2009 Recap . . .

What a year it was!

It was a year that alot of babies were born. {And I do mean alot!}


Throughout the year, I received alot of pictures of babies with their paintings {can't thank you enough!}


This year also provided me a few more professional shots on my website. {Just makes the home page that much better!}


2009 was the year that many small words canvases were given as gifts for birthdays . . .

and as gifts at baby showers . . .

This was the year that many families celebrated joyous reunions {and just happened to really want a set of canvases to remind them of the happy occasion!}

All through the year, I did enjoy opening up emails to see pictures of small words canvases hanging on the walls over cribs, . . .

over many changing tables, . . .

over some incredibly, cute, decorative tables, . . .


and over {my fav-O-rite kind} cutie, children's tables!

And the absolute best EVER thing about 2009 . . .

all of you that sent me emails and small notes expressing what kind of inspiration you got from the blog! The boundaries you stepped over and the goals you reached left me speechless!

I did NOT paint these canvases{in the picture above or below,} but aren't they fantastic! They told me "thank you" for the inspiration! Crazy ladies - I need to thank YOU! That is my inspiration!

Bless each and everyone of your pea picking hearts! Looking forward to 2010!

Of all times . . .

for my kids to get sick! Three of them started puking at the same time on Monday morning. It was one of those days I knew I could not have done it by myself. The chaos was so crazy that Lonnie had to stay home from work. Once everybody got it out of their systems, everything seemed okay . . . . then it started . . . . the pooping! Way messier than the puke! I've washed sheets on each bed 4 times in the past 2 days! Needless to say, I was wiped out last night - and unfortunately fell asleep when the kids did. Normally I automatically wake up at 4 {if not earlier,} but not this time . . . . I just got up at 6:30! Talking about late! And the ONLY reason I woke up is because a little person came down stairs asking me to do what??? To change his stinky! And to beat that - it looks like we have a horrible diaper rash - so bad that he is screaming when I put on the Happy Hiney prescription and Aquaphor! I feel so bad for this little guy - you know he is in some pain.

But I'm trudging on - trying desperately to get more orders filled. I'm already exhausted. and it is on December 2nd. I have to really roll out some canvases the next 2 weeks to hit my personal deadline! I really don't have a ton left that want them before Christmas . . . . but I still have quite a few. At the same time, I really want to be better with the blog. I also need to finish up my shopping {which is not much!} And I also have to wrap gifts, attend 4 Christmas parties and I have a Christmas play to go to.

There is no real balance between a home business and family. Something gets neglected. I promise it is not my kids! But I'm trying to keep my fuse long so that I don't snap. I have so many of you that ask how I do it. I just do. I really don't keep a social calendar and I hope people are not offended when I turn them down when asked to do things. My husband and I don't go on real dates and we'll take quite time {just the two of us} in the living room any day over a night out.

I've said it a thousand times - I just really didn't expect small words to boom like it did. I was "hoping" this would happen about the time Em was in school - then I would have the day to "work." But it busted out much sooner than expected. I'm not complaining! I love it. And I still get excited each time I start a new order for someone. BUT wow! Who knew. I still can't believe it. And all because I picked up a paint brush to see what I could make for Hudson's room {almost} 5 years ago.

I can't thank you guys enough for the support, love and prayers. This has been one fun and crazy ride. And I hope to continue it for a very long time.

But enough about me . . . let's talk art!

Cocalo Ellie crib bedding

Cute bedding! Elephants are a big thing right now. I'm seeing them in alot of children's bedding - because you know, I see alot of bedding! haha!

Cocalo Ellie crib bedding

Pink and green - can't go wrong with this color combination in a girl's room.

Cocalo Ellie crib bedding

My favorite letter {because you know I always have one when I paint a name} is the "n" - this font is just awesome anyways - but that "n" just has a look about it I love!

Cocalo Ellie crib bedding

As most of you know - I normally don't match up the designs perfectly {normally not the stripes.}

Cocalo Ellie crib bedding

And I love it when {by design or accident - you be the judge} the ribbon matches this well!

Sorry for such a short description . . . my kids are calling me this morning. And I have to see what kinda damage was done throughout the night!!

And if you have emailed me - I will be getting to those today! Have a fantastic day - you deserve it!

Beef with Sherwin Williams and Porter brand paints . . .

*** This post as well as all my post fall in the "my opinion" category. Hence the reason the blog address is kimwheeler.blogspot.com. Since there are a ton of products out there to choose from, it's safe to say that each person can have an opinion about each one - positive or negative. If you don't agree with that or with me, that's okay. Really, it is.

by the way -

we did take the can to be shook up. And it was banana yellow after the shake.

I store my paint inside my house. With me. And my kids. Pretty sure that's a safe place to keep it.

I said the guy at the counter of Home Depot gave the poly knowledge - is he the paint god . . . I don't think so.

thanks - back to the post . . . .

I've made no secret how I have a strong dislike about these two brands of paint.

And I've figured out the cause!!!

But first you have to hear the story {Come ON . . . you didn't think I would have a story??}

I recently changed up window treatments in my kitchen. I went from a long curtain rod to treatments attached to a board. Amazingly enough . . . I actually dropped the curtains from the previous spot {I know, I know - everyone says to raise . . . but I wanted them all the same level and cabinets hindered the "higher is better" standard on one window - so they all are at the lower level!}

The previous rod left some undesirable holes in the wall. No biggie. Just fill them and touch up the paint! Well, we did that - we filled the holes, then touched up the paint. The same paint from the same bucket that was used to paint the kitchen just 2 years ago! Now, my kitchen is a gold color {Deep Pongee - a Porter Paint,} the color in that gallon was a banana yellow. And if I'm lying, I'm dying!

Did I think to take pictures? Uhmm, no! All I was thinking is how I was 8 shades of red, because I was one hacked off person! I HATE Porter Paint! This same thing has happened with us on Sherwin Williams. So, it's not just Porter!

It took me a few minutes to figure out what to do. Thankfully, one of my kids pushed over a chair and the top of the back went through the wall {the whole reason we were trying to patch up the walls!} My husband literally ripped that piece off the wall and went straight to Home Depot for a color match!! Oh, how I love Behr paint!!!! We took the chip so they could clarify that it was NOT satin {that we paid and extra $2,500 for} but was indeed eggshell {YUCK!} that we argued with the guy during our walk thru when we closed on our house {YES - our builder filed bankruptcy - one can only imagine why?!} and so that we could get a perfect match of the color. Due to 2 years and some fading, we were afraid the paint swatch we had from Porter would NOT match what was currently on the wall.

It worked - it matches perfectly!!!! And 2 years from now, when I want to patch up more spots - because I have 4 kids and that happens - that exact same small quart of paint will match - I positive!! By far the number ONE thing I learned when we renovated our last house!

Fortunately, my hubs thought to ask while at the paint counter about the more expensive paints and why they fade in color so bad. His explanation {which totally makes since,}

The expensive brands, such as Sherwin Williams and Porter, use alot of polyurethane in their paints. Over time, to include 2 days or 2 years, the paint and the poly separate. And it is impossible to mix it back together.

So, all you folks that have those left over gallons in your garage after they built your house - THROW THEM AWAY. They are taking up space and you won't like the color if you tried to use it.

My advice is to make sure you do have the color swatch saved somewhere. Unless of course you can rip a chunk of your wall off for color matching! Home Depot and Lowe's can color match just about anything. I've not found anything they haven't been able to so far. Behr is Home Depot's brand as Valspar is Lowe's.

Orders . . .

I will no longer be excepting orders for this year. I've debated to post this because I really thought I would see a slow down. But my inbox continues to overflow with them. I'm swamped. And delightfully happy because of it. I have quite a bit to keep me busy through the rest of the year and I thought it only fair that I let you all know that I cannot possible take on anymore till January. Please feel free to fill out an order form on the site, but know that I will not be able to get to the order till the first of 2010. {Unless of course, . . . I get caught up!}

The support, prayers, love and awesome comments you give are immeasurable and I appreciate them all in so many ways. With the push of my husband and some incredible friends, I'm going to do this and hope I don't run anyone off. I have Big Plans for Small Words that I'm hoping by stepping back a little will let me devote more time and energy. Of course I will continue to blog, but now {hopefully} I can get my head above the waters.


Thanks guys for understanding!

Time . . .

I never seem to have enough. I know I'm not the only one out there with this issue. When I started this business, I had 1 kid. Man, the things one can accomplish with just ONE!! I think I could have taking on the world. Now, I have 4. And I feel like the world has taking on me! It really amazes me when I run around here all day - laundry, meals, kids' time, paint, husband time - and I feel like I get nothing accomplished. Now, I know someone is feeling me!!

Here lately, I haven't really been able to blog - time is one reason. But there are a few others. My family blog was given up in October. So I've tried putting more pictures of my kids on this one. I guess I'm trying to prove the possibilities are endless! "Look I can make cute paintings and cute kids!" haha!!

At the first of the year, I went to "something" that had to do with blogging. Now, I'm not going to say in this post what it was, but I have mentioned it in previous posts. I never blogged about it but did intend to. I didn't really come up with a good post to not sound like a "downer" about it. I think it was a good "something" to attend for most bloggers - but wasn't quite what I was expecting - though I had no real expectations?! Okay, that was a total oxymoron! Whatever - just know that it wasn't for me and really put me in a bad spot with the blog. And since, I've not gotten into it lately.

The business has taken off like crazy. And when I could blog - I should paint instead! That is why it is almost 2 am and I'm blogging! I fell asleep around 9 and got back up around 12:30. Paint is currently drying so I thought I better jump on here now before you all thought I was dead! I never dreamed I would be where I'm at in such a short amount of time with this business!

Things are going to change around here. I will be doing up a post shortly telling you all of the changes. This week I got so frustrated with a current situation that I almost said forget it. You read that right. I almost shutdown the blog - the website - and emailed everyone and said I can't do it. Not anymore. I cried - felt sorry for myself - was probably even mean to my kids. I really think there are some folks out there that think I just "slap paint on canvas" {those are my words} but I don't. Each canvas is meticulously thought out and made for each person that orders it. Some art comes so naturally to me. Other pieces not so much. I get really frustrated when one of those pieces I'm hitting a brick wall with stands in the way of the other orders that are anxiously waiting. So, sometimes I have to move forward. Now, that brick wall piece is on my mind - heavily. I try to work on the details in my head constantly. I sketch them out - sometimes I will paint a tiny mock up - only to see I'm going in the wrong direction. But I will eventually get it right. But it takes time.

Oh, we are now back on time again. There has never been a time in my life when I had too much of it. NEVER. I've always been busy. Even at an incredibly young age. With each time consuming activity, I would try my best to perfect what ever it was that was eating away at my time. I felt {and strongly still do} "why waste your time on mediocrity?" I'm not saying be the best - but perfect your best. Growing up, my mom preached perfectionism although she was completely unaware of it. I know that I will never be perfect and I will make tons of mistakes {especially in her eyes.} But I still strive for it constantly in every area of my life. Parenting and Painting are the top 2 areas {currently} that I want to "perfect my best." Both are a huge a reflection of me and both I take very seriously. Lately, I noticed the stress of my business is squashing my parenting skills. Hudson's birthday was Tuesday. I didn't even have a birthday gift for him. That's right. NO GIFT. That is pathetic and I have no real excuse except for a brick walls. I'm so consumed with brick walls that I forgot to get my kid a gift on his birthday.


All I need to do now is look in the mirror and see my own mother. The one person I don't want to be. So consumed with the details of others' lives that I can't see the details of my own. I'm a stay at home mom so I won't miss the details. I just said the other day how "I'm so sick of hearing people say 'I'd die for my children!'!" Well, no kidding! Most every parent would say that {I did say most - for those who know my background!!} Well, I live for my kids. I take every single breath for them. And it will be that way until forever. But I forgot to get my kid a freakin' birthday gift!?


I say all this to say - things will be changing. A lot. No, I'm not closing shop - not hardly. After my tantrum, I realized how stupid I must look - because I felt like it. I know there is no true balance between parenting and working from home. Some weeks are going to be geared toward my kids and some towards art - I get it. I'll still focus on the details of each and every painting - I just won't consume myself with them and will set them to the side when I'm not "working". I'm sure I'm going to hit brick walls - BUT I'll be clear to the client when it happens. AND I will never slap paint on a canvas - ever.

No, he has on no clothes - can't keep them on him - he strips down to nothing but undies as soon as he gets home!

This thing is awesome!

For all those wondering - as soon as Lonnie got home, I did run to Toys R Us and got Hudson his gift - the one we had been planning on getting him. He loved it. I still missed his birthday supper - not that Hudson eats much - but I still missed it.

We do have a party planned for Hudson on Saturday - although I haven't prepared one thing - except order the cake. Seriously, I've become a huge slacker in the "cool mom" department!

Carson

Lawson - whom I've been getting some great eye contact with lately!!

What's up Colonel Sanders! As you can tell, Em takes her cake and ice cream VERY SERIOUSLY!

Changes coming soon because I can't miss anymore - not when I don't have to!

What a day . . .

It's 3 am - I'm tired, but I have too much to do so why go to bed. Right? I had a crazy day. Let me explain {you knew that was coming.}

After my last post, I checked facebook. I had a message. Remember this painting . . . .


Well, the name is spelled wrong. Unfortunately, that is the way I was told it was spelled. Unfortunately, it isn't spelled that way {now.} Unfortunately, I have no idea what I'm going to do. Unfortunately, . . . . well it's just unfortunate!

Let me also remind everyone, it's Tuesday . . . . my busiest day {I hate Tuesdays} - strong word, but I mean it! I get everyone dressed, fed and loaded in the car. Carson and Lawson get dropped off at Mom's Day Out. I left Hudson and Em in the van - I know, breaking the law . . . but it was cold and I really felt no need to get everyone out for a few second drop off! Fortunately, my friend Rachel always checks on the kids in the van when I do this {okay, so I do it often!} When I got back to the van, she asked me when Hudson learned to "flip a bird?" {smirky, smirky . . . I hear you all!} I have NO IDEA what she is talking about. She informs me Hudson not only flipped her off, but continued to flip everyone off that walked by our van! GREAT! I asked him what he was doing with his finger . . . and, well . . . he showed me. I honestly think that takes some kind of coordination - so good for him for being able to do it. But there is absolutely no need to flip folks off at the age of 3! Now, where in heaven's name did he learn such behavior?? School he says! I'm up that kid's butt so far that would have to be the only place I could think of! I'm with him every other place! And people, I have not used my middle finger since high school - towards my step-dad {every chance I got} and it usually followed some horrible words such as " . . .," . . . okay, never mind - I'm not going to say . . . but you get the picture! Because I was classy like that you see!

But anyhoodle, surely I nipped it in the bud!

Then I go get my car tags renewed - since they expired in March. Lucky for me, my husband is in the military so I don't have to pay wheel tax! My tags cost me 24 bucks and not the $76.50 it costs everyone else . . . UNTIL today! That's right - I had to pay the full price! Too bad I didn't budget that out! "Effective immediately - all active duty military personnel can only have 1 vehicle exempt from wheel tax . . ." {because the county is broke!!} Thanks Rutherford County - I know you appreciate my husbands loyal service to this country. It shows.

But it gets better . . . I go to pay. They don't accept my "banking institutions debit card" - I'm not kidding! So, I pull out my VISA - the one I've had since my 18th birthday. They don't except VISA. "What do you accept?" "Cash." "Who has cash?" "MasterCard, Discover and American Express." "Well, I'm sorry. I try to carry only one credit card with me at a time!" "Can you write a check??" "You accept a check and not VISA? That makes a lot of sense?" Let me add - with my kids in tow!

Basically my day is like this all.day.long. Finally at 4 pm I get my kids to Lawson's physical therapy. Since yesterday, they have added one of those automatic buttons that opens the door when you push it. My kids love buttons and especially one that opens doors. The waiting room was packed {I normally figure out the time to get in when it is empty.} And someone was sitting in "our spot" - which was obvious when Lawson tried to push her out of the seat!!! Let me say that it threw him off so bad that we couldn't do PT. I had not been home all day, None of my kids had a nap, I was tired, I was hungry. I was snapping at the kids. We just all needed to go home.

And it took the entire night to unwind! I completed my taxes. E-filed. We are officially rich. But soon I will get the check and we'll be poor again. Thank you God for 12 months same as cash - but unfortunately 12 months are here before we know it. We can finally pay off our fence that we paid a ridiculous amount of money for!!

And to celebrate - we are taking the kids to the aquarium tomorrow - in Atlanta! haha! That's right - we are passing an aquarium in Chattanooga to go all the way to Atlanta {3+ hours away} - yeah, I'm smoking crack and eating this . . .


So, all the emails I've not answered - I'll get to you tomorrow - on my ride down - I promise.

Motivation, Inspiration . . . . call it whatever you want!

Hey You! Yeah, You! I'm talking to You! Just you! It's You and me . . . just talking. Sorry it has taken me forever to get this post going. I really had to sit down and think about exactly what I wanted to say. Words with feeling. Real words about my real life. Not that I don't normally say real stuff about my real life, but this time I wanted You to come away with that "I can do that, too" feeling. I've needed some motivation myself lately. So, I thought this would be the best time as any to do this post.

I need to tell You that I always could draw. I won several little dinky things through the high school years for my art - BUT never in a million years did I EVER think I would be doing any kind of art for a living! I've said it a thousand times - I had NEVER picked up a paint brush. Okay, except for my Purdy that has cut many corners in every room at my old house! Talking about a love affair. If you ever paint walls - you have to use that brand brush! Growing up, my mom had several rentals. Once a tenant would move out, she would do all the clean up herself. When I became old enough, I helped. And we painted basically everytime someone moved out. We had only one Purdy and we would fight over it. Became a huge inside joke {memories like those is when I actually miss my mom - good thing there aren't many!} Lonnie made fun of me when I would only use that brand during the renovation of the old place. Of course he tried using it and was in love - he swears by them, too!

{sneaky peeky number 1}

okay, okay, . . . . back to the story at hand!

Painting. Painting came out of a need for necessity. Or at least I look at it that way. As most all my crafting has in the past. Folks I was broke growing up, broke on my own, broke through college, broke after college - there was a time we had a little money when we got married, but then kids came - let's just say I "thought" I knew what broke was - add 4 kids in the mix . . . and they all need to eat! I know I'm getting some "Amens" and a ton of you are feeling me. BROKE!

{sneaky peeky number 2}

When I got pregnant with Hudson, I knew I had to have his name painted on a canvas. It had to have a soft, baby blue, a spring green and fire engine red on it. I wanted a simple pattern. Nothing over the top. Basic. I had spent 3 months making all the bedding {I never took a picture - shoot me!} which was a huge accomplishment - several shades of greens, blues and reds. Frogs were on some of the fabric - and I'm talking about a cute frog, not a ghetto one! Looking back on it - I so wish I would have paid someone else to do it or just bought something from somewhere.

I actually still have the bedding and this is the skirt hanging in my closet! Anyone in the market for frog bedding?? I'm serious!?

But the whole room had to be perfect. It was my first child! Well, I couldn't find anyone that would do a custom piece for me. And I tried! I couldn't afford anything I found online. I love Drooz. Oh, how I love this woman! I would fall over from excitement if I ever met her {I doubt very seriously our paths would ever cross, but hey - we all have people we admire!} But her art was not in my budget {and would she even do a costume piece?? I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be in my budget!} This was before Etsy. Ebay was just Ebay {that would be a "no thank you very much".} I did find a local person {who I so hope would never come across my blog and read this!} She had a booth set up at a holiday market type thing. I paid her 50 bucks, gave her fabric swatches and a few weeks later I picked up "Hudson's new art" - I remember picking it up and thinking, "I've spent more money at Wal-mart and couldn't tell you what I bought - chalk this up as a lesson!" I gave her direction of what I wanted {I wish I would have taken a picture of it!} Somebody, somewhere would have loved it. I know they would. It just wasn't what I was looking for - nor what I wanted. Now, the reality is - I'm sure the same has happened to me - I pretty sure it happened with this one . . . .

Which was one of my favorites. I had not done many at this point and a store had my art displayed and sold several pieces on commission {which I don't really do anymore - more on that in a future post.} We really don't think she was happy with it. But what are you going to do?! I went by her specifications {except the font was not white and black gingham!} That was something I just couldn't do. {More on this in a future post!}

Back to the story {sorry I get sidetracked - can you tell??} At that pivotal moment in my life - I decided I could do it. That is the secret, You know?! Tell yourself, "I can do that!" And just do it. I did and 4 years later look where I'm at.

{this pains me beyond belief!} Here goes . . . .

The original

The now

Nat . . . . Jenn . . . . how in the he** did you see the potential in this . . . .

Do you guys want to know what is wrong with this picture above????? Can we say "ghetto" and not in a fabulous way!!! That is horrible!!! You can see my pencil marks!! EWWWW! I'm mortified!! {My sales will probably decrease in a rapid way now!!} Okay, so forget the pencil marks - how about the NOT SO STRAIGHT LINES!! I really could keep going!

And honestly - I feel like I'm better than this even . . . .

BUT at least it isn't like the original!!!! Good Lawd - that is bad!!

Guys, I know you all want to do something in bad way. Do it! Whether it's painting, sewing or running a marathon. Just freakin' get up and do it!!! Think about it . . . . What would you do if you knew you could not fail? {Look where I started for Pete's sake!!!} What is holding you back?

What are your struggles? And NOBODY better say "time". I mean, have you heard about my schedule lately? I can tell you that I can probably show you how lame your excuses are if you are brave enough to tell me. {I mean that in the nicest way possible!}

I challenge you to do it - whatever it is you want to do - Do it! I've got more . . .

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.

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.**

I love this stuff . . . .

Thanks Kim D.!! This was great {and blog worthy!}

To be honest - I'm sick of looking at the "Fa la la" . . . .

I've got your "Fa's" . . . . ,


I've got your "la's" . . . . . ,


I've got your other "la's" . . . . . ,


And they are finally coming home to you!!!


I'm literally signing, wrapping, ribbon-ing, tissue-ing, boxing, thank-you noting, taping, FedEx labeling, stacking by the front door . . . . . as I type - okay, maybe not as I'm typing - I'm taking a short break to blog about it - ok?

I'm through with each set . . . . whoo-hoo! Now, on to the last few paintings I have left that MUST get out within the next couple of days to make it for Christmas delivery!!

I'm going to try to make it another all-niter {without the coffee.} I really do need to finish up the last of the "Fa la la's" and get them to FedEx - I'm actually thinking of going on and dropping them off {even if it is 3 in the morning} just so that I know they are there! Unless of course we get some crazy weather {like they are calling for} and the roads are too slick. But never fear - Lonnie just told me that he would take them if that happens!

I've been getting some great gifts in the mail lately! I want to blog about some of them because I've got some really super cute stuff, but I think I will wait a week or so. But this one couldn't wait. I received this necklace and pendant the other day from one of my BFF {Natalie}. I pulled it out of the package and thought, "Believe - no kidding!" I've had a few rough weeks lately {and most of you don't know what I'm about to tell you.}

I hung it up on my ribbon holder - b/c I sit right beside it when I paint and lets just face it - we all need a reminder sometimes?! Well, a few days passed - I was perched on my stool painting away, when the "Believe" moved and caught my attention. It was spinning like crazy. And I still don't know why? I was sitting still and the heat had not kicked on - so I couldn't blame it on any movement in the air that got it going. I sat, staring at it for a few minutes until it stopped spinning and then I noticed the back . . . .


Are you kidding me?? That really says that? I started crying. I don't know why - I guess I really needed that reminder! And just to give you the skinny - my MIL seems to think I'm abusing my kids {my words, not hers} - her words went like this "I can't stand to see those kids cold, sick and hungry!" She says I send them to bed without meals - their noses are runny because their hands, arms, legs and feet are cold - she doesn't understand why they are in all the therapies - blah, blah, blah. It was 5 pages long - Yes, she wrote a letter.

But she knows so much more than me about raising children. She actually calls her ways "character building". Umm, let me see - my husband grew up the first several years of his life on a bus {and I do mean a school bus.} When they finally moved into a house, they had NO running water {ever} - that means they used an outhouse, people! And we are talking about the 1980's - not the 1880's! I'm not going to describe what the house was like, what was in the food he ate, how many times he saw the doctor OR dentist, how he dressed or about any of the other "character building" she put those kids through. Just know that she raised a ton of foster kids - the state gave her that right - and you would be mortified if you knew about her "character building!"

I'm now mad at myself for letting her in my house and watching my kids! She says this same kind of stuff about everybody in the family - I don't know why I thought we were immune to it? I really think she is upset that Lonnie rose above her "character building" and made something of himself.

It's funny how once you sit in a new car - you know you will never want used. You love the feeling of taking the tags off of new clothes. I don't even question him when he buys a new pair of Nike shox every 6 or so months. That's what it's like growing up poor. I say I grew up poor - but not really - we just didn't have any money. I had heat, water, electricity, {Nikes and braces,} etc. Lonnie grew up with Nothing - that's poor. And his mother didn't do anything about it. Interesting.

I say all that to say, "Nat, thanks for the reminder . . . I needed it!"

Since I really just want to move on and just pretend like the woman doesn't exist, let's move on to other stuff! Like the painting below! Jennifer has no idea if "baby Mo" is a girl or boy {she isn't far enough along!} So she calls her baby Mo! Her aunt wanted a Christmas gift that was gender neutral to commemorate the first part of the pregnancy! She loved it!


Another one - this was my gift for my Christmas party with my Bible Study Group tonight! I really was scared that nobody would want it! We did the dirty Santa thing and it {thankfully} swapped a few hands. Wheww!


Well - back to work! Everyone who ordered your "Fa la la's" be expecting your FedEx tracking number!

Just a sneaky peeky, how is Hudson, Thanksgiving and the meaning of this blog!

I feel bad for not showing the whole picture! Sofia's mom has been waiting some time to see this one! And I'm actually finished with it {except for the final sealer} but it's so dark and gloomy, I know that there is NO WAY I could get a good picture - so maybe tomorrow!!

Talking about MEAN! Sorry, that is what a sneaky peeky is about = TORTURE! tee hee!

Hudson is "kind of" better - I say that because the medicine he is on is making him crazy. Which in return is making the other three kids crazy! Which makes me crazy! {My husband was already crazy - so he fits in around here now!} Other than that there is absolutely no changes to tell about, but I will surely keep you all posted!

Thanksgiving was great! And no one ended up in the hospital after my cooking {or atleast they didn't tell me if they did!} I've decided that "sweet broccoli salad" is one of my new favorite foods! Was someone trippin on acid when they came up with that recipe or what?! Who in their right mind would have combined broccoli, raisins and sunflower seeds??? And then mix it up in some weirder concocted sauce?! But how great is it!? Love it! I think I made 12 dishes total! I'm still eating left-overs {My favorite part of Thanksgiving!}

And the reason for my blog . . . . It is about me and my business. My business could be "small words" or it could be my "personal business" - hence the web address "kimwheeler.blogspot.com". I've gotten awesome response to the "blog of note" - and have had very few negative comments. But when I get one that states,

"Get over yourself! And that applies to all your vapid vacuous admirers too. And please stop cluttering the world with more crap! What is it with you people?"

I have to wonder why you read 3 different posts before you left that comment - apparently you saw something that interested you?! Was it my wit? My charm? Maybe my vain self? I know, it was my rockin' hair-do! Of course this is only a small piece of his comment. And he actually left his named that linked to his blog . . . . that so happen to have the comments disabled . . . . Nice.

Now what could his blog be about if it wasn't about him?

Warsaw.

That makes me want to visit! Maybe I'll look him up if I ever go to Poland.



Come on - What is it with "YOU" people - Don't be rude!!!

I bet his momma is proud!