10 Years

Last weekend was my 10 year class reunion.
I saw most everyone I wanted to see and some who I didn't care to see. Because this is my blog I have no compunction about listing those I didn't care to see.
Stop smiling.
It would not have hurt my feelings if Katie, Terri and Steph hadn't shown up. I didn't care for them 10 years ago and, amazingly, I don't care for them now. Honestly it annoys me that Katie named her son Mason also. How is that for truthful...
Other than those three it was really good to see everyone.
Austin's cousin, Sarah, came already drunk and on laxatives. Why? Because she didn't want to look fat. Crazy!! I was stunned. I couldn't believe it she actually surprised me. It is always great to see her though. Even if just for the laugh.
Most everyone there has kids or is married/engaged to someone who does. I think it is amazing how conversation always turns to kids. As if we don't talk about them enough as it is.
I just love how one person, usually a dork of the class, will make a memory book and bring it. Not everyone is in this book and it revolves around them, making things kinda skewed anyways. I had a great time laughing at the book because I was only in a couple of the photos. (What were we all thinking dressing like that?)
Okay I'm done complaining now.
As our reunion was winding down Sarah, being drunk and all, suggested we crash the 15 reunion that was taking a couple of miles away. Austin and I had no clue where we were going so it was decided that Sarah's husband Phil would ride with Austin and that I would drive Sarah.
This is where Austin embarrassed me. You had to know it was coming... As we are walking out of the casino Phil ask Austin where he is parked and something was said about the balls hanging down under the truck and then Austin refers to the truck as a 'man' truck. I could have died.
My husband had done so good sitting there behaving all night that I thought we were in the clear. Evidently not. He was so cute when he said it though that I have decided to let it slide. I know how generous of me.
After all his 10 year reunion is next year so I have a whole year to think of some way to subtly embarrass him. I will be taking suggestions.
It was also good to see that I was not the only one with little insecurities about high school. At least I showed up though. I saw several people from my class at the Farmer's Merchants Picnic, all with lame excuses about not showing up.
Can't wait for the 15 year reunion. Okay so maybe I can because that would make me... 33. EWWW. No thank you.

Blog Name

Yes, I did change my blogs name. The last name was just working on my last nerve. That and this way Austin won't be able to figure it out. I can't believe he still doesn't know about this one. hehe.
Most likely a good thing. I guess it would be like him reading my diary (if I had one). He won't see it that way because other people read it. O'well.

Mason was very excited to watch the tractor pull. We were sitting in the prime spot for a little boy. We were right where the tractors stop pulling so that Mason could cheer for them.

It Says What?

My little sister read this tractor wrong... Very wrong.

I Think He Needs His Own Purse

To keep all his 'stuff' in.

While we were on vacation we went to my home town's annual Farmer's Merchants Picnic. It runs for about 3 days and has all kind of stuff to do. We don't usually make it to all 3 days of events but what we make it to is plenty.

This year we made it to the Tractor Pull. Mason was in heaven. If only all the crap he had to have on his lap would have stayed put. Every couple of minutes he would scream because something fell off his lap.
I'm fairly certain Austin wouldn't be happy if Mason started to carry a purse to keep all his toys in.

I've Been Geekified

My husband hooked up both monitors to the computer. I didn't realize how big of a difference it would make in how I do things.

Let me tell you I am LOVING it.

oh boy

I've been so busy.
Austin has been on vacation for the last two weeks. Can I just say HORRIBLE and we spent most of the time apart. He went to his grandparents house for a couple of days and then I went to my sister's for my families vacation for a couple of days without him.
Don't get me wrong he was invited to go he just didn't want to.
When I have been home I've been trying to get some picture orders done and delivered. To see what I'm talking about go here. I think it is just amazing how much more business you can get from one shoot to the next. It's been a long time coming and I am having so much fun. I won't be able to post too many for privacy reasons but I will when I can. I've even hooked up with a couple of different people and am getting started in a couple of joint ventures that I never would have thought about. Whatever works I always say.
Now that my husband has the computer set up again it should be much easier. Much much easier. He wanted to set up two monitors on one computer and I really didn't think I would like it that much but I absolutely love it.
Now if I could only get him to put his clothes in the hamper I would be set.

9 Years

Today is my nine year wedding anniversary. It feels like a blink. I can't believe it has really been that long!
I wouldn't trade any of it. The good or the bad.
I don't know how he has put up with me for so long.
Here's hoping for another nine, and more, 'happy' years.

I feel old...

Talk about HOT!!

I'm sitting in my underwear editing photos...

I know you thought I was talking about the weather!!

My Vacation

Yesterday when I got home from Sioux City I called a friend and we went to Hobby Lobby and met another friend for supper. After supper we went to Target and WalMart. I didn't get home until midnight last night. I had forgotten what it was like to just goof off with girlfriends.
The poor little dog had only spent about 3 hours out of the kennel yesterday afternoon.
Then this morning I was only able to sleep in till 8:30.
Literally. I could only sleep till 8:30. How disappointing. I didn't have to leave until noon today and that was all the later I could sleep.
Pathetic.
Just PATHETIC!!
Today I had a MOPS meeting at our new church with the pastor. The meeting took a lot longer than I thought it would and pushed me off schedule the rest of the day.
After the meeting I had a mini newborn shoot. (just the poses she wanted)
It went well and the baby slept the whole time. We sweated. Oh, my, was it ever hot and humid today. We took the photos on her screened in sun porch for the natural light. Baby was happy but we were miserable. I am fairly sure Baby didn't care though.
After that I finally got to come home. To my nice quiet house. I can finally get some work done without someone screeching at the gate or asking me what is for supper. I'm taking advantage of this.
It is amazing how much work I can get done without those two distractions.
Tomorrow I have to meet with a gal that was on the MOPS steer team and get some stuff from her. Then I've got to work at 4.
I figure Austin and Mason will be home by the time I get home from work. Even though he has told me he won't be home until Friday afternoon I know how he works. I'm not stupid.
So now I'm off to learn how to burn CDs on the Flash (my new computer). I decided to name it such because it was bought with my flash money.
Guilt trip for Austin. We'll see how long till I get my flash now.

Vacation? For Who, Not Me!!

So my husband is on vacation for two weeks. Thankfully he decided, ha decided, to go to his grandparents house for a couple of days.
He had some help in this decision. A little persuasion you might say.
My husband is a spoiled grandchild.
Grandpa has been trying to buy my husband a new truck for years. And for years my husband has been telling him no. Gotta hand it to him on wanting to make his own money and not caring what the rest of the family thinks. But it comes to the point that it would make his grandfather so happy to give him this truck. Grandpa has it in his head that the Awesome Green Truck is a hazard.
Well he found a way to get around Austin telling him no.
He called last week and said 'I've decided to make you my hired hand and you need a truck to drive so I can claim it as a tax write off.' Austin couldn't say no to that.
I think Austin had that AHAA moment. Finally. It took him long enough. Honestly...
So Tuesday early I had to get up and take Austin and Mason to Sioux City to pick up the pick up. From there they went on down to visit the grandparents.
I told Austin not to come home before Friday and if at all possible to stay a couple of days longer.
Funny note my husband packed himself and Mason and only took 2 diapers for Mason. He forgot the diapers in my trunk. Now he can't tease me about forgetting anything ever again. I think he learned that it is harder to pack for two. I've been giggling about it since I noticed the diapers in the trunk. I didn't even call to warn him. What fun would that have been?

He Killed It

Austin killed my computer Sunday.

Literally killed it.

I told him I was going to unload my camera from my shoot I did that afternoon. He told me to give him ten minutes because he had to do something first.

I didn't realize that what he had to do involved killing my computer.

So Monday morning we headed to Best Buy to buy a new computer. Austin has been waiting for Windows 7 to come out so we just got a mid price range bridge computer. He stills plans on getting one when 7 comes out. That's fine with me then we each have our own computer. Sounds like a plan to me. He even upgraded and got the 22 inch monitor for 40 bucks after some haggling. I kinda regret teaching him how to haggle but anyways in this instance it got me a nice monitor.

Thankfully Austin was able to get the old computer going long enough to back up the files he wanted. I already had all my photos backed up because I just had a feeling it was getting ready to take a dive.

Now to the real unfortunate part.

The money for the computer had to come out of my flash fund. I was so close too. Within 50 bucks of my goal.

Let me tell you it is enough to aggravate a person.

Show Us Where You Live- Bathroom

It is Friday again. I know this week went way too fast. This weeks Show Us Where You Live Friday over at Kelly's Korner is all about bathrooms. I love my bathroom. True it isn't all the way done but that is okay because I have faith that I will win the arguement. My husband's life would be so much easier if he would just do what he is told. We are currently argueing over the baseboard and window trim. I know it sounds stupid and we will just blame that on him.

So without further todo here is my bathroom. Before pictures can be found here.

This is the vanity and sink. Everything in this bathroom is made for a tall person. The counter comes up to my hip. After we get the counter done it will come up even higher. Yay... On the counter you can see the little clock I got for Christmas from my grandma and the little butterfly chair candle holder from PartyLite. We only have the one sink so there has to be two different kinds of soap on the sink becasue heaven forbid my husband have to use something 'fruity' smelling. We just got the bull nose tile to finish the counter last night. Hopefully be the end of the weekend my counter will match my floor.

I love the color. It is called Tree Tops. I had originally wanted a green call Happy Camper but decided it was too green. My husband is stillteasing me about it.

I love having the washer and dryer in the bathroom. Anything to keep me out of the basement where I trapped this.

Beside the toilet is Mason's little toilet seat, the poor child is afraid he is going to fall in, and Austin's magazine rack. For years he has asked for a magazine rack in the bathroom. I finally gave in when he said I got to pick the color.

On the back of the toilet is a little basket full of little boy undies. Potty training is hard enough without having to search for clean little boy undies all day.

Above the washer and dryer are 2 baskets. One keeps my hair dryer, curling iron, and straightener plus some misc crap. The other one holds towels and wash clothes. Doesn't the toilet paper look so classy up there?

Beside the washer and dryer is my ironing board and Mason's snow pants. I was going to put them away last week but I figure he won't fit in them come winter anyways so I left them so I can find them a good home.

Hanging above the toilet is my PartyLite hanging votive holder. To say I love candles is really an understatement. I burn a candle in this holder everyday. I know you would think that would be expensive but I have a huge stash from being a former PartyLite consultant. Not to mention the $180 in gift certificates that I need to get used.

My husband has even stopped complaining about the 'smell'. Smart man.

The blank space on this wall is where the towel rack is going to go if we can ever decide on one.

I splurged and got the curved shower curtain. One of my favorite things about this bathroom is the light above the shower. My husband tried fighting me on it until I found this light fixture at Home Depot for $10.

I didn't clean before taking photos today. Those are my ties from work hanging up there and I didn't realize Austin's work shirt was up there when I started the washer this morning.

Mason's bath toys and bubble bath.

Hyde the wonder dog, as in it's a wonder I haven't killed him yet.

This room has a nice spot of sunshine on the floor from about 8:30 to around noon, depending on the time of year. Hyde can usually be found in one of the sun spots through out the house all day.

Austin tiled the floor all by himself one weekend when I was at my folks. He said it was better to do by himself becasue then I wasn't in the way. Whatever works for him I guess.

I have been searching for just the right shower curtain for feels like for months. I just haven't found what I am looking for yet. I might have to break down and actually tear out my sewing machine and make my own.

If anyone has any suggestions let me know. I am looking for something bright and playful.

The window is waiting for some trim and the wall is waiting for some paint. I don't remember why we didn't paint this area. If I remember right it had something to do with the tub.

In case anyone was wondering what Mason was doing while I was taking photos. He was standing at the gate in the kitchen screaming at me. I don't know what his problem was, he had Eeyore to keep him company and Cars playing in the living room. Men...

My all time favorite feature of this bathroom is the pocket door. I LOVE it. It was totally worth all the headache and hassle.

Hope everyone enjoyed my bathroom.

What Excitment?

Me: So did you have any excitement while I was gone?

Hubby: No.

Me: Then why is there bird poop on my mirror and the window sill?

Hubby: Bird poop?

Me: Yep, bird poop! Unless it was you...

Hubby: I don't recall a bird being in the house.

Me: Really. What do you recall?

I'm still waiting on his answer.

How does someone not notice a bird in the house? Really!

I guess I should just be excited the house is still standing.

Show Us Where You Live- Office

Kelly over at Kelly's Korner is hosting the Show Us Where You Live Friday. This week it is offices. We have been working on our office for a little over a week. It is no where near done but I'll show you anyways.

My new desk. You can find out more about this desk here.

That level is 4 feet long. I am 5' 3". I cannot reach clear to the corner.

We were getting ready for Mason's birthday party and that was evidently code for my husband to pile everything in the office. Especially if it didn't belong in there.

This is the old desk.

My husband has been working at the desk lately and I don't know if he gets bored and decides he has to look at something while the pages are loading or what. For some reason he went through the stack of bills and they are now spread out all over inbetween his candy wrappers and such. I've explained to him that if he can't stay out of stuff and throw away his own trash that he won't be allowed in here.

To the left you can see two of the paint samples on the wall. Neither made the cut. The brown reminded me of cat poo and the green looked like smushed peas.

Just a different view of the new desk.

The candles hanging on the wall are going to stay but the curtains are going. They came with the house and I just never got around to changing them.

This is not the color we are sticking with. I hate it!! It looks pink during the day and really orangy in the evening. I figure better to decide that now before we put the second coat on.

I just couldn't decide before and Austin suggested a red color so that is what I did. Um... can you say s-t-u-p-i-d. I have decided on a teal or turquoise color. Austin will just have to get over it.

Don't mind the dining room, the office threw up all over it. For such a tiny room it sure did hold a lot of junk.

I have these pictures blown up 20*16. I just have to decide which ones to put in here.

This one also. I would like to get it in blown up in canvas wrap also but for the moment the price is putting me off.

Depending on how it will look against a teal/turquoise wall this one might be going in here also.

So that is my office. Totally a mess at the moment but should be completed in the next week or so. I'll be posting updated pictures when we are done. My husband was upset about having to spend more money to paint it again so I had to rationalize with him. Exactly how much money am I going to make if I have to sit in a room I hate. Yep he didn't too much after that.

Clothing Optional

Wednesday I noticed it got real quiet while I was washing dishes so I had to go investigate. I walk into the living room to see Mason in just his diaper sleeping in Austin chair.

1. What happened to his clothes?

2. Thankfully he still had his diaper on!

I Am The Princess At My House

Princess Hateful Raquel and her husband Dan were out last night to give Mason his birthday present. They pull up on motorcycles. I couldn't believe it. What in the world did she need a motorcycle for. She is dangerous enough in a car. Austin and I had a good laugh about it after she left.
I wondered why she was so willing to come ALL the way out here. In her words it is just soooo faaaar. Now we know.
Nothing quite like having a spiteful sister-in-law to spice up life. My little sister might be a bitch but she isn't deceitful and conniving.
I'm sure grandma will be calling tomorrow to tell me something that Raquel has said. Should be fun. Good thing grandma loves me and believes me over her own granddaughter.

Ugh... Paint...

So I tried my 3 sample paint colors last night and didn't like any of them. As in I would go crazy with any of those colors on my walls. I had more color swatches with me and asked Austin's opinion. It is always fun to ask his opinion. He doesn't like the oranges, yellows or browns.
I asked about the reds and he said "Light red would be okay. Nothing too dark. I don't want to be sitting at the computer and be thinking 'red room, red room'."
Last time I checked 'light red' was also known as pink. So I brought that up and he said "More red than pink. I don't want to feel like I'm sitting in cotton candy."
Then I get this urge for Turquoise but more green than blue.
I am going to chuck this all up to hormones. I'm usually a very level headed individual but this color choice is making me crazy. I spend a huge amount of time in the office and so I don't want to pick the wrong color. I don't want more green because the carpet is green and the bathroom is green. I don't want it to feel like the bathroom if that makes sense.
Then I get this thought about a light lilac color or purplish gray. Then I wonder about slate gray or medium gray.
I guess the color I finally choose will be just as much of a surprise to me as to anyone else. I am determined to get it painted today. Like in before I go to bed this room will have some color of paint on its walls.
If I didn't know better I would swear I was nesting. No way that is going on though Aunt Flo took care of that threat.
My poor husband. I feel bad that he has to put up with me when I am like this. Only sometimes though because I know a majority of the time he totally deserves it.
Wish me luck I'm off to buy my paint! What about stripes...

Few Things

Austin's sister, Princess Hateful Raquel is coming for supper tonight. She was unable to make it to his party because 'something came up'. I don't believe it for a moment but anyways she is coming for supper and I haven't told Austin yet because he will bolt and then I would be here alone with her. Not my idea of fun. So I have some cleaning to do. Not much but the dishes need washed. My ankle hurts so stinking bad that I just don't want to stand on it and wash the stupid dishes.
I sprained my ankle over a week ago and it hurts still. Yesterday I actually went to the doctor to have it checked out. After x-rays and everything the doctor can't find any broken or fractured bones. She thinks I might have tore that little muscle on the outside behind the ankle bone. She told me to take it easy. I have been on my feet a lot lately. Cleaning and sorting through kitchen cabinets. I am trying to getting everything cleaned out so that I can paint them on the inside. I have never liked the red and after Mason has been playing in them they need to be organized.
I went and got samples of paint yesterday for my office. I just can't decide. I brought home samples of a light yellow, medium green, and a warm brown color. We'll see. I would like to get the samples on the wall today anyways. If I don't like any of those I have a couple of other paint swatches that I am thinking about. I'm usually not this indecisive. It is driving me nuts. I thought I wanted a warm color but then I saw this really pretty blue color and now I just don't know. My helpful husband suggested that I just paint each wall a different color. After I decide on a paint color I need to decide on curtains. Yay that should be tons of fun! I have been looking for a big mirror to go on one wall but they are expensive so I might improvise and just get a big cheap mirror from WalMart and just have my husband put trim around it on the wall. I am still deciding. I do know that the Cincinnati landscape is leaving.
I had the urge to clean my red shelves yesterday. Thankfully, I resisted the urge. As if I don't have enough projects going on right now.
I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday and spent a total of 5.31. It was a rather disappointing trip. I was looking for some interesting fabric but was let down. I also went to Joann Fabrics and nothing jumped out at me so I am still on the hunt. Looking for fabric for a shower curtain since I can't find one in stores that I like.
Next week I am taking down the wallpaper in the dining room. No debate on paint color there though. I have a really cherrie (as in upbeat) rose color for beneath the chair rail and a white for above. I need to decide if I want to stripe the bottom or leave it alone. My husband will have to be out of town when I paint that room. For sure it is a ask forgiveness project because I refuse to ask permission to anything inside the house. I figure he has the whole garage he can do what he wants in there. I wouldn't complain if he made it a man cave. Well as long as I was welcome in it anyways.
Well I have tons of stuff to do so I better get to it...

Yay!!

So Austin finally went back to work today. I had to restrain myself from doing my happy dance after he pulled out of the drive.
I know I'm horrible.