That has become my time. Four am is too early – and I seriously feel frazzled if I get up at 4:30 – and with my borderline OCD, it has to be what I consider a “round” number – so 4:15 is perfect. That gives me time to get up, wake up, shower, dress, face, hair – even shoes are on my feet – eat breakfast, make 4 lunches and usually have just enough time to run the vacuum, empty the dishwasher or something of the sorts. And then I wake the kids! I need that – all of it. Or I feel frazzled.

You know what I mean?

Please don’t be misguided … my house is not clean. One day, I’m sure, it will be. But it isn’t today. It definitely wasn’t yesterday. And I don’t need a crystal ball to tell you it won’t be tomorrow. But I do attempt a household chore once daily before any kids get up.

I would say at least every other night, this blog is on my mind when my head hits the pillow. And I think I will for sure, most definitely blog tomorrow. pshh. And tomorrow comes and goes and I never did blog. Tag me a slacker. I have so much art to post on here – have mercy. It will take me forever!!! BUT I will have to start soon – I want it all posted before I accept orders again!!!

So be on the look out for posts to start appearing … again. Whoo-hoo! I promise to start marking out a time to blog. And I’m pretty sure since I just stated that sentence {the sentence before this sentence,} one of the besties {who will remain anonymous (JLC)} will remind me daily to blog. I know her. She will text, email, facebook, … and call wondering where the heck the next post is. Seriously, it will be borderline harassment. Again, I know this girl.

And speaking of a girl. My munchkin head is having a birthday in less than a month. She will be 5. FIVE! The best part of blogging this long is all the recorded memories – and five years ago was a long time ago! I have decided that I’m going to decorate the house early for her party {and the boys’ too when their birthday months rolls around.} All March-long will be Emme’s month. And the girl is excited!

She wants “a LalaLoopsy rainbow party!” I truly have absolutely no idea what that means – other than the LalaLoopsy people are crazy in colors so I’m going to run with it. For a few weeks, I’ve been on the lookout for tissue, flowers, beads, paper lanterns, ribbons and sparkly paper. I think I want to do something like this over the kitchen table ….

{source unknown}

{source unknown}

{source}

She has other request for this party other than a rainbow LalaLoopsy party … she wants it to be all girls. {Sorry Wheeler boys, you might be jailed in your room for a few hours that day!} She wants to wear a shirt with a LalaLoopsy character on it during the party. She wants “hot turkey sandwiches” – {I have no idea where that came from?} And the girl wants to paint at her party. ??? Well, okay! Someone else I know that is having a LalaLoopsy party this up coming weekend gave me a great idea for some painting fun with the kids.

So a painting we will be doing under our rainbow of tissue, ribbon and paper lanterns as we eat our hot turkey sandwiches with our female homies admiring Emme in her new LalaLoopsy shirt!!

Fun Times!!!

I was excited this year because Carson and Lawson had the infamous turkey project! As with Hudson, I asked each child what they wanted their turkey disguised as. Carson was so funny about it. He originally said an alligator, but it changed about 8 times. He finally said a “bushy tree.” I think because of all the older cartoons they watch will show characters disguised as a bush. You know what I’m talking about. They will have the twinkle toes and it is usually someone like Scooby or Shaggy hiding from something scary.

Carson colored his turkey. And he tore the strips to make the trunk! I’m not going to deny cutting out the leaves, but he wrinkled them up and glued them down.

The overall effect of the leaves were awesome ….

It definitely had the 3D effect going on. He was so concerned about losing leaves that he carried it in and refused to put it in his backpack. I just hope they make it back in 1 piece. After helping the boys this year, I have concluded that after Em makes one next year, we will FOR SURE be framing all of these in some kind of LARGE montage to be pulled out every year during the month of November.

hehe! I love it!

Now, Lawson on the other hand …. is just not having as much fun with this project as I am. If you know Lawson, you would not be surprised. Our convo went something like this …..

“Lawson come here! We need to figure out what your turkey’s disguise is going to be!”

“THAT is a piece of paper with a turkey printed on it.”

“Yes, it is. Now what do you want to dress him up like?”

“Turkeys do not dress up.”

“Seriously, real turkeys do NOT dress up. But this is pretend. And your pretend turkey needs to dress up! He needs a good costume to hide. He is afraid he is going to be eaten!”

“It is a piece of paper! It does not think about anything. And I am not hungry enough to eat paper!!!”

“LAWSON! JUST TELL ME SOMETHING OR SOMEBODY TO PUT ON TOP OF THIS STUPID TURKEY!”

“Albert Einstein. And we are not suppose to say stupid.”

The glue was still wet {that is the blue stuff.} We used what we could find for Einstein’s hair. It was definitely wild. And notice his blood shot eye. Lawson felt it was significant.

We, I mean, I did up a tie. with a collar. Now it is important to recognize the coloring job. When I asked Lawson about it, he gave me the stink eye. Seriously, this is the part of kindergarten this little dude hates.

As soon as we were done, I said something like “ta dah! Whatcha think?”

“Will I have to do this stuff in high school?”

haha!!!

TA-DAHH!

I’m here and alive! And busy like some crazed maniac! Okay, so I failed miserably with my personal date of October 1 being the completion date of the limited edition Christmas art. But my new goal is November 1 – and I’m actually thinking I will actually meet the goal! Now, of course since I said that ….. I probably won’t. So, after reading this paragraph, forget what you read. That will either cancel it out and I will finish them all by November 1 or I won’t, but you will will not remember that I said it was my goal since you forgot about this paragraph!

Yeah, now that I’ve confused you all with that little mind game, let’s move on to some other stuff!

I decorated for Halloween a few weeks ago. I didn’t go all that crazy this year. For one, my kids {aka EMME} wanted some scarier stuff. I don’t really do scary – I like the cutesy Halloween stuff. I pulled out all my pumpkins and Dept 56 village, but kept it at a minimum. I spent about 10 bucks {no joke} on a couple of small skulls and a pack of skeleton hands at Michaels and got this crazy mess ….

I already had the spanish moss, moose moss and the stones {all from Hobby Lobby.} I had saw something like this on pinterest – from Pottery Barn. It was an apothecary jar with some spanish moss and several of the skulls all which way. I think I might have taken it to the next step of creep factor – needless to say, Ems loved it.

Funny {and true} story …. the day I made these, I left them sitting on the dresser that sits behind my couch because I wanted to really clean off my mantel really well. {I need to leave out the part where I tell you there was so much dust on the mantel that I should have left it there for the creepy, haunted house effect.} That night, after the kids were in the bed and the house was dead silent, I came down the stairs. There was only one light on in the living room. It was the lamp that is between the green chairs {I’m telling this story as if you have all been in my house and know exactly what I’m talking about, okay?} The green chairs face the sofa. So the lamp was shining through the hurricanes with the creepy skulls/boney hands in them. When I stepped off the last step, I looked over and saw those things – I for real screamed. And not just any scream. A scream you would give out to an intruder in your house wielding a chain saw! Pretty sure my heart stopped for a few seconds. It was so bad that I immediately spun those things around to face the back of the couch. Only, when I started picking up toys a few seconds later on the other side of the couch, ….. I made freakin’ eye contact with the skull that has his hands on his face {not the one that has the let me out look and is pressing his hands on the glass jar!!} I immediately cleaned the mantel and got those jokers put away at a higher spot so that I could avoid anymore face to face time with them.

That morning Em told me that we needed to add a pretend spider crawling out of the eye socket.

{maybe next year.}

I ended up not doing my legs this year ….

And it is mainly because in the spring I started a topiary in this urn. Yeah, I know – ivy topiaries are dated. But let me tell you that I received a personal call from 1994 and he told me I could keep my topiary because it looked so good. Now, THAT is saying something! haha! Seriously, I’m excited to be able to string Christmas lights on it!!! I know, sort of lame – but hey, it is the little things! I have tried artificial trees and they never look right or good. So, I thought I would try the topiary this year. I will post pictures once that season rolls around. Needless to say, I’m excited about Christmas this year.

And speaking of Christmas, November 1 is awfully close – I got to go paint.

I think about how I would homeschool.

And then bust out laughing!!!!

I get up at 4:15 to shower, get completely ready and make 4 lunches. By 6, I start waking up the kids. That gives us an hour to get dressed {with minimal assistance} and fed breakfast. I would much rather wake up before the sun than to rush like mad. It makes for a long day, but at least it starts off smooth! Tonight, I sat on the couch for a minute because I had just pulled fresh sheets out of the dryer. They were so warm and I was so tired. I piled them on top of me and I’m sure you know where I’m headed with this,  the next thing I knew it was about an hour and 45 minutes later. After that little “snap,” I have a smidge of energy to pop on here but I’m still looking forward to hitting the bed!

I have soooooo much art that needs to be posted. And I really mean NEEDS to be posted! I’m hoping once we settle into our new normal, I’ll get back on that – swear.

I thought I would leave you with a picture of the four that makes it all worth it ……

I look at these little people and I’m so happy. I’m so in love. And I’m so excited to see what these little people will do in this big world. Every night I tell them that no matter what I will love them beyond the end of time and there is absolutely nothing that will ever change it. Tonight, Emme asked me why I always say that. “I don’t know, Ems. I guess because I always wanted to hear that as a kid.” I went downstairs for a second. When I went back up, I heard Carson say, “We have the best mom in the whole wide world.” And Emme added, “and we need to tell her how much we love her.” I went into my room and cried like a baby.

Even when I think I’m doing it all wrong, they make it all right. Family. That is where it is at.

• When I say limited, it is limit-ED – only 25 will be available!
• The canvas measure 12×24 and is $100 + 15.95 for shipping.
• The font nor design will change. It is what you see below but with your name of choice!
• Only 1 canvas per customer.

Since they are all hand-painted by yours truly, I can promise that they all will be slightly different – {because I can barely copy my own work!}

Let’s talk about the “how” …..

• You have to like the small words fan page!
• At exactly 8 pm central time {and I will be using the clock in the upper right corner of my computer monitor,} I will post a status that says something like “the sale has started!” You must comment under the status stating something like “I want one,” “ME,” “Please!” Whatever you want to say just as long as I know that you for sure, definitely, absolutely want a 2012 limited edition Christmas painting!
• As soon as I see I have 25 sold – I will post immediately to let you know they are all sold.
• After all 25 are accounted for, I will be giving the 26th one away! You only have a chance to win it if you have “liked” the small words fan page {because that is where I’m drawing from!}
• I will be contacting each of the 25 people immediately for the information I need to start on their canvas!

I’m excited {and nervous!} Good luck to the people who want one! I’ll see you at 8!

This was Ethan’s original painting. Although I say “original,” the canvas itself never changed – only a small detail.

Seriously, I try to keep it all together. But when someone says anything about October, all I can think of is the boys’ birthday – October 19th – one of the most important days of the year. hahah!! I’m sure you have guessed it by now …… WRONG DATE was painted on the canvas!!!

So, clearly I’m a dork … but at least I could repair that little mess up. oops. More stripes were added as well.

I stayed focused on Max’s painting – the date is correct on this one.

This design {dubbed the “Stella” since that was the first name on the original one} has got to be the most popular design I paint when it comes to requests.

My goal was to coordinate this next canvas to Emma’s painting above since both girls share a room but currently with different bedding.

And a little close up …

And as a friendly reminder …. Thursday, August 2nd is the big day! At 8 pm central time, the limited edition Christmas 2012 canvases will be available – till they sell out! Facebook only!!

Basically at this point, you almost get to where you are exhausted with all the choices that life has to offer – aaannnndddd you have absolutely no problems letting others decide for you. Perfect example is your child’s bedding!!! hah! I must admit, at this point in life I do give the final say …… but ultimately I lean to whatever the child wants {within reason!} So, when I got the email that basically stated ‘I hate the green in the bedding. She loves it. So I say whatever,’ I was dying to see this green! {That was not a direct quote, but something like that!}

As we all know – neons have made a comeback.

And, although we were fans of them in 8th grade, we might not have so much love for them now. BUT that doesn’t change the fact that our children are going to have the love that we felt so many years ago! {Just remember this about every trend – and you will be okay.}

So, the green is not bad. But I feel her pain about not lovin’ a color and thinking of all the pretty shades, you picked that one!? Remember, I have a daughter whose favorite color is “Golden.” And I do mean the metallic version.

Fortunately, it is my job to tone it down! And as you can tell, I found a softer tone of the neon!

These sisters share a room – sooooo, I was trying to pull all of their colors together in the art {as well as each personality!}

I was told it was a success – both girl’s loved their art {and so did their momma!}

Just to let you know …. The Wombles will be coming home as a family of 6! Their little man has been doing great and it is official – he is a Womble! Thanks to all who kept my friends in your prayers and thoughts!

And as a friendly reminder …. Don’t forget Thursday, August 2nd at 8 pm central time on Small Words facebook fan page is the when and where if you want to order the limited edition Christmas 2012 art for this year!

Funny thing is, Mrs. Womble decided to do it again. This time, it is a son. And her family is now complete. They left several days ago. And have already got him!

This meeting went perfect. I don’t think my friend ever dreamed of such a perfect day. I, myself, cried – especially since I know the reaction the first time with Mei Mei. I’m crying now! hah!

I had this plan of writing a post asking you to visit her blog and send her some messages through posting. Because like before, they say comments are their life line while in China. But I’m coming to you with a different request {still please post comments.} Our new little friend started off with cold on Gottcha day. But it has went to something different. He is having seizures and had one while they were in the office awaiting to finalize their adoption earlier today {China time.} Right now, he seems fine and they do have another appointment in the morning {China time – got to remember that it is the start of the night for them as I’m typing this} at the Civil Affairs Office.

PEOPLE, we need some prayers that they send that baby home with his family!!! His big brother came with his mom and dad. But he has 2 little sisters that are still waiting to meet him back home! I don’t think I’ve ever been so terrified for someone else. It is bad enough you have this tiny picture of your child that you are just waiting to meet on the other side of the world – not knowing how well he is “really” being taken care of. Face it, NO ONE can take better care of your child than you can! That is crushing enough. Then you meet your child, there is an instant connection, all seems fine, he then is sick and you are forced back to the states and hope someone takes care of your sick baby like you would. And everything is left up in the air?!?

Fortunately, not only is my friend a mother {to now 4 kids- how’s that sound Mrs. Womble?!} she was also a NICU nurse at Vanderbilt for many years. She knows what she is doing. He is definitely in great hands!

Please, I beg all of you – pray for my friends, The Wombles.

I know that sounds backwards. So, so backwards!

But his tantrums are so freakin’ funny! He does the 18 month old tantrum – where he falls over on the floor screaming and crying. All the kicking has him spinning a circle on the floor while he is laying on his back. I think it is so funny that I really have to walk off because I’m laughing hysterically and I definitely don’t want him to see that! Then he does the 3 1/2 year old tantrum – where he stomps off while saying how much he hates everything and throwing or kicking any toy in his way.

But no matter what type of tantrum it is, he always ends up in my room. He locks the door, but he never clicks it closed. So, it is never “really” locked. And he falls asleep. Every single time.

See him? Seriously, this is where he ends up every time sawing logs. Sleeping off his tantrum.

He looks all knotted up! But he will sleep like this for a couple of hours. I think he knows when he needs some quiet time to calm down which is because of his age. Usually 18 month olds are not going to know this – but most almost 6 year olds do.

Just another one of those Wheeler moments that I’m so very thankful for.

Did you follow that???

I hope so!

Remember Em’s room?? Yeah, the one I’m still slowly working on. I linked to that particular post because it has a little re-do project in it.

See this pillow? I love this pillow and her little twin! But I have to admit, they have been driving me crazy how their little fabric dances around the pillow when you touch either of them! So, I did what any sane person would do.

I took them apart.

I took a seam ripper and picked the back off the front basically. Once they were apart, I ran them back through my sewing machine. I {kinda} followed the lines in the fabric and kept the gathered ruching look – because it is fabulous. Now, I have no lies to tell – it is probably some sloppy work for the skilled seamstress. But it works perfectly for the look I’m going for!

The best part was when I finished and Emme says, ”Miss Momma. YOU are just AWESOME!”

“And Ems, don’t you ever forget it!” haha! I love this kid!

I did use the same pillow form. The newer version is for sure square. When I sewed the other lines in, it squared up the fabric majorly. But I’m totally diggin’ it! And it was easy. The time consuming part was taking it apart. I did NOT handstitch the hole closed after I stuffed the pillow in. I actually ran it through the machine, too! Amazingly, it was a straight line – even with the pillow about to bust out!  But the hand stitching takes up too much time! I did time myself from beginning to end it it took me 37 minutes to do this project. And that folks, is called instant gratification!!

Guess what I got yesterday???? Well, guess! Okay, forget it – you will never guess it!

Finally. After years of searching. And years of begging. I got me a REAL LIFE French Provincial Sofa!!!!! Krista has had one in her studio for years. And I would remind her {you would probably consider it maybe a little on the obnoxious side} that I wanted the sofa when she was ready to part with it.

She was ready or I just broke her down. Either way, I got the sofa!!!

God bless you, Krista! I will be naming my next child after you!!!!

{Oh, wait. That might pose a problem.}

I’ll post pictures of her {the sofa, not Krista} later. No need to show you till she is about to be transformed into her new duds. And the tiny fact that I don’t have a room for her yet will caused that project to be put on the back burner. But hey, I finally got the sofa, right??

Later peeps, I have a house to clean!

Just in case you could not tell, this room has a nautical theme. There were several paintings in the room {already} with boats, so it was only fair to add a Kim Tate boat in the mix! This was a first for me. Not too bad {okay, actually I love it!!}

I wish I would have taken a picture of the piece of quilt that was also sent to me. I was so adorable, but I sent it back when I shipped the painting. The fabrics you see below are from the bumper pads. I recently got another order for the same striped fabric that was used in Barnes’ room! That is when you know you are in with the trends when I get multiple orders to match similar or the same bedding. {You guys are just awesome like that!}

I get so many questions concerning painting with white on red paint. Let me clear up the air – I have not found the secret nor do I possess the magic. The white will turn pink every single time. I layer very little with red and white because of this. I rarely turn down a challenge, but I really start sweating when I have to paint white on red. I usually paint red around white – does that help anyone?? Now, if anyone knows a tip – that they would like to share – when using white on red, I beg you to share!

Off to figure out what the heck I’ve done in these drafts and maybe I can get these other posts up {but 1 per day!} And before I forget … Thursday, August 2nd at 8 pm central time! That is the day you can order the Christmas painting for 2012 on facebook. But remember only 25 are being offered!

for those wondering if I ever draw out the design.

All three boys are starting a new school in the fall – I am so excited. They are, too! I found out a few weeks ago that the principal that I was so excited for us to have, got a HUGE promotion and will not be there. I laughed. Because what else can I do. I am so happy for her because really, this new job is awesome – but dang, it sucks for the students losing her!!!

Since summer started, my kids have not got into bed before 10. Not one single time. And I hate myself for it because we are usually very routined people. But there have been pros to this slacker-like behavior – the biggest one is my kids sleep in. But to tell you the truth people, we are having too much fun at night. It has been fantastic. They love playing board games and we have so many. So, we play these cheezy games what seems like all night long. We have one kid that really is a sore loser. And it is bad. The others want him to win so they don’t have to hear it. But with four kids, we don’t cheat. If you win – it is fair and square.

The kids’ rooms have been picked up {cleaned} every night before they go to bed for over 4 weeks! Down to the tinniest of legos, it is all picked up and put away {in their labeled bin – because I am that kind of mom.} This is huge in our house. And that is two rooms that I don’t have to worry about other than dusting and vacuuming. They might be going to bed late, but their rooms have remained cleaned. Awesome feeling.

I have my first bona fide nephew. Lonnie’s brother and sisters have kids, but this sweet babe came from my side of the family – my brother. Me and a few of my crazies visited him at the hospital. Gahh, he is so cute. But you know you are done having kids when you have zero baby fever when you see such a cute baby. After my kids terrorized the room, it was made known that that was the only kid he was having. I couldn’t imagine why. I mean, Ems thinks she is a ninja right now and she is proud to use her skills. Carson will forever be a super hero in his heart and firmly believes they trump any ninja and tries to prove it all times. And Lawson, well, …. he is just Lawson and at least he didn’t start doing math sequences and freaking everyone out – because that is what usually happens.

my nephew

It has been so hot here – as everywhere in the south – other than the beach. I keep hearing how the beach goers are having 80 degree weather. Well, ain’t that just nice – while we have drought-like 110 degree weather. But today, a we are finally getting  a break in the heat. And I heard that on Wednesday, it is suppose to be 81 as the high. I might have to break out a sweater for such frigid weather!! But that is also a couple of days away. The one thing you can depend on here in the beautiful Middle Tennessee is change – there is a huge chance that forecast will change before then.

a neighbor had a baby! AND this was an old cabinet door bought from a yard sale already painted this shade of green!

I have been laughing at how all these people have been reading the Shades of Grey books. Here is my current stack of books on my night stand – The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, The Out-of-Sync Child, Your Daughter Needs a Hero and I just ordered Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew. Now, there would have been a time I would have been all over some Shades of Grey, but right now my mushy brain cells are focused elsewhere. After all these kids, I only have a few good ones left ya’ know! Back in the day, I read romance novels all the time – like 5 or so a week! My favorite author was Johanna Lindsey. My first romance novel to read was her Falcon and the Flower – I was in 7th grade. It was during TCAP testing. They told us to bring in a book so we had something to do after each test while waiting for the time to run out. This book had over 500 pages, so I had plenty to read! haha! I was hooked then. And for the record, I also read classics. Just not so many once I found out about romance novels! haha! So, you guys have fun reading your dirty books as I’m over here reading about how to help my daughter with body image!! hah!

a few weeks later, another neighbor had a baby! Do NOT drink the water on our cul-de-sac!

I have not had pasta in over 4 months. But I finally had spaghetti squash a few weeks ago – o my. Yes, it does have a crazy little crunch, but it is fantastic! For those wanting some of my recipes I have been using ….. Here is how I prepared the squash, this is my sauce and I had to have mushrooms! And I also ate a salad with spinach, a little baked chicken, strawberries and a smidge of this dressing. Of all the ways to cook the squash, this was the best for me. As for the dressing – I do 1 Tbsp of vinegar to 1Tbsp of  olive oil. And any balsamic or apple cider vinegar is great! I freeze the sauce and can get 3 meals for our family of 6 from the exact recipe above. Since I am the only one eating the spaghetti squash, I pan fry it all and then freeze it in individual portions and I got 6 total out of 1 squash. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but so much of it was prepped before hand. So, really it is an easy meal! I’m now at a size 2 or 4 {depending on the brand} and as of this morning, I’m about 1/2 a pound from 110. And I’ve still not exercised {*cue eye-rolling} – I will eventually! haha!

I have painted for this fabric several times. True "sweet nursery" bedding.

And as a friendly reminder ….. Thursday, August 2nd at 8 pm on the small words facebook fan page!! Just in case you don’t know what I’m talking about, go here and you will see! {Unfortunately, I have more random art pictures to post – I guess I’ll have to have another brain dump soon!}

Christmas 2012 orders from Kim Wheeler on Vimeo.

First thing is first …. LIKE small words on facebook!

Second thing . . . . let’s get all the facts straight -

You must “like” the small words fan page.

The art is a 12×24 canvas, $100 + 15.95 for shipping.

No colors, major design elements or fonts will change.

Orders will not be accepted until Thursday, August 2nd, 2012 at 8 pm central time.

You can only place your order when you comment under the ‘Let the Christmas 2012 ordering start’ status {or something like that!}

Only 1 order per customer – meaning, 1 canvas per customer.

I’m only selling 25 Christmas 2012 personalized and limited edition paintings.

I will give away a Christmas 2012 personalized canvas from all the small words facebook likes after all 25 canvases sell.

I’m going to litter this post with sneaky peekies from all the art completed last week. Unfortunately, it will be a few weeks before you see them {unless you have seen them on facebook} because I’m terribly behind posting art on the blog – but I’m getting there!!!

Since it is the first of a month, I went back to other June posts to see what I was doing this same time last year and years past. I love that part of blogging!!! Since I don’t write anything on a calendar, it is fun to go back and see what the kids were doing or did that warranted me to “write” about it on the blog. A year ago, Lawson was finallyusing the potty. {That is more of a miracle than anything.} I posted that he still wasn’t talking – fortunately, I can’t shut him up now! Love that baby’s voice. Hudson and Carson gave themselves hickeys – and thought it was the funniest thing ever. And Em had her tonsils removed! What a month!

One of the biggest things it seemed that happened in June of 2010 is I finished my window treatments in my studio – I also painted a lot of furniture! I focused on Em’s room and got the ball rolling to redo her room, but that was about it. Slow month.

Now, June of 2009 was a little different – Anyone remember the show Harper’s Island?? Man, I loved that show – clearly, enough to blog about it! I also mentioned how my kids saw a bird in the Target parking lot and simultaneously, all 4 kids started singing to them like Fiona does to the blue bird in the movie Shrek. Yes, they were trying to make the bird blow up. Classy bunch I’m raising. We also went out to eat at the Aquarium- just click here to see these photos – really they are hysterical! I did my first video post – did nothing but prove how dorky I am. This was the month the “April Rose” blog came out as a hoax. Some of me thinks “that was only 3 years ago?” But then the other part thinks “that was only 3 years ago?” Either way, it seems it happened just a few months ago or forever ago! I also created a painting with nothing but an idea in my head. It was the first time that I didn’t draw anything or grid any part of it out. I just painted. It was very liberating.

I laughed while reading the June 2008 because of a “tagged” post! Remember those?? Where you would get tagged in someone else’s post and you would have to tell all this useless info about yourself. I found myself not having the time to do those, but I’m glad I did do a few – they are funny! Just read this one – you will feel like you know me better! I also did a post of my hair in one week – you do know that I take a picture of my hair daily, right? haha! I met Kijsa this month – love that girl and her art! I was introduced to fluffer-nutter sandwiches – have mercy. I got Em’s birth announcements. And I was tagged. And tagged again!

And then there is June 2007 – the month I created my corner in the blog world. June 9, 2007 to be exact. At the time, I had 2 blogs. One about the kids and this one that was suppose to be about my art. But every time I would post on this one a small story about my kids, things would just happen – positive things within my business. So, I decided to combine the 2 blogs. You can read about my favorite shows, see the inside of my house, my kids, their milestones, MY milestones, my hopes, my dreams, my funny day to day living. But, you can also read about all the imperfections in my life as well. You can read about my failures, the days that I’m mad or hurt, see my house trashed, hear about when my kids are sick, bad mommy moments …… you know, the not so fun day to day living. Most of you are mothers – some to babies and some to adults. Some of you are creative and some of you swear you can’t do anything artsy or craftsy. Some of you know about autism, kidney issues or sensory integration. I know there are different things that bring you here, but whatever the reason …. I’m so thankful for everyone of you. What an awesome 5 years!!

I have to admit that this client probably was the first person to ever read my blog that I didn’t know in real life. And her daughter, Chelsea, just graduated high school! I was so proud of her as if she was my own kid!!! It is funny how you really get to know your virtual friends – or at least I think I do.

Another cute room {!!!} – we were trying to add a few more colors in the painting and this design is always great for that! AND it is definitely one of the most popular designs I paint. You can just squeeze as much or as little color into it as you need.

{I really love the fabric in this quilt.}

And because I think this was so cute …

And Robin, I love her new pink “strip” of hair! haha!

I like this picture because every time Emme was in my room when I was looking at the room pictures, she would scream {every time} “That’s my dollhouse! How do they have it! It is still in my room!!!” haha! And every time I would have to explain how they make a blue-million of those things and sell them to everyone in the world – except hers because Santa brought hers! I’m not joking – every single time.

I loved the brightness of the room, so I tried hard to capture it on the canvas!

The bedding in Charley’s room came from Pottery Barn Kids.

Well, get your mind out of the gutter {because I know it is!} I didn’t meant it that way! But it sounds awful, doesn’t it?!? I kept saying to a friend that I’ve been turned on to painting so much this weekend that I can’t turn off. And we would bust out laughing. I guess I should have said “my switch” is turned on and I can’t turn it off! haha! Clearly, it doesn’t take much to get me tickled. Actually, I would say that I’m probably delirious! Saturday night, I didn’t got to bed till 5 am Sunday morning and then got up at 9. Then I did the same thing Sunday night – didn’t go to bed till 5 am Monday morning. Fortunately, my husband let me sleep in till noon Monday. I never sleep in like that – ever. But I just got on a roll and couldn’t put my paint brush down.

Like I said, “my switch” wouldn’t shut off!! And I think it is still in the “on” position now – but I’m going to force myself to go to bed. I just finished up another painting that has a cute mickey mouse surprise on it – something I will not do unless it is done tasteful. So, please no one ever ask me to just paint a Mickey Mouse on a canvas – I will surely tell you no. But this turned out cute and I’ll tell the back story when I get to that one on the blog – number 45, so be looking for that one.

I’ve had a few emails as to where I was at on the list, so I’m going to post an updated version. Remember, these are the ones that are left. If I have fully completed the order, it is deleted off the list. That means, your number will have changed if you are still on the list. BUT I will always reference you by your original number!

S. Baker {Katie} 1

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

** S. Graham {Alexander} 1

** K. Reed {Finley Belle} 1

** A. Brandes {Carson} 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

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

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

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

C. Long {Sarah} 1

S. Gaines {William, Matthew & G} 3

M. Womble {Jack} 1

M. Rosado {to be announced} 1

A. Crawford {Zoe & Egan} 2

** working on them now!

For some reason, I feel like there are a couple more that should be checked off but i just can’t figure out who!

Because I hate leaving a post picture naked, here is a shot of Colin’s art. I always talk about one of my best friends, Krista. She is the one that takes all my professional pictures {because we all know I sure didn’t!} She had a baby several months ago. I gave her a canvas when we hosted her baby shower in November {yes, that long ago!}

I did not take a shot of it here at my house, but Krista got one once she got home. This one matches the Madras bedding from Pottery Barn Kids!

I now must muster up strength to go wash my face and brush my teeth. Although I’m tired, my fear of losing my teeth and wrinkles far exceed my exhaustion. Hopefully, I’ll post more art tomorrow!! Till then, good night.

In this stage of my life, painting is my outlet. And it has been for the past 7ish years. To say that I enjoy painting would really be an understatement. I love painting. It is a part of me. And I love to throwing myself into a painting in whatever mood I’m in just to see what the end result will be. But when my studio gets so crazy looking that I’m finding myself staring at the mess more than a canvas, I have some serious problems. So, today I just started stacking things up and moving them out. Between the Clorox wipes, Pledge and Windex …. this room transformed .

I didn’t take a single picture before hand because I just dove in. I didn’t even think to. And frankly, it was so bad that I’m sure I wouldn’t have posted them. I had to box up shipments, write thank you notes and print out shipping labels. I listed out all my paint color needs and supply needs. I even changed up my inspiration board – moved it, too!!

I have to admit, the table that holds all the paints drives me cray-cray because I still have not painted it white! My chicken coop table still isn’t white either {I didn’t take a picture of it – sorry.} Maybe I will get to that this summer! Although, I distinctively remember it being on last year’s summer list. I want the kind of studio you’ve seen that is incredibly cute and functional as well! And for some reason I think my furniture needs to be all white for that to come full circle! I also want a sheet of glass to cover the entire top of my painting table.

Of course I cleaned my room while watching all of this weeks episodes of Days of Our Lives. I have officially ran out of stuff to watch while painting. I kept seeing previews for the show The Only Way is Essex on Hulu. I couldn’t help myself, I started with season 1, episode 1. Confession – I had to stop what I was doing to concentrate on what they where saying!!! Now, let us get something straight – I have a thick southern accent. So, I have no right to be talking about the way anyone talks. But I really couldn’t understand them!!! My favorite was “Shu-Up” – I heard it so many times in the first episode, I have officially started saying shut-up just like it!! hahah! And for the record, I love their accent – even if I couldn’t understand it {at first!} Now, I have 4 seasons to finish up because nothing is better than fake reality. Nothing.

As for that brick wall – it must have come crashing down as soon as I moved everything back in the room because I am ready to paint again. I’ve sucked down a few cups of coffee. My kids are in bed asleep. And I’m singing the Essex theme song – it is time to get my paint on.

Saying that, we have talked about bowling everyday for weeks. We have showed pictures, we practiced how we would roll the ball, how the points of the game work, blah, blah, blah. Basically I talked to my crazies about everything to expect! And till the moment we left yesterday afternoon to go, it had worked perfectly!!! THEN, Lawson “tried” to refuse not to go when we were loading up.

The funny thing is, that joker was the first one to get his bowling shoes on when we got there. I’m talking about threw his crocs at me and put on his on socks by himself {he has never been able to get his socks on straight – ever – till that very moment!} He had his shoes on and was telling us to hurry up! It was so funny!!!

I think it was one of those times that it met his expectations. It was exactly how he had pictured it. Even Hudson had a blast. I felt sorry for the people beside us, because Hudson kept organizing the balls in the rack. But we were there for three hours and the kids never got tired. We really thought one game would be all they could handle, but they knew we got 2 free games so they were ready to keep going. It was probably one of the best times I’ve had in a long time. It bypassed my expectations tremendously.

With all the sensory stuff, I have to be ready for it to fall apart for Lawson or Hudson. I’m never worried about Carson and Emme, because most times they will just calmly use words and tell me they are done or ready to go or it’s too much or whatever. But most times I have to look for the signs with the other two. Last night, there were no signs. And I probably could have cried tears of joy! Dramatic I know, but to be able to go somewhere dimly lit, noisy, people screaming, just something completely different and everything go smoothly is a BIG DEAL here!!!! And I have so many friends who have tried doing “new” stuff with us before that can vouch that this was very unusual!!

Our skate center offers a similar deal, so that will be the next stop this summer. Between the library, neighborhood pool & our membership at the Discovery Center, we should have plenty to do this summer outside of the house.

I love the wall colors! Which is why I used them {or a shade lighter} on the canvas. See how the orange toy on the side of the crib really jumps out at you?? Well, that is why I used the orange to separate the turquoise and lime on the canvas. I really liked how it all works well together!

The window treatments were super cute as well! Can’t go wrong with polka-dots that make dots.

The finished piece ….

I remember taking these pictures and it was a cloudy day. I also remember thinking that I would retake them once the sun popped out so I would have some really great ones for the blog post. I vaguely remember thinking Did I ever get any good shots of Claire’s art?? after I shipped it off. I can answer that with a NO! because I just went through every file on my computer looking for them!

Dangit!

Do you remember the Penelope bedding from Pottery Barn Kids??? Another big hit that they kept for longer-than-usual. After a few months, they actually popped out a pink and brown little number so that you had a choice between the pink and green or pink and brown. Both are cute … but I really like the pink and green!

{I’m positive this was taken before I even sealed it!}

I used tons of pearlized paint on this one. From the background to the letters, the canvas has that sheen. When I first started painting 7 years ago, the background was always pearlized. And then there was always a stain or another form of aging done to the finished canvas before I sealed it. I loved the look of the pearlized paint, but then I would totally wash it out by aging the canvas ???? That was my “trying to figure out what the heck I’m doing” years. Not that I’m too far from that now, only I’ve been around a little longer and have a couple of more paintings under my belt {compared to then!}

Okay, now seriously, how cute is this upholstered headboard?!?!?

It did not come from Pottery Barn, but the color looks to be dead on! So cute!!!

And on another note ….. Gabriel and Claire’s dad just got back from deployment yesterday!

{Laura might kill me for posting this picture! I’ll take my chances!!}

For the people who aren’t familiar with this sort of stuff, I just wanted to post a picture of the children’s outfits because really, this is nothing but cuteness.

Now, I’m not trying to play down how cute these outfits are, but my favorite thing is how Laura has on a yellow dress! How cute is that dress?!? And I’m sure the color was flashy enough that she was seen in a crowd!!

Laura, I had to post these pictures to show the world how adorable you and your family are. You were a peach to work with and I’m so excited that your husband is back home!! Hoping you stay in Tennessee a little while!

I love how this has become such a popular design. And it is so versatile. From off centered-name to the stripes on the bottom or even the chevron pattern! I just don’t think you can go wrong with this one!

I also have to say that this is one of my top favorite boy fonts right now! There are fonts that are easier to paint than others and this is one of them. AND there is no guessing game where to hi-light the letters either. It really is just a fun font in general!

{I seriously love the daddy pillow!}

This is also one of my favorite beddings too - Pottery Barn Kids Madras. There are going to be a lot of sad folks when they get rid of this one. It just has all the “right” colors. I noticed that it is on sale at this moment – never a good sign. That usually means its time is up. If this was a bedding you were thinking about, you might want to go ahead and get it.

Speaking of bedding …. here lately I’m getting a ton of orders to match bedding from Baby & Child Restoration Hardware. Another great company that will send you swatches! But, it take nearly forever to receive them. I’m still waiting on 8 different swatches that I ordered over 2 weeks ago. Puts a little hold on me starting on those canvases. I was afraid that the order didn’t go through and actually went to check my order status. Yep, it was there. And now there is a date of June before my swatches are available. {poo poo to the whos!} But hey, to be able to get swatches is a great thing because there are some companies that still are a little behind the times and don’t provide – even if you are willing to pay!!!

But I ordered a catalog. I don’t know about you, but I love to hold pages in my hands. Online is great because you can see so much more. BUT the catalog, magazine or book is the only way for me. AND holy toledo!!!!

What a beautiful catalog! AND the thickness!! I flipped through it 7 times sitting in the school pick up line the first day I got it. The furniture – have mercy is just so … well, me!!! If you haven’t seen any of this bedding, do yourself a favor and check out the website – I promise you will love the pictures and ideas and products! The pricing is a little steep, but it only makes you appreciate the pictures more and gives you tons of inspiration!

I seriously just mention something I “think” I might want and the girl finds it. It is some serious craziness. I told her she needed to start a business. I hope she will one day!!!

Some of these pictures are not the best – so I apologize now! I know everyone wants to know how I did it – so let’s begin. Emme put on some rubber gloves and wiped both tables down with a clorox wipe. Oh, yes she did! I unscrewed the dated hardware {and trashed it. I hope that crap never comes back around in style} and filled in the holes with a wood filler. I had Home Depot mix up 2 sample containers of paint – you know the 7.5 fluid ounce tubs.

The colors

Behr's Lotus Leaf

Behr's Dragonfly

I liked both colors and really didn’t know which to choose. For $2.94, it really didn’t matter. But they are like a blue/gray/green – ish color. I painted the first coat the Lotus Leaf and the second coat Dragonfly.

I then took a fine grit sanding block and sanded all over! I put a little more effort on the edges that would naturally be worn. I bought the new drawer pulls from Hobby Lobby 1/2 off for $1 each.

So, for under $50 and about 2 hours of my time and 20 minutes of Emme’s,} I got the perfect nightstands!!!!! {yet again, winning!!!}

For the first time in months, I actually got all my laundry put away after I finished it. It was such an out of body experience that I think I’m going to do it again! I have a bad habit of leaving the last load in the dryer. OR I leave a few piles on the kitchen table. Then when it is time to eat dinner, I just shuffle them around the room. I’m pretty sure no one can relate and I’m the only person in the world that does that – so embarrassing. And hysterical! And a little lazy! It’s weird how before kids, laundry was easy and quick and really no bother. Add those 4 little bodies – have mercy! I swear, there are little people that come into my house when I’m not here and throw clean laundry in the dirty laundry just so I have to wash more.

Carson and Emme’s last day of school was yesterday. I can’t tell you how much I love that place. Back in the day when all I did was babysit 28 hours a day, {wouldn’t 28 hours in day really help some of us?!} pretty much all my kids I watched went through this same program. I loved it then. I put these two on the list as soon as I could and was so happy when Carson got in! I knew once he was in, Em had a spot the next year. Seriously, it is an awesome program. We just had the year end program with the annual silent auction. This is my second year I donated a gift certificate. I wanted to offer up a Christmas painting this time. So, I whipped out a sample. {I stayed up all night for this one.}

I am going to offer this style this year as a limited edition Christmas piece. I finally figured out this week how I’m going to do it. And I’ll let you all know about it soon. Just know it will be sometime late summer when I do. I promise to give you all a heads up first.

I really played around with this one and actually painted it blindly from the last one. I was trying to see for the ease of replication how different they would look overall. Obviously, I don’t want them to be exact, but I do want them all to look similar. I hope this is something a few of you will want. If not, maybe I’ll catch you on the next Christmas design.

I have had so many inquiries about another holiday set {or piece} and I’m so happy to be able to oblige!!! {winning!} I’ve saved every email asking about a Christmas piece  - 172 total. Yeah, you read that right – 172 inquiries for Christmas art alone. I do think most of those specifically wanted the “Fa La La” but I know a few of you wanted something new! But more on that later!!!

Another awesome thing here at the Wheelers is Hudson is considered in remission yet again. As I stated in the last post, he has never responded as quickly to steroids as he did this time. One week after the first dosage and we had trace amounts of protein in his urine. We have started the taper and if I can work it out right, he should be off the steroids completely before school starts in the fall. He is having a little bit of aggression issues, but no where near like he has in the past. He is so funny – he will tell me sometimes, “I’m feeling a little crazy right now. I need to take a break in my room.” ha! Only a few years of OT to thank for that. What can I say, a couple of my kids are really trained to know their emotions & senses and to know when to ask for help or to step away. {winning!}

Okay, so this is huge!! Do you remember my friend Keva?? She had baby Chai almost 2 years ago. He lived for 25 hours for the fame of Jesus and the Glory of God. Keva got pregnant again. Meet Simon …..

She got right at the 34 weeks this time! Baby Simon is in the NICU and is needing some oxygen help. Even as early as he was, he was still 6 lbs 3 oz and I can see he has Keva’s mouth. I’m so excited, I could just scream!!!!! I just remember as kids, Keva and I talking about having families  - babies one day. They were dreams. Hopes. And something we couldn’t even wrap our minds around. When I look at this picture, I see another real live dream come true and even more so now. I’m not just asking, I’m begging everyone that reads my blog to pray for this family – The Atwoods. Pray for this life that you see in the picture above. No matter what, big things will come from Him – I just know it. {winning!}

And because Simon is on the brain, I’m going to post pictures of his art! As soon as I found out it was a boy, I had chevron pictured in my mind. I sent Keva a text and asked her why?? The only thing is I had yellow chevron. You know you know someone inside and out when she said that was what she wanted!! haha! But she changed her color scheme because of the color of the nursery furniture. It is the honey colored sleigh bed/crib from Pottery Barn Kids {love it!}

The chevron was awesome to paint – someone else request please!

Okay, the one place I’m not winning this week is my inbox! I know I complain about this all the time. I’m just hoping you guys will go for the “poor-pitiful Kim thing” if I complain about it enough. Is it working? haha! I have purged it and got rid of all the junk. Now, I plan to tackle the real emails next. For those waiting on me, just hang tight a moment and you will hear from me!!!

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!