My Master Bath

I thought I would share pictures of my master bathroom with you. Normally bathrooms are not my favorite place to decorate. They always seem cold no matter what I do to them. Well, I went to Wal-Mart one night to get a shower liner because I hadn't decided what I wanted to do in here yet. Turns out that I found a shower curtain that I absolutely fell in love with. Then I found the matching rings, soap holder, decorative towel and some red towels and a rug that went perfectly with the curtain! Normally I don't do the matchey- matchey stuff but this I could not pass up. I was most excited about the soap dispenser- I have never had a pretty soap dispenser before!
Here is a peak inside from the bedroom...........


This chimney cupboard is something we picked up last year at our favorite antique store. We don't have a lot of storage in this bathroom so this was the perfect piece for the space. It holds all of my lotions and potions- that stuff that every woman needs!

I left the piece as it was when we bought it because I fell in love with the chippy worn paint. My husband looked at me like I was nuts when I told him I wanted to take it home. He promised to build me a new one just like it but that would kind of be missing the point now wouldn't it? So many people who have come to visit have threatened that it would come up missing when they left!!! And of course the top is cluttered looking until I can find a way to accessorize it and make it look pretty! I am still on the hunt for some reallooking red poppies to fill the green pitcher.

And my shower curtain................ the flowers are so cheery that it makes me happy just walking in here.

This is the wall opposite the tub. I found the painting from a second hand store that I go to often. Picked this lady up for 5 bucks!! I loved the colors in the print and the lady's big hat. The little gold frames were my dollar bargain at the flea market a couple of weeks ago. I thought they were cute here. Not the best picture but what do you expect with generic hollywood lighting..........

My little master bathroom. Again- more red. I'm addicted, what can I say. This is a bathroom I actually like! It now feels warm and cozy- if a bathroom can actually feel warm and cozy. Now I need to get working on the other bathroom. I'll post pictures when I finish it! I know- you are on the edge of your seat, aren't you? he he he

Have a great day!

~Heather :)

Hubby Therapy

Last night we had a wonderful evening! Marc took the night off from his remodeling job and came straight home after work. I made a big dinner- balsamic chicken, garlic mashed potatoes and peas and corn. We had the candles lit, the music playing, and even used the fancy dishes! It was so fun!
After dinner we all helped water the flowers. The kids had a ball as this is one of their favorite things to do recently!

After all the plants were good and wet (and dripping and running over) we sat out on the balcony and watched the birds playing in the trees and the airplanes flying through the clouds. It was nice to sit out there as a family and just relax and enjoy each other................

After a full night of relaxing and playing we showered the kids and tucked them into bed with stories and singing and lots of hugs and kisses. Marc and I went back outside after the kids were asleep and sat on the balcony and just enjoyed the beautiful weather. We got to play "catch up" and it was so nice. We talked and talked. He caught me up to date on everything that is going on at work, we reminisced and talked about our little white house by the creek, I told him about all the funny things the kids have been saying and doing and our plans for the upcoming (crazy-busy) week. After awhile we came inside and played on the computer. Remember the bedding set I want for our bedroom?

This set! Well, I found out last night it is on sale for 33% OFF!!!!!!!!! And free shipping! Bonus! Marc told me to go ahead and order it and that will be my birthday present! I didn't hesitate to hit that "submit order" button, I was SO excited!! My birthday is on Monday so I am hoping I get it that day! But if it is a day or two late who cares! It is still on it's way so I couldn't be more thrilled!!

We both ended up falling asleep on the couch. We are so exciting I know! It was so nice to have him home with us last night. And although his phone rang off the hook all evening with manager type issues I didn't care- he was home. I enjoyed it and the kids enjoyed it. I felt so much better last night and today. It is amazing what a little time with my husband can do for my spirits. It's like Hubby Therapy!!

Wishing you all precious time with those you love! Hope you all have a great weekend!!

~Heather :)

Chinese Fortune

Ok, last night I was a mess! Fully admit it. Remember how part of my sadness was because of this house? My little white house by the creek that is back on the market but I know we can't buy it?

Remember that poor little Chinese food delivery man? And how he said maybe I would get a good fortune in my cookie and I would be happy again? Tonight I finally got around to eating my fortune cookie. Well, inside that crunchy little cookie was this message.........

Notice the first number? That was our original closing date for the house when we first purchased it. See the last number? That is the first 2 numbers in the house address! A sign perhaps?????????

Now I do not believe in fortune cookies or things like that. But I do believe in signs........ and blessings and miracles. It would take all three to get that house back but this little cookie sure lifted my spirits!!!

~Heather :)

Oh What A Night

First of all I wanted to thank everyone for their sweet comments on my last post regarding my little white house. I felt kind of silly after I posted it. Longing so strongly for a house that may or may never be for me again. It was so uplifting to hear from so many of you who have felt the same way that I do! Your thoughtful words were truly touching and they mean so much to me. Thank you for making me realize that my feelings are not only common but justified!

Last night was quite a night. I have a lot going on lately. I can not get my little white house out of my head. I am still amazed at the hold and effect it has had on me.
My husband has been working 7 days a week for a couple of months now. Days I can handle for the most part. But for the last few weeks he has been doing a remodeling job for a family member and has been getting home after 10pm every night. I love my husband- he is my best friend. He works very hard for our family and for that I am most grateful. But I miss him. I miss him a lot. Last night I talked to him and he told me he was once again going to get home late. He told me to treat myself and order take-out!
My daughter Bella's surgery for her ears is scheduled for this coming Wednesday, June 11th. It is a simple surgery but it is still a surgery and I am worried about it. I have been having nightmares where she doesn't wake up from the anesthesia and I wake up shaking and crying.
My sister has offered to take my son, Kyle, for a few days during the surgery. We have to be up and at the hospital very early the day of the surgery so it will be nice. We all agree that it will be best for us to be one-on-one for Bella and give her some special attention during this time. The problem is I have never been away from my kids for a full day or a night since they were born. Other than when I was in the hospital having Bella I have never missed a bedtime tuck-in with Kyle. I am not worried about my sister taking care of him- she is an amazing person and an incredible mother. If I could be half as wonderful as she is my children would benefit greatly. There is no one in this world I trust more with my children. His days will be busy and I think he will enjoy the adventure. So I do not worry about him being away from me- I worry about ME being away from him. My children are my life, my joy, my security. I miss them when I am away from the for an hour! So those few days are going to be difficult in a few ways. And he will be almost three hours away so if I miss him in the middle of the night it's not like I can drive down the street and get him!!
All afternoon yesterday my head was spinning with everything that is going on and coming up. I felt fears and stress invade me and suck the energy right from me. I felt like I was walking around in a funk all day. And then it happened.
I had ordered Chinese food from a new local place we haven't tried yet. When the delivery driver arrived he asked "How are you this evening?" And I completely fell apart. I started crying and mumbling "I miss my husband, I want my old house back, I am scared about my daughter's surgery and I already miss my son who is leaving for a few days."
The poor delivery driver stood at my door, mouth hanging open with a look of shock and disbelief on his face. Who could blame him. Then I felt really bad for venting to a complete stranger and started crying harder.
He tried his best to sooth me in his broken English "Ah, maybe you get good fortune in your cookie and you will be happy again!"
I shook my head and closed the door. Knowing that I will never again be able to order from that restaurant.......... because even if I did they wouldn't want to deliver to the crazy woman anyways.
I could not pull myself together. I cried harder and more hysterically than I have for as long as I could remember. I was letting my emotions and raging hormones go for a joy ride. I allowed them to completely consume and devour me. Now I am an emotional person anyway- but this was really obnoxious. I sat there crying and feeling self pity. I started breaking out in hives from head to toe. I was going into a full blown panic attack and felt short of breath because I was crying so hard, so I called my sister. She will be able to calm me down! She can always calm me down! And she did. And she understands sobby jibber which is good because I couldn't talk when she first answered the phone. We got to the root of the problem. I am pregnant. Hmmmm........... is that what that big bump is? My hormones are completely out of control and they are feeding off of stress. Hormones are a scary thing sometimes. Sneaky little boogers. I couldn't sleep last night and the apartment walls felt as though they were closing in on me. I went to my happy place. I poured a glass of milk and went outside to sit on my balcony. Just me, my glass of milk and my thoughts. It was a beautiful night- warm with a gentle breeze. I could heard the gentle flow of water from the waterfall, and smelled the faint scent of chlorine from the pool. I sat on my comfy wicker couch and gazed up at the sky. I sat out there for a long time just thinking and praying and sitting in silence. It was time I needed. I finally came inside around four a.m.! Feeling refreshed- not 100% better, but more calm than I have been in a few days. I don't think I realized until last night just how stressed I really have been. I tend to bottle things up and just go go go until things smack me in the face and knock me down. Last night was one of those nights. I was glad that I took some quiet time to myself last night- even if I was really tired this morning! Even though I am still worried about things I have a better hold on it and a better perspective of my emotions so I can try and keep them in tact. I have more peace today than I have for a while and all it took was some quiet time in prayer.
Tonight my husband will be home at a normal time and I am making a huge dinner, lighting candles, pulling out the good dishes and putting some music on. And the kids and Marc and I will all have a wonderful, romantic family dinner and a fun night of playing and relaxing. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening.
Wishing you all that peaceful feeling and a great evening.
~Heather :)

Busy Days & Unexpected Emotions

What a busy couple of days it has been! I got to pick up my van from the service center. Again- the dealership went above and beyond my expectations as I have never experienced a dealership as wonderful as them! They had to replace some sensors and fix our braking system and the van and brakes feel better than they did when we got it!! Best of all, everything was covered under our warranty so that was fantastic. Kyle did not want to leave the rental car there and insisted we bring it home with us! He liked it because it was red. After we picked up the van we drove to surprise Marc with a backyard picnic. He is still working on the bathroom remodel for a relative and we missed him so I thought this would be a fun thing. Well, he was at the painting phase of the project and let me tell you- my husband HATES to paint. Needless to say I got suckered into painting the bathroom for him and we got home after ten o'clock. Yesterday I had a prenatal visit which went really well. I got to hear Calista's strong little heartbeat and it always tears me up when I listen to that precious sound! And I found out that I had gained 14 pounds since my last visit 3 weeks ago! Oh my! Guess I better lay off those Doritos and ho ho's!
After we left the doctor's office we went back over to see Marc and take him dinner. Because if I don't take him food he will literally forget to eat. Well, I got suckered into helping him again on cosmetic details and installing the new sink and medicine cabinet. It is coming together so beautifully! By about 8pm the kids were starting to get a little tired so we took off headed home.

I decided to drive by "our" house again which I do every time we are in the area. It actually isn't our house anymore..........it was our first house. One decision that I regret the most is moving out of that house. The day we were moving out I watched the house become more and more empty and I felt like I wanted to change my mind. I knew I couldn't and even felt like maybe it was emotions driven by hormones or fear of making such a big change. Well, those emotions and feelings never did subside. I think about that little house all of the time. It was our first house! It was tiny- only 1,100 square feet, 3 bedrooms and one bath. Really small. The house sat on an uncommonly large lot for the area. It had a third of an acre and in the backyard there were tons of tall trees and a huge creek that ran through the property. We used to go back there and just watch the wildlife and listen to the water. And it wasn't just about the house....... it was the neighborhood. We had wonderful neighbors that quickly became our friends. We would sit out on our front porch with a pitcher of tea and they would come over with their drinks or snacks to share and shoot the breeze for hours at a time. We were remodeling a bedroom one time and some of the neighbors just showed up with tool belts and said "Where do you want us." It was an amazing little street full of the most wonderful people. You really had that small town feeling in the heart of a big city.
Last night as I was driving down our old road something caught the corner of my eye so I looked in the rear view mirror and slammed on my brakes! (and I wonder why I have brake issues?) What was that I saw? I backed up and parked in front of the house to see a For Sale sign planted in the front yard. My heart was beating so fast it hurt. I felt short of breath. I called my husband and left a message "I am sitting in front of our house and guess what I see!?! A for sale sign! Baby! Our house is back on the market!" I hung up and sat in front of the house and just stared. And then, for some reason, the flood gates opened. I started crying uncontrollably. I saw Kyle learning to walk in the living room and playing in the front yard chasing bubbles that the neighbor boy was blowing, I saw all our old neighbors sitting on the porch and steps at our July 4th party. I saw my curtains blowing in the breeze and smelled the fresh paint from my months of painting all the woodwork. I stared at the Christmas lights glowing in the freshly fallen snow as I watched carollers walking down the street. I saw my little boy's face peeking out the front window waiting for Marc to pull in from work. So many memories are held in that house.
In my mind that little white house by the creek will always be my home. I looked around at the house and it seemed so sad. The yard was overgrown, the flowers needed weeded, the blinds looked broken and the house was completely dark. I pulled myself together and called my sister and told her about the house. She talked me all the way home. I know there is no way we can buy our house back. Not now. It is a great price but it is too far from Marc's job and we still haven't sold our last house. With a baby due in three months it wouldn't be a good idea to make a move anyway. But that doesn't make me accept this any easier. My heart really aches for that little house. I came home and looked it up online and found that the woman who bought it from us lost it in foreclosure and she hadn't paid taxes for almost two years. My heart ached for her and her situation- whatever is may be. Because I know if she loved that house even half as much as I do then she must be hurting too. It may seem silly but I have been crying off and on since last night. Missing my house and knowing that it could be possible now for us to get it back because there is after all a sign in the yard.......... but it isn't possible. And that is a very tough pill to swallow. I wish now that I hadn't driven by the house last night, I wish I hadn't seen that sign. If it was sold and bought and I was none the wiser then I would have been okay. Knowing that it is at the tip of my fingers though...................... that is a completely different story.
Here is my little house...............

This is the picture from the realtor site. It was built in 1928 on an old wine vineyard. The vineyard had gotten some kind of wrath or disease that killed all of the crop and no future crops could ever be grown here. This house was the second house built in the subdivision. It was built by one of the less well-to-do families and you can tell by the cheaper pine flooring and woodwork through the house. There have been some updates through the years but fortunately most of the original character has been left in tact which is what attracted us to the house. This was the front room/living room that you entered from the front porch. This house has the most wonderful light! See all of that woodwork??? I painstakingly painted all of the woodwork throughout the house- every spare moment I could steal away for over four months. Normally I would not have painted it but it was cheap, soft pine that was in pretty bad shape and had an ebony stain on it! The white turned out gorgeous and actually highlighted the beauty of the details.

This was my son's first real room. This was the first room my husband and I did after we bought the house. Money was tight with a new baby and a new house so we bargain shopped and used a lot of creativity. We put a lot of love into this room and really liked how it turned out. To this day I still think it is my favorite decorating job ever!

The house had an amazing yard............especially the backyard. We would walk out to the back of the property and see deer and other animals every day. They were so fun to watch and knew we weren't going to hurt them as they just took their time and hung out. See the little bridge rails? The creek actually ran through the backyard and separated the lot so everyone built bridges across their lots!

And we had a lot of fun and relaxation time in our yard. What a great place to raise kids.

Someone told me once that a house is just a bunch of wood and some nails. But to me it's more than that......... especially if it has been your home or if you want it to be your home. This house would not be a dream home for most people but it was a dream when we bought it and we saw a lot of dreams come true while we lived there. I have fallen in love with houses that we have seen before and since this house but no other house has had my heart like this one. I have never been so broken hearted with any other house but this one. I think it hurts the most knowing that this house was mine and I let it go.

~Heather :)