I think Winter has finally arrived here in SC!

"Sitting Fox" - original fabric on wood - in my shop now http://http//www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18964380

(I can't figure out how to make a link just one word that you click on to the link- help anyone)

I would love like 2 or 3 really fun snowy days like this. I know they are getting blasted with a winter white out up north but we just got out the 70's. I am not so much complaining but it is hard to celebrate winter when the weather is like early Fall. So bring on some snow fall...Please!

This was the other day while playing outside. London loves this play house we have for him. Chalk is a must anytime we are playing in the yard. Early on in the day it was in the high 60's then it cooled off a little (enough for a light jacket). But by 6:00pm it was COLD...so we made fire and ate steak and corn on the cob for dinner with LOTS of red wine.

London and Finn playing at Finn's "Cookies and PJ's" party yesterday morning.

London sporting his Santa hat.

And of course Happy Holidays to all from the Mitchells. We are ready for Scott to have a 4 day weekend and of course we have London's B-day party on Sunday (the big 2 years). We are making him a star cake (no where near as fabulous as my cousins castle cake...she is good).

The only bummer about the weather it was too cold to take London Christmas caroling last night. Actually I am not even sure if they went b/c it was so cold out.

Drink some Eggnog.

Eat some cookies.

Love your friends and family.

Cheers!

xoxo

Shellie

Stock Piled

London enjoying my 32nd Birthday present with Dessa- hee hee

My shop is so full with originals and archival prints I have tried to sloooow down lately making new things. This season has been considerbly slower this year than last - but with the economy I am trying not to take it personal- ha ha I think many of us are just trying to pay our bills and there is not much left for the fun stuff. Of course I am still making some new pieces as ideas and images come to me but I am just enjoying my time with London and not feeling the pressure to stock pile my virtual shelves (b/c they are already stock piled with 348 items).

2 new pieces

"Lean Just a Little" - Original Fabric on Wood art - in the shop now

"The Wooden Girl who Longed for More" - Original fabric on wood art - in the shop also


Scott and I in Key West - sitting on the curb watching the Christmas parade

Scott and I enjoying the Sunset after Caroline and Ciaran's wedding..ahhhh

We just got back from our first vacation in over a year. One of my very good (and oldest friend) got married in the Fl. Keys. We are talking amazing amazing wedding. She did such a great job and everything seemed to go down flawlessly. I am missing the warm Fl Keys already but I am super happy to be back home with my little guy. Don't worry he had a blast with Granny and Grandaddy. He didn't cry once until we got home and he realized we had been gone. ha ha

Christmas is coming and I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season...enjoy your families and of course some lowfat eggnog (I know I will be)!

All these stay at home Moms

London and I and of course "Brownie" the Owl at Finn's b-day party

Our feet right before we plowed down this big slide!

Recently I have reconnected with many old friends on facebook. I was chatting with a guy friend from high school yesterday and he was so baffled or maybe more surprised at how many stay at home moms many of his old friends have become. I have been thinking about this a lot lately and realize how special this really is that I get to do just that. Yes I have my little business selling my art on Etsy and the occasional show but really I am a MOM.

When London first arrived I was pretty sure that I was going to quit my job when my (unpaid) maternity leave was up. When that day finally came and I took my little 3 month old London with me to turn in my notice, I cried the entire drive there. It was an easy decision but there was still this part of my life that I had always known and that I had worked so hard to get to and I was pretty much saying goodbye.

Now my days are filled with grahm crackers, peek-a-boo, playing with leaves and sticks outside, at least one tantrum a day (but hey I know adults how do that too) and digging out anything on wheels he shoves over and over again underneath his bed. It can be very stressful having only one steady income and knowing how hard my husband works and what he sacrifices for me to be home. But looking back I would not change a thing and I thank God every day for this life that I have!

A new piece in the shop called "Amber Skies" - Original Fabric on Wood art

Fall is flying by...

Seriously where had the time gone? I of course have been a slack blogger as I basically took the month of Oct off from blogging.

London at that Zoo...loving on the Lion statues

We have a new president and hopefully he will bring about much needed change. I usually do not talk politics b/c I am not much for debating. Therefore, I will keep it short and sweet...I am happy with the results even though I feel like my vote here in SC was wasted b/c it went to Red (middle of the Bible belt and I suppose that is what happens) :) I did wait in line about 1 hour and 20 mins but it was so worth it just to have a voice, for that I am thankful!

Here is a new piece that I just adore. I love the way the patterns on the fabric just fell into place on this one. I love her pale skin against her deep red lips. If I could only draw faces all day long I would not be opposed.

Her Eyes Gave her Away - Original fabric on wood art (in my shop now :)

Now a few pictures from what we have been up to in this month of no postings.

Scott, London and I at the Columbia Zoo on Nov. 2

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful leaf changes...they have finally gone colorful here.

Little bits of Love - Original fabric on wood art (in my shop now )

An Alaskan Treat!

London playing at the Childrens Museum of Myrtle Beach (Sept. 24th 08)

15 lbs. Fed Xed Frozen Halibut from Alaska

My sister Christie has been in Alaska since April giving tours on a Whale Boat (she was a "Naturalist"). I have heard that Alaska is one of the # one places to go to try to find yourself and I think she was just looking for an adventure. I know she had a great time, met the coolest of folks but was ready to come home. We miss her so we are ready for her to be home too! London was 15 months old when she left and now she will be coming home to a 21 month old London and I am sure she will hardly recongnize him (even though she has been looking at all the pictures I post of him).

Scott checking the Halibut

Here are some pictures of the 15 pound cooler of fresh Halibut Christie shipped to our house. Of course this is not just for us as I know she wants to share it with everyone but yes Scott and I had to sample a fillet! Here is what we did with it and it was quite tasty to say the least. We had it with garlic smashed potatoes and raw carrot slices. What a yummy dinner and thanks again Christie for sharing some with us. The rest are in our freezer waiting for you!

Orange Flavored Halibut Fillets

2 pounds fresh or frozen halibut fillets
Grated rind and juice of 1 orange
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

If needed, thaw frozen fish fillets for 1 hour, before cooking.
Roll thawed fish in paper toweling to remove any humidity.
Simply rub fresh fish fillets for a few minutes with paper toweling.
Arrange fish fillets into one layer, into a large well buttered microwave-safe dish.
Mix together orange rind and juice, butter, lemon juice, salt, pepper and nutmeg; pour over fish.
Microwave for 10 to 12 minutes on 'MAXIMUM', until fish is easily broken-up with a fork.
Leave to rest for 5 minutes; transfer fish fillets into a warm serving plate.
Sprinkle fish all over with sauce.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

"Following the Wind" - a new little piece to celebrate Autumn!

London and Finn at the beach last week!

A few New pieces / the beach and a little boy and leaves

London walking on the beach during the sunset


London on the beach with Granny and Grandaddy

We just got back this past weekend from the beach. It was Londons very first trip and we were sad that Scott had to work and did not get to come. But we were very greatful to Granny and Grandaddy for taking us with them. The resort we stayed at was super nice and we had so much fun! Here are a few shots from the trip...

London and I on our balcony (what a view!)

London and I on the beach/waves

Here are a few new pieces that I also have up in the shop

"I love you to the Mountains and Back" Original Fabric on Wood art

"Old White House on a Hill" Original fabric on wood art - this is from a photo a friend of mine took of an old abandoned house in Rutherfordton NC. I am not very good at houses and bulidings so I am not as crazy about this one.

London in the backyard...getting ready for the Fall!

Couple Hours to Myself

One of my new pieces which happens to be a favorite of mine :)

"What a Beautiful Love" - Original fabric on Wood art - in my Etsy shop now!

Yes London had his first day of Mother's Morning Out and he made it the whole time! I was pleasantly suprised by this as I fully expected them to call me and tell me I need to come and get him b/c he was too upset or something.

School makes a baby tired

They did ask me if he was an only child and if he had ever been to a program like this. I said he was an only child and had never been to something like this before...and she said yup- we can pick them out of a crowd. I was also told to bring one of his favorite toys with him next week.

Overall I am very pleased.

I got a lot done while he was in school- First I went rollerblading for about 45 minute then home to shower. I finished up a commissioned piece and painted the first layer of poly on it. Then I ground up a bunch of coffee beans and brewed some coffee. After that I actually had some time to surf the net before going to pick him up (a few minutes early I might add).

This is good for London and for me!

Kitties in Progress...I will have the final piece up soon - this are 3 commissioned pieces

Now check out these photos of London and his favorite book Goodnight Moon. We have a big one and a little one and he prefers to look at both of them at the same time.

I have to wipe down the books...ugh (some things are not worth the fight)

Long weekend, travels and Oh so Tired!

What a weekend. We had so much fun at my husbands cousins house. Cindy and her husband Rob and there 2 little girls (which of course I forgot to bust out the camera and get pictures- shame on me) are such a hoot and always the best hosts!

I think I am so tired because London still has a hard time sleeping in a pack n play away from home and in the same room as Scott and I. It really is a bit of torture. He woke up both nights screaming (which he almost NEVER does at home- knock on wood). So Sunday night he got in the bed with us about 1:44am and rolled around and talked all night until I finally got him back to sleep oh about 6:45am. Yes it was exhausting and I am still paying for it today. Hopefully with the other trips I have planned this month he will do a little better with the sleeping through the night in a pack n play.

Otherwise we are just taking it easy today because tomorrow I go to orientation for London's new Mother's morning out program. He starts on Thursday. I know there are going to be lots of tears and they may have to call me to come get him early but I can't tell you all the things I have planned for these 2 morning a week I will have to myself. Shower is very high on my list as I usually have to take them at 10pm ish most nights.

We added another bookshelf to London's playroom...this is it mildly messy.

Here are things I would like to do as he starts going to Mother's Morning out...

1. shower

2. vaccum/clean the house

3.rollerblading

4. running again w/o having to push the stroller- ha

5. getting groceries and being able to come right home and put them away quickly- ahhhh

it's the little things I can't wait to do!

I hope you all had a wonderful Labor day weekend and fall is almost here. We went to the pool late yesterday as it was the last day it was open- boooo hooo. While there I realized that we did not get a single picture of London in the pool this summer (I never want to chance taking the camera up there). We are going to get pictures at the beach next week - hopefully if there are no hurricanes- yike.

London got a hold of Scott's Pork Pie Hat....I wasn't fast enough to catch him with it on his head but trust me it was cute!

Morning Visit to the Park

I so love weekends when both Scott and I can take London to the park. It is a bit easier with 2 of us to let him play while one follows close behind him and the other can snap some shots.

I have decided that I am going to start a written Journal of some of London's cute thing and milestones. I know I should have been doing this all along.

One of his most recent little things he does is he tries to sit all of his stuffed animals up. If they tip over or refuse to sit up straight he gets all upset and flustered. Before we go to bed each night we go in and cover London with a blanket and most of the time he has all his little stuffed animal friends (which consist of bunny, pink duck, both London bears, jingle bear, ice cream cone, owl flash card, tails are not for pulling book, robin baby and Lion) sitting up in a neat little row. It is the cutest thing ever!

Also,he likes to say owl, octopus, alligator, turtle and his favorite STAR!

Here is a little piece that is part of my new "Little Red Tree" series. It is up in my Etsy shop now...and I plan to make more little red tree pieces (all will be unique and different of course). I am really inlove with this fabric combo!

"Dancing Little Red Trees" - Original Fabric on Wood art