Fools Rush In: Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall.. Which Fireplace Do You Like Most of All?

I have a thing for paint brushes. Particularly ones with paint on them. Specifically ones that have paint on them that are being used to paint something in my house. I am also learning that I have a slight obsession with my fireplace. Either that, or it's completely normal to paint, stain, and paint it again all in three years time.

So as I have been gaining more and more of my energy back in the last few weeks (or just getting used to only sleeping 4 hours at a time).. the desire to get back to painting something has become more intense. And, as I feed baby Harry for many hours of the day parked on my couch, staring straight at my fireplace, it's no wonder that it didn't survive another round of scrutiny from this perfectionist.

I notified Kevin that I could no longer hold back, I must paint something. I was giddy like a school girl opening that can of paint in front of the mantel. Paint fumes apparently make me happy. I fully admit, I paint to feel normal, and I had had a nine week break, so I was desperate to feel normal again. Thankfully for Kevin, at least, this little party of mine was free. It's a benefit of painting so many rooms for so many years. There are more left over paint colors in my pantry as the Home Depot offers. Just pick a color and go.

Kevin was a bit sad to see the stained wood of the mantel painted white. He's a natural wood tone type of guy. But there's no questioning this makeover. It's a bit like the fireplace found Botox and regained her confidence. In my mind, it dropped 20 years and can now compete with the best of the new-builds. It can display stockings, candles, mirrors, and flowers with the best of them.

So although we are completely enjoying the baby stages of having a baby... I am happy to say that "Kim's normal" has once again returned to the Mitchell household. (note: my normal is some people's crazy). Paint fumes, stained laundry room sinks, and power tools, is how we I thrive. I'm thinking that my fireplace may stay it's new self for a while now, but you never know. In this house, nothing is safe from the sweet strokes of a paint brush. Oh the joys of cheap entertainment!

Here's a slide show of the fireplace through the years. Notice she's getting younger, even as she ages. Just like Bob Costas: (Kevin and I still have never seen a wrinkle on that man!)