I'm sure I will be up the entire night . . . .

Well, if you read enough posts on this blog - you will figure out that I have a major sweet tooth - M-A-J-O-R sweet tooth! Halloween night - my kids don't really eat candy {okay, until tonight!} - oh, yeah . . . . sugar rush for me!

Don't worry - I checked for drugs and razor blades! Let me tell you guys, my neighborhood ROCKS!!! I remember being little and each house would give you 1 smartie or 1 dum dum. Not anymore, people! My kids got treat bags from each house! These folks spent a fortune! Trust me, we had to empty out each of their bags after every other house!

So, for all the neighbors - thank you - from the bottom of my full stomach!

By the way, those who had trouble seeing the "hilarious" you tube video below . . . . it is audio only. There are some funny pop-ups to read along the way. But nothing else - only 2 voicemail recordings! Ha - AND what a dork! I got all kinds of scared when PVE commented about imagining him as a child! Yikes - I started thinking about how I'm raising my boys - I'm scared! I understand there are going to be some wankers out there - I just don't want to be related to any of them!

Oh MY, good Lord!

I just found this! And I totally forgot to copy the blog it was on - SO, if I lifted this from YOUR blog, PLEASE comment so I can give you some credit! This is hysterical!

REALLY!

Houston . . . .

This is the painting that was given as a gift on Saturday! Today is Tuesday - AND she sent me some pictures! {I love pictures for those who didn't know.}

What a cute room! And how I love this bedding - and how I love how it works with the painting! Fabulous! Thanks Suzanne - for the pictures!

So, some folks have been inquiring about the Christmas 2008 painting - I have NO IDEA when I'm going to let you all see them! HA! Seriously, I think I will show the world the weekend before Thanksgiving. Can you all wait that long? I hope so! HEHE! Mean, I know!

Pearched in her spot . . . .

**edited


. . . . looking down on sweet EG, the "Ella Grace" has officially found her loving spot in this world! Besides the "oh, so sweetness" of this room, I really wanted to post these pictures so that you can see my new size, a 15 x 30. What a fabulous size to hang above a twin bed! Thanks Leigh Ann for the pictures!

**This is a full size bed, I didn't finish my thought in the above paragraph! I have some people {who I think} feel like the 12 x 24 is too small for a twin - so I'm thinking this would be a great alternative - because IT looks fabulous above the full size!


We have another piece we will be working on soon for this room! I'm very excited and can't wait! Last week, I actually had 2 different people request this "new & sweet" surprise that I will be working on soon.

I'm feverishly working on all my orders! L C G - I know you have waited sooooo long - I'm almost done! I promise!

Hudson is currently rearranging all my paints - too bad I like the way that I had them. So, on that note - I guess I should probably stop blogging!

hayden . . .

So many of you guys give me the best information to go from - bedding, brand of the bedding, links to bedding, paint colors and brands, pictures of the rooms, etc. . . . .

Then, sometimes I get the dreaded - "I only know that the colors are {insert color here}" - but I totally get it! Trust me, I love giving my art as a gift as well! But my stomach drops when I can't get the exact description of bedding. The only reason I'm afraid to do art with vague description of the decor, is no matter how good/great the art looks - if it doesn't match, it's just not going to work!

Well, this is one of those times folks! My dear friend, Joanne, only knew the wall color {chocolate brown} and the bedding was a muted pink with creamy colored dots and trees! I don't even remember how she put the overall style - I just know that the painting pictured fits that description {or at least in my mind}. Now, she has so much faith in me - she actually said, "I know it will look good - just do what you do."

Okay, so now my anxiety level is high as I await the final result of this coordination.


This is actually my second attempt at this piece. The first one was just a hot mess. The "muted pink" had a lavender tint to it and the border I originally tried - uhmmmm, yeah . . . all I can say is "oh my!" Trust me people, it wasn't pretty.


My husband informed me that this is his favorite one I've ever done - very much his style. I do like this one a lot. And I really like the way the font looks! I'm slowly getting better at this! I know you all are rolling your eyes right now - but seriously, I have a standard and I'm almost there!

I will let you guys know the end result with the "hayden" . . . .

Another one . . .

Well, this one was giving today at a shower {I hope she loves it and wonders how she could have ever lived without it! And I'm sooo not kidding.} I didn't want to post a picture before today - afraid she would see it {she reads the blog!} This "houston" painting matches the colors used in the "hudson" - and we all know my feelings with this color combination. BUT just in case you don't - LOVE THEM!!! I'm so in L-O-V-E with them! Giving them some sugar kinda love! You know what I mean?

Thanks Cristen for coming this way and meeting up so I could give him to you!


I actually finished another painting today {man, I'm on a roll!} Let's hope I keep this pace up! I'll post pictures of it tomorrow!

I think I've robbed enough people of the pirate party pictures - we videoed so much of it and only got a few pictures. It seems several others took pictures {and have already blogged about - I wish I was that fast!} So, I've stole a bunch of them and I will get my post ready for you all to see the fun we had!

And the winner is . . . .

Number 2 {Dang, Jen - who was number 1 - you were soooo close!}

Jennifer - email me, sister!!!

Excuse me, this will be a long post . . . .

First thing's first - Don't forget about the GIVE-a-WAY from yesterday's post!!! You still have time - I don't plan on random number generator-ing it till tomorrow morning!

Second - I've been meaning to tell you guys about the link below . . . . You will also see it over at the left. Tip Junkie has let people use her blog as a "shopping network" or sorts. Again, I think everyone in the blog world is really trying to help out and really push the "hand-made" items as gifts this year. If you will just click on the picture below, it will take you to a page that has tons of shop links. So, go check it out - see if you can find something to spend your hard-earned-money on. I'm sure most of these ladies {and (maybe some) men} have a specifics that their profits go towards - such as me. I told you guys yesterday that mine do pay for my kids' 2 day a week preschool. And I'm not kidding when I say that if I don't make the full amount for the month, I might possibly have to pull them out. Boo hoo - that would be so sad! So, please buy gifts from crafters such as myself.!! It really goes a long way!

The next part of this post is going to have so many pictures and so many points - I just hope you can follow!

So, I met this fabulous new friend through my blog. I think if we lived closer, we would hang out all the time! She is just that freakin' cool! Well, her little girl is getting a big girl bedroom make-over. I think we emailed each other about 89 times - no kidding! Trying to come up with the "perfect" canvas!

The bedding . . .


This is not the actual room - but how cute is that bedding!!! But her bedskirt is organza! OH, I'm in love! My entire wedding gown was organza! Beaded organza! She has big plans for all size and shape pillows - yeah, this is going to be one fantastic room!


Now, this picture above is the actual wall color and bed. Don't you love it??? Big fat help when I get the name and brand of the wall color! Really it is - I matched to it perfectly!

{fabric for window treatments and a pillow}

Does the above fabric look familar? Well, I matched to it already for another painting! So, this painting should be a cinch! Right??

WRONG!!! I'm sure by now you know that I think these things out and inevitable it goes in a different direction - EVERY single TIME! Well, again . . . . I trashed another canvas . . . .


As you can see above, I got the bright idea of drawing circles - sketching them out in a very tedious order . . . . .
. . . . let's just say that it wasn't me. I knew it wasn't when I started painting them. So, I kinda went with it, just to see where it was going . . . .
. . . . and it basically went in the trash!

I have standards you see - high ones! If I wouldn't hang it in my house, I'm not going to sell it to you! I have ruined so many canvases it is ridiculous. Well, know that I sat down and just started painting - just me becoming one with the paint {hahaha - I just had to say that!} And I'm very happy with what my "free-handed" circles look like!


But I'm going to drag this on some more before I show the whole picture . . . .

Yes, I borrowed some bedding that I knew had the same fabric. That is what I do you know - if I don't get swatches. If I'm not sure of colors, I will drive to the store that carries the bedding - buy a piece and return it when the painting is complete. I've done the same thing for online bedding. I just really want it to match. As much as you do.


Look at this font - I love an "E". And just to tell you how cheezy I am, I actually named my baby girl purposely with an "E" and "G" in her monogram because I think they are the prettiest letters when written in script.


Oh, look it's a "G". Seriously, are these not the two prettiest letters?? My new friend really liked the dot roses I paint, but we both agreed that it would probably be just a little too busy with the damask like pattern on the duvet. So we scratched that idea . . . .

That is until . . . .


HELLO - the sides!!! Perfect spot - not too much at all! And yes, there is a smidge of glitter on the roses. Leigh Ann are you dying yet - probably not. You probably have already scrolled down and looked all the pictures before you even read this long post!

Well, here it is . . . .


I got your funky-fun with the dots and the cutesy-girl with the font and the dot roses!

The fun part of this entire story is the delivery situation. I really wanted to complete this one in time to ship last week. Apparently that didn't happen. I knew she wanted the new art before Ella Grace's Birthday party. Well, my dad & step-mom happen to be going to visit family - that happen to live in the EXACT same town!!!! Guys, I'm talking about a town that is 6 hours away! So, this baby will be in time to find the perfect spot over birthday girl's bed for the party!!! Leigh Ann, I hope you love it!


By the way - this is a new size I will be offering - 15x30! I've always loved the 12x24 but this size is fantastic! It's big, but not mural big {if that makes a lick of sense?}

GIVE-a-WAY!!!!

Okay, well one of my BFF, The Nester, is having a wonderful Mr. Linky Party! She is really wanting to have a handmade holiday this year - and who wouldn't!? And let me just say - I like the word "handmade" much better than "home-made"! When I think of "home-made", I think of those crafts that everyone got into during the 80's and early 90's. The time when everyone and their momma thought they were really good at crafts? The first thing that comes to mind - only because someone recently reminded me of this - is the sweatshirts with the "puff-paint". Anybody remember this??

{this picture has NOTHING to do with puff-paint - I just wanted to show you some original art. And yeah, I painted those cool chairs, too!}

So, anyways {I know you want me to get on with it} - she {The Nester} is hosting this fabulous party! A party where you can find a bajillion things crafted by humans {and not robots!} I'm so stoked for the holidays - stoked I tell ya'! Orders have already started for the Christmas season and I'm loving it!!!! For all those who don't know, I use the money I make to pay for Mom's Day Out. I need MDO - I have 4 kids people - 4 kids, ages 3 and under! It is detrimental for my sanity {and possibly their life} that they continue to go to MDO! That means I have to sell my paintings! I just have to! Not only do these paintings pay for the steep tuition, but will also provide the dough needed to buy Christmas gifts this year. So, the more you buy, the better the Christmas will be for all my "babies".

{this is my oldest baby - 3 1/2 year old Hudson! But he was only 2 in this picture! He says, "Please buy a painting."}

So, go check out the website. Mosey around! See something you like AND order it.

If you don't know what you want - just get a gift certificate!!! How simple can it be. Go ahead, click on the logo - don't be shy . . . . just do it.

{Halloween 2008}

And for those who are not familiar with the holiday sets I've started creating - in a few weeks I will "unveil" my Christmas piece! {Unveil - doesn't that make it sound like something fabulous!} Such as the Halloween set above, I will only make a limited quantity and when they are gone - they are GONE!


And in honor of this party, I thought I would do a GIVE-a-WAY!! Instead of giving a painting away {like I have done in the past,} I'm going to give a $35 gift certificate away instead! That $35 gift certificate will get you a classic collection piece - it will also take care of the shipping {AND the incredibly high tax if you live in the Tennessee area!} OR you can apply the $35 to another painting {or a larger gift certificate for gifting purposes} if you don't want a painting from the classic collection! Now, what is better than a gift certificate?? You can keep it OR you can give it away! I will make sure it is properly filled out to whomever **you want to have it! {**you being the one that wins this give-a-way!}


Now, leave me an awesome comment - and for those who have a piece of my art, leave a comment about how much you love my art!

{Leigh Ann - just a little sneaky peeky! I will post the picture in full tomorrow}

I will end the contest on Friday morning at 8:00 am {that's central time!} Good luck! Now, don't forget to go back to THE NESTER to visit more fun people!

How, when, what & where it happened . . .

But not necessarily in that order!


My friend, The Nester {because I can call her that now!}, came to Nashville this weekend for Blissdom '08! Most of you don't know, but I live mere minutes from the Big Nashville, Tennessee {and even if I didn't, would have sold a kidney or two to get there to meet my new friend Ms. Nester!} After several attempts through emails to find a time to meet, we decided that Sunday morning on her {and her sweet sister, Emily, who is now also my friend} way out of town.

Well, since sweet Emily was going to be there - I had to take my good friend M - the fairy blog mother who designed this blog. She just so happened to designed sweet Emily's - AND sweet Emily had M's family blog listed as "People I wish I knew in Real Life" on her blog roll - AND I knew M was dying to meet her in real life, too! Since that would be easy to accomplish - I HAD TO MAKE IT HAPPEN! I wanted it to be a surprise for M, {didn't quite work out for me} so I had enlisted the help of another good friend, Rachel {who happens to live in Nashvegas!}

So, it was Me, M, Rachel, The Nester & Emily - eating breakfast at Cracker Barrel - talking like we have known each other for years - enjoying every minute of it - hated to see them go - but know we will visit them and they will come back to visit us - just having a Fan-tab-U-lous time!

Here are some highlights of the meal . . . .

She has a bird on her chest.

We spent our time in a Tennessee jail.

So, after 3 kids . . . . how did you have the 4th?

The new rule is I have to buy my own food before I can eat it.

Twitter, anyone??

My kid will be cut off in February.

Is that pulp in your orange juice?

Do you want my wasted bacon?

I like blackberries - all in my teeth.

What?? A 2-headed baby??

We don’t want a leafy face?

Shorties to the right!

I can’t look at you, the glare is too bright.

I think she REALLY wanted your bacon!

My name is “Cinnamon” - I work 80 hours a week for pennies.

I slept in my clothes like that, that’s why I’m dressed like this.

That first year was like one, long-long day.

Did you really go or did you just flush?

I cannot look at your pictures while I’m driving - over a mountain - in the rain!

The lamp is glued to a wooden disk that is attached to a pole that is stuck in the table?

I am an 89 year old bald man.

We really NEED to check for cleavage.

Now, if you didn't get any of that - I'm sorry, I guess you just had to be there!! But know, that we had a great time and I can't wait to do it again - SOON!!!

**If the other 4 can think of anything else to add to this list - feel free to comment and I will add!**

You will never guess . . . .

who I had breakfast with this morning!

More to come later {about this and the party}

This is what I'll be eating later today!

So, do you think we might have went over the top? Be honest! hehe - my kids are going to die when they see this! I think Hudson will be more excited than Carson and Lawson!


Can you believe this joker!? Yes, this is for my 2 2 year olds {actually they are 1 day short from 2 - actual birthday is not until Sunday!} But check out this freakin' cake! One of my BFF made it! Rachel, you are crazy cool and I'm soooo stoked!

Now, how the heck are ya' gonna get that joker over here!? Just wondering. . . .

I'll post pictures later! The main goal = all kids to be happy and NO breakdowns what-so-ever!

Aaargh!!

So, I should have posted this one, too!

Oh, how I'm laughing at this one!

Hello, world . . . it's me again!

*Edited

So, obviously - I've having an issue with keeping up lately!? I'm working on this pirate party and I really think it has gotten me behind on everything {or at least I'm going to blame it for the slackness that I've been battling with lately!} It's over on Saturday evening . . . . so then what am I going to blame it on?!

Well, Tuesday we had a blast with the photos . . .


This kid made the FUNNIEST faces through out her entire shoot! Every time Krista would put the camera to her face - Emsley would work it! Now, how she is working it is questionable - but she is Workin' IT!


This is definitely her personality! I love pictures like these . . . It's a good thing, because we rarely {if ever} get the perfect smiley pics! Thanks Krista! I'm lovin' what I'm seeing so far!

And since the "do" changed {yet again}, I had a few {thousand - haha} pictures taken.


This is all she sent me so far - so it's my fav-O-rite one {so far!} I must admit that I never wear green - normally gives me this horrible washed out look. But I love this jewel tone color so much, so we tried it. I'm shocked! I have a very distinctive eye color. And this shirt looks great with them! This will be a sad comment, but I limit myself to the colors I wear because of my eyes. Remember, I'm vain! I try to only wear colors that work with them! I really don't have the best facial features and my skin is HORRIBLE! So, I try to keep the focus on my eyes.

Well, I've got to go to the grocery store. For this Part-eee! My husband is gone again - did I tell you all that already? My mother-in-law is here to watch my sleeping kids so I can go . . . .

. . . . . I haven't even made a list yet!

* Krista posted a comment about my skin - SHE is CRAZY! Many years of dermatologist visits and this is what I ended up with! I've always thought I look just like one of my parents, but as I age I see more of the other one {in my face} - so I'm trying to deflect that! That is what I mean about the features!

Hey Girl, did you forget about us??

I know that's what you all are thinking! Well, no I haven't forgotten. The poor blog has just taken a back seat - unfortunately. I hope to be back. I have an extremely packed week planned. Starting with tomorrow. Miss Em has her 6 month pictures scheduled for 11 am and I'm so excited! She gets her picture taken with her very own painting!! Finally!


I was hoping to get some other art photographed - ain't gonna happen! I'm telling ya' these past few weeks, nothing has worked out for me. And to be frank, I'm just aggravated! That is probably why I've avoided the blog. No need to bring you all down with me! But this is a new minute, so I think I'm over it. I'm blogging, I'm about to get everything together for tomorrow, I think my husband is cleaning the kitchen {wow?}, I got orders shipped out today, I squeezed into a size 6 today, a Little Caesars Pizza finally opened up on our side of town {might not fit in that 6 tomorrow} and my kids are all over their little sick funk - yeah, I think I'm over it!

Okay, now I was tagged last year - just kidding - it was in August {sorry M!} I promise I was going to do this one, but there was soooo much info it needed and well, to be honest - I needed time to think of the answers!

Here I go . . . .

7 Things I Want To Do Before I Die...
1. Have a flat stomach
2. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes
3. Say, "I'll be right there" and mean it
4. Cook dinner every night for a full month {except Fridays = pizza night}
5. Raise my children to "True Greatness"
6. Go a day without questioning myself
7. Tell Mrs. Bone {my 1st grade teacher} that I'm so sorry for not writing her a thank-you note for that wedding gift. She and a couple of others didn't get a note because I misplaced that specific list of names. I found it several years later to just misplace it again - and I'm mortified! And there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about it!

7 Things I Can Do...
1. Drive a 5-speed with no power steering
2. Drive a tractor
3. the splits!!! {4 kids later! That's talent, baby!}
4. Get pregnant {I don't know if that is something I should brag about!?}
5. Eat a whole box of ice cream sandwiches in one sitting {and not feel guilty}
6. Open mouth, insert foot {on a daily basis}
7. Make awesome potato salad

7 Things I Can Not Do...
1. Ride a bike {yes, I mean a bicycle}
2. Say "no" to stray dogs or cats
3. Touch a chalk board, sand or anything that leaves a dusty like film on my hands {major sensory issue}
4. Take a picture {but I think we all know that by now!}
5. Drive over a bridge or mountain without hyperventilating! {Something about motion on a narrow road with a drop off on one side or both sides.}
6. Go a day without hugging/touching/kissing my kids {which is so very odd for me - I normally hate being touched! Did anyone NOT know that?}
7. Bite into a water chestnut without gagging/retching or seeing the room spin - Man, those things are nasty!

7 Things That Attracted Me To My Hubby...
1. He is very handy
2. Can build anything I draw out
3. Believes in me
4. Wanted to have a house full of kids
5. Normally, doesn't ask any questions! {unless I've went shopping with Rachel W.}
6. Always gives me space
7. Knows better to question me when I've made up my mind!

7 Things I Say Most Often
1. "Are you on Crack??"
2. "Are you smoking Crack??"
3. "Quit it!" {Sounds more like . . . "Ka-wit it!"}
4. "What!?"
5. "Chicken or Grilled Cheese?"
6. "Stop acting like a Freak!"
7. "Lord, it's me again . . . ."

7 Celebrity Crushes - {currently, I only have 2}
1. Julian McMahon - {Let it be known, I do ask for forgiveness everytime I look at this man!}


2. James Scott {to include that accent!} {EJ Wells - Days of Our Lives}


I'm actually going to tag some folks for this one - because it took alot of thinking skills and I'm curious what you all come up with! So, Allison, Jen, Vikki, Leigh Ann, Kimberly, Leslie and Kris go for it! Now, I'm curious to see who actually does this! If I don't comment on your blog tonight to let you know you've been tagged, I will tomorrow! he!

Oh, yeah - new "do" alert!


I did get the sides cut to flip out - but the back is short! Very short!

The back wasn't really laying right in this picture - but you see what I mean about the shortness! For whatever reason, I always end up with the flippage! It loves me. Hey, nice Dr. Pepper shirt! And do yo see all the "boo" paintings on the table in the background? Funny! Didn't notice till I just uploaded this picture.

Hopefully, I'll blog tomorrow. Until then . . .

I got something new . . .

So this is a corner of my bedroom {the perfect spot for that tree - I don't think she has ever been so happy - and I've had her for 4 years!} . . .


I love this little love seat. How random is this - While in college, I actually got paid a babysitting job with that thing! It was a couple that owned an awesome gift & home furnishing shop {and she just happened to be an interior designer that worked out of the store!} They must have went to a ton of estate sales. Well, they needed me to pull an all nighter and watch their daughter while they were away at Market. This little beauty was in their garage! Only it didn't really look like this - it was covered in a cute shimmery butter yellow like fabric. It wasn't bad - just the gitisimo drip of flamin' red fingernail polish that was all down the side killed the over all look. When they got back, I asked for it and it was a done deal! Actually, I got alot of stuff through them like that! I hated to see them move {some more people who moved to Little Rock! And only a select few will understand that comment!}

Okay, back to the point ---- I found that fabric and fell in LOVE! I normally don't like this type of fabric, but this one was different from the normal tapestry you see. Well, 13 yards later - I had this piece reupholstered! It is really the only "busy" thing in my bedroom. Everything else is chocolate brown and golds.


So, I was having a small issue with our master bath! There is no real color in there! Gold walls . . . . and that about sums it up! Okay, except for this . . . .


Another score! When I worked at the dental office {pre-babies}, my doctor had took over the practice from both his grandparents {Dr. Gamewell & Dr. Kitty.} We were located in an old house in the historic district. If I understand right, Dr. Gamewell's father had bought the old house for him FOREVER ago for his practice. Well, we were in the process of moving into a "real dental office" and the old house was up for sale. Upstairs was this fabulous apartment {we are talking about a house that was older than dirt and massive!} Dr. Gamewell was going through all the stuff that was stored in the apartment. Well, being my nosey self - I went to investigate. He was going to throw that old lithograph away!!! It was in it's orginal frame and numbered - "the Debutante" is her name. And of course, if you know me - I'm wasn't afraid to ask for it and he gave it to me! As cheezy as this sounds - she has made the best "bathroom" art in every place I've lived in! haha!

Back to my story! I knew I wanted a rug, but not a true bathroom rug. One with color! And since you can see the tiny sofa from the bathroom and vice versa - it had to coordinate!

Can you see what I found in the above picture! A rug!! Yeah me! By no means does it match perfectly {I don't think you are suppose to do that? Of course I'm not an interior designer, so I really don't know!}


But the view looks great in both directions and I think that is what counts! There is actually some turquoise in the rug and the red is not rust looking as it looks above. Now I need to find fabric for a roman shade. And I need to put some color on those bedroom walls! That beige is really getting old!

Talking about a long story! Maybe next time I will get to the point!

Have you been wondering where I've been?

Yeah, me too! All I can say is that I've been really busy. Busy doing what, you ask? I have absolutely NO IDEA!? I've just been busy. I'm officially home alone {with all my kids} for the next-many days. I just hope I survive. It's an absolute wonder that I do when Lonnie is gone. I don't have a clue as to why - he is a man, and well, ladies - I'm sure you know, you know how much he "really" does around here with the kids. NOW, I'm not being mean or putting him down in anyway - I'm just keeping it real and him in check. You see, when he comes home - his "job" is done for the day. He can now be the fun-time dad. Me, my job is never done - I'm just mean-time mom - 24 hours a day. Me, mean - all the time - to my kids {and anybody else's kids that come over for that matter!}

Apparently, I need to be meaner - Hudson is still screaming - even with the vinegar trick. Tomorrow, I'm not going to get on to him at all and I'm going to see if he will quickly get over the screaming. Maybe when he sees "I don't care", he will just stop. Ahhh, yeah right!

Anyhoodle - you know I had to bring it up. Only because I brought up the VP debate. But this is it people, I'm not going to talk about this mess anymore after this post - only because I'm sick to death of the drama! But let us start here - When you are asked a question, you answer it, then you quickly follow it up with the " . . because . . . . " {or the "why" - call it whatever you want.} Both candidates would give there "because" first, then get to going on the "because" {you know, the reason for their answer} {even though they had yet to give an answer} and then they would forget to answer! Ridiculous! I'm afraid that I gave up after the first several questions and turned it off. I know it's a debate - but DEBATE. I'm just waiting for one of them to say, "Oh yeah, your momma's so fat, . . . ." - so because I turned off the tv, I have no real opinion on the matter and have decided I will not watch the last debate.

But that is it - no more. I can't stand myself when I start to think or talk about it.

I was tagged this week and here goes . . . .

• Link to the person who tagged you - Allison
  


• Post the rules on your blog


• Write six random things about yourself


• Tag six-ish people at the end of your post


• Let each person know he/she has been tagged


• Let the tagger know when your entry is up

As most of you know, I don't tag others - only because I would be super embarrassed if they didn't follow along! So, if anybody feels inclined to do this - please, by all means - DO!

So, 6 random things . . . .

1. I write the exact way I talk. Except when I talk, you would hear a VERY strong accent - a Tennessee accent. I really should do a video post - ha!

2. Almost every single stitch of clothing I own has paint on it.

3. I don't believe in taking vacations without my children {atleast until they are married!}

4. I'm sick and tired of people asking me when they see I have 4 kids 3 years of age and under, "do you know what causes that?" These are some of my responses, "No, I don't know what causes kids - do you care to explain?" "When is it your business about my sex life?" "Do you help support any of my kids? When you do, feel free to ask that question." "We wanted 4 kids. Is that okay with you?" "We were using birth control." and my all-time-favorite, "It's President Bush's fault." cha-cha-ching! {sorry, couldn't help myself!}

5. I love the fall - but it's because of the anticipation of the holidays. I love that feeling the cooler weather invokes.

6. I live for the few moments throughout the day when all 4 of my kids are happy - really happy - nobody is crying - when I can actually hear a few giggles - that's when I know that I'm doing something right. And trust me when I say "the few moments"!

Just like bellybuttons and week re-cap . . .

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the opinions . . . like it says above - just like belly buttons, we all have one! Seriously, I do appreciate all the comments. I wanted to hear/read them or I would have removed the comment button! And as far as me for President {thanks Nat!} - "me don't think sooo!!" That is a job I would NEVER-ever want! I barely squeaked by in my public speaking class in college - I would never make it! And the fact that I like things my way . . . I could foresee that causing alot of problems!

Since I have been somewhat of a major slacker this week with the blogging, I thought I would do just a recap of this crazy week! This means this will be a long post - but I did upload pictures!!! So, here goes . . . .

Monday, I finally got over the cold that my lovely children shared with me! But then it seemed something else was starting to go around. And all my kids started getting sick again with whatever the mystery virus was {Great! I love sick kids!}

And I finally did it, finally! I officially have someone coming into my house next week to start cleaning! Finally! Now, don't get toooo impressed. It's my mother-in-law. She has offered for evah to do it, but I've consistantly turned her down. When the nester made a comment here on the blog about when it's more profitable for someone else to do "that" kind of work for you, you need to get someone to do "it" - it really hit home and made all kinds of sense! Thanks nester lady for talking me into it!!! You're so wise - I'm beginning to think you are some 89 year old that just hides behind those cute pictures!!!

Tuesday, I sent all my kids to school because they seemed FINE. And they were so fine that neither Carson OR Lawson cried when I dropped them off - Yee haw! I was hoping to get some painting done - didn't happen - NOTHING worked out for me that day - except of course my kids were okay with me leaving them at school! And what more could I ask for?!

I did go to Target and spent $153 & some change . . . . on nothing but diapers, wipes and 3 kid toothbrushes. Does anybody want to buy a painting? hehe - My original total was $168, but after my coupons . . . BANG - it knocked off 15 smacks!! That got me about a months worth for Em - 2 1/2 weeks worth for Carson and Laws and about 2 {maybe 3} weeks for Hudson. And that is about a month worth of wipes - Of course this was before we had the stinky diaper marathon we had this week! Ugghhh! But this is about normal - I spend around 250 a month on diapers & wipes! Now, don't get me wrong, I have diapers that go into the next month. I'm just one of those girls that isn't going to be stuck with only 2 diapers and payday is not for another 12 days! If you know what I mean? I'm always prepared!

Coupon lesson . . . . .

You know the coupons you get at Kroger when you check out?? Well, those are Manufacturer's coupons - you can use them anywhere. At Target they are going to try and tell you that they are only for Kroger because they have Kroger's logo - WRONG! You can use them anywhere.

Pamper coupons - whether it is for diapers, their form of a pull-up or wipes - they are interchangeable. You can use a diaper coupon on wipes or a pull-up coupon on diapers or whatever combination you want to come up with! I use Huggies diapers and Pamper wipes. So, I use Pamper diaper coupons on the wipes to help ease the woe.

I hope that info helps somebody out there!

Wednesday, I notice another kid coming down with something {mystery virus has struck again!} What is up with this!? But we treated it as a normal day and nobody had any real symptoms {except for alot of diaper changes} - it was one of those days I was thankful I wasn't potty training, I would have aborted all training action because it was nothing but one hot mess!

And to my vain self - check out my "new do" . . .


. . . and because we all know that I like to take pictures of myself on a regular basis {I promise it's because I'm trying to figure out my hair,} check me out just 3 short weeks before . . . .


That is one heinous picture, but I swear that is me exactly 3 weeks from the other picture! I got my haircut the day of this picture {above} - my hair grows so dang fast it's ridiculous! Of course, I got an appointment lined up next week! But I'm thinking I finally have "a do" I really like! Finally - praise Jesus - It's about time!!!! {We will see how long this last!}

Thursday, Apparently, I'm one of "those" parents because I sent all 3 {maybe sick} boys to school again. But I swear - they all acted fine! And again, Carson & Laws did super . . . . but . . . . Hudson {in his normal temperable self, blew some kind of gasket and I left him kicking and screaming. I don't know what happened there, but I was told he got over it quickly. It's a good thing - I'm sure he could tell it didn't phase me a bit! I was leaving his fanny there no matter how he was acting. Because I'm also one of "those" parents!

I also received my Sweet and Sinister Swap goodies! My partner was the BEST evah!!! Check out what I got . . . .


This is my card where she wrote me a little note on the back!


A great canvas - that I will display year round!


A haunted house!!! And do you see that little doll - see her??


{a little fuzzy - I know} but you see her! Sadie makes these as ornaments - LOVE them!! But check out this little fancy lady . . .

Okay, this one has nothing to do with the sweet and sinister swap - but she is definitely "sweet" and far from the black, white & a touch of orange. I admit, I requested this one - and I was stoked when she sent her to me!!! Sadie Lou - You rock!!! I'm thinking of requesting you next year with the swap! hehe!

Friday, for humor, I kept up with how many diapers I changed throughout the day - 43!!! With 4 kids - who all have some kind of something that is creating some nastiness! Forty-three freakin' diapers! And 39 of them were stinkin' stinkies! Can I get some kind of award for that??!!

In between all the diaper changes {because I didn't get to paint any that day!}, I made a wreath for the front door . . . .


. . okay, so this is only a sneaky peeky. You will have to let me know if you want to see the whole thing - I didn't take a picture of it!? And I have no idea why?! I love wreaths! Fall flowers and picks and fall stuff in general are half off through today at Hobby Lobby! I love that store! We will have to see what they have on sale this next week and maybe I'll do a tutorial on this joker above!

Saturday {which happens to be today!}, I took a sick child to the doctor. Poor Laws had puked in his bed sometime early Friday morning and again Friday evening. This morning he woke up completely lathargic. It was pitiful. Of course we saw some doctor we have never seen, who said it has to run it's course, "it's completely okay that he hasn't eaten in the last 24 hours, . . . just keep giving him juice" {which of course is causing the constant diaper changes!}

After I got all the kids down for a nap - I ran to Hobby Lobby! I had to pick up a couple of things - Oh and Lonnie was here, I didn't leave them here alone!!! And look what I found . . . .


This is an iron on!! Somewhat tacky - but will look hysterical on a onesie for Em for the big ce-LE-bration! It was $2.99 and I used a 40% off coupon - SCORE!!! Really, is that not the funniest thing you've ever seen? I swear, when the big day comes, I will take all the pictures and post it all!! hehe

I did complete another painting this week and I'm only giving a peeky at this one - BECAUSE it's a gift and the receiver checks out the blog! Now, she knows about this gift since they had to break down and tell her so she wouldn't buy it herself! So, since she knows and since she thinks she will see it here on the blog, this is all she gets . . . .


Sorry, so sorry - I'm just mean like that! On October 27th - the Monday after the shower - I'll post a picture! Now, Cristen - don't you dare let her see it before the shower!! It's one thing for her to know she is getting it - ANOTHER for her to see it!!! Oh yeah, I'm cruel! hehe

Well, I think painting is out for the rest of the day {or at least until bedtime} - so I think I'm going to actually pull out my fall and Halloween decorations!!