Making stuff

1. I never knew what nicknames I'd actually call my kids until they came along. I thought I'd call Mina Mimi but now that she's here I haven't done it. You just don't know what will naturally come out when you meet them and see their little faces and connect with them. I call Holden, Holdeeno. Lucas is Lukey. Ash is Ashie Poo. And now Mina Muffin.
2. Mina slept for 7 1/2 hours straight yesterday! She had been up all morning and afternoon which isn't like her. When she woke up she was in an amazing mood - so alert and engaged with us. I think her tiny brain grew and she turned into a different baby after that sleep. Jennie told me to wake her up because she was afraid she was sleeping too long. But she woke up on her own, hung out with us, pigged out and slept a good night's sleep. So sweet and cheery this morning. And now back to sleep.
3. While she was asleep I was able to finish a bunch of hats I had started. I can whip them up easy throughout the day even with interruptions. But I need some quiet time to do the details like flowers and faces and stuff.
4. Animal Practice got cancelled. I guess no one was watching it because if you had you would've found it hilarious. The last episode with the scene with the monkey and the puppet? I watched it twice.
5. I went to the Salvation Army on 50% off day yesterday and got a big bag of clothes for $27. Jennie is going to use it to make stuff for Mina. And I am going to try to get inspired to do stuff too. My sewing machine is old and beautiful but not easy to use. I like to sew by hand. So we'll see what I come up with. I really like the dresses of Misha Lulu and Matilda Jane and they seem relatively easy to replicate for a fraction of the cost. Plus I've seen some crochet pieces on the Misha Lulu stuff so that's something to explore too.

Why she is my best friend.

Jennie left this afternoon. What did we do while she was here?

We shopped and talked and laughed and cried from laughing. We made ugly faces and ate tons of food that was delicious and terrible for us. She held Mina and we watched Bridesmaids and tried not to pee ourselves. I did her nails and got glitter all over her finger and she cooked my kids the best spaghetti noodles they've ever had. We made fun of our kids and looked up random people on Facebook. We ate Thai food and almost cried when the Hot Beef tasted just the way my Mom made it. We took terrible pictures of each other and bought our little girls matching outfits.

It was pretty perfect. And I miss her already.

It's almost Friday!

1. I made a spicy sausage penne dish tonight. Bill said it was probably the best thing I've ever made. It was pretty delicious I have to admit.
2. I think Bill and I decided on our Halloween costumes. I think it'll be cute. But you know I can't tell you.
3. Got my AE stuff and I love all the tops. The bow sweater is so cute.
4. Jennie will be here tomorrow!!
5. Finished Ash's room and it turned out super cute. He said, "Mom you did this all by yourself? Great job!"

Sleepy Sleep

1. Watching X Factor - I watched the 5 piece boy band they put together and I couldn't stop smiling. They were SO CUTE! I haven't watched One Direction but if they're that cute I can understand why people love them so much.
2. Mindy Kaling is just the cutest thing.
3. I want some glasses like the Asian girl on Underemployed.
4. Mina slept for 4 hours straight tonight!
5. I'm so happy with how the boys' room turned out. They said they were excited to go to sleep in their new room. It made me so happy. I worked on a pennant banner for Ash's room tonight. And now I'm working on a pom pom garland too.

Earthquake

1. Mina was a grump today. I didn't hold her enough and she apparently wasn't okay with that. She's on me now and sleeping soundly. I love when she sleeps so hard her face looks smashed.
2. There was an earthquake this morning just a few miles away. Don't tell Jennie who will be here Friday. She never reads this. I told the kids who slept through it and Ash said he thinks he felt it in his arms.
3. I'm apparently the only person on eBay who buys Zara for my daughter. I keep getting the best deals!
4. If you've been reading my blog you know it's been a battle getting Holden on track with school stuff. He has 3 Bs and 1 A for his midterm progress report which is great but I'd like him to bring those Bs up. Yesterday he brought home two big tests and a writing project -all As. I'm really proud of him for working hard on those. It's all coming together thank goodness.
5. I've almost bought a wreath at Target every time I've been there this month. But I hate how overpriced they are in season. So I checked Pinterest for ones to make and just didn't have what I needed at home and it's too hard to shop for DIY stuff with kids. I ended up just putting something together from random stuff at home and I like how it turned out. I'll still buy a wreath on clearance after Halloween for next year though.

Wow this is quite the SAHM post.

1. Holden's class is doing a Winter Fun themed basket for our fundraiser at school this year. I can't think of anything better for a knitting mom to contribute to!
2. The kids had to go to school today on this weird fake holiday but they're off on Friday which I think is more fun. I wonder if I can get them out of the house for an IKEA trip? Baby needs a crib.
3. I have a hard time narrowing down my options when there are lots of choices - when it comes to pretty much anything. I've been brainstorming ideas for the boys' rooms and hadn't decided on anything... until today. At Target there happened to be two sets of matching bedding (black, grey, red, orange) on clearance for Holden and Lucas who share a room. And then another set in aqua bluish and white for Ash. So it's decided on their color scheme. I'm going to do a video game theme for the big boys. And cars, rockets, bicycles for Ash. Going to pair his fave color orange with blues and it'll be perfect. I'm going to make up the big boy room while they're at school so it's a surprise for them when they come home. Will post pics later this week!
4. Watching Elementary with Jonny Lee Miller and then finished an Emma series with him as Knightley and, well, I think he's nice looking very much.
5. For dinner tonight I made sautéed mushrooms and panko crusted chicken stuffed with spinach, tomatoes and ricotta. So. Good.

Friends & Heels

1. I don't know if glee has just changed too much or if it's me but I don't like it as much. Plus the songs aren't always that good anymore. - okay the last episode has some good music apparently (watching now).
2. We're watching that Guys With Kids show and the material sucks but the guys are hilarious. And who doesn't love Tempest Bledsoe - or all of the Cosby kids for that matter. Best family ever.
3. How do other women wear heels all the time? The few times I've tried, my feet just hurt so bad and I walk so awkwardly in them. I guess it just takes practice. I wonder how much more ladylike Mina will be than me. Probably can't be less.
4. Is it possible for one little girl to have too many clothes? Just say no.
5. Jennie will be here Friday. This is the FIRST time my best friend has come to visit me at my home since I got married. It's such a big deal to me and I'm so excited.