My NEW Mudroom

I've always wanted a Mud Room. When we decided to move last year, we didn't want to have to move again until the boys had left and we needed to downsize. And as with most people we had a LIST of stuff we wanted in our new house. A mud room was on my list, so was a craft room (I had one in the old house). However when we got an offer on our old house it was Jan 1, and we had to be packed and moved by Feb 9, and little M2 was due in March! Leaving not a lot of time for searching.

The moment we walked into our house I was instantly in love. It was exactly what I wanted. Except it didn't have a mudroom (or a craft room but that's another story).

After living there for a couple months I quickly decided that the first floor laundry "room" was not going to work out. And my mind started spinning. Hubby agreed that it wasn't working and told me to figure out what I wanted. I wanted a mudroom. But the laundry "room" was off the kitchen, and the door to the garage was around the corner by the front door. So Hubby and my Dad did what any good Do-It-Yourselfer would do. They moved our garage door to the laundry "room" instantly creating a Mudd Room!!

The room is a weird shape, kind if line an oblong triangle. I drew a picture of what I wanted and Viola! Hubby built me a mudroom!

That's the garage door to the right. My washer was where the 'built in' is and the dryer was where the door is. It was a tiny and cramped space. The washer and dryer have been moved to the basement. Right now it's an unfinished basement. But I'm sure that will change too!

Each family member has their own hook above the bench, Hubby also added an extra hook 'for guests'. Although I'm glad there is a hook for our guests I'm pretty sure that was a hint that he wants another M.

The built in is stocked full of baskets and is a great overflow for things from the pantry and the kitchen!

Here's a close up of one of the M's hooks. We bought a standard black hook from the hardware store and then I bought letters from the craft store and painted them black with polka dots. Just a fun little touch.

This is also where my key hook hangs, it all ties together pretty well. I think my Dad and Hubby did a great job in a very small space! Now if we could just get the garage cleaned out enough that we could park in it and actually use the mudroom that would be great!

Wedded Bliss

8 years ago today I married my sole mate. He is the male version of me (although maybe just a little more laid back)!! Hubby and I have the exact same political, social, educational, religious and child rearing views. We agree on (almost) everything. I can't think of anyone else I would rather spend my life with!!
Hubby and I dated for 1 year before he asked me to marry him. He was traditional, he asked my Dad first. My Dad gave Hubby his blessing but said we had to both finish college first and have jobs before we could get married. And we couldn't live together until after the wedding! So that started what would end up being a 2 year engagement.

I had no idea he was going to propose!! I was shocked, I actually thought he was going to break up with me, not propose.

I loved everything about our wedding. I loved my dress, the flowers, the bridesmaid dresses, the food, the reception, the cake the invitations, everything was absolutely perfect. I don't think I would have changed a single thing.

This is Hubby's car, he LOVES that car. We still have it, it sits in the garage on a car lift with no tags and no insurance. I couldn't even tell you when he drove it last!!

Me and my bridesmaids....

My perfect cake...

Our Pastor giving us a blessing and a prayer. My Dad, myself and both of the M's have been baptized by him. I was confirmed by him in 8th grade, my parents were also confirmed by him, and Hubby was confirmed as an adult by him. He is still our Pastor today. As a matter of fact, he just called the house a couple hours ago to ask about M2!

I had to dig through the wedding album and scan these pictures in!! Do you believe that this was before digital???

Can't wait to give Hubby his present and spend a dinner together!!

Garfield? or is it Uncle Sam?

This is the tackiest tie I think I have ever seen, and Hubby wore it to work last Thursday!!

You have to understand, Hubby is a total snob when it comes to clothes. Not so much a label snob, but an article snob. He wears dress shirts and ties most days, because that is how he is most comfortable, even in the summer. His weekend attire consists of khakis and a polo shirt. He doesn't wear ripped jeans or graphic t's and he wouldn't even think of leaving the house in a white under t, unless it was under something.

I bought him a navy tie with snowmen on it a few years back and he was shocked. It wasn't tacky, the snowmen were in good taste and were pretty small. Since it was a navy tie it wasn't screaming Christmas or anything. I though it was so cute and nice. I think he was shocked that I actually thought he would wear it. He didn't.

This tie was given to him as a gag gift years ago, and has always just hung in the closet. When he stepped out of the closet Thursday morning carrying it I almost fell over. As a matter of fact, I think I am still in shock!

I guess he was pretty excited for July 4th.

I'm as giddy as a school girl!!

Hubby got a new job!! Yep, he sure did, and I couldn't be more happy, proud, ecstatic, thrilled, excited, etc. He just got the call this afternoon, after 3 rounds of interviews, the second consisting of 5 different interviewers, he was unanimously picked as the final candidate, out of more than 150 candidates.

Did I mention I am proud of him?

Hubby has always worked for a non-profit organization, he truly does enjoy working there. He likes the people, he likes the work, he has a good heart and I think he feels like he makes a difference there. The problem is, it's non-profit, which means non-paying. Ok, they pay, just not very much. He was at the top, manager, can go no higher, will never make a higher salary. It was time to move on! And move on he is. He hasn't given his notice yet, so I can't say where he is going, or where he is leaving, but I can say it is a BIG DEAL. I don't think I have ever been more proud of him. It truly is a big deal to land a job where he did. I think anyone would feel both honored and accomplished to get a job where he is going.

What's that, you want a hint as to where he is going? Um...ok, it has the word The in the title!!

He has some theories about his current job, they were looking at ways to cut some costs so he is going to present some ideas to them that include letting him work part time, evenings and weekends, still doing what he does, but obviously for less money, which will be good for the organization, plus it will give us extra money. Although his salary and benefits at his new job are AMAZING, we are pretty far behind financially, and I hate having debt.

Did I mention how proud I am of my big hearted Hubby? Or that I am GIDDY!?!?! I'm currently doing the happy dance.!!

I don't have many pictures of Hubby, most of my pictures are of the M's. But here is a family picture of us last year at Brutus on Parade, at The Ohio State University. We are huge Buckeye fans. I think our whole family bleeds scarlet and gray. In fact, if you ask M1 what state he lives in he answers 'Go Bucks'. Yes M1, that's the state we live in alright!

And in other news, I mailed the very last payment to Children's Hospital today for (not-so) little M2. He is finally paid for, 15 months after he was born, and 13 months after he came home he is paid for. (kinda makes him sound like a car, huh?) Children's in Columbus is paid off, one month before we head to Children's in Cincinnati. Then, I'm sure a whole new round of payments will begin!Yes M2, it is time to put your arms in the air (and wave 'em like you just don't care) and cheer.

Do you want to do the happy dance with me?