Getting Back to Normal

After the hussle and bussle of the holidays we are really trying to get things back to normal. One of those things is London's schedule. He has had a few rough nights and snuck a nap or two here and there but not in the afternoon when he used to nap. Infact, when I came to pick him up at Mother's Morning Out on Thurs. he was fast a sleep in his teachers lap. What...this is the kid who has not napped in 3 weeks? So unfortunately for me I think he is really done with his naps at 2 years old...just when I needed them most - ha ha

London and I snuggling

"Gathering" - Original Fabric on Wood piece...in my shop now

London and Aunt Ju Ju on New Year's Eve.

London laying on Alex's back...Alex love it.

"Frolicy Skunk" - original ACEO

Now I must get back to my coffee and hopefully making some art. Here is to hoping you're lives are getting adjusted to the daily grind after the excitement of the holidays.

My Mom's Etsy Shop

Here is a new custom piece I just finished called "Holding On"

I did not know the whole story before I finished the piece. It is an illustration meant to heal and comfort the loss of a loved one and I hope that it does eventually do that.

My Mom's New Etsy Shop http://www.inhersparetime.etsy.com/

For her birthday I helped her set up an etsy shop. Her bags are so much better in person. Please check her out...she gets so excited when something has a new view. ha ha

Brown Paisley Pleasure Handbag - yes she quilts all of these herself (go mom)!



Red and Smokey Dark Teal Florentine Bag

Imperial Striped Shoulder Bag

Black Beauty Quilted Shoulder Bag

London turned 2 right before the New Year and here is his beautiful "Starrr" cake his daddy made him. I helped decorate a little but that was it. London is obsessed with stars and moons so we thought it was a fitting cake theme. We had a fun little cookout at the house to celebrate. It was nice to entertain since we really do not have to many friends out to the house since we moved. We are kinda far from everyone and it takes a lot of work to get the house clean enough for guest. ha ha

London Jammin on his new little piano - he is so musical

London in his custom made firehouse (it goes right over a card table...coolest fort). You can get your own at http://www.missprettypretty.etsy.com/

Happy New Year everyone!

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!