Life with the Divas

So, I forgot to mention that Mark got me my very own nail shellac-ing set up.  I'm pretty excited.  I now can shellac my nails from the convenience of my own home.  I've been shallac-ing up a storm.  Well, as much shellac-ing as one can do in a week.  And since you only have to do it once a week, I've only done it once.  But, believe me, a shellac-ing storm is in my future.

On the subject of gifts, I've been meaning to tell you about a gift that one of my besties got me for my b-day.  They have changed my world when it comes to my workout attire.  She got me a pair of lululemon wunder unders.  THEY...ARE...AMAZING!  I had heard they were great, but I had no idea until I tried them on.  They fit so well and are ultra slimming.  I have literally had seven different people ask about them at the gym.  One girl mentioned that she has had a pair for over a year and they still look great after all of those washings.  So anyway, I love them and would definitely recommend them to anyone.  These aren't the exact ones I have, but are super close.  So fellas, if you are looking for a gift for your special lady, here you go...

I'm living with two tiny little divas over here.  The sickness has made them whiney and super demanding.  I hardly recognize them.  Kiki has started throwing huge fits when she doesn't get her way.  I'm talking about the laying on the ground kicking and screaming kind of tantrum.  Rosie is freaking out over the smallest things.  Yesterday, I thought something horrible had happened from her spastic crying.  I ran into the room to have her tell me that her bangs were in her eyes.  Another time she was crying and I asked her what was wrong and she answered with, "I don't like Santa!"  Please pray for my patience and that this whole thing will be over soon.  

I better run and get a few things accomplished while the ladies are resting!  

I'm not exactly sure why the caged bird sings?

I did something today that's totally foreign to me.  I spent the afternoon alone!  Crazy, huh?!  Well, it was only about three hours, but it was really nice.  A few months ago, I was leafing through the magazine "Country Living," and read about the nation's top 50 craft fairs.  I was excited to see that one of those, The Big Crafty, was here in Asheville.  I made a mental note that I would go to it when the time came.  Well, it kind of snuck up on me and before I knew it, the day had arrived.  Mark was busy with a work thing until after noon, but when he got home, he told me to go have some fun.  I was a little nervous to go on my own (the introvert in me was rearing its ugly head) but I went and I'm really glad I did.  I did a few errands on the way, had a nice lunch and then headed downtown.  Everyone there looked like my yoga instructor, smelled of patchouli and were much cooler than I ever could even think of being, but it was nice.  I found a few little treasures, which was a plus!  I've been feeling a little bit like a caged bird lately due to being housebound with Rosie and Kiki, so the chance to get out was VERY welcome.

When I got home, I was greeted by two little homeless looking children.  I guess that's what three plus weeks of sickness will do to you.  They just looked very dirty, grubby and ragamuffiny.  Nothing a little TLC couldn't cure, and by TLC I don't mean the 90's girl group, although the song, "Waterfalls" was pretty awesome.  I made it my mission for the rest of the afternoon to try to get them back in order.  A bath, a haircut, and a mani/pedi later and they were good to go.  They are still not well, poor little things.  You can see it in their tired eyes.  It just breaks my heart.  They haven't been 100% in weeks and I'm really hoping we are over the worst of it.  Here are a few photos from our journey through the "plague"...

 Ragamuffin #1 - Enjoying her popsicle.  

 Ragamuffin #2- Tasting her very first popsicle.  She's a fan! 

 Nothing makes a sick girl feel better more than cuddling up with a good book underneath the Christmas tree.  

Sickly Sisters

This picture just kills me.  It really hit her hard! 

Kiki's first pedicure tonight!  She seems proud of her pink little toes. 

Today was day two of our Advent Calendar and the girls are both loving it.  If you remember back from this post, I wrapped different Christmas books and the girls get to unwrap one of them every day of December.  I had a few extra, so some days the girls get a bonus book.  The stories are definitely putting us all in the Christmas mood.  The house all decked out for Christmas helps, too.  It is so cozy in this place!  

Both of the girls LOVE everything about Christmas (except Santa, but that's a story for another day).  Every morning when Rosie comes down the stairs, she gasps and in her most awe-filled voice whispers some form of, "The Christmas tree is so beautiful/magical/perfect/wonderful."  Kiki is mesmerized by the ornaments.  She considers each of them her property and has made it her job to find other homes for them.  I've found ornaments in the pantry, in the laundry room, in the couch cushions and in the toilet.  Yes, the toilet.  That one now lives in the trash.    

Daddy and Rosie cuddling and reading.

The Tree (Please ignore our crooked star.  For eight years, I have tried everything to make it stay upright.  As you can see, nothing's worked.)  

When I was home a few weeks ago, I found my first ornament, circa 1980.  Now it lives at our house!

The day after Thanksgiving, Monroe and the boys helped me paint craft sticks so that I could make this.  I just used hot glue and some ribbon.  It cost me nothing!  I love a free project. 

The Ornament Bandit...caught red-handed

The day the plague hit, before I realized it was upon us, I tried to get some pictures for our Christmas Card.  Needless to say, it didn't go well.   I wasn't able to use any of them, but I think I might try to do this little session again when there is no 103 degree fever involved.    

This was the only one I was able to get of Kiki on the chair.  In all of the others, she was on the floor face-down crying.  That should have been my first clue.  

This should have been my second.  

  

Well, I've got loads of laundry to fold.  Have a great night and a wonderful week!  I'll leave you with some pictures that made me smile.  

Mark and I were reading to Rosie on the couch, while Kiki played.  We heard chairs being moved, but didn't think anything of it, until we looked up to find this happening.  No fear here people.  

I'm still trying to get a handle on this curling wand thing.  It's pretty tough to maneuver the curls in the back.  Lucky for me, I have my own in-house hair guy.  Gotta love him...yes, that's a protective glove:) 

Let's do Lunch

Today, Kiki decided to become a big kid.  She climbed into the chair opposite Rosie to eat her lunch, like that's what she's always done.  Just so you know, she's never done that.  I guess the highchair is on it's way out.  She had the time of her life.  She kept looking over at Rosie and just laughing and laughing.  It was precious! 

 Just two "civilized" ladies doing lunch.

My big girl

Slowly, but surely, Kiki is becoming a daddy's girl.  She loves cuddling with daddy now and she is constantly asking about him throughout the day.  I caught this picture of them today.  They had been in exactly the same pose, but I didn't get the picture in time.  

Daddy and Keeks

 Daddy love

Daddy brought home the most amazing flowers for no reason today.  I have to say, it made my day.  Aren't they beautiful?! 

See you tomorrow! 

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.  

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