Weeds Will Not Win!

So, I've felt like my whole house hasn't been clean in a long time.  It seems like there's always some area that's a complete wreck.  Today, I think I've almost remedied that.  My closet is still a mess, but that's kind of a given with me.  And it's not like the house is super clean, but I'm feeling closer.  Will it last long?  No.  Probably tomorrow I'll be right back to where I started, but for now it feels nice and I'm going to bask in that feeling.

We've had a good day.  I spent most of the morning cleaning, we played outside, and my friend Jessica came over so I could help her sew something.  I really shouldn't be the person teaching anyone about sewing, but it was fun, none the less.

Tonight, I went to Zumba.  I think I've lost all of my rhythm and endurance over the last year.  It was so hard.  Always fun, but, oh...so...hard!  While I was out, I got a tool that I think is going to change the face of our lawn care forever.  It's a weed puller and it's amazing!  Have you ever seen them?  You stand on them and the bottom thing twists the weeds out of the ground.  I mentioned that we have a horrible weed problem.  They are these huge weeds that you can't just pull out.  Their roots are super deep and really tough.  Anyway, I tested the tool out, and they popped right out.  I couldn't stop doing it.  It's so addictive.  Mark went ahead and started putting the girls down without me, because I was just so into weeding.  I highly recommend this product!!!  I feel like I could do this as a job.

Go buy one of these!

These are the kind of weeds I'm talking about.  They are ridiculous.  

And this is it removed, roots and all!  It took me about two seconds!  

This is neither here nor there, but can I just tell you how much I love Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan.  I rarely get the chance to watch them, but when I do I just laugh and laugh.  Their chemistry is so good.  I like to think we'd be fast friends if we got the chance to meet.  Like I said, neither here nor there.
 
Here are a few pictures from our day...

Rosie and Keeks have started playing Beauty Shop.  Rosie spends tons of time fixing Kiki's hair and remarkably, she sits still and seems to enjoy it.  Here is the back of one of Rosie's creations.  

And the front 

I'm kind of a one trick pony when it comes to decorating.  I found a different set of antiquey Alphabet cards that I just loved, but really didn't have a place for them.  I'm trying them out in the hall outside of the girls' room and playroom.  

This kid is so loving!  It's really been surprising.  She comes and gives me the biggest hugs and just holds me forever.  I especially love it when she sighs during her hug like she's just so happy. 

The Great Outdoors

It's been a good day.  I took the girls to school and got a few things done I needed to do.  They sure do love school, those two.  They love their teachers and their teachers seem to love them back.  It makes me happy.  I'm still finding the idea of giving Rosie up to school a bit overwhelming.  I'm toying with the idea of homeschooling next year.  I'm still mulling that one over.  

The girls after school today

After naps, we pretty much stayed outside the rest of the day.  I worked on a few little areas in the backyard while the girls played.  I'll have to take pictures, but I'm making a flower bed out of an awkward area that won't grow grass.  I took the shovel and started excavating the area today, and then about halfway through, realized I had no idea what I was doing.  So, that project is on hold until I figure that out.  I decided just to pull weeds in the front yard instead.   

The yard is starting to look better.  Mark's been battling a big weed issue that's killing off our grass.  We've got crabgrass and dandelions out the wazoo, but after two treatments, I think they are starting to die.  The bushes are starting to flower and the colors of Spring, have sprung.  It's very exciting to watch.  This is our first time living in this house during these months, so we haven't known what to expect.  

I'm really enjoying those pops of PINK!

A few months ago, I started working on a project inside the house--our office bookshelves.  I wanted to line the back with a paper of some sort, but had a hard time deciding exactly what to use.  I first lined them with a vintage wallpaper I found, but didn't end up liking it, at all.  I got sidetracked on another project and didn't come back to it until a few weeks ago, when I found some gold chevron paper that I kind of liked.  I decided to give it a go.  I'm liking it better than the other paper, but the jury's still out.  Luckily, it's just paper and can easily be removed if we don't love it.   Here are a few pics of the office.  I have to say, the paper doesn't picture that well, so keep an open mind:)    

Well, I'm going to get off here.  My floors really need a cleaning.   I've been waiting, but they don't seem to clean themselves:(  Good night!  

Since the girls consider themselves pro campers now, they've been begging for sleeping bags, just like their friend, Mattie Belle.  I had to oblige.  They wanted to sleep in them tonight and how could I say no to those faces!  

Monday, Monday

So, is this overkill?  A few too many posts in too few hours?  Well, all of a sudden I have free time and I thought I'd do it while I felt motivated.

We had a pretty low key day.  We went on an early morning walk, played outside, the girls took an hour long bath, and napped.  In the afternoon, we went to music practice.  The group I sing with has to sing on Saturday night and we have a few practices scheduled this week.

For some reason, I'm completely exhausted tonight.  I was so tired on the way home, that when I stopped at the health food store for a few things, I ended up picking up some pre-made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and yogurt for the girls for dinner.  I guess the idea of having to get bread out and spread pb&j on it at home seemed much too overwhelming.  How lazy am I?

Mark left right from work to go with a few friends to a Heat game in Charlotte.  So, I'm just hanging out tonight.  I'm sure there's something I should be doing, but for now, sitting on the couch feels very rewarding.  I better get off, since clearly I've got a lot going on over here:)  Anyway, have a great start to your week.

Before I go, here are a few pics from Mark.

Murmans--Reunited

We had the honor of hosting our beloved Baughmans for a visit over Easter weekend.  What a treat!  It was lovely.  We didn't do any big outings while they were here.  That's the luxury of having friends like them.  We just love being together and don't need a whole lot of entertainment.

On Friday, they came to our church's agape feast.  The Social Committee, which I am on, was in charge of it, and my friend Natalie and I, were the only ones to show up to get the food prepared.  It was a tiny bit stressful.  We had tons of breads and fruits, but I had also gotten five of the elder's wives to bring homemade soup.  Well, they were supposed to.  Only two showed up!  I about died.  It was literally a loaves and fishes moment.  We prayed, found some cans in the cabinets and made our own "Bean Soup".  People seemed to love our concoction.  I didn't try it:)  Somehow, we ended up with soup leftover!  It was truly a miracle.  

We went to Arden for Church on Sabbath because a friend was leading out in a program there.  They had some awesome musical selections and at the end of the service we released balloons to signify us releasing our doubt.  It was very powerful!   

That afternoon and evening it was raining, so we just relaxed and munched on goodies that the guys picked up from McFarland's Bakery.  That night, we introduced them to the wonders of our new favorite show, "Impractical Jokers".  Seriously, it's hilarious!  We laughed till we cried.  

On Sunday, the boys played basketball and we just enjoyed our time together while the kids played.  Then, when the dads got home, we did an Easter Egg hunt in the backyard.  The kids had a blast!  

This is the only picture I got of Kaylee:(  

I love this picture.  This sums up Lila to me!  "What are you looking at?"

The boy

Easter Buckets

Later, while everyone napped, Kaylee and I snuck out to find any stores that were open.  We spent a good hour in World Market where we both found some goodies.  Kaylee found the cutest plates for her plate rack and I found something I had run out of the day before, but didn't know where to find.  It's called Vegeta and I believe it's the best seasoning ever.  I use it instead of Mckay's Seasoning because it's more condensed and more flavorful.  I recommend it.  A friend had gotten it for me at some market in Chicago.  What a treat to find it in such a convenient place!  Yay! 

Get this stuff!  I use it in soups, dressings, veggies.  You name it! 

That night was the grand finale of the trip.  After we grilled out for dinner, we set up our tent and lit the fire pit up.  The kids enjoyed smores with the most gigantic marshmallows I've ever seen.  The daddies braved sleeping in the tent the whole night with all the kids, except Lila.  The moms decided that  sleeping outside on the ground with four kids when the temperature is 34 degrees wasn't our idea of a good time.  We instead decided to watch girlie TV and peruse Pinterest.  Fun for all! 

Monday morning, Kay and I did a little more shopping together and then we all met for lunch at Papas and Beer, before we bid them farewell.  Parting ways is always tough, but we know there will be many more of these times.  Until next time!  

Four Years Ago Today

The Week of the Yellow Cardigan

This last week went too quickly!  It was busy, but good.  Here are a few pics from the last few days...

I took everything out of my craft room closet, and Mark installed some shelving.  During the process, I got VERY overwhelmed, but it was worth the effort. 

The finished product!  So much more organized! 

The girls, all ready for school! They love their new dresses from Auntie Kay!  

Friends at church 

The girls with daddy after church.  Rosie was not enjoying this. 

Miss Pouty Pants 

One of our neighbors brought their horse over.  I wish I got a better picture of the neighbor.  He looked exactly like a younger, buff Ralph Lauren.  Mark and I felt like we were talking with a movie star.    

We drove the Parkway on Sabbath afternoon and hiked for awhile.  

Flying High

These views are amazing! 

Kiki, peeing on the parkway!  The views don't get any better than this! 

Mark took Kiki on a date this afternoon

And I took Rosie on one!  It was so fun.  She ended up saying,  "I think I want to marry you, Mom!"  I took it as a huge compliment:)