . the a, l, l and i all have the same tail . . . and I have to make them all look right! It might not bother some folks - but I'm a freak about this! Now, I know all you guys are going to blow up the full picture and see how I just can't perfect it. But one day, just one day - I might get it! hehe


I didn't have permission to use this picture - so it might disappear. But this is the room the painting is going in. I love how you really see the fabrics on the euro shams.

Since this one was similar to this recent post, I did try to change her up a little - font obviously - and the bead border!


Off to get my day started {late!} But thankful that so far, I don't have any sheets to wash!

You stole my heart little blue room!

Dilemma!!! {or Di-alemma - yes, that is about the way I say it!}

This has absolutely NOTHING to do with Paintings OR Christmas . . . which are super high on my current priority list. But it is one of those things floating around in the back of my head {all the time!} Why? I don't KNOW! I'm just weird like this!

But as you know, Em is 20 months. Won't be long - baby girl will be moving into a big girl bed! It seems like only a couple of months ago, I was tediously planning out her nursery while running around with only 3 boys! Those were the days I was oblivious to therapies, aspergers and minimal change disease! THOSE were the days - the clueless, wonderful, worry-free days! haha! {I sure wouldn't have taken them for granted if I had that crystal ball I've always wanted!!!}

Sorry - back on track . . . remember her room?? I love that room. Still love that room! I've hinted around how I found french provincial furniture! And my intentions are to paint it pink - the exact pink of her crib!

{not my house - Craigs list picture. Just wanted to clear that up!}

NOW - hear me, only the dresser, mirror and 1 nightstand is pink! BECAUSE they are not the "good" kinda furniture and they HAVE to be painted - does that make sense?? That is/was my intentions - paint them pink. {I'll tell you about the bed{s} in a minute.} Well, we had a little mishap with the pink. They don't make it anymore! Yes, it was a spray paint. I tried using another color pink - revolting! I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. But once I got over the HORRIBLE re-do. My brain quickly starting digging deep til it remembered the name, brand and even type of paint that it was . . . . and I did find many cases online! I'm about to buy it . . . then, I see this post {completely accidentally!}

My heart stopped for about 7 seconds. My keyboard was covered in drool - it was bad! I want that wall color and red furniture!!! But I love the pink and red together!!!! Em loves pink - and red is throughout my entire house. What is a girl to do!?!?!

Can you picture a red french, provincial dresser???

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have red beds - but I can't this time. This 1 time, {I can't believe I'm about to admit this,} this 1 time - I can't paint the beds. Not because I was "told" not too {which has always been the past reasons I wasn't "allowed"} but because the bed{s} I've already purchased {with my own money}{that are not family heirlooms}{that are hanging out in MY bedroom} {because they are way too nice for the garage!} NEED to stay the pecan/maple color they are. They just look that good!

You want to see them, you ask?? Well, ok . . .


Whatcha think?? Yeah, they are the real deal!


For me, they were love at first site - hence the reason I bought them long before baby girl needed them!

So, now I'm torn - only because I love Em's current fabrics {which have absolutely no blue} but I had every intention of using as much of them for as long as I could. And I really love Edie's little girl's room.

I've never kept a tight color palette - so I can always work with blue, red and pink?? Somehow - tastefully. BUT what the heck color do I paint the dresser!?!?!?!? Because pink would be too much for the blue walls - should I dare go red??

Somebody help me - I'm cracking under all the pressure!!!!!

Of all times . . .

for my kids to get sick! Three of them started puking at the same time on Monday morning. It was one of those days I knew I could not have done it by myself. The chaos was so crazy that Lonnie had to stay home from work. Once everybody got it out of their systems, everything seemed okay . . . . then it started . . . . the pooping! Way messier than the puke! I've washed sheets on each bed 4 times in the past 2 days! Needless to say, I was wiped out last night - and unfortunately fell asleep when the kids did. Normally I automatically wake up at 4 {if not earlier,} but not this time . . . . I just got up at 6:30! Talking about late! And the ONLY reason I woke up is because a little person came down stairs asking me to do what??? To change his stinky! And to beat that - it looks like we have a horrible diaper rash - so bad that he is screaming when I put on the Happy Hiney prescription and Aquaphor! I feel so bad for this little guy - you know he is in some pain.

But I'm trudging on - trying desperately to get more orders filled. I'm already exhausted. and it is on December 2nd. I have to really roll out some canvases the next 2 weeks to hit my personal deadline! I really don't have a ton left that want them before Christmas . . . . but I still have quite a few. At the same time, I really want to be better with the blog. I also need to finish up my shopping {which is not much!} And I also have to wrap gifts, attend 4 Christmas parties and I have a Christmas play to go to.

There is no real balance between a home business and family. Something gets neglected. I promise it is not my kids! But I'm trying to keep my fuse long so that I don't snap. I have so many of you that ask how I do it. I just do. I really don't keep a social calendar and I hope people are not offended when I turn them down when asked to do things. My husband and I don't go on real dates and we'll take quite time {just the two of us} in the living room any day over a night out.

I've said it a thousand times - I just really didn't expect small words to boom like it did. I was "hoping" this would happen about the time Em was in school - then I would have the day to "work." But it busted out much sooner than expected. I'm not complaining! I love it. And I still get excited each time I start a new order for someone. BUT wow! Who knew. I still can't believe it. And all because I picked up a paint brush to see what I could make for Hudson's room {almost} 5 years ago.

I can't thank you guys enough for the support, love and prayers. This has been one fun and crazy ride. And I hope to continue it for a very long time.

But enough about me . . . let's talk art!

Cocalo Ellie crib bedding

Cute bedding! Elephants are a big thing right now. I'm seeing them in alot of children's bedding - because you know, I see alot of bedding! haha!

Cocalo Ellie crib bedding

Pink and green - can't go wrong with this color combination in a girl's room.

Cocalo Ellie crib bedding

My favorite letter {because you know I always have one when I paint a name} is the "n" - this font is just awesome anyways - but that "n" just has a look about it I love!

Cocalo Ellie crib bedding

As most of you know - I normally don't match up the designs perfectly {normally not the stripes.}

Cocalo Ellie crib bedding

And I love it when {by design or accident - you be the judge} the ribbon matches this well!

Sorry for such a short description . . . my kids are calling me this morning. And I have to see what kinda damage was done throughout the night!!

And if you have emailed me - I will be getting to those today! Have a fantastic day - you deserve it!

For the love of glitter . . .

I've always admitted that my main fear of paint is the "whatisitphobia." I know you know what I'm talking about. It normally lies in the domain of your children's art. But as an artist, it stretches into my own sometimes.


I love getting some ingenious idea and then try to put it on canvas.


Sometimes it works. And sometimes . . . well, let's not talk about those times.


I asked Hudson what he thought these paintings were. Either he sees them as I do OR he just might be a mind reader.


I actually started on them LAST year!


All year, they have been hanging on my wall in my little studio. And the only thing they needed was a small touch of glitter {by request!}


Tell me you see 2 ornaments hanging from a tree!

Tree is up . . .

. . . . And decorated! No easy feat with 4 little crazies running around!

Sorry for only a sneak peek - it looked the best in close up shots {and the fact that I still do plan to partake in the Christmas Tour of Homes with Ms. Nester herself on December 14th!} I have soooo many ornaments that they are dripping from the tree. I've always loved the look of the trees you shop from in a store. The ones that have more ornaments than limbs. Yeah, that's what I like!

Yes - that is a Mr. Potato Head.

I only have had 5 casualties this year {so far.} I'm sure the number will steadily grow as we encroach upon the Christmas season. It seems that 2 of my 4 little people really like to "touch" the tree and already have a sense of ownership over a few of the ornaments.


I really thought that most of the ones within their reach were UN-breakable. Not hardly. Even the SHATTER-PROOF ones are not safe . . . . they might not shatter but they make great BALLS to toss around the room!!!!!


Most all of the unexplainable "who-done-its" have been repaired, glued and sewn back together. Except for one Grinch Musical Sleigh - which states all over {the bottom} that it's "not a toy" - too bad my kids didn't see that. I'm sure they would have put it down {before dropping it} if they would have read that first. It is currently sitting beside me with all kinds of jimmied props supporting all the pieces that are waiting for the glue to see up. It looks flawless - except for one spot. I'm thinking if I can get it glued back, I'll worry with the clean-up next. One challenge at a time, people.

Giving Thanks During my Love/Hate Relationship with the Garbage Disposal!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We went to my Dad's house on Thursday and then they came here on Friday! That means I cooked and thankfully no one died from it . . . . except for my garbage disposal. I don't know if you want to hear this story, but I'm telling it anyways!

There are several stories floating around this blog of mine about my garbage disposal. I hate the thing and I blame almost all of my problems on it. You see, I've never had one. I grew up outside the city limits and garbage disposals and septic tanks don't mix. My only dealings with one is at my Grandmamma Tate's house. And let me tell you - hers ate everything! And when I say everything, I mean everything! Seriously people, she would put the whole dang chicken in hers {bones and all} and chop it up and wash it down the drain. It must have been a real disposal - if you know what I mean!

Well, from the beginning - Lonnie has told me to not put anything in ours that I wouldn't eat myself {uh, yuck!} And yet, I still try cramming most everything down it. It is a freakin' garbage disposal people! It should dispose of garbage!! Now, I'm not trying to stick aluminum cans or anything like that - but green beans . . . . it should dispose {properly} of green beans! Well, mine doesn't! Up till Friday, there has only been 2 times in the past 2 years that I have clogged the disposal. Green beans one time and the second time was bar-b-que {the whole roast . . . I cooked it and it was awful - so the whole thing found it's way down our sink!} And both times the choppers {definitely NOT the technical term} just wouldn't chop. And both times it about killed me to admit that I jacked up the disposal . . . after I had been given strict directions on how to use it. Of course both those times were food that I would eat!!! Which led him to ask each time "why" I didn't eat it . . . but that is another story for another post!

So on Friday . . . . I made mashed potatoes . . . the real kind {I love instant, too!} I peeled the potatoes in the sink and slowly chopped the skins a few potatoes at a time {like I'm suppose to!} Well, after the last potato - the hammers were still hammering - but the water wasn't moving. ??? Some how - I've now clogged the sink! I tried every way in my power unsuccessfully to fix it before admitting what I just did to "you know who!"

Well, had to call him . . . "can you bring home some drain-O, please."

"Why?"

"We've encountered a small problem."

"I don't want to ask what - so just tell me."

"It involves the kitchen sink and food that I would eat." {because I would eat potato skins . . . on a cooked potato!}

"KIM - did YOU clog the disposal AGAIN!!! I'm going to remove it this time! You can go back to using the trash can!"

hehe - Uhmmmm . . . no he won't!

My Dad, on the other hand, was stoked and ready to figure out the problem as soon as he got there! He kept asking to fix it! With a bucket in hand, Lonnie got under the sink with my Dad {so wish I took a picture!} and started taking it all apart. Oh yeah - it was a definitely because of the potato skins!!! It was a hot, nasty mess!

So many great lines {wish I could have remembered them all!} But when the pipe came off, one of them said, "Wow, you're not going to believe what was in it, stopping it up?!" Of course I asked thinking it really was something unexpected. "Potato skins," the choir said!

But I learned my lesson!! And it now works! So, we are going to act like this never happened! But it was a great time!

My kids were exhausted after all the fun!

Lawson

Hudson

Emme

Carson

Can anyone guess what they are doing?!?

That's right people - we got a TV!!!!! We are back to living the life of luxury! To include garbage disposing in the sink and a TV that hangs on the wall! We are living like fancy folks!!! Funny is that we only have been without it since the first part of August this year. I'm not lying when I tell you it feels like it has been August of 2006 since we watched TV! Only 3 months?!? Seriously!? I could have went longer, except of course - LOST {February 2nd} and Big Love {January 10th} will be coming back on soon. Nothing like watching scifi-time traveling lost islanders and a polygamist family on TV!

Manning . . .

It is taking me forever to get on the computer these days! I'm determined to get better at blogging. Starting today! {Let's hope the determination lasts!} haha.

After the "Boone" painting - I got a TON of requests for the design. Since this next room had alot of fabrics with similar patterns - we went with it!


The owl fabric was a crack up and I love it! But, we didn't want owls on the painting . . . which I completely agreed with. So, we used it for color matching purposes only!


The wall color was this awesome color - Cool Rain - a Valspar paint! When I saw a picture of the room, my mouth hit the floor after I saw the richness of this color. Looks fantastic!


I can't wait to see a picture of the painting on that wall color. {*hint*}

I didn't take a single close up OR side picture? And it is now wrapped and boxed up? I don't know what I was thinking? But the circles do wrap around the sides and there are also small dots in some of the stripes.

I have another one completed, I'll try to get it up here tomorrow!

Speaking of owls - I have 4 to paint! Stay tuned for those!

She is finally complete {for now!}

I know - it is amazing! This project was literally stretched over a year - haha! I have no problems with committing myself to time consuming assignments . . . my 4 kids do though!


I was too excited to put things back on the shelves before I took the picture . . . okay, actually - the poly was still wet! And I still put the drawers back in. And added the knobs and drawer pulls. I just couldn't help myself!! I had to know what she was going to look like!

BEFORE

AFTER

See the difference {besides the drawer pulls - I put them on the rightside up this time!} I bet you want to know how I did it?!?!

I'll tell you tomorrow! Just kidding!

For now - check out {some} more of the story at (in)courage . . . because I did a guest post!!!

I know, I know! I'm going back and forth with "I can't believe I was asked to guest post" and "What were they thinking, asking me to do a guest post!?" So one can only imagine what you guys are thinking!

You'll see the skinny of what I did for this look on (in)courage. If there are anymore questions, leave them in the comments and I'll do a post of "how to do it" and answer them all then!

thanks!

Bria . . .

The color combinations for the funny bones collection are endless! Here is another one {that is new to me!}


It is to match the ABC bedding you see below. Fantastic bedding for when you do NOT know if you are having a boy or girl!!! That is the story here. They took full advantage of one of natures last true surprises and they waited to find out. {I would have went crazy! Just let me get that out there . . . . again!} The walls are very neutral, so the goal was COLOR on the canvas!

picture credit - Babies "R" Us, My First ABC

You will notice this is not the usual font on a funny bones. The original is just a little too "boyish" and I needed something a little more "girlish!" I'ma thinkin' I like this font for the FB when ordered for a girl!!!!


And check out baby girl - you have to know this warms my heart in so many ways! This girl was about to start painting! Check out that tiny smock - home-girl was R-E-A-D-Y! I can't wait till we get our little masterpiece {I'll be sure to post!}

Boone's art . . . .

I've been up for well over 24 hours and have officially finished 2.86 paintings during that time {haha!} Okay - so I'm really close to completing the third one! Hudson's biopsy is this Friday at 9 am. And I'm on over drive already. The thought of it just looms. And makes sleep impossible. As overwhelming as my business gets sometimes, I'm soooo very appreciative of all the work. I seem to work better as my creative outlet explodes when I have burdens! ???? I don't really get it either - but I promise I'm really calm about the biopsy and currently have a huge peace about it. But then, my mind has not had time to think about it.

On to some art!

These have to be my absolute favorite fabrics that I have ever painted for! This momma knows how to work it! I love each swatch and they fit fabulous together, yet they are all soooo different!


Don't you love the custom window treatments??



So I got this thought in my head literally the other day. I had not looked at the swatches in few months {yes, I said months - I'm really backed up!} As soon as I pulled them out to get an idea as to where to go with this one {because I was given free will on it,} it hit me - layer the patterns!


The only main request I got was the birth date . . . . AND I really like the idea! Small and inconspicuous was the goal!


Something new and completely different! Definitely falls in the simpatico line.


I hope you guys love it!