Until Next Time we Meet.......

Two weeks went by too quickly. Actually the whole summer has flown by more quickly than I would like to admit. Today I settled into the old routine of school, homework, exercise, and afternoon naps. However I have made a few changes in the schedule. This coming from a girl who never believed in "set times" for things to happen. I have become a routine junkie. How did that happen? I'm guessing three kids and a household to run has a little to do with it. I have added a few new goals to my list of things to do. The first, more rest. Second, work harder on my goals & dreams. Third, get healthy. There are others but I won't bore you with the details.

It's a good thing I have these new goals to keep me busy. It's awful lonesome around here. My mom and sister flew home yesterday. To say I had a good time would be an understatement. I seriously had a blast. Although serious lack of sleep provided a few grumpy moments on my part (sorry mom) I wish they could have stayed another week. It was fun to get together with my aunt & uncle and all of their kids too. My brother and his girlfriend came over for two days which added to all the fun. I absolutely adore his girlfriend. She was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Just darling. I do so miss them all and look forward to seeing everyone very soon.

I will be posting pictures from the past two weeks tomorrow, along with a shop update. Really excited to finally put more in my shop. Oh yeah, another goal, to have 30 items in my shop by Christmas. Do you think I can accomplish this goal? Any of these goals? Only time will tell. I'm ready and oh so willing to move forward. That's what really matters right? Right :)

Newest Card

Newest illustration for Simply Sweet Marriage

You can find this months love card and download it for free here!

Wovenplay Giveaway

You can win this little beauty over at Artnest's blog.

A Special Afternoon Indeed!

A few weeks back Sloan had a chance to participate in a group recording for an upcoming Christmas CD. This CD is going to be awesome with lot's of well know performers donating their talent! All of the proceeds from the sales of the album will go straight to JDRF. This money in turn will be used in funding research to find a cure for Juvenile diabetes.

It was fun to watch as all the kids sung together, there were about 15 kids. Some of the little ones were just adorable, singing with all their might. All of them children with diabetes. At the end of the session each child was asked to sing by them self. Sloan begged to go last. Even though she sings in honors choir at school, she's terrified to sing in front of people......at first. When she sang every body's mouth dropped. I always loved listening to her voice, thought it was pretty great, I'm also her mom. Mom's always think their kids sing well right? It was so fun to know I wasn't alone in enjoying the sound of her singing. It really gave her a boost of confidence to hear words of praise from people other than me.

Tuesday I received a call asking if Sloan could come back to sing some background vocals again for the one song they had been singing before. They loved her voice so much and were just delighted to work with her again. I was flabbergasted! Sloan was so nervous but agreed to do it. I was amazed at how well she handled herself in the studio. She was like a different little girl, correcting herself when she sang off key, letting them know what she felt sounded too slow or too fast or not quite right. We all giggled when she would declare that certain takes were just perfect. I sat with a grin on my face the whole time.

I was even more surprised when the vocals she was singing along with were those of The Beach Boys. The Beach Boys! The same voices my mom grew up with and I used to dance around my living room to. She doesn't really understand the importance of this yet. I tried to explain what a super special treat it was to be in the same song as The Beach Boys. She just thought it was cool to go and sing.

I will keep you posted as things progress with this CD. It will be sold throughout the U.S. and Canada. 100% of the profits to benefit JDRF. Such a worthy cause!

*I have had a few people ask about how Sloan is doing. She is visiting the rheumatoligst next Tuesday. I am hoping that we will walk out of there and that she doesn't have this illness. I will let you know as soon as we find any new information. Thanks for all of your words of kindness and concern.

I'm Dreaming of Art

School has started for Sloan. It doesn't quite seem fair to have to go back when the days are still so hot & the river and lake are calling our names. It felt strange to go and buy school supplies when the leaves are no where even close to changing colors. It was time. She was bored.

However things are not boring around our house these days. Nope we have had a steady stream of company passing through our home. It has been so much fun to have everyone visit. My mom & little sister just flew in on Tuesday evening. My brother and his girlfriend will be driving in on next Wednesday. Time with family is precious.

Despite all the fun with family & friends coming to visit, it has left me dreaming of art. Everything has all but come to a stop when it comes to art. It's okay. My mind is still thinking up all sorts of creative ideas to work on when things slow down a little. Good thing, because this little house of ours is going to feel mighty lonely when everyone goes home. I'll need something to keep my mind off of how much I am missing everyone.