Possible Snow and One Craft Down

It's still pouring down rain over here, but there's a big chance of snow tonight, so I'm going to try and let my annoyance at the rain slide.  We are beyond excited about the prospect of snow!  We have snow suits, snow boots, hats, gloves and scarves, but we've had no reason to use them.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be different!

Last night I went to the Women's Bible Study at our church.  We are doing the Nehemiah study by Kelly Minter.  I think it's going to be a really great study.  I heard Kelly at the Women of Faith conference a few months ago and I really liked her, so I'm really looking forward to getting started.

I have been working furiously on my first creative challenge project.  It really stretched my skills for sure, but I finally finished it up this afternoon.  Whew!  It was hard!

I used this and this tutorial to help me.   I'll be putting it in the mail soon for one of the ladies on my list. Be watching your mailboxes girls.  I'm not going to tell you who it's for yet.  

Well, I've got more crafting to do and my piano still lurks in my dining room, crying out to be finished up.  I'm really bad at finishing things, huh?!  I can't get over how quickly this week has flown by!  I can't believe tomorrow is Friday.  I'm so excited to spend some quality time with my main man.  

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!!!

Not much happening around these parts!  It hasn't stopped raining for two days, and although it's perfect nap weather, it's kept us from doing much else!  We ran a few errands today, but that's pretty much the extent of us going out.  Here are a few pictures from the last few days...

This was our dinner last night.  Spaghetti squash with marinara sauce and salad.  I like spaghetti squash and all, but I'm having a really hard time liking it more than pasta.   The girls seem to agree.  I did roast the seeds (just like you would pumpkin seeds) and sprinkled them with parmesan and seasoning salt and they were a HUGE hit!  

My new favorite restaurant!  It's all vegetarian and I'm in heaven.  Mark brought me a "chicken" salad sandwich and soup home for lunch today and it was SOOOO good!  

Our friend brought over his new puppy, "Miles" last night.  What a precious little guy! 

It's safe to say that Rosie fell in love!  She asked if Miles could sleep with her last night.  

The girls displaying their undying love for one another.  

Keeks 

Rosie girl 

She looks guilty, doesn't she?  As you can tell, we moved the piano in last night.  I'm not done with it yet.  I think it needs a third coat of paint before I do the stain and varnish.  

Rosie thought it was a must that I take a picture of her new shoes.

When I was making lunch, I looked over to find this happening.  I guess I wasn't moving fast enough for her.  

At every meal we struggle with keeping Kiki in her highchair.  She somehow finagles out of it and ends up eating while standing on top of it or hanging from it.  It's frightening to watch.  We finally decided that it was time to transition her completely to the table.  Not much better there.  

She's growing up way too fast:(

I made kale chips tonight.  They are definitely a family favorite!  Just toss torn up pieces of kale with olive oil and sea salt and bake at 400 degrees for 5-10 minutes.  

I saw a tutorial for these little bows on a blog I read and whipped these guys up in no time at all tonight!  They were so easy!  

I've started on my first craft for my Pay it Forward Crafting Challenge.  I'm venturing into some crafting territory that is new to me, so I'm hoping it turns out okay!  I'll be sure to post pictures after I send the finished product to one of the five recipients.  Actually, I forgot that my friend Maria had emailed me that she couldn't get the comment thing to work, so I decided I would do six crafts instead of five.  I better run, I've got a lot of crafting to do.

Everything and the Bathroom Sink

One of the blogs I read, The Francis Family, is doing a link up for organization ideas and, although I'm no organizing pro, I did do something awhile back that has made my life so much easier.  Do you struggle with keeping the area under your bathroom sink clean and organized?  I sure did.  I had so much loose make-up, nail polish/nail accessories, hair accessories, travel-sized lotions and soaps, etc.  I didn't have a clue what to do with it all!

First, I did a huge purging and got rid of anything that I hadn't used in awhile.  Then, I ran to Michael's and purchased a few of their photo boxes.  They were on sale, so I think I paid about $2 per box.  They had all kinds of designs to choose from, but I was drawn to the the sleekness of the brown paper and black.  The boxes are equipped with label holders which made the whole thing so easy.

I came up with a few different categories that worked for my stuff...hair accessories, make-up brushes, cheeks, lips, eyes, nail polish, nail accessories, and travel toiletries.  Then, it was as simple as tossing everything into the right box.  I've easily been able keep it organized because everything now has it's own "home".  I would definitely recommend this easy strategy!  Good luck organizing!

Laundry Room Reveal

We finished up our laundry room "mini remodel" yesterday!  It wasn't a huge change, but it feels much cleaner and I really like it.  It was cheap and easy, and you can't beat that, can you?  

Before...

Pretty run-of-the-mill laundry room.

 After...

Light gray walls thanks to my wonderful hubby!  We repurposed the shelves that used to be in the guest room.  They aren't amazing, but they were FREE!  

I plan on putting something on that bare wall, but I haven't figured out what yet.    

I got the tray at Goodwill for $0.50!  The jars are from Walmart.  By the way, have you used the Tide Pods yet?  My mom turned me onto them and I don't think I'll ever go back!  I just love them.  They are so easy and smell so good.  

The baskets and burlap shell prints I got at TJ Maxx and the other items I repurposed from other parts of the house.  

So, there you go--a little paint and a few cheap accessories and I have a place that I will (hopefully) enjoy doing laundry in.  Ugh, when I saw these piles tonight, I'm not so sure...

Happy Saturday Night! 

Our Television Debut

A few weeks ago, a friend of ours in marketing at the hospital asked at book club if we knew of a family who had suffered through the flu.  Somehow, we got nominated to be interviewed for the local news.  I was super nervous and tried on about a million things that day.  When you see the video, you will see that what I'm wearing is hardly visible, so all that worry was for nothing.  Isn't that always the way:)  

Another "interesting" fact-- I had no idea he was filming me when he started asking me questions.  I thought he was just prepping me or something.  I think I would have tried to be a little more polished, but, oh well!  I'm glad to have it over with.  Rosie did awesome!  I was super proud of her.

2nd Strain Flu - WLOS News13 - Health Alert  

Julienne

I did some online shopping today and bought something I'm super excited about...

It doesn't look that exciting, but I'm very optimistic about the wonders it will do.  It's a julienne peeler.  Supposedly, it's an easy/cheap way to turn your veggies into a healthy pasta alternative.  This weekend I made my first spaghetti squash and loved it.  I also loved the idea of using other veggies (carrots, zucchini, etc.) and thought this might be just the tool I need.  I can't wait until it comes!  

In other "exciting" news, I painted the first coat on the piano today.  I'm really hoping that the finished product will look a lot better than what it looks like right now...yikes!  In fact, it looks so bad that I'm not even going to show you a picture of it right now.  It definitely needs another coat.

Looking back, that wasn't the wisest painting outfit.  

Kiki's new favorite word is "No".  She shakes her head and tells me that all the time--no matter what the question.  She also is obsessed with baths.  She absolutely loves them.  When I try to get her out, she tries everything in her power to avoid me.  Today, I let the water out, hoping that would make her want to get out.  This is what she did.  

She just laid there saying, "No, Out!" 

I have book club tonight, so I better run.  Tonight we are discussing the book, "The Secret Life of Bees".  I would really like to see the movie.  Anyway, have a great night.  

Laundry Remodel

So, as you know, I get things in my head and I have to do them right away.  I have three projects that I'm torn between as we speak, because I so want to finish them!  A few weeks ago, I started thinking about my laundry room.  It is pitiful.   I saw a few pictures recently that really inspired me and got me thinking that, with just a little paint and a few little accessories, it would look a lot better.

These are my inspiration photos for an easy and simple redo...

www.pinterest.com 

www.shelterness.com 

www.theyellowcapecod.com

This is my favorite.  I like the color a lot! 

I asked Mark for some help and he agreed to help with the project.  There were conditions to this agreement.  I have to be willing to get rid a lot of my stuff in the garage, which will be a tough thing, but I couldn't turn down the offer.  He decided that on Thursday night, when I'm at book club, he would paint the room for me!  I am so excited!

I went today to look for the baskets at Ross, because they are usually super cheap there, but to my chagrin, they didn't have what I was looking for at all.  Everything had been picked over.  I was also hoping for a wooden "LAUNDRY" sign that I had seen there before, but again, no luck:(  I think I'll try Marshall's or TJ Maxx next, but Kiki was ready for her nap and going in another store wasn't in the cards.  I was already pushing it, because we had spent some time already at the library this morning and it was way passed her nap time.

Is it weird, that she still needs a morning nap?  She doesn't get it every day, but she's a much nicer child to be around when she does.  I guess I'll keep it up for now.

Well, I have two hungry little girls and a piano to paint.  Goodbye for now...

Spoiler Alert: Spaghetti Sauce All Over the Floor

How was your Monday?  Mine was good.  I just walked in the door from a successful Lowe's trip.  I finally chose a paint color and I had to pick up some stain and varnish.  I had hoped to be done with the piano by now, but it was a full weekend, and I just didn't get to it.  Hopefully, I can get to it this week.  I can't wait to get it in the house and out of the garage!  Rosie is beside herself with excitement.  She asks me everyday about when the piano will be ready!  Soon, Rosie, soon!

I went to Zumba on Sunday and tonight.  It's feeling really good to get back to it, but, it's also a huge reminder of how long it's been.  Whew, it is HARD!   I have also started doing a video that my friend, Shelley, recommended.  Well, she didn't recommend the video, she recommended the class, but we don't have it around these parts.  It's called Pure Barre.  It's a mix of ballet, pilates and yoga.  It's very hard and is supposed to be one of the most effective exercises to change your body.  I've only done it a hand full of times, but so far, so good.  I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm pretty excited about my Creative Pay it Forward Challenge!  Thanks to everyone who commented. The girls who I will be making things for over the next year are Tracy, Cheryl, Courtney, Tasha and Melissa!  I can't wait to get get started!  I also find the task a little bit nerve wracking!  What if you ladies hate what I make you?!!!  Please know that whatever comes, it came from my heart!  I hope you have fun doing your own, as well!

I've been really trying to get back into doing the bento lunches for the girls.  I forgot to take pictures today, but Rosie helped me make bagel pizzas and she had a blast.  She kept saying, "I am a wonderful cooker!"  I found the greatest website for healthy recipes for kids of all ages called Weelicious.  I got so inspired from it.  We have a lot of different snacks planned for this week.  The recipe I'm most excited to try out is the one for homemade soft pretzels.  I love me some pretzels!  I would definitely recommend the website.

Mark has had a horrible accident over at the refrigerator that may or may not have caused him to curse (which NEVER happens).  I probably should help.  Poor guy!

Have a great night! 

 

The Minivan Club

Two of my friends got minivans this week and I couldn't be happier for them.  Jackie picked hers up on Monday and Magally texted me today to tell me she joined the ranks of "Minivan Mommas".  I would say 90% of my friends drive one.  How did this happen?  It seems like yesterday I was in college, worried about what to wear for vespers.  Now, I'm a mom of two kids and I'm feeling pretty great if my clothes don't have snot on the shoulder from snotty snuggles.  Wow, time flies!  I sure wouldn't change it for the world, though.  I love my mini-van loving existence.  I love looking back in my rearview mirror and seeing those two sets of big blues shining back at me.  What a blessing!   I also love driving a vehicle, that if in a pinch, I can fit a piano in.  That's a big bonus.

While on the subject of pianos, I am still at a standstill when it comes to making a decision on paint.  I'm leaning toward this look....

http://www.thepinmakers.com

She sanded, primed, painted, stained and then varnished it.  Pretty big project.  Isn't that piano a find, though?!  Wow!  I finished sanding my piano and bench today.  I'm excited to have at least finished the first step.  Getting closer!!!

All sanded and ready for paint! 

A few weeks ago, Mark got a pull up bar and put it up on the doorway between the dining room and kitchen.  The perfect place, right?  Well, since then, it has become a family ritual to all do our pull-ups/hangs throughout the evening.  I used to not be able to do one, and I've now worked up to 5.  Kiki and Rosie both hang for longer and longer every time and Mark now does at least 40 pull-ups a night.  He's even added the girls into his routine, letting them hang from him as he goes.  I tell you this only to prove, once again, that we are a weird unique group of people over here.  

 103....104.....

Look at her go!  Don't worry, Mark is under her:) 

Rosie, just hanging around.

The Mark and Kiki duo.  They make quite a team.  Is it time to take this show on the road? 

Tonight, Mark made green smoothies for us.  Kiki really enjoyed hers.  I mean really, really enjoyed it.  

I love how she is eating it off of herself in the third picture.  Classic, Kiki! 

It's been a nice relaxing evening so far.  I just finished up a batch of my Mom's spaghetti sauce.  It's always a big project, but just the smell is worth it.  Mmm!  Can't wait until tomorrow!   Have a great night! 

  

 

Creative Pay it Forward

One of my blogging buddies, Kate, posted last night about a Creative Pay It Forward Challenge that sounded so fun.  She will make the first five people to comment on her post something creative over the next year.  It can be anything, just something she made.  The only catch is, if you comment, you have to pay it forward, too.

Well, you know I love to make stuff, especially for other people.  So, if you would like me to make something special for you, just be one of the first five to comment on this post.    If I don't know you personally, please leave your email address so that I can contact you.  I know there's a good chance no one will comment, but that's no fun!  Also, I've had two people tell me that their comments haven't worked when they tried to post, feel free to email me at sjmurrill@gmail.com if you have any problems. You don't have to have a blog to participate.  You can do the same thing on Facebook/twitter/any other social network, or if you're old school,  just pass it on.  There aren't any rules here!  This is just for fun!

Anyway, I'm already dreaming up the fun things I can make for you, dear readers!  I hope you get inspired, too!!!

The Keys to My Heart

So, today I got a little bee in my bonnet.  I had happened upon a piano the other day at Goodwill, and I couldn't get it out of my head!  Growing up, we always had a piano and I always dreamed of having one in my home.  So anyway, I called this morning, and they still had it.  I considered that my sign, so I bought it.  Luckily, Maria was willing to help me out with the girls, because I would have had to choose between the them and the piano.  The minivan is not as big as it looks, people.

I'm so excited!  I can't wait for the girls to take piano lessons.  I so look forward to the flowing of tears that will come when I have to force them to practice that piano.  At least that's how it was at my house:)

It's not in the most amazing condition, but I was planning on painting it, so we're good to go.  I went to Lowe's tonight to try and choose my paint, but I couldn't commit.  I ended up with some paint chips and a sample color.  I tried the color out (See the paint on the top left?) and I'm not completely sold.  I'm pretty partial to yellow, but you may remember from this post, I'm HORRIBLE at picking paint, so this is very tough.  Any suggestions?  I can't wait to get started!

After it's all painted, I'll need to get it tuned, which I fear will cost way more than the piano itself.

Welcome to the family, piano!  So glad you're here. 

So many choices!!!!

While I was at Goodwill, I found another exciting item--this cute Nativity Set!  Monroe fell in love.

I kind of did, too. Especially for $4.50!  Who cares if it was missing a few minor parts:) All of the key players are there--Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus.  The Bible doesn't even say there were three wisemen, anyway.  I think two are just perfect.   

Have you ever found something that you absolutely love, but you know for certain you will never be able to have it?  Well, that happened to me today.  I saw these amazing jammies and fell head over heels.

They are from Target, but they are no longer available!  I'm so sad, because I really, really, really love them.  Everything from the gold polkas to the black trimming, calls my name.  I will always mourn these pajamas as the ones that got away.

Oh, I almost forgot!  I have some super exciting news!  Well, exciting for me, probably not as much  for you.  But anyway, as of four days ago, I'm officially done with breastfeeding!!!  That only took 17 months:).  I still can't believe I'm free!  I've only been feeding her once a day in the morning for the last few months, but to be completely done, feels pretty amazing.  Don't get me wrong, I loved being able to do it.  I will always treasure that special time together, but I couldn't be happier to reclaim my body.

Well, I've got sanding to do.  Have a great night!  

Picturing the New Year

Sometimes I feel like I'm the Jack of some(not all) trades and a master of none.  I have a lot of hobbies, but I have a hard time really putting my all into any one thing.   I really love to sew, take photos, craft, sing, play guitar, etc., but I'm not great at any one of those things.  I thought for this year, I would choose photography to focus on.  I would really like to learn my camera, inside and out.  I want to learn  the how's, the why's, the what's about photography, so that if someone asked me a photography related question, I could confidently answer.

I don't exactly know how to go about accomplishing that.  I do know the internet is a very good resource, along with some friends who are pretty skilled at their craft.  I've also been told that just experimenting and taking tons of pictures is a good start.

I saw the coolest thing on a blog I read, called Aleida's Challenge.  Please read Emilie's post here all about Aleida and her legacy.  Long story short, I want to start taking pictures of the girls and me together, at least once a month, and hopefully even more.  I'm not going to let my insecurities about my weight, looks, etc. keep me from having documentation of the girls and I together as they grow up.  I love looking back at the pictures of my mom and me when I was little, and I want that for my girlies, too.  Hopefully, having that as a goal, I will improve my photo taking skills and have pictures that we can treasure forever.

This was a picture my mom found when cleaning out my Mumsie's house.  

She brought it when she came to visit.  I just love it! 

So, along with some other, more personal goals, I will strive to become a better photographer.  Well, that, and drink more water.  I really need to drink more water.

Cheers to a new year!

Happy New Year, dear friends!  I hope 2013 is treating you well!

Yesterday, I spent pretty much the whole day taking down Christmas decorations and cleaning.  For some reason it always makes me a little sad to take it all down.  The house seems so much fuller and warmer during Christmas and taking it all down makes it feel a little bit naked.  It's all pretty bare.

My mountain of Christmas stuff.  It's now all stored away for next year.

Luckily, the excitement of a brand new year perks me right back up.  There's something about getting the chance to start fresh that is so invigorating.  I haven't quite pinned down my resolution(s) for this year, (I know, I'm running late) but I do know a few things that I want to focus on:

1)  Love everybody more.  Love my husband, my kids, my family and friends more.  Love those that make me upset.  Love those that hurt my feelings or stress me out.  Love those that aren't very nice.  I want to be someone that doesn't get riled easily and always has a kind word to say.

2)  Enjoy every moment.  I don't want to look back at my life and feel like I didn't use my time wisely and wasted precious moments with the ones I love.  I want to be more intentional on using every day, every moment, to it's fullest.

3)  Let it go.  If there are things, people, or ideas I have that are holding me down or making me feel not good enough, I'm ready to let them go.  There's no reason to be miserable.

4) Just do it.  I have always been nervous of stepping out of the box and trying new things.  This year, I  hope to step outside of my box a little more often.

So anyway, as I ponder my resolution for this year, I'll leave you with some pictures of the lights of my life.

This present was a big hit! 

She's obsessed with undies.  90% end up on her head. 

She loves the new cradle we got the girls for Christmas.  Her poor baby dolls don't get much rest, because she hogs it most of the time.