Blake . . .

I finished up another one! And that has really put me in a good mood! Great, actually!

Somewhat new design - only because I've never painted the name like this. The "B" with the name above it. And of course the layers! The green really looks bright in the pictures. It has a muted tone in life.

The fabric for this room is fantastic!

This is a 24x24 by the way.

And another sneaky peek!

I'm feeling so much better today - my throat hurts - but not too bad. Completely tolerable, but I'm now tired. I'm going to bed at a "normal" time tonight. Hopefully that is all it will take to be back to norm! That means my kids have to go to bed before me! So I got to start NOW!!!!

My turn to be the sickie {excuse for such randomness}

I hate a head cold! I normally get one once a year. And, well, . . . my number is up and it's my turn. It started to hit me on Saturday and I've just felt funky {or "fonkey" as Hudson would say} since. That was the same time it got Lawson as well. His poor nose is just straight gross!!!! Quite confident he needs an antibiotic, but I've got to get to the doctor's office.

And guess what - we are snowed in yet again! And I have NO groceries! AND I have NO IDEA what I'm going to do about lunch? Lonnie got out to go to work and said it isn't bad - BUT this homey doesn't drive with any white stuff on the ground! I've got 4 kids in tow - I don't take chances.

I have a sneaky peeky for you guys! It is cute!

Just wait to see the fabrics this is to match {the zebra is the glider/rocker in the nursery!}

Carson had a slight accident a couple of nights ago. The 3 boys were monkey-ing around when they were suppose to be sleeping. I could hear them but just tried to ignore it as I was waiting for Big Love to come on at the second time for the night {since I missed it the first time.} Normally they play {in the dark} for a few minutes, and then they go to sleep. I knew in a matter of minutes they would be snoozing. Well, then I hear Carson screaming at the top of his lungs - the type of scream that says "I'm really hurt, not crying wolf and I need immediate attention because I could possibly be in my final stages of death" scream. Honestly, even with that scream, I still meandered up the stairs thinking the tone in the scream would die off by the time I got to the room.

Well, it didn't. He told me that the book shelf hit him in the face. Basically he hit his head on the book rack that hangs above Lawson's trundle, beside Carson's bed. I felt his head in the dark and finally came upon the knot. When I pulled my had away to go turn on the lamp, I felt it . . . . the blood.

I remember thinking, "please let this be snot and not blood. Please." It was blood.

After Lonnie came home {minutes later,} we decided against the ER. He was in good spirits AND it had stopped bleeding. But what a black eye! And I'm sure this is going to scar.

{the morning after!}

I think all the kids are feeling "fonkey" because they are all laying here {quietly} watching Sesame Street?

Speaking of Sesame Street - as a kid, I thought Sesame Street was in Nashville! haha - Our city is next door. And alot of people live here in Murfreesboro and commute to Nashville for work. So, it made sense that Sesame Street would be in Nashville! {Apparently, my world was small!} That too, was before the super famous were on Sesame Street {such as Sarah Jessica Parker that is on now!?}

What did that have to do with anything - NOTHING! But I just thought of it and cracked myself up!

Since my kids are being so good, I might try to sneak in a few emails! I need to take advantage of this situation!

Random!

Alden . . .

First off, I have to tell you guys that it is still gloomy and we've had zero sunshine in well over a week! Besides putting me in yuck kinda mood, it also kills what little picture taking skills I have! Ugh! Just bare with me and know that this one is rocking in her own right in person!

I do consider this one the female version of the "Manning" or the "Boone." I'm getting a ton of requests for the 'layered look.' And like I always say - I aim to please!


This painting goes to the sister who got these! I loved all the swatches and pictures and paint chips . . . loved them all that she sent me! This mother was awesome, because every time she saw something she liked from a painting that I would blog about, she would shoot me an email! I loved going through them all and writing down all the specifics she loved and creating her daughter's canvas from the notes {You can see my notes hanging - haha, there were alot over the past several months.}


The darker pink you see in the painted stripe {not stripe fabric} is actually the wall color.


The font really dresses this one up!


And did I tell you that this one is 16x40? Yeah, that is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And as promised - another sneaky peeky!

Excuse me, you have some hair out of place . . .

Emme! This hair is awful. Everyday, you wake up from nap looking like a hot, mess. Unfortunately, we don't stay home during the day, so I have to fix this! Daily!!!!


Concerns me because every time you have this crazy hair, I always picture Russell Brand! {Ewww!}


In other news {completely unrelated,} I have a sneaky peeky for you guys!


This painting is soooo-oooo long and this is only a tiny, smidge of it!!!

And that is brown {not black!}

I still have no sunshine! {boo hoo!} And my pictures still look funky {or Fonkey as Hudson would say.}

Short post - my dryer is getting fixed. I have to go back down stairs and entertain the repair guy. Who is also my brother! Full picture of the painting tomorrow with another sneaky peek!

Ahhhh . . . .

I can finally blog! I told myself that I had to finish these 4 paintings that I've been consumed with before I could post anything on the blog! I really thought I would have been done by now, but after 4 days over what I estimated, I'm finished!


I guess you want to see them? Well, too bad. I just finished them in the pm, so lighting is horrible AND I want you to really see these - so you will have to wait till the sun is shining so I can get some better shots!

I will tell you that they are each an owl - that look alike, but different. And I'm in love with them!

Fantastic color scheme . . .

I'm somewhat frustrated with my computer and photoshop - only because I don't know how to use it?!? I've been running to the other computer for picture uploads. But Lonnie was on that one, so I had to brave the MAC - only I'm not very brave. And I've not had the time to learn this joker! So, I've spent the better half of naptime screaming obscenities at this thing - because you know, I'm the kinda girl that does that! Classy, I know!

BUT as promised - better pictures!!!!! I still have not adjusted my camera settings, but I had alot of direct sunlight - which obviously helps.

Since I was having PS issues, I combined fabric swatches, paint chips and room pics into one picture.

I normally hang whatever I have for color matching on this doo-hickey when I paint. I love it - makes for some major convenience. Check out the fabrics! I love the patterns together! Notice there are 2 beds?? But there is only 1 child {in this room - not in the family!} So, we decided to paint a "W" for her first name and an "M" for her last name! Lucky us, it was the same letter flipped! Makes for great balance!

I'm really liking these tween rooms! Most that I've done are not the "girly" type - but the mothers still really want them to be {just a little!} So, I really enjoy making it work between the 2 personalities.

I swear these are 2 different canvases!! {I did NOT flip them - remember my PS issues!?} {And for the record - Photoshop for a PC looks different than Photoshop for a MAC!!!}

And what can I say - I LOVE THE OVERSIZE ANIMAL PRINT!

Since I just spent all my quite time with the pictures and this post - I gotta go! I promised this to be shipped out TODAY! And I haven't boxed these up?!?

And let me just give you another sneaky peeky on my way out!

Have YOU emailed me? I'll get on it tonight!

Thankful for Sunday . . .

Last week was an incredibly, long week. Nothing bad happened to me, it just wasn't a great week. I have been doing really great about staying on top of the blog . . . but this week I spent more time glued to the TV watching all the devastation in Haiti. A reality check of how wonderful I have it - how blessed my life truly is.

And even though I feel blessed, I still had a "long" week. Nothing went the way I wanted it to go. Obviously, the world doesn't spin around me - so I need to get over it! Right? And I am over it. But it still doesn't help the fact that I told people I would do things - and those things didn't happen! But it is a new day - a new week - and things are going to happen this go around. {Even if the world doesn't turn around me!}

First order of business - to get the settings on my camera adjusted! {Pictures soon to show you why!}

Saturday, I hosted a baby shower. We did an ice cream sundae bar. Do you know how many toppings you can find for ice cream? Oh.my.word and my new favorite is Smuckers apples and cinnamon {limited edition!} "Du'Wishus" as Hudson would say!

Since I had made her bedding 4 years ago {for her first son,} I knew what I was working with. She told me "funky bird on a branch." Really - that is what she said she wanted on a painting.


I am to please!


Definitely a bird. on a branch. and he is funky!


I love the wings.


And just because I haven't done a sneaky peeky in a long time . . .


Let me do something with the camera settings and I'll show the whole thing! When I was looking at the pictures I took, I cringed! The colors are really distorted.

I will die . . .

. . . a slow and painful death after I show you all the final outcome of this table!



For now I only have a sneaky peeky {because I'm not quite done!}

But my Nannie is going to have my hide because I painted it! Although it was painted brown in the first place!! After I had saved my pennies, I talked to the guy who has refinished some things for me in the past. He told me it wasn't worth refinishing!?

I'll explain the details when I post the final picture! But let's face it - this is my style anyways! {And my budget!!}

One of the biggest mistakes of 2009!

And I did say "one" - I've made several this year. Some I've blogged about and some I've . . , well, . . . just kept to myself. Who likes to talk about what they did wrong!?!?! Especially when YOU can't fix it!


Well, let me tell you about this one! Oh what a doozy! Do you see it??! Above! Look at it! Don't you see it!?

Okay, maybe this will help . . .


You see don't you?! Really big isn't it?! I mean come on! How in the heck did I get confused! It was clearly typed out on the order form! CLEARLY!

Uh, the bad part . . . I didn't catch it! That's right people!! Bradyn and Austin's mom did!!! In Minnesota! I'm in Tennessee. Not quite the "Hey Kim, noticed a tiny mistake - do you mind coming over in a few and changing it up for me?"


I normally track every delivery that goes out my door. So, I knew the exact moment she received her paintings. I wasn't the bit least surprised the moment I saw I had an email from her. It was a wonderfully written email - had words that I love to hear "love the paintings" "they match perfect" "thank you so much" . . etc. And then I read the "but . . ." and it was this kinda moment . . .



{I even heard that music, too!}

Obviously I painted another one. I had to place the "and" in a different spot because the "y" got in the way if I were to have painted it like the original canvas.

The new one is merrily on his way home . . . to Minnesota. {Jess, you should get it later today!}

If anyone knows a "Brayden and Austin" that share a room that also happens to be decorated in navy, blues, reds and some browns . . . there is a perfect painting for them . . . in Minnesota!

And just so you know I have been working . . .


A little sneaky peeky! {I know how you guys love these!}

Thank you all so much for such kind words and all the prayers. It means so much. Each one was felt! You guys really are the best!

I'm sure TMI and I hope you can follow this post . . .

. . . if not - I swear I'm not crazy, it's just the birth control pills talking.

You think I'm joking? Well, I'm not. I spent 24 minutes throughout the day explaining to a bestie how I'm feeling weird! Almost . . . well, crazy?! {Even though I can't possibly be crazy, because crazy people don't admit they are crazy. They think they are totally normal. But by me saying that could have cancelled it out and I AM CRAZY! Oh.Good.Lord!}

Seriously, here is the extent of our phone convos {and texts!} . . .

• I think I might turn into a hermit.
• Maybe "so.and.so" is mad at me.
• Ewww, I just found mildew on my wall where it meets our tub.
• I might only blog of paintings and not my personal self {because I'm turning into a hermit - remember?}
• I just can't give my kid steroids anymore {but I will because I have no choice.}
• Hudson has 2+ protein in his urine again {due to a head cold - I'm sure.}
• I don't remember birth control making me feel this way before kids?!
• Okay, so after 4 kids, YOU really know your body and how you feel!
• Don't talk about menopause - I'm not there yet!
• Did you order that Clinique pore minimizer for me? {Got to get the free gift with purchase - although I have NO IDEA what the freebie is?}
• Michael Jackson's death was ruled a homicide!! {Don't know how - when you did it yourSELF??}
• I have nothing to wear for Mendy's wedding this weekend.
• Wicked - I need to see it when it is town these next few weeks!
• Romantic - I know she {being Mendy} didn't want to know my idea of romantic??
• Maybe I should stop putting Hudson in pull-ups at night?!
  

blah, blah . . . .

I could so keep going! And I seriously said it all just like you read it! Rachel, did you say anything back? Or did I just keep talking without shutting up?

Uhmm, yeah - coocoo for coco puffs!

She just laughed at me. And I laughed back. And I think I will call my doctor and find out if I should give these bc pills another month? You know, before I turn into a hermit.

And obviously, I'm not blogging only about paintings?! Because I knew you all wanted to read about my birth control pills THAT I'm taking for reasons other than birth control!?!?!

So yeah, all the above would probably be considered too much info . . . sorry you had to endure that!

I really don't have a lot to say that has any importance to it . . .

except - somebody has been waiting on peek for awhile now!


I'm finishing up this one and 2 others for twin boys! Yah me!

Speaking of twins - Hudson just figured out that Carson and Lawson were "twins" a few days ago. And he gave me a look like only I can give because he was in disbelief that "we have twins?"

He is still talking about it.

Hudson, where have you been? That's old news, man!

Em's second tooth {top right} has finally popped through but you can barely see it in this picture {as of today - she is 17 months!}


Please ignore the snack that she's wearing!

I have a funny "tooth" story from the other day - Hudson came running downstairs with a fake cry. I asked him what was the problem and he said, "I toothed my tongue!"

He was serious.

I laughed till I cried.

Okay, this next picture was taken the same day the above picture was taken. After nap obviously . . .


I think this girl inherited my hair! And those who have seen me personally in the morning will totally agree! It was perfect from the front - laying all nice. Almost as if she combed it. Then you have the back.

This next picture is of Lawson. Who, the other day, picked out his own clothes {to include the hat.}

I actually buy the "twins" different clothes. A few things we swap, but for the most part Lawson has his clothes and Carson has his. And "NO" I do not dress them alike, nor coordinating. I actually bought this shirt with Carson in mind. Lawson liked it much better.

AND his 70's style hat matches. Please take note.

AND no, he didn't have on shorts - I just changed a stinky {I'm sure you wanted to know that!}

And one of my fav-O-rite scenes of the day . . . Lonnie coming home!


I absolutely love how they run to greet him {probably begging him to never leave them alone with me again!} haha - That's what I say to him when he hugs me!


But that's family.

That's my family.


now THAT was a random post!

Computer woes {again} . . .

**** why didn't anyone email or comment that I said Em's bracelet was on the wrong arm?? Hahahah - and I thought we were such close friends!!! haha - I changed it! Thanks T Lee!!!


This computer is really about over itself. And we have talked about getting a new one - BUT I think that's going to be put on hold because we are contemplating about getting one of those TVs that hang on the wall?! Because you know, we need one. {You can't see me rolling my eyes - but I am.}Better yet, the plan is to hang it above the fireplace?! Because nothing screams "nice piece of art" like a TV. {Now I've rolled my eyes so far, they are stuck in the back of my head!} The only reason I'm going with this idea is because it solves another issue we have in the livingroom with seating. AND it will only be temporary. As soon as I have the dough that fireplace is getting the "ripped out treatment" and a built-in is going in!

Speaking of the livingroom - check out what I got . . . .


Vintage lamps!!! Now, I know this look might not work for everyone - nor is it every one's style. But that room is taking on a gigantic transformation and these jokers will go great in there!


Who doesn't love an estate sale?? Okay, as long as it's not YOUR family that is having the estate sale?!?! Circa late 60's to early 70's would be my guess. And my guess is they were used as inspiration for the padded {crush velvet} headboard in the bedroom I found them in. Uhmmm, let me add the velvet was the same color as the lamps . . . . interesting to say the least. I know exactly what shade will go perfect on these babies {and it sure isn't the ones that came on them that you see in the background!}

I just noticed Em's pink jelly on the table with the lamps? How did that get in there??

Who knows?

On to art {because I know someone has been waiting patiently to see this next one!
I was told the really like the "K" art in this post. She wanted the stripes and definitely the crown. After I got swatches for the bedding, I knew I had to do the 2 tone stripes again!


I've realized in posting these pictures that the green is slightly off, because I worked a little camera magic so the stripes are seen easily. Just know that the green matches perfectly!Here is the bedding - Kate from Serena and Lily. This is actually a more "true" to color picture of the fabric. Most of the pictures you find of the bedding depict a lime {almost neon} green. It is a very soft, spring green. Divine is the best word to describe it! When I received the fabric swatches my mouth hit the floor! If anyone is looking for a truly girly bedding - you HAVE to consider this one! I am in love!


Since this font has 3 or 4 fonts on top of each other, I really had to do some crazy shading. At first, I tried painting the "A" brown with plans of shading it several lighter shades of brown and taupes. It was WAY TOO HARSH! I actually scrapped that whole canvas and started back over - it really was that bad.


Then I painted the "A" white. It just blended in with the background too much! The walls are painted a green shade - so I decided to use green to give it some color!


Like I said - the crown was a must! I try desperately to make every crown I paint different. This one I alternated between painted pearls and actual 3-d ones. I love a good crown {haven't I said that before??}

And a sneaky peeky for the next time . . . .


. . . . couldn't imagine what the overall theme of this one will be?

I also have some pictures of us at Monkey Joe's - fun time was had by all . . . . except Lawson. He hung out at the front of the building watching TV?

Monkey Joe himself . . . and the ONLY picture of Lawson {he would be the one I have my arm around!} He was all about the food and liked Joe! Just don't ask that kid to jump!

Em had the time of her life. Her fav-O-rite part = the blue wrist band {actually it was a "bracelet"} on her LEFT arm. Look how she holds it out?? She kept staring at it as if it was gold and diamonds. Riot!

Hudson has an obsession with tie dye. He wears it all the time!

Carson has an obsession with HATS? Reminds me of someone else in my family!

Lonnie got into the action!

AND me, too! Em loved these slides! She actually would go down them by herself!

And I'll leave you with this image {because we always get the MOST HYSTERICAL PICTURES of this kid} to prove what a fantastic time she had . . . .

That is Alaina Claire in the foreground, but that would be Miss Em, herself, having her "a one girl party" in the background!!!!!