The next thing I did was run downstairs to see if there was any pancake mix because we always have pancake mix! And what the heck …. there is no pancake mix. If you have followed me lately, I’m not eating things like pancakes – but it is Mother’s Day and I’ve had 4 kids come out of my body! I’m eating me some pancakes! THIS is the day to celebrate. I haven’t celebrated a birthday in years – other than when my friends or husband force me to do something. But Mother’s Day is huge. And something I love so much. This is the one day a year it isn’t just any other day. {My kids’ birthdays aren’t either.} BUT this is the day that I have looked forward to pretty much my entire life. As should most women. In hindsight, this day is bigger than any day I can possibly think of {except the birth of your children who put you in this spot in the first place!} I just thought my wedding day was the biggest. But in the words of my four year old daughter, “What fun was that, there were no Wheeler kids there?!” after she saw pictures of our wedding. And you know, that is my sentiments exactly.

But back to my pancakes … I’ll be waking my husband up shortly and sending him on his way to the grocery store – poor man.

So far, I have taken a shower and made up the bed. I put on paint clothes, because I will be heading into that studio shortly {and after I eat my pancakes.} I’m so behind. From painting to emails and my studio is trashed again!

The past two weeks have been rough. Hudson started testing positive for protein in his urine after he got strep throat about 5 weeks ago. I was hoping it was a typical positive – the kind that anybody would have after being sick. So I held out before giving him steroids. It wasn’t a typical situation. He woke up on a Tuesday {almost 2 weeks ago} with his eyes swollen shut. I fa-Reaked out! It was scary. He literally could NOT open his eyes. I immediately started giving steroids at the appropriate dose when he must start on them. It took about 36 hours before the swelling completely went down from his eyes, but his legs – oh my word, looked like sausages. He had cankles. And looked incredibly uncomfortable.

Where he has been steroid dependent for so many years, it normally takes a month sometimes a little longer for the swelling to go down and to get a negative reading in his urine. But where he has been off of them since the middle of December, we had a “trace” reading {which is as good as a negative when you have weak kidneys} in one week. Seriously, my mouth hit the floor! Now, normally it takes about 5-6 months to taper off to zero steroids – but that was part of the problem. The weening off took so long, that his body got dependent on them. This taper is going to be different – and shorter.

And it is going to have to be. I can barely afford to feed him right now. He is eating non-stop. I need to use this to my advantage and make him try new foods! He actually ate Domino’s Friday at a end of year celebration for one of our schools and said he liked it. That is huge. He only eats Little Caesar’s pizza – ONLY. But he was that hungry. Lonnie and I just kept snickering because he kept asking for more! Fortunately, his metabolism is working great.

Speaking of metabolism, mine is too! I’ve now started eating some foods that I restricted at first. Like I had said, I want to eat clean and without all the refined sugar, but eventually eat something if I crave it. Such as mac and cheese! But I wanted to drop 10 lbs so I didn’t eat anything bad – absolutely no cheating! But now, on Tuesday because it is double punch card day, I eat Sweet CeCe’s with my babies. I have convinced myself it is somewhat healthy because it is frozen yogurt. I’m sure there is some health benefit in the heath bar  I top my birthday cake flavored frozen yogurt with as well. Now check this out, since I have been eating so good, I’ve noticed when I eat junk, I actually drop more weight! What’s up metabolism – it has been a long time. So glad you came back to see me!!!! And because of the small spurts of junk, I have now lost past the 10 lb goal and weigh where I was about the time I got married 10 years ago. I really don’t know how much I want to weigh. I just figured if I keep eating good, then my body will eventually level out to where it should be for my height and frame. I promise to post a few recipes. And no, I’ve not added exercise – the time has not been there.

Time … the end of the school year takes it all up! Between 4 kids and 3 schools – wow. Last week, there was not a day that I didn’t go to bed before 1 am and woke back up at 5ish. The only donations I do is for Carson and Emme’s school. I donate a gift card and call it day. But I wanted to offer up the Christmas painting I did recently so I had to paint a sample. I’ve not taken a picture yet – actually it is still at the school. As well as a painting for a neighbor that is about to pop with her first child! Unfortunately, end of year gifts for teachers will not be a small words custom piece. I am currently working on these crazy and whimsical birds and bird cages – I’m dying to show you all. They are part awesome, part hysterical. And there is 4 of them! I want to finish them up today! Just maybe, oh just maybe!

Somebody has joined me. And I can hear classic Smurfs on the tv in the boys’ room – I love the classic Smurfs. We have every episode on dvd – over 15 hours of pure clean entertainment! I have a story about the Smurfs, I’ll tell you about it sometime! But for now, I’m off to wake my husband and deliver the news that we need pancake mix.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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So, there I was. Freakin’ out about my kid because I knew there was a huge chance that my kid just might have autism. Especially after I just saw it on Oprah. Seriously, after an episode of Oprah, you might as well have your Ph.D. in the area of whatever topic is on your TV for the day!

I can only imagine how many calls all the pediatricians got around the US after that episode aired. Because I called my pediatrician that day. And I left a message. {I should preface this with how much I love my pediatrician.} He called me back relatively quick and assured me that I had nothing to worry about. Hudson just hadn’t really lived enough to say if there was a real issue or if Hudson was just Hudson. That last sentence isn’t going to make sense to many people because it didn’t make any real sense to me then either.

Now – it makes total sense.

Needless to say, my attention was on full alert at this point. In the beginning, I tried to stay away from the internet when it came to information about autism. I’m fairly certain it was because I was afraid of what I would find. What people need to understand about parents of autistic children is that as much as we want answers, we don’t want to hear them. And that is with everything autistic. From the diagnosis to the how to the why. I just want you all to know that as much as I want to know how I could have prevented it, I don’t want to blame myself if I could have.

About this time, I realized that Hudson definitely suffered the same fate as myself and was battling with sensory integration disorder. Such a fancy word to say that one or more of the five senses goes crazy at times. From personal experience, I have issues with tactile {or touch.} I cannot touch chalk, sand, dirt, play-do, velvet, velour, rough wood, raw silk, minky fabric ….. the list can go on forever. Basically anything that is dusty or leaves a residue behind on your hand. If it dries out my hands, I’m cringing.  Which is the reason I use hand lotion all the time. A random, but first thing that pops in my head, example would be when I set up my artificial Christmas trees. The fake pines dry out my finger tips immediately and so bad that I find myself gritting my teeth and rubbing my tongue fast against the lingual part of my teeth. But I learned years ago, that if I put band-aids over my thumb, middle and ring fingertips on my right hand and band-aids over my left pointer fingertip, I’m good. Right as rain kind of good! And can work for hours on those Christmas trees until the band-aids fall off.

In most sensory integration disorder “moments,” your other senses are elevated. And sometimes beyond comprehension. So, when Hudson is in a crowded room and 27 different conversations are going on, he can’t handle it. He loses all control. He will scream, hit and just freak out. I love trying to explain why he is having a freak out session especially to those who think that my kid is just misbehaving. OR those who think all he needs is to acclimate. Hell, if all I needed to do was bust my kid’s butt and keep putting him in the same situation repeatedly – he would be cured!! Unfortunately, it isn’t that easy and that has yet to work.

During the first year, I noticed that Hudson had a real issue with crowds and loud noises. It was different from the typical child crowd freak-outs. Anyone with kids know that there is a time when your child has some normal issues with noise and crowds. But they out grow them and move on. Hudson will never outgrow it nor will he ever move on. He has to learn to deal with it. At this point, it is easier to choose what crowds we have to mingle with and avoid as many as we can because at the end of the day, it is hard on every single person in this family.

After the first year, I realized Hudson had major issues with tactile. And it was worst than my own {which means it was and is bad!} That was the reason he would not hold onto a sippy cup with condensation – thank you Play-tex for your insulator cups. He also quickly started having a problem with foods. I noticed quickly how his diet started dropping food. Again, I was told not to worry. And after four kids, I can tell you that all kids go through a picky stages once they figure out they can be picky and their taste buds develop. The problem is when your child is missing complete food groups for months. Even when I would force him to try anything, he would gag. The gagging was an indicator there was a real problem!

But even with all this, I still did not have a diagnosis of nothing. I just kept getting the for now we will call them quirks conversations every time I would bring it up. And for the time being, I was okay with that. Because I wanted to believe they were only quirks. And you know, for many kids that is exactly what they were and are. Only my gut told me it was so much more. But honestly during the time, I was happy to believe I had only a quirky child.

We were rolling right along and when Hudson was 17 months old, the twins were born. And a little over 24 hours after their birth, I could see that I was going to have another “quirky child.” That’s right, I saw something immediately that made me know.

{to be continued….}

Fortunately for all you guys, Hudson has started a program that focuses on his cognitive skills. It is 4 days a week for about an hour and 15 minutes for about 16 weeks. Most of these days, me and the other 3 kids will be sitting in the van {such as this very moment.} Since I can’t do anything productive sitting in my car, I thought why not blog!! I will just have to remember to bring my MacBook. That could be a problem. A serious problem!

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Got a new picture with a new do for you guys – now if I can replicate it!

This was days ago and I’ve yet to be able to make it do the same thing. So aggravating.

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I’ve also had several people ask me about my eating and how that is going. I’m down right at 9 pounds. And I can’t believe it!! I still need to add exercise – that’s right, I’ve not done that yet. I’m such a slacker!! But I’m back into a size 4 and happy that it looks like a pack of farmers have moved out of the seat of these pants I’m currently wearing. I’ve not really cheated which is awesome. I need post some of my recipes on here sometime so you can try it. I am eating more than just raw veggies and fruit!

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Last week we had our driveway widened. I can’t tell you how stinkin’ excited we are! Two more days and we can drive on the newest part. I drive a van and my husband drives a Toyota Tundra – it’s big with 4 doors and could be a semi as far as I’m concerned. For us to fit side by side on the driveway, his tires were all off the driveway. We added about 3 feet to each side. We got approval from our HOA last spring. I sure hope we don’t get in trouble for doing it a year later. And yes, it wouldn’t surprise me if we do. Lucky for them, we can now finish up our janky landscaping!!

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About a year ago, one of my besties who is the  CraigsList whisperer, found me 2 night stands that were perfect!! I say perfect, after they got about 3 coats of paint the other day, they were really perfect. I’ll have a post about that soon. She had found me a bedroom suit {also CraigsList} and I needed a matching set of night stands that didn’t match the bedroom suite to complete the set. Here is a little sneaky peek for you to see …..

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I painted my interior back, French doors red. I can’t believe how pretty my outside looks looking through the red. I’ll post about it with pictures as soon as I clean the red off the windows. Might be a couple of years, but know I owe you the post!

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And since this post is so freakin’ random, I’ll just keep adding to the randomness. Today marks the 16 year anniversary that my house burnt down. It was the first thing I thought of when I woke up this morning. I was a senior in high school. I had just been asked out by this guy that I had eyeballed my entire senior year, yet our paths never really crossed. Then I went to Panama City during my spring break and we ran into each other. We saw each other that 1 day and that was it.

Once school started back, I made a point to say hi to him everyday and finally, on that Wednesday {April 17th,} that fool finally asked me on a date. I was on cloud nine during that drive home after school. Then I topped the hill right as you came to my driveway and I remember thinking why are we having a yard sale. On a Wednesday. In the middle of the day. ????? I didn’t even see the fire truck in the neighbor’s driveway. I didn’t notice the giant charred hole in the roof. Nor did I realize the crap in our front yard is what people had drug out of our house while it was burning and afterwards.

To skip to the end of the story, it took me an hour or so to realize that I had given Mr. Good-looking-that-finally-noticed-me-in-Florida my phone number. I had my own line at the time and well, it was officially a non-working number. I remembered the firemen and a few others talking about how the home phone rang while they were trying to put the fire out. Apparently, a fireman answered it. I waded through water to the center of the house. I found the wall phone in the kitchen and sure enough, I heard a dial tone. I pulled his number from my pocket and called him. And of course I started crying immediately, “You can’t call me because my phone doesn’t work.” He was like Huh? And then I told him {briefly} what happened. I’m sure he thought I had lost my mind when I told him I was standing in the middle of my burnt house talking on the phone.

We dated for 3 years.

It is hard to believe that all happened 16 years ago. Sixteen years is a lifetime ago, yet I can remember so many details including the phone number I dialed that day!!

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I might as well throw some art into this random mix! My CraigsList Whisperer friend’s youngest son {did you follow that?} had a birthday! Of course I finished it in the nick of time to get it to the party so I took zero pictures of the finished piece! This picture is from the sneaky peeky I sent his momma.

Look at this kid! This was six months ago so he is practically grown now, but he is still the cutest thing ever. I can listen to him talk for hours. He just has that cute little voice that will melt your heart. I don’t know how he ever gets into trouble. I tell his momma that she must have a black heart to get on to Cutie McCute Cute! {hahah! just kidding!}

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I’m going to stop all the randomness so you can get on with your life. Thank you for reading about all the madness.

It’s funny now. Who knew I would be my own prophet! Of course the “special needs” I had pictured was something completely different. But none the less, I’m exactly where I had thought I would be and there is not a day that goes by that I’m not scared – for my children, not me.

Lonnie and I were married in November of 2002. I worked at a dental office {that I loved and miss daily!} He worked full time at Home Depot as their district trainer. Other than a couple of years in his adult life, he had been either in the Tennessee Army National Guard or Army Reserves. At the time of our wedding, he was in the Reserves. Since it was a year after 9-11, he was called up for a deployment. Not what I was expecting. But hey, it was just me and a diabetic cat he was leaving behind – we would be fine.

The inoculations were insane – to include Anthrax. {I’m including this in the story. Do I think it caused Autism – no. Did it contribute – I have absolutely no idea.} Fortunately, Lonnie stayed state side the entire time and never went over seas. He came home in the summer of 2003 and wasn’t long afterwards he left the Reserves and went back to the Guard. The next step was AGR {a full-timer and not just the one weekend out of the month and two weeks out of the summer soldier.} We have never looked back.

The following summer {2004} we were pregnant.

I did it all by the book. I gained only five pounds the first trimester. I ate incredibly healthy. My real cravings were salads and onion soup. I drank {too much} water and an occasional Sprite. Eventually, the water caught up to me and I ended up gaining a whopping 51 pounds. Five foot and 168 – I was short and round! But the pregnancy had zero morning sickness and went incredibly smooth. Other than failing my first glucose test and barely passing the second one, I had NO problems.

We were having a boy. Hudson Wyatt Wheeler. He was due 05-05-05. I was stoked. The ultrasound showed a perfect baby. And I was ready to meet the joker.

On Thursday, April 28th, I had what was going to be my final doctor’s appointment. When I got there, my blood pressure was elevated. It was weird because my blood pressure had been almost exactly the same exact numbers every single time, so we knew this wasn’t right. My doctor was concerned and I was clueless. She told me to go on over to the hospital, it was time to have a baby. I went back to work and began end of month statements, because it was the end of the month and the world would stop spinning if I didn’t get those statements out on time. Looking back, my only regret is that  I wished I would have put a blanket message on all the statements that said something like I’m supposed to be at the hospital having a baby at this very moment, instead I’m sending you your bill! I hope this makes you feel obligated to pay it! And my boss would have probably loved it if I had! Live and learn.

I did make it to the hospital around 5ish. By 9 pm my water broke. At 3 am, I was begging for an epidural. Around 10 am, I began pushing. I had a healthy 7 lb 4 oz baby boy within 30 minutes. The world stopped. He was perfect.

He never left my side except for the testing and all the other little stuff they do to newborns the first few days. I had planned to breast feed and prayed like crazy I could and he would! After the typical 2 days, we were released to go home.

Before I had my own children, I worked with kids all the time. I did daycare, babysat every weekend and I nannied. Seriously, I knew kids. But I was glad to finally have my own.

I decided early on that Baby Beethoven was my best friend. I could really get something done with some Baby Beethoven playing. And it was that Baby Bee that caused me to notice something I thought was strange enough to make a mental note. Hudson would be setting in his bouncy seat or laying on his back on the floor and I would hand him the DVD case. Because of the way I was standing, I would hand it to him upside down. And every time, he would immediately turn it right side up. I don’t mean a casual turn right side up. I’m talking about if I would have handed another grown adult an upside down DVD case and without nothing but a glance, the adult would flip the case in the right position. Yes, Hudson would do this. Every single time. At first, I thought it was flukey. But then I would hand him other cases, sometimes right side up and other times, upside down. There was not a single time he ever got it wrong. And again, it would be with a quick glance and it would be flipped immediately. It was nuts. And he was about 3 months old. I knew that was NOT normal. But what was I supposed to say to my pediatrician? Nothing.

Around six months old, Hudson would be sitting in the floor with toys around him. He would get really disturbed and scream uncontrollably if it was a modge podge of toys. They had to be from the same collection of toys. Or all the pieces to a puzzle. Or just a set in general. He loved the ring stacker. You know the one – the classic fisher price ring stacker.

These days, the yellow post is the same size from top to bottom. So, you can stack the rings in any order. Did I find it weird that my 5 month old never stacked them any other way than what is considered the true and correct way? Yes, a little. But what was I supposed to say to my pediatrician? Nothing.

Around this same time, Hudson could only be soothed one way – I had bought a CD set at Wal-mart or Target. It was a collection of children’s songs that we all grew up with. There were 20 or so songs on each CD and 4 CDs total. Most of them had children singing with an adult singing as well. The first one on the first CD was Wheels on the Bus. The first verse was sang by one child and no music. And then the music would begin with the adult and other children. He would freakin’ scream his head off. I would instantly back up the song to just the one child singing and he would almost fall asleep. But let those other kids start back up – WHAM, back to wailing. I figured out quickly that if he was ever irritable, I could pop in that CD and play that 22 seconds over and over and he was happy! Most parents gave their cranky kids a bath to make them feel better. I was blasting a really whiny rendition of Wheels on the Bus. I ask again, what was I supposed to say to my pediatrician?

Once he started crawling and could really scooch along, we really started noticing some little oddities that were very interesting! The biggest one was his matching abilities. We had these fat letter and number magnets on the refrigerator. He would crawl up to it. Grab the “O” and the zero. With one in each hand, he would flick each one out in front of him and then crawl after them. If the zero was missing, he would grab the “Q”. I guess they matched to some degree – “O” and “Q” or he would grab the one and “l.” Anything that would match would work. And the world was right if he actually had a real match – the same thing AND it was the same color. He would sleep with real matching things. Matching items would soothe him. It was the craziest thing ever!

And puzzles – I knew I was raising a nerd if you could see how quick and amazing he could work a puzzle. As weird as it all was, I was proud that he seemed so bright! Although, I had the underlying fear something else was going on. And I had a really good guess as to what it was.

There was other stuff.

• He stared at his hands {all the time!} He watched how they moved and he would move them in weird ways.
• He would line up toys.
• He would spin the wheels on his little cars over and over and just stare at them as if he was getting lost in the spinning.
• He hated swinging. And it would get ugly!
• He wouldn’t drink out of a cup unless it had set out for long periods of time because the condensation killed him.

Then there was stuff that scared me.

• He didn’t seem to know his name.
• He didn’t say anything.
• Anything loud would fa-Reak him out. The Happy Birthday song was the worst {and still is.}
• A tooth brush – NEVER made it in his mouth the first year {or second year} of his life.
• He started getting really picky about his food. And not your typical toddler picky stage – I’m talking about whole food groups missing completely from his diet.

I know that these things don’t mean a child has autism, but a combination of them sort of leans in that direction.

Then it happened – it was the summer of 06 and Hudson had just had his first birthday – Oprah had  the episode with Jenny McCarthey and her experience with her son and autism. I broke down. I knew. I had known. Literally as soon as the episode was over, one of my best friends called to check in. She had recently moved to Atlanta and we would call in periodically to see what was happening. She told me to hang up and call my pediatrician immediately.

And that is just what I did.

{to be continued ….}

This list could go on forever.

Welcome to the world of autism.

There are days I could fall apart. But most importantly, there are days he does. As his mom, I have to be the one to start that day smooth. And I hope I can end it that way, too. Every morning is spent talking about the day and what “should” happen. Mixed in with the conversation is how something might change and how “it will be okay” or “change can be a good thing” or “if you have the need, go jump on the trampoline.” At night, we have to go over the day. How it was a good day, what happened that was unexpected and why the change had a benefit {yes, I’m grasping at straws with that last one sometimes!} The praise has to be laid on thick. Praise for grades. Praise for getting through the day focused. And praise for the simplest of tasks such as saying thank you to his friends when they cheer him on {because he usually gets offended when anyone looks at him with a smile.}

Imagine a parent letting their child move away to college. That is the feeling an autistic parent has daily. To some, I’m sure that sounds far fetched. But to another autistic mother, she gets it. She lives it. She understands it. It’s life. It’s our life. And you accept it and move forward. Because really, there is no other place to go other than forward.

At one time, I remember thinking we were going to beat autism. I don’t really know what I was thinking. I guess because you are not diagnosed from a blood test or a chromosomal type test. It is purely from observing behavior. I mean, come on! Fix the behavior, you got the fix! Right? Not hardly.

There are so many “behaviors.” From sensory to the stemming. There is no beating autism.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. The month of April is Autism Awareness Month. The most current information states that autism affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys – everyone will know someone with autism or will be affected by autism at some point in their life. Every story is different. And everyone has different beliefs of what they think is key to the cause and to the treatment.

Since this is Autism Awareness Month, I have intentions of telling each of my sons’ stories – our story – during the month of April in hopes of answering your questions.

Hi, I’m Kim. My sons Hudson {age 7} and Lawson {age 5} are on the autism spectrum. We know there is no beating it, but we kick it’s ass daily.

This art is yesterday’s Claire’s brother! I love when I have multiple painting at one time going to one home!

This painting matched the Madras bedding from Pottery Barn Kids – the brown/khaki one. I was excited to paint for this one – I get so many orders for the primary colored one, so this was a great change! Although, that bedding is fantastic no matter what color you go!

The brown and khaki combination was great because it did throw in that extra pop of red and the subtle shade of blue. Another room that I want to see!! {Another subtle hint!}

This next piece is a new design. I was told it was perfect!! So, I hope it is loved for years and years to come! I thought with this one, I would show you a sketch of the idea. If it is a new design, I do this {normally.}

This one really didn’t look like this when I finished, but it was definitely  where I started!

The squirrelly border is nothing like the pencil design, but I knew it would never be. I was just sketching something out. I kept changing my mind about the tiny dots on the inside of the squirrelly border! And the name went in a funky and awesome direction!

I’m really into the dots flowers. I would say obsessed is more like it.

The bedding is predominantly pale pink with brown “puffs” on it. Google “Amelia” bedding Pottery Barn Kids! But they were going to add the blues and greens to the room! I really want to see the end result!!! {**hint, hint.}

2 weeks - and born with the BEST expressions!

…… my baby turned 4. I’ve always said that she is my child that keeps my young yet makes me feel so old! She is currently sitting in the middle of the living room floor playing with her loot and actually sharing without bossing anyone around – miracle!

Yesterday morning, Carson come running into my room and asked me, “Why didn’t Emme turn 4 today??”

“She did. Today is her birthday.”

“Then why does she still look 3?”

I was asleep so I just stared at him. I couldn’t come up with an answer quick enough for his curious mind. It kills me when they come to you with such “deep” questions and you don’t know how to answer without 97 “huhs?” and “whys?” and “whats?” and that really blank stare I get that definitely tells me I don’t understand a thing you just said, but if I keep looking at you this way, you will most positively try to explain it a different way look. As mothers/parents, I know you get this look all the time so you know what I mean. Most times I get it and re-explain, but not at 5:30 in the morning! And I have no idea why I had kids up at 5:30.

The party went great – and fortunately for you picture lovers I took 119 photographs!! Oh yes, I did!! Unfortunately, I won’t post any of the “party” pictures because I don’t know who will be okay with their kid on the internet. Or I should say I don’t know who will NOT be okay with it – because I’m sure of a few that wouldn’t mind!

The biggest thing is how we made my ideas and Em’s work as far as color and decorations. Like I said, if it were up to Emme, this party would have looked like a 50th wedding anniversary because “golden” is her fav-O-rite color! But she will settle for blue and turquoise. And she “can handle purple, pink and maybe just a little green.” That is a quote.

The first thing started with the invitations. I have seen these in the store for a really long time and I loved them! But they were the fill in kind. Nothing is wrong with the fill in kind. But my hand gets tired after about the second one and then they start looking more like chicken scratch. Or I write the wrong thing in the wrong spot, then I have to throw that one away and start fresh with a new one. I can easily waste over half of the box by hand writing the info in. But this box of cuteness was half off. And there were a few boxes. So, I folded ….

I only cheated {thank you photo shop} and ran them through the printer once I had it all aligned up correctly. It only took about 3 tries and it fell into place – where it was suppose to be! And I only wasted white paper. I messed up zero cards! But I only used 2 boxes. I still have a third box {of 10} – anyone need some really cute birthday invites?? I thought these would be perfect with all the colors, but this was before we had agreed on all the colors. Miss Sassy was upset these came with hot pink envelopes! She is so used to me saying get over it.

I also found the Thank You’s {on sale,} too!

Since the party was at a pottery place and I have never been to a party there, I didn’t know how well we would do with cake and ice cream . I tried to make it as mess free as possible! We did petit fours and cups of ice cream – easy. And really there wasn’t much mess! We also did juice BOXES. Seems the BOXES are easier to drink from without the accidental squirt you get from the pouches. Especially if you pull the ears out. Not that they can’t still squeeze it out, but you really don’t have the “accident” part.

A while back, I found cupcake liners in the dollar bin at Michael’s. I bought a ton of cute ones. Since we were doing the petit fours, I thought they would look cute in a hodge podge of them {sorta like the invite!}

Yes, a dollar for each. You are looking at 3 bucks total.

Turquoise was the main color – but we threw in all the other colors, too.

Square plates because the are cool. And cute.

The petit fours came from Publix. I love these little guys. For one I love the way the taste and how they are cold! I serve mine right out of the fridge. I also bought 50 something for under $35. Totally worth it for the mess free! The only thing is I was going to just stake little flags made out of scrapbook paper, but I let the ladies behind the counter talk me into the “E” you see on top. The “E” would be great …. if it was a cute “E.” That is ugly! And these are the better looking ones. Truthfully, I looked at them and thought those are ugly, but that was it. I swear I didn’t stress over the ugly “E’s” – I just thought I would point out that I know they are ugly since I’m positive there will be a few of you out there thinking the same thing! But hey, at least the color is right! I think that would have been much worse! hah!

All together, it was a cute spread.

Really, this was hysterical. The cross-eyes got worse the second I took the picture!

Emme chose a piggy bank to paint. I canNOT wait to see this after it is fired up! All though the kids got to paint a piece of pottery, they couldn’t take it home yet. I will have to do the deliveries in about a week. But I couldn’t stand the little people going home empty handed. Rock candy just seemed perfect in this type of situation.

They could choose turquoise, green, white and pink. Each were in a cello bag with different widths and colors of grosgrain ribbons. And because the candy wasn’t enough – why not a balloon, too. One is edible and the other is disposable – very important.

Now I’m off to start the Thank You cards!

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For Emsley’s past parties ………

Emme’s first birthday, a few more pictures of the first birthday

Emme’s second birthday

Emme’s third birthday

Just a small update on the “health” status. I bought a Ninja blender. I just got it yesterday, so I’ve not really used it yet. Today I froze some bananas, strawberries and blueberries. I really want to try one of those revolting looking green smoothies. I know you have to know which ones I’m talking about. I pinned this one because it looked gross but sounds delicious! I know that sounded stupid, but that is exactly what I meant! This one sounds good too – and also looks really bad! But this LOOKS good and SOUNDS good and will probably be the first thing I make. I still have not cheated except for once and I had no idea I did till after the fact. And I was livid at myself because I should have known better. Now, I’m not in the mood to cheat at Em’s party – no joke. I can’t believe I’m going to even type this out but cake and ice cream really doesn’t even sound that good because of this accidental cheat! I guess you want to know what I cheated with?? Well, since I got the Ninja, Lonnie got a Keurig. I also bought him a sample box to try to see which ones he will like best. Of course I went through them all. I had already hunted it all down online and all that I looked at kept saying “guilt-free,” “nothing added” and things such as that. So when I saw the Caramel Cappuccino, I didn’t think twice! I made that thing in 20 seconds – in a the largest cup setting – and started sucking it down. After the first gulp, wow this is really good! After the second gulp, I can’t believe how good this is for what it is! After the third gulp, gahhhh – I can’t believe it taste like this with nothing added to it! After the fourth gulp, CRAP! The big difference between coffee and cappuccino . . . . Sweetener is already added to cappuccino!!! Cue running to the computer! Unfortunately, they don’t make this type anymore so I couldn’t find nutritional info, ingredients, nothing! Lonnie told me to not worry because I’ve done so good for so long. But I was more mad at myself than anything.

Lesson learned.

Good news is that I dropped weight the next morning after my brain and body freaked out over the artificial sweetener I ingested. But still – it sucks when you cheat and it was over a cheap cup of cappuccino that in actuality was great for what it was, but wasn’t the best cup of cappuccino I’ve ever had and really was not worth a cheat at all!!!! I’m buying expensive ice cream for Emme’s party because IF I’m cheating, it is going to be worth it! ‘Cause that is how I roll.

ART, I know you want to see some more art!!!

This was a really cool room. And, yes – I have some pictures!!

Seriously, is this not a cute room?? Across from the crib, is a bed. It does have the Pottery Barn Kids Kasey bedding on it. They don’t have this color combo anymore but you can still get the primary color set. {Last I checked.}

As with most, longevity is important with Conor’s painting. So I didn’t use red on the canvas since the Kasey bedding will be around much longer! But we left the brown off as well and put more focus on the navy.

My children have found some whoopee cushions. I need to stop the madness. Would you believe that Emme is the instigator in it!?! Pray for me – I’m going to need all I can get with that girl!

Vain? A little. Conceited? No, I take a picture almost daily just so I can manage my hair! It grows pretty fast and if I have a specific do that I want to keep a few months or see something that might need a change, I take a picture for future reference! Make sense? I didn’t just post some of good hair days, there are some atrocious ones, too! I pulled only about 30 – I have 2 years of these! haha!

that is NOT a peace sign, that is the 2nd day after a cut!

On my way to see Wicked - fantastic hair night!

And the most recent!

Well, that is me over the past 2 years. Interested to see what do’s get pinned {If any!}

Since you can’t really decorate The Pottery Place, the only things I was planning on getting were some balloons for each of the children {because we always do balloons,} plates, napkins and cake. I laugh because if it were up to her, this party would be looking more like a 50th wedding anniversary because her favorite color is “golden” right now. Gold is her favorite, but she will take anything metallic or pearlized. She knows those are not always choices, so she loves blue and turquoise, too. {Seriously, this was a past convo between the two of us. We have really deep talks.}

The two of us went out this past Sunday to pick out these said items – in who knows what colors! I had a plan in my head, but apparently she did as well. It was clear in mere moments that we were not on the same page. BUT, we work good together and we came to a compromise …. and she got a bag of M&M’s {because I know how to deal with a 3 almost 4 year old.} I’ve learned with her that chocolate is the ticket. I would wait for her to pop one in her mouth and then give her a few choices – and she would choose without whining or “I don’t like that.” That bag of M&M’s was totally worth it!

We now wait until Saturday for this party and pray that Lawson doesn’t flip when they sing “Happy Birthday” {huge possibility} or none of my kids break anything {huge possibility} and that all her gifts arrive on time {Amazon – you really aren’t what you use to be.} This is the first year that she had actual “friends” to invite since this is her first year in school – so this girl is excited! She wakes up every morning and asks, “On this day, is it my party day?” hehe – I can’t wait till I can tell her yes on Saturday! Hopefully I’ll get some pictures!

On to the next painting ….

This was one of those paintings that has a back story. Without going into too much detail, this was a gift for a family who had their second child after the sudden loss of their first child. They kept the nursery the same since it was gender neutral – sea/ocean room. It had everything from sea turtles to penguins.

You know how you hear one of those stories and then that is all you can think about for days? Well, this was one of those times. Turtles reminded them of their daughter. I didn’t take a picture of the sides, but the turtle pattern wrapped around the edges.

I love the this color combination – why have I never had another room to paint for with these colors??

If you read the last post, you know that means I now have to clean my studio/office! I’m working on that now – by wrapping up paintings and prepping 9 shipments. I’m determined for this room to be clean before the kids wake up {since I’m blogging and cleaning in the middle of the night!} Then I’ll work on that dusting and vacuuming.

So, do you guys remember {forever ago} when I created a painting for baby Henry {who is far from being a baby} for Holly Mathis?? Well, I had someone want me to recreate that design for her. I did leave out the baby blue shading that was on Henry’s, but I tried following the rest of the design!

The above picture looks a little blurry. ??? Sorry. I have no idea why, but it is hurting my eyes! But it is the only full shot I have.

Little close up for you viewing pleasure. I know this sounds “bad” but I love the dirty look of these paintings. Obviously, I’m speaking of the shading. But it has that awesome dirty look. You know, “dirty” – that does sound bad. I might ought to stop saying it like that!

Well, either way – I like it. A lot.

I might actually blog again in a day or two so I thought you might want a teaser. I know how you all love a sneaky peeky!

Until next time . . . .

Of course there is my kid time. I don’t want my kids to have to spend years in therapy because I didn’t give them the attention they deserve! The comedy of this is that as I typed the last sentence, Emme just asked me to play with her outside on the trampoline and I told her to ask another one of the kids because I had to get this blog post up! I hope no one comes to me for child rearing advice!

Then I have Small Words. It is my job and how I pay for pre-school and a few extras. But if truth be told, it is my hobby and since I make money doing it, the government says it is a business and I must call it that. And since I have still a butt-load of orders, I have to work and give so much time a week to it.

Then there is the house work. At one time I had someone come in and clean for me. That was a fantastic idea! But I still had to pick up before she got here and that took time. Our checking account took a hit and after awhile, there was just other stuff we needed to give our money to. Unfortunately, house cleaning was the first to get cut! {another poo-poo to the who’s}

Laundry. I have five other folks in my house, no need for an explanation.

And there are so many other areas -

• Scripture.
• Errands.
• School Work/Therapies.
• Yard work/Gardening.
• Personal time {to include blogging} {clearly neglected!}

I could keep going!!!

I would say the hardest neglected area this month has definitely been the house. I try to be hard on the kids and make sure they keep all the toys sorted and picked up in their own bins. But I’ve been slacking! Since this week is spring break and I can’t do much if any painting while the kids are at home, I’ve decided to buckle down and get the house and chores caught up {to include the yard!} So, I’ve spent the past 3 hours sorting toys. Fortunately, we only have 2 kids’ rooms. And fortunately, every single thing has a labeled bin. I had those things lined up around the boys’ room with the toys piled up in the center of the room and had those jokers running from pile to bin and back again. Slave driving at its best. The room is picked up but needs some dusting and vacuuming – that might have to wait for tomorrow.

You want to know why? Why it will have to wait for tomorrow?? Because it isn’t just my kids’ room that had everything everywhere. Now, seriously don’t judge! My kitchen, living room, even my bedroom is straightened – but my studio ….. {brace yourself}

This is only a few canvases I have started on {at the same time!}

A few more paintings – must get these out tomorrow!

And yet, some more canvases that need to go out {and finish!}

That would be a little Days of Our Lives on the computer. Yes, I was catching up on Friday’s episode when I took these pictures!

I probably should have done a little photoshopping on these photos – haha! I need an intervention. This room looks like something from the TLC show Hoarders: Buried Alive! In all seriousness, this is normally what happens when I’m working on my taxes. I don’t know why. All my stuff is in one spot and fairly organized. But I get all paranoid that I’m missing something and I start looking all in my room for whatever it could possibly be. And then I try to get back to painting so I don’t pick up the mess I just made. I know – ridiculous!

The good news is that I do have all my numbers totaled and ready to be plugged in so my taxes are ready to be completed tonight! After that, I’ll celebrate by cleaning this studio! I think if I were to box up all the paintings and get them shipped, that would clean up a chunk of the room! {For those waiting for your 12×24’s, I finally ordered those size boxes on Friday and they arrived today.}

I promise to post after/clean pictures soon just to prove I’m not a candidate for Hoarders: Buried Alive!

I have not had a sweet tooth yet. And I’m shocked. I would go all day before thinking if I only had a jolly rancher or a spoonful of frosting sounds good. What is funny about that statement. I’m not a fan of cake frosting or icing on a cake – but on a spoon ….. it is the devil in disguise and I can eat my worries and cares away with about half a tub. No joke! My husband has told me that since I got away from all the “fake” or refined sugar, my body is not releasing that oh Lord, I need sugar NOW feeling. Nor does it lead to the false hunger feel I was feeling before. Now when I am hungry, I’m really hungry! I can usually eat something really small – and I do mean small – and the hunger feeling is gone.

I swear, if someone would have told me this 3 weeks ago, I would have called them a liar and branded them an idiot! Okay, I know you don’t want to hear about this every post, so I will stop talking about my fat-booty and this sugar-free processed food-free thing I’m doing. Except {of course} when I meet a mile-stone. I will tell you and the world! Because, you know, that is just what I do!!!

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As the title says, this is the second half of the last art post. When I typed that number out, I had to run to my papers and check if that was the right number! I thought only 24, can’t be! But I forgot, I haven’t blogged my art in fo-evah! Other than one order in the “30’s” {that I’m finishing up} I’m into the “40’s” at this point.

This was for a child who was far from being a baby, but not quite a teenager. I think black and white was a super safe way to go!

I’d say this will grow with him for a long time. And really, match just about anything!

You can’t see it so much in the full picture, but in person you can really see all the detail and how there is definition with the letters – especially where they overlap the black border and stripes. And just think, there was a time I didn’t shade?! Practice and having brave clients that are willing to buy my art – really was {and still is} the trick.

I almost forgot – for some crazy reason, I’m not receiving notices when people comment on the blog. Ever so often I’ll get one and go to respond and see that there are others! If I don’t respond, know it was because I didn’t know. I’m going to go into my comment thinga-ma-jig and see if I can reset it later today.

But I’m blogging.

Hah- more like the old times!!! You know, when I would blog way more often when I could find the time to squeeze it in. When I would put it above so much other stuff. And then blog about a random subject – such as this morning!

About two months ago, I officially dropped Dr. Pepper from my life. For some reason, I cannot find Cherry Dr. Pepper anywhere here in middle Tennessee. I have been told by multiple sources that Dr. Pepper 10 took its shelf spot. I hope that crap flops. I’ve never been so aggravated in my life. The regular Dr. Pepper is good, but have mercy, the cherry is so.much.better!

I hate to admit, but I started drinking whatever was in the fridge. Whether it be Hawaiian Punch or Juice. We always have Juicy Juice, that has always been our brand of choice. But recently, I started buying those gigantic things of Hawaiian Punch in the wonky flavors and colors and they are not bad – although they are loaded with nothing but sugar. No need to deprive my kids of the luxuries I had as a child.

But about 3 weeks ago, I woke up and was totally disgusted with myself. Like really wondering where my body went! I’m going to put it all out there, right now, on this blog. When I married my husband I was about 112. At five feet and the tiny frame I have, that is a great size for me. I’ve never had a flat stomach or incredibly tone muscle, but I’ve never been fat {although certain individuals called me that once I hit about 13 and developed hips.}

weight 112

Several years later I got pregnant and at the doctor’s office {fully dressed,} I weighed 117. I gained 51 pounds when I was pregs with Hudson. And I didn’t care one bit. I never, not once, deprived myself of what I wanted to eat. I drank tons of water and had a healthy boy. I breast fed for 12 months – and it melted off like butter! At the time, we didn’t have a scale in our house but I’m pretty sure I was around 110.

Hudson just turned 1 and was clueless that I was pregnant with the twins!

A couple of months after Hudson’s first birthday in April, I found out I was pregnant again. And at my first appointment, I was 117 {fully dressed} and I was 16 weeks along. {Yes, I didn’t know I was pregnant till I was 16 weeks along – with twins.} Basically I was really burning the calories for about 2 months, because I was breast feeding and pregnant with two babies AT THE SAME TIME! I gained only 34 pounds with those two. I did have them early and I had gestational diabetes. But by the time we figured out the sugar issue and got it all situated, I had the kids! So, it wasn’t the diet that kept me smaller I can assure you. I also breastfed them for about 11+ months. And yet again, the weight came off with zero problems!

Before I was done nursing them, I found out I was pregnant again. So, I was breast feeding 2 babies and had another one growing inside me! Another glorious calorie burning moment! My first appointment, I weighed 117 {fully dressed.} But by my second appointment, I had lost down to 107. I wasn’t sick, but that month we had moved to our current home and remember, I was still nursing 2 other babies! With Emsley, I gained 41 pounds {and that is from the 107 mark.} And like the others, I breast fed her and the weight came off.

Em's 3rd birthday party. Not trying to gross you out, but after seeing this picture for the first time - I didn't wear a "t-shirt" until this week! What a ROLL! Eww!

But then something happened and before Emme turned 2, I started putting on weight! Not bad, but remember that I’m 5 foot. Five pounds looks ugly on me! This brings me back to about 3 weeks ago …

I finally hit that wall and really knew I had to change something! I decided that day that I would change 1 thing a week. And one of my besties is doing it too so we are kinda holding each other accountable.

The first week, the only fluids I drank were water and I also started working on my posture. Not a huge difference, but the “bloating” like feeling is gone.

The second week, I really watched my portions and became a little more active. I saw a little bit of a difference.

By the third week, I had started doing a little research and knew it was going to have to be drastic for me to see real results. And when I say drastic – I mean a permanent eating habit over-haul and change. I dropped all refined sugar {have mercy} which caused a drop in most all processed food. Which in return I’ve been gluten-free all week as well. The gluten free part was a total accident, but apparently it is in the same items as the refined sugar and processed foods.

To be honest, I have been so disgusted with myself that I’ve not been tempted by any of the “crap” food in the house. When I opened the lid to the Jell-O pudding cup for my peeps, I wash off the foil lid and put it in recycling. I use to lick it clean. When I make the kids a PB&J, I wash the left-overs off my hands instead of embarrassing myself and licking it off! I’m blown away how easy this has been. I know you are wondering if I’m carb free – NO. I can’t live without potatoes. My maiden name is Tate – and I’m quite certain my ancestors were in the potato business {or is it the tater bizness.} And I do plan to cheat. Em’s birthday is coming up and I will have cake and ice cream. But not eat all the cake and ice cream that is left over!

Now let me tell you how I feel – AMAZING! Seriously, I feel so good {even still on the accutane!} And I look different. And my pants are really loose! {Very important!} I’m going to have to introduce more activity in my plan next week. Sunday is my official 3 week marker. But yesterday was my official 1 week of no refined sugar and processed food. HUGE difference!

Are you dying to know how much I’ve lost?? haha! I was trying to hold it to the end! I started at 123. I know so many of you would love to see that number but remember – I’m 5 foot!!! As of this morning, I weighed in at 116.6. Not too bad for only 3 weeks of change. I’m glad that I’ve gone about this 1 change at a time. It has made it easier and not so overwhelming.

I’ve blabbed too long. I must go do something about these dishes and then go to the grocery. But I did want to check in and tell you my happenings.

The back was still short – similar to what it is now! But i was trying the length thing on the sides. I liked it, but there were a few days it was out of control. My hair seriously has a mind of its own some days. And I never really got use to the transition from long to short when you got to the back. My hair is the color of the “before” do. When I took the “after” picture it was black outside from the storms.

I woke up this morning with another sty on my eye. It is the second time in the past two months. Another side effect from the acne medication. I keep telling myself  ”one more month, one more month, one more month” – I think I’ll make it. This stuff is not for the weak and I’m thinking I’m part of the weak group!

I do have another canvas to show you guys! It is actually the first part of two. I’m going to keep it short and only post pictures, because my eye is seriously killing me. But I love doing pinks on pinks!!

]]> http://www.smallwordsblog.com/2012/03/24-emm/feed/ 6 http://www.smallwordsblog.com/2012/03/anna-catherine/ http://www.smallwordsblog.com/2012/03/anna-catherine/#comments Sat, 03 Mar 2012 01:55:11 +0000 Kim http://www.smallwordsblog.com/?p=2107 I so knew I shouldn’t have said anything about blogging “tomorrow.” My tomorrows always stretch over a few days! Sorry. This has been one busted week. I haven’t been able to do much of anything. And for no real reason which makes it so aggravating. Now, I’m sitting here with our “tornado” closet cleaned out watching the weather to see if I need to grab my kids and hunker down. Hudson wants his Friday night pizza, Emme is passed out in a coma on the couch, Lawson is picking all the marshmallows out of the box of Lucky Charms and Carson has a bag of miniature marshmallows giving himself bucked teeth – as you can see in the following picture ….

In the above picture, Carson has only 1 tooth and Lawson is swinging his pet rat around. It’s not a “real” rat, but when that joker is laying on the kitchen floor in the middle of the night and only a lamp is on and you see that long 16 inch tail out of the corner of your eye – it looks real. And you can really hurt yourself getting away from it. I know – from experience. And it has happened more than once. Actually, I’ve lost count how many times it has happened.

I also got my hair cut this week. I cannot tell you how much better short hair feels. My husband asked me to stop trying to grow it out. He likes it short. But I wasn’t trying to grow it out, only the bangs and the sides.

But he was right, short hair will forever be me and I need to keep it. I love hair you only blow dry. No flat iron, no heavy hairspray and when the wind blows, you don’t have to worry about hair sticking to your glossed up lips!

I also went back to the dermatologists this week – another month on Accutane. The one thing I miss on this medicine is brow waxing. I have not waxed my brows in 5 months. You can’t see in this picture, but I have so much blonde fuzz between my eye and brow and it is just gross! I have had my brows waxed every 3-4 weeks for 13-14 years. It was more than a habit, it was an obsession.

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But most of you didn’t come here to hear about my fuzzy brows, you want to see the next piece of art ….

Like I said in the previous post, this is a special canvas. This child is in Lawson’s class. And she is so sweet. Her mom wanted a piece of art for her room, but something that wasn’t loud but calming. Basically, the main concern was over stimulating her. Her bedding had such soft and muted colors. The walls were just the same. It was really a relaxing place.

The bedding was a recent Pottery Barn Kids Bedding. It has been discontinued but not that long ago! I did match the pink on the canvas to the pink on the walls since the painting was going on the green square above the bed.

Fortunately, Anna Catherine lives in my neighborhood so I could easily get a sham to match it all.

I was told that Lawson gives Anna Catherine’s parents hope. I had to turn away so that no one could see the tears in my eyes that immediately came. There are a few days this is one long and hard road. And sometimes we all forget that we are not traveling it alone. I, myself, get so wrapped up in what is going on in my house with my own children that I forget about the rest of the world. It is just so easy to focus on my kids and how to make our situation better that forget how many other people are watching me. Hoping for the same for their children. Working towards similar goals.

I can remember someone, who at the time I was very close to, made a comment to me. “Can’t you just let them be kids?” This was when the therapies had started and my fears were in overdrive. I don’t even know how to answer that without offending people, but yes I do want them to be kids. But I also want them to be HAPPY kids that grow up into HAPPY adults! And unless you have children with a form of autism, you don’t understand. You nor I could imagine the fear and anxiety they feel constantly without all the routines, therapies and regimens we have to practice daily. I am so mad at myself every time I think about the conversation. I wish I would have answered with “That is the goal – for them to be kids.” And then turned the conversation off. I don’t even remember my response, but I know it wasn’t what I wanted to say.

There is so much I’ve learned from my experience. I need to write a book about it! I’ve not really told you guys either of the boys’ stories and how I knew and really all the details. I will eventually. When I’m ready.

Stand up and speak up. You are your child’s voice. Use it. Freely.

This canvas is for Clara, which I have painted for in the past. She is growing up and must have moved into her big sister’s room, Ava. {**sniff} It is funny how I don’t know so many of you in real life, yet I feel like I know you! And let me tell all of you that although I’ve never met or seen Clara in person, this child is beautiful! I really want to lift a picture from her 3rd birthday party that I saw on facebook, but I’ve not asked for permission so I will refrain. But you will have to take my word for it – she is gorgeous!

If you look closely, you can see the tone on tone white dot in the center. I remember painting Ava’s painting. It was the first time I had painted different layers on a single canvas. I was also scared about how it was going to turn out – which is exactly why I did white on white!! haha! I’m quite sure the biggest lesson I’ve learned through painting is get over the fear. It is just paint and it is just a canvas. You can always paint over it or just get a new canvas!!! {I’ll remember that when I make a huge mistake after I have about 8 hours invested in a piece.}

And because I use to love doing sneaky peekies so much ….

This sneaky peeky is for a child who is close to my heart. I’ll explain tomorrow!

I also want to remind you that I try to keep 5 orders going at a time. Most of the time, I’m only painting 1, sometimes 2 at a time. But the emails are going for the others. This way, I have all my information ready to start the next one and hopefully, I have no down time waiting for the information for each painting. Unfortunately, there are many, many times that this plan fails miserably and I’m waiting on 5 people to email me the next bunch of answers to my questions. And I wait and wait and wait. Now, let’s be frank – I’m horrible at getting back to people UNLESS I’m working on your order! I have 30 something emails right now asking me questions and about future ordering that I’ve not responded to yet because of time, so I get that sometimes you don’t have the time to get back to me right away – totally understandable. But I really need to be painting at least 1 canvas, so I move to the next number in line. And sometimes the next and I’ve even went 3 people “next.” Then my squatter moves in – “Murphy.” He has probably moved into your joint a few times as well. When Murphy Brown is here, every single person I was waiting on will email me on the same day. Every single one of them. And especially if it is 10 people!

It really is funny. And it happens every time.

Soooo, I’ve tried doing something different by working in local people OR siblings during this dead time instead. Basically because I can get all the info I need from locals immediately. Clients with siblings know how my process works since we have worked together in the past and have always been super quick to get back to me {thank you!} I tell each of these clients {locals and siblings} what the stipulation is. You must have all the info I need asap or I can’t do it. This has actually helped me so that I’m not waiting with nothing to do. BUT I wanted to let you guys know so that when you don’t see a number beside the name at the top of the post, you will understand. Other than that, I promise I’m going straight down the list. I hope this all makes sense and no one is going to be hacked off at me thinking I have some line breakers! Because it really isn’t like that.

Now after I said all that, let me reiterate that I totally understand that it takes time to get back to me with the details! And, again, my inbox is ugly with people waiting on me to respond to them. I do ask a lot of questions that need answers you are not going to always immediately know off the top or your head. You might be sending me swatches and that will take time between getting them together to the delivery through the mail. Finding links to the bedding, especially if it discontinued, is fat pain for you. One of my favorites – the time it takes to clean your kid’s room before you take pictures to send to me – hahah! {Don’t even try to act like you don’t know what I’m talking about!!} Digging up the name to your wall color isn’t always as easy as looking in your garage and finding the paint can. And even if you know exactly what you want, your brain will start going crazy with so many other options as soon as you get the email from me that I’m ready to start. It is very rare that when I email someone I get a response back with all the specifics and wants that I can immediately start painting.

RARE.

Please, nobody start freaking out on me when it is your turn and you are not answering immediately or you are indecisive. It is like that for most. Just understand that I will either go to the next name on the list OR if I feel I have too many “waits” on that list, I’ll hit up my sibling list or my local people.

okay?!

Another BIG thing is your the number of canvases you have listed that you want. First off, if you have 3 listed – but due to some crazy, unforeseen “tragedy” {because I’ve had some really horrific reasons} you don’t need 1 of those, just let me know. You are not obligated to order 3 canvases. Let’s go to the other extreme …. say you have now found out you are pregnant since getting on my list for another child. If you know the sex, name, bedding, etc – YES, you can get that baby a canvas at the same time. Another example is the Christmas painting you see throughout this post! Because  I have received a few emails inquiring about it after yesterday’s post, I thought I would skip to it and then pick up where I left off with the other paintings on the next post.

Number 41 was suppose to be “Ella” but she changed her mind and decided to go Christmas. She told me what she liked and I went with it. The only thing I will change about this painting if I paint it again {other than the name} is the design on the ornaments. BECAUSE I love this one so much that I don’t know what else I would change up to make it different! The font will stay the same. The colors the same. Seriously, it is a really good balance!

I hope I’ve explained everything. If you have more questions, please just email me or comment to this post.

• This Saturday will be Hudson’s 11 week steroid free. Do you know how huge that is?!? That joker has been on steroids since November 2008! And every time we would ween off of them {which usually took about 6 months,} he would be back on them within 10 days if not sooner because his urine tested positive for protein. And the cycle would start over. He went for his check up with his nephrologist on Tuesday and now we are working towards getting him off the other medicine he is on. Fortunately, it doesn’t have any side effects. So, I don’t mind if we stretch this out a bit hoping it gives him more time to out grow the minimal change disease. The guy is so skinny now. I’m actually having to tighten up his pants – the same pants that were too tight at his highest dose of roids! I can’t tell how thankful I am. He isn’t in the clear yet, but we have never been able to see the light at the end of the tunnel until now. For all those who took their time to pray over Hudson, Thank you!
• I just realized today {after a friend of my husband’s posted on his facebook wall} that Carson and Lawson are the “kids of the week” in our city! Lawson made it a couple of years ago, but they both made the cut!

Lawson is in the blue and he is actually 1/4 inch taller than Carson {and has been since birth.} But Carson pulled him in and it really gave an illusion.

• About 5 months, I started taking Accutane – or whatever it is called now since there is no such thing as Accutane anymore. Please, no one give me down the road about the side effects of this stuff. I have been having issues with my skin since the year before I go pregnant with Hudson. And the cystic stuff is for the birds – over it. And unless you have that problem, no one tell me anything bad …. okie dokie? But I say this to say, it isn’t working – haha! But at the same time, it is! My back and chest area are so clear. But my face – geez! I have oily skin and the crap has dried me out. Yet, I’m still getting about 7 to 9 places a month. Then it takes them forever to heal and go away because the spots are so dry. I have 1 more month and then we are trying something else. I’ll let you all know how it goes.
• I made a huge decision about school next year. Right now, Carson and Emme go to the same Pre-K. It is an awesome program and I’ve not regretted sending my children there at all! I choose to pick the kids up at noon for two reasons  1.} I can’t afford to leave them any longer and 2.} Lawson gets out of his pre-K around 11 – so, since I have one  at home, it really would be stupid to leave the others at school. But next year, Hudson will be in second grade and the twins will be in kindergarten. I’m so ready to work and really paint, so ….. Emme will be staying full time in the same Pre-K program! That is right folks, I’ll pick up the 3 boys after school and then go pick up Emme. August people!!! I love my children, but I can’t wait for the added time to my day beginning in the fall.
• Speaking of list – have you seen? I am at 74 to go! And if I was smart, I would start blogging tonight of all the art I’ve finished so far. Just have one piece automatically post every morning at 6! But it is 2 am right now, so that isn’t going to happen! But I’m moving right along.
• I had a b***hday this month and my friends took me to the Melting Pot. Have mercy! It was an experience that I’m ready to experience again. You know what I mean?
• Today, I painted a sailboat on a canvas and a Christmas canvas – so weird. And 2 different extremes! And because I know you want see a little something ….

What? That isn’t enough?? How about this??

• I’m so tired. I need sleep.

S. Baker {Katie} 1

** J. Guzman {Emma, Ellie, E & M} 4

** C. Dallhoff {Charley & Andie} 2

** E. Haley {Barnes} 1

** H. Hullinger {Elena, Efia & to be announced} 3

** B. Lloyd {Nathaniel} 1

** S. Gaines {William, Matthew & G} 3

L. Curtis {Ryanne (Annaliece)} 1

A. Crawford {Zoe & Egan} 2

R. Murphy {Ella} 1

Emily Choate {Gracie, (2) birds & (2) bird cages} 5

C. Long {Sarah} 1

S. Graham {to be announced} 1

R. Thirkettle {Matthew} 1

K. Reed {Finley Belle} 1

A. Brandes {Carson} 1

M. Rosado {to be announced} 1

J. Turner {Michael, Annalee, Isabella & Elayna Mae}  4

N. Steagal Hill {Brynne} 1

L. Miller {Sloane} 1

L. Prather {Stephen} 1

A. Ford {to be announced} 1

A Keesee {to be announced} 1

C. Fowler {to be announced}1

J. Stoebner {Abigail} 1

S. Raines {to be announced} 1

A. Newport {Newport} 1

H. Deal {D} 1

J. Lamberth {Jere} 1

A. Teeter {T} 1

M. Clark {to be announced} 1

L. Geist {Lillie & London} 2

K. Hogg {Brynlee & Becton} 2

M.Stokes {to be announced} 1

K. Miller {Tate} 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . NOW THAT IS A GOOD NAME.

S. Southernland {Addison, Parker & Halle} 3

K. O’Connor {Caroline} 1

T. Ludlam {to be announced} 1

C. Crawford {Aniston} 1

K. Evans {Garret & Hudson} 2

S. Leach {Peter} 1

M. Murray {Brittany} 1

C. Pedroza {to be announced} 1

L. Allerkamp {Abigail, Katie & Mia} 3

M. Pierce {Kodi OR Grant} 1

A. Souliske {Mary Kate} 1

L. Sultmeier {S} 1

R. Bouchard {Renee} 1

K. Dawson {H & T} 2

K. Wilson {Cameron & Connor} 2

R. Carpenter {Jack & Harrison} 2

L. Hopkins {R, L & H} 3

C. Gruebel {Avery & Camden} 2

C. Sigrist {Cash} 1

M. Feagley {MEF} 1

L. Dusek {Dusek} 1

M. Womble {Jack} 1

J. Youngblood {Sage Anita} 1

A. Lavinder {Lauren} 1

K. LaNasa {Peyton & Luke} 2

D. Henlsley {Paye} 1

W. DeWitt {Connor & Jordan} 2

E. White {Tyler & Harper} 2

L. Cruthis {to be announced & TCL} 2

C. Mackey {4 to be announced} 4

J. Saugen {Forest & Olaf} 2

K. Trock {Danny & Emily} 2

D. Smith {to be announced} 1

A. Mitchell {Carly OR CRM & Katie OR KJM} 2

K. Goedke {Jay} 1

S. Russenberger {to be announced}1

K. Gordon {Mia} 1

M. Baker {MBE} 1

N. Richmond {to be announced} 1

M. Edler {Anderson & to be announced} 2

J. Rivers {Keilah Grace/Sophie Claire} 1

K. BeVelle {Deacon} 1

** working on them now!

But no matter how crazy the month of December is, I love it. A lot. I did great this year with gift buying. I had it all taken care of by December 1st! And I came in under budget! {Always a plus!} I had a plan and it fell into place. It was really nice. I enjoyed it all. My kids were awesome. Emme tried hard to convince us that Jesus is a baby on Christmas – every Christmas. She gets that he is 2000 years old, but on Christmas . . . he is a baby! Except from midnight to sunrise . . . then he is Santa Claus. “Because he is amazing and he can do things like that.” haha! Still cracks me up when I think about it! Lawson has every Christmas song memorized and is still singing them. Carson loved the Christmas lights – and has decided that we are keeping the lights in his room. Hudson, . . . well just know that he has been watching Christmas movies everyday since June. That boy has been “in the spirit” for months. He was disappointed when he woke up on December 26th.

Em is on a Lala Loopsy kick – anyone else out there have an obsessed child?

Lawson’s favorite toys are all educational. Seriously, this dollar toy is one of his favorites! And his absolutely favorite was a president puzzle. {And my OT friends, I don’t let my children sit like this. I specifically remember asking him to sit the correct way after this picture!}

This is the fake smile. Everyone with kids have at least one kid that has the “fake” smile! haha! This really is probably one of the most hysterical expressions ever. And he is going to kill me one day when he knows that I just posted this for the world to see. {Sorry babe, this is what happens when you keep doing it!}

And Hudson with his beloved Innotab. He is in his serious mode here. And on top of the world.

I’m fortunate to have taken a few pictures. Normally, we are so wrapped up in the excitement that we don’t even think to pick up the camera! But the one picture I get every year is the after math . . .

This is my happy picture. This is what I dreamed of Christmas morning looking like when I was a kid. Don’t get me wrong, I think the Grinch said it best when he said, “It came without ribbons!… it came without tags!… it came without packages, boxes, or bags!” But with a 3 gift minimum + each child gives each sibling a gift in the $10 and under range + Santa’s gift = a lot of gifts! My kids don’t get toys other than at birthdays. Don’t get me wrong there are times they do receive little things. But I knew before I had children, that toys were not going to be given all the time. And I’m glad we have stuck to it because it makes times like this unbelievable! Nothing like seeing a grateful heart on Christmas morning.

And because I know you want to see my Christmas card for this year {although I’ve not sent them out yet!} Like last year, they will be a “New Year card!” I already have a caption for this – I will tell you in another post. BUT I want to know what you guys would put on this! haha!

Again, I hope you all have a fantastic new year! And blogging is on my priority list for 2012!

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.

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!!!!!!

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!