First Baby Gift

So I just had a flash back. (Imagine a younger more beautiful me, super pregnant with Emily...with beautiful hip music playing in the background)

I had gone down stairs to get the mail at our old apartment and there was a large box for me.  I was super excited since it was from TX and I assumed it was my first baby/shower gift for Emily, I am pretty sure I squealed.  But I was patient, I waited for Bryan to pick me up (think we were going out to eat or something).

Once in the car, I ripped open the box.  The wrapping paper was blue and white - but still had a pretty floral pattern so I thought nothing of it.

But as I started opening up book after book after book... I started to think that whoever sent me the gift did not know me at all.  They were all about sociology and brainy stuff like that. Interesting baby gift to say the least.

The last present, a picture of the ugliest dog ever sealed the deal.  I was completely confused as to why someone would send me a picture of their ugly dog- and then it clicked.  It was my sister's dog that she co-parented while in college.  The books were meant for her.  This was not my gift.

My sister had given my address to her friend while she was moving up North for the summer.  She stole my joy with that mistake.

But Bryan and I had a really good laugh about it, a really good laugh.  I am still traumatized.

Don't let this cute face fool you, I am pretty sure they photo-shopped his under-bite...

Craig's List Loss, Craig's List Win and a Dandelion Massacre

So as you may know, I had a devastating blow the other day. I fell in love and had it ripped away...by someone who responded sooner than me to a craigslist ad. Sure sure you say, fair is fair and I was too late. Well, not in my mind!!! I was robbed.

So Saturday, I stalked Craigslist. I was going to win at something (and I was hoping that the chairs would magically reappear) and I did. I got me some free hostas - 5 big bundles of them. I saw the posting and pretty much forced Bryan and Emily out the door to race 1.2 miles to pick up the hostas. I was going to win, had to win. I needed the pick me up. And I got it.

Yes, they are already in the ground and have pretty new mulch around them.  They now lay around the Emily Tree.  So there is one major score for this weekend.  Happy Mother's day to me!

Second big score of the weekend?  The ugly A/C that has been mocking me for the past two years magically made its way out of my wall and now I have a window beside my window. 

This was a total surprise, Bryan managed to pull the sucker out all by himself (with the help of a bag full of leaves).  Bryan first propped it up from the outside with a piece of wood, thinking it come out from the outside...nope.  He had to think quick, because he wanted to surprise me before I got home.....So the genius that he is (read sarcastically) found my 3 bags of leaves outside... he figured this would break the A/Cs fall and not break my husband's legs...so there is a small mess in my kitchen...

Yes Genius I tell you.  But he did get it out.  He did good.

3rd score of the weekend?  The paint sprayer (Wagner Paint Crew) that we thought we ruined last year - is in full working condition...after we unclogged the hose, the hopper and the return tube-y thing... LUCKY.  That is all I have to say.

We did not clean up as well as we should have after painting our house - due to someone's (Bryan's) eye going all wonky on us (ulcers on both corneas) so it became less of a priority at that time.  The painter stayed in the garage all winter -  I do not recommend doing this at all.  Never ever.  We got lucky - and now I feel like my projects are going to get done!!!!

I even bought 2 spray cans of primer to test out before I bought a ton to use in the sprayer... this was my outcome:

Do you see that?  Progress in the right direction!!!!

yeah, thinking the chairs might stay white - if you are counting that is probably the 523 time I have changed my mind ... and you notice that dark spot - that is a dirty two year old's hand print --- might have to think of a new strategy for the cushion cover.  However, I am thinking if I go with the current plan of adding number stencils to it - it might mask dirty hands... who knows.

And on top of all of that, there was a massacre on my lawn this morning.  I guess if you have one actual spring day up here in MN all the dandelions come out to ruin it.  Well lucky for me, I woke up at 6 am thing morning and decided I would not stand for it!!!

With my spare time I pulled those suckers up by the roots and now I no longer look like the neighbor with the shabby yard, however this was still not good enough for my one neighbor who never waves, smiles or talks to us....in two plus years.  She drove by 3 times while I was outside. Boo on her.  I should have thrown the weeds on to her yard...I am being ugly I am quite aware of it.  She was ugly first.

Also, to end this post on a high note, the Mormons got Bryan again.  However, I give the man points - major points.  When they asked if he had any questions...

Bryan responded by asking " Do Mormons believe in multiple marriages? I have avoided this question for a while, just so I wouldn't seem too eager....".

Got to love him, and I would have loved to have seen their faces.

I am so nervous

I found these pair of chairs on craiglist.  I want them sooooo bad.  The best part - they are free and Bryan has already given his approval...

 But I haven't heard back yet, so I am in panic mode.  They posted at 2:40 something in the morning and the post was still up, I am hoping it got buried by the other posts.

Another factor that may be in my favor: the description of "Pair of Solid Chairs". I am hoping it didn't clue anyone in on the awesomeness of these chairs...

And again back to the timing of the post, I am hoping the lack of response is because they work wacky hours and are saving these chairs esp. for me.  I am almost ready to send Bryan out into the dark night to pick these suckers up if they respond at 2 am (really - I would really ask - knowing full well that I would get denied instantly-but I would ask none the less).

So now I am trying to convince myself that I still have a chance at these, that the furniture god is looking down at me.  But we shall see... wish me luck!!!!

P.S. Mother's Day came early - huge ugly AC unit is out of my wall and I now have a "window" next to a window.  I really can't believe Bryan did this on his own - but I am glad he did.  Pictures tomorrow!

Update: Lots of responses to "Pair of Solid Chairs" boo.  If the first, second and bazillionith person doesn't pick them up they are all mine... I am going to chaulk this one up to a loss.

Exhausted by Date Day

I guess when you are in your third trimester you are suppose to slow down and take it easy, I am on the opposite plan...

And I am feeling it.  Today started off with a sample sale at work....seriously these things are insane, intense and just.......wow.  I was successful.  I got a microwave to replace the 1970's or even 60's (did they have them back then?) one that was mounted over my stove.  Bryan came to work with me today so we could start out date day on that side of town, and I am glad he did cause there was no way in hell I could have carried that thing.

So after finding some goodies for my sister's Birthday off we went to the Galleria to visit Oh Baby!  So glad we did cause I found crib bedding that I love and some great inspiration for the nursery (we all know I need help with that right about now!).

From Pom Pom

So we continued on our day and had a romantic lunch at Five Guys.  Oh yeah B was happy with his burger - it was his first time going - and it made for a happy husband...how happy?  He suggested going to Gertens .  Yes the garden center - where we did confirm that is is very unlikely that I can kill Lilly of the Valley. Score.

Then once we got home, after walking and walking and walking...Bryan took down the ugly brown microwave (much heavier than we anticipated) and then plugged in the new one with cool blue lights and a timer that actually works. Crazy I know.

Told you it was ugly, just like the fake brick backsplash.  Yes this will eventually come down.

Major Upgrade. Winning.

I sanded the crap out of the 4 kitchen cabinet doors, and one of the actual cabinet boxes... I then sanded one of the kitchen chairs I have been working on forever (okay they have been in the garage since last fall but still...).

Now I am tired.  Exhausted.  And freaking out cause I have over 80 work emails waiting for me -  I haven't looked at them yet... but it is giving me an anxiety attack.  I might peak.  Oh god I am going to peak.

Did I mention that my daughter has way too much energy tonight? Even after going to the park and after playing outside all day at daycare.  She is currently jumping from our bay window on to our couch.  And I will be signing her up to gymnastics as soon as possible if they promise to give me a tired sleepy kid in return, otherwise no deal.

Let's Play Pretend

Remember how I said I change my mind?  Well... Let's pretend Bryan would go for a gray, white and lime green kitchen scheme... 

Inspiration:

Yes a shoe of course, where else could I find this fabulous color combination?!?! The gray would be the wall paper or wall stencil.  I can't decide if I have the patience to try the wall stencil - but I think I do.... again want to go with this type of pattern on the wall:

And then maybe paint the kitchen table gray instead of yellow... I feel like I might get more play out of my table for all the season rather than a spring/summer table....

and then the pop of color where I am about 100% sure Mr. Vargas will veto me on, till I override his veto:

And by the way, I did finally get the staple gun out of the garage and finished the cushion cover with the drop cloth... I kind of want to steal this idea and paint numbers on the cushions in my own special way:

And when am I going to accomplish all of this?  Well tomorrow is "Date Day" where we send Emily off to daycare and B and I take the day off to hang with each other, go to all the big kid stores by ourselves and enjoy dreaming without chasing a two year old who "loooooves" everything.

I think we might try and tackle sanding down all our cabinet doors and boxes tomorrow. Who knows we might even get crazy and try to prime them...it really all depends on how enthusiastic Bryan is tomorrow...

However, I do have my friends from out of state visiting in about 10 days. They are coming to see me and to see all my projects... visitors tend to be a great motivator for Mr. Vargas... and to have pretty much a whole day to knock a lot of this off our plate is huge... then we have the weekend...

And now that I say all this - I am slightly freaking out.  But then I have to remember I don't have that many cabinets (one of the many reasons I currently hate my kitchen) and to take it one step at a time... 

We totally got this (believe me I know I am lying to myself). 

Our Date Days are soooo romantic I know.

Prep, No Action

Life is slowly catching up to me, I am pooping out faster.  I finally sucked it up today and got the form for the car pool lot... I do not car pool... turns out my lovely company gives poor large prego ladies a free pass for parking close to the door.

This is great esp. when I am late for a meeting (most every morning - I am usually right on time or not - mostly late).  Did I mention I have an 8:30 meeting tomorrow morning and that I have a two year old who loves not to wear undies or pants right now (a good 15 minute battle right there)?  So this is perfect timing....

So hopefully, by saving a little energy not walking a mile and a half from the parking lot (if you are late to work you get the crap spots) maybe I will have a bit more energy for my projects!

Today we were back at Menard's to pick up the following:

Yes!!! More sandpaper for "Reno" (FYI you have to throw a gangster Mexican accent to it when you say it) some wood glue for the kitchen table and wood filler.

So I am set to get the desk and the table on the go except we had to have a driving detour, why you ask?  Because Bryan has made friends with the Mormons who stop by our house with pamphlets every week. Every Week.  Granted, they are very nice young men, have great manners and are not too pushy...I think this is why Bryan cannot ask them not to come back.

I on the other hand run and hide in the bedroom or pretend to be busy with Emily, so I have to give credit to Bryan to dealing with them.  But, I do have some issues with the faith, as I do with many others - and this is not to turn into a religious debate by any means - but I would love it if people would respect my faith and space and not try to convert me every week.  I respect everyone and their faith and do not try to force my beliefs on anyone else (by the way I believe in aliens - just ask my dad and my previous post - please know I am being totally sarcastic). But I would like that respect back, believe me I know my thoughts and beliefs are not everyone's cup of tea.

But back to the story, as we were driving home we saw them at our door step... So being the non confrontational couple we are... we kept on driving and decided it was the perfect opportunity for an ice cream run!!! God works in mysterious ways - they had banana ice cream - my favorite.

So obviously no time for the desk, the table or the kitchen cabinet doors, so me being brilliant went to work on the kitchen table chairs:

 After pulling our all of these from the ugly thing below:

 I found this - believe it is original and was probably pretty in its time... and then someone had the genius idea to cover it up with - I don't even know how to describe the fabric above....ugliness.

 Yes, this was also nailed down good and tight with a staple gun as well....Sigh and I thought this was going to be easy.  Not quite.

 And after taking off the second layer of fabric I nicely asked my husband if he would grab me our staple gun that is in the garage.  He said no.  I asked him why he put on his "project pants" if he wasn't going to participate in any projects,  I may have called him a Poser as well.  Notice exhibit A below:

A. The remote in his hand. and no that paint is not fresh...do not be fooled.

 So here is where the cushion remains.  The painter's drop cloth draped over a foam insert pretending to be finished...

And that is where my night is going to have to end since I do have an 8:30 meeting tomorrow and I am hoping to actually get there a little bit early (5 minutes is considered early for me).  Wish me luck and I will see you tomorrow!

Update: 15 minutes late :(  Darn you traffic from hell.

Quote of the Night

"To be totally honest, I licked it too thinking it was candy.  Don't Blog this."

Bryan, after telling me that we are no longer buying Emily chalk because she eats it like it is candy.
I love my family.

Disclaimer:  After mentioning that I blogged this, Bryan asked if I explained that the chalk in question was shaped like a butterfly, and was put into an Easter Basket with other and that it looked "sweet" (the only candy in the basket was jelly beans within plastic eggs).  I said no, he said it would make a difference.  Hense the disclaimer. You be the judge.