Whit's beautiful family

oil on canvas 24" x 36"

This is the Moen family... Papa Moen, Whitney, Mandy and Mamma Moen. I would like to point out how joyful this family is when they're together. I was honored to be commissioned for this painting- Thanks for letting me be a part of this!

Old and New Projects

Yellow Bird.

Fun mixed media alphabet.

I really like doing small projects on the side of the larger and longer projects. They keep my creativity going and my mind loose.

Our Baby Girl

This is the baby girl that's been living inside me for 5 months. It's been a pretty amazing journey so far. It's one thing to have the knowledge that there is a person in there, it's another to hear, see and feel her. She's already taking after her dad... he taps her and she taps back- it's her favorite game. She also responds to music in a big way- dancing up a storm in there. We can't wait to meet her!

Oh happy day!

I had a great experience today.

It's Monday in MN and we're in the middle of a pretty nice snow storm. It's beautiful. I had a few errands to run, 1st stop- bank. Thank you icy roads for the short lines at the bank. 2nd stop, blockbuster for a few free movies. I was greeted as I walked in the door... they're very good about that. I was asked if I needed help... that was nice. When I got to the counter to check out, the guy helping me said, "You have a nice energy- you seem very happy, what's your secret?" I took a second to reflect while he was looking up my account... I got to say, "God didn't create life to be unhappy, I guess I'm happy because I'm grateful." He smiled and told me that was a very good reason. And it is.

Dreams

My favorite pregnancy symptom so far are the ultra vivid dreams. I had heard about these dreams and a lot of women said they had scary dreams about murderers or giving birth to a 19lb baby... not me. So far my dreams are somewhat realistic and definitely linked to what I've been thinking about over the past few days. I've been having a lot of dreams about friends that I've lost touch with- friends that I don't even know how to find. It's been really nice to reconnect with these people- even if it wasn't real. I woke up feeling so happy every time. Thank you hormones or whatever chemical is making my dreams so real. I have a hard time sleeping through the night lately so sometimes I get to have a few of these dreams each night because of the interruptions.

Cool.

Heartbeats Rule- week 11

I'm sure everyone that reads my blog, all 8 of you already know what I'm referring to.

On Monday Ryan and I went to see our midwife and heard the super fast thumping heartbeat of our baby for the first time! I didn't gush like some women, I didn't even tear up but it was beautiful and I am amazed at this biological marvel that God letting us share.

When I have more time and energy I'll be able to get out my actual thoughts and feelings about this incredible- spiritual- overwhelmingly beautiful new stage of life- but for now- we're going with the play by play approach.

Ode to Betty

There is a new sweetheart in my life. Her name is Betty. She is a 97 Maroon Chevy Lumina and she's so sweet (and safe). It's hard to say good bye to the old saturn, but it's time. My family found this car for me and I was hesitant at first but as soon as I sat in there and saw that I could adjust all my mirrors from the driver seat I was smitten. All my wheels are the same size, the windows don't leak, the seat belt doesn't choke me every time I get in, there are cup holders (not one but two!) AND there is a front bench seat! She's not flashy and she's not without quirks, but she has character and I like her a lot.