Monday, December 15, 2008

To be honest - I'm sick of looking at the "Fa la la" . . . .

I've got your "Fa's" . . . . ,


I've got your "la's" . . . . . ,


I've got your other "la's" . . . . . ,


And they are finally coming home to you!!!


I'm literally signing, wrapping, ribbon-ing, tissue-ing, boxing, thank-you noting, taping, FedEx labeling, stacking by the front door . . . . . as I type - okay, maybe not as I'm typing - I'm taking a short break to blog about it - ok?

I'm through with each set . . . . whoo-hoo! Now, on to the last few paintings I have left that MUST get out within the next couple of days to make it for Christmas delivery!!

I'm going to try to make it another all-niter {without the coffee.} I really do need to finish up the last of the "Fa la la's" and get them to FedEx - I'm actually thinking of going on and dropping them off {even if it is 3 in the morning} just so that I know they are there! Unless of course we get some crazy weather {like they are calling for} and the roads are too slick. But never fear - Lonnie just told me that he would take them if that happens!

I've been getting some great gifts in the mail lately! I want to blog about some of them because I've got some really super cute stuff, but I think I will wait a week or so. But this one couldn't wait. I received this necklace and pendant the other day from one of my BFF {Natalie}. I pulled it out of the package and thought, "Believe - no kidding!" I've had a few rough weeks lately {and most of you don't know what I'm about to tell you.}

I hung it up on my ribbon holder - b/c I sit right beside it when I paint and lets just face it - we all need a reminder sometimes?! Well, a few days passed - I was perched on my stool painting away, when the "Believe" moved and caught my attention. It was spinning like crazy. And I still don't know why? I was sitting still and the heat had not kicked on - so I couldn't blame it on any movement in the air that got it going. I sat, staring at it for a few minutes until it stopped spinning and then I noticed the back . . . .


Are you kidding me?? That really says that? I started crying. I don't know why - I guess I really needed that reminder! And just to give you the skinny - my MIL seems to think I'm abusing my kids {my words, not hers} - her words went like this "I can't stand to see those kids cold, sick and hungry!" She says I send them to bed without meals - their noses are runny because their hands, arms, legs and feet are cold - she doesn't understand why they are in all the therapies - blah, blah, blah. It was 5 pages long - Yes, she wrote a letter.

But she knows so much more than me about raising children. She actually calls her ways "character building". Umm, let me see - my husband grew up the first several years of his life on a bus {and I do mean a school bus.} When they finally moved into a house, they had NO running water {ever} - that means they used an outhouse, people! And we are talking about the 1980's - not the 1880's! I'm not going to describe what the house was like, what was in the food he ate, how many times he saw the doctor OR dentist, how he dressed or about any of the other "character building" she put those kids through. Just know that she raised a ton of foster kids - the state gave her that right - and you would be mortified if you knew about her "character building!"

I'm now mad at myself for letting her in my house and watching my kids! She says this same kind of stuff about everybody in the family - I don't know why I thought we were immune to it? I really think she is upset that Lonnie rose above her "character building" and made something of himself.

It's funny how once you sit in a new car - you know you will never want used. You love the feeling of taking the tags off of new clothes. I don't even question him when he buys a new pair of Nike shox every 6 or so months. That's what it's like growing up poor. I say I grew up poor - but not really - we just didn't have any money. I had heat, water, electricity, {Nikes and braces,} etc. Lonnie grew up with Nothing - that's poor. And his mother didn't do anything about it. Interesting.

I say all that to say, "Nat, thanks for the reminder . . . I needed it!"

Since I really just want to move on and just pretend like the woman doesn't exist, let's move on to other stuff! Like the painting below! Jennifer has no idea if "baby Mo" is a girl or boy {she isn't far enough along!} So she calls her baby Mo! Her aunt wanted a Christmas gift that was gender neutral to commemorate the first part of the pregnancy! She loved it!


Another one - this was my gift for my Christmas party with my Bible Study Group tonight! I really was scared that nobody would want it! We did the dirty Santa thing and it {thankfully} swapped a few hands. Wheww!


Well - back to work! Everyone who ordered your "Fa la la's" be expecting your FedEx tracking number!

39 comments:

BetteJo said...

Mother-in-laws can be SO hurtful sometimes. I do NOT recommend divorce for anyone but since I had to struggle through - I considered it a bonus that I never had to try to please MY MIL again. Because now she's my ex-MIL.

Flabbergasted said...

Wow that's really mean what your MIL said that stuff to you. :( And holy cow to how he was raised.

All those paintings are beautiful. I bet you'll be happy when all that Fa La La's are out the door.

Shell in your Pocket said...

So cute..I wish I would of ordered a Fa La La...love them!
-sandy toes

Megan {The Brick Bungalow} said...

I have friend going through the same issue with her MIL. Her husband is having personal issues and the MIL is getting in the middle of their relationship, not helping the personal issues at all, and telling her she's a bad mother only days after she gave birth to her only child. I feel for her, I really do. I grew up knowing her MIL but not in the same way. She means well, but it's not coming across that way at all. And of course, the way she treats her family is different from a family friend. I'm some times afraid of my own MIL and how she may view my parenting skills (I'm expecting my first) but she's 3 hours away, so that's a perk.

By the way, I love your paintings - especially Baby Mo. The colors are beautiful.

Chris Kauffman said...

I am floored by that MIL stuff , do not let her comments phase you in the least , kids get sick , its not because of arms and legs being cold , it is called a virus !!! and some kids eat more than others , my kids were really thin as toddlers there was nothing I could do , they ate until the were satisfied , that it , I know you are a great mom and good on your husband for providing a great life for his lovely family .
You did spur me into action this morning because of it though , I was gonna sethe in silence about an in-law induced issue and decided I needed to deal with it head on by sharing my feelings about the situation , we will still have to see how that turns out . I never do that . Thanks for the inspiration.

Sherri said...

After 25 years of marriage, I've learned that I married the MAN, not the FAMILY. They are just that baggage that we have to deal with, hopefully only a few days a year!
I can tell you are a WONDERFUL Mom, and I am sure anyone that knows you will confirm that - so tune the MIL out!

Lulu said...

Sounds like you have a "doozie" of a MIL. I have to deal with some craziness from my MIL as well, but all that stuff your MIL said is CrAzY!!! Just ignore it, because you know that you are a GREAT mom!

Natalie said...

Funny how God makes things happen -- to get your attention (I'm talking about the pendant spinning -- not your MIL). I've had that for months, lost it, found it and finally said 'I've got to get this in the mail to her before I lose it again' -- I cried too when I turned it over and saw the 'endless possibilities' on the back and knew that I MUST HAVE IT for you -- no matter the cost.

The paintings are beautiful -- as usual -- and I can't wait to get my 'fa la la' ....

Miss you sweet friend -- and hoping to see you soon! Remember you have tons and tons of people praying for you ....

The Tildy Spot said...

Isn't it funny how our best friends know exactly what to say and when to say it? You've got a great one.

missy said...

love the paintings!!! awesome job!!
about the MIL...well my husbands EXMIL is our pain in the you know what....she does that same kind of stuff to us...she has even called the DHS on us....duh i wish she would just get a clue!!!! so hang in there and just go about life as usual!!! don't let her know that it bothers you...that is exactly what she wants, because she knows you guys are doing a way better job of parenting than she could have ever thought about!!!!

Mommy said...

I don't even know what to say. UNBELIEVABLE! You keep loving your babies, taking them to therapy and some day you can ask her where does she think they would be without it. You are doing the right thing Kim. Do not let anyone tell you any different. Believe it...

Unknown said...

Wow - so sorry you're having to deal with this! And at Christmas too! People can be so judgemental sometimes. As long as you and your husband feel good about it, then just burn the letter and never read it again! BTW - love, love, love the Fa La Las! Just didn't find your blog until you stopped taking orders! They really are fantastic, but I'm sure you are tired of looking at them! How many orders did you end up getting in total? Thinking about a Valentine's version??? ;-) How about I heart u? I want one and I'm just trying to think of the closest holiday! Hope you can get some sleep soon and God bless!

Megan L Hutchings said...

It is amazing how hurtful MILs can be sometimes. I just can't imagine anyone EVER being mean to you!

It looks like Natalie found the perfect gift for you and that God showed you something you needed to see at just the right time ;).

The paintings are just beautiful!

Angie said...

I'm so sorry your MIL is so mean. Good thing you have a cast of thousands standing behind you. What does she have? A whole lot of crazy, that's all. I'm so glad your friend gave you such a great necklace. I love it when He sends us such great things in such wonderful, unlooked for ways. :)

Allison said...

Okay, first--the Fa la la's are Fa la FABULOUS! Second, your MIL sounds like a pill-hard to swallow. Third--HAPPY HOLIDAYS and hang in there!

Queenie Francie said...

i also had a tough MIL. let's face it, people are difficult, ourselves included. i remember when i was going through a tough time with someone a dear friend said, "God sends us these difficult to love people to refine our character." ever since then that's how i look at the hard-to-love. i have to reign in my emotions and dig deep. believe me, i DIG DEEP!

after my 31 yrs of marriage, i can assure you someday you will see your MIL through different eyes, and not through your heart.

i'm sorry she is mean to you. i'm sure she will someday regret writing that letter to you. the purpose of that was just to hurt.

Kasey said...

Those are so cute! You are amazing to get them all done and what a fun way to make some money. Keep your head up about the family thing.

Holli said...

Oh my Kim....Just tell her to SHUT UP & mind her own and don't be sending you anymore letters. You don't even have time to read them! You are one heck of a Mommy and don't you dare let someone like her get you down!

april said...

Your MIL needs a chill pill (& a reality check), obviously. They are your children - raise them how you (& the hubs :) feel is right & don't listen to anyone else. The kids are still alive, aren't they?! That's gotta count for somethin' :) ha!! Don't let her harsh words get you down!

Twice as Nice said...

Are you sure your MIL isn't the same one I have? HA! Now she has never said a word on how I have raised our son but the part about the way your husband lived is close to my hubby (child abuse, foster homes) My MIL favored her "MAN" and used to tell her children "I wish I never had you SOBs" I love my child with by whole being and can not imagine such a thing. His mother doesn't REMEMBER things the way he does of course and she doesn't understand why he doesn't want to visit. (She now lives in another state) The damage that can be done to a child when they don't feel they are loved is unbelievable. We have finally distance ourselves from her (just a phone call here and there) She has NEVER watched our child and Logan hasn't seen her since he was 5 and he's now 13. My mom passed away when he was almost 8 but he has GREAT memories of her so that is a blessing. Just love Lonnie and those babies of yours and don't give her another thought. Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Holly said...

Know you are loved from a far. I am just an occasional blogger aquaintance and you have SO-O-O inspired me for the better. THANK YOU for your offerings!!! And thank you for your honesty. I thought I was the only one with "baggage".

Holly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
michelle said...

wow....I cant believe she said or "wrote" all of that to you...you seem like such a wonderful mother and its your babies and so you raise them the way you want to. Just let it go(eaiser said than done) and kill her with kindness :)

Leslee P said...

oh, girl, the conversations you and I could have about our MIL's. Mine is pretty bad. Everytime I think she is getting better, she shows me that she is just the same old B%#!*.... Oh well. My life is better than hers. I serve a Wonderful Lord that she thinks is a fairy tale and HE gives me the strength not to knock her block off everytime she says foul things.... I think when Moms do a bad job raising their children they are jealous of people who can do it the right way... I know mine is jealous of how Mason is being raised. Keep you r head up. That necklace is beautiful and it looks like she had it made just for you. What a special friend.

Jo said...

Hugs to you!! Just remember that we have no need to try to please those kind of people! She will answer for all her comments in the end and she will be a very bitter, lonely person! God bless you!

Jessica said...

The Fa-la-la's are lookin' gorgeous, as is the Baby Mo! It's adorable! I can see how you'd be quite exhausted!

Sorry to hear about the MIL...doesn't sound fun! Sounds QUITE rude if you ask me!

Marci @All Things Wonderful said...

I'm so sorry for all the stress with the MIL. I can totally understand...it can be so hurtful. I don't get too upset--until she makes a direct comment about our parenting. She Makes me a little crazy!

Anywho, the Fa La La's are adorable! Be encouraged...Christmas is almost over!

Jenna said...

Here is a big hug coming your way and an offer to babysit any time!!! Sure I live in GA, but I will come from to TN ANYTIME babysit those well-loved and adorable little cuties. The only catch is you have to stay so we can hang out. :-) Hang in there, I am proud of how hard you are working. All the falala's looke AMAZING. You're every woman!!!

megan said...

I am so sorry that you had to take that from a family member! It's aweful. Your kids are not being abused. It is so sad that she would accuse you of that, and not see clearly what it is like for your kids, and what it was like for hers. Hang in there, and trust in what the Lord says about you through His word. May He give you great joy and encouragement tonight and this week, and take away the pain that those words caused you. And you are doing the right thing to have your kids in therapy! Denying that anything is wrong and avoiding it would be sad. You are doing great. I pray that God sends you heaps of love and encouragement tonight!
Blessings,
Megan

Andrea Brian said...

I am with everyone else, She is Crazy and you shouldn't worry about it. That is just wasted time.... You are fabulous to have such an amazing talent, and Lonnie ( the beds are great) to let her disrupt your day. BTW, the Chrstmas picture is GREAT! I would have love to been at that Dirty Santa party. I actually would love to have a painting for my house that has to do something with Christmas. We may have to talk in a couple of months when the Season slows down for next year's holiday season.

Leigh Ann said...

Oh, my sweet friend, I feel your pain. I have a letter writing MIL, too. I asked Derek if I could just throw it away and he said yes. Get rid of that letter (if you haven't already). It will make you feel better. I promise!

Jill said...

The gift from your friend is so special.

I don't even know what to say about your M-I-L. Other than, you're a wonderful mother and that rings true even in your writing. Though it's easy to say, don't worry about her, don't listen to what she says...I imagine what she says hurts you and I'm sorry for that. God gave YOU these children to raise and He gave them to YOU for a reason. :) Keep doing what you're doing, girl. I think you're precious!

((HUGS))

Susan said...

MIL.... boy can I relate why do they have to act like that!! I think you are a wonderful mother and you do a great job with your kids.

Home Management Group said...

Your work is so beautiful!!! I can only dream of making such wonderful keepsakes!!! Keep inspiring us!!!

Kimberly @ Seriously Daisies said...

Poor Kim, In-laws can be mean sometimes. I HATE my SIL, and my FIL made me cry just today. Although he probably doesn't even realize it. I'm lucky I got a fabulous mother in law though. So I try to deal. The believe charm is awesome!!!

I really {really} like the baby MO painting! The neutral brown is really cool! And the memories of being pregnant, back before baby to be even had a name will be sooooo sweet!

Oh, and as much as you are prolly soooo very sick of your falala's, they look super duper neato all stacked together! Especially the Fa's!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Kim. I feel for you girl. My FIL threatened to call child services on us a two years ago after he "witnessed" one of our dogs snapping at my then 11 month old son. Whatever, I was in the room, it so didn't happen. The dog's fat, he snorts, and he was biting his butt...nuff said. Sheesh!! We all go through it. Just be proud of your little family and all you have accomplished together. You're obviously a very devoted mother who does all she can for her children and everyone else. Just put your MIL and her drama out of your mind.

-Hayley

Brewskie said...

Hi Kim, I'm one of your newer followers...btw...love all of your creations...adorable!! I really enjoy your blog altogether. I'm sorry to hear about your MIL and that's why I'm commenting, I'm hoping to give you some encouragement.

You just keep doing what you know to do. Keep seeking God daily. Dig deeper in Him, focus on how good He is. Keep putting His Word before your eyes. The Word says to pray for our enemies (not calling your MIL an enemy), so my encouragement is to pray for her. Lift her up before God and place her in His hands. Pray for your heart to change towards her. The more you pray for her the more you will begin to see her through God's eyes, and once that happens you won't be able to stop the love that will grow for her.

Hoping this helps you and not hurts you!

Shorty said...

I feel for you with the MIL comments. Some people...where do they get the nerve? I have an overly self-righteous grandmother who is now in the process of growing old alone because she's spent a lifetime isolating herself with comments similar to what you had to deal with. If only those people would clean up their own backyards, so to speak, instead worrying about everyone else.

You have an awesome blog and are a very talented person. Keep up the great work!

Tiffany said...

What a lovely, talented and completely normal person you are!! Yes, you're MIL, might be teetering on insanity, but keep it in perspective girl. That means, let her have her craygee perspective and rest comfortably knowing that your loved kiddos will have plenty of character and with indoor plumbing no doubt!

Fa La Love your signs! I'll need to get some of those for my decorating addiction for next year.

Lots of love and blessings to you this CHRISTmas season.

Tiffany in Washington...for now