Dye It!

Yesterday was our neighborhood's annual garage sale and we weren't able to participate because it was on Saturday.  BOO!!!  We have so much we want to sell and haven't been able to find a way to do that.  I've put some things on Craigslist, but I decided to try and put a few things up on our neighborhood Facebook page.  I spent the morning taking pictures and posting the items.  One thing has already sold and I have a few people interested in other things.  Fingers crossed.  It sure would be nice to simplify our lives with less stuff.

I also went to Walmart and Sam's for groceries and that always seems like a big accomplishment.  I'm pretty excited because I've been looking for some cream shirts for the girls to wear with the little pink bubble skirts I had gotten them for church (the ones they wore yesterday).  I was so surprised to find these adorable shirts at Walmart for less than $5!  I have a thing for lace.

When I was at Sam's, I couldn't control myself and I bought this...

I can't wait to dip the Honeycrisp apples I got into it!  Have I mentioned I love Fall?

I need to admit to you another thing I'm not very good at...laundry.  I've been known to ruin things.  A few weeks ago Mark got a new shirt at Banana and I just loved it on him.  It was the softest fabric.  He really liked it, too.  Well, you can probably see where this is going, but after it's first wash and dry, I pulled it out to find a weird ink-like stain on the front.  I never figured out what it was from, but I felt horrible.  I could tell that Mark was pretty bummed and I have tried everything known to man to get that stain out, to no avail.  So, I've come up with a pretty harebrained idea.  I'm going to dye the shirt.  Today, I bought some navy blue dye and I'm going to try to disguise the stain.  I don't really care what color it comes out, as long as the stained is covered.  I figure it's already ruined, so why not?  I've never worked with dyes before, so I'm very nervous, but I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.  That's on my list for tomorrow. 

This is the shirt.  Sorry it looks so wrinkly.  I let it air-dry after I worked on the stain. 

I did a few crafts today, but I think I'll try and get some pictures of them tomorrow.   It's my bedtime:)  Have a good night! 

All out of words

On Friday afternoon, we decided to take a little road trip to Winston-Salem, NC.  You might wonder why and I think this picture sums it up...

Winston-Salem is the home of the closest H&M to us.  There were a few little things we needed to get, and I also wanted to return some pants.  We ended up having a wonderful time.  I found some great things for the girls and Mark and I both found a few little treasures, as well.  We ate at Chipotle, because I miss that place like none other and we finished our trip off with a little frozen yogurt.    

Rosie was feeling pretty sassy on our trip.  She got so many compliments on her outfit when we were at the mall and I think it all went to her head.  

Here are a few pics of the girls before church today.

Kiki wasn't much interested in pictures today.  

The sweater made a reappearance today, as did that sass.

Fancy Rosie reading "Fancy Nancy".  She LOVES that book! 

I love this kid!

Tonight was Alli's 2nd Birthday Party!  It was the cutest party.  Jackie did such a great job.  

Holding up her 2 fingers! 

Time to blow out the candles

 Adorable table decor

Are these cute or what?!

You might be able to tell from my picture-filled post, but I'm just not in the mood to write much tonight, so I think I'll sign off.  Hope you're having a fantastic weekend!

Harmony

So, I learned my first song tonight at guitar lesson.  You probably wouldn't recognize it as a song if I attempted to play it for you, but I think with a little more practice you might be able to figure out.  I'm getting excited!!!  I got my fire fueled when I was at Women of Faith and saw Amy Grant perform.  She's something on that guitar.  It's easy to get frustrated with how hard it is, but I've got to remember that it's one day at a time, and even Amy had to start somewhere.  

Today, we went to the park with some cute little ladies.  These three little people were all born within days of each other.  Zoe was born on August 1st, Kiki on August 3rd and Maddie on August 5th.  How neat is that!  They also have very similar taste in fashion, as you can tell by their coordinating outfits today.  I promise that we didn't plan it, but pictures had to document the cuteness.       

My Dad had surgery on his hand today.  He's a dentist, so his hands are a very integral part of who he is.  I was so relieved when my mom texted me to tell me that he came out of surgery with no complications.  I was even more relieved when I got a chance to talk to him on the phone as my mom was driving him home from the hospital.  He seemed in great spirits and he said there wasn't any pain.  He will be taking it easy at work for a few days, but he should be back to normal in a week.  Whew!  That guy means the world to me, so I'm just so happy it all went well.  Keep his recovery in your prayers, if you don't mind.  

Well, I'm pretty exhausted from a long day.  I've been suffering from bouts of insomnia lately, but I have a feeling that's not going to be a problem tonight.  I had a great conversation with a friend earlier and all things seem right with the world.

Here are a couple things that made my day...   

These girlies make it all worth it.

The black and white cookie helps, too.  Every time I eat one, I think of Seinfeld. 

"I love the black and white. Two races of flavor living side by side in harmony." 

Picture Day

I was able to get a few things for my project.  I went to Goodwill because, let's face it, I'm not going to be able to stick to my budget without it.  Also, there's a good chance I won't be able to stick to my budget:)  

I'm excited to transform these items, hopefully into something great.  I've spray painted the three shelves white and they look a lot better.  I don't know what I'll do with everything else.  Stay tuned!

2 yellow shelves $4.00, wood shelf $1, 1 large gold frame $3.50

1 blackish frame $4.00, 2 small frames $5.00 = $17.50   

Thought you might enjoy seeing what was sitting beside my frames:) 

I have been so busy lately that I never got around to putting up the fall decor in my house!  I know...that doesn't sound like me, does it?   Don't worry, I ended up starting today.  I haven't completely finished, but I feel like I got a good start.

I made this wreath for above my kitchen sink by wrapping jute around an old wreath base.  

 I made the flowers out of newspaper.  Very easy and very simple.  

We are starting to feel better around here, so that's a huge answer to prayers.  Rosie has had a few little break downs today, but I think it's just because she's not 100% yet.  I found her in her room at "quiet time" covered in books, sound asleep.  She still just loves to read to herself.  She's so creative.  I love hearing the stories she comes up with.

Even on her worst day, she's pretty sweet.  

I realized that I haven't been taking very many pictures of McKinley lately.  That's not for lack of trying.  She is just super hard to get pictures of.  Today, I made a point of trying to get a few of her.  Here are a few that turned out. 

Do you ever get in little funks?  I'm pretty sure it's just my sickness talking, but I've been feeling a little sorry for myself today.  It's really quite silly, and I know it will pass.  I do want to say thanks to those of you who read this little blog.  I know sometimes it's just a lot of nothing, but I appreciate your support and readership all the same.  Sometimes I wonder why I keep at it, but I know I will love having the documentation years from now.

Enough of that!  We don't have any big plans for tomorrow.  I do need to return some things to the library, but other than that, I don't know.  I guess we'll just play it by ear.  As you can tell from those frames, I've got a lot of things I can work on.  I think this new project will keep me busy for quite awhile!     

A Poop Story...Chapter 2

I really can't believe that Rosie is potty-trained.  You guys weren't kidding when you told me that it would just have to click with her.  She seems completely comfortable with the whole process and doesn't need my assistance at all now.  This is a good thing and a bad thing.  I no longer know when she goes and I will sometimes overlook the fact that she's left "presents" for me.  It's not a big deal at all when she's gone in the toilet, but when she's gone in the potty chair, it's a different story altogether.

This morning, as I was reading Rosie a book, Kiki came walking up and handed me something.  At first I couldn't figure out what it was and then it hit me...poop!  I noticed that she had another little ball in her other hand, and luckily, I was able to wrangle it away from her before it ended up where most things end up...in her mouth!  My plan for the day wasn't to handle another person's poop, but the jobs of a mom are many.

In other news, all of us Murrill ladies have come down with the plague...some of us worse than others.  I hate being sick and to have the girls under the weather, too, makes it even worse.  I'm praying it's a quick one and we'll be good as new before you know it.  I must be sick because I turned down a date with friends to Papas and Beer for lunch.  If that doesn't say something, I don't know what does.

I have my mind on another project...the wall up my staircase.  It's really boring and I have wanted to put something on it, but at the same time, it's large and daunting and it completely overwhelms me.  I saw a couple of pictures on Pinterest that inspired me, though.  One of my favorites is this pic...

Source: Pinterest  

I don't want to spend a lot of money on this project, so I thought I would give myself a little challenge.  I am only allotting a $20 budget to do it.  This, of course, means I will have to get stuff on the cheap.  (We are getting family portraits done in October, but I won't factor that into the cost.)  I'm excited to get started and show you how it goes.

As I mentioned earlier, I've felt pretty crummy today.  I wanted to make something easy for dinner, so I tried a crockpot recipe I found on a blog for a potato soup.  It turned out really well and definitely hit the spot with the fall temps we are having.

I took a few pics of the girls playing today.  They really enjoy each other and that makes me so happy.  They laugh, and scream and chase each other around the house.  They also like to get into stuff they shouldn't.  I don't mind too much, though...just making memories;) 

 This is their favorite place to play.  

 Getting into stuff.  

This candle is Kiki's newest victim.  She's eaten a lot of it.    

My little princess, playing with her little princesses.  

 She sure is a sweetie pie.  

More playing 

Over-sharing is my specialty

Well, I blinked and my trip was over.  I knew it was going to be a quick one, but I didn't realize it would go by so quickly.  I ended up coming home last night instead of this morning, so that didn't help either.  I was fully intending on staying until this morning, but I'm going to share too much information with you and admit that I forgot to bring a breast pump and my boobies grew to the size of watermelons.  They were hard as rocks and the most painful things ever.  I actually thought they might explode at one point.  I started feeling like I was on the verge of mastitis and I knew I needed to book it home.  I'm feeling better this evening, but definitely not 100%.  So now that I've made you feel completely uncomfortable with my over sharing, here are few pictures I took on my trip... 

When I got in the car to leave, not only was my gas tank full, but Mark surprised me with some goodies for my road trip.  It was supposed to take me three hours to get to Atlanta, but somehow I made it in 2 and a half.  My lead foot must have come into play on that one.  We stayed at Allison's aunt Joni's house.  Some of her cousins, who are also friends of mine, were staying there, too.  It was wonderful seeing everyone.   

It was so great being reunited with Allie.  It had been so long since we'd had some quality time.  We had so much fun at the conference and we were able to throw in a few heart-to-heart chats, too.  She's one of those friends you can always count on.  I definitely know that God placed her in my life.  We were both little 22-year-old, first year teachers when we first met and bonded like none other over our 5 years teaching together.  We both turn 32 this year.  I can't believe we've been friends for almost 10 years!  I respect her so much and think the world of her.

The Friday evening session ended with a concert from Amy Grant.  It definitely took me back to my childhood.  I used to LOVE her!

Each woman at the conference got a little packet of stuff.  Inside was a flier with Allison's parents' television show and Mad About Marriage seminars.  We felt a little famous:)  Her parents have the same booking agent as Sandi Patty and he was able to get us back stage passes to meet the ladies.  It was so cool to get pictures with a few of them.  Amy Grant had already left and Mandisa was in a rush, so I didn't get pictures with them.  

 Our good friend, Sandi Patty:)  That lady sure can sing!  

Our group of friends with one of my favorite speakers, Marilyn Meberg.  She's AMAZING!    

The conference was incredible.  It was just what I needed.  The speakers were such a blessing and the music blew me away.  The line up for this conference was full of my old favorites with a few newbies, too.  If you live anywhere near where the conference is coming, I beg you to go.  It is so beautiful to see thousands of women with like minds and hearts worshipping together.  I can't wait until I can go again.  It might just have to be an annual thing:).  

Girls' Trip!!!

Well, I'm all packed up to head out of town in a few hours.  It's a little bittersweet.  I've only been away from Rosie when Kiki was born and I've never been away from Kiki.  This will also be the second weekend in a row that I'm not hanging out with my hubby.  That makes me pretty sad.  On the upside, I get to see one of my close friends, Allison, and we get to attend the Women of Faith Conference in Atlanta.  I went to my first one with her about five years ago and we had an amazing time.  I'm excited to see how much fun we will have this weekend.  I'm not exaggerating at all when I say that the first time I went I found the Conference life-changing.  I look forward to the blessing that I already know I will receive this time around.

I better sign off and spend some quality time with my kiddos before I have to leave them.  Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

You win some, You lose some

I have been on some kind of unlucky streak lately.  At Pilates today, I asked Maria for a huge favor.  I asked her to travel with me to Goodwill and watch my girls as I ran inside to look for a frame for a project I was working on.  Don't worry, it's not very far from our gym and she only had Bryn with her because the other kiddos were in school.  Goodwill just isn't a place I like to take kids into.  It seems like a disaster waiting to happen.  We thought we would stop and get a special coffee drink on the way, so there was going to be some fun involved, too.

Maria ended up going one way and I took a little short cut.  When I was almost there, I saw a man stop his little truck and come out on the road carrying an orange flag for me to stop.  He was wearing just overalls with no shirt underneath, so he didn't look very reputable or the least bit official.  Apparently, there were some people getting a new double wide and they were going to have to close down the road for a bit as the huge truck coming the other way delivered the goods.  I waited and waited.  I watched as the men struggled with getting the huge truck up a tiny drive way.  I worried as I saw the truck start to fall off the little wood planks they had set up to get it across an embankment.  I finally rolled down my window and asked overall man how long he thought it would be and he stated frankly (please read in your most southern accent), "Well, ma'am, it'll be at least thirty more minutes.  After they get this en' done, they gotta do the other half."  Maria had already ordered her coffee drink and was waiting, so I decided to turn around and go back the other way.  Oh, well!

The good news is that we got our drinks for FREE!  We had gone last week before the apple orchard trip and had found that there were little bits of plastic in both of our drinks.  We told the sweet girl that works there and she felt horrible.  She happily gave us our treats "on her" today.  Yay!

My Goodwill trip was a success.  I found just the frame I needed and I also found a few kids' books.  My best find was this...

I've talked about the Little Blessings series before.  I truly feel they are the best books for kids EVER.  I found the daily devotional for little ones.  It's perfect for Rosie's age.  We read today's devotion already and she LOVED it.  It sure warms a mama's heart and when your kid asks to read worship.

Since I've been home this morning, I've worked on two projects.  I pinned the first one on Pinterest a few weeks ago, but then a friend pinned it a few days ago and I was re-inspired.  It's why I got the frame I spoke of earlier.

Sadly the frame was a little beat up and was missing a few of the little raised dots.  Since I was going to paint it, I didn't think it would be much of a problem.  I decided to add some hot glue dots where the missing dots were and it turned out great.  Not perfect, but not too noticeable.  

I first removed the old picture.  I got a lot of compliments about the picture from old men when I was checking out at Goodwill.  I felt bad knowing that it was going to be removed and probably thrown away.  If anyone wants it for their dad or grandpa, it's yours!

After roughing the frame up with some sandpaper, I painted it cream.

While that was drying, I covered the backing of the frame with a some leftover burlap I had from another project.  I also painted a wooden "M" that I had on hand.  After the frame dried, I repainted it black.

After everything was all dry, I used sandpaper to rough up the edges of the frame and the "M".  I then put the burlap backing on the frame and, using spray adhesive, attached the "M".  Finished project!  So easy and so cheap.  The only thing I actually bought for the project and didn't already have was the frame which was $5.  It took me about two hours to finish the project because of drying time.  I was also making lunch for the girls, doing other "mom stuff", and working on my other project, so you could probably do it in a lot less time.

The other project I finished up was just painting the tray for my coffee table off-white.  I've mentioned it before, but I am HORRIBLE at spray painting.  I mean, really bad.  In this case, it didn't matter too much because I was wanting a very worn look and the drips and imperfections were exactly what I was going for.  I used sandpaper to distress it even more.  Here's the finished product.

So, I feel like I've had a productive morning.  Let's hope my afternoon shapes up as well!