Spring Time Doodles

There is an episode on Simpsons where for Marge's birthday Homer buys her a bowling ball with his name on it. Marge is so tired of Homer always buying her presents that are really for him that she takes up bowling. I can't remember the ending. I think she becomes a really good bowler. 
The point is . .  This has become a family joke for my husband and I. When one of us buys the other one a present that is really meant for ourself the other one will say, "Is this really a bowling ball with your name on it?"
Recently I gave my husband this gift, but before he unwrapped it I said, "Just to warn you, this is really a bowling ball with my name on it."

Isn't it cute? It's a picture frame turned into a message board. (I have no picture taking skills, it's on my list of things to learn).
I saw this version (click here to see how she made it and her flower tutorial). This amazing lady sewed this fabric to look like paper. Whoa, sewing scares me, so I ma…

If there was a contest for the meanest brothers in the world . . .  I would win, or at least earn honorable mention. 
I have 4 brothers, three older and 1 younger. While they all LOVED teasing me, the worst were my two older brothers who are twins. 
To win this award I have made a list of things they use to do to me:
-They had the most creatively horrendous nicknames for me.
-They always had a plethora of candy and pop that they never shared, but loved to eat in front of me.
-They loved to practice their knot tying skills on me and then leave me.
-They use to threaten me with cruel and unusual punishments, such as "If you don't stop whining we're going to give you paper cuts on your fingers while you're sleeping and dip your fingers in lemon juice." I slept on my hands for months.
-Worst of all, they had me absolutely convinced I was adopted. They use to get on the phone and pretend they were talking to someone and say, "uh hu .  ok . . sure, I'll let h…

I have a confession . . .  um . . . this is hard to admit . . . okay here goes . . .
Sometimes when I am stressed and overwhelmed . . . I am grumpy. Sometimes when I am stressed and overwhelmed . . . I am grumpy to people around me.
Whew, that was hard to say. So glad I got that out there. Okay . . maybe just one more . . 
Sometimes I eat a king size Snickers bar . . . . really fast, so fast people around me stop and stare.
Okay. I am done now. I wouldn't want to say something embarrassing. 
Now, when I am NOT stressed and overwhelmed, I feel like I do a pretty good job in life. I'm not  baking a gourmet cake, while folding laundry and teaching my children a third language. But . .
I can play play doe with my kids for hours (but I mean, who couldn't? that stuff is awesome). And I don't mind messes and clutter.
I think all of us do a pretty good job in life. Sure, we can all improve, but when we are in good moods we are friendly, kinder and more willing to help others.…

UPDATE: This post is one of my first posts and still one of my highest looked at. If you like these pictures, check my more recent picture . . . custom family portraits 2013,  custom family portraits 2014 & custom family portraits 2015. I like looking back and seeing how my drawing & editing style has changed/improved. 

Now that Christmas is over I can finally unveil some pictures I drew. Hopefully I am not ruining any surprises here. 
My absolutely beautiful niece, Ali, is almost 18, is that even possible? For a Christmas present for her friends she asked me to draw the following picture. I have know most of these girls since they were in the 7th grade and am in awe of how awesome and gorgeous they have turned out. 
My dear friend and wonderful roommate from college Megan is from a family of 5 sisters. I LOVE her sisters, and I LOVE Megan. Too many crazy stories about Megan, but here is one for the books.  We use to bum rides off our guy friend, we shall call Jim, and his awe…