I am in Trouble...

I have a piano stuck in the middle of my living room.

I did this by myself.  This is all my fault.

And Bryan is going to yell if I can't get it to the other side of the living room.

Bryan is going to yell if I do (since I am pregnant and all).

Problem is, two of the four wheels want to work, two of them don't.

Quite the predicament.  Not sure how I am going to get out of it.

I don't really see a win in all of this...

To be continued...

UPDATE:

  This just saved my life.  Now the piano is on the other side of the living room, and the only people that need to know how difficult this was is you and me.... shhhhhh .... let's not tell my mom or Bryan....

Now I am sitting on the other side of my living room on my couch admiring the new placement of my piano, do I know how to play? Nope, not one bit, but Emily enjoys playing on it and I figure it is a great way to get Emily excited about music since current school programs are going down the crapper.  At least I can do my part and excite her (and let's get real - it has great potential for displaying stuff).

But now I want a new coffee table, one a little bit narrower than the behemoth we have now (an inherited piece from Bryan's bachlor pad days.... at least I don't have to deal with a black leather couch...always a bright side to things!).

Oh, the Trouble I am about to Find...

My husband loves me, how do I know this.  He bought me a sander.  Yes, you heard right a sander, and not just any type of "consumer" grade sander but a "contractor" grade sander. Handyman  Bob, wearing an orange apron, explained to us what the difference was - and then was won over by Emily's flirtatious ways so he gave her a candy.  I got one too, Bryan was not as lucky... plus it would have been sightly weird if Bryan got candy from an older grandpa aged man...just slightly.

So yes, my husband loves me enough to encourage more destruction in the house... first items on the list...the kitchen table, my grandpa's desk, and the kitchen cabinets.

And isn't it just so handy that lovely Mr. Vargas has a final tomorrow, right around Emily's nap time.  It is like the stars are aligning for me. Imagine spacey twinkly music playing as you read...

And to top it all off tomorrow is Arbor Day for our town!!! Free trees for the 1st 150 people!  This is where we got the "Emily Tree".  We planted a tree the spring after Emily was born and we call it the Emily Tree.  It gets great color in the fall which our yard definitely lacked so we scored big time. And I haven't killed it either!!!! Amazing I know, just call me a master gardener. (Okay maybe not since Bryan has ever so gently told me that I am not allowed to try and grow herbs in tins ever again. Ever.)

This year they are giving away a Linden Tree.  Supposedly these get big so we are going to have to figure out were to plant it... but it will become the new baby's tree.  Name still tentative - but we are leaning towards one, but as you can see from my posts, my mind does change quite a bit!!!

Something like this?  We shall see, all I know is that we will be one of the first of the 150 to get our tree!  I love free projects that turn into great family traditions and helping the planet, got to try and even out for driving a gas guzzler some how...and yes I will be in the market soon for something a little more eco-friendly but still awesomely cool and me - maybe a Mini Cooper Countryman? (Hint Hint Mr. Vargas).

Oh, and I bought another drop cloth to make pillows with... I am in project heaven right now...Again imagine spacey twinkly music playing music as you read.

Have a great night, we shall see what tomorrow brings!

P.S. I did think Kate pulled off a Grace Kelly perfectly. So elegant and feminine and the dress let her shine though and it did not wear her, she wore it. Bravo.  I want to get married again so I can wear a pretty dress again.... all about me ya know ;)

Liked this but got Vetoed...

 

I am never going to win with this nursery.

Defeated once again... with 10 weeks to go...

Husband Thought He Could Pull a Fast One...

So yesterday I was in a grump mood all day, no particular reason except getting thrown under a bus for an issue that truly was not my fault and the fact that I was battling a headache from hell all day (did have an ice cream social that did help the situation mid-day).

And so I called lovely Mr. Vargas on the way home, and just as I was telling him about my crap day he decided to tell me I forgot to leave the pacie at home, and Emily was not happy (he counters that he was making a joke, if so, he has horrible horrible timing).  We hung up right after that.

The I get home, and he has done the dishes.  I didn't say anything because I had decided that I was going to be a shit, and stick to it.  Gold star for me. And that is how the night went.... He picked up a few things (and in the back of my mind I was like really, really that is all you are going to do?!?!? do you see the rest of the house?!?!?).  I have a tendency to be a rage-a-holic.

So this morning, after Emily fell out of our bed and bonked her head (don't worry a few kisses and she was all better)... I go down stairs to take a shower and hear the dryer going... interesting... I didn't know my husband knew how to operate the machine.

I take my shower, and then think to myself - there was nothing to dry.... and sure enough it turns out he had done some wash..... gasp!!!!! I know!!!!

Now, now... before I start writing about how wonderful my husband is and that he really does care...we have to remember that I have asked for help quite a bit.  And Bryan, normally doesn't do laundry out of the goodness of his heart... He is up to something... I am pretty sure he wants me to apologize for getting angry...

But I think I might hold out on this one a bit, and see what other miracles can happen around the house.  He thinks he is so clever, but if he is going to play this game, he has got to do better than that :)

I am not sure what my counter move is going to be - but I am sure he is not going to see it coming...

Will keep you posted on where this battle of the wits ends up.... to be continued....

New Window T minus 2-3wks

Secret - I have no idea what "T minus" means.... I have just always heard it used. But let's just skip that little factoid and get to the exciting news!

Our new kitchen window will be installed within 2-3 weeks from now!!!

What does this mean?  It means the window guys came by my house and measured the current window...which means they saw into my dirty/disgusting kitchen which has pre-Easter dished piled up in the sink (but honestly I don't think they had the right angle to see that -hopefully) saw my kitchen table covered in mail, bags, and all sort of junk that just doesn't seem to make its way past the kitchen.  I am completely mortified.

But I am sure everyone's house gets that way every now and then, especially after traveling for the holidays right?  Please tell me I am not alone.....

I am feeling all alone.  Crap.

Oh well I will just shift the blame to Emily ;)

But the good news is that the window is coming, which means the old crapper of an AC unit is coming out of the wall... and believe me soon after that the wall will be painted with my stripes!!!!  I don't think Bryan realized that this did not buy him all the time he had hoped for...

Just a small reminder of what I want to do with the kitchen....

Ballard Designs

I keep flirting with this wall paper....maybe it will make an appearance in the office if doesn't make it in the kitchen...just really want to avoid a circus themed house... and I really like the idea of stripes in the bathroom as well....

But I do love these stripes and the wall collage here.  I am thinking this is where I will allow Bryan a choice on what he wants to do (meaning he gets two choices - of which I get final ruling).

And then the gray cabinets....maybe we could start on these this weekend ... what do we think my odds are?  I am going to go with ...not good.  Maybe then I will be pleasantly surprised...

Quote of the Night

"Did you hear me?" Bryan asking Emily as she was taking her play golf club and swinging it at something she shouldn't (thank you grandma barb)....

"Nope." Emily's response.

I giggled. Bryan just looked at me amazed. 

Weekend of Relaxation aka. Take Advantage of Grandparents

So this weekend was fabulous.  I got to play the pregnancy card Saturday and Sunday and I am pretty sure I didn't change any pull ups.

Oh yeah the grandparents were around (insert sneaky smirk right here - cause that is what I am doing right now).

So Saturday we had Mexican for lunch, Grandma Barb (also known as my mom or Mimi's) had way too much fun and spilled her margarita all over the table and some one me... I'll take any alcohol I can get now a days and so I guess smelling like it is almost like having it...kind of.  Not really.

But to punish her I made her go to a garden center and help me decide what to plant along my ugly garage (and it was pretty chilly out so I feel the punishment was fair).  We decided on Wisteria ... so now I just have to go buy some and build a trellis for it to climb on... another to do for Mr. Vargas....

Stole this pic from the internet cause I liked the dog...

Then it was off to the thrift stores with Bryan... yeah not a great partner in crime.  I really liked this vintage chair that would go with my other one and Bryan's response was....


"Are we going to buy green appliances next?" and so I was forced to move on...

But I did find a fabulous mother's day gift for my Mom (a horrible wooden plaque with an equally horrible poem where "O" in Mother stands for her getting old... with a faded half rubbed off floral sticker) and a great gift for my sister which is still a surprise (I am absolutely thrilled with this find) will post once she receives it.

Don't worry, my mother gets my sense of humor and adored her plaque.

Sunday, also known as Easter was a perfect day for Sibley Park in Mankato, MN.  They have a great petting zoo and play ground (it is also where B and I got married and I highly recommend it).

Obviously the cutest kid in the world (sorry polls are now closed)

Lots of hair = Lots of static cling

Bryan is going to say Emily made him do it, but I know the truth...

His favorite was the duck...couldn't get him off

And yes I am the mother who lets her daughter try anything dangerous if she thinks she wants to try

 Fun fact of the day, Bryan is deathly afraid of horses.  The story he has told me is that he was near a fence and a horse came up from behind and bit him hard on the back... Fast forward a few years and he still to this day will only walk in the center of stalls, even at the MN State Fair.  Won't even pet the the horses.  I love horses and make him walk those exhibits.

Needless to say, I took one for the team and helped Emily feed the miniature horses and pet them while Bryan stayed a good 10 feet away.  Brave I tell you, he is brave.

Real Cow.  Not Scary.

Fake Cow. Scary as Hell. Pretty sure it wanted to eat my kid.

Don't trust this face for a minute.  She is all me.

So all in all it was a great Easter weekend.  Spent some great time with my parents, and grandparents and got to rest and take advantage of them at the same time.  Emily got to see her "Joe" my cousin Melissa's sweet heart that Emily is bound and determined to steal away.  Her Josh, and Jen my other cousin who is making his way up the ranks.

Oh! before I forget - I did get some Lily of the Valley from my mom and am hoping it covers the area between my house and the lawn that is currently covered in dirt.  That is it dirt.  So I am hoping these take off since I heard they are hard to kill (we shall see - I do have a reputation....).

But anyways, hope your weekend was just as fun and filled with as many laughs!

We were going the right direction and then...

So the bunny trip went well, except I failed at being a mom yet again.  I left my memory card at home.  Not in my camera.  So the photos are now stuck on my iPhone since it doesn't want to download at the moment...

But Emily did tell the chicks to sit down and was fascinated by the lama.  Overall success.

Then after dropping her off at daycare, I went to target and got to finally browse without chasing a little one around and I totally got inspired!

 I totally want this for the nursery.  So obviously I want to go a new direction.  Bold graphic - maybe orange, lime green and blue.  With this quote from Churchill above the changing table.  Totally in love.

Except Bryan, the party pooper that he is thinks the crown it "girly".  He also feels that we should just fill the room with random quotes- I am pretty sure that was a sarcastic comment.  Especially when he said mine would be "I told you I couldn't cook" (referring to my latest accident involving fishsticks that may or may not have looked like charcoal instead of sticks of fish).

He then told me that we needed a theme for the nursery and what would it be?  My obvious answer was birds!

Again, being totally on board, Bryan was super excited that his son would be covered in bird poop.  Then he mentioned that birds were not manly. 

Sigh.  And I thought I was on the right track!!!!  Full of inspiration ready to act.  I even found a great site where I could design my own bedding solving that whole issue.
Awesome Design your Own Baby Bedding Site

And so my Target trip was unsuccessful.... and I am still convinced they hate pregnant people:

 

Really, they really expect a pregnant woman to wear this.  I again feel that the buyer for this category should really rethink, refocus or resign.  This is headed to the clearance section at lightening speed.

 Oh, I feel so hateful saying that - but in all honesty - they were my go to with my last pregnancy and now I am just overall disappointed.  I keep hoping  that a new collection or the new monthly delivery will renew my faith but so far (a good 7 months) I have only bought a long sleeve black tee from the maternity section....hmm

Today is my Day Off...and I have already checked work email for Emergencies

I am sooooooooooooooo lame. 

There are no emergencies, and if there were I am confident others can figure it out and carry on without me.

So now that I have moved past that ridiculousness.  It is crappy outside.  It is sprinkling and wet and gross.  I was going to take Emily to Gerten's Easter Open House but now I am not so sure... My gut thinks that the Easter Bunny will be inside and so will the baby animals...but my mother's instinct also says Emily will want to go outside the moment we get there.

But then, there are picture opportunities and I honestly have failed as a mother the past two and a half years and have no pictures of Emily with Santa, the Easter Bunny or even a freaking garden gnome.  I might just have to suck this weather up and head on out there so I can cross over into the good mom territory for a bit.

Does this not freak you out a bit?!?! I am officially freaked.

Okay off I go to jump in the shower (okay who am I kidding - I am just going to wash my face - throw on a baseball cap and pretend that the sloppy disheveled mom look is a good look). But I might just get Emily in something cute for pictures.

Will keep you posted - hope the weather around you is slightly better than mine!

And one last gnome picture:

"How you - doin'?"  I feel like he is trying to smolder me with those eyes.... A little too sexy for my garden thank you very much....

Okay Okay... This just Cheered Me Up

16 And Pregnant Mom Says Babydaddy Punched Himself!

http://perezhilton.com/2011-04-20-16-and-pregnant-mom-says-her-baby-daddy-punched-himself

Lost my Mojo

I have hit that spot.  I have no drive or ambition right now at work.  I have got to find it and get it back... otherwise I might just end up missing more than my mojo, I might end up missing my job!!!

It really isn't that bad.  But I am void of all the ambition, and drive to takle any type of change.  Maybe it is the pregnancy (I am totally going to use it for an scapegoat right now)... but I am not sure if it really is.  Maybe I am just worn down.

Or it could be the snow that decided to show up again.   Sigh.

But the truth behind it all - it is probably the fact that I can no longer wear my pre-pregnancy wardrobe (okay okay, I haven't been able to wear it for quite a while) but now I am stuck wearing the same outfits week after week after week.  And that will just not do.

But I refuse to be the girl who pays for clothes I am only going to wear for 3 more months - and I refuse to be suckered into paying $180 bucks for designer pregnancy jeans.  Get real.

And Target's Maternity selection right now leaves a lot to be desired.  Just saying not every pregant girl/woman wants to look like a tent, wear and ugly floral pattern or is able to stay at home and wear khaki shorts and short sleeve shirts.  Some of us do work, do still wear heals and want to feel pretty until we go home to chainge into our significant other's sweat pants. 

Oh and those black stretch pants that I just bought there that I thought were wonderful for the first 4 hours of wear - yeah the crotch ends up at your knees and you will find yourself yanking your pants up like a 4 year old and being caught by teenagers who then give you the "you're creepy" look.  Insert super sad face.

I am over it.  I am over all of it and in need of some double stuffed Oreos (the only way to really eat an Oreo) and a Sunkist.  Maybe throw some Redvines in there as well.

Going to try and cheer myself up by heading to Babies R Us to get a little inspiration for the nursery (except I hate beds in a bag) and then hit up the moive Rio with Emily....

Wish me luck, hopefully I can shake this sour attitute.

Today included flowers, a desk, and a fire.

So after having a slight mental break down yesterday...as you may remember I had no project, snow was on the ground, Emily had too much energy and Bryan came home and said the wrong thing...

Bryan tried to make up for it today.

After making caramel rolls for breakfast, Bryan, nonchalantly asked what projects we had in store for the day (uuuuhhh huh - this is code for "I know I was in the total wrong and don't want to say sorry but I want to make up for it").  He asked if we needed to get paint for the nursery, I told him I was "over it".

Okay I was being a brat, but I had just a little time left to stick it to him and had to get one last jab....

So then he moved on to none other than the DESK.  "Should we go to Menard's to get some stripper?"  I took the bait, but also mentioned I wanted to look for Lilly of the Valley to plant in the back yard....

So off the Gerten's we went.  Fabulous garden center. Fabulous.  On a chilly day it was perfect to walk into a warm green house and look at all the beautiful plants.  And a huge plus, it was Spring Days there, and Emily was able to plant her own pansy and take it home for free.  We went with a yellow one, which Emily proceeded to tell everyone she "loved it".

Well, we got some great plant ideas for outside - which needs a little help as well since we didn't get to landscaping last year (we were slightly busy painting our house and nursing Bryan's bum eye).  But it is still a little too cold (and there is still a slight threat of snow - as seen yesterday-boo).

But we shall be back next week since they will be having a petting zoo!!! With baby bunnies - not sure if we are actually going for Emily or more for me....probably me lets not kid ourselves.

So on we went the Menard's for the stripper, Bryan and I are kind of the same mindset.  We know we could probably just sand the desk and putty it up and then paint, but we like to start the right way, and from the beginning.  So the desk finally made its way outside to the garage and has started the process!!!! However, it is slightly frustrating to be banned from my own project.  Bryan wants me no where near the chemicals....fine fine fine.

A few Befores:

So me and Emily picked up all the leaves we (Bryan) had raked up and bagged them.  We also watered the plants and discovered that the Hostas that I split last year made it (Bryan again had to point out that these are hardy plants and it is hard to kill them, but then he remembered it was me, and this was still a big deal).  

Proof that I have not killed my plants yet:

Then out of no where, Bryan suggested that we go buy a fire pit/bowl.  I have been wanting one FOREVER to burn sticks.  I know I know, so utilitarian (there I go again with the big words- just call me a genius) but I wanted to get rid of all the sticks in my yard and all the limbs I had cut of my bushes.  Don't really need a fire bowl to sit around and feel all romantic - and I can't sit and have a beer yet so, the utilitarian factor wins out on this one.

Of course I jumped at the chance.  And within the hour I had a fire in my backyard and had a moment were I thought camping would be so much fun... then I realized that it would be cold at night and the ground is not really a soft place to sleep. Moment of insanity passed quite quickly after that realization.  So I will be sticking with my fire bowl for the "outdoors" experience.

So all in all today was a much better day.  My yard looks tons better, leaves bagged up and sticks gone.  Purple desk project started, and I have a pansy on my kitchen table planted by Emily - life could only get better if a laundry fairy showed up right about now....

Well, what the f*!?*

So I knew it was coming, I was really hopping that it would stay away but.... this is what I woke up to:

It is April 16th.  I should be outside right now letting Emily run out all the energy that is destroying my house right about now.  Her new way of getting away with things is to say "I love it" and hug what ever it is that she is not suppose to have.  Clever child I tell you.

Sigh,  I had a project lined up.  I was going to try and conquer the nursery I have been avoiding like crazy.  We are back to the idea of a "How to Train your Dragon" room - not the cartoon part of it (I am sooo not that girl) but the sketches at the end.

Well, genius me went to the projector team and asked to borrow a projector for the weekend so I could project our Blu-ray up on the wall and trace - easy peasy right.  Well when the buyer told me to check if all the cables were in the bag...I was like "oh yeah, they are all there."  Wrong.  The power cable is there, not the one that actually hooks up the computer to the projector.

No biggy right?  All I had to have was a HDMI cable to connect the Blu-ray player to the projector.  Well, Mr. Vargas does not want to disconnect the player.  Thank you very much honey.  Now I am stuck.  He is at school and I have no project.

As many of you can tell, I have a server case of nesting.  I am super tempted to rearrange my living room (which includes a piano) but I have a feeling I might get scolded for that.  It might be back to organizing the office/storage room.  I am going insane.

We shall see what this day brings ... Wish me luck.

Oh and check out this little love bird I noticed making a nest outside my bedroom window.  She has a lover... I know scandalous.  But he loves her and checks on her all the time.  I give mad props to these birds, I think it is a perfect spot. Kind of has a Shabby Chic thing going on... Who would have thought doves have style?

• Update 1: 10:11 am 
• Updated and Sync iPhone - check. Day is moving along slllllllooooooooow.

• Update 2: 12:35 pm
• Opening and throwing away mail from 2010- early 2010.  Not satisfying. 

• Update 3: 2:21 pm 
• Is it okay to lock your child up in her room who just got up from a nap to "play"? I am guessing no.....

• Update3: 3:09 pm
• Just got off the phone with my Mom - had a "I am tired, I need a project, and a laundry fairy" cry-fest.  Feel much better now.

• Update 4: 3:12 pm 
• OH boy, just broke up a cat fight between Thomas, his BFF the gray tabby (who is not neutered), and Oreo (the neighborhood stray - who is also not neutered)... Think Oreo may have lost... and that was my excitement for the the day.  Guess there will be a double kidnapping or cat-napping and a visit to a vet... 

PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF YOUR PETS - Just because you have a male, does not mean you have less of a responsibility to take care of it. Public service announcement brought to you by non other....

BOB BARKER

Change of Plans- Surprised?!?

So at least this is still in the kitchen....

But my weekend painting plans have been put on hold....due to the fact we just bought a window (a very expensive window) to replace our current very inexpensive Plexiglas window in our kitchen...

Yup, we did it. But don't you worry one bit, we do not, in no way no how, plan to install, frame or build this window ourselves.  So we are guarantied 100% not to mess this up. We do know our limits on this one.

Does this give me the instant gratification that my stripes would have? No.  Will this help my heating bills in the winter yes.  Did I save 20% yes....

And again, this is a positive thing (just not on the pocket book) because it is a step forward in the kitchen.  We will be removing a built in AC unit that has died an ugly, miserable death and is just sitting in my wall mocking me. B will actually be doing this with my dad's help, and then will be patching that up before they install the window. So that is a good thing....

And then, and then I finally will get to paint my stripes and my cabinets...

Instant gratification no, smart decision yes.  Now to find a substitute project for this weekend that will cost me little to no money... any suggestions are certainly welcomed...

Might just go back to my fall back - the Purple Desk....

Stripes and no Stars

So, the good news, I found the love of my life.  The bad news - it is about $20 a square foot - yikes to say the least.  The good news, I have a small bathroom.  The bad news - I don't have a vanity, or the two vessel bowls and faucets I want yet (or the funds to go out and conqure this project once again).  But to give you a taste:

These lovelies are from waterworks.com- do you see why I am in love?

 

This is the chest of drawers from Ikea that we plan to make our Vanity

With two of these on top....

 Ahh the dream.  At least I know what I want now.... Bryan and I were in a conundrum (do you like the big word - not even sure I used it right - but oh well - I slightly feel smarter just using it - even if it is wrong).  He didn't want stark white tile, he wanted a bit of color, I was okay with white if there was a bit of color on the wall... and then there is the vanity which is a shade of gray...then like the decor gods were smiling down on me, my first issue of This Old House showed up and guided me to waterworks.com ... bathroom tile solved.  Budget what budget?!?!

So to solve this issue of having to hold off on this project till the budget/financial gods smile down on me.... I am going to resort to my old friend... Paint.


As you all know I hate, hate, hate my kitchen.  One words sums it up. Yuck. Here are some befores (I have no afters as of yet...):

Right when we moved in, obviously we bought it as a "fixer upper"

This was about a little less than a month before Emily decided to show up.

This was my quick fix for my blood red kitchen/cave

It was better than nothing but now I am over it.

 So what are my plans?!? How do I make this slightly better than worse... well I have an idea... or two... I am thinking I can do these stripes no problem - a little tape, a little patience and maybe some husband help?

I am liking the idea of making the cave feel taller with the vertical stripes and it might even play well with the vaulted ceiling

Again I like the muted gray, esp. if I get my way with the green living room...

This I just thought was a great design - it instantly makes me happy - and I know it would instantly make Bryan unhappy...

 So yes, Stripes it is!  Might even paint my gross cabinets gray till we get a new set up going on... 

Maybe something like this?

And then there is my kitchen table that has been haunting me since last summer.  I found a great table off craigslist.com with great legs... I love it.  However it has remained in a state of limbo... it has been stripped and sanded but not painted.  Major sad face :(  I wanted to paint it black, white, gray, and yellow... and then today I have been re-inspired by this blog:

 http://www.inthefunlane.com/

and her table here:

Cute right?

 So I am back to yellow!!! A soft yellow - not blaring school bus or electric yellow... now the question is - how well is Mr. Vargas going to play along?  I have already informed him that I have found my new project...


His response..."Do I even want to know?" 


To be continue....