Today is my 9th wedding anniversary. I think this is the first time in a few years that we actually remembered! It is such an after thought at the end of the day or even the day after since having all these kids. I don’t know how you guys do it but here, we don’t really do gifts. If there is something I want, I usually go out and get it. And he does the same. So, we don’t usually make any kind of deal {big or little} out of it. I think we might next year since it is the big 10 year. We’ll see.

Who is ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow?? I’m cooking again this year. We expect a “few” people. This year, we are doing it at supper time instead of dinner{lunch} time. Which gives me all day to prepare. I basically got all the sweets taken care of today and all the prep work done. My kids have cooperated and been so good – I probably just jinxed it. If the stars stay aligned, I will be able to feed them supper, bathe them and then put those jokers in the bed. They will fall asleep immediately and I can go straight into painting. I should also be able to lose 8 pounds, my skin go to flawless as my dark eye circles disappear by the morning. I’m feeling hopeful.

HA!

And for those wondering, my house is still somewhat clean. But I said somewhat – so somewhere in between losing 8 pounds and my flawless skin, I have to pick up around here as well as sweep, mop and dust.

I have a few pictures of the next canvas for your viewing pleasure. The first picture was taken before the outer border was even stated. But it looked so cool with the sun shining. This was on of those times I actually painted this from the center out. Literally finished each layer before going to the next. I don’t always do that. Actually, I rarely do that. But this was a time that it just worked out that way.

The base of this painting is the original “Stella” painting. It is funny how this paintings has changed over time. Yet, the “Stella” is still one of my favorite paintings to date.

This bedding came from Pottery Barn Kids. The intent was to paint just flowers and not to match the bedding. And I couldn’t be more pleased with the way it all turned out! Of course, I only painted the painting. This client did a fantastic job putting it all together!

I know I have told you guys before how much I love seeing photos of the paintings in their “place” or even with the child/baby in the picture! And I’m sure after seeing pictures like this, you have to understand why. I actually lifted these off her blog! Just proof that I will stalk you until I get a glimpse!

Guys, have a very merry Thanksgiving. I hope to post again tomorrow {I have been on a small roll.} But just in case I don’t have the time, I want you to know how much you all mean to me. There would be no “small words” if it wasn’t for you all. Thank you.

Well, I found myself sleeping in one of Emme’s beds last night. AND we were definitely in some kind of coughing competition! It was like a yawn – you know how they are contagious!? Apparently, that is what our coughs are like! One of us would cough and then the other one would. Only, it would be louder and longer. We were in a competition you know!! I have been so stinkin’ tired today! Funny that I can stay up all night painting and have a very productive “next” day. But let me have a few coughs throughout the night, I’m dragging the next day! What is wrong with that picture!?

I think I’m getting old!

Twenty-nine just isn’t they same as it was four years ago. {tee hee!}

In other news, I did finish another painting. I need to look at my numbers and repost where I’m at on the list. But I’m too tired!! I also have emails to answer. Forgive me, but I’ll work on those later, too! No lies to tell, I’m going to finish this post and set my happy hiney on the couch and watch an hour or two of mindless tv. My kids will probably eat a nutritious supper of cheeze-its. And we will all be happy!!!

So without further adieu . . .

The comedy of this painting is how Carson saw it, asked me whose name it was and then said, “I wish my name was Jackson.” haha!! I’m going to have to paint for my own children!!!!!!

It is official – Hudson has pink eye! Only 1 more to go {Emme} and they will all have had it in the past week+. It is weird that Em hasn’t gotten it yet because she is a thumb sucker! You would think if her hand is in her mouth, she would be carrying all the cooties. So weird!

Yet again, I’m stuck here at the house! Fortunately, it is with Hudson. He is fabulous to let me do some stuff around here without entertaining him. He gets so wrapped up in his own stuff {reading or a tv show} that he can do without me. The boy can even get his own snacks and drink! We went to the grocery store to pick up the last of the Thanksgiving groceries today after dropping off everyone else at school and he said, “We need to hurry and get home! You only have 2 hours to paint before Lawson gets off the bus!!” haha!! I never even mentioned painting or working for that matter. He just read my mind, I guess. Love that kid!

On to the next painting . . . .

I have to admit that during these next few paintings, I had to slow it down! I had several with the same name. Or they had similar fabrics. Or the exact bedding! I was fa-Reakin’ out I was going to ship the wrong painting to the wrong person!!! OR slip the wrong ‘thank-you’ in the wrong box – which I guess wouldn’t have been so bad, but incredibly embarrassing. I’m fairly confident that I didn’t make any of those mistakes or I would have heard by now. Unless, they are too weirded out to let me know! ha!

I know this is going to sound bad, but I love how this one has the “dirty” look to it! hah! I love that type of vintage-look! And I actually continued it throughout the entire painting!

I’m off to paint – even if it is for just a few minutes!