share post

This is {not} glamorous

by | Nov 20, 2007 | Authentic Living, Where I Lose My Sanity

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

Do we look ready for Thanksgiving at our house?

My nephew and son have been busy helping out.

This is {not} glamorous

Our bathroom cabinet is painted but nothing is put back. We’d work on it but…

This is {not} glamorous

We’ve had a little situation.

This is {not} glamorous

Ignore the child wearing the undies on his head.

See the vacuum? That is next to my mom, who is trying to vacuum up the DEAD MOUSE! The one we can smell but cannot see. Yep, right on cue. Just in time for Thanksgiving. I am a dead rodent magnet right before parties and holidays. I am not kidding you, my friends will all attest to this. If anything can go wrong just before a party at my house, it will. And it oftentimes involves unpleasantness. Unfortunately, he did not get sucked up by the vacuum so we have to search elsewhere.

While we cannot see him we do see some droppings in our game closet. Yes, where our kids’ games are kept. So sanitary. Knight in shining armor has arrived home and will be searching through Disney Monopoly and The Game of Life very soon.

We will resume our regularly scheduled beautiful inspiring design blog after this brief interlude. I hope. In less than 48 hours I will be serving Thanksgiving in this house. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

PS. Now you have had a glimpse in to our hallway, Project #431 on my To Do list for the next year!

69 Comments

  1. Rachael

    Hilarious! for us reading it that is, not you! Its so nice to see the ‘real’ side of people’s homes!!! Don’t stress . . .

    Reply
  2. Sweet Cottage Dreams

    EWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am going to send Duhgall up to you because he will sniff the little bugger out. No kidding! The other day there was a RAT – not a mouse, a RAT, in the middle of the street and Doogs went after him in one fell swoop. Didn’t kill it, but totally messed it up. It’s a tough rat cause I saw it later in the day…across the street. STAAAAAY there, Mr. Rat, or I will sik my dog on you!!!

    I love your prom dress and your drop dead gorgeous owie shoes. :) Hope you had fun!!

    Love,
    Becky

    Reply
  3. Sweet Cottage Dreams

    PS: Your son is killing me! I am laughing so hard at him right now! What a clown! BTW, that giraffe is hilarious! I am glad to know that I am not the only one who has little messes here and there. xo, me

    Reply
  4. katiedid

    You are so funny! I am in the same boat, but we are entertaining on Saturday, so I have a coupla days more to get ready. I think I will just stuff it all in the gust room as usual.Ther are are so many things to do! But here I am visiting with you. Much more fun!

    Reply
  5. Brenda Eason

    You are in a fix…sounds like luck to me. i have a picture of my april trying on her brothers undies and she had been in my makeu…she was a sight. Those pictures are forever.

    Reply
  6. anindiansummer

    Melissa, I think this is a some sinister Murphy’s Law about ‘how can this party happen without any mishap!’…but don’t worry,..thats why women have such super powers – we can clean ANY mess! ;-)

    Take care, and Happy Thanksgiving!

    Bhavna

    Reply
  7. Kathleen Grace

    I am laughing, but only because it all looks so familiar! We have all day tomorrow to get things in order and we will do it! I am sure your Thanksgiving will be wonderful! Don’t sweat the small stuff:>)

    Reply
  8. Dawn-Hydrangea Home

    I am cracking up – because I can totally relate to what you are going through. Anyway, I hope this is all over soon and you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  9. A Fanciful Twist

    HAHAHAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

    Reply
  10. Niesz Vintage Home

    Oh My! The underwear on your son’s head is priceless! LOL
    I am sorry that you have to deal with the whole giraffe on the stairs, bathroom cabinet redo, DEAD MOUSE (yikes) fiasco right before company.
    But, I must say, its nice to know that my house isn’t the only one that’s not “magazine photo-shoot” ready 24/7. :)

    Kimberly

    Reply
  11. janet

    Melissa,
    Guess it wouldn’t work to say “it’s just a little mouse”, huh? Maybe you just need to get a cat. I’d send one of mine, but it’s just too far for them!!
    Your thanksgiving will be just fine, I know it.
    Janet

    Reply
  12. Mary Issabella

    happy Thanksgiving. Mary

    Reply
  13. Amy - Razz Pizazz Boutique

    HAHA! My first visit to your blog and I am rolling over here!!! LOL :) First you blessed me by showing these pics!!!!! And Second my house looked like that earlier today until my Hubby and I attacked it. Now I have laundry coming out of my ears :)
    Thanks for entering my drawing on my blog! I will visit here more frequently!
    Blessings,
    Amy :)

    Reply
  14. Jenn and Jacqui

    Oh my goodness Melissa, yuk! Is there anything worse than a dead rodent in your house? We think not!! Happy Thanksgiving! Jenn and Jacqui

    Reply
  15. Sue

    What a cute post to wake up to! Ah, I remember the days when the kids were little, a project was started and some sort of disaster would strike. Your view of the situation will carry you a long way. Keep smiling and have a happy blessed Thanksgiving with your sweet family.

    Reply
  16. Vee

    Oh no! You didn’t! You burst all our bubbles about your beautiful, perfect, always-pulled-together home! ROFL! That was a riot!! Thank you for being such a genuine gal!

    Reply
  17. Mary

    Oh, Michelle, I’m so sorry to laugh, but that was just hilarious! We, too, have had dead mice smelling up the place, so I do know how you feel. Hopefully, all will be well by Thanksgiving. Here’s wishing you a happy (and fragrant, in a good way) one!
    xoxo,
    Mary

    Reply
  18. the feathered nest

    You are a riot!! Hope you find the mouse! I’m sure everything will workout just fine.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Hugs,
    Manuela

    Reply
  19. Barb

    Are you sure it’s not that poor dead giraffe on the stairs causing the problem?

    Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  20. Wanda

    Thanks for the good laugh! Hun, that sounds just like the kind of thing that happens at my house. I learned yesterday that we’re having a big dinner here on Friday. That gives me three days to get the house ready and I’m still in a huge mess. We won a raffle for a Thanksgiving feast and were notified yesterday afternoon. I’m in full blown panic mode now. THANK GOODNESS there are no dead mouse smells! But there are still a couple of days to go.

    Reply
  21. bj

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    Oh, and thanks much for dropping by my site on my Prom Day! Ha….
    bj

    Reply
  22. Rhoda

    Oh, how funny, Melissa..real life at its best! Oh, well, life doesn’t always cooperate, does it? I hope you find that little critter, I know how bad that is. A couple years ago before I moved to B’ham, I had a rat problem in my old house. THey seemed to love to get in the garage & then into the house walls during the cold winter months. THey were HUGE things. Finally put some rat killer bait out & of course, one or 2 (who knows) ended up dying in the walls & smelled to high heaven. We did see one who was about to expire in the garage & he was the size of a small cat (or so it seemed at the time). SO, I can sympathize with you, girl!

    Have a happy THanksgiving in spite of it all!

    xo,
    Rhoda

    Reply
  23. Robin

    I don’t see anything unusual…looks like a typical day at my house!! LOL

    I want to wish you a Very Happy Thanksgiving!
    Love,
    Robin

    Reply
  24. Lynda

    Thanks for sharing the not so perfect side of life! Mr. Mouse will be found, the house will get picked up and your son will remove the undies from his head (although that photo is hysterical!) and you will serve the perfect Thanksgiving dinner like nothing happened! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ~ hugs, Lynda xo

    Reply
  25. Michele Corrao

    I thought I would take a break from the whole kitchen experience preparing for the big day tomorrow and just go out into the blog world for some light reading. Then I came across your blog and I must say it has brighten my day. Not to minimize your situation, but your post was hilarious and the dead giraffe and the young man with the underware on his head were enough to make me fall off my chair in laughter. Thank you so much for sharing! I think we all loved it.
    Happy Hectic Thanksgiving!
    Michele

    Reply
  26. brilliant asylum

    Oh my gosh–I am cracking up. Not at your misfortune, of course, but in the fun way in which you have spun this tale (with photos too). Good luck and happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  27. Design for Mankind

    HAHAHHAHA you are so adorable, and your kid is the CUTEST!!!

    I sooo hope you find the rodent… intentionally, that is. No one likes to be surprised by creepy mice!

    Good luck… :)

    Reply
  28. Rhonda

    Oh, Melissa!!! I can laugh, only because I know the feeling all tooo well. Murphy and his maniacal law can be so sinister. I am sure you will get it all sorted out…BTW Becky is right, dogs, especially Jack Russell Terriers, have a reputaion for being able to track down those furry little nuisances.

    I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving:)

    Rhonda

    Reply
  29. Elzie

    Seems you have a real problem there! Sorry you seem to get so much problem as soon as there’s something going on. Hope you’ll finally get rid of that evil animal. And that you, at last, have a great Thanksgiving.
    Love Elzie

    Reply
  30. Michelle

    I am so glad that 1) I am not the only person who undertakes major overhauling projects right before company comes and 2) that I am not the only person who already has projects out the yin-yang planned for next year. Thanks for the laugh. Personally I think the underwear make an excellent super-hero mask.

    Reply
  31. Becky

    Too, too funny, for us! For you, not so much!
    But, hey, you did win my giveaway!
    Can you contact me at [email protected] and let me know what fragrance and color choice you would like for your candle? I have glass jars with daisy lids if you would prefer that over the metal cup. I am here to please!
    Becky K. at Hospitality Lane
    Congrats! …and happy cleaning and rodent hunting!

    Reply
  32. Christine

    Oh don’t fret! It is so sweet of you to share the ‘Real you’! Life isn’t for the faint hearted! LOL! You sooo don’t want to see my house today! It’s already 2pm and I haven’t even started preparing for tomarrow!! AKKKK…
    I hope you find your little intruder! And that you have a Blessed Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  33. Terri

    Oh dear! So nice to see a real house, which looks a lot like mine with its one-year-later-just-moved-in look. Your son is adorable! Looks like a typical boy child to me, keeping it real! I do hope you find that mouse. How do you know you have a dead mouse? Oh dear. Is he inside the walls somewhere, in the ducting? Oh dear.

    Love the giraffe and assorted goodies. This is proof that you are as awesome as I thought you were. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Wish I were there and I would invite myself over!! P.S. Just think, after this…Christmas!

    xo Terri

    Reply
  34. nannykim

    hi–just stopping buy=—you visited my blog so I am visiting back. WE (KNOck on wood) have used the plug in devices and it has rid our house of the meeeeces!! (mouse)(mice!!!). We have used these plug ins for about 5 years and they have worked–if one gets in it leaves right away. My daughter could sympathize–with a house in disorder. She and her husband and toddler moved into an old house in August and they have been renovating it—-they still have not unpacked all of their kitchen stuff since they are still working on the kitchen! Their little daughter will think the mess is normal..Have a nice Thanksgiving ;-)

    Reply
  35. Kat

    Melissa

    Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for stopping by my blog this morning. Please come back anytime…you’re always welcome.

    You’re right…I think we see each other often visiting other blogs. It’s time we visit each other. LOL!

    I sure love your sense of humor!

    Hugs!
    Kat

    Reply
  36. Pat

    Hello Melissa! I think there is something you can use next time, that will keep them from smellin’ so bad when they expire. J used to get it at the local farmers cooperative. He can’t think of the name. If he does, I’ll let you know, in case these nasty little creatures return!

    Meanwhile….in case I haven’t mentioned this before, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
    Pat

    Reply
  37. Debra W

    Melissa,

    No matter how crazy, chaotic, and unruly life can be, it sure is wonderful, isn’t it?!?

    Happy Thanksgiving! Light some Pumpkin-scented candles, and just enjoy the day!

    Reply
  38. Bejeweled

    So nice to see a slice of real life in blogland. I hope you find your dead mouse soon! We had two that had the bad grace to die in a heating vent and melted to the vent – ick! I am so enjoying reading your blog – so glad I found you through the prom party!

    Hope you and your family have a happy, happy thanksgiving!!

    Reply
  39. Esther Sunday

    Is it THE mouse?? I hope so! Your son looks prepared to go after it! Melissa, hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Love, Esther

    Reply
  40. kari and kijsa

    LOL….you are the best….what a fun time…hope you have the most wonderful of Thanksgivings…

    smiles, kari and kijsa

    Reply
  41. Cre8Tiva

    here’s hoping you make it…i am trying to clean and finish unpacking and decorate…happy thanksgiving…blessings, rebecca

    Reply
  42. Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

    LOL! Thanks for the laugh today Melissa! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

    Reply
  43. All Things Bright and Beautiful..... Creativeflairchic

    Oh melissa – I am laughing my head off with tears running down my cheeks – YOU ARE HYSTERIAL!! The undies on the head, the dead giraffe & THE invisible smelly rodent.
    May you have a serene peaceful & stress free thanksgiving!

    Oh dear!! I look forward hearing how it went!:-)

    Reply
  44. ellie

    that’s a get real post if I ever I saw one…i love the undies on head….I do hope you find the rat…do you have a cat…..that’s the best thing ever to keep those buggers away….I can’t wait to see your house I’ll done up….thanks for commenting on mine..that’s what my house looked like last year…I’ll have to post pictures of it this year….

    Reply
  45. {this is glamorous}

    Oh Melissa, you’re hilarious! I was laughing so hard at how the whole thing was playing out with your son with the underwear on his head, the stuffed giraffe–all completely priceless! (Loved the title too) Have a great Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  46. tracy

    How goes the great mouse hunt of Thanksgiving 2007? I’m sorry it did come at your expense, but I have to say thank you for giving me a good laugh; I really needed that today!

    Wishing you & your family a great day tomorrow ~

    Tracy

    Reply
  47. mary

    GOOD JOB! GOOD DAY OF THANKS. Mary CIAO

    Reply
  48. Sandy McTier

    Great photos!
    Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    Many Blessings,
    Sandy :)

    Reply
  49. Sweet Cottage Dreams

    Happy Thanksgiving Melissa! I hope you are having a wonderful day with your family!!

    xo,
    Becky

    Reply
  50. My Melange

    You make me laugh uncontrollably!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!! Despite your issues…I know you will have a good one….

    Reply
  51. Jane

    Haha I laughed out loud. You’ll have a wonderful Thanksgiving because of all this – you’ll still laugh about it years from now!

    Reply
  52. Paris Parfait

    So cute! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

    Reply
  53. Beck

    I love it. BUT it does point to what you are thankful for- pleasant smells, clean nephews, underwear in the correct place! :) Happy thanksgiving :)

    Reply
  54. Joni Webb

    Melissa – we’ve had, umhmmm, rodent problems, off and on at our house for years. I can’t tell you the troubles we’ve gone through trying to seal up the house and attic. What we have found that really works is a good old fashioned trap. We have them set all over the attic – and it really works.

    Hope you had a great thanksgiving!!!

    Joni

    Reply
  55. Jrizzo

    OMG. This cracks me up!!!I have a post very similar. In fact my husband said “stop printing pictures of our house for everyone to see,were slobs, It’s embarrassing!” TG, Someone else with guts!!! I LOVE YOU!
    Jen R

    Reply
  56. Shannon

    underwear on the head. You gotta love boys! So, did ya find the mouse…didya didya?

    Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Wasn’t it an absolutely gorgeous northwest day!

    Reply
  57. Mari-Nanci

    I love it! You are human and you have a human household!

    Yes, thank you so much for sharing your ‘stuff’ and such, in this very down-to-earth entry. -giggles-

    Mari-Nanci

    Reply
  58. Mrs. Jones

    I always see such beautiful, inspirational pictures on your blog, but *these* are the pictures that remind me of my home. This is usually what we have goin’ on, underwear on the head and all. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  59. Alexandra

    The number of replies indicates how much we enjoy your authenticity in providing these delightful posts that normalize us. :) The beautiful holiday photos are lovely, just lovely. Hope you are having a nice weekend.
    Alexandra

    Reply
  60. Jen

    This looks like my house sometimes! Thanks for showing that we all have days like this! Appreciate the visit to my blog and love yours… I’ll be back!

    Reply
  61. kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu

    I about choked on my water…….wish it was a martini……when you said “ignore the child with the underware” I had to take a double take to make sure that wasn’t my house!

    The dead mouse will dry up soon. :)

    Reply
  62. lylah ledner

    that IS priceless! i just pray the little buddies (not) will stay behind and not attend to the parties at the new home!

    i’ve so enjoyed the photos….

    lylah ledners inspiring blog post..3 money-saving quick tips

    Reply
  63. Chondra Taylor

    Love your little “Captain Underpants”!!! LOL To date, my four have not tried that yet (or at least I haven’t witnessed it)! I’m sure your Thanksgiving went off without a hitch, but I’m sure you’ll have interesting memories when you move!!!

    Chondra Taylors inspiring blog post..I’m Still Around!

    Reply
  64. tracy

    Try having weekend visitors come see and stay at your house for the first time and smell what smells like a rotting body…outside…after they left we searched the property and found a dead javalina stuck in a drainage pipe…an 80 lb big fat harry pig, rotting….and then the joy of trying to find someone to get rid of it and FAST! Best $80 I ever spent!

    Reply
  65. MS Scientist

    Thank the LORD I am not the only one!!! Thanks for the post. I hope Thanksgiving turned out delightful in spite of…

    Reply
  66. Amy

    Ahhh, this post does my heart good. ;) Undies on his head, war zone in the hallway, and even a mouse. Feels like home to me!

    Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Feeling Behind Before You Even Begin? Six Strategies to Make The Holidays Sane - [...] is not really a new phenomenon for me, not being ready for a holiday (remember my house just before…
  2. When Life & Blog Collide: Your Life Purpose & Measuring Success - [...] or glue-gun bedskirts or super-glued molding no one would like us anymore. If people knew what our house looked…
  3. Reality Check: Life is Still Good - [...] those of you who have been reading my blog for a long time, you might remember this guy [...]
  4. The Year in Review: 2009 DIY - [...] we took time out from the craziness to wrestle a few more giraffes (we have a long history of…
  5. Creative Spaces, Part II - [...] rooms (don’t miss Creative Spaces Part One, click here to find it). You remember the whole “dead giraffe incident”…
  6. Only at Our House:: The Week Before Holidays - [...] of like the week before Thanksgiving in 2007 when I was preparing to have guests over for Thanksgiving at…

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

Decor Finds:

browse categories:

browse archives:

let’s stay connected!

Follow for daily
Home Inspiration:

get my free decorating guide

home decor inspiration, free downloads,
and more, straight to your inbox

css.php