Swaps almost done, a feeling of Halloween in the air!

I know its a bit early, but I just saw "WICKED" again, and I guess it got me in the spirit (if you haven't seen it, it's WONDERFUL!!) My kids and I are nuts about Halloween. I think it's the drama in us, because we all love to dress up, perform, and be kooky... and there's just something about black and orange, and green and purple that just screams delight! The candy isn't half bad either ;)

We all love a good scary story too, and we really enjoy having bonfires in the yard when the cool weather sets in. We toast marshmallows, make s'mores, and scare the daylights out of each other! We have a few extra kids alot of the time too, one in particular named Joel who is a friend of Brendan's, whom we've known since kindergarten.

A couple of years ago, we had a fire and had the boys on the (5th grade) football team over. I had printed some scary stories off of the internet, and told them in my spookiest voice. Joel was putting on a brave face, but was starting to talk really fast, and crack a lot of jokes, so I knew he was a little bit scared. I went inside to get everyone some hot cocoa, and when I came out, SCREAM was in our neighbors' yard (aka my parents' yard) running toward our fence and howling...Joel screamed his head off and ran towards me, as SCREAM pulled of the mask...Lo and behold, it was MY MOTHER!!!

The kids still laugh about that one, Grandma really pulled one over on them.

Don't know whether I'm going to put this fellow in my etsy, or Ebay yet, still deciding. Happy Haunting, y'all!!

Wahoo, another swap!

I think I get WAY too exctied about these!! Its like an addiction! I went shopping today for a few things for the Vintage Kitchen Swap over at the talented Mica's Garboodles Soup, and now I see one of my favorite blog sisters is having a Cotton N Candy swap!!

Check out Shannon, over at Paint Mine Pink, and get in on the fun!

Look what I just found

The picture that I had taken with Anthony Wiggle :D :D Just thought I'd share :D This picture does not do him justice, by the way, he is amazing looking (almost as cute as my dh)

La la la la

Whew! Have had so much to do lately, and not enough time! I really need to get my hiney moving, its funny how when the kids are home all day, you don't get much chance to create.

A friend of ours is self publishing a set of short stories that he's written, and he's asked me to do the illustrations. I thought that would be OK, as I could sketch outside while the kids are in the pool. The kids have different ideas! Every 30 seconds or so, my 5 year old yells, "Mom, do you want to see me do the mermaid or the crab?" "Want to see my headstand?" and all five zillion variations of it, LOL Needless to say, the drawings are coming together very s-l-o-w-l-y!

We're also trying to consolidate a lot of our things, and get our house in order, as we would like to move before next year.

I'm hoping tonight to have an hour to just look at everyone's blogs, and see everyone's goodies. Nothing boosts morale like a bit of candy for the eyes!

Here is my favorite eye candy...Vince, baby!

New in my Etsy

Lovely little Girls

My lovely cousin Liz (from Elizabeth Gwen Originals) is in town. It is always a treat to see her and Terry, and Gabe, Briana and Lorelai. They live pretty far from us at the moment, and we miss them so much.

Liz is the most talented sewer that I have ever met. She can take a pile of fabric, and turn it into something magical. She handmade these lovely twirl skirts, worn in the pictures by cousins Lorelai, Kailey, and Annalise. They spun furiously, making the lovely fabric billow around them, and admiring each other (while secretly admiring themselves) as little girls will do ;)





They really hammed it up for their "photo shoot" and it is just so sweet to see another generation of our family enjoying each others' company as the previous generations have done.

Liz also made me this absolutely gorgeous purse. Pictures do not do it justice, and it is truly magnificent. I have gotten so many compliments on it already, I really need to keep her card handy, so that I can give it out! She just really does the most amazing work. Her new store has just opened too, its called ElizabethGwenOriginals.com, and there is a link up there with my favorite shops :D

Some pictures

These are my contribution to the angel auction. I have had a bit of a rough time lately with still being really dore, but this was more important than a bit of discomfort. This is truly a wonderful thing that these ladies are doing, and its an honor to participate



It actually felt so good to be working again, I also finished a birthday pressie for little Paige, who is turning 1, from her Auntie Emily. Hope they have a fantastic party!!

Pictures!

These enchanting goodies are from the lovely Shelley, of Shelley Sweet & Shabby (over there under Awesome Blogs) Pictures don't do all of this lovliness justice.



I wish that I had taken pictures as soon as it arrived, everything was wrapped adorably, Shelley is a detail girl, and it sure shows. Thanks so much Shelley, I just adore it all. The little box is full of so many fabulous bits and bobs, and the box is decorated so beautifully!! I just love it!!

Thanks Everyone for your well wishes!!

I am home, and in a bit of pain, but slowly getting back to normal. I'm sorry I haven't been to visit anyone's blogs, I can't wait 'til I can sit a bit longer and have a great look around!

I have some fantastic pics to share too, my bunny swap partner, the amazing Shelley, absolutely spoiled me rotten, and I have gotten the most lovely goodies to show!! Shelley, if you're reading this, THANK YOU!!! I will send you a proper email soon, WOW, I LOVE everything!!!!

I feel like I've been on another planet for the last week, and it will be so nice to join the world again, I think it might just take a couple more days. Thanks everyone, lots of hugs and kisses to all, and I'll visit you soon :D :D

OK Swap Pictures!

These aren't the best photos, but they were quick, and I really want to get them in the post tomorrow. I love swaps, they are better than Christmas, because suprises are so much fun. Thank you so much, Holly Doodle for hosting the Tiara Swap!! I made this for Michelle, and I hope she likes it.

Also, thanks so much to Debra from HipHopJingleBoo for hosting such a fun swap, I had a blast making the bunny for my sweet partner Shelley (Shelley Sweet & Shabby under Awesome blogs over there) Shelley has a very cute blog, and she owns a store with her daughter!! How cool is that!