I hate to say it . . . .

. . . . but there are NO MORE "Fa la la"s! I just can't do anymore and get them out {long} before Christmas.

future Fa's - bare with only white paint and a little pearl!

Last night, I was getting started with the "Fa"s {as you can see in the above picture} and then I got a BUNCH of orders for these guys! All day I've been trying to get on here and tell you guys I'm tapped out . . . . but this is just the first time!!

Not only am I doing the normal stuff around here - I'm trying to prep for tomorrow's feast. Yes, that's right - I'm cooking for Thanksgiving! Pray we don't end up in the hospital!! With Hudson still puny, we thought it best to stay at home. My dad, step-mom {and maybe brother} will be here. Unfortunately, my sister has to work - or maybe that was her excuse not to eat my cooking!! And since Krista's fam is in Chicago, she will be joining us!! She is actually going home next week {due to shoulder surgery} - so she thought it best to stay in Nashville for the Thanksgiving holiday. I couldn't have her NOT eat a real meal on such a holiday - so I actually forced her to come!!

Speaking of Hudson - he went to Vandy yesterday and had more blood work. His numbers are all some-what normal {except for his protein.} BUT that has increased significantly and the doctor seemed impressed! So fortunately, instead of 4 to 6 months of steroids, we are looking at more like 4 to 6 weeks! Yeah! His trunk already looks so swollen from those things and they're not the easiest thing to give him. Actually, it takes an act of Congress to hold him down and then an act of God to get him to swallow that stuff. AND today he finally started walking. The poor fellow was just so weak {at first} then he was just so use to being carried! Lugging his 38 pound fannie around got old - especially when you know he can do it! It's amazing what they can do when they don't know anyone is watching!!!!

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! We all have so much to be thankful for.

Coming down from the high!

Well, talking about exposure {that I never saw coming!} I had well over 7,000 hits yesterday! And most everyone that commented was soooo nice! How in the heck they picked me - the world may never find out - but I'm soooo glad they did!

So much to tell you - first let's start with this "anon" commenting - I did block that mess from this blog. After my "to the point" post yesterday to "anon", some moron left a tacky comment on the finally home post. It actually went like this . . . .

WHAT A SSTUPID THING TO WRITE ABOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHO CARES ABOUT THAT NONSENSE

MY KID WAS SICK WAA WAA

WHO THE F*** CARES !

***edited

I saw it immediately and deleted it- obviously! But then decided to put it in my post today. You may wonder why. I'll tell you why . . . . to prove there are some really lame {and illiterate!} people out there! At first, I was really shocked. Why on earth would someone put that on my blog about my kid coming home from the hospital?? Of course this was after I did the post "to Anonymous" - so obviously they did it because they could. And I actually found myself later laughing at it!

Just a little note to this anonymous, "Hey Moron, I bet your parents are PROUD! Go to church - we'll be praying for you." This is the person {I'm sure} has no friends, has never been on a date, was ridiculed immensely growing up by the way he dressed{pure assumption Mr Moran is male,} tortures small animals, lives on the computer {since it's the only way he can work up enough courage to talk to anyone} and blog hops in hopes to find someone he can be mean to without the threat of being beat up {like I'm sure he did in school!} What a Wanker!!

Anyhoodle, this brings me into another point - I want to clarify about another comment. I don't want anyone to think I was being mean about this one! I did have someone make a comment about a color I used for a painting - and No, I didn't take it personally. That is the beauty of it being hand-made and MY design! If a color is an issue - we can tweak it a small bit and make it work. I appreciate opinions such as hers. Without them, I would really limit myself. So, my new {and local} friend - "Thanks!"


On to other stuff - I literally boxed up 11 paintings {that should have went out last week!} But I did get side-tracked a little and I'm just getting back in the groove {only 1 week+} behind! I see some long nights and early mornings for me!! But I will get them done - I swear! For all those who have said January is fine to receive your order - Thank-you-so-very-much because I'm pretty sure that is when I will get to them! I've said it so much lately, but let me say it again . . . . I can't believe how many people want my art! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

Currently, I'm working on 9 of the "fa la la"s {because that is the payments I've received!} As soon as you pay, I will work yours into the mix! By the way, I'm only taking about 5 more orders - and then it is "retired"! I'm also working on - Sofia, Bagley, Parker & Gracie - Or atleast that is who is next in line! So, if you are one of these 4 and have not heard from me, be expecting an email from me any day now to talk! Sofia {should have been done by now - but with the past 2 weeks, uhmmm . . . well, . . . just didn't happen!} is almost complete! I hope to "sneaky peeky" it in the next day or so!

I normally hate to tell my schedule - but I need the heat turned up! And if you know where you are on the list, well, . . . . let's just say that I have to get you done in a timely manner {if you know what I mean!}

But for those who will be getting art this week . . . .


Are one of these yours?


Or this one?


Maybe one of these??


"H" is seemingly popular!

There are a few more - I just didn't take any pictures! Remember I have the duct tape battery door on the camera and I'm not sure how long it's going to make it!!!!!! So, I'm limiting pictures!

Which leads me into another something . . . . A faithful follower of this blog has sent me a wonderful monetary gift to purchase a camera! Oh, you read that right! And to be quite honest, I felt weird accepting it! I offered her paintings, but "no" she wouldn't accept it! I would go clean her house or cook her family dinner {although they might die with my cooking skills - they rank with those picture taking skills!} - but she lives in Hawaii! My kids barely last on a 1 hour car ride! And the fact that Hawaii is much more than a "1 hour CAR ride!?" So, I've thought and thought about what to do {in honor of my new friend} - and I will pay it forward! I've got a few more post {3 or 4} to be exact before I hit the 300 marker. That will give me a few days to think about the specifics of this one - but I'm going to do a give-a-way - and we all love some give-a-ways! But there is a catch - WHOever WINS, has to pay it forward. We have to keep it going and what a better time of the year for it!!!!!

And before I forget - Sunday, Lonnie and I celebrated 6 years of marriage! Yeah, I know - amazing! Funny, I read last years post - and I swear if the same thing didn't happen this year! Lonnie said sometime late afternoon, "Hey, happy anniversary!" We totally forgot! Late that night we played the game "if I had a hundred dollars, I'd buy you a ------." But we started at a dollar, then $10, $100, $1,000, till we got to $100,000. We got to laughing so hard! For a buck - know my husband would buy me a root beer!!! But I would buy him a big honey bun from the gas station!!!

So, give-a-way in few days! Just want to get that out there now - so you all have plans to meet me here - on my blog!!!!

So, how many people have noticed . . . .

that I'm "blog of note" today on blogger????? Go to your dashboard and click on the tab that says 'blogs of note' - see me?? That is so freakin' cool - tooo bad I just {some-what} called an anonymous person out!!

Hey, people - that's me!

to Anonymous . . .

No, I'm not joking.

Apparently you don't visit often {if ever} since I have explained this in a recent post. I try to keep my art priced at prices that I'm willing to PAY. The original 5x5 set was made as a gift and I never intended to sell it. But since I got great feedback from it, I felt the need to offer it. I can't offer it any cheaper - because I can't find the canvases any cheaper. AND the fact that I have about 4 hours invested in each set . . .

. . . . how much do you make an hour?

I bet it's more than 3 dollars.

Drum Roll Please . . . .

Finally, I would like to introduce . . . . . .

the long-awaited-limited edition-Christmas 2008

"Fa la la"

{bettcha didn't guess it!}

I stayed true to Christmas colors - red, green, white and lime. I'm really into this fun mod look. As last time - it is a set of 3 5x5's. They will have paper backing and a saw tooth hanger on each. Ready to hang OR sit!


I actually will keep this set - I didn't get a set of the "boo" to keep - {boo hoo!} - and this set was really only the practice set. There will be a few things that I will do different for each of your sets.

For one - the lime green tick marks on the "Fa" are tooo straight. I really like the way they look on the top {above the "F' and "a"}.


Another change is the background - I actually didn't pearlize these like I always do! Your set will have a pearl shimmer {unless it looks ghetto!} I'm not having any ghetto-ness on these!



And as much as I can't believe I'm saying this, I am - "the lines on the sides are toooo straight" - what, me{?} - paint a straight line{?} - I know, I really can't! But somehow, I did{!?} And I don't like it!!! So, expect yours to have some slanting going on. Not in the same direction - all "which-a-way" slants.


Now give me some opinions - what do you like?? And as hard as it is to hear the "what you don't like," I'm open to that, too . . . . just try to keep those at a minimum! tee hee


So, come on . . . . tell me! Leave a comment and let me know! Love it - hate it - don't know about it . . . .


A little 3-D embellishment {another "always" on small words art.}


There you have - the Christmas 2008 limited edition piece. I have to tell you - you guys were cracking me up! I was getting emails for several months trying to guess what it was going to be! I came close to "ho ho ho" - but this was more my style! The set sells for $50 {plus shipping.} Go to the site. Click on order form and type in "Christmas 2008" into the slot labeled "desired name or initial". Since you have to fill out the form completely - just type me a note or something like that in the last slot labeled "your chosen design and size."

I hope you love them - and they are as great as you expected {if not better!} For all the pre-orders, you will be receiving an invoice shortly!!!

Again - leave me some feedback!

Finally home!

Well, we are back at home! What an adventure! Or atleast that is what I kept telling Hudson on the way to the ER - "We are going on an adventure - Aren't you excited?!" He kept saying "no." Yeah, well I wasn't really excited either!!!

Just to give you the fat of the skinny . . . . {tee hee - I had to say something different because I said "the long of the short" 2 posts ago!}

Tuesday evening I noticed Hudson's face swelling - especially his eyes. Looked like he had black eyes without the bruising. It was really freaky. But I was trying to give this funky mess he had 24 hours before I called the doctor. And since it wasn't very obvious he had something till late Monday afternoon, I thought Wednesday morning would be the best time to call.

So, I took him to the doctor on Wednesday before lunch. I really thought he had the flu! Let me also add this was after a 8 am therapy appointment for Carson and a 9:45 therapy appointment for Lawson! At the pediatrician's office, the flu was shot down quick as well as strep. But mono was what we thought he had. After 2 ginormous vials of blood, we were sent home and told to be expecting a call in an hour or so.

Well we got the call. But we were asked to come back - his numbers were all over the place and the doctor thought maybe they got a bad sample. That's right folks - we had to go back and give MORE freakin' blood! He said we could just stay at the office till the results came back. When I noticed a pause in the conversation, I thought it wise to ask "what is the worst it could be??" And I was told nephrotic syndrome.

Just to get to the point - the numbers came back all the same. Protein and sodium were extremely low. Face swollen. High fever. Lethargic. Dr. Big was pretty sure that is what we were looking at and said that Vanderbilt was waiting for us. I started crying immediately {because I was scared!} He assured me that this is what he did all through his residency and not to worry. Unlike some people, I'm very confident in our local hospital - after all, they did take care of Carson and Lawson in the NICU - sooo when I'm told I have to go to the BIG children's hospital in Nashville, I freaked out a little!

I'll preface by saying it wasn't a very positive experience. Hudson was poked and sampled from just too many freakin' times! And with this sensory issue we got - oh jeezzzz! Not funnnn at all. Thanks a bunch, Rachel, for coming to my rescue and getting us to the hospital! And thank you more for having my back!!!! Since I told a doctor to "SHUT-UP" and "get out of the room!!" I think I did say A cuss word - but only one! Very impressive! I normally start mouthing off words that I'm very embarrassed for later! But he was just some major tree-hugging idiot that said too many of the wrong things! I stand firm in how I felt and if I saw him today I would still tell him what he could suck on! Wanker!!! Anyone surprised?? Rachel, get off the phone next time so you can hear the WHOLE convo! hehe - you really missed the good part!

But after our 17 hour stay, we learned that Hudson did have nephrotic syndrome - which is an umbrella for alot of things that can go wrong with your kidneys. We are pretty sure he suffers from minimal change disease. Click on the link and you can get a good idea as to what we are dealing with. We don't know for a fact because there really is NO NEED to biopsy a kidney! Unfortunately, Hudson will be on steroids for many months. This might improve his appetite but it could also make him aggressive! Nice. Hopefully after a few months of steroids he will be in remission and we will NEVER EVER have to worry of it again!

Apparently, he did get a viral infection of some sort and his body went into this nephrotic syndrome as a defense {or something} - all that matters is that we are aware of it and now know the signs to watch for just in case it happens again.

Some things I now know from this experience . . .

Lonnie came home!!! Early!

My house got cleaned! Thanks Rachel and Lauren!!!

Got some great foody!!! Thanks to Heather and that wonderful Bible Study Group that I'm in!!!

I had a long heart-felt conversation with God. Tried to barter at first - but quickly realized that's not quite what he wanted!

Realized I can go 96 hours on about 4 hours of sleep and still function. Interesting!

Found out I would much rather deal with nice women doctors that talk sense - instead of scruffy-beard-growing-men doctors {that probably hug trees} that have no idea as to what is going on but felt the need to give opinions - is that discrimination??

Emsley is a great sleeper - until you go to a busy hospital {didn't go to sleep until after 11 pm only to wake up a few hours later to party?!}

The "mini-van" theory still holds true - blew past 2 troopers on the way to the hospital and never was glanced at! Have I told you guys the "mini-van" theory?? A post for a later date - I'm still testing it!

You can't take Hudson's blood pressure, temp or weigh him - even in a lethargic state.

And the most obvious one of the night - People in the medical field really have no idea what "sensory" means. When I say "my kid has sensory problems and is thrashing around, trying to pull off the velcro sleeve that is covering the iv-port with his teeth." Don't offer me a flippin' sock to put on top of it!!!!!! It sensory people - HE DOESN'T LIKE THINGS TOUCHING HIM THAT AREN'T SUPPOSE TOO!! Heaven forbid this to happen again, but if it does - I'm going to draw it out in pictures on his shirt!

That sums it up! I'm sooo behind! I'm not going to tell you that I plan to post tomorrow about the "Big Reveal" - everytime I do, something happens! Just check in tomorrow and see what is going on!

Thanks for all the prayers! We felt them.

Change in plans . . .

Very quickly -

I'm on my way with Hudson to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. He was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. We will be there for a couple of days . . . .

I'll try to post some kind of update.

Is the suspense killing ya'??

Well, it's killing me, too!

Just to give you the long of the short . . .

I'm here alone {with all 4 of the babes} - Lonnie is gone yet again to some something the military is doing! Now all you would be robbers, stalkers and who-ever-else has the hankering to come over un-INVITED . . . . don't make me show you what I'm really made of!

At least one of my kids have been sick for the past 5 days! Currently, Hudson is asleep on the sofa with the pukies! It's been gross around here. I won't give you any visuals!

I had to stand up my booth this past Saturday because I was unable to attend the "Hollydays" our local Junior League was hosting! Yeah, that bites! But I couldn't leave sick kids.

I also had to stand up my Bible Study Group last night! Ughhh - knowing I needed it! Thanks for the prayers girls - I felt it! Now, I hope somebody likes hand-painted items with the dirty Santa next month! I'm just saying . . . . don't pick my gift if you don't!!!!!! **wink** And a big thank you for the "new study" that will be starting up! My little "Big Love" talk a few months back helped with that choice - didn't it??

Never got a new camera - I've just found some duct/duck tape!!! hahaha!! My stupid battery door won't stay shut - I guess it will when I put this tape on it! {Uhmmmm, I think that would classify me in the "redneck" category!} I am going to get a new camera within the next week or so, but I saw on "the box" that sales for electronics are not expected to increase over the holidays. That means big SALES! Or so I'm betting on it! So, I'm willing to wait . . . . especially since I just found this duct tape!!!! I will use a small piece in hopes that it is less noticeable!

Now, saying that about the camera - tomorrow will be the big day! You know - the "reveal"!!!! I hope you are ready - I know that the blue million people who have reserved one are! They want to know what the heck they are buying! I'm sorry for the wait - but all the above has put a wrench in my gears.

Well, I'm caught up on laundry, there are absolutely NO dirty dishes in the sink, my 3 toilets are cleaned, I'm wearing a shirt that has at least 3 of my kids' snot on it {since it is more handy than Kleenex,} I've yet to have a shower today {which is absurd!,} I have NO idea what is for supper and I hear Hudson screaming for someone named "Momma" - so I guess I need to go check on him! I'm thinking, "Please, no puke!"

my CAMERA is freakin' broken!!!

Will be buying a new one today!

Eleven more almost done . . .

Anyone who has ordered a classic collection - they should be going out by Monday! All of them! I actually had someone order an "E" and "J" - two letters that I've never painted before! You would have thought a "J" - but never! Bizarre?!

I want to say "Thanks" for all the great comments! I definitely don't feel alone! As I figure out the best plan of action, I appreciate you all sending me the love my way! I totally need it! Even though I see a mountain, it really isn't a hill for this climber! I'm hoping to get the therapist here at my house for some of the stuff - that would be fabulous! BUT Hudson is obsessed with "Dr. Kala" - we can actually use her to get him to do stuff - he loves her that much!

Announcement . . . . .

if you want to be put on a list for the Christmas 2008 pieces feel free to place your order now. I'm blown away as to the response and how many people want them without ever seeing them!?! It truly is amazing! I will send an invoice on Saturday to anyone who places an order today! Just go to the site, click on order form and just type in Christmas 2008 in the "desired name or initial" box. Now you have to fill it all out to submit it - so just type anything in the last box - feel free to type me a little note, how you heard about me or something like that! haha - I love that information!

Well, I'm off to start my new day . . . . . can't wait to post tomorrow! tee hee . . .

{insert name of post here!}

I really have no name for this post - none! It's 4:30 in the morning and was having my reflection/quiet/prayer time. And I realized that I'm officially overwhelmed. I don't normally get this way since I learned a long time ago that the anxiety feeling makes a situation worse. But I sit here knowing exactly how a feel and this time I just can't control it.

I'm going to start off with this - until the first of the year, I'm not going to be able to comment on anybody's blog with this hectic life I've created. I LOVE comments and I so hope to continue to get them - but right now it is almost impossible for me to keep up with everybody and their blogs - check/respond to emails - and paint {not to mention everyday living thrown in.}

I officially have 50 orders that are currently on the board . . . . Which is fabulous!!! I was hoping my business would take off, but I thought it would be once all my kids were in school {real school!} before it got like this - but hey, that is a good problem to have!

I will be starting on the Christmas 2008 limited edition piece as soon as I'm through with this post and I do still plan to debut it this Saturday. Just to let you know, I will not be selling it at the Junior League show that I will be at on Saturday {unless someone asks me about it!} I'm saving it for you guys this year! You - my blog friends, readers and customers! Next year might be a little different - but this year it is for you guys! Now don't think that means you can just wait to buy it! There will be a limited number {if you haven't already seen that!} - so I think you should jump on it as soon as I list the set!

I need to shout out a Big FAT Thanks {btw} to all those who have placed orders and do not want them till January of 09 . . . Very helpful!!!!

And now to the main reason for the post -


I officially have 3 kids that are in therapy right now {not that kind of therapy - I need that!} But they all are in speech therapy - 2 of them are in feeding therapy - 2 of them are in occupational therapy - and 1 in physical therapy. Nice, uh? I've noticed for a long time that Hudson needed something "extra" but everybody that I tried to ask about just shrugged me off - "he will out grow it" - "it's just him", I could keep going on and on! Finally, I called my pediatrician and just asked for some kind of assessment because I felt "it wouldn't hurt." At 3 and a half, he just started speaking full sentences - just a few weeks before that he started using phrases?

After the conclusion of a moderate speech delay, I easily got him into {basically} every kind of therapy assessment I could think of - and obviously - he needed every one! Wow! Now, hear me I'm not one of those moms! I'm saddened that I wasn't forceful about this earlier and got him somewhere to "better" the situation. But I'm not sad that he needs it! Hey, we are here AND he is doing great - so, I need to just get over it! And it has been such a positive experience! He loves going. He is showing MAJOR improvement with each session - I'm amazed! And to tell you all the truth - I've just been stoked about my situation! Again, "I'm not one of those moms" - Whatever it takes - Bring it!

But the overwhelming part only begins - since all this began with Hudson, I knew I was going to do different by Carson and Lawson. Trust me, I can see some of the same EXACT tendencies with them! So, I was forceful this time and my pediatrician was completely on board for the boys to have a speech assessment. I knew once I got them in for that, I could easily suggest anything else! One of the boys has a severe speech delay and the other a profound delay - quite sad! I talk all the time. I talk to my kids all the time. I promise I give them plenty of opportunities to talk. They just don't talk!!! But I know they will soon and for that I'm relieved.

But I have to take 3 boys {at different times} to 8 different therapy sessions a week {so far} - talking about adding to the load! I have to find a babysitter for those who are here waiting at the house. A babysitter that I really couldn't afford if it wasn't for all you guys that buy my art - THANKS! I know that I'm starting off a little earlier with Carson and Laws. I feel like Hudson was alot worse than they are at this age. And he somewhat caught up. But I'm not wasting time here. I'm not playing around. I want results and I just think that this is the best way to get them.

So, 3 kids in therapy - that's new one for me!

One more down . . .

And only 46 more to go! Whoo-hoo!!! So, tell me - what do you think of "harper"?? I'm sure most of you guessed what the print was since I linked directly to Kelly's post that had the bedding. Really - how fun is this one?!


And another question - How many people does Kelly know?! I figured out last night that she did a blip about me on her blog when I looked at my end of day numbers. Do you know that my statcounter had about 1,000 hits yesterday from Kelly's blog!! Not page loads - but individual hits!? Good grief girl - how many Christmas cards do you send out each year? That is more than I got when I was featured on Today's Creative Blog and Tip Junkie!


I haven't check the counter today! I will keep you posted! Last night I would look at it and hit refresh about every 30 seconds - and the number would jump up another 5 to 8 people - every single time! It was crazy!


I have to say this one was super fun to do! And I know this room is going to be "amazing-cute" when this sweet baby gets here! Kelly, I hope you love it and I can't wait to see pictures of the completed room!

I wonder what this is?

After getting the comment about how you guys LOVE getting the sneaky peekies {because you love guessing what it is going to be, } I thought I might give them to you more often! So, wonder - just wonder what this is? One certain person I'm sure knows! I took this pictures last night under a fluorescent task light, the background is a light pink - in this picture it looks white! And those lines - eek!! Kinda scary in an upclose shot like this! But I promise it looks good! I'm thinking I will be through with it by tonight - so you will see the full shot by tomorrow!


New trick! Yes, that girl is standing! Check out our pants {size 3 mth} and she is 7.5 months old! They must be for LONG-LEGGED 3 month olds! ha!! And yes, she likes sweet potatoes and carrots {that orange nose for those who don't have kids!} And look - another sneaky peeky of the above painting! See it - on the table!! Now, that is interesting! I bet you are really wondering what this one looks like! You will just have to wait till tomorrow!

I have some fabulous news - I FINALLY have come up with the new Christmas 2008 limited edition painting{s}! I really had NO idea what the heck I was going to do until about 3 am this morning! I sat up in the bed and it hit me! I got up and sketched it out - which I never do{!} - and plan to start shortly on the first one!!!!!!!

I'll give you some hints -

• I didn't go with anybody's suggestions as far as the "phrase" - which is where I was having the hang-up! Everybody had great ideas - and I kept going to the "Ho Ho Ho" - but it wasn't doing it for me! And my friends, if I've got to paint a "butt-load" of these things, it has to be the one!
• It is three 5x5's {like the "boo"}. I will not do this size everytime - but I felt like this was the novelty of the Halloween one and I did want to offer it for everyone this year at Christmas!
• I'm going to stick with reds, greens & white {this could mean shades of greens} - except for the middle canvas which will have some punch of color.
• About this middle canvas - it will have the 3-D thing going on such as the spider did on the Halloween one!

Are you excited!? I hope!? Now through all of this - I have actually come up with the Christmas 2009 canvas - which will be one 8x10 - that you all are going to want! I will actually start on this one in July and make up only so many {I will base this number off of sales from this year!} - it will make the ordering and shipping next year much easier!

And that is really all I can think of now - I'm pretty sure you are all going to love it!

Bring it on . . . .

Oh yeah, I've seen them! Have you?? I've actually seen about 9 of them {so far} since the day after Halloween! Christmas commercials!!! I'm so excited. I'm doing everything in my inner being to not put up the tree! But I'm sure I will within the next week.

I have a show to do for our local Junior League next Saturday, the 15th - I'll blog about it in the next few days and put a formal invite out there for anyone who lives local and would like to come {and meet me!}

I was invited to do a holiday show with Kari & Kijsa at Kijsa's studio in Kentucky. I was so stoked and then I realized it was the same weekend as the above mention and I had already committed to it. Boo hoo! I asked her to invite me next year - actually I begged! Man, I hope she does - what an opportunity!

But this is the only show I've ever done. Last year was my first year and I met soooo many wonderful people. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to do it again this year. Too bad I'm not ready. Actually, I haven't done the first thing to prepare!! And that is the BIG day of the reveal! You know - when you all find out the big Christmas 2008 limited editions! hehehe - or should I say hohoho!!!

Okay for fun, I found this on Rachel's blog

You Are a Bright Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays are all about fun and seasonal favorites. You are into all things Christmas, even if they're a little tacky.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

Who knows me!? Is this not just me?? Especially that last line - "even if they're a little tacky" - A little??? The tackier the better! Matter of fact my tree is themed "wacky and tacky" - now go see what you are!

"Riley"

I LOVE this bedding!

Well, lucky me - I got to do up another painting to match! This is a challenge for me, because I get locked in on only one type of design for certain fabrics. Thankfully, I was given what direction to go in! Jennifer - I hope you love it!


I meant to give a little sneaky peeky - but time just got away from me! As soon as I'm done with this post - I'm wrapping this number up and sending it on it's merry way!


This has to be one of my favorite shades of blue - I wear it all the time. I've heard it called "smart blue" - now, someone made that up - BUT hey, sounds good to me! Smart Blue it is!

I love art - have I told you guys this before?? And I'm such a sucker for art - fine art actually! Like this . . . .


Can't tell what it is? Maybe this will help . . . .


That is some fine art - made be some fine hands that belong to 2 of my fine children! What can I say, artsyness runs in this family! When you got it, you got it! ha! But really, don't you love your kid's art?? I have so much of it and I'm trying to slowly find homes for it all! These were actually hand prints that were on bags! BAGS!!! I cut them out knowing they would look fantastic in my kitchen! And I was right! I went to Hobby Lobby today and got them matted & framed!

I also {finally} got this wonderful piece framed! LOVE IT! I did change out the gray mat for black but really, I could have left it. Either color looked great.


It is hanging on an opposing wall from this painting. . . .


I thought they looked great together - since they both have the Parisian thing going on!

I got some more today during my little shopping trip at Hobby Lobby {more on that later!} But while I was there, I lost this! The one that looks like a piece of candy! Once I got home, I realized it wasn't in Em's hair - DEVASTATED! I tore up the "grocery-getter" looking for it - her car seat - re-walked my steps! I couldn't find it! So, in a last ditch effort - I picked up the boys from mom's day out AND went back to Hobby Lobby! Yeah, I know - that is desperate! It had to be in the parking lot AND the fact that I park in one of the last spots in the row {walking off this baby fat!} I just knew it would still be there - if that was, in fact, where I lost it! Well, guess what people?! It was!!! Whoo hoo! I was so proud that I called Lonnie to brag - he informed me it was "too ugly for anyone to pick up!" All I can say is that the wanker doesn't know what is cute in hair fashion! This girl is on top of her "baby girl" hair trends! He did laugh and say he was joking, but he didn't know that I was ready to come home and order another one off of etsy {and while I was at it, order some different felt ones for variety - I feel like Santa REALLY wants to get her some more for her stocking!}

Now, I think I will go order some more clips after {of course} I wrap up "Riley"!

I did it . . . .

Well, the Dr's appointment went great! Yes, all 3 boys rode in the double stroller and stayed still till I got into the waiting room! Then 2 of them jumped out as if the joker was on fire! Little freaks! Good thing we were the only ones in the waiting room. It seemed to take forever for them to call us back. But once they did, easy enough Carson jumped back in the stroller {Lawson never got out and at that point I had set Em in there as well} and Hudson walked to the room. I had to take most of the twins' clothes off so they could weigh them and {amazingly} Hudson patiently waited for the movie! Once we got settled and were waiting for the doctor {after the nurse did all her stuff,} we started the movie.

Can you believe that everyone sat there, quiet {even with the door closed} and watched the movie?!?! It was amazing - it's not that quiet here {unless everyone is asleep!} My doctor was impressed, too - although he said that he has to use his DVD player for the exact same thing - haha! I think I convinced him to get plasmas to hang on the wall in each room with some movies playing on the loop! What a dream! hehe

Good news, Carson is actually in the 50th percentile in height! Lawson is around the 30th - that is what a 1 inch difference will do for ya'! So, maybe they won't be so "runt like" after all! {I did say "maybe"!} AND both boys will be assessed for speech therapy next week - Yah!!! Which after keeping one of my BFF kid, Noah, today - I don't know if talking is a good thing!! haha As I told his mom, I'll NEVER-EVER take for granted that NONE of my kids talk ever again! Poor Noah, he just kept asking question after question - it was hysterical! And some of the questions!? Most of the time I would just answer him back with a question - which didn't seem to help my situation. It gave him more fodder! I love that kid!

I'm trying to get better at answering some of these questions I get in the comments - which I'm obviously not good at getting back to you all! NO, I do not get up at 4 every morning - normally around 5. I have to take a shower and get ready before my kids wake up. I can give references to those who know me well enough to know that if I don't get a shower, I'm in a rotten mood all day long! It's sad, I know - but that is one of my "musts"! About my house - you must not have read the posts where I say I've got to get someone in this joint to help clean! Which my mother-in-law said she would - uhmmm, yeah - that lasted 1 freakin' time!! When she finally came to help {which was for the boys party - that I've YET to post about - give a girl some more time!} - she got caught up washing my hardy-planks on the back of my house {didn't know they were that dirty} and washing out the big city trash can with bleach - that's right people, the big mamma-jamma trash can the city gives you to put your trash in that you put at the curb once a week so that they can drive their big-O truck with the automated arms that pick it up and dump it in the top of the truck! {That was one long run-on sentence!} Well, ours is clean - very clean - ridiculously clean - never mind the fact that my feet were stickin' to my dirty kitchen floor. I mean, who in the hell is going to be looking at my kitchen floor during the party - they are all going to be in my garage checking out my super clean city trash can!!!

Okay, that was really mean - but just deserved! A whole new meaning to "Quack"!

I try to pick up the house through out the day - and I really try to make my kids pick up! Today, they actually did pretty good - I was shocked actually. I would say that they picked up over half their room. Now, everything is sorted out. So, when they dump out a few baskets, I normally will try to push all of the toys that belong together to each basket that the toys belong to. I feel that it's age appropriate for helping keep it all organized.

As far as all these projects - since 4 kids are in the picture - I really don't get much done in that department! Don't be fooled! Seriously! Between my husband and myself, we try to get something {that is only "1" something} done a week. A very small goal - and we still very rarely make it! haha And when you see how small this table is that we just finished - oh, you are going to laugh!

Most people are curious about my sleep schedule - which I have found sleep to be highly OVER-RATED! I try to go down around 1ish, maybe 2ish - and then get up around 5 {and yes, all those are the am's.} There are times I go down with the boys and sleep for about 3 hours and then get up - stay up - and go back down around 3ish {or 4ish}, just to wake up again around 5. Once a week - I crash - which has been the past 2 nights!!! What is up with that? AND tonight, I fell asleep for about 10 minutes while waiting for Lonnie to get all the boys upstairs for bedtime! Iron must be low or something! THAT is not normal! That is why I didn't blog yesterday OR return any emails! sorry!

Well, I'm going to finish watching this presidential race - and probably go to bed depressed about it with one heavy heart.

Looking forward to Monday . . . .

I don't exactly know why - it's just been a long weekend. I'm tired - very tired and I think I'm actually going to bed after I finish up this post. 10:30 - that's early for me! Watch me not be able to get up in the morning because I got "too much" sleep.

I feel like we did so much around the house today - yet, I couldn't really name off anything imparticular. BUT I know we did something! Wait - I know we finally got the small table stained that match the cool chairs! {Remember those cool chairs??} IT {the table} is up in the room looking all kinds of fantasic with the chairs! I will definitely post a picture - you guys will be jealous - I can assure you!

The poor boys' room - It is so close to being finished yet so far away! I'm going to have to just buckle down and finish the last curtain {3 windows here and had only 2 at the other house!}, redo the shelving and stain this incredibly large piece of furniture that has 6 cubbies and house some cute toy filled baskets, finish the art for the walls {my poor kids don't have art! What is the matter with me?}, etc . . . . And the list just continues to get longer! Lonnie is taking off a week during Thanksgiving to make Carson and Lawson big boy beds! Whoo - hoo, one of them in particular is OVER the crib - which I can't believe they are still in cribs! I think that is a form of child abuse!

Speaking of beds . . . we are really trying to figure out if we should build 2 just like Hudson's {since they all 3 are in the same room} or if we should build one that looks like Hudson's with a trundle?? You know, I need take a picture and do a post over this and see what kind of opinions I get! Stay tuned for that one!

I'm going to rough it tomorrow and take all 4 kids with me to Carson's and Lawson's 2 year old check-up. My doctor is going to love me! Love me I tell ya'! I will somehow squeeze all 3 boys in the double stroller - wear Em on me in the sling - push the 100 lb. stroller the millions of miles through the parking lot into the building - pray frantically as I wait for them to call our name that my natives do not become restless in the waiting room - set up the portable DVD player in the tiny room as we wait even longer for the doctor - pray even more that Hudson doesn't freak out that the door is shut and his claustrophobia doesn't kick in - and pray even harder for all of God's power that Em does not get hungry and I'm force to whip out my boob in front of my doctor to calm her down {not that my milk will let down in chaos like that anyways!} - yeah, I'd call that roughin' it!

I really can't think anymore - so I guess I need to go to bed. With 4 alarm clocks set . . . .

Gottcha!

Sorry, Shannon - I know it was a big surprise - I just know it was! But I had to do it. For you see, Rachel told me {as soon as you found out you were pregnant} that she wanted to give you a painting and not to let anyone else get you one! I didn't know if you would try to order one yourself, but I promised Rach that I would play you and let you believe that YOU were buying your own art if you did try to order and prevent anyone from getting YOU the "name" painting. Hence, the "why" for my deceptive ways.

The "why" I needed the fabric swatches of your bedding ASAP {BTW - thanks for getting them out to me the next day!} I'm sure you see and understand "why" I was blowing up your email {and your phone} last Sunday - that's right - I had less than a week!


The "why" I sent you some bogus email yesterday saying that I would invoice you the first of this upcoming week.

{This green is a dead match with the fabric - doesn't look like it when you compare the bedding pictures with the art pictures! But it is - I pinky swear!}

The "why" I told you it would be this weekend before I would even start on your paintings.

{microscopic rhinestones - Shannon, I know you to well - and knew you needed something shiny on this canvas!}

The "why" I was totally deceptive in my ways with you.


I hope you forgive me and appreciated that small surprise this morning at your shower . . . . Thank goodness I put you on my board when you ordered - the timing was perfect. And 48 hours later {later being after I received the samples}, I popped out not one, but two paintings for Miss Avery.

{For whatever reason - this is the only picture I took of this one? But don't you just love a crown? Sorry for the sneaky-peeky only!}

Now, get you a blog so that you can blog about it!

AND for anyone else out there that would like to use my deceptive ways to your advantage - contact me!