It's already Sunday??

Where did this weekend go?? And no Big Love tonight either - Season finale last week . . . . {Boo Hoo!} I might just actually get some stuff done since I won't be parking my fanny on the sofa tonight! I know I promised some more peekies . . . . but Lonnie had some silly conference this weekend so I was on my own! Last night, we had a birthday party to go to and I was so tired when I got home. And then I had to get everyone changed and into bed . . . . I didn't even brush their teeth! But that's okay . . . . I fell asleep without brushing mine either!!! Ewww - I know, TMI! Sorry! Just wanted to tell you why it was okay that I neglected my kidlets' teeth. I neglected mine - Two negatives must cancel each other out . . . right? Okay, so you all get it - I was THAT tired! And I didn't do anything last night! So, those who emailed me over the weekend, I will be jumping on those shortly!

Here is the full picture of the last sneaky peek . . .


It is like the "Stella" - only in a 15x30 version! And I did brighten up a couple of the pinks! I still love this one! And I've had another request to do it again!!

Moving right along for some scheduled peeks . . .


That "bird" has some legs! This was taken several days ago . . . . wait till you see her legs now! But I still thought it was a cool shot!!


And here is another close-up . . . . I have no idea why I chose this spot . . . except I like this color combo!? I promise there is other colors in this painting! And you might just get to see them tomorrow!

And b/c I know these faces HAVE GOT to crack you up as much as me {or maybe not!} Here is a funny face shot of Em from the par-tay last night!


And another one! I promise you all that she was mouthing something on that phone when another Wheeler kid tried to take it away. She started chewing him out! HYS-TERICAL!!! She is so my kid!

I took a nap today!

I really did! I haven't done that in sooo long! And it felt really good! I laid down with the boys and slept the entire time that they slept. I have a feeling it is going to be a long weekend and apparently my body is anticipating it. haha!

The painting from yesterday's peeky! The crazy thing is I took this one to FedEx yesterday about 5 pm - it was delivered this morning around 9! In Mississippi. From Tennessee. THAT, Mr. FedEx Man, is fast!

Today is the first day ever that I have called myself an artist - and meant it. I have NO IDEA why it has taken this long . . . . but every time I would use the word "artist" to describe myself, I would crack up laughing. It was like I had you all fooled or something! Seriously, the fact that I have a business degree, started painting for the first time {ever} 4 years ago and {quite frankly} don't know what I'm doing half the time . . . . I just never considered myself an "artist" - just a person who likes to paint!

Let me tell you why . . . .

. . . . . to save shipping costs for some of you, I'm completely willing to meet you if you live somewhat close to deliver a painting {and you want to do a little driving!} I don't mind meeting half-way - which is what I did today! A super fabulous person {I need your link LORI!} met me halfway between my house and hers {actually I think it was closer to my house} at one of the malls {a really good one} in Nashville. This woman was actually excited to meet me! But what she doesn't know is that I was equally excited to meet her {and her 3 incredibly cute and sweet kids!} Two of them {by the way} I'm making paintings for! It is always fantastic to see a persons face when I hand over a painting AND even better when I meet little people that I have to paint for!!!! THE ABSOLUTE best way to feel a person out to know "exactly" what they want is to meet them!!

After my meeting, I had a little drive home - I thought about the paintings for each of these little people and have the BEST idea in my head for each painting. That is when it dawns on me . . . "Hey, I'm an artist!" I try so hard to picture the perfect piece for each of you and then create it! That is why I go through so many emails with you, request so many pictures, fabric swatches, etc. Don't get me wrong, I need all that to color match - BUT it really tells me who you are and I need that . . . . ESPECIALLY when I usually don't meet you face to face {what a shame too - I so want to meet you all!}

So, if you feel I wear you out with all the emails - I'm sorry!!! That is the only way I can get personal without requesting some home movies!

Here is another sneaky peeky . . . .


This weekend my goal is to finish {because I'm almost done with each of these!!!!} . . . .

Sutton
Grace's 2 birds
Maddie Grace and Molly Hope

All of the above canvases are just waiting on final touches! I have NO IDEA why I've not finished them. {Slacker, I know - no point in making up some excuses!} But I should get them out to you all by Monday! I guess that means MORE peeks throughout the weekend, uh?

Some more party pics . . .

I tried to upload a couple of others, but they were teeny-tiny! Let me work on those and maybe I will get them up shortly!

She is sooo into babies! And loves all her dolls - we got some GREAT ones for her birthday!

She was really studying this gift! And what is up with that bow?? It made its rounds all over her head!

Who does NOT love some baby feet?? And I will tell you that those look just like my feet! How many people can spread their toes??

That is actually my high chair! When I was expecting Hudson, I had it refinished {for a small fortune.} The tray was missing as well as the straps. The guy who worked on it for me actually found a tray that looks very similar to the one that was originally on it and attached new straps! Hudson used it the first year and half. Carson and Lawson never did - they used booster seats strapped to our chairs {very handy!!} And truth be told, this is the first time Em has sat in it!!!

This girl was all smiles when she saw that candle {pyromaniac?} And momma needs a tan!

The first kid of 4 that actually "smashed" the smashed cake! No sensory issues here!

I did leave off a recipe that I was suppose to give you! My friend called yesterday {she lives in FL, and remember I live in TN.} She said, "I think you forgot a recipe. The.fruit.tea?"

"oops, Sorry! I thought I was forgetting something!"

"Well, I'm not trying to put you on the spot, but I'm sitting in the parking lot at Publix and I need it now."

haha!! So, for the others that wanted it . . .

Fruit tea {makes a gallon}

6 tea bags
1 can of frozen orange juice concentrate
1 can of frozen lemonade concentrate
2 cups of sugar

brew the tea. add the both juice concentrates. fill the rest of the way with water. stir in sugar! add lemon and orange slices for some cuteness!

I made this one time before and thought it tasted gross. But I made it and then served it. This time, I made it the night before and let it chill in the fridge over night!! It was awesome. Much, much better than the time before!!!

I've been so busy lately - actually busier than normal. Lawson started his physical therapy this week, we all had haircuts {which I would rather someone just cut me than take a few of my kids for haircuts!} and Emsley had her one year doctors appointment {which she is up to 17 lbs and 12 oz} just to name a few things!

I also learned that where we go for all our therapies will no longer be offering speech therapy. BUT then I was told that where our therapist is going accepts our insurance. The next day, I was told they didn't {figures - we got some crappy insurance!} The day after that, I found out they did {I have no idea what changed!} I was sweating it out though. My therapist informed me that if it wouldn't have worked out, she would have come to our house for free . . . . she has that much love for my kids! Is that not the craziest thing you have heard!? Really? I started crying when I finally got to my van {and got all my kids loaded up!} What a relief to know that people car for my kids THAT much! But the good news with the new place we are going to for speech actually comes to MY HOUSE. Did you read that - MY HOUSE. They come to MY HOUSE and therapitize my kids . . . at MY HOUSE! Do you all know that is about 5+ hours of my week that will now be at MY HOUSE!! I'm soooo excited - we will still go to the other place for Lawson's and Hudson's OT and PT - but that is only 4 hours a week {plus the drive time!}

I have to admit that is an answer to an unspoken prayer. The load that {I'm sure} was just lifted! Once summer starts and we are no longer in Mom's Day Out or Preschool - I really won't have to leave my house as much!!!

I'm afraid that some art might be coming to some people before I even post a picture!! That would be a shame!!! But here is a sneaky peeky. I have to admit that I love a "G" {I know that I've said that before!} And that is why I chose this specific "spot" to highlight in the peek.


I'll be back tomorrow - because like I said, I have art to post!! Which I guess I could have done that today . . . . but what is the fun in that!? And I know you all love to see all the peekies first - so I might as well keep it up!

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

It is hard to believe - One year ago today I had Emsley! I've not gotten all of her pics, but will shortly! How funny is this baby?? You know how I love posting her funny expressions! How she loves the camera!!

Okay for all those wanting these recipes! I'm getting some hate mail because I'm not posting fast enough!!

Chicken Salad

{Let me preface with this is a guess as to the measurements - I kinda went by these?!}

• 2 cups chicken, cooked, cubed
• 3/4 cup celery, sliced
• 3/4 cup seedless grapes, green, sliced
• 3/4 cup fresh peeled and cubed peaches
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• seasoning salt, to taste
  

In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, grapes, and peaches; toss gently. Mix mayonnaise and sour cream together and pour over the salad. Add seasoning salt and mix gently. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Kim's Potato Salad {I'm sharing my secret recipe!}

{I need to preface this with - if anyone is going somewhere you have to "bring a dish" and you know I'm going to be there - DON'T YOU DARE bring my Potato Salad . . . . Because it is the ONLY thing I know how to "really" make and I always take it! Okay?}

5lbs. red potatoes
4 celery ribs, sliced
1 bunch green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons of dill weed
2 teaspoons of salt
2 cups of mayonnaise
1 bottle of cucumber ranch salad dressing {16 ounce bottle}

Place potatoes in a large "kettle"{I guess that is what you call it?} - cover with water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes {or until tender.} Drain and cool {cooling will take some time - I always put them in the fridge!} Cut potatoes into small cubes.

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, celery, onions, dill and salt. In a smaller bowl, whisk may and salad dressing until blended. Pour over potato mix and stir gently to coat. Cover; Refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving! This recipe makes a bunch! And I have NO IDEA how much - it just always gets eaten!

Was there another recipe I was suppose to post??? I don't remember!

I believe . . .

I believe - Everyone had a great time at the party! I will post some pictures in the next couple of days. Krista came and took a bunch!! As soon as I can get my hand on them - you will SEE them! Promise!


I can't believe - that I never went to bed the night before preparing for all the food! That's right folks, I stayed up the entire night working on the spread!

I believe I make the BEST potato salad in the world {can I get an Amen! - you know who you are!} This stuff is so good, that if you put it on top of your head - your tongue would smack your face silly trying to get to it!

I can't believe that one of my besties drove 300 miles to come to the party! And her MOM came too!! Thanks guys! I'll see you again in two weeks!

Jennifer's candid shot as she says, "I'm not looking at the camera - you'll just have to get one of those candids of me - sorry."

I believe her twin sister would have been here if she had not paid some {ridiculous} amount of money for cheerleading that her daughter wanted to do this year! Last year, right?

I can't believe I let Carson wear eyeliner on his face the.entire.birthday.party! That's right - eyeliner! He says every time he sees me in the bathroom "my turn" as he opens up my make-up drawer. His favorite color is pink, also. Yes, I'm somewhat concerned.


I can believe that this boy has an obsession with numbers like no one has ever seen! {Except maybe my friend Courtney! Haha - her kid was a calculator for Halloween because of his obsession!} Here he was saying, "two . . . colon . . . twelve." I taught him the colon thing because he kept saying "circle, circle" - amazingly, I do try to correct my kids!

Lawson at his school's spring art show.

I can't believe I had to go back to the hospital with this sick boy yesterday as soon as the party was over! And yes, it's back - the nephrotic syndrome - minimal change disease. We are back on steroids - last Tuesday was our last day. Apparently, he wasn't ready to get off of them. Even though he showed no trace of the disease. We really thought he was in remission. My sign that something was wrong was his swollen eyes. See them! He looks pitiful. And no, we can't keep clothes on him! This was during the party! He kept taking his shirt off?


I believe these two little people had a fun time at their school program and art show. They actually sat on the stage as all the adults in the audience performed for them. {You know, when the teachers/adults are trying desperately to get the kids to do what they {the kids} are "suppose" to be doing? But the adults are the only ones doing it??} Seriously, something like eighteen 2 year olds - you normally only have 1 that sings {very loudly} and maybe 2 that barely do the hand motions! Needless to say - my kids did neither! Lawson loved the fact that he could see the giant TV screens on the stage, while Carson was really mesmerized by such a large group of people.


I can't believe that I found Lawson on my counter taking a bite out of every single strawberry in the box and then putting each back! This is what we woke up to this morning. And don't worry, we changed that diaper as soon as we got him off the counter! Looks like he might have some junk in his trunk - just a little saggy!

Culprit!

I believe that I put off doing a shower gift till the last stinkin' minute {again} - to actually finish it in record time only to be told that the girl who was suppose to have taken it had a sick child and didn't go to the shower. {This was a gift I was giving by the way! Anyone remember this post? That should explain it!} The shower was a state a way and at the same time as Em's birthday party. So, I obviously couldn't go! But I was trying to actually have a gift there. My gifts always come late - always.


Dang, I wish I had shipped it - it turned out so cute and I wish she could have opened it at her shower!! Sorry Shannon, I will ship her as soon as I get her back!


I can't believe how much work I have - so I need to get on it! Thanks to everyone for your prayers for Hudson. It was a much better experience this time at the hospital! And for all those wondering about the topsy-turvy cake - I DID NOT make it! I can't bake anything edible. That is my friend Rachel!

HI-HO Hi-HO, it's off to work I go!

afterwards . . .

The party was fun - I'll post pictures later.

I'm now on my way to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital with Hudson - the nephrotic syndrome seems to be back.

Almost party time!

Yes, this is Em's cake! How freakin' cute is it!? It amazes me how much time these parties consume. Too bad she won't remember a thing!

Talking about stretching it out!

Making you wait! I'm sorry - like normal, it was a hectic day and I'm just sitting down to post! I thought I might show you the bedding first! Pottery Barn - don't you love it? I sure do!


I should have prefaced this with Laura came to me in August {yes, August!} - that is how long I've been working on this! Okay - not really "working" on them, but the wheels have been turning for these that long! You see, Laura's husband, Geoff, is in Iraq {how I love military people!} And she wasn't really worried about getting them till he was home!

Folks, he is coming home!!


What was so fun about this painting, is Laura took pictures of the bedding and matched up paint chips to the colors in the bedding. She then mailed it all to me! I'm trying to show you some of the flowers in the bedding that I painted {see above and look below!}


As I said in one of the posts before, this was her fav-O-rite flower. I have to agree it was mine,
too! And because I know she is only looking at pictures - I'm not going to talk between many of them!












And because I really don't remember a time when I didn't add polka-dots of some sort to a canvas . . . .


I added a few in a metallic paint in the one corner of the big canvas!

Pure torture . . .

NO - I didn't finish! But close . . . . . . .


YES, I feel much better!

Something different!!!

Yes, for all those wondering, I still don't feel well. And apparently, some of my kids have the funk, too! Carson threw up AND had a runny diaper sometime last night - I say "sometime" because I didn't find it till today!!! That's right - he puked in his bed sometime in the night and rolled over and went back to sleep! Now, I was up till about 2 am painting and NEVER heard a thing! I'm a light sleeper {since I've had kids} and I would have woke up if I heard anything. Weird! And gross!

I'm afraid I'm going to have to go to the doctor for some medicine. My teeth hurt!! In a bad way. If it's not a sinus infection, I have about 6 abscessed teeth! That just sounds nasty {I'm sure it is only a sinus infection - God help me if I need a root canal!} Wait, I should say, "God help my dentist!" I think he would much rather put a plastic bag over my head than do something that extreme to my teeth.

Someone I know, has been waiting a long time to see a sneak of her painting! If I have to stay up all night, my goal is to finish this painting! AND get it out of here for her BIRTHDAY tomorrow!


This is her favorite flower in the bedding. Or at least it's suppose to "look" like her favorite flower in the bedding! I'll post pictures of it all soon! {I hope tomorrow!}

And I actually recruited a friend to make that solo curtain I needed for the boys' room! I gave her everything she needed today - so maybe soon I'll finally have treatments on all the windows in that room! An absolute miracle!!

Okay - everybody pray that I finish the above canvases {all 3 of them!} I NEED to ship them tomorrow!! {And a few others, too!}

Sickies . . .

I say sickies! I have 4 kids in this house and who do you think is sick?? Why, that would be me and Lonnie! He is puking and other stuff that goes along with that type of sickness. I on the other hand have a horrific head cold. Thanks Tennessee weather! It has went from 10 degrees to 80 degrees in a week! Yesterday was 78 - today's high is suppose to be around 51. It gets me everytime! When I say I'm sensitive to the weather change I mean it! THAT is one reason I find it difficult to vacation. I have to choose very specific times to leave the state or I will be sick the entire trip. Retarded - I know - but true!

I want to let some of you guys know where you are at on the list. BECAUSE I know a few of you are waiting . . . . so here is the rundown -

*Finishing up -
LCG {which I'm still intimidated by!}

*In the middle of -
Maddie Grace and Molly Hope
Grace's birds
4 sets of Fa la la's {don't ask - I'll explain later!}

*About to start -
Sutton {expect my email today! I've got questions!}

*The "J" funny bones, "Y" classic and the "daisy" in yesterday's post have been shipped. Email me if you haven't received your tracking number.

*I've just started answering yesterday's emails - so just wait for me! I was asleep before my kids were last night!

*I just realized I didn't get back to someone collecting donations for a fellow blogger!

*I canceled therapies today {because I feel that bad!}

And because I can't leave a post pictureless {is that a word? My computer says "NO" - who cares you know, what I mean}. . .

{I did say something about birds in this post - didn't I?}

I have a few sneaks I can give - but I really don't think I can work photoshop right now! This was a picture that was ready for a post! Sorry guys - tomorrow!

Daisy . . .

**edited**

**the bedding is called Tadpoles (design is Geisha). Just google "Tadpoles Geisha" and a ton of places will pop up. Everywhere from Target to Overstock.com has the bedding!**

Ta-dahhh! Another one complete! And on her way home! "Daisy" is such a cute name. I'm thinking of a cute baby when I hear that name!


This bedding looks fun, too! I would love to see it in person!

I was told the walls are a light shade of pink on top and white on the bottom with a chair rail in between!


I actually painted the background pink {originally} - but quickly changed my mind once I got started. The white just made the colors stand out! And with the walls pink . . . . and I don't know the exact color . . . . . I didn't want to take the chance of some awkward clashing thing going on!


The painting is a gift - I really hope I find out how it goes over at the shower {Cathy, did you hear that?} Good {or bad - I really hope not!} I like to hear about the initial reaction! And pictures are good, too. You know, just in case you have the camera out and are taking pictures . . . .


I love all the colors - I personally, cannot keep a tight color palette. So, I'm happy to see others who don't either! Don't get me wrong, I love going into someone's home and they have 2 {maybe 3 colors} and have stuck with it throughout their house - It has never happened for me. I like color and a lot of it!


Well, it's Tuesday - the busiest day of the week. Except Hudson's OT therapist is sick and they canceled his appointment. I love her and hate that she is sick - BUT I'm so glad she isn't working today! I've got a horrific head cold and I would much rather this be a light and easy day! That just relieved me of about 3+ hours of craziness {that includes the drive time, eating in the car, the appointment, blah, blah, blah!}

Maybe, just maybe, I can get some more work done today!!!

A very important date . . .

I've got a few paintings going out tomorrow! Woo! I actually painted like a mad woman this weekend and it was great! I do plan on doing some more posts soon that continues my "1st ever painting" post {I still can't believe I showed it to you all!} but I have so much going on that I thought I would just wait.

I do have some sneaky peeks that I need to share!


I love red and pink together! {How many times have I said that on this blog?}


Here is a little bit more to ponder about! Womble - don't get excited just yet! 'Cause it's not yours!! I admittedly have been pushing the limits lately. I know it's because I have my plate full - but HEY, I do work best under pressure. Always have. I've had so many orders that have a time table - because of showers, birthday parties or husbands coming home from deployment!

Some paintings I sit on a little longer than others, because I'm trying to desperately work out all the details in my head and on paper. I really want each painting to be perfect. Yes, I do stress over almost every single one of them. But THAT is what I do. THAT is how I work. I really hope it doesn't stress my people out. You know, when you have to wait for the painting. And then when I'm through painting, I have to package that baby up! Now, that takes some serious time! And if you have received one of my packages - YOU know I dedicate the time on that!

Of course the next few weeks is the deadline to so many paintings that I have! And I do mean soooo many. So, I should be posting quite a few on here. So, after this mad rush - I plan to do a post on "frequently asked questions" and some other interesting business related topics. Such as the difference between inspiration and templates.

Not only am I slaving, I'm planning a very special something myself . . . .


Can anyone guess?? That's right, baby girl is turning 1. Where has the time gone? I know I still need to post about Carson's and Lawson's pirate themed 2nd birthday party - and I will - eventually! {But surely to Pete,} I will blog about Em's tea party {Mad Hatter style} - as we all know, I love girlie stuff . . . . but not in a smocked kinda way.

So, in the crazy commotion - we are trying to wrap up some last "little" projects here around the house. You know, such as the BEDS . . .


That's right my peeps - my boys are STILL sleeping on the mattresses on the floor {trailer-trash style!} We did get ONE coat of stain on - BUT we have 2 more to go + poly! This has been the longest, drawn out project of all time!! On a retarded level! The hang up has been the stain color that we originally used on Hudson's bed! Because some joker didn't write it down {that would be my husband!} Now, I was pretty sure what the combination was . . . . but wasn't 100% sure. And we are going with it - after much debate!

Since we are on this kick about their room, I've got to make this 3rd curtain!!


At our old house, Hudson's room only had 2 windows. Here, we have 3! So, for the past year and a half - I've been missing a curtain! Sad part - it should only take me an hour {tops} to make it! But I just haven't the time! My poor sewing machine hasn't been out in soooo long that it probably will need servicing before it will even work!

Once we get the beds in there, we will see if there is room for the big red shelf that was originally in Hudson's room. Here is a smidge of it in my studio/office space. . .


Yeah, that is one of my half-naked boys trashing out my room! Gets on my nerves - that is why I would much rather give them back the shelf. They need it for all the toys/junk they have!


And for those who have been to my house . . . I did it! I finally hung up the lamps! I've had these things forever and have wanted to put them in the boys' room! Well, we did this weekend! You like that frog birdhouse, don't ya'? I'll show you more of that corner later!

And a finished piece of art from a peek the other day!


Okay, it's 1:30 in the morning and I'm soooo tired. Got.to.go.to.bed.