thanks for the good words . . .

You guys are fun! Really you are! And the encouragement you give me is unbelievable and amazing {even though I'm not a hero!} And that is why I think it is time to finally share my first piece of art. Well, I should say my first painting - I wouldn't necessarily call it "art" . . . . and when you see - uhmm, well,. . . . you will know what I mean! I'm going to do this post to give you guys encouragement. To pump you up. To tell you that you can do it. Whatever it is you want to do. In the post I will try to dump in some sneaky peekies - because I know so many of you are sitting at the edge of your seat hoping TODAY is going to be the big day you see YOURS! Now, some of you will be disappointed - because I can assure you that I have more orders than peekies {currently} BUT I'm working on it! I promise!


But I'm ready to do this - as hard is it will be to show how bad it really started! I'm ready. It will probably be a long post, so I will start on it shortly - but be expecting it next . . . .

so we will meet here - soon . . . . for "the good, the bad and the ugly!" Yes, I do think that will be the title of the post.

Typical Tuesday . . .

I hope you can see what this is. I know what it is suppose to be. But none the less, I'm scared that you are not going to see what I see. Seriously, this is when I always feel like an amateur!


This is actually for someone that isn't expecting it - I'm not going to say who, because I don't want her to see it. Now, if she happens on it - that is one thing! But I'm not going to link her name. I'm not going to say her name at all. I know how she works. She has all kinds of google alerts attached to her name and she would find me! I know she doesn't look at my blog daily - so I'm sure I'm safe for a few days {by then she will have gotten it! So - who cares?}


I'm sure most of you can figure out who it goes to - somewhat obvious! I owe her big {much bigger than a 4x6!} At Blissdom, I was attached to her like glue! She is the only person I knew {well, except her sister! Which I guess I owe her a little something, too!} I've got a real issue with being in a crowd and not knowing anyone . . . . {that will give you an insight as to why I wanted so many kids! The whole "never-alone" theory!} I know, stupid and I probably need therapy - but it is a REAL issue. But only applies to crowds such as Blissdom. I'm great one on one. I'm great once I did it once. But the first time + Big crowd = Anxiety. So, thankfully she was there. I even {rudely} sat in on her meeting with Melissa and Simple Mom - they had no idea that my heart was pounding so hard out of my chest because I was so afraid they were going to ask me to leave. I tried my hardest not to listen and for the most part . . . I didn't - I swear! And thankfully they didn't ask me to leave. To be honest, I probably would have gotten up and left. That's right - I would have come home. I know, crazy - but it is what it is! Maybe I could sit in on some of Hudson and Lawson's occupational therapy. haha.

Anyhoodle - hopefully she will get and love it! I'll keep you updated!

And for some humor . . . . Here was my schedule today {and most days for that matter?!}

*Woke up before the kids and showered, dressed {including shoes} and started breakfast.

*Out the door to have Carson and Lawson {my 2 year olds} at Mom's Day Out.

*Have just enough time to make it to Hudson's {my 3 year old} 1 hour occupational therapy appointment. While in the waiting room, I try to answer emails and write "Thank-yous" {"Try" is the key word} all while holding Emsley {my 11 month old} off the computer. Then realizing my water bill is late. Oh.crap!



*Run to "Old MacDonalds" for Hud and Em some lunch {that will be eaten in the van} . . .

* . . . . while on the way to Hudson's preschool.

*Pull up just in time to get my "big hug" and reminder "I'll see you in 3 hours?!" as Hudson jumps out and runs to his teacher.

*Race back across town for my hair appointment {because we all know I'm obsessed with my "do"} - I was a few minutes early and lucky for me, her appointment before me was a no show! Em was stripped down to a diaper, sat in her booster seat and ate a sucker the entire time I got the "do" done.

*Clean Em up, pay for the cut, make next appointment, pack up van and skooch as quickly as I can to pick up Lawson and Carson from MDO.

*Made it just in time. Takes 25 minutes to go in, collect all their stuff, come out and load them up!

*Back across town to Hudson's school {because 3 hours is almost up!} as 3 kids sleep in the van!

*Once in the parking lot and with 10 minutes to spare , I answer a few more emails {somewhat rushed with those - I hope they made sense?} See Hudson come out - run and get him.

*Go home for a snack and juice {for the kids} - I'm still feeling my "Old MacDonalds" 99 cent cheeseburger. While they eat, I package up 2 paintings {ready for FedEx!}

*Load everyone back up - straight to FedEx! {Anyone expecting a classic collection - they will be going out tomorrow!}

*Needed groceries in a BAD way! That's right people - took all 4 kids up into Kroger! I was that desperate for food. I drove around the lot for about 7 and a half minutes looking for the buggy with the car on it. No such luck. I load 3 kids into a regular cart - Hudson walked. Hudson prays {loudly} "Oh Lord, why do you not give me a buggy with a red car attached to the front?" I told him to stop asking God "why" . . . . "because you would be asking him 'why' 800 million times a day for.the.rest.of.your.life!" We get into the store and what do we see?? What do we see?? We see a freakin' buggy with a RED CAR - that is what we see! Not a green car. Not a blue car. But a stinkin' red car. And I busted out laughing when I heard Hudson say, "Thank you Lord." haha - Amazingly I still bought $148 in groceries. Yes, I had that many groceries and all 4 kids in the buggy - the question . . . . . how in the heck did I push that joker??

*Got home just in time for Lonnie to call and say he is on the way to the Homeowner's Association Meeting {meaning - I unload groceries, put away groceries and cook supper - ON MY OWN!} Nice.

*Did.all.that. Supper is spaghetti - what was I thinking?? Easy to cook - yes. The worst to clean up - yes! But, I.did.all.that.too!

I'm really working on the table manners - no decent man is going to want to marry her if she continues this mess up!

Hudson was measuring the table - not kidding.

Carson, man what is up with the feet?

Notice all my kids are naked? That was planned!

*Got all 4 kids in the tub. Lonnie comes home. I bath each {to include teeth brushing} - he dresses each.

*Kids = read stories, sing songs, prayer, asleep {thank you!}

*Watched the last few minutes of the President. Blogging. Soon painting.

yes, it was a successful day - what did you do?

Will someone {please} come over and see how cute this thing is?!

I'm so sorry for not posting! I've had a funeral, a baby shower and everything in between this past week. Somewhat chaotic . . . but nothing that I'm not use to I guess?! So, check.it.out . . . .


Finally, I know! I got tons of you guys asking if I was going to post pictures!? Ha! That would be cruel if I didn't!


The pictures really don' t do it justice - it is sooo cute! I love it!

Each of those beads are sewn on {by me!} I now know why all those beaded dresses cost out the wa-zoo! I just didn't want to glue them on! Not on a canvas this large! Now, on the smaller ones, I will.

And we had to top it with a cherry! It makes me feel good when I ask my 3 year old what something is after I paint it and he sees it to tell me! He knew it was a "strawberry cupcake" with "lots of sprinkles" {and he picked out his fav-O-rite sprinkle in the bunch!} and "has a fat cherry on the top." Then he tells me "you did a pretty swell job on that painting, Mom!" {I swear he talks like that!} Swell?! I have no idea where he even heard that!

I have a Bible study group tonight - guys, don't be surprised if I bring this with me! I want someone to see it before I ship it!

So, what do you think about this diaper cake?? No, I didn't make it - but it was at the shower I went to last week. How cute is that?! I'm not joking when I say it has to be the BEST one I've ever seen! Ever! I really like how the diapers are "hidden" AND it was her first one that she EVER made?! What a great job! I'm still impressed!

Em had her first sucker! She sucked it down to nothing but a stick and it only took her about 5 minutes! She was a sticky mess but it was totally worth it!

For those who questioned - yes, it was my birthday . . . . thanks for the well wishes!

Adventures in toilet training and the "cupcake" . . . .

Since I'm on such an unprofessional kick lately, let me tell you about the potty training that has actually been going on around here! Several post back I had mentioned Hudson finally peed in the potty. And he did 1 time for 3 days in a row. That was it - but I wasn't pushing it either! Well, Saturday I decided it was time for him to use the potty - no diapers, no training pants, no slowly easing into it - but in the Spiderman undies 100% of the time. {Even though he has absolutely no idea who Spiderman is!} Well, he was mad at first. Actually, he threw down his size 6 diaper and said, "Awwww, NUTS!" But he put his underoos on and went about his day. The first time he didn't make it in time and peed in front of the potty {pretty good considering he was downstairs by himself and tried to go on his own.} After that - he has been great! Going without being asked - HELLO, talking about easy! BUT he did poop in them 1 time each day and has yet to do the dirty business on the potty! Other than that - we are good to go! Now, if I can get him to stop playing with the toilet paper!

For all those who guessed Cupcake, which was . . .well, err . . uhmmm everybody, you were right! Talking about making that just a little too easy! Unfortunately, I didn't finish it - someone ralphed last night and this morning - so I was on puke patrol all night long! I have some others I need to post about - but I'm dragging it out! Sorry!


But since it was easy, I will give you a peek into the next step with the cupcake! Hhmmm, I wonder what this could be? {People, I know it has got to be obvious! }

Another one, a beautiful mind, a shower gift shocker and yet another sneaky peeky!

I painted the background on this next painting one night before I went to bed. I woke up really early the next morning to finish it. Around 5:45 {or so,} Lawson woke up. Seeing the light on in my room, he came in and laid on the floor. I asked him several times if he wanted milk, breakfast or music - anything! He normally doesn't give me answers, so I went on with my business. I did put in some kid's music and the song that is on my site came on. He loves this song - any song with the ABC's actually. And "W" is his favorite letter. Once he realized I was painting a "W", he got so tickled. And every time the song said the letter, he would look and sometimes point to the canvas. Needless to say, I had to play the song over and over.


It seems like lately, he is slipping further away. I've always compared him to Hudson because he {Hudson} acted the same exact way as Lawson does at this age. But it just seems like Lawson is MORE so in his own world than Hudson ever was. I think {maybe} where Hudson has come so far in such a short amount of time, I've really forgotten where he was {or at least I hope that is the case.}


I tell myself early prevention is the key - but who he is, is just that - who he is. And he's just so dang cute!

Everyone remember the Levi painting that matches the Michael Miller groovy guitar fabric?? Well, here is the look of excitement! I have to admit I love getting these shower pictures! HY-Sterical! Thanks Tammy for sending this my way!


And of course another sneaky peeky! Now, I hope I can get this one done for tomorrow's post! Can anyone guess what the heck it is?? Since this picture, more has been added. But there is alot that still has to be done! Hopefully tomorrow . . .


Jenn & Nat - I know your mouths just hit the floor and you are trying to figure out how I did it! I'll tell you later!

Isabella . . . .

Okay, these are better pictures - a little more true to color.


I have actually painted to match this bedding in the past. The pink is little more of a subtle color than what it appears - I wrote down the colors I used the first time so I easily used them again!

What is so great about this bedding is the name. It actually is the "Isabella" - Isn't that crazy? Talking about a sign to buy it when you already have your baby girl's name picked out!

Isabella bedding by Glenna Jean

I want to show you what my kids do while I was taking pictures of the above painting {and how trashed even my walls look in this room!} I'm on one side of the room and YES, they are on the other! Hudson thinks he is painting {while singing Brittany Spears' "Womanizer" - don't ask, a post for another day} while Carson and Laws are really doing some kind of computer work! Actually I can tell you Laws is pointing and counting all the "number" keys on the keyboard. And if I had to guess what Carson is doing - he is writing on something he shouldn't! And you know what, I don't care!

I'm just glad I have them. Too many parents losing their babies lately. Very crushing.


And another sneaky peeky for all you people waiting to see if you are next. I actually have several that I've finished up - so hopefully for all you patient people out there, you will see yours soon!


I swear - I'm trying to keep them coming. Especially since I took a long break. Until tomorrow . . . .

As promised . . .

**added**


A little sneaky peeky for someone who has been waiting forever! Yes, this would be the piece of art that was damaged and I had to start over from scratch. But it is done! whoo-hoo!


I'll show the full piece tomorrow. I friend of mine showed me some new settings on the camera and I'm still messing with it! Just what I needed - a new something to tinker with!

Update of the happenings around here - after yesterday's post, I was contacted by who I was referring to. She was very sincere in her email and I will now move on. I know that some of you were very understanding of my post and a few were shocked. For those who support me, thanks a bunch. I really appreciate the understanding. And since I'm sure I lost a few readers yesterday, well . . . . there is really no need to say anything to them because they shouldn't be reading today. Right?

**I've said numerous times on my blog that I love the work I'm getting and appreciate it dearly! ESPECIALLY in times such as these! But I feel that it is beginning to sound redundant and just an add on in each post. So I'm sorry if anyone felt that I was being ungrateful in the past several posts for all the work that I've spoke about. I also want everyone to know that with 4 small children and alot of work to do, I don't live in a positive light 100% of the time. I feel I'm entitled to a bad moment or a bad day. It's just me and who I am.**

Meow . . . .

Can I say that I'm so sorry for not posting. It seems like it's been about 4 years or so since my last post! I was going to post about Blissdom, but that is going to have to wait. I have several paintings, that is going to have to wait as well. Over the past several days, I've gotten a ton of emails - 44 to be exact - about the same situation. And obviously, I'm still getting a few trickling in. I think I have responded to everyone's so far. If I haven't, please know that I appreciate all of your comments AND thanks for looking out for me!

Yes, this is why I've not posted. I've really been bothered by this one. I'm mad - really hacked off. There was no point in posting till I was ready to talk about this. To get it off my chest and move on. Well, today is the day! I will probably lose some readers - but this has to be done! Sorry guys - it's just time to call some folks out!

The funny thing about this whole situation, is that I was planning this post for some time. But after February 8th and I saw what everyone else {or at least the 44 friends} did, I knew I had to get the post up now.

I know, some of you are dying to know where I'm heading with this . . . . but first you must go HERE! That is a new friend, Jamie. She is awesome and knows what she is talking about! {Jamie, I hope that is okay that I called you a friend - we have only emailed a couple of times!} Seriously, go and read it before you read any further . . . I'll wait. GO!!

hmm, . . . hmmm, waiting, waiting . . .

waiting, hmmmmmmmmm, hmm . . .

still waiting . . . . . . .


Okay, did you read it? I so hope you did, it is worth it to understand this post!

As most of know, a "new blogger" recently started creating her "own" art. And WoW, let me just say the similarities are amazing!!! But as you just read from Jamie's post, she has changed it up just enough!

Since I know alot of you have seen her work AND because I feel like it, let's point out the similarities . . .

** I'm just going to jump into the Valentine's art . . . . which a bunch of people must have like my idea of the Halloween and Christmas pieces because I was blown away with how many people did the same concept for Valentine's Day! HENCE, the reason you didn't see any come from me! Sorry for all those waiting for that piece - I'M ORIGINAL - I MUST NOW GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD FOR AN ORIGINAL IDEA!

I think it is a waste of my time to point out the fact that she did it each with a different font on each canvas . . . because everyone else that followed my idea did the same!

boo - Halloween 2008

But the fact that she did a slightly domed framed with tick marks! WoW!

Fa la la - Christmas 2008

As you can tell I did it on my Christmas ones too!

Oh, and did I mention she did it on her Christmas set, too?! As well as the circles with the dots around them? The font overlaps the frames? Or how she packages them in cello with a coordinating ribbon?? How she gives "sneak peeks"? How coincidental - all of it!


The best lifted idea yet, has got to be my paisley! The EXACT same freakin' paisley!! Do you know how many different ways you can paint a freakin' paisley?? I can think of about 500 original ideas on how to paint a freakin' paisley! But my mind works like that - original! AND I'm talking about the exact same designs inside the paisley as well as the tail of the paisley! Wait pardon me, she did change the tail slightly on one of hers {but the rest of the thing looks just like mine!}


Not only did she copy the paisley pattern she finished off the same painting with a dark edge {actually black} with, what else, white polk-a-dots. Is it coincidence??

I'm not saying any of these ideas are JUST mine to ONLY use! I'm sure someone has done them at some point in time and I know others {who I know for a fact look at my blog has lifted an element or two here and there.} It is the fact that so much of the work I saw was copied!

Unfortunately, this person doesn't have very much art to look at for more comparisons. But 4 of the {I think only} 6 she has posted looks coincidentally familiar!

And because I know she reads my blog {she has to with the all the coincidental similarities} I have some advice for her,

Hi friend,

The secret to art - is to come up with an original idea. Obviously you can paint, so find your own art - own ideas. You need to figure out your own style and paint it. Make it yours - and own it. LIKE I OWN MINE. That is why I have tons of people email me weekly about copycats. In this business, Imitation is not the best flattery. And remember, what goes around comes around.

PS - I apparently don't believe in coincidence.

PSS - You misspelled your website in your 'about me' on your side bar.

sincerely - kim!

I feel I haven't said eveything I wanted to say, but time has officially ran out. My kids are up and running around and I feel whatever else I put in here might not have the same effect now that I have all the distractions. I hope that everyone knows that I'm sorry that I put this on here - but there are so many others that need to see this. Such as the few people who copied my profile. Get real people - that was me I was describing NOT YOU! I guess I'm going to have to now change it!

And just because I end all post {like this one} with the line . . .


. . I bet their momma is proud!

Thanks for listening. And thanks for sticking with the original small words! I love all of you! Really, I do!

I promise I'm here!

I've been at Blissdom '09 - I'll be back tomorrow with an update!

I need to take some art lessons!

I'm serious with that title. I wonder what my art would look like if I knew the proper techniques. After these paintings - I have decided to show the original piece of small words! The first piece I ever painted. In all it's glory. It is going to be a post of "hope" for all who aspire to something . . . . whatever it may be. Remember, I just picked up a paintbrush 4 years ago. AND it's not like I have all the time in the world to "learn" how to do it! So, stay tune . . . . it will be getting interesting in a few days!

Anyhoodle - check this out . . . . . a friend of a friend wanted some bunnies. I was asked if I could do it. "Well, I don't know until I try" has been my motto of sorts lately. So, here I go . . . . she wanted a few basic things - stripes, earthy like tones, simplistic in design, yaddi-yaddi, I'm sure you get the point . . . . .

I will admit - I worked on the stripes for a couple of weeks {normally during LOST!} You wouldn't believe how many times they changed colors - there is only 9 gazillion shades of taupe and I was looking for the perfect shade. Let's put it this way - so many coats, that the stripes are probably like vinyl and will peel off! OKAY, just kidding! Because I sealed them on!!! hahaha! Seriously, she gave me a wall color that I was going by and I didn't want my stripes to look off with her color!

I have no idea WHAT a bunny looks like, but I have several of these old/antique books {that have nothing, absolutely nothing on the cover} but have a ton of old sketches in them. I found a bunny picture in one of them! Just to give me a good outline to look at.


Once I had a picture, I made a small grid with tape {I don't know, I'm rolling my eyes too! Just seemed like the right thing to do to get proportions!} Can't you see the bunny within the confines of the blue tape?? tee hee


THIS was one of the bunnies several days ago. Her eye was freakin' out! Everywhere I went in the room - she followed me! Heebie Jeebies!


So, I changed it!


The bunny face in the first one is more true to color - I was playing around with the camera and ran out of time to get the right color! Sorry! But I'm sure you can see the overall look!

Bunny number 2!


And I can't forget the side view!


Yeah, I'm planning on art lessons!