Never have I seen one like this . . .

The other day, the bottom fell out of it. We even got some hail. And as soon as it blew in, it blew out! The sun was so bright on the front of our house, it was blinding. But you could still see the tail end of the storm as it was leaving at the back of our house. The first thing I thought of was a rainbow. I told the kids to look out back, surely it would appear soon.

And did it ever!


And the longer we stared at it, the brighter it got. I had never seen one so bright - EVER! And then on closer inspection, I realized that we could see the FULL rainbow!


At the most, I've seen about 3 quarters of a rainbow - BUT this one, was basically the whole thing! The only part we didn't see is the very end. And that was only because the trees were in the way. In the past, rainbows just seem to fade into the sky. Not this one. It was as bright and shaped just like the ones I drew as a little girl.

And it was soooo close to our house! I've never seen one this close up either. The end, was in the field behind our house!


It was literally behind that row of tree and brush.


What a wonderful reminder.

Only in Tennessee . . .

****edited at bottom****


. . . . would someone build a castle.

and actually live in it!!!!

Since Carson is obsessed with castles, he was yelling, "that's my home!"

haha!

*** after a few comments - it seems it's not just Tennessee! You guys are cracking me up! {Check the comments} there is a castle for sale!

A New Wheeler in Town . . .

I can't believe I'm even typing this . . . really, I can't.

This is when I feel like we should be labeled as "Suckers" while my husband swears it should be considered "Good Will."

Do you remember forever ago when I made some funny comment about thinking of getting my dog a dog?? Some of you won't because you are new to me and my blog, but I know some of you will. Especially several who know me in real life.

And for those who know me in real life, these is going to come as a shock because I was embarrassed to tell anyone this . . . .

but we got a new dog.


Meet Dusty. Who really sat and cocked his head into this pose when I pulled out the camera!

Lonnie just got home from Kentucky where Dusty was currently living.

His real name is Paytons Bragger. But he is called Dusty for short.

Do I like the name Dusty? No. But we'll worry with that later.

Let me explain. This little guy needed a home. That is why I say we are suckers and my husband says it is good will. As most of my real life friends know, every dog {except for our sheltie, Tiddles} have all been strays. I swear, it is as if we have a neon sign hanging above our house. All strays show up on our door step! Now, since we moved into this neighborhood, we haven't quite had the problem. {This area is a "step up" if you know what I mean.} Now, I say quite, because a shih tzu did stay here over night one time, but we found the owners the next day.

This dog, "Dusty," was born out of a line of champions in hopes of being a champion. Well, as of his first birthday {November 29th,} he is well over the champion height. The breeder knew that we had shelties in the past and asked if that was still our breed of choice {which, YES, it is!} She said she wasn't in the "business of raising" dogs - she was in the business of "champions." She really just wanted to find him a good home . . . . for FREE!!!

Since she was positive this was going to be her next champion, he has been training this whole year for it. And let me tell you - this joker is well behaved!!! Tiddles is a good dog - but this one is way better in the behavior department {just not quite as cute as Tiddles if you want to know the truth - haha!}

Dusty

He does have a little issue with his eye - an infection that has cleared up, but has caused a little haze. We have been told that it too will clear up over time. But if it doesn't - really who cares! He can see out of it and we are not into glam shots around here {unless your name was Frenchie . . . .}

Frenchie

Okay - so I had a really sick obsession with this dog. She was before kids and we all know how we treat our dogs before the babies start coming along. {And for the record, I miss this dog so much. I swear if I believed in reincarnation, she was once the nicest little old lady that everyone would have wanted for a grandma!} For those who know her, tell me that isn't so!!! I should probably start a facebook page for her or something {just kidding!!!!!}

Tiddles

So, Tiddles has a new brother - currently named "Dusty" {have I said that I don't like that name??} Suggestions would be fantastic! Do leave me some in the comments!

Too bad Tiddles hasn't met him yet! Lonnie has went to pick her up from getting her do done. She will be elated, I'm sure! That is one dog loving dog!! I'll let you know how their first meeting turns out!

Which will be in a few short minutes!

oh.my.word!

So, it is in the middle of the night {actually about 3 am} and I'm perusing Craigs List.

What?

Don't you?

Well, if you don't you are really missing out! Now, I've found some great stuff for great prices. Things that I'm surprised don't have a higher price tag. And I LOVE {of course} when I find something that will work for me for a price I can afford!

But what really amazes me how much some people think their 'junk' is worth!? Now, I know that one man's junk is another man's treasure. BUT come on! I do think there is a time when junk is just, . . . well, . . . JUNK!

The best find of the night had to be this listing . . . .

10 candles, 2 dark wall sconces, one 3 candle brass holder, two pewter candle holders, antique table mirrior, 8x10 picture frame, black leather picture album never used, 8 inch mother mary statue, one wood bowl, one asian design dark metal pot with lid, one wood pen holder. two black and white photos in blk frames, one coaster with changable picture cover, 2 yrds red material-behind 8x10 pic frame- two blk roses with wight wings and heart, porcelin doll, one heart and key ornament, smal round table. asking 100

3 panel asian shade 30$, two panel red double lined micro suede curtains- no lights comin threw these babies!- 40$ pr, burgundy lrg couch cover 80$, two lamps 15 pc, or asking 120 for all 5 items

or 200 for all!


cherry desk not included)

Lonnie and I just sat here and stared - trying to make heads or tails of the picture. BECAUSE it looks like some kind of shrine! Then we started laughing hysterically! We are assuming the table was set up for the picture to use in the listing - but then again, they might display it like this on a regular basis! Who knows!?

My favorite part is the USED candles!! I notice they left that out of the description.

Lonnie's favorite part was how the "cherry desk not included)" was added at the bottom!

Now, seriously - if anyone is interested {and live in the Nashville area - or they might ship!} . . . let me know! I'll email you the link and the phone number that was attached! {Anyone in the market for some black roses with "wight" wings and heart?? haha!!!}

{Later today, I'll post my big-O-screw-up post! Because - you know, I like to tell the world when I make a mistake!} {Okay - not really - but this blog is about the good and the bad!} {and how I fall way short from perfect!} {and let me just add one more of these {} for good measure.}


btw - the spell checker went crazy on this post! And I left them the way they were! tee hee

Hey , . . .

Didn't I just blog about this?!? Get ready for a crack up!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Another rainy day!

It is sooo wet here. We actually have some areas that have started to flood. I've lived in this town the majority of my life and I don't ever remember it flooding like this?? We'll be turning into ducks soon.

BUT our grass is really green?!?!

Some really sad news for today {although I doubt it will hurt you as much as it did me!} The chest that I bought for Em's room - well, I didn't get it. The jokers that had it listed on Craig's List thought it was me that picked it up last night?? I still have not figured out how it happened other than maybe the other people called yesterday AFTER I emailed {b/c they had their number listed on the listing} and they got the directions and just picked it up.

**{sniff}**

It probably was stinky or something. Like, pirate stinky?! And I wouldn't have been able to get the smell out and all of Em's clothes would stink because it would absorb the pirate smell. And then she would be a cute and a stinky little girl . . . . and I really wouldn't want that. So, it happened for a good reason! I didn't need a chest of drawers that smelled like a pirate. {still sad though!}

But - as promised, I have more art to show!! It took me forever to find a great picture online of this bedding. Everytime I would click on a pic . . . it was super tiny! I can't work like that! BUT alas, in my google search, I found a blog that had some incredible pictures!!! This girl made my heart sing when I saw what all she had for me to go by!! I've totally lifted some of them . . . . and left her a note that I did . . . . so they might disappear if she asks me to take them off!

This is sweet baby bedding. I mean, who doesn't love some argyle?

The bedding is by Wendy Bellissimo called Argyle.

picture courtesy of The Southern Belle Baby

Here is a better close-up of it . . . so soft! And light!


I've learned to go a little bolder with the colors on the art {rather than lighter.} I did distress this one a bit!

picture courtesy of The Southern Belle Baby

The navy adds a perfect contrast!


The "kipton" has already found it's home since it was shipped off many, many days ago! It got there just in time for the baby shower! I was emailed immediately and told it was "perfect" and apparently, it made it on the wall before the party was over! {thanks for letting me know! I was tickled pink!}

I have to tell you guys that this is the first time I've ever done the diamond pattern {I did this painting before I did the one in yesterday's post!} SINCE my very first EVER painting! You know, the one that has Hudson's name on it?! If you are new to the blog and have no idea what I'm talking about, considered yourself LUCKY! It's heinous! There is a post about it somewhere on the blog . . . but I'm not looking for it to link to it! Only because it is that bad!!!

Well, I'm off to the hospital - my friend Rachel had baby number 4, lil' Eli! I'm officially NOT the only one with 4 kids in our group of friends! Like me, this is her last as well. I've been waiting very {un}patient for HIS arrival. That silly girl DID NOT find out the sex?! These 9 months have just about killed me not knowing - I seriously didn't think I was going to survive! But I did. I'm here to talk about it. Whew - I'm glad she isn't having anymore if this is what she would do each time!!!! {I'm kidding!}

After the hospital, I have to help my other friend {who also is named Rachel} cater a wedding.

That is suppose to be outside.

Next to the river.

If it rains, they really don't have a back-up plan {?} we are told.



Hey, did I tell you it has been raining for days and a LOT of areas are flooded around here??

I'll be sure to blog about this one. I have a feeling it will be blog worthy.

I've got one question . . . .

****edited - so this video no longer works!

try this link . . .


After the whole Kanye West thing and the VMAs, I had to see what the big deal was about Beyonce's video. I couldn't find a video that I could post, but she practically does the same moves on stage at the awards show.



So, I ask . . . how does a person MOVE LIKE THAT?!?!? Seriously people!? I didn't know that was possible!!!


My kids want to know too!? These three froze to watch the video - mesmerizing obviously! You ask where the 4th one is?? Lawson was dancing! And singing the "uh-uh-oh, uh-uh-oh, . . . ."'s. When I tried to take his picture, he would stop. ???

I could NOT help myself . . . .

**edited - this is NOT my kid! haha

I had to post this. For those that have already seen it - sorry!

Please take note of the BOY'S dance moves for "low, low, low, low . . .," "looking at her" and my absolute favorite "big booty a smack!"

An awesome combination of "real" dance moves and a fish out of water.



okay - now watch it again. I promise you it will be funnier!

IV

Check out this fabric! The wider stripes have an iridescent finish {which I love so much I can't stand myself!} And the darker fabric is a rich and deep brown color which compliments the houndstooth perfectly.


I finished this one just in time to get pictures with a setting sun. Every picture I took in the house was horrible and the color was way off! So, I ran outside and took pictures on my front porch - on my vintage glider {to be specific - the black one that has chippy paint and kelly green shows through the chips - oh, it's perfect! And the fact that my Papa gave it to me!}


I originally was going with a solid blue background {it's actually a robin's egg blue} - but the more I painted, the more it needed more. Sometimes simple is just too plain.


Now, I'm giving you all these angles to show you something. See it? Behind the "G" - you've got to look hard! My camera just really didn't catch it {which I'm shocked - most times I use any metallic paint, it stands out like a sore thumb in pictures!!!} But I've never bragged about these picture taking skills - so what can I say?! It is the background paint with an added shimmer.


It is a "IV" - because he is the fourth! I was asked to paint it like a watermark. I tried it at different sizes - incredibly big to incredibly small - and this size was perfect. It is there - but doesn't take anything away from the monogram! The "watermark" idea was genius! I mean, it is part of his name - but it's not jumping out at ya' painted this way!


Is it just me, or is this the best symmetrical monogram ever? I'm totally serious! The same "round" letter on both sides - another "round" letter in the center. Incredibly symmetrical! My kids have "lopsided" monograms HWW and CWT - Lawson's is not so bad LWT - and well, to be quite honest, I thought about that with Em so hers rocks in a script{!!!} EWG {I can't believe I just admitted that!} This is the second boy monogram in the past month or so and I've done a girl one as well.

On another note . . .

I've told you all how Carson is obsessed with Shrek - right?! Well, he has 2 of these Shrek dolls. But only one is apparently "good" enough to play with - the other one gets slung to the other side of the room if he is slipped in as the "good" Shrek. Trust me - I have no idea and if my kid could communicate with me, it would be the first thing I'd ask him! Even in the dark people! Sunday night he was tore up because Shrek wasn't in bed with him. I saw the "bad" Shrek {although I had no idea it was "bad" Shrek} before I had turned out the lights. So, I felt around {in the dark} till I found him. I then handed him over and Carson says, "No Moddy, Shrek." Let me translate "No Mommy, that is bad Shrek - I want the good Shrek." Even in the dark . . .

Okay, well today after lunch, we went upstairs for our usual book reading time and then {thank GOD} naptime. I left all the lunch mess on the table and knew I would tackle that chore after everyone was asleep. Once I got all the kids in bed, I got the usual Shrek chant from Carson. I had just seen him somewhere downstairs. So, here I go - on an ogre hunt. Guess who was hanging out on the table??


I'm not freakin' kidding you when I say he had that ham hanging out of his mouth!!! Now, either one of my kids stuck ham in his mouth - or that freakin' doll was sitting on my table eating ham while I was upstairs reading stories to my kids! I'm a little freaked out right now!!! And unfortunately, Carson's got the WORSE speech delay ever and can't tell me if he stuck the freakin' ham in Shrek's mouth!!! What's worse, that doll is currently sleeping with my kid!! Somebody tell me that dolls don't come alive!!! I've seen the movies!! Luck for me, my camera was sitting on the counter. It took me few minutes to get myself together to even take the picture!!!

AND I can't believe that {probably} the best "professional" looking picture that I've ever took was of Shrek - with ham hanging out of his mouth!?!?!?!?!?!

I can't believe I'm going to admit this!

*Miley Cyrus - "The Climb" is currently one of my favorite songs.

*I haven't had polish on my toes since the summer I found out I was pregnant with Hudson . . . In 2004!

*My favorite food {that I can't seem to get enough of} is a Junior Frito Chili Cheese Wrap at Sonic . . . . just typing it out makes me want one.

*And I'm NOT going to admit what I ask them to add to my Sprite when I'm at Sonic . . . . trust me, you don't want to know. It gives a whole new meaning to a suicide!

*One of my simple pleasures is squeezing ketch-up {from the packet} on each, individual french fry as I eat them one by one.

*I was one of those jokers that stayed up all night long on Monday night {into Tuesday morning} hitting refresh on the April Rose is fake blog! Yes, that's me - one of those!!! One of those that couldn't help myself {definitely like the train wreck explanation} as I read through the "forum" of sorts as these people dug up as much stuff as they could on "B" chick.

Advice people - when someone says they are not asking for donations, that they have a good stable job, they don't need money, etc . . . . believe them!!!! Who in their right mind sent home-girl money?!?!? Not me! She said she didn't want or need anything but prayer - {and obviously she needed that more than we could have ever imagined!!} that is all she should have gotten from any reader.

I'm in disbelief that it was a hoax. But more so on these people who posted "B"'s address and phone numbers on these public blogs. WoW! Or how about the folks that feel like they need more explanations . . . . uhmmmm, home girl is crazy!? What more do you need!? Seriously people. My favorite is the comment I read from a girl that said something to the effect of she wasn't taking responsibility for all this! The "big bloggers" should. If it wasn't for them she would have "never looked at that blog!" Hahaha - are you serious!?

It amazes me how many people fell into the "trap" - I sure did. I felt so bad for this girl. And for that baby!? BUT do you know how thankful I felt when I finally read that someone talked to a friend of the family and there was never a baby!? I think that was what I really wanted to know - was she even pregnant? I'm insensitive to it now.

Lifetime movie?? Probably. One extreme Weird-O?? Definitely.

Anyhoodle - since the Monday night "thing" I have not gotten my butt in gear! How does a normal day watching my wild kids not wear me out like a night of hitting refresh and some occasional typing?? Can something sound more backwards? I have several pieces of art to show - stuff that I completed last week . . . because I'm lacking any completed pieces so far this week!!

I've done one similar to this one before - but some of the colors were flipped. The dots have a lot of metallic paint in them so you see some reflection in the end circles.


The walls are a light shade of blue. Lighter than the sides. And there is a small bit of green at the top towards the ceiling. Isn't that a really cool name?? Beckham - I really like that. {Too bad we aren't having anymore babies!}


I stitched chocolate ribbon between the 2 stripes to add a little extra and to pull the brown together from the name.


I know, I know you want to hear about the twin story - I should have been working on it instead of hitting refresh Monday night!!! ha

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!!!!

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.

Oh MY, good Lord!

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

REALLY!