Sometimes Life Gives us Lemons...........

or brightly colored lemon yellow markers,

scribbled on sweet but dirty hands and faces.

That you didn't mind them doing because you figure it will wash off in the tub. Only it takes two days, and four baths to wash off. Then you have to pick out yellowish outfits to match the yellow scribbles on the faces, so at least they will match.

Yes sometimes life gives us lemons. It's what we do with those lemons.....Make lemonade or pout about how sour things are? Everything is good here. Yesterday was a hard day. I dare not air my dirty laundry, there is really no need. I always try to focus on the positive in my daily life. I think it's so much more fun to read and talk about happy things on my blog. Every once in a while something comes along and blindsides me. Knocks the stinkin' wind out of me. I think these things are part of life. Frustrating situations beyond our control can teach us valuable lessons. Lessons of love and kindness, of gratefulness, and forgiveness. Most of all I think a tough situation can strengthen us. A little reminder that we are children of a loving God who wants us to be happy. Those tough times, I believe, are a little reminder of just how good life really is.

So the next time life gives you lemons, or lemon colored markers, I hope you can find the happiness in that situation also.

I'll be back tomorrow with a sneak peak at some new art.

A Little Reminder

Today I was reminded of a couple things.

I am married to a truly amazing man,

I have three darling children that make me smile,

even when my heart is heavy.

That poor decisions in my past,

DO NOT have to dictate who I am today.

No matter how much they try to haunt me.

I have dear friends who are good listeners.

How much I love my family.

I am loved.

It's all in God's hands,

even when we'd like to think we have control of things.

Oh yeah, & I was reminded of how much I need to practice my real life drawing skills.

Colorfly studio Giveaway!!!!!!!

Due to the craziness that was going on all of last week I haven't had a chance to post about this awesome giveaway that is going on over at Colorfly Studio. Jen of Colorfly Studio is just the most amazing paper artist. I look up to her as an artists, and find inspiration in all the lovely paper illustrations that she makes. Please drop on by and say hello. Oh and don't forget to enter for your chance to win this lovely illustration.

JDRF

I finished the last three paintings around 3:30 am on Saturday. I was a little amazed that I got so much done in one night. All that had to be done on Saturday morning was to add the sides and the backs to the paintings. As soon as I was finished with that I dropped them off at the auction. It was a hurried day. I realize next year that I will do things a little differently. My biggest regret is the fact that all my pictures turned out blurry. I am going to try and see if Molly got some good photos from the Gala so I can post them. It was such a lovely event. Molly and the girls did a great job of displaying everything and the whole event went very smoothly. The most fun part of the night was the table Dean and I sat at. We were able to have dinner with three of the nicest couples. The last few years we have sat with people that don't say much to us. Not this year. It was a lot of fun. 

I want to thank everyone who donated something for the auction. Every donation helped to bring in money that will be donated to help fund a cure for diabetes. I have thank you cards in the works, but wanted to let you know just how grateful I was right this very moment. 

I hope everyone had a very happy mothers day. The girls and I went to church in the early afternoon, and Dean built the veggie boxes for our garden. A mothers day gift of sorts. Then I was able to take the most glorious of naps yesterday. I also had a good cry. I think I was aloud, after all it was mothers day right. I guess all the stress and lack of sleep left me feeling a little emotionally exhausted. I was bummed that none of my pictures from the Gala turned out. The one good picture of Dean and I can't be shown. Seriously I look like I weigh about three hundred lbs in it (not that there is anything wrong with someone weighing that) But it just broke my heart. I just needed to cry & when I was done everything felt better. 

Starting on another one of my cards for Simply Sweet Marriage. In case you didn't know you can download them for free. Also before the end of the week I plan on updating my shop so please stop by. Last but certainly not least I was featured at a wonderful blog this weekend. A Duck in her Pond. Drop on by and say hello to Miranda, she is such a super talented writer and has a very fun blog. Every weekend she features a creative blogger and this past Friday she featured me. What an honor. 

Happy Mothers Day

To all the special mothers in my life,

Happy Mothers Day!