Recipe for disaster . . . .

Sit back - this is a long one!

My blog has always been the "real" type. You know the kind I'm talking about. A friend once said, "there are enough blogs out there that blow sunshine up butts!" haha - well, we all know that is NOT me. When I'm happy, I want you to be happy with me. When I'm sad, I want you all to feel me. And when I'm mad, well . . . I just like everyone to know it! That simple. That is who I am.

So, let's keep it on the "real" side for today! This post is going to be about mistakes. That's right - I make them. All.the.time. Who doesn't?? And don't tell me you - 'cause I don't want "perfect" reading my blog!!! Makes me look bad ya' know!?! So, find a sunshine blog!

Okay - all jokes aside - The title to this post is about the only recipe I have down pat {except of course my "so good that if you put it on top of your head, your tongue will smack your brains out to get to it potato salad"!! And I get emails about that salad weekly of people thanking me - SO that is OFFICIALLY the name of it! A bit long, I know, but perfect name none the less!} Recipe for disaster - A daily happening around here. And I think I ask for it! Why else would it happen so often?

Perfect example -
Today's recipe for disaster . . . . the potty chair was left out. Why, Kim, do you have a "baby" potty chair out?? Uhmm, I don't know - maybe wishful thinking that my 2 and a half year olds would use it?? I don't know why - Hudson didn't. He went straight to the regular ol' toilet. Now, he strips down to nothing, climbs on it backwards, stands and squats on the seat all while holding onto the lid - I mean can you do that on a "baby" potty?? If you can - I want pictures!

Well, silly me was upstairs trying to get nap stuff ready. Seriously, I was upstairs {Lawson and I} for maybe 6 minutes. Hudson brings me a clean pair of underwear.

"Huddy, where are your draws?? {that is the way we talk - no wonder all my kids have a speech delay!}

"There wet."

"Uhmmm - did you pee in them?"

Noooo - I peed on them."

Uhmm, Ewwww! Why," as I'm going downstairs to investigate.

I never got an answer {from him} - YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT I FOUND??? Ask me - please just ask me!!

Your too slow - I'll just tell you . . . . I found the "baby" potty chair in the middle of the living room. The most important part is that Em found it first. That's right - Emsley found the potty chair TO INCLUDE THE PEE before I did! She also put his "draws" in the pee in the potty. If I had to guess, she did it while he was peeing or as soon as he moved. Do I need to add that her clothes were wet??? I'm pretty sure I know why - and the thought grosses me out beyond belief.

Did someone once comment on my blog they thought I had it all together? Crazy!

And no - no pictures. I'm sure you have a great visual.

But the story doesn't end there! I striped her down and went upstairs to get more clothes. I heard an awfully familiar sound. Nothing concerning, but a sound that I hear every day. A sound that I couldn't quite put my finger on. As I was really thinking of what it could be, it dawns on me about the time I'm turning the corner into the kitchen.


It's the sound the dog water bowl makes when I drop it down in it's rack after I fill it each morning.


At least she was naked. But the tracks?? That is Carson's blankets she put in the bowl and then drug around. The blankets he sleeps with. Took a long time to get him to take a nap without them today!

Needless to say - I have a big mess to clean up when I finish this post! Naptime will not be used for painting today!

And speaking of painting!! And disaster!! Here is one that was both - that completely made a turn around. God saw this day coming and was trying to help a sister out with a tiny miracle is about all I can say! Yes, this is about the sneaky peek from the last post.

I'll start from the beginning - There are actually 2 paintings. At first we had talked about the paintings "coordinating" just in case the sisters ever shared a room down the road. I think the assumption was they would if more children came into the picture. Well, guess who is pregnant - and guess who will now share rooms? So, we talked about all the different elements Heather {the mom} wanted to see in the girls' paintings. I'll just say it - somewhere in the back of my mind I forgot about the coordinating part.


She wanted stripes and she loved the scalloped edge, but she really like the idea of a crown too. I'll admit that I started painting stripes like the Ella Faith one, but it was becoming clear with all the colors I was using that it was going to be way too busy for the crown! So, direction shifted. And that is when I forgot about the coordinating part!

You really cannot see the stripes dead on - but at an angle you get an awesome show of what metallic paint can really do for you! True tone on tone look. I'm currently doing another painting with the same stripes that you will see in a day or two.

But the original stripes turned to tone on tone stripes is not quite the disaster. Trust me - that stuff happens about every other painting. You can visualize it in your head - but once on that canvas . . . . well, just know that I change it if it is going to be funky! The disaster begins when I'm basically through. All that was left was sealing. That's it. I hang them on the wall and just stare at them {because I really like how the stripes turned out and yes, I did tape those out - I'll not lie to you.} The only thing is the "g" in Reagan's name is bit off to me for some reason. You can't tell except the "y" in Rylee hangs in the right direction and if they are hanging close together you are going to see it. I knew I was going to have to do some major touching up on it to make it right. But. Then it hits me like a ton of bricks, "CRAP - they are suppose to be coordinating - not matchy-matchy!!" The original stripe idea would have been super easy, peasy to make coordinating - this design not so much! And that is why I never thought of it once I got going in the direction they ended up!

Well, I was in the process of typing out this long email explaining all that. For whatever reason, I was typing out "Reagan" and stopped dead in my tracks. I slowly looked up with that all knowing feeling. It was about 4:30 in the morning and I could feel my coffee rising . . . .

Yeah - that's right . . . . I spelled it wrong!!! WRONG!!! Oh.my.good.Lord!! How in the heck did that happen?? I've never seen Reagan spelled any other way?? Never seen it spelled "Reagen?" How did an "E" get in the place of an "A" - I have no idea - and the world may never find out! The problem with free-handing!

I got on facebook and there was Heather. I IM'd her - somewhat explained what had happened. I included the coordinating {or I should say NOT coordinating} part. Why I chose the stripes. And then the big doozy. I was going to tease her that maybe Reagan wouldn't notice {haha - fat chance!!} I didn't want her to think that I wouldn't fix it. And I thought that was God speaking to me that they were suppose to be coordinating - so trash it and make it coordinating. Heather brought up the fact that I was probably sleep deprived {maybe!?} and that her girls are at the age where they say "hers is better than mine." So it is great they look just alike! I did send her an email with pictures attached. And SHE loved them!!! Of course if only I could change the "e" to an "a" . . . . . I thought and thought . . . .

I had to fix it. I didn't want to start over! She liked them matchy-matchy. Uggghhh - what to do, what to do. I just set to work {with my "no formal training" self - I think that it's obvious at this point!} I got a ruler . . . the "a" would not fit in that spot! The "g" had to go too! Good - that "g" wasn't rockin' nothing but my boat!


How funny does that picture look??? It was starting over in that one spot. All artist know I was asking for it. A patched up job that looked patched up! At this point, if I had to start completely over, oh well. I had to redo stripes an all. Nerve racking to say the least!


Well, I did it! Don't know how, but I did! And those that have seen it in person and knows the story can't tell! Hallelujah!!! And I can't tell! And that is saying something . . . because I can always tell! I think that is why I wanted to share the story!


I mean - who wants to talk about mistakes??? Not me! Okay, only the ones I fixed!

I think I said "coordinating" 22 times in this post? How weird.

I "was" doing good,

. . . . . rockin' right along - posting frequently. And then . . . . I disappeared for a few days! I was trying to post. I had so much to say! But I never could get on the computer!!! Now I can't think of anything I wanted to blog about?! Figures! I think I still have pregnancy brain even though I'm NOT pregnant!

I AM NOT PREGNANT! I just wanted to say that again! It was the first time in several years that I went to my yearly and I didn't hear, "Congratulations Kim, your going to have a baby." It was a wonderful and glorious feeling! Ahhh!

Speaking of pregnant - I know you are still waiting on that twin/2 headed baby story! Lonnie and I are going to vlog about that together! You can see us in action - Beauty and the Beast - the Bold and the Beautiful - Jon and Kate - Frick and Frack - that about sums us up! hahaha The story isn't even going to be that good because you have waited on it for so long.

I have no idea who is really interested in this - but after a couple of posts lately that have been about my struggles with my children's delays, I thought some of you might want some specifics as to what is going on with each child. I don't really know how specific I've ever gotten so this might help you all understand how it goes around here.

So, here is the break down . . .


This is Hudson - my oldest. He is 4. Incredibly bright. And I mean that. Now, I know most parents think that. For the longest time, I would describe him as "bright" not realizing it was a sign. And let me explain further. Hudson took forever to talk. And when I say forever - he still goes to speech therapy. He couldn't say phrases, much less sentences till about 9 months ago. BUT he loved the match game. The ring stacker was mastered before he could really hold his head up. Puzzles were so easy for him. He could point out and tell you a trapezoid or parallelogram or any shape you didn't know had a name. He could tell you which was magenta and which was fuchsia {because there is a difference } and he could show you the colors to mix to get which ones. It was obvious from the beginning that he was a "problem solver." He hated social situations and was completely uncomfortable anywhere but at home. He hated elevators, parking garages and loud noises. When the twins were born, he completed ignored them for the first 18 months of their lives. Seriously, he had NO IDEA they existed. Quirky - you could say that. Strange - definitely. But I accepted it as that was just who he was. Yes, I will be honest and tell you that I thought he had to be one of the weirdest kids I knew - and he belonged to me. Fabulous. But he could keep a beat with any rhythm. He loved numbers. He could add. He could subtract. He loved letters. He knew all the sounds {long and short.} He could tell you the vowels.

He was going to do really good in school. And that is what I tried to tell myself. Then finally, after alot of talking with my pediatrician, I had him evaluated for speech. His scores were somewhat low - he definitely had a speech delay.

While talking to my speech therapist, I mentioned how it doesn't eat much. Mostly snacks. No sweets. No mac n'cheese. No mashed potatoes. blah, blah. She evaluated him for feeding therapy. Uhmmmm, yeah - totally needed that too! Major food aversion. But he has gotten so much better. He will "tap" alot of foods on his tongue - so we are headed in the right direction.

I also lined him up for an eval with an occupational therapist. It was obvious that he had some issues with "activities of everyday living" so I really couldn't wait to hear what they had to say. {Hear that sarcasm.} Hudson has sensory overload at every turn. He jumped and screamed at the same time, all the time jarring his body looking for some missing sensory. He knows he is missing "something" but doesn't know what it is - so that is what he does, jumps and screams simultaneously {that is the best way I can describe it.} I can give you so many examples of his crazy behavior - but this post is going to be long enough!

He has been formally diagnosed with developmental delays. All his therapist feel very strongly that he has asperger's syndrome - which is a form of autism. I agree with them. Just the fact that he knows what he knows on his intellect level and has no social abilities, screams what I don't want to hear. BUT he has not been tested for that, nor do I plan to have him tested at this point. His therapy is as if that is his diagnosis. So, he is getting "therapatized" {YES, I made that word up!} as if he has it. So why label him if I don't have to - right?

Completely unrelated - As of last November, he was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome - we are assuming it is minimal change disease if you want specifics. Everytime we think we have nipped it, it comes back. And back on steroids we go. Anytime a viral infection is in our home, it triggers the nephrotic syndrome. And with 4 kids - something viral is in our house every quarter! Nice - huh? We are told this is something he will eventually out grow. Please, please!!! These steroid are killing me!

Hudson has come a such a LONG way! A 180 - really! It is crazy!! The conversations I have with him are great. We can ride in elevators, park in parking garages, go through car washes, go to birthday parties, walk into school with a smile on, etc . . . . I could keep going. And tonight, he picked up a book that we have never read and read the first 4 sentences without help {remember he is 4!} He is amazing!


Meet Carson. He has a mouth full of popsicle in the above picture - that is why he looks funny! He is 2 and a half. Daddy's boy. With a vivid imagination. My only child that pretend plays. He can go to an imaginary world - whether it is a pirate ship or hanging with his bestie Shrek - this boy loves pretending. Huge difference from Hudson's mechanical mind. HUGE DIFFERENCE! He was diagnosed with the WORST speech delay of any of the boys at around the 18 month marker. I was really surprised. He seemed to "talk" more than Hudson did at that age. AND he actually understands you! What ever you ask him to do, he would do it. The problem is when he speaks, you can't understand him. Now, he is really saying something. You can ask him to repeat it, and he says the exact same thing everytime - just you have no idea what it is!

Examples:
Mommy - "Maddy"
Apple - "atel"
Tiddles {our dog} - "Tivvels"
blankets and rags {his lovies} - "banks an ags"
Llama Llama Red Pajama - "Wam Wam Red Jom"

I feel so sorry for him when I'm trying to figure out what he wants because you really don't have a clue most times. Really you don't.

But he is a great eater {I once thought he had a food aversion, too!} Just going through the "typical picky" stage!

Here is Lawson "Laws." The identical twin to Carson. Two minutes younger. I need to point out that Carson and Lawson do not have the "typical" twin relationship. They do not have a special language. They do not hang out together. Carson prefers to be Hudson while Lawson would so much rather be alone. Laws is very similar to Hudson with most of his behaviors. Only he eats almost anything. He does have a little OCD. And he is obsessed with numbers. He can count by two's {odds and evens,} by 5's, 11's - you name it. Once he sees a pattern, he is stuck on it. Up until recently, he has avoided most all eye contact. Now, I can get him to look me in the eyes for a long period. He has one of those minds that takes things apart and puts it back together. Would you find it strange if your 17 month old, put a 101 piece puzzle together in 25 minutes? I didn't find it strange that he put it together, but that he sat for 25 minutes with a challenge?! That is when I knew the road was going to be longest with Laws.

He doesn't talk therefor he is in speech therapy. I've finally gotten to where I can say "I want . . ." and he can fill in the blank. And it will be stuff I didn't know he could say - such as "breakfast" or "pudding." For the past few days, he has been stuck on yogurt. When he does speak, it is fairly clear. Or atleast there is no question what he is saying like there is with Carson. He has come along way compared to his screaming all the time.

He, too, is in occupational therapy. He is not too bad in social situations, but he doesn't like to share. I know, I know - what 2 and a half year old does? But trust me - even in the NICU, the two boys shared one of those acrylic condos. And Lawson would always kick Carson out of the nest - constantly! It was crazy!! Should have seen the problem then! And since he can't communicate, things such as sharing rock his world. Deep compression works wonders. And he loves to have all his joints "squeezed." I've found that that is the only thing that will get him back to reality when he gets overly upset.

He also goes to physical therapy. I noticed for a long time, that he would fall over as soon as he would stand up. Or he would fall after a few steps. And to tell you the truth, I laughed and would make a comment "been walking long?" or "boy, I see ballet in your future!" or just something like that. After his PT assessment I was told his large motor skills were above average. BUT that he didn't have much core strength. Before all of this, I just assumed all that was the same - large motor and core - well, it's not. He hates tummy time. Which is very similar to what you do with babies. And at first I was all kinds of concerned that this was my fault because the twins didn't get alot of tummy time due to some incredibly bad acid reflux. But I've been assured this is nowhere near my fault and that this stems from other issues.

Just as Hudson, the assumption is Lawson shares the aspergers. And the same goes that he is getting the same therapy - as if he has aspergers. So, no formal diagnosis - and none if we can help it. BUT ONLY IF WE CAN CONTINUE GETTING THE HELP WE ARE GETTING! As soon as something happens and we can't get the same therapy, I will have him evaluated for aspergers.


And then we have Emsley - baby "Em." A 15 month old typical baby girl! Who does not have a tooth in her mouth - no, I do NOT feel a single tooth bud!! She loves her purse. Loves dolls {and Barbie - already!!} Loves her shoes. Likes to wear something new everyday. Understands everything I say. Says a ton of words. Likes to look at a book upside down {none of the boys ever did!} Doesn't recognize a single letter, number, shape or anything like it. Eats anything - to include dog food! She puts things in her mouth. She plays in the toilet if the lid is left up. Likes a crowd. Loves to entertain. And crazy - in a good way. Totally opposite of the boys in every way.

In a 35 month period, I had 4 kids people, it was going to be crazy no matter the circumstances!! I'm just shocked that I don't drink! Or do drugs! Or anything that falls in between. haha!

And since this blog is actually used for business purposes, a little sneaky peeky for your viewing pleasure . . . .


If you are a friend on face book, you have already seen this painting in it's entirety {one of the perks of being my friend!} tee hee - I'm so tired! I've got to go to bed. I should be back tomorrow!

I'll admit . . .

This one was somewhat of a challenge. And let me explain! First off it is a gift {not from me - but from one awesome lady who really loves to give art away!} The challenge lies in the fact that Morgan {the birthday girl} doesn't like pink and her walls are already a shade of green. We don't know what shade, but a green shade. So, let's get to the bedding . . . .

What do you see? Pink and an odd shade of green. So, if you omit the pink and the green {because I don't know if that is the same shade of green on the walls} - that leaves me with just turquoise, purple, white and brown to work with?! Since I wasn't going to use all the colors, I decided to omit the purple too?! Just trust me on this one. There is madness to my thinking - I just can't usually put it into words!?

With all the interior decorating classes I took to include the ton of psychology classes, I learned . . . . oh, wait - that wasn't me, that was somebody else! That's right, I went through the "college of business" route! Marketing, management, econ or finance really didn't touch on any of this? Man, that's crappy! Too bad I didn't know that I was going to have a butt load of kids so I couldn't afford to work?? And that I had some type of hidden talent that included paint and canvases??{I'm still aggravated at myself for my degree! Oh, the things that I will teach my kids - another post for another time!} But anyhoodle on with this story! The first thing I saw when looking at this bedding was the turquoise. I'm sure the turquoise caught her eye as well especially since "birthday girl" doesn't like pink. And just in case you really didn't look at it very well - that bedding has ALOT of pink - 2 shades of PINK! Since her walls were already green from the previous room decor, I'm sure Mom was excited that the current wall color would work and she just saved boo coo bucks without having to repaint the room! This is entirely a speculation - I have absolutely no idea if it's true, but I'm assuming this is how it went?!

Since turquoise is the eye grabber - turquoise shall be the main color! And brown - no brainer - fantastic anchor color for the name!


Somewhat monochromatic, but I'm thinking it will work!

{Check it out . . . . what it will look like hanging over her bed?!
hahaha - oh, wait - maybe not! I don't have green walls in my picture!}

Another practical assumption was the font choice. Since it was obvious in the email {and the fact that I was asked to exclude PINK,} I knew NOT to go scripty with the font! {Script = girly and I'm pretty sure I didn't need to go that route!} So, I painted a funky/fun font. And I'll admit . . . .


. . . . . that is one rockin' "g" - we all know I love a good "g" {man, I need to get a life!}

I'm super curious how this one goes over as a gift?! {My dear friend, you will have to let me know!}

And yes, this type of thinking goes into each painting I create!

I feel much better . . . .

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments. The blog world amazes me. So many that I've never seen in person but are so sweet and kind. I can't thank you enough. I know so many of you want to know the specifics of each child and what exactly is going on with each. I will address that in the next post. With 3 boys, so close in age, all names ending in "-son", it is hard to keep up with each I'm sure. So, I will give you the skinny tomorrow.

Totally off subject, this is my 400th post?! That is crazy!

But I did want to post some pictures of art!! Yes, through it all I was still painting. hehe - those are my creative times. I can really go and fast. My mind races to find the perfect color for the perfect design. Being the mentalist with the emails I receive and figuring out exactly what you want. Tomorrow is my shipping day - one of my big changes I have made . . . . I am only shipping 1 day during the week. I'm going to try to stick to that. I'm sure there are going to be times that I'll have to make an exception. But Wednesdays are the days! Most people I seem to ship are only 2 days away. So Friday will be the big delivery day!

And because tomorrow is Wed/ship day, I wanted to post this next one.


The sides are a light ecru color while the bordered edge is a taupe. The blues are also 2 different colors as well. Lucky for me, one of greatest friends ever, has moved to the 'boro. And incredibly close to me! She has absolutely no clue, but she will be coming over to show me how to use my camera! Maybe then I'll get better/brighter pictures!


THIS is great boy bedding! Basic, but not plain! Simple with such clean lines. And most importantly - an EASY color match! The funnybones design is prefect for bedding such as this! A great twist.


So, many names I've painted lately have been brown?! And don't worry the next painting {below} has a brown name as well! I mean, I didn't want to disappoint all my chocolate loving friends out there!


Nobody stop me, I'm on a roll!

And for all those wondering, we did get bad news today from the nephrologist about Hudson's case. It's back. It has to do with the viral infection that is floating around the house. Since Hudson's immune system seems to be compromised, these infections - whether it be a cold or a 24 hour pukey bug - it pushes him back into the minimal change disease. Lovely. I hate steroids. With a passion. My kid is crazy on them. Unrecognizable. He can't sleep. And he can't eat enough. Too bad he has a food aversion! There is not enough white cheddar cheez-its or rainbow goldfish in our house to sustain him. By the time we get towards the end of this cycle, he will have been on them for 1 year. Ridiculous.

I'm going to wait for a few days before I begin the next treatment. Not only was this what I wanted to do, but the doctor completely agreed. We are going to see if Hudson can pull out of it on his own. In a completely selfish manner, I pray this be Your will.

Another sleepless night at the Wheelers . . .

Apparently, whatever the 24 hour bug was that Carson had has now moved on to Lawson. I can't stand to see my kids sick. I know, who can - but it tears me up. I stayed up most of the night checking on Laws. Waiting for the puking to commence! Where he was showing the signs it was coming on, I got it all ready! I started giving him Motrin for the fever. Made him sit in the tub while I gave the other 3 a bath {I normally try to do that 1 at a time - or at least put one in while I'm taking one out.} I cleaned off his bed with only the necessities {to make my job much easier in the night after the commencement.} Tried to make him drink sprite {he doesn't like it, so I wasn't very successful.} Then I sat in his room most of the night. He was so restless. And for a kid that doesn't talk, he talked all night long. He was saying lines from movies and from books that he has memorized. Some of it I could make out, but most of it was very hard to understand. Poor Lawson's mind doesn't work like most of ours. Times like these we would be dreaming and talking of things we personally know and live - he on the other hand, only can mimic books and movies - because we have read them or he has seen them over and over. Daily stuff doesn't really stick with him. At first I was cracking up while I rubbed his head. Then the tears started. I got mad. Incredibly mad. I haven't had a pity party in such a long time. I never question the "why" - really who cares - it just "is" - I so want to hear my kid say "mommy" and he mean me. Not some line he has seen in a movie a thousand times. I want him to be able to just look at me and say "Can I have some juice?" Instead of scream at me and expect me to read that mind of his. And although I have seen results with him, last night I was impatient. I wanted immediate results last night. I wanted him to tell me he didn't feel good. I didn't want to be the mind reader. I ask myself all the time HOW in the world do these people do it. How? One day at a time just doesn't cut the mustard sometimes - if you know what I mean?! You can't help but look to the future to see what is next. And I just don't know what is. I'm a complete believer that it is out of my control. And I do a great job rolling with the punches - but some days it is a bit much. And last night was.


Sorry to unload. I'm tired and emotionally drained today. THAT is when I can't function. And I've got to figure out Hudson's follow-up appointment today with his nephrologist - I don't want to take sick babies with me. But I've got to get him to that appointment to see if his minimal change disease is in remission {finally!!}

Back to our scheduled program tomorrow.

I had every intention . . .

of posting yesterday. But I literally NEVER went to sleep the night before. So, when I got the kids in bed last night . . . . . . zzzzzzz. Uhmm, yeah - me too! I was soooo tired it was ridiculous! But in my delirious state of consciousness, I actually finished another painting yesterday? Crazy, I know?! I thought the same thing?! I was going to try to sleep when the kids went down for a nap, but I just got on a roll and couldn't stop {I love it when that happens!}

Okay, okay - on with the painting you have already got a sneak peek of!


I'm sure you figured out the fabric and theme of the room! Have I told you guys how much I love getting swatches?? I have actually found a cool way to keep up with them - I'll show you guys another time!


I streaked the stripes with some metallic paint for a little definition.


The letters in the name got the same touch.


The walls are a dark brown.


Ta-da!!

I like the name Judson. After I had Hudson, a friend that I grew up with had a little boy named Judson. She calls him "Judd" which is a super cool name. The only time I had ever heard of it before was in high school, I dated a "Jud"son. I really like the 2 "d"'s at the end in the shortened version.

Sorry for keeping it short. My kids are downstairs {while I'm upstairs} and I hear them trashing out the house. I just needed to get this post up since it should have went up yesterday!!

And just a little sneaky peeky for tomorrow's post! {Because I will post!}


Nice - now the door bell is ringing! It's probably one of my kids! haha!

I didn't really do it . . . .

. . . ya' know - steal the ketch-up! I meant to put that at the end of Friday's post, but then forgot until after I got a few comments. I figured I would just wait until my next post to fess up! ha - Surely you didn't believe me?!

I also have to fess that I've become the worst blogger ever! Pitiful really! I'm going to try to start blogging more frequently. I noticed I like to read blogs that blog regularly. Not that I have much time to read blogs really - but when I do, that is the kind I like! I had plans to blog Saturday, after my kids went to bed - BUT then Carson threw-up and I've spent some time cleaning him and his bed. He is now on the couch - temp free {I hope} with Lonnie on guard duty. I figured I'd stay up tonight to catch up on things - such as painting, blogging, invoicing, receipts, etc . . . . - You get the picture! I said all that to say "although it is 1 am on Sunday morning - I'm going post this one with Saturday's date!" I mean, I was going to post anyways - and I have a post for today {I mean tomorrow - because it really isn't Sunday!}

Anyhoodle - I had this floating shelf on the wall in my studio. You could see it when I took pictures of myself. The other day, the joker fell off the wall! On some art I was working on to boot! It was the craziest thing. It probably had something to do with the 89 lbs. of crap that was on it! Glass was everywhere! I also had a ribbon holder that held some small rolls of ribbon. The ribbon I use to tie up my Thank You's and my Gift Certificates. It took so long to clean up the glass and drywall dust {from the screws leaving the wall anchors,} I just piled everything up in a pile On.The.Floor {big mistake} thinking I would find new homes for everything later OR put the shelf back up!


Thanks Em.

You like that, don't ya'? One.hot.mess. My plan for Sunday - roll it all back up and put the box somewhere other than the floor. Funny thing is, she put it all back in the box! Just what you see. I carried it downstairs and put it on the table for the photo op and to remind me to do it in the daylight hours on Sunday.

I know you guys are sick and tired of hearing about Shrek - I sure am. But I have a really funny story. That involves my kids favorite part of the movie {Shrek 1.} I know you all have seen it. Remember the part where Fiona wakes up before everyone and she is out and about, singing in the woods. She happens onto a bluebird and they sing a little duet . . . . until Fiona sings such a high pitch shrill scream that the bird blows up and bust?? Okay - keep that in your mind.

The other day the kids {all 4 of them} and I went to Target! Now, I don't know about your Target - but little cutie birds hang out in the parking lot of ours - usually around the buggy corrals. I always park by the corrals {for obvious reasons.} I saw a bird hoping around looking for some discarded popcorn {or something edible.} He was so close to me that if I bent down I could have pet him! Well I had everyone unbuckled and they were all standing {except Em} waiting to jump out of the van. Picture it - They are all at the door in front of Em's car seat - all waiting to jump. I said in a whisper, "aw, guys look it's a bird." Like robots on speed ALL 4 OF MY KIDS turned as quick as they could towards the bird, even Em is straining as hard as she can to see the bird - and like a choir of angels singing God's praises, all in tune with one another, ALL 4 OF MY KIDS started singing Fiona's high shrill song - at the top of their lungs! ALL 4 OF MY KIDS were trying to make that bird explode!!!

WHAT AM I RAISING!?!?!?!

Of course that bird took off like a bat out of hell! I just stared at all my children as they started cracking up. Hudson even said to Carson, "give me 5!" I got them all out of the van and gave them the big "I can't believe you guys did that" convo. I even said to Em that I expected way more out of her - who cares that she is only 15 months old!

Yes, I need alot of prayer!


I have a sneaky peeky that I should post the finished piece on Sunday! I never change the lens on my camera. That is why YOU always see the blurry. It's that special lens that does that. It makes a great photo for these sneak peeks!

So, has anyone else been watching Harper's Island?? I normally have to watch it online or on Demand because it comes on while I'm getting kids in bed. Uhmmm, just watched it before I started this post . . . . FREE-KAY! My favorites got hacked off tonight. I'm so sad!!! And freaked! At the same time! I don't know about you, but I think I would swim off the island at this point! And please, oh please don't let there be a second bad guy with Cutie-McCute-Cute Jimmy!

I have to finish up the above painting! Until tomorrow!

Sometimes I ask myself, . . ..

"What the heck was I thinking?" Really - I do. And I would go as far to say I probably ask myself that daily. Do you?? Ever? I need to hear some "yeses" before I even go into the story of how I'm trying to earn Mother of the Year!

Well - last Friday I had this "brilliant" idea to take my kids to some fancy restaurant. And when I say "fancy," I don't mean we had to dress up - I mean a step up from Sonic {or "Old MacDonald's"} - you get me? I thought about this fantastic restaurant in Nashville called The Aquarium. And when I say "fantastic", I don't necessarily mean the food but the atmosphere. It truly is super cool with the massive tank in the center of the restaurant and NO matter where you sit, you have a great view of it.

Lonnie got home from work a smidge early and decided that he should mow the yard {instead of going on to Nashville to have a "fantastic dining experience."} Now, I know you have all seen it, you know the SHOW . . . . . that one that everyone is talking about . . . . . yeah, that's right . . . . "Jon and Kate plus Eight." Now picture how Kate would react . . . . awwww yeah, that's me. "Okay Sgt. Wheeler, mow the yard - that's a great idea!" in the most sarcastic tone I could muster in my accent and not a Pennsylvania one.

Two hours later with a freshly mowed yard {as well as weed eated}, we load everyone up in the grocery getter! It's about 6:15ish - the time we usually eat supper. BUT the kids are cool. They are in a fabulous mood and our expecting one awesome, good time. For some stupid reason, I never thought of calling and making reservations. Probably because it has been that long since I've been anywhere other than Sonic {or "Old MacDonald's"} - but when we got there we were told that there was about a 30 minute wait. No biggie - even though it took as long to park as it did to get there and longer than that to walk through the parking lot . . .

**side note** - For those who possible would not know this - The Aquarium is inside a big mall. A mall that stands where our famous "Opryland Themepark" once stood. They closed the park for some crazy reasons, {the main one being it didn't make any money - whatever, after you bought a hamburger and a drink you paid some joker's salary for the week!} But everyone that grew up with that park has been disappointed immensely that our kids can't enjoy it. Don't get me wrong - I love to shop, but that park was much better than this flippin' mall any day!

Sorry - on with the story!

Anyhoodle, it seriously is about 7:30ish. Still the kids are doing fine. Took some pictures to prove it . . .


I didn't plan it, but Hudson has on a shirt with a shark, Carson has one with a fish, Lawson has one with a crab {that says "cake" under it - haha, so true!} and Em has a . . . well, a pineapple . . . {pineapples kinda remind me of the beach?} But the boys were definitely sporting there aquatic duds.

Hudson

Carson

Emsley

Lawson {yes, he is counting - there's not really a time he doesn't use his numbers. You probably won't believe me, but he is actually adding in this picture and doing a great job!}

They give us one of the vibrating "things" and we sit just outside the restaurant and wait. and wait. and wait. wait a little more. wait. We are still waiting and I tell Lonnie he needs to go check on our seating {it was just a bit ridiculous!} He came back and informed me they said that they "have paged everyone quite some time ago. Sorry, we've noticed some of them not working lately." Hey people, thanks for checking to see if it worked before you gave it us! I love trying to keep my kids contained on this small bench for 45 minutes! And I mean that in the nicest way possible.

By the time we got our food it was close to 9 o,clock. My kids are usually in bed by 9 o'clock. Tonight, they are just eating their supper at 9 o'clock . . . well, actually their eating their ketch-up at 9 o'clock. Because that was the only thing we could get the boys to eat! Now, Em ate - alot. I'm surprised she didn't bust when I picked her up. We seriously, could have ordered 1 kids meal - just 1! Again, I ask myself "What was I thinking?"

I thought I would break the bank and order a salad with my meal - good thing I did, because the kids were totally over our fine dining experience once we got our food - which really wasn't that good. {Uhmmm, good thing they did bring out their food {and ketch-up} with my salad and Lonnie's fried onion-something-or-another appetizer.}

But the kicker of the night had to be when we got the bill - 72 smacks. That's right $72.00. Dollars. Plus there is the tip. So, over 80 smacks for a salad, 1 kids meal, some fried onion-thinga-ma-things, a half of a hamburger, 4 bites of my fish and chips and a bottle of ketch-up {because I took what was left -bottle and all - when I saw the bill! Hey - it was the brand we use at home and I carry a big bag!}

Here are some funny faces Em made when we told her how much the food was . . .

"You said what?"

"You're kidding me, right?"

"Where's the camera?!? I know we have to be getting Punked!"

"Awww man, you know we could have eaten at Sonic {or "Old MacDonald's"} for 8 days in a row - right?"

Lonnie's highlight of the night was how Carson really got into some imaginary play with the cool salt and pepper shakers that were shaped like seahorses. I told Lonnie I remembered that well and that Carson was tapping them together - really hard {AND THEY WERE GLASS.} And he.would.not.stop. Lonnie was sitting right beside him and it was as if he couldn't hear what Carson was doing. After about 45 seconds, I said something to Lonnie under my breath so only HE could hear - he quickly took them away.

The kids really did love the aquarium part! And over all they did really good. But TLC needs to call us before we can afford another meal like that!!


Heaven forbid if we leave Shrek and Donkey at home - obviously they need their vittles too - I was just unaware of it at that time.

IV

Check out this fabric! The wider stripes have an iridescent finish {which I love so much I can't stand myself!} And the darker fabric is a rich and deep brown color which compliments the houndstooth perfectly.


I finished this one just in time to get pictures with a setting sun. Every picture I took in the house was horrible and the color was way off! So, I ran outside and took pictures on my front porch - on my vintage glider {to be specific - the black one that has chippy paint and kelly green shows through the chips - oh, it's perfect! And the fact that my Papa gave it to me!}


I originally was going with a solid blue background {it's actually a robin's egg blue} - but the more I painted, the more it needed more. Sometimes simple is just too plain.


Now, I'm giving you all these angles to show you something. See it? Behind the "G" - you've got to look hard! My camera just really didn't catch it {which I'm shocked - most times I use any metallic paint, it stands out like a sore thumb in pictures!!!} But I've never bragged about these picture taking skills - so what can I say?! It is the background paint with an added shimmer.


It is a "IV" - because he is the fourth! I was asked to paint it like a watermark. I tried it at different sizes - incredibly big to incredibly small - and this size was perfect. It is there - but doesn't take anything away from the monogram! The "watermark" idea was genius! I mean, it is part of his name - but it's not jumping out at ya' painted this way!


Is it just me, or is this the best symmetrical monogram ever? I'm totally serious! The same "round" letter on both sides - another "round" letter in the center. Incredibly symmetrical! My kids have "lopsided" monograms HWW and CWT - Lawson's is not so bad LWT - and well, to be quite honest, I thought about that with Em so hers rocks in a script{!!!} EWG {I can't believe I just admitted that!} This is the second boy monogram in the past month or so and I've done a girl one as well.

On another note . . .

I've told you all how Carson is obsessed with Shrek - right?! Well, he has 2 of these Shrek dolls. But only one is apparently "good" enough to play with - the other one gets slung to the other side of the room if he is slipped in as the "good" Shrek. Trust me - I have no idea and if my kid could communicate with me, it would be the first thing I'd ask him! Even in the dark people! Sunday night he was tore up because Shrek wasn't in bed with him. I saw the "bad" Shrek {although I had no idea it was "bad" Shrek} before I had turned out the lights. So, I felt around {in the dark} till I found him. I then handed him over and Carson says, "No Moddy, Shrek." Let me translate "No Mommy, that is bad Shrek - I want the good Shrek." Even in the dark . . .

Okay, well today after lunch, we went upstairs for our usual book reading time and then {thank GOD} naptime. I left all the lunch mess on the table and knew I would tackle that chore after everyone was asleep. Once I got all the kids in bed, I got the usual Shrek chant from Carson. I had just seen him somewhere downstairs. So, here I go - on an ogre hunt. Guess who was hanging out on the table??


I'm not freakin' kidding you when I say he had that ham hanging out of his mouth!!! Now, either one of my kids stuck ham in his mouth - or that freakin' doll was sitting on my table eating ham while I was upstairs reading stories to my kids! I'm a little freaked out right now!!! And unfortunately, Carson's got the WORSE speech delay ever and can't tell me if he stuck the freakin' ham in Shrek's mouth!!! What's worse, that doll is currently sleeping with my kid!! Somebody tell me that dolls don't come alive!!! I've seen the movies!! Luck for me, my camera was sitting on the counter. It took me few minutes to get myself together to even take the picture!!!

AND I can't believe that {probably} the best "professional" looking picture that I've ever took was of Shrek - with ham hanging out of his mouth!?!?!?!?!?!

It took me a little longer to finish . . .

. . . than I had expected! For some reason, sleep has taken over my body the past 2 nights! I finally finished the sneak peek from Thursday. This is the 3rd time that I've been asked to create a painting to match the Pottery Barn Kids - Cherry Blossoms. And all 3 are completely different! Just to remind you, here is the first one and the second {and second & a half.} With each order, I've been given different descriptions as to what each want or are looking for. Different wall colors, furniture color, etc . . . play a huge part in what the final look is as well.

This time I was sent a picture of the sheet . . . .


Here is what I do most times - blow it up and paint in front of the computer!!!

I also had a pillow case in hand {for color matching purposes! - Thanks Womble!} I kept it draped across an easel - and here is what the other table looked like . . .


I'm soooo glad I was sent an email with the sheet picture attached! The favorite scene that was wanted on the canvas was CUT OFF of the pillow case!!! That was the sneaky peeky that I gave you last time!

I have so many favorites about this painting . . . .


This bird for one - is so cute! But I have an obsession with birds {caged birds I should add!}


These blue flowers - I love how they turned out {hence the reason there are so many on the canvas!!}


And as cheesy as this sounds, my absolute favorite thing on this canvas - this "bush" - and more specifically, check out the very top of it - in the middle - see how the brown outline kinda swishes, then fades, then loops again?? I LOVE THAT!! Uhmmm, yeah - that is my absolute favorite thing! {I said it was cheesy!}


You've seen the "Carolina Stripe" from the first one.


And the "Cherry Blossoms" from the second one.


I've learned over the past couple of years, that all of my canvases should tell a story - of that family.


And although there is absolutely no butterfly in the bedding - there is for this family. And it was incredibly important for that single butterfly to be encompassed in the frame that "Julia" is in. Because it tells of their story . . .

What does your walls read?

I'm glad you all came back!

Okay - after the vlog, I really didn't know if you all would come back or not! So thanks so much - I'm glad you are joining me today! And just so you know - I have not said "y'all" since I was about 9! I might say some other typical southern slang - But that's not one of them!

I'm on the verge of finishing about 3 paintings. So, I hope I have one to show tomorrow. As I was finishing up some things, I realized I haven't given you guys a sneaky peeky in a.long.time. As much as they drive some people nuts, I know that more of you enjoy them. So, here you go . . .


Yeah, I know - torture. Only because you are not use to seeing pieces like this coming from me. {I try not blog about some of my "art!"} Feel really sorry for Julia's mommy - she is probably wanting to pinch my head off because this is the ONLY peek she is getting till it is complete.

You know how I said on yesterday's video that I had recorded my story earlier and then re-recorded it? Well, when I did the original video, Em woke up during her nap time. I let her sit in with me while I did it. At one point, I accidentally took our picture. She kept climbing on the table - I couldn't help it. My hand clicked the wrong button!


How funny is baby girl?? Is she not a crack up? I can't get enough of that baby! She might sit in with me the next time - because she was that funny! You guys really need to see her in action! I ought to put all the kids on here! Then you will wonder how in the world I get anything done!?!

Alright, got to finish up some things - I got a party to go to this evening {I know, a Thursday(?)} I'm a wild one!

**added - I just skimmed over the post after it posted and noticed the major difference in my hair {and it's color} from the video post the day before. I did the original video on Sunday and re-recorded it on Wednesday. I got a hair cut on Tuesday! haha - but no color! Depending on the time of day and how the light shines in this room, my hair color looks different!!!! Just like my profile picture is "my" hair color {although it looks so dark with some red!} I haven't colored my hair since the week before I found out I was pregnant with Hudson. All these pictures show my natural color - I swear!

The moment you all have been waiting for . . .

Please Don't Laugh! hahaha - just kidding - Hee Haw away!

Are you guys still here??? Really, you are?? Are you not just cracking up?? I'm not talking about the story - I'm talking about me!? Yes, that is some crazy talking! That accent! haha!

Putting it all together! Now, you've seen and heard me in action! Tell me, do you feel like you know me better?? ha

Okay - You should have learned today . . . .

1. The digital reader should be attached BEFORE you pee on the pregnancy test!

2. It does NOT take a lot of pee for an accurate reading.

I hope that helps you all out in the future! hahaha!

Has anyone noticed my butt is being whipped by the vinyl wall art?? Now I'll say, that it's not a true race. I just really wanted {in a desperate way} to have the most comments! I have no idea why. I just did! Oh, well - if I don't, I will have to come up with a new reason to have a give-a-way!

I only have a minute . . .

***edited again - okay, the deadline is midnight Wednesday {the 17th.} Small words is sitting with over 500 comments {as of 10:30 Monday night} but there are still 7 people that have more! People, we have to make some tracks if small words is going to have the most comments . . . . remember I'll do a give-a-way next week if I have the mostttt! And it will be for something better than today's give-a-way! Go see the Nester and comment!! Pa-Leez! And folks - there are some super cute and great stuff over there {other than mine!} And it's Free! The kind of free you DON'T work for! Check it all out!

**edited - the POST is up!!! Go comment!

Guess what - the Nester is doing all kinds of crazy give-a-ways today! And guess who is giving a $50 gift certificate??? Just guess! Okay, I'll tell you - ME!!!

Lucky you, she is doing it right! Every hour or so, a new post will go up with a different give-a-way.

And all you have to do is leave a comment! THAT is IT, people! You don't have do all that mess where you go to the person's site, find your favorite thing, come back to Nester, comment about your favorite thing. NOR do you have to post about it on your blog! Or my personal fave - put a button on your blog promoting that business/blog! Jeesh! Uhmmm, yeah - can you tell that all gets on my last nerve?? So, many of these give-a-ways are traffic driven! Let's just have some stinkin' freebies!!!!! No work involved! If you do it right - they will come back! Guaranteed!!!!

Get cracking and get over there and start leaving comments! Last time she did a give-a-way for a piece of mine, I got almost 1000 comments! One of my shining moments! Now, let's get it over the thousand mark this time! Please! Tell everyone you know! I want to be the give-a-way"er" that has the most comments!

If I am - I'll do another give-a-way next week here on my blog!! But only if I get the most comments out of all the Nester's give-a-ways that go up today by the deadline {which I believe is Thursday, the 18th!} Now - go to the NESTER's blog {and as of 7:16 am central time my post is not up yet!} and get to commenting!

Now, I know what you are thinking - I just preached about traffic driven blogs and then I just offered up a give-a-way if I have the highest number of comments on my post at the nester's - but that give-a-way {for next week} is for you - My dear readers! The ones who devote their time to come back and read about my kids, my art and {maybe} me?! Day after day - you come to the EP blog to see what the heck is going on in my crazy world! THAT is who that give-a-way will be for! Not for the random strangers who peek once and never come back!

Did I tell you how much I love you lately?

Thanks - and you have a great day now. . . YOU deserve it! {tee hee}

baby story, baby story - I know - it's ready to post! But I wanted to get through today's post of a give-a-way . . over at the Nester! A $50 Gift Certificate! From me! You know you want it! Now, go get it!!

Ella Faith . . .

Remember this post?? Okay, that is Ella Faith's twin brother! {And just in case you didn't notice, I uploaded his picture into the post!}


Is this portrait not the sweetest thing ever??? This piece of art is hanging in Ella Faith's room with the Elizabeth Pottery Barn Kids bedding . . . .

It is hard to tell - but my colors match dead on. Ask me how I know?! Because before this bedding sold out, I bought a piece of it!

I have 3 more paintings to do to match this bedding. So, I really needed to think outside of the box. Two of the other ones really want a scene from the bedding painted on the canvas and the third one is leaning somewhat in that direction. So, I wanted this one really different!


The walls are a taupe - so I knew I had alot of choice when it came to the colors.

Notice the tiny pearls in the center of the flowers?? Just another one of those extras!


Okay - yes, that is the "E" in the font that I love to paint an "E" or "G" in! But let's just face it - that font is perfect for this bedding!!!

I need to learn my camera! I tried a thousand and one settings trying to get the "right color" - I started taking these pictures on a rainy day and tried again today with the sun out. I don't know which was worse!? Krista . . . help me!


I really LOVE this one . . . tell me what you all think!

Okay for fat laughs guess where we ate for lunch . . .

Today I requested Grape in my sprite. Only grape. I wasn't feeling so "spirited" - haha. But I'll tell you the truth - I usually get funky with the flavors . . . . sooo can't wait till my kids get old enough so that we are triple-dog-daring each other to try some straight nasty combinations! Even though Lonnie tells me that most of my combinations are nasty!

That so makes me wanna sing . . .

"Put the lime in the coconut, drink them both together,
Put the lime in the coconut, then you feel better,
Put the lime in the coconut, drink them both up,
Put the lime in the coconut, and call me in the morning
Wouh wouh wouh wouh wouh . . . . . "

As far as the pregnancy story . . . I've been thinking that all 3 of my "moments I found out" are actually funny. So, for a special treat - I'm going to tell you about them vlogging style!!! hahaha - aren't you excited to hear me - I mean really hear me! My voice might get on your nerves soooo bad that I lose you all {my dear readers!} Or you will crack up hysterically and come back for more! I finally got the mic part of my camera working - so I'll try to get it up tomorrow.

And do you guys really NOT know about the hoax blog I referred to??? Really? I thought everyone was reading it.

I love you Fabulous K . . .

Don't you love the new look?!?!?! Me too! I'm trying to have a more clean look to flow with my site! I also had way too many people ask me if I "make these to sell?" The blog is a place to show you your piece - while I sell from the site. I hope the site is a little more obvious from here! So, tell me what do you think??

Do you need a new look? Check out Kelly - she is awesome to work with! She is like a mind reader - I feel like I give her some vague explanation of what I want . . . and she does what she does {like magic!} . . . and there it is - exactly what I wanted!

I have a post for later today! It is a painting for Ella Faith. I should have posted it yesterday!? I guess I just picked up the first set of pictures waiting on me in my file!!!

I can't believe I'm going to admit this!

*Miley Cyrus - "The Climb" is currently one of my favorite songs.

*I haven't had polish on my toes since the summer I found out I was pregnant with Hudson . . . In 2004!

*My favorite food {that I can't seem to get enough of} is a Junior Frito Chili Cheese Wrap at Sonic . . . . just typing it out makes me want one.

*And I'm NOT going to admit what I ask them to add to my Sprite when I'm at Sonic . . . . trust me, you don't want to know. It gives a whole new meaning to a suicide!

*One of my simple pleasures is squeezing ketch-up {from the packet} on each, individual french fry as I eat them one by one.

*I was one of those jokers that stayed up all night long on Monday night {into Tuesday morning} hitting refresh on the April Rose is fake blog! Yes, that's me - one of those!!! One of those that couldn't help myself {definitely like the train wreck explanation} as I read through the "forum" of sorts as these people dug up as much stuff as they could on "B" chick.

Advice people - when someone says they are not asking for donations, that they have a good stable job, they don't need money, etc . . . . believe them!!!! Who in their right mind sent home-girl money?!?!? Not me! She said she didn't want or need anything but prayer - {and obviously she needed that more than we could have ever imagined!!} that is all she should have gotten from any reader.

I'm in disbelief that it was a hoax. But more so on these people who posted "B"'s address and phone numbers on these public blogs. WoW! Or how about the folks that feel like they need more explanations . . . . uhmmmm, home girl is crazy!? What more do you need!? Seriously people. My favorite is the comment I read from a girl that said something to the effect of she wasn't taking responsibility for all this! The "big bloggers" should. If it wasn't for them she would have "never looked at that blog!" Hahaha - are you serious!?

It amazes me how many people fell into the "trap" - I sure did. I felt so bad for this girl. And for that baby!? BUT do you know how thankful I felt when I finally read that someone talked to a friend of the family and there was never a baby!? I think that was what I really wanted to know - was she even pregnant? I'm insensitive to it now.

Lifetime movie?? Probably. One extreme Weird-O?? Definitely.

Anyhoodle - since the Monday night "thing" I have not gotten my butt in gear! How does a normal day watching my wild kids not wear me out like a night of hitting refresh and some occasional typing?? Can something sound more backwards? I have several pieces of art to show - stuff that I completed last week . . . because I'm lacking any completed pieces so far this week!!

I've done one similar to this one before - but some of the colors were flipped. The dots have a lot of metallic paint in them so you see some reflection in the end circles.


The walls are a light shade of blue. Lighter than the sides. And there is a small bit of green at the top towards the ceiling. Isn't that a really cool name?? Beckham - I really like that. {Too bad we aren't having anymore babies!}


I stitched chocolate ribbon between the 2 stripes to add a little extra and to pull the brown together from the name.


I know, I know you want to hear about the twin story - I should have been working on it instead of hitting refresh Monday night!!! ha

This computer is killing me!

**edited to add portrait!**

Here is Reagan's portrait . . .


Okay - I'm trying desperately to work with it! Really, I am! I've got several paintings I wanted to show you guys . . . but it takes me about 15 minutes to get one picture going! And then this joker freezes up and I have to shut it down and start all over! Ahhhhh - so aggravating! Lonnie is suppose to work on it - but time is not his friend right now and he promises to be on it tomorrow! I'm using a different program {not photoshop} and it's still acting crazy! So, for now . . . . here are the 2 pictures I got up {and it took me about 46 minutes!}


The border with the ticking is a denim blue and the name is actually a rusty kind of red and not the fire engine red I usually use. I wanted so badly to post the pictures that I was matching this too . . . . uh, but I couldn't! It is a beautiful portrait of Reagan in the cutest baseball uniform. Precious, I tell ya'!


The edge is a softer blue with the chocolate dots.

Tomorrow I should have more time. That way I can post Reagan's sister's painting. Therapy is going on as we speak {with Lawson} and I'm about to have to go make an appearance {so my time is up!}

And just wait to "hear" the two-headed baby story! I've got something up my sleeve that didn't quite pan out for today. Might as well let the computer go out in glory. Because this will surely put her over the edge!!!! haha

Grace . . .

I have found a new design for the "funny bones" collection! I really like using the tick mark border . . . this time I put a twist on it. Literally!


After this painting . . . . I got to thinking what I could design without sketching it on the canvas?! Just let the brush go and see what happens? I didn't use tape to grid out the border for even-ness! Kim got wild - haha!! I let loose! And finally did it! Completely "free-hand" - it was scary {I'll admit} - but I did it! I faced the fear and did it anyways!!


Of course this will always be my favorite "G" font! So, for all those who order that have a name that starts with a "G" {or an "E" or both!} know that it will probably look like this!


I really used a lot of pattern - you can see it all in the above picture. {I really like the lighter pink dots on the darker pink background.} My main goal with this one is longevity. I was told that they wanted to be able to use it in a different room {eventually.}


I tried to avoid a "babyish" look so that the painting would have a long life in Grace's room!

Okay, honesty is the best policy . . . what do you think! I can take it, be honest!

About this "twin" story! Look for it tomorrow - I'll work on it tonight! Because it will take.me.that.long to type it out. I'll warn you . . . wear your depends! You're going to need it! It's not everyday you hear about "the 2-headed baby!"

I love having a girl!

First off - I know, so many of you are waiting for some pictures of art - let me say that it is getting bad around here! I'm talking about this computer! Every time I open up photoshop - she goes crazy! It's almost as if they are not compatible anymore?? Big MAC, here I come! ha! But as I type this I just remembered about the old program I used to open and edit pictures with {I'll get on it for tomorrow!} because it is still on this computer somewhere!

But I did have these pictures saved in a draft from last week {that I had already forgotten about!} I obviously gained 4 kids, but lost my memory! Actually, it was gone after the twins! Which by the way, have I ever told you guys about the time I found out I was pregnant with the twins? I was half way along when I did - that's right half way through my pregnancy!! Do you know this story?? Tell me if you don't and I'll post it later this week. You might find a little humor in it?!

Let me say, I love all my kids equally - I really do. I find joy in most things they do AND I'm sure as you all are aware of - at most times I actually crack up at most stuff they do - as long as it is NOT spitting, hitting, or screaming for no apparent reason - which Hudson is very guilty of all 3 on a daily basis!

Now - I heard Em screaming, wailing and throwing absolute fit in the kitchen. I walked in to find her throwing a true tantrum. It was HYS-terical!!! I got the camera real quick and started taking pictures - still unaware as to the problem {because it was that FUNNY!}

Now, look at these pictures . . . . and just try to guess what the problem was. Because it was a "real problem" in Em's little world.


Can you see it?? She was hacked off at this bag of potatoes! Why?! I don't know. I had went to the grocery store earlier that morning. I had put all the food away except for these potatoes - I have a wire basket that I normally put them in, but it had a few funky/old potatoes that needed to be thrown out so I had not gotten to it yet. The bag was in the floor. I guess in her way? I tried getting a picture of her picking up the bag! She looked like she was going to get a hernia with all the straining and red facing she was doing! Truly funny. I don't ever remember the boys EVER being like this. I mean seriously - she has the whole floor to walk around and these potatoes - that were originally in a corner - were in her way. Or maybe she knew where they belonged and she didn't "want" them in the floor?! I don't know - just crazy!

But another great reason for a girl . . . second outfit change for the day! Originally she was in this . . .

Chocolate Chip Cookie. With boys, I just stripped them down and they wore a diaper or onesie the rest of the day {unless we were going somewhere!}


Nasty, huh? Let me also say this outfit was from last year! Another perk to having a girl! She can wear all her 3 month dresses as shirts! I'm talking about all the casual stuff! Seriously, you would never know this was a dress from last year! Now she is really wearing 12 months stuff - but her arms, neck and chest are still small enough to comfortably wear the smaller clothes!? Again, not something you can do with boys!!!

The perks to girl life! I'm so enjoying it!

Welcome . . .

To the boys' room - Hudson, Carson and Lawson!

Like I said yesterday, I did not even start a painting for any of them - so don't look at the walls!! But I did get most of their bedding in {I actually got Lawson's quilt literally right before I took the pictures!} A sham is missing, a crazy clock and some artwork . . . but other than that, it's ready for you to see!

I've been obsessed with this room - trying to work it all out! It's not easy squeezing 3 boys in one room. And especially when I wanted to use what I already had for the oldest one - such as the bed, bedding, window treatments, etc.

When you first walk in the room you see this . . .

{yes - it's staged!} At our old house, Hudson was in a room by himself and the room had only 2 windows. Here, at our new home - we have 3 windows! The other 2 are actually in dormers and there was absolutely NO ROOM for the chipped, red finials at the end of the curtain rods. So, I kept this one {because I made them and loved the result} and used plain, nothing fancy, black rods for the dormers. And I had to make a third curtain as well . . .


My husband actually made this shelf. Originally it had a 30 gallon fish tank on it. We had the fish for several years, but grew tired of cleaning the joker out!


"Bye-bye"went the fish and the top now houses most of the pirate paraphernalia we have! The space beside the window that is blank will have one of these on it . . .

I know - kinda tacky - but you can't tell me you don't love it!?

This room is actually the bonus room - THAT is how we could fit all 3 boys up here. It has these crazy slanted walls on what is the front of the house. I added a couple of rows of twine and tiny clothes pins . . . .


Perfect for the kids' art. AND I change it out seasonally. I LOVE KIDS ART!

In the one dormer you see, we have the ever-so-glorious train table!

Actually, it is a real eye sore - but the kids LOVE it! After we nailed and glued all the tracks on, we crammed it in the dormer to get it out of the way. There is enough room for them to walk around it and that is all the space they need for it.

Continuing around the room, we have the center wall - in between the 2 dormers {such wasted space!} If it were me, I would have pushed the wall completely out and made one giant dormer! It would have been more practical and I could have put the dresser in it rather than having to put it in the closet. But I'm a woman - I'm sure a man designed this house!?


We actually found this piece at an unfinished furniture place that was going out of business! Score! It looks almost identical to the one Lonnie built {except it is obviously taller!} For the amount we bought this one, we couldn't build it ourselves. So, we bought it with the intentions of making the shelves permanent {instead of the adjustable mess it is now} and staining it to match the other one! Adjustable is too dangerous with kids {I dare you to ask me how I know!?}

I noticed I skipped a dormer {it has all the little people in it.} So, I assure you that you are not missing much {except an entire isle at Toys R Us!} This is our reading nook that I showed you all a few weeks ago. A very odd space, but I'm glad they built it in.


It is a perfect spot to house some books, a table and my groovy chairs. Does anyone remember when the table and chairs looked like this??

A few pieces of art {I know, I know - I have more . . . but I couldn't find the right frames for them!!}

On the opposite side of the room, is the beds . . . .


Hudson's is first. Remember the green tables??? There is one {and the other one is on the opposite side of Carson's bed!} I actually had this ABC quilt from Pottery Barn Kids for a few years. I loved it and I wanted to keep it! So, I knew I had to find something that coordinated for the other 2 boys!


Here is what I come up with! The train quilt is on Carson's bed and the transportation quilt is on Lawson's pull out. Both from Land of Nod. Yes, I make Laws sleep on the floor - I feel terrible, but trust me - He LOVES IT!


Here is the view from this side. There is just enough room to pull out Law's bed completely.


I should tell you that Lonnie made the beds! That was a challenge. We had made Hudson's bed 2 and a half years ago not knowing that all the boys would be in the same room later. We had to somehow come up with another twin bed that had a trundle. Carson's bed is a little longer than Hudson's - but it was the only way to get the 2nd bed under it!


I did NOT vacuum - so don't judge me! I'm actually an obsessive vacuummer {haha - that is me and I made up that word!!!} I just didn't have time to with these pictures!!! The books in this rack seemed to be the ones that we are hooked on for our bedtime ritual at this moment. I mentioned before that I thought we had around 600 books - so we swap them out regularly! The green tables each have books piled on the bottom shelf. What can I say, we love to read!!!

I'm not going to post pictures of Em's room. Only because I did already when I completed it. If you would like to check out her room, go here or here or here to see it. It still looks the same except for a few things on the dresser! Not much will change until she moves up to the next bed {which of course I already have big plans in my head - my husband is going to kill me!}

Hopefully {soon} I can finish the boys' art!

Tahiti . . .

That would be the name of the next bedding I did a painting to match!!


This is another pink and orange combination - which I really like together!


The walls are a shade of taupe. So, I pulled out the light pink from the bedding for the primary base coat.

I really liked the funky rings - so I went with those as my inspiration. I did shake them up a bit.

The sides are striped like the skirt and the window panels.

I'm keeping this post short {sorry!} I'm trying to stage the boys' room for tomorrows post. Kelly is hosting kid rooms and nursery tour tomorrow! I hate to admit . . . . I don't have paintings for any of the boys - that's right . . . , I paint kids' names and my kids don't have a painting! Sad, I know . . . I just couldn't get to them. They have been on my waiting list, but I still have several people ahead of them. And that wouldn't be fair to bump them up! Seriously! So, I will post pictures of their room with no paintings!!!

mac it is!

Well, it seems the ol' girl still has a smidge of life in her! BUT - we have made the executive decision to go mac when she dies. Which I'm sure will not be long! And to tell you the truth, I think it is photoshop that is killing her! I try hard not to even open that program up lately, 'cause I know that is what is doing it to her. I feel bad - like I'm causing assisted suicide or something. I mean, I know she is in a lot of pain - but I need her for now and I really don't want her to croak on me!!

I've actually finished up some work {but you are all going to kill me - especially those waiting to see theirs,} but I don't have any pictures! I've been busy trying to catch up and haven't taken any pics {I swear I will tomorrow!} Of course I jinxed it {like I KNEW I would} and had a lazy weekend! And I do mean LAZY! To the point I feel actual guilt and can't stand to look at myself in the mirror.

Yeah, that bad.

Anyhoodle, I spent ALOT of time with my kids though and it was great! Just true time with them. The number one thing about having so many kids {4 in 35 months if you needed a reminder!} has got to be . . . . . .


. . . . . they have each other!!! When I say they played together, I mean the had a fun time sharing the water table! Of course Hudson got to splashing everybody. But . . . .


. . . . . but got slightly upset when Carson thought it was so cool to reciprocate the fun. This picture absolutely Cracks.Me.Up! Obviously, Hudson didn't like water splashed on him! What a ninny!

Then one morning I got up really early {okay - I do that every morning!} but this time I didn't paint, didn't check the computer, didn't run, didn't even drink COFFEE! I put together this . . . .


. . . . . that's right - a pirate ship! Hudson got this for his birthday in April! Slacker mom here, hadn't put it together until now. This joker is cool!


It is all wooden! And the detail is so fun.


Thanks Joanne for this incredibly gift! {when did your blog go private!?}


I think MckMama would be proud of these pics!? Don't you think? I wish I could tell you more about my lens?! I have no idea - I'll have to ask Krista or Rachel what it is - the first advised me and the second shopped with me!


Carson has been obsessed since he saw it. And actually wants to sleep with it? I know, I know - what a weird-O! I told him that was crazy and that I would blog about it and everyone would laugh at him. For some reason the 2 year old in him really didn't care!

It came with 5 pirates - but they are more realistic looking than you would think that should come with the ship. BUT hey, we love pirates around here!! No matter the shape, form or fashion! But it doesn't matter about the pirates, the ship is for the only love in Carson's life . . . .


. . . . . Uhmmm, yeah - I'm for real! Nasty ol' Shrek! He has informed me on several occasions that "I wanna be like Swreck!" And there is always the "I wuvs Swreck." Up to that point he has never seen the movie or anything of Shrek. At sometime we had gotten these figures from McDonald's happy meals {had to be before Carson and Lawson were eating real food - 'cause since, we just buy a 20 piece nugget and a large order of fries - feeds all 4!} Carson, Laws and Em have no idea what a happy meal is! Sad, but true.

We borrowed the Shrek movie from our neighbors - and I'm shocked at how gross it is - it really is not a movie for kids! And you know, I've seen it before, knew it wasn't a good "kid movie" - but man, when you have your own kids and sit down to watch it with them . . . . let's just say it took a whole new meaning!

Sadder to say . . . he has watched it about 2.6 million times since then! Please don't judge me . . .

When we are not watching Shrek - we have been wearing out this new pool!!!


And let me say that this girl LOVES it! She is like a fish!!! Of all my kids, she needs swim lessons like yesterday! She puts her face in the water!! Kicks! Moves her arms in swimmy motions! I'm impressed!


And there is nothing in the above picture that looks like me . . . that is all Lonnie - so don't even say it!

Major computer woes . . . .

She is taking in her last few breaths - this computer of mine. Ughhh . . . I'm trying to make the big decision -Should I just have this computer rebuilt? Or buy a new one? Go MAC?? or stay with a PC????

Choices. .

Choices . .

and more Choices . . . . .

at a really bad time!

During naptime today, we are going to try to remove everything from the computer and start from scratch and see if that will buy us more time.

Maybe that will work . .

and maybe it won't . .

We'll see.

I'll tell ya' - live without a computer is not life at all! ha - I'm sure people can do it. They did way back when. I mean, people lived without washing machines too - but it made it kinda stinky!

Well, it stinks not having a computer as well!

Know that no matter what happens, I won't live without one for too long!

The Anatomy of a Painting . . . .

As promised . . . . a break down of how I work. How my paintings work. And how it all comes together. And yes, I will also give you a few tips with the brushes!

The designs are created on a personal level. Really. I think long and hard about what design will best fit the bedding, the colors, the font AND the personality I'm seeing with all the info I've been given. And from that - the design will normally come together.

I freehand most everything - hence the uneveness of all my art. And when I say freehand, I mean I draw it on first - then paint. I have said in the past - I could always draw - never knew anything about painting to even try it. Soooo, sketching on the canvas is my "freehanding" it.

Here, I painted a thin line of paint of the design I just drew out. Now, if you look closely - you will see it's not perfect - even at the beginning stages! But it's ART - it's not suppose to be. And just for your info - I use a "liner" paint brush here - A VERY THIN ONE!


I walked away for a while at this point. I had to think about what I wanted the final shape of this design to look like. I came back with this brush . . .


. . . . . which is called a "round" and just went to town! And I came up with this . . . .

NOW, you can really see some crazy imperfections! I'll work on that later! About my fonts - I draw these on too! Does anyone remember the bunnies?? Remember the tape?? Okay friends, that is how I grid it out! For balance! Below will be a "D" - don't you see it?? haha - okay maybe not! And I ended up moving them out a little anyways!


When I draw a font?? I normally just write it out as if I'm writing - that way when I'm painting I don't have to "stay in the lines" - now there are times I do - but not many - not anymore! I found it made it harder to paint "in the lines" than to just "follow a line" with my brush and paint!


Now, my absolutely fav-O-rite brush is the Filbert! I own many in every size. That is what I normally do my lettering in.


So, check it out - I posted several up-close shots for you to look at the work I just described! Again, I challenge you all to try something creative. And I say again - skip the lame excuses! I really don't want to hear them!!!


I've learned that if I highlight the uneveness with a lighter shade of paint - it looks so much BETTER!!! Who knew?


I think the rule of painting is the "no rule" - it applies everytime!


I hope that the info helps some of you. And remember that I have no formal training - this is only playing around with it that I've learned what works best for me!


And by the way - can anyone guess where this one is going??


Uhmmm, you remember this one??


I know, totally different!!! Since we had to change the spelling, I asked her if she would want to do anything different! Ha! Good thing the spelling was WRONG!!!


I've got to update the website in a bad way! This weekend I will be adding alot of new pictures of the art from the blog! Not professional ones - but the ones you have seen here!

And btw - for straight{er} lines - try using a "bright" - my fave . . . .


or a "flat" . . . .

You will be amazed what it can do! Make sure you don't load it down with too much paint!

"Luke"

I will admit {knowing I will probably just jinx it} but I've been on a mad roll with painting! I'm averaging about 1 painting every day and a half. That is freakin' AWESOME!! It has so much to do with the fact that 5 hours of the boys' weekly therapy is done here at the house. Speaking of which - I'm in a huge battle with my insurance because of it. They are denying all the claims for home health. Since "technically" the boys are not "home-bound" - of course they don't see the big picture nor do they care. But I'm trying to battle it out {in a non-trailer trash way} with the proper appeals and blah, blah - I will keep you all inform of my progress. Until then, I guess we will figure out a way to pay for it out of pocket. I've joked around for so long that I would sell my soul to the devil to continue all the boys' therapy because we have seen such huge progress with it. Well, I guess it is official - The Devil is Out to Get ME!!! Now, I don't really believe that, so no one take me serious. I firmly believe God has stepped in - afterall, I did say we have seen HUGE progress!


It also helps that Carson and Lawson's last day of Mom's Day Out was last week and Hudson's last day of preschool is quickly approaching at the end of this week! Since I don't spend quite as much time on the road or at a doctor/therapist office, I can actually put my children back on their original schedule AND I can actually get some things accomplished! Which includes paintings! And that, my friends, is why I've been posting so much art lately!


FINALLY! I hear you! I feel the same way - I feel like I'm finally able to clear out some orders that I've had sitting over here waiting for my time {that I've not had!}


The Luke painting is a gift. Not from me - but from a best friend's sister who will be giving it to a teacher she had when she was in school, who {obviously} recently had a baby. {haha - you got that?} I'm totally lifting these pictures from Luke's room - that my bestie lifted for me off of facebook. I do not have permission to use these. Soooo, if the best friend's sister's ex-teacher who just had the baby, asks me to remove the pictures I will definitely do that. {haha - now, I'm just cracking myself up!} Just know that I normally ask to use pictures . . . . but I really have no idea how to go about asking someone to use her pictures when she has no idea who I am OR that she is getting a painting as a gift! And I really wanted you all to see these walls - someone has some skills!


Maybe, just maybe, someone will get me a picture of the painting on the wall with this awesome mural!?!?

Now, if these walls look familiar and you know my best friend's sister's ex-teacher that just had a baby - please don't tell her! And if you ARE my best friend's sister's ex-teacher that just had a baby . . . . well, just ignore this post and act completely shocked when you see the painting {for the first time!} Then you let me know if I can keep the pictures up or if I should take them down! K?

I have people who want to know the difference between the 12x24 and the 15x30. I know it is hard to look at a tape measure and "really" see the difference. You can kind of compare them to each other here. The 15x30 has officially become my best seller - but here lately, I've got a ton of orders for the 12x24.

Sneaky Peeky . . . this is for tomorrow's post. Since so many people inquire about "how I do it" - and I'm talking about painting people{!} - I'll give you a little breakdown of how it's done in tomorrow's post. I normally take a few pictures of beginning stages of some art {if I remember to say, I'll explain why tomorrow!} So, I'll give you the thought process of a painting and actually share some info on some brushes.