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A Fun Family Day

2009-04-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-03-31T12:29:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-03-04T16:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

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...

2009-02-19T20:28:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-01-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

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....

The pencil skirt.

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

Favorites Vol. 1...Junk Food

2009-01-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-06T17:27:00.001-08:00

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!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

Something To Laugh About...

2008-12-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

Megan's Jingle Bell Lyrics...

Tinker bell, tinker bell, all through the town.
Oh the ride! There's the ride!
wanna wanna hey...HEY!

CJ had a doctors appointment last Friday. My sister Jennifer watched the girls for me so I could avoid experiencing any doctors office tantrums. Anyway, while I was gone Megan kept asking Ellie where Mommy was. Ellie said "They went to the doctor, because they are sick of brother."

...My kids always keep me laughing.

Murdock Family Christmas Party...

2008-12-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

This is the fourth post that I have written today (I'm all blogged out!) -- so be sure to scroll down to be completely updated!

We recently had our annual Murdock Family Christmas Party (my mother's side of the family). My sister Amy was in town from Arizona -- so, for me that was the highlight of the event! I LOVE spending time with my mom and sisters.

Here are some pictures from the party...

(from left to right) My sisters Jen, Amy, Mom and me

Amy and me -- we should look into having our teeth whitened.

Ellie snapped this cute picture of Meggie

Ellie snapped this dorky picture of me.

My precious photographer, Ellie.

My beautiful sister Jen!

My adorable nephews Tyler and Travis.

We had a great time!

Oh Christmas Tree...

2008-12-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a peak into the Murray home at Christmas time...

The Living Room Tree...

The Kitchen Tree...

The Kid's Tree...

Merry Christmas!

Tis' The Season...

2008-12-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

Jason and I both, have many Christmas traditions that we have implemented into our own little family. Here are two of them...

1. Make a gingerbread house...

2. Visit the lights...

..and many more to come...

At Autumn's End...

2008-12-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

Our yard is framed by huge gorgeous trees -- so we get our fair share of leaves during the fall season. I love the fall and I am sad to see it come to an end. I can't really say I am a "snow person". I think snow is beautiful, but to be honest...I don't like it. The winter is wet, cold, dreary, cold, dangerous (roads) and did I mention it's cold? I hate being cold. I do have to admit that Christmas isn't the same without snow, but after the holidays...I long for warm weather. Anyway, here are some pictures that highlight the fun we had this fall...

In addition to leaves, Fall also brings an abundance of football to our home. Go Sooners! Here is a picture of Mommy and CJ watching an OU game...

Thanksgiving at Aunt "Mi Mi's"

2008-12-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was unique this year and harry...

Our little family dined at Mi Mi's Cafe on thanksgiving. You may sadly wonder why we didn't enjoy my mother and/or mother-in-law's delicious masterful cooking on such a special holiday??? My parents were in California over thanksgiving and my in-laws spent the holiday in Idaho. So Jason and I spent our first thanksgiving without extended family--even when Jason and I lived in Oklahoma, we always had extended family visitors! I'd debated on cooking our own little family a thanksgiving meal, but we (Jason and I...yeah my husband helps with the cooking, sexy huh?) decided that we just wanted to "relax" and honestly I didn't want to do the dishes that follow such a feast. Plus, my tiny children don't appreciate a turkey dinner -- now if I served popcorn and candy on a platter then they would totally dig thanksgiving! So Aunt Mi Mi prepared our thanksgiving dinner - I didn't realize she had such curly hair until I found a strand of it on my fork...yum. That Mi Mi's such a prankster! She knows just how to make me want to vomit :) The meal actually wasn't too bad, but certainly not like homemade. We followed dinner up with a movie. We took the kids to see Madagascar 2, they had a great time --they ate lots of popcorn and candy.

Sorry Aunt Mi Mi, no hard feelings, but we won't be back for thanksgiving next year. As a word of advice I'd take your "hair salad" off of the menu.

The Mystery Pictures

2008-11-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

I was going through the pictures on my digital camera today and I came upon these mysterious photos. I know I didn't take them...hmmm? I think two sneaky little girls got to mommy's camera.

Hilarious!

Halloween Pics

2008-11-01T22:27:00.001-07:00

Our Nightmare at Frightmares!

2008-10-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

So...we took the kids to Lagoon's Frightmares last weekend. We decided to go last minute and the plan was for me and the kids to meet Jason at Lagoon since it is on his way home from work. After a busy day, I scrambled to get the kids ready and everything we would need for the evening and hurried out the door. We got there and put the girls on one ride and then it started getting really cold. I went to get the girls jackets and realized I had left them by the door at home! I knew the girls would be crushed if we left after just getting there, so I spent over a hour going to all the stores in Lagoon looking for warm jackets. FYI... Lagoon does not carry jackets for toddlers! Luckily, my sister Jen showed up with her kids and had a extra jacket we put on Ellie. But Megan was complaining about how cold she was. (She refused to wear my jacket)

So we had to buy this...

It's just what we wanted... A $25.00 pink sweat shirt with Lagoon written across the front. A sweater that won't really fit her until shes sixteen...but she was warm and fun to cuddle with and that is all that matters!

Isnt she adorable? I love my Meggie Sue in her "sweatshirt dress"

The things kids say...

2008-10-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

Before we left on our trip to Disneyland this year I bought the girls some princess dresses that they could wear around the theme park. They loved them. The girls really enjoyed meeting the Disney princesses, needless to say anything princess related is now a big hit at our house. Ellie was Belle and Megan was Cinderella. Today I was explaining to them that they would be wearing those same dresses for Halloween. (another reason I had bought them) That really excited Ellie - she pondered and said "OK Mom, I'll be Belle and Meggie can be Cinderella...Mom, you be Snow White and Dad...I want Dad to be Mulan." Wouldn't Jason make a beautiful Mulan? Ellie thinks so!

A pumpkin (and snowman) season

2008-10-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun family night on Monday - we carved pumpkins with the girls. Ellie named her pumpkin Light (?) and Meggie named her pumpkin Dora. We even carved a tiny pumpkin for CJ. Ellie named CJ's pumpkin "My Little Pony" (we hope when CJ is old enough to name his own pumpkin he won't be naming it My Little Pony)

Daddy built a snowman with the girls Sunday afternoon. Meggie named the snowman Toy. "Toy" has since disappeared - but we appreciate that he watered our lawn before he left.

I always worried they would go after the same boy one day!

Our Family Vacation: Disneyland

2008-10-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

Though exausting...the girls had an amazing time.

Our Family Vacation: The Beach

2008-10-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun on our trip to California this last week. Visiting the beach was a definite highlight of the vacation. The kids loved it! Jason and I both agree that we could live the beach lifestyle, it was beautiful.

Even little CJ got his toes wet.

A Good Cause

2008-09-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be a featured artist for Art Now For Autism's online exhibit. 100% of the proceeds benefit Autism Speaks. The exhibit opens online October 1st and runs until October 31st. Hope you can check it out. There is some beautiful art work on display. I am the artist of the day today! (September 24Th) Click on the Art Now icon above and then click on the blog link to view my painting or to view the exhibit.

My Three

2008-09-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

Some cute kids

2008-09-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

Playing kitchen with the girls

Ellies first day of pre-school (Meggie had to have a back pack on too) Ellie had some fun with the markers ( good thing they were washable)
CJ and Daddy watching football

"Mommyhood"

2008-08-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

It’s been three months since we brought this little boy home from the hospital. I think these last three months have been some of the most stressful of my life – but also some of the most wonderful! My three children are at challenging ages right now- let’s just say that there are a lot of diapers, crying, mischief and more crying. But, the good days make it all worth it.
Ellie is my tender hearted, creative and dramatic child. For example she will come to me and gasp “Mom I’m sooo hungry.” While gripping her tummy and hunching over like she’s going to collapse (this dramatic show often occurs ten minutes after eating lunch) Ellie has a soft spot for her sister Megan. Ellie regularly asks Megan “Are you happy or sad? Be happy Megan!” Ellie is so concerned for her sisters happiness (except if Megan has a toy that she wants) Ellie’s current obsession is ‘My Little Ponies’
Megan is my confident, sassy and humorous child. Megan doesn’t walk, she struts and her dance moves would put anyone in stitches. Megan loves her sweets (and it shows…just kidding Meggie Sue) Megan’s sweet little kisses at my bedside are what wake me up most mornings. Though she is a terrible two year old, you can’t help but love her to pieces! Megan’s current obsession is candy.
CJ has my heart. I can’t wait to see how his personality develops. In my eyes he is just perfect in every way. CJ’s current obsession is his mommy. (Sorry Daddy)

Little Ladies Love Lagoon

2008-08-24T21:28:00.001-07:00

Ellie and Megan have really enjoyed Lagoon this year. Our first few visits to "Goon" (as the girls call it) ended in tears when we had to leave. I think Ellie would live there if she could. I can't really say that I love it there, but it is a great place for the kiddies. Both girls love the cars and lady bug bop...all the rides actually. Notice that neither of the girls have their eyes on the road...I can't wait until their sixteen!

Bond...Jason Bond

2008-08-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

(Isn't he a hottie?) Jason attended Utah's "Best of State" awards ceremony this past June. Jason represented his facility, which was rewarded Best of State in the catagory of nursing care. So in other words, Highland Care Center is considered to be the best in Utah. I was really proud and excited for him.

Code Adam (again)

2008-08-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

Why do mothers (speaking of me) become so desperate to get out of the house...that we dare pack up our three children - age three and under and venture to Walmart? Maybe I'm secretly hoping to lose one of my kids so I'll have less to worry about when I try to go places? (totally kidding)
So yes...today I lost both Ellie and Megan at Walmart. This is the second time for Ellie, she must be trying to set a record! I even made a special effort to get one of those double extra extra large carts that seat your children, hoping to survive a quick stop at the store. The girls lasted about five minutes until they took off running - I yelled at them to come back, but in kiddie language that means "run faster". So, by the time I retrieved the baby and the impossible to push jumbo cart and started chasing after them...they were gone. I raced up and down several isles - I then asked a worker for help. Then came this over the intercom..."We have a code Adam, I repeat a code Adam! Two small girls ages 2 and 4, pink shirts and pink shoes, both blond." Whoever found them would know they belonged to me because their pink attire would perfectly match my pink embarrassed face. They were found quickly (in the toy isle of course) I met them at customer service - they were both giggling saying "that was fun!" so again I ask... Why do Moms even dare leave the house with three little kids??? I don't know, they (meaning me) must be crazy.

We are still alive...

2008-08-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

So...I'm not the best blogger on the block. Anyway...

We had family pictures taken today, the kids didn't scream to death or kick a Kiddie Kandids worker so we were pleased. The pictures of the kids turned out cute. Jason and I were not really planning on being in any of the pictures, but the girls were getting panicky so we jumped in the picture. (Not digging how I look)

Sweet freedom! Once a week (every Friday) my wonderful newly wedded cousin Jessie has a little daycare and watches my girls at her home for about 4 to 5 hours so I can paint, run errands or do whatever I simply can't do will three little kids. I'm hoping this time away will make things like visiting teaching, grocery shopping much much much easier. I feel fortunate to be a stay at home Mom and love my kids, but everyone need a break sometimes...right? I think my girls get sick of me anyway, so this will be really good for them too. I'm so excited to start painting again. I hope to have a future like my Dads...being paid to be creative and do what I love.

Amy (my sister) came out to visit from Arizona last week...it was so fun! ( Still trying to catch up on my sleep though) I love my mom and sisters. I think I can speak for them in saying that we are best friends. I laughed so hard I cried and I also...really cried. It was a good time.

I mentioned I'm going to start painting again and have some art shows already in mind for the next year. In addition to my artistic ambition, Ive officially decided to run for Mrs. Utah next spring. Growing up in a home were my mother volunteered on the state board for the American Cancer Society for many years and single handily raised thousands of dollars for cancer research really influenced me. Thanks to my moms example, community service has always been one of my life's ambitions and I see this Mrs. Utah program as the perfect doorway and opportunity to have community service experiences, build confidence ( which I admit I lack ) and make friends ( which I probably also lack ) I already have some good causes in mind and am looking forward to getting started. I believe Natalie my sister-in-law is also doing the pageant, which makes me even more excited. It's always nice to have someone who shares your same interests.

The little ones are good. Many of you probably know that Jason is on the high council in our stake, so I find myself alone on Sundays with the three kids STRUGGLING to make it through sacrament meeting. Ellie and Megan have caused many red in the face moments for me already. A couple of Sundays ago, during the passing of the bread and water both girls sneekingly squirmed under the pews to the front of the congregation climbed and stood on the front pew facing everyone in attendance and held there arms out and shouted TA DA! With an angered face that really wanted to laugh I frantically reached for the only thing that would bring them back to my pew without causing too much of a scene...GUM. Tomorrows Sunday so I'm sure I'll have something embarrassing to add to my blog next week!

I'm going to make a concentrated effort to keep my blog much more updated - to all our friends and family who read our posts...We love you all!

Our little boy comes home

2008-06-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

CJ was born May 20, 2008 at 7:40am by a cesearen delivery. He had fluid in his lungs and his breathing had to monitored in NICU for a week before we could bring him home and he could meet his sisters. CJ is doing very well. We love him so much. Jason and I were right on in predicting our girls reaction to him when they first saw him. Megan attacked him with hugs and kisses and wouldn't stop begging to hold him and Ellie was scared and unsure at first, but she has warmed up a lot. Ellie always says "Baby's so cute" I had some PAINFUL complications with my spinal after the surgery and ended up in the ER. I had a spinal patch and I am feeling much better. I am just trying to adjust to the crazy world of three kids. We didn't plan for CJ...he was a surprise, but he is the best surprise I have ever had! It will be a challenge but, I am so glad he is here.
So yes...I'm trying the blog thing. We will see how it goes. I don't have much free time so we will see how often I am able to post. I am also not the best with words or spelling. I promise a 4th grader didn't write this post for me. I wrote this myself.

Living on the edge

2008-06-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Always causing trouble...good thing

she is so cute!