Thursday, August 20, 2009

Housekeeping . . .

** updated again - the "j" is sold!! Thanks guys!

** updated - the "S" is sold! Still have a "J" - any takers!?!?!


It's 3:30 in the morning. My day has officially started. ?? Not that I intended it to - I fell asleep in a chair downstairs in the living room. I've been doing that a lot lately. Since we got rid of the tv, it is so quiet and peaceful in that room. And well, it is just easy to relax for a minute to only wake up 5 hours later! Funny thing is that Lonnie {normally} is asleep in the chair beside me! His snoring usually wakes me.

Poor thing went back to work for his old employer. So not only does he work his full-time day job, but a second, part-time job. When our insurance decided not to cover the kids speech therapy {although it is clear that they both have severe speech delays,} we both got scared as to how we were going to pay for it. Since he left his last job due to active orders, he can easily go back at the same pay rate. It really was our only option and was stupid if we didn't. Things have somewhat worked out for the speech and our therapist is actually volunteering her time! {She loves our kids THAT much?!} She works it in when she comes over for Hudson's feeding therapy. BUT we do finally have someone in our town that just started accepting our "crappy" federally funded Tricare insurance. So, somehow I'm going to see how we can adjust the schedule AGAIN to work in that 4+ hours a week since that will actually mean we have to leave the house for those appointments. And we decided that it was in the best interest of the family if Lonnie kept the second job. We need to pay off a couple of things and start saving more money. So far we have done just that! And the burden it has lifted is huge!

The kids and I will also be involved in the RIP program in our area starting next month. I'll explain later {I'm sure} about what this is if you are in the dark. But it too will take up 5 to 6+ hours a week {for the next 6 to 8 months.} This will be the first time I'm pushing something into our evening hours. BUT it's finally come down to the fact that I have NO MORE time to give during the working hours of the day. And if I wasn't so desperate, I totally would not be doing this.

I live in my van.

Saying all this, I wanted to let you guys know some things . . . .

  • I will only be accepting Christmas orders through this week. THAT means that Saturday {August 22} is the last day you can place an order and expect it before Christmas. If we have already talked but you have not "officially" put in your order {probably because you are waiting on info from me?} You are safe - I've got you on the list - so no worries from you guys.
  • I will NOT be creating a Halloween or Christmas piece this year. I hate that, I really do - but I'm still trying to catch up from last years orders!!!!
  • Speaking of last years orders - I set a number that I would do of each of those sets. The number has been met - I will no longer take any orders for either set.
  • I currently have over 70 orders. If you placed an order within the past couple of days, don't expect it a couple of days from now. I don't mean that to sound mean {I swear,} I've just been dying to say that - haha!
  • I have an "S" or a "J" that are for sale . . . . $35 for each plus shipping. I made these for displays. Nothing is wrong with either. They are both wrapped and ready to go. Each is an 8x10, but the canvas is only 3/4" deep {not my usual 1 1/2".} Both are the exact same colors as the "hudson" painting that you will find a super close up of on the site under "funny bones."


I also want to ask you all to keep in mind that I'm a mom first. And although I seem to work all the time, my time constraints are different each week. And each day is a surprise as too how many hours I'll have to squeeze in for work. My kids take precedence over all business related "stuff" and I know that it is impossible to find the balance between the 2. I've tried and I've failed miserably. I'm so honored to have some exceptional people in my life that are currently trying to help me. One person in particular is catching up on all my paper work and other business related stuff. This is a legit business that pays taxes, licenses, etc and I try to keep up on copyrights and invoicing. None of that is the part I like but I have no choice in the time consuming, busy work. I've needed to give that to someone for a long time. And chances are if you have been waiting on art for a while, that stuff has been taking up more time than painting has!

I've said it before {so this is going to sound rhetorical} but I never dreamed small words would be where it is. I thought that maybe by the time Em was in school, that I might have a couple of orders a week . . . . haha! I have you all to thank. Thanks so much for the all the work you have given me, for all the people you have sent my way and just for reading my blog. As I've thought long and hard as to what to do with the business, I've been thankful for all of you out there.

and by the way - I'm out of ink in my printer. If you are waiting on a shipment it might be tomorrow before those go out! And I've got a "few" emails to answer from yesterday! It might be later today before I get to you guys!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Kim,

I'll say it again. I don't know how you do it, period. But, it is good that you let your world know that your kids and family come first! BRAVO! They should and I know you live in your van and I know you have more special circumstances than one could shake a stick at.

Keep on truckin'! One day, you will be in a place where you can see the fruition of all your dedication to your kiddo's and getting them everything they need now!

I am still trying to get mt little guy into a feeding program!! STILL!! we have an evaluation finally set for sept. 2. I am so anxious for it! If he would JUST eat! That is what he will not do, period.

Bethany said...

I know that it is hard that Lonnie is working 2 jobs! Jeramy technically works 3. I think it is amazing what our husbands will do to support their family even if it is not always the kind of support we as moms want!

It will all pan out eventually, just keep smiling and asking God for help! You are such an amazing person!

Brandie said...

Hang in there, Kim. You sound very busy. You know it will all work out, it always does! Don't forget to take care of yourself, too.

Michelle said...

I just sent you an email but I will also put it here. I want the 'S' painting!!

email - mlc7513@yahoo.com

I am so sad there will not be any Christmas pieces this year but I understand. If you have any extra pieces for Christmas you need to get rid of, I.WANT.THOSE.TOO!!!!!

Robin said...

I want the "J"!!!

robinandmarty1@yahoo.com

Let me know if you still have it!!

Robin

Megan L Hutchings said...

I swear I saw you wearing a cape at The Southern Living Party. You are superwoman afterall :)!

I think that we are all guilty of forgetting that our friends have families and that comes first. Just take it a day at a time.

All of your hard work and dedication will pay off. Your little kiddos have come so far already :)!

missy said...

WOW is all i can say!!!!!!!
days that i think i am way to busy i think i better come back to read your blog!!!!!!!
good luck with everything!!!!!!

Sarah, Ted and Eloise said...

Hi! You sound really busy! WOW!
I was wondering how far up the line the Eloise painting is (ordered in April). I emailed you about a month ago, and you said to give you a week or so. :)

No worries! I know how crazy life can be, now that our little Eloise is almost three months, I am looking back and wondering where all the time has gone. :) Let me know!

polleys527@gmail.com
or
www.pocketsizedpeeks.blogspot.com

Mrs. Frogster said...

Hey there! Just dropping by to encourage you and thank you for the encouragement you've been to me! I don't nearly have the 70 orders that you have, and I am definitely feeling the stress of balancing motherhood and business. I can't wait to be able to pay someone else to do the business end of stuff - you are so right, it takes so much time.
Praying for you and your precious children - hugs, Jeanette

Danine said...

Kim

I know we don't know each other personally but I'd be more than happy to help you with your insurance problems. I do insurance billing for a living and absolutely LOVE to deal with Champus/Tricare! They are the creapist jerk offs on the face of this world (next to Railroad Medicare).

I could try and give you as much information (and loops holes) without you have to discuss personal issues. I just like nailing it to the bad guys! Feel free to contact me by e-mail thedanineATgmail.com

Leigh Ann said...

Oh, I totally understand. I live in my car, too. Between school and therapy, it's just where we spend A LOT of time! That insurance thing drives me crazy. Sometimes I think AR is so far behind on things, but when I hear stories like yours and insurance not covering services completely, I realize how good we have it. AR has state funded programs that cover all therapy the children qualify for. I just can't believe TN does not have this. Ugh! I'm glad that Lonnie's second job worked out. What a HUGE blessing!

Unknown said...

You have to be freakin' kidding me?!?! The time when I slack on blogging and you have a perfect j that I missed out on. Oh well. That's what I get for slacking.

Unknown said...

Hey Kim,

I got Avery's painting in. It looks sooo good in her room. I will email you some pics if you give me your email address. My email address is debtib1@mac.com if you want to email it to me.

Thanks,
Debbie

Robin said...

I did a blog post on my "J"....I hope that's OK!

{{HUGS}}

Robin :o)

http://alabamaslackermama.blogspot.com/2009/08/sometimes-it-pays-to-be-early-bird.html