4 things

1. The last 3 days we have banished ourselves to the basement for prepping, priming and painting. After over 30 hours, a trip to the doctor for a minor injury, and more sports radio then one girl should have to endure...we are finished. Next step is new floors. Photos of progress will be showing up here soon too!

2. We got together with friends to play Monopoly last night and after 5 greuling hours of rolling the dice and putting up hotels, I STINIKIN' WON. Since the only thing you really win in Monopoly is bragging rights I thought I would exercize mine here. YEAAAAH VENTNOR AVENUUUUUEEE BABAAAAY!

  
3. I will be drawing the winner for the Growing Up Lee postcard giveaway tomorrow so make sure to enter to win!! Go here to find out how.(and thanks to those who already have)


4. It's New Years Eve! Blessings on your celebrations and safety over your coming, going and being in Jesus' name. 2010 here we come!

Don't try to resist.

I woke up Monday morning and came downstairs to find this:

My snuggie-skeptic husband wearing none other then my

Dirty Santa

Cleveland Browns

Snuggie.

What's that? You were cold?

And there was laundry to fold?

However will you fold laundry without your arms getting cold?

That's right.

Snuggie.

(he does make it look good though, eh?)


p.s. don't forget to enter my postcard giveaway!

the best gift I gave...

Remember these photos from yesterday?

My sister and mom are opening up the gifts I was most excited to give this Christmas.

I illustrated a series of cards for them. I wanted to document some of our special memories in my own way as drawings. I was so happy with the way they came out and especially loved that they made my mom cry.

We all have Lee as our middle name.

Tammy Lee

Stacia Lee

Candis Lee

And so I found it apropos to call them the 

"Growing Up Lee Series"

And I want to share them with you... 

Happily I introduce to you my very first run of Petit Chou post cards.

Each pack includes 10 4x6 postcards with 5 different illustrations packaged simply in a hand stamped paper bag.

 

 

 

 

 

And guess what?

I'm giving one set away!

If you would like to enter to win your very own Growing Up Lee postcards (that made my mom cry) all you have to do is:

a: If you haven't yet, officially follow my blog. (If you already do, awesome! You only have to complete step b&c!) 

b: Tell your friends on Facebook or Twitter about it by posting a link to this post!

c: Comment on this post, letting me know you completed the steps! 

I will announce the winner on this Friday 

and 

give you the details on how you can purchase them.

:)










 

Christmas!

Christmas for us was full.

We celebrated and celebrated and celebrated. Our families loved on us through gifts and hospitality and we enjoyed thoroughly. There were hours of monopoly playing, a good share of laughing so hard our bellies hurt and spontaneous singing and dancing. After four days of celebration we made our way home to the Jones' Cottage to collapse on the couch full, happy and quite tired.

Here are some of my favorite photos (I only snapped a few) from Christmas. 

I must explain...this is my Grandma's sweet, even tempered dog Bingo. 

Bingo had been wearing a harness all night that looked very uncomfortable. My Dad noticed and suggested I take the harness of the dog. 

So I did. 

I lifted up his little fluffy paws,

unsnapped the plastic clasp 

and exclaimed to Bingo 

"YOU'RE FREEEEE!" 

and Bingo stinkin' 

TOOK 

OFF.

He raced around the living room kicking up his legs and jumping.

Sometimes he would stop and look around at all of us laughing and

I would exclaim again "BINGO YOU'RE FREEEEEEEEEEE!!

And more doggy freedom celebration would follow.

I laughed so hard I cried.

It was amazing.

 

Classic.

Stacia, Dad, me and Drew Jones.

 

Stacia loving on her pajama wearing dog Anderson.

 

 

I made a very special gift for my mom and my sister. Drew Jones snapped these candid photos of their reactions. I will tell you more about what I made them tomorrow.

 

During a rousing game of "Dirty Santa" I picked out a pretty little package and was surprised to unwrap a

CLEVELAND

BROWNS

SNUGGIE.

I was so excited that I opened the box and put it on while we were still playing.

Am I glad that none of the die hard Browns fans stole it from me?

Heck yes.

Do I care that it has orange football helmets all over it?

 No way.

Look at me...laptop, couch,and warm Snuggie bliss.

Letting Loose this Christmas

It was Sunday night and Drew Jones and I were driving in the car on our way somewhere. We had the a.m. radio on enjoying some classic Christmas music. We had a booked day going from place to place and had spent a lot of time in the car. So Drew Jones started saying something to aggravate/make me laugh. 

So I screamed. 

He laughed and said it again. 

So I screamed louder. 

He kept laughing and encouraged me to scream as loud as I could. So I took a deep breath and SCREEEAAAAAAMED! 

"Your turn" I said, "but don't close your eyes" (he was driving)

and he SCREEEEAAAMED!

I tried it again and so did he. It was quiet for a moment and I said, "My throat hurts now." So Drew Jones produced a peppermint from his pocket for me.



I honestly don't know if I've ever all out screamed before Sunday night. But I recommend it. It makes you feel alive.

Friday

Dinner: left over homemade mac n' cheese

Dessert: Trader Joe's triple ginger snaps

Movie: You've Got Mail on T.V.

Kitchen: Very dirty, piles of dishes everywhere.

Drew Jones: Is officially on Christmas break. Which means he is now what I like to call Vacation Drew. Equally as handsome as regular Drew but with less afternoon headaches and more staying up late.


Happy weekend.

Bad Ones

I had a couple of bad dreams last night.

I woke myself up yelling with one of them. I was crying and mumbling to myself.

Drew Jones woke up and rubbed my back to soothe me, but I was so distraught I didn't want to be touched.

Eventually I settled down curled up next to him and apologized. I was then wide awake. Suddenly a true story I was told yesterday about a family who lost a daughter a year ago today popped into my head. So I prayed and prayed for them.

And I fell asleep thinking "Boo ya satan"

Blessings on your dreams, your sleeping, your rest. And mine too. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Time to tackle the basement

Drew Jones sold 2 more paintings, one to someone in L.A. and another to someone in Chicago.

He's pretty much famous.

Anyway, this news was exactly what we needed to get our butts in gear and transform our basement into a distinguished studio.

I renovation project wouldn't be complete with out a before photo. So here is ours:

Exhibit a: Giant multicolored sponge puzzle pieces serving as our flooring right now will be extracted and replaced with wood laminate! YES!


Exhibit b: We bought a dehumidifier. Keepin' the place dry...expensive but necessary.

Let the transformation begin!

Seek

A couple of my friends and I joke that John Mayer is "Magoo" it is hard to explain what "Magoo" is until you see it and can be like "yep, that's Magoo"

I think we labeled him that because of the song "Your Body is a Wonderland" 

oh my. 
Magoo.

Anyway, there is one  recent song of his that will make this lady cry.
It's called "Say".

You know the one. 

We all want to live our lives authentically right? I know I do. I want to know what I believe in, I want to know who I am. I want to be real with you. I want to be honest and present and exactly who I am in every situation. I don't want to say the right things just because I know how to. I can be charming. I don't want to go through the right motions just because they are fitting the mold. I am good at figuring out what people expect.

I am  26 years old and am still growing up. I became a Christian later then the average follower I come across. A teenager on a summer evening under a tree in Georgia. I have been a very good follower. A very good girl. But, what I am realizing is that it's time to seek again. 

We like things to look pretty and uniform. We like to know what to expect. We hate being disappointed. We hate looking like fools.

In prayer I asked God why my experiences with him have been limited. Like a petulant child I whined and questioned. And you know what I heard? 

Step out. 

Put your pride on the line. 

I can't do unless you do. 

Seek and you will find.


And here I was just wanting him to hit me over the head.

So slowly, ever so tentatively I am going to attempt to step out. To look at things with fresh eyes and seek.

What does all of this have to do with John Mayer? These lyrics stand out to me:

Even if you hands are shaking
and your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say.

Love and hugs,

me. 

Weekend Bliss

We had a great weekend.

Friday night started it off. Drew Jones and a group of guys went to the Y to play racquetball and basketball and work up a sweat. While us girls stayed snug at home baking cookies and talking about pregnancy. It was wonderful eating dough and laughing together. 

Saturday was a productive day. Drew Jones' uncle came over and checked on some things around the house we had questions about. Then Brant, his brother came over for a haircut 

(Drew Jones' can cut hair, and is quite good at it. So he cuts all his brothers and his Dad's hair. He used to cut mine into these short trendy bobs but now I have long hair that is driving me nuts this winter with static) 

Then his Dad came and helped him install a new digital thermostat. And Drew Jones programmed it to be extra warm in the morning and evening for me as I am usually walking around with a blanket around my shoulders trying to keep warm these days.



Saturday night we went to a very festive Christmas party at our friends Joshua and Natalie's. So many friends of ours were there enjoying each others company. It was great to gather together, and look around at these faces I love and realize that every day for almost 5 years I have been choosing to live my life alongside them. I have chose them as an extension of my family and a big big family is a good thing. It makes you feel rich and surrounded by love.

As a couple of our dear friends Peter and Megan were leaving the party Megan came to me and kissed my cheek and hugged me tight. When she let go she held on to my hands and looked me in the eyes and told me how much she loved watching Drew Jones and I give of ourselves to the other. Tears welled in her eyes as she explained all the wonderful things she sees in Drew Jones as a man, a strong, loving, steady and giving man. I nodded knowingly. She went on to say that I am all of that too, and that it is beautiful to see. I was so blessed and encouraged by her words. It was the highlight of my night.

Sunday came raining and cold. We made our way to church and settled into our seats. We were warmed quickly by the energy and life in the room. It was a fantastic couple of hours. There was a sermon prepared, but singing and dancing, praying, confessing and praising went on for the entirety. It was so good to see people twirling, jumping, and laughing unconcerned about what people were thinking of them. The best way to describe how it felt is freedom. In fact I heard people shout "freedom!" it reminded me of Braveheart and made me laugh with joy. Mostly I enjoyed and danced, held a sweet child and danced with her. She would smile and throw her head back with her eyes closed soaking up the Spirit in her perfect childlike way. God is always with us, but I love when we realize it as a group and respond. It is filling and leaves me contented.

After church a  wonderful afternoon of cookie baking with our family. It was comforting and fun. I especially love having another girl to connect with, as Brant is marrying the most lovely girl you ever could meet (Lauren) in May. I am so happy for Brant, but selfishly am quite happy for myself as well.

And can you believe it? One more party after cookie baking. We gathered for an Advent party at our friends Jon and Chrissy's. We ate, lit candles, read scripture aloud together and reflected on the living Word. What I loved the most was there were children running through our legs playing dress up, a puppy scrambling for crumbs on the floor, conversation swirling around us. Little Kayla (who is 2.5) eating handfuls of popcorn, climbing up on my lap hugging me tight and kissing me lightly on the cheek. Then climbing down screaming with delight at the top of her lungs and running down the hall. Again I felt full. And eventually sleepy.

So Drew Jones and I came home and snuggled on the couch like two puppies. We watched a delightful little movie, and then made our way to bed. Safe, warm, happy.


:)

Igloo!

Drew Jones and I went to Winterfair on Saturday.

It was a lovely time. 

We actually decided to go because Igloo Letterpress was going to be there and we wanted to check them out and maybe even meet the face behind the name.

I LOVE letterpress. 

I think it is beautiful and classic and romantic.

We found Igloo's booth and were delighted. I immediately decided that I must have this:

Isn't it awesome?

We're going to frame it and hang it on some highly visible wall space.

So upon checking out we meet Allison,

who

is

just

wonderful.

She owns the place and has this inviting, charming, sincere way about her. Just the kind of person you'd hope would run a letterpress shop. Needless to say, we stayed and chatted awhile and I ended up hugging her before we left.

The next time I need letterpress, I know where I'm going.

hopefully

Drew Jones and I will get to visit her shop soon!

 

Branded

After much thought I have settled on a name for my little simple drawings & cards.

and

I just love it.

It feels just right.

After settling on the name, I needed to make a logo.

So I drew one. 

Here is what I have so far:

It is a french term of endearment an impactful person often called me.

The artwork may change a bit, but I thought I would put it out there and see what you think.

Miss Cynthia is sweet as can be.

Look guys! I was featured on Fluorescent Adolescent!

:)

Paying Homage

I drew this for my friend Lindsay Lee

(a fellow lady lee)

who writes a beautiful blog called No Umbrellas 

In acknowledgment of all of this December rain in central Ohio, I thought I'd share.

In the words of Miss Lindsay Lee,

"Why no umbrellas? Because too often, we hide from things that will not hurt us"

Have a

blessed

weekend

:) 

More Christmas Cheer

What is your favorite Christmas song?

Mine is "O Holy Night" 

I have a version that is my very very favorite.


Email me (candisljones@yahoo.com), I'll send you a sample of it. And please do because you will love turning up this song and soaking in the Christmasy goodness of it.


There is this part that arcs up into this wonderful crescendo. If I'm paying attention it will make me cry.

Here are some of my favorite lyrics in the song:

  

 Truly He taught us to love one another, 

His law is love and His gospel is peace.  

Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. 

And in his name all oppression shall cease. 

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, 

Let all that's in us praise His holy name. 

Christ is the Lord! Oh praise His name FOREVER!

May we let the stress of gifts and shopping, money and worldly things
melt
away.

They are insignificant.

They are a distraction.

They are just fine when they are in the right place. And that place is at the bottom of a list where Christ is the front runner.

Christmas becomes so much more enjoyable when it's celebrated whole heartedly for it's true and worthy purpose.

 

 

The most wonderful time of the year

I dressed up the mantle a bit

 

Every year at Christmas my family went to Children's Wonderland. It is a huge building in Toledo full of animatronic dolls, lights, santa, reindeer, a nativity scene that smells like straw, and these amazing old school machines that cast wax into a figurine right in from of your eyes! We've gone back as adults recently to see our old favorites and get another wax figurine. Isn't it neat?

 

I cut out some snowflakes and hung them on the mirror. Then dug out this precious photo of my sister and I in our snow suits and hung it up too.I think we were 2 and 5.

 

 I found these two fruit bowls at the thrift store. I glued one on top of the other to make a more dramatic piece. Then of course, for the holidays, filled the top with glass bulbs.

 

 Another photo of my sister and I, sporting matching 80's holiday dresses on Santa's lap. (I'm the one looking uncertain on the left...)

 

And this is Drew Jones doing the dishes so that I can snap these photos and share them with you. What a guy.

Merry Christmas!

Catching Up

Were you wondering how my birthday dinner and a movie went?

It was just wonderful. Fantastic Mr. Fox does not disappoint.

And guess what Drew Jones got me for my birthday?

The yellow one is Zach, and the blue one is Slater.

Annnd as far as I can tell, they hate me.

Slater will reluctantly let me pick him up on my finger. But Zach won't have any of it.

The way I see it, trust is earned.

So I will just have to be patient.

Thanksgiving was good too. Although I got sick, so Drew Jones had to make the sweet potatoes we promised to bring while I lay curled in a ball in the dark with the fan on.

They tuned out great by the way.

He's a dreamboat.