A Fun Family Day

On Saturday, April 4th, Jason and I took the kids (and Biscuit the Bunny - Ellie's preschool mascot) for their first ride on front runner. We were about 10 seconds late for the front runner's departure so we had to hang out out the train station for an hour until the next train came. We didn't mind it was such a beautiful day to be outside. The girls were so excited to go on the "train"
The kids loved it. No. They don't serve spaghetti on the front runner - this is us at California Pizza Kitchen at the Gateway. The Gateway is in convenient walking distance from the main Salt Lake City train stop. Ellie LOVES spaghetti as you can see!
...here are the girls with their chocolate milk, a Murray family staple.
Megan being sassy and refusing to smile for the camera. Super cute though.
Now that is one handsome boy - even with a spaghetti face.
At the end of the day, we surprised the girls with a visit to Build-A-Bear Workshop. Ellie made a unicorn and Megan created a Hello Kitty. They were in heaven. Sadly, biscuit the bunny didn't get as much attention on the trip home.

I love my little kids. I rather spend time with my family then do anything else. They're the best.

An Anniversary to Remember...

Thursday was Jason and I's 6th wedding anniversary. We spent the evening at the La Callie' for the Mrs. Utah Gala. It was a beautiful event and the food was amazing. I was blessed to be able to share the evening and have the support of my mother, Dixie and my sister, Jen. Natalie, Lance and her family also shared our table -- we had a great time. The highlight of the Gala was watching my donated painting "Burning Billows" sell for high-bid at the auction. Fifty percent of the proceeds will go to the new Mrs. Utah and the other half will be donated to Autism Speaks. It's such a joy for me to be able to utilize my gift and love of painting to benefit such worthy causes.
Okay...now bare with me as I indulge myself a little bit and share some of the gushy feelings I have for my amazing husband! I'm so glad for the blessing and knowledge that Jason and I can be together forever, because a lifetime would never be enough for me. I love him so much. He is the best decision I ever made. We get along so well and really are best friends. It funny, we are such close friends that we have become a little anti-social through the years. We prefer to be alone together rather then with anyone else. If I had to describe Jason in one word it would be...Integrity. His has an amazing ability to handle and balance everything in life and still ensure that the kids and I have all the attention and love we need. It's rather miraculous. The Lord has certainly had a hand in our family's life and has richly blessed us. I love you Jason! Happy Anniversary.

To My Daughter Ellie...

My Dearest Ellie,
I love you sooooo much! I am so proud of you and the progress you have made this year. You are my miracle and blessing. Ellie, you are graceful, kind and beautiful. Thank you for being such a great big sister. You have such a special spirit and I feel absolutely privileged to be your Mother.
Love,
Mommy

To My Angel: Meggie Sue

My Dearest Megan,
You bring pure sunshine into our home and are always making me laugh. You are so smart and full of sweetness - Daddy and I always tease you that you are "creme filled" We love your little kissable chubby cheeks! I am so blessed to be your Mother. I love you so much Megan...you are one of the greatest gifts I have ever been given.

Love,

Mommy

You are beautiful!

A Voice For The Cause...

Many of you know that I have been working hard to raise autism awareness. Becoming an advocate for autism has really stirred a change in me and has refreshed my life perspective. The more I become involved in this cause - the more deeply rooted I feel. I'm afraid that I am hooked for life! Yet, I'm fastened to faith that one day there will be a cure for autism and my services will no longer be needed!
Today I called Senator Orin Hatch to remind him to vote YES on Clay's Law. I informed him that I had two little nephews with autism and that our family could really benefit if this bill passed. When I hung up the phone, I just wept. It's an absolute privilege to be a voice for this cause! My efforts are so small...and autism is so BIG. Despite my insufficient contributions, I feel that autism needs me and I feel overjoyed to be able to help!

1 in 150 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with autism

In Utah...1 in 133 children will be diagnosed with autism

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the U.S.

*More children will be born with autism this year then Cancer, AIDS and Diabetes combined.*

Early intervention is essential! ALL children with autism deserve the best quality of life as possible. Understand Clay's Law and how it will bless so many Utah families. Please view this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioC44GODlyY

I'm in love with another man!

With gushing pride - today I will be posting about my little man, CJ. No one warns you before you have these babies just how much you are going to love them! I love him so much - I can't imagine not having him as apart of our family. CJ is 7 months old and crawling all over the place. He has a tender heart and hates to be left alone. CJ loves his sisters - but, sometimes they smother him will a little too much love and that upsets him (as you will see in the picture below)

Lately, I have been setting a lot of personal goals and trying to determine what I want to do with my future - I have some exciting pursuits I hope to accomplish one day BUT, these goals are all dim in comparison to my goal of simply... just wanting to be a good mom. Not a perfect mom - just a good one! I have days when I feel like I have really stunk it up in the Mom department - but, I love my kids and I know that they know that I love them and I consider that a fulfilling accomplishment!

"A Sister Sandwich"

Favorites Vol. 2

I had to think really hard about this one. What is my FAVORITE item of clothing? The one thing that has been a staple to my wardrobe ever since high-school and in my opinion is the single greatest fashion item ever is....

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The pencil skirt.

I love it - it's so feminine and classic! It's my favorite.

Favorites Vol. 1...Junk Food

This will be the first of many posts to come - of which I will be spotlighting some of my favorite things, some profound and some...not!

Today I pay a tribute to Junk food!

Who doesn't love junk food? Do I eat a lot of junk food? No, but I love it. My taste buds share some of the same interests as a hyper 3rd graders. Unlike most women, I do not prefer chocolate - I like the super sour sweet stuff that gives you a headache! I've never grown up or out of fun-dips, skittles and sugary bubble gum. I get a high when there is a pinata' around! So today I pay tribute to the good stuff...

PEZ

I promise these babies aren't just for kids. Forget the dispenser, they are a waist of time - just eat them straight out of the package. They are divine.

Laffy Taffys

...so sweet they'll give ya one of those headaches that I mentioned, it's absolutely wonderful!

Ice Cream

Ice Cream really does deserve it's own special post and tribute, because I love it so much (sorry sweety). I've always been an ice cream girl, I even served ice cream at my wedding.

Diet Mountain Dew
I've saved the best for last - so sweet I forget it's diet. I love this stuff.

Daryl Hannah

Have you ever been told you look like someone famous? My entire life I've been told I look like Daryl Hannah...from the movie Splash (and several other flicks -Roxanne, A Walk to Remember, and the Kill Bill volumes etc.). What do you think...?

Some other look-a-likes in my family....(In my opnion)

My Mother: Sheryl Crow

My Brother Bryan: Nicholas Cage

My Sister Amy: Kate Winslet/Channel 2 New's Shauna Lake

My Sister-In-Law Lindsay: Meg Ryan

My Niece Carly: Julie Ormond

My Best Friend Katie: Jodie Foster/Helen Hunt

I'd love to know who you have been told you look like...leave a comment if you'd like!

A Sad Story

What moment would you say would be the highlight for children during Christmas time? AND what Christmas moment do you think would be the most awful to have misplaced your digital camera? You guessed it...CHRISTMAS MORNING. Could such a sad story be true? Yes, it happened in the Murray house this year. Now, don't cry too hard -- we were able to video record Christmas morning. But, due to the fact that I have horrible computer skills and know nothing about downloading video, those captured memories will not be be featured on our blog. I guess the sexy men in the white flowy bell-bottoms (posted below) is the only Christmas Day photo you will be seeing from our family.
By the way...I found my digital camera. You might be wondering where it was...? It was in the camera bag where it should have been - But I NEVER put it where it is supposed to be!!! I didn't even think to check there.
Happy New Year to our family and friends...we love you all!