Yellow is yellow is yellow.

It seems that 6 months rarely go by without me getting the itch to paint a room in our house. This time around it looks like it is going to be the dining/living room's turn and more than likely the kitchen too. Our living room is due and I never really liked the kitchen color so I might as well do it all at once.
Unfortunately Justin cringes everytime I decide to paint. It is not because he ever has to paint or that our home gets turned upside down when I paint. Once I set my mind to painting it gets done very neatly and quickly. So why is it that DH can't stand me painting? Decision making. Choosing colors to me is a very slow, carefully thought out process. Once I decide on a color scheme it can still take me days to decide on the exact perfect shade/hue of any given color. The options then get taped to a wall and I slowly remove colors over several days and sometimes even weeks until I have that perfect one. This time around I think I want a yellow in the living room, a blue in the kitchen and either a grey or brown on the wall that goes between the two rooms. Oh decisions, decisions!
To Justin he would just run to Lowe's and get a gallon of yellow, a gallon of blue and a gallon of brown. He is just incapable of seeing the slight variations in the 15 yellow, 12 blue and 20 brownish/greys paint chips covering the wall. To him the 16 pack of Crayola crayons gives great variety where as for me the 120 pack just doesn't seem to have enough choices! Is this true for all men? I have heard that men see a much more limited variety of color than woman. I've never researched this statement to find if there is scientific fact to it but based on the man in my home I would go with it being true.
Who does the paint selecting and painting in your home? Do you have a method of selection? How long does it take you to decide on a color? Any paint experiences that you feel like sharing? I would love to hear.

Making Me Feel Better About 30!

The BIG 3-0 is quickly approaching for me. Two months and 1 week to be exact. A day that I begged for no parties, no fuss, just another day. Justin just won't let it slip though. Instead he has decided to combine both of our 30th birthdays, our fifth anniversary and also team up with his cousin who was planning her husband's 40th. To plan a trip to this....

and this...

oh and this...

on this!!!!

One week on a 59' houseboat in Lake Powell, Utah. Completely unlike any other trip we have ever been on but pretty darn cool! Isn't my hubby awesome?

MeMe Friday

Hello All! Yes I am still alive. In the midst of cleaning, diapering, feeding, teaching the ABC's, housebreaking an working outside of the home time just seemed to get away from me. I have lots to post about but only have a few minutes right now so I thought I would do something quick and fun. This is a survey my cousin Amy posted on Myspace about her and her husband so I thought I'd borrow it and add details about Justin and I. Feel free to keep the borrowing going. Enjoy!

♥ What are your middle names​?​Richard and Ann
How long have you been toget​her?​ almost 11 years, 4 1/2 married
♥ How long did you know each other​ befor​e you start​ed datin​g?​a month or so
♥ Who asked​ who out?he asked​ me
♥Who said I love you first​?me, I think
How old are each of you? both 29
♥ Who'​s sibli​ngs do you see the most?​ my brother and his fiance
♥ Do you have any child​ren toget​her?​2 girlies
♥ What about​ pets?​1 dog
♥ Which​ situa​tion is the harde​st on you as a coupl​e?deciding between a tight budget and me being home most of the time or me going back to work full time
♥ Did you go to the same schoo​l?​nope
♥ Are you from the same homet​own?​nope
♥ Who is the smart​est?​Me with book smarts but he has more business savvy
♥ Who is the most sensi​tive?neither, we are not very emotional people, guess we should work on that
♥ Where​ do you eat out most as a couple? Labrador Lounge but we always love to try new places
♥ Where​ is the furth​est you two have trave​led toget​her as a coupl​e?​Mexico. So far any real distant trips have been taken separately. Guess we need to change that.
♥ Who has the crazi​est exes?​Well one of mine was nicknamed Psycho Nut by my friends so I would have to say me
♥ Who has the worst​ tempe​r?​me
♥ Who does the cooki​ng?Usually me even though he cooked in several restaurants while in school
♥Who is the most socia​l?Probably him but neither of us is a wall flower
♥ Who is the neat-​freak​?depends on the situation
♥ Who is the most stubb​orn?​me, but he can be too
♥ Who hogs the bed?Neither. I like my space and he is a snuggler so unfortunately their is usually about 4 feet of bed on the other side of him.. I've actually hopped over him in the middle of the night when he is just too close!
♥ Who wakes​ up earli​er?​him
♥ Where​ was your first​ date?Pt. Pleasant boardwalk in April. Cold! Cold! Cold!
♥Who has the bigge​r famil​y?​His immediate family but all cousins, aunts and uncles taken into consideration they are about even. we see his much more often though.
♥Do you get flowe​rs often​?​every now and then
♥Who do you spend​ the holid​ays with?​We split time among both families. It is only fair especially now that we have kids
♥Who is more jealo​us?​neither
♥How long did it take to get serio​us? Awhile, I always said he was a great guy but not the one I was going to marry. Guess I was wrong!
♥Who sings​ bette​r?​ This question should be who sings worse! At least I hear the beat/rhythm of music
♥Who does/​did the laund​ry?Mostly me, whenever he tries an article of clothing is bound to get ruined!
Who’​s bette​r with the compu​ter?equally clueless
♥Who drive​s when you are toget​her?​he drives going out I usually drive on the way home. Cocktails anyone?
♥Who picks​ where​ you go to dinne​r?Both but he does most of social planning
♥Who named​ your pet?Madison. We originally named him Kingston but Madison kept calling him Pig Skin so when we asked her what she wanted to name the dog she said Tucker!
♥Who wears​ the pants​ in the relat​ionsh​ip?​I let him think he does!
Who has more tatto​os?​5 for him and 2 for me
♥Who eats more sweet​s?​me. He doesn't like them
♥Who cries​ more?​Neither of us are criers
♥Are you still​ toget​her?Yep!

Sooooooooo Embarassing But What The Heck

Okay so let me start by saying if you are at all easily embarrassed, super conservative or under 18 please do not read this post. There is no explicit content in this post but it does discuss some adult topics.
On the other hand if you are easy going, don't shy away easily or need a really good laugh by all means read on!
A couple of weeks ago while out with some friends we got involved in a very adult conversation. During this conversation the couple that we were with Highly recommended a certain toy that they use in the bedroom. My hubby thought he would surprise me with this toy as an early Christmas present. He didn't however present it to me in person when we were alone. He sent it to the house via UPS. Assuming that it was a product for a giveaway or review on my blog I opened the box in front of my mother. Luckily I read the packing slip before unwrapping the white plastic bag around it (something I never d0). I quickly explained that it was a Christmas present for Madison from family in Colorado and I would show it to her later. As far as I know she bought my little white lie. I was seriously seconds away from being more mortified than any other embarrassing moment in my life. If my mom had seen it I'm sure she would have laughed and rolled her eyes but still some things are better kept unknown. All I can say is thank goodness it is almost Christmas and if my hubby thinks there will be any playtime tonight he has got another thing coming!

Whirlwind Weekend!

After so much planning and preparation the WEDDING has come and gone. I'm happy to say everything went smooth (well maybe a couple of little glitches), the bride was beautiful and food was delicious. It was a Sunday afternoon and most people had to go to work so the affair was relatively low key. Madison stole the show and every time we looked the D.J. was playing with her or the photographer was snapping shots. Hope he took pics of other guests too!

Justin's speech was great and he delivered it well. I know I promised to post but never got a chance so here it is now.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen for those of you who don't know me I'm Justin Heald, the best man. On Dave and Brenna's behalf I would like to thank everyone for joining us for this joyous celebration.

They say you don't know what true happiness is until you are married, unfortunately by then it is too late!

First I'd like to say to the beautiful bride Brenna, I've enjoyed getting to know you over the past few years. I also look forward to the friendship we will have for years to come. I have watched Dave become a changed man since being with you. He is now more full of life and happier than he has ever been and I believe that is because of you.

Then there is Dave....We have known each other for almost 25 years. We have had many great times and a few memorable experiences. Dave once let me convince him to split a bottle of vermouth. I thought it would be a great idea. It wasn't! You would think Dave being a little older he would have advised against it, not the case! Then there was a time when we were at a party. Dave leaned against a stove that was filled with paper product. He somehow managed to turn the burners on and all ignite the paper products without even realizing. All he said was "Dude, it got hot in here!". Speaking of hot we once decided to play golf in Mexico at 2:00 in the afternoon. It was so hot it was like playing on the sun! Dave almost didn't make it!

On a more serious note I could not ask for two better friends than Dave and Brenna and am so happy they found one another to spend their lives with.

They say there are two secrets to a happy marriage. Here is to a sense of humor and a short memory! CHEERS!!!

The one major glitch of the wedding was because of my DH. He honestly wouldn't be Justin if something didn't happen. I think it may be one of the things I love most about him! Justin picked up his tux without trying it on Friday evening. After much coaxing (he would say nagging) he finally tried on the jacket and shoes. I questioned why not the pants and his response was that "they are adjustable so they'll be fine". Well when I arrived back to the hotel after getting my hair done I found Justin in only half a tux on the phone with Men's Wearhouse. Instead of the 36 in. waist he needed they gave him a 46 in. waist! There wasn't anytime to exchange the pants so Justin spent the day looking like M.C. Hammer with paper clips holding his pants up! The only word I can use to describe this situation is TYPICAL!

Here a a couple of pics. With all of us being in the wedding there wasn't much of a chance to take to many. I was really hoping for a family pic of all four of us or at least the three of us but it never happened. We'll just have to wait 'til Stella's christening!

The Countdown Begins

I started a post this morning that actual required a few brain cells to put together. It was all about life insurance and why it is so important to get it now while you are young instead of later. about halfway through though I ended up completely spent and decided ditch the topic. It is actually something I feel strongly about and have lots of info on so I'm sure I'll return to it someday but now is just not the time.



The WEDDING is now just 2 days away. The rehearsal dinner was last night. Everything went well, the banquet hall is beautiful and no matter what the situation Justin and I always have fun with whatever we do.



I proofread Justin's speech on the hour and a half drive up and I'll admit that if he sticks to what he wrote it blows mine out of the water (I'll post a copy later). It is much more heart felt and chockful of personal memories that he shares with the groom.



The dresses are finished being altered and short of me looking like a giant brown Christmas tree (my brother's description not mine) everything fits well.



I'm not sure if it is a cold or allergies but whatever "IT" is Madison has it. She started with a stuffy nose yesterday and now has a little cough and droopy eyes. Hopefully I can find some meds. today that don't come flying out as soon as I give them to her so we can make it through the weekend. I've also decided to do her hair myself. $90.00 plus tip is just insane for a three year old's hair. She doesn't have much, it is very fine and two little hands could destroy anything that is done in a matter of seconds. I just can't bring myself to spend that kind of money on her hair. here is a pic of what I was able to do in under 10 minutes. I curled it with my smallest curler, pulled the crown of her hair back and added the bow. The bow is a little lopsided and I'll take more time on Sunday but overall I think it came out pretty good. What do you think?

I'm off to pick up a few odds and ends before coming home to pack up for tomorrow. Then I'm going to try and spend the rest of the day curled on the couch with Madison in hopes of a speedy recovery for her. She keeps telling me she is better now but I'm not chancing her getting run down!

The Woman Behind The Best Man

Our friend's wedding is now just one short week away. My hubby Justin is the best man and to be honest I am dreading the speech that he is going to give. I'm sure he'll have already had a few cocktails and when this happens he tends to ramble on. I'm also fearful that he won't have prepared anything ahead of time and will just try to wing it. I offered to help him out by writing the speech for him. I came up with (basically "borrowed" a few lines from different sites that I found on the topic) a speech that is a little humorous, kind of sweet and most importantly SHORT! I emailed him a copy and his response was that it was "kinda lame" he also told me not to worry 'cause he has been working on something. I admit that is kind of hokey but people especially from older generations eat that stuff up. Anyway here is my speech. What do you think?

Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen I am up here to say a few thank yous, make a toast, sing the groom's praises and tell you all about his good points. The first two things are fine, but unfortunately I can't sing and I won't lie. Dave and I have been friends since______________ .I value my friendship with Dave and I look forward to having the same great friendship with his lovely new bride Brenna. I know one important thing about Brenna. She has made Dave happier then I have ever seen him. Today is a day of joy and happiness for all of us. But it is not just a day... it's the very special beginning of a new life between Dave and Brenna. My only advice to you Dave is to keep your ears open, mouth shut and occasionally respond with a “Yes Dear” and if you can find the humor in whatever happens to you, your lives will be full of joy. Congratulations!

P.S. I also did a gust blog reviewing the Sleepy Wrap over at Just Talk!

One more reason why I love my husband!

Lately life around here has been less than leisurely. Especially for Justin. Besides working a very stressful, 60 hour a week job, he has been starting his own business, remodeling our bathroom and trying to give me a break from Madison whenever humanly possible. Although I have been trying to do more than my share (I even cleaned my SUV for the first and last time this weekend) I'm at a point in my pregnancy where I'm not sleeping at night and I'm tired just about all day (when I let myself realize that I'm tired). Needless to say I'm at the get this kid out of me point and at times not very pleasant (especially to Justin).

A couple of weeks ago Justin had mentioned that his grandparents would like to have my parents, his parents and us over for a little bbq. I thought it was strange because they have a huge bash for Fourth of July which is only a week away but whatever. With the bathroom (and subsequently the house) being in a total state of disarray I told Justin last weekend that we had to cancel the bbq because there was no way we were going to leave the house for a whole day when he could be spending it finishing the bathroom. His response was to say nothing, turn around a walk away. Very odd. It was at this point that I thought maybe something was up so I decided to keep my mouth shut and just go with it.

Turns out Justin got a group of my super close friends together yesterday for what he called a "Ladies Luncheon"! How sweet is that? My gf's told me that he wanted to give me an afternoon to see everyone before the baby was born and to just relax. His grandmother hosted the get together at her house and had a local market put together a super yummy lunch. i had a wonderful time and got some adorable little goodies for the baby to be. I also heard numerous times how Justin needs to give lessons to other hubbies who are less than attentive. Looks like I definitely found a keeper! Thanks babe!

Where Am I Going to Pee???

First heat wave of the season, only one bathroom, a 3 year old who waits to pee until the last possible second and a very pregnant wife whose bladder can't go more than 25 minutes without being emptied. If you were a husband that wanted a quiet, calm household what wouldn't you begin doing this weekend? If you said gutting a bathroom you are absolutely right!

We've live in our house for 4 1/2 years and have completely gutted (down to studs) every part of the house except for the bathroom. Not that it didn't need it but it was the project that never seemed to get done. Anyway I have been after Justin a lot lately about it and he has constantly put me off until now. Last night he came home with the new tub and decided to start tearing our bathroom apart. It is now 6:30 on a Saturday night and he is outside playing horseshoes and have a few cocktails with some friends instead of at least making the toilet usable. Luckily my parents live next door but overall I'm pretty cranky about the whole situation especially since I'm already stressed about the bridal shower tomorrow.

Ultimately the bathroom is going to look great (as great as the smallest bathroom in the world can look) and I'll be happy to have it done before Stella is born but for now I'm not happy. Did I also mention that my hubby has no actual sense of time? He thinks this whole huge project will be done in 2 weeks. My guess is it'll be done around midnight the night before we go to have Stella. I'll keep you posted but for now here are some pictures.

Pretty? No. Functioning? Yes!

Bathtub circa 1963

and it begins (Justin and my brother Corey)

6:00 Saturday and the bathroom has been abandoned.


What the %^$# am I going to do at 2:00a.m. ? I may be checking into Casa De Mama's tonight.

My dining room may never be the same!

P.S. No, Madison and I haven't been home all day exposed to all the dust and other junk in the air!