If I labeled this year it would be "The Year of Change." A year ago we packed our things in a small POD, said good-bye to many friends, moved cross country and began the process of settling into a new life in California. It has been a blessing to have Jeff and the girls in my life, and although we may not have much in the way of value, our time together loving, laughing and learning has been invaluable. Here's to an outstanding 2009 and anticipation for a remarkable New Year. Bring on 20-10.Thursday, December 31, 2009
2009 Collage
If I labeled this year it would be "The Year of Change." A year ago we packed our things in a small POD, said good-bye to many friends, moved cross country and began the process of settling into a new life in California. It has been a blessing to have Jeff and the girls in my life, and although we may not have much in the way of value, our time together loving, laughing and learning has been invaluable. Here's to an outstanding 2009 and anticipation for a remarkable New Year. Bring on 20-10.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Counting our Blessings
1. We spent Christmas as a family and with family.
Snuggles with daddy.
The night before Christmas my sisters and I would open one present: matching PJ's. We would sleep in the jammies and then open presents in them. Jeff and I have carried that tradition on with our girls.
2. We were spoiled to see grandparents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.
Christmas morning breakfast with my family. We also had a wonderful lunch on Sunday, Dec 27 but I didn't take any pics!!
Looking at the Korean bell with Auntie Audrey.
Piggy back rides.
Reading with Grandpa Roger.
Look at Hannah's face...she is so giddy that Grandpa was swinging with her!
The Murry family was missing the youngest brother Henry who is studying abroad in Egypt. He was able to skype Christmas morning and the day after so at least we were able to see him. :)
3. We were spoiled by grandparents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.
4. Kate and Hannah will have two new cousins next year.
Luke (Jeff's middle brother) and his wife Erin will have their first baby this year and is due June 30th. They framed a picture of the ultrasound and gave it to Cindy and Roger for Christmas. It was a very fun way to find out such special news!
My sister is also expecting her second baby and is due July 2.
5. My girls know Santa, but were excited about Jesus.
Walking around an area in Brea, CA where all the houses put up lights and displays. It was so fun!!
Every day I have with my girls I realized just what a blessing they are. They are active girls that can sometimes drive me crazy, but this year the thing that truly warmed my heart was spending time with my girls and seeing them begin to understand the incredible love story of Jesus birth and life. I can't wait to see how they grow over the years.
Snuggles with daddy.
The night before Christmas my sisters and I would open one present: matching PJ's. We would sleep in the jammies and then open presents in them. Jeff and I have carried that tradition on with our girls.2. We were spoiled to see grandparents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.
Christmas morning breakfast with my family. We also had a wonderful lunch on Sunday, Dec 27 but I didn't take any pics!!
Looking at the Korean bell with Auntie Audrey.
Piggy back rides.
Reading with Grandpa Roger.
Look at Hannah's face...she is so giddy that Grandpa was swinging with her!
The Murry family was missing the youngest brother Henry who is studying abroad in Egypt. He was able to skype Christmas morning and the day after so at least we were able to see him. :)
3. We were spoiled by grandparents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.
4. Kate and Hannah will have two new cousins next year.
Luke (Jeff's middle brother) and his wife Erin will have their first baby this year and is due June 30th. They framed a picture of the ultrasound and gave it to Cindy and Roger for Christmas. It was a very fun way to find out such special news!My sister is also expecting her second baby and is due July 2.
5. My girls know Santa, but were excited about Jesus.
Walking around an area in Brea, CA where all the houses put up lights and displays. It was so fun!!Every day I have with my girls I realized just what a blessing they are. They are active girls that can sometimes drive me crazy, but this year the thing that truly warmed my heart was spending time with my girls and seeing them begin to understand the incredible love story of Jesus birth and life. I can't wait to see how they grow over the years.
Oops!!
That last update should have been Kate's 16 month update. 17 months is right around the corner!!
Friday, December 18, 2009
17 Months
Kate is 17 months old today, on December 17. This afternoon she nap for an hour, which is a very short nap for Kate, but she snuggled for almost another hour after getting up, and I treasured every second, every rock, every song we spent in the chair snuggling. This girl is a great snuggler!!
At 17 months Kate has amazed me. She is brillant and funny, loves other kids as well as adults (as long as they don't pick her up), can play by herself and likes attention from others. She seems to be such a balanced child and loves life. She enjoys her mama, sister and daddy, but really shows a preference to her mama. :)
Poor Kate is clumsy. And she has a loud screechy cry that makes most kids cover their ears. The other day Kate had fallen a lot in the morning, making it a rough morning for all Murry girls. As I buckled her into her carseat, she clucthed her doll-doll with two big tear drops under her eyes (reminiscent of Frankie's perpetual tear) I kissed her and said, "I'm sorry you hurt yourself Taters. I love you." To which she sweetly replied, "No" and turned her head. I smiled and said, "You are totally my toddler Taters!"
Although Kate has the loudest attention seeking cry ever, she also has the most infectious laugh and will often chuckle and giggle at the slightest things. She is incredibly ticklish and I love to get her going by squeezing her chubby thighs and kissing her teeny tiny toes. I seriously love this girl!!
I cannot say it enough: I love Kate. She is such a gift to our family and I am blessed beyond blessed to have such a delightful baby girl, my toddler, my child. I love Kate's personality through and through, yesterday, today and tomorrow too.
At 17 months Kate has amazed me. She is brillant and funny, loves other kids as well as adults (as long as they don't pick her up), can play by herself and likes attention from others. She seems to be such a balanced child and loves life. She enjoys her mama, sister and daddy, but really shows a preference to her mama. :)
Poor Kate is clumsy. And she has a loud screechy cry that makes most kids cover their ears. The other day Kate had fallen a lot in the morning, making it a rough morning for all Murry girls. As I buckled her into her carseat, she clucthed her doll-doll with two big tear drops under her eyes (reminiscent of Frankie's perpetual tear) I kissed her and said, "I'm sorry you hurt yourself Taters. I love you." To which she sweetly replied, "No" and turned her head. I smiled and said, "You are totally my toddler Taters!"
Although Kate has the loudest attention seeking cry ever, she also has the most infectious laugh and will often chuckle and giggle at the slightest things. She is incredibly ticklish and I love to get her going by squeezing her chubby thighs and kissing her teeny tiny toes. I seriously love this girl!!
I cannot say it enough: I love Kate. She is such a gift to our family and I am blessed beyond blessed to have such a delightful baby girl, my toddler, my child. I love Kate's personality through and through, yesterday, today and tomorrow too.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
THE Ongoing Questions Answered
"When are you going to have your third?"
"You have two girls. Are you going to try for a boy?"
"Your girls are so close in age you don't want to wait too long to have another."
My friend Kristen wrote a random post (which I loved by the way) and in it she briefly talked about her family planning. I know people are wondering about our family plans because we are asked a lot when we are having a third, or if we are done having kids. So, to answer the ongoing questions honestly (as if I would lie to you!), we aren't sure.
We love our girls so much, and are enjoying our days and nights with them, and feel extremely blessed to have such energetic, funny, focused, pensive, lively and loving little girls. We may want more kids, but for right now we are content and happy. And how blessed we are to be able to say that we are content because I remember when my heart yearned for a family, and to quote a quote on my other friend's, Heather's, blog:
The providence of God is like Hebrew words - it can be read only backwards.
-John Flavel
Puritan writer
Looking backwards I see how Hannah and Kate have challenged me and encouraged me. God had me wait for my family, and God provided the perfect gifts for me. Looking backwards I see God at work, and it encourages me to look forward towards the things God still has in store for me.
On a lighter note, check out these pants Hannah is wearing...we received a new installment of hand-me-downs and she loves these pants. You may be seeing them often!!
"You have two girls. Are you going to try for a boy?"
"Your girls are so close in age you don't want to wait too long to have another."
My friend Kristen wrote a random post (which I loved by the way) and in it she briefly talked about her family planning. I know people are wondering about our family plans because we are asked a lot when we are having a third, or if we are done having kids. So, to answer the ongoing questions honestly (as if I would lie to you!), we aren't sure.
We love our girls so much, and are enjoying our days and nights with them, and feel extremely blessed to have such energetic, funny, focused, pensive, lively and loving little girls. We may want more kids, but for right now we are content and happy. And how blessed we are to be able to say that we are content because I remember when my heart yearned for a family, and to quote a quote on my other friend's, Heather's, blog:The providence of God is like Hebrew words - it can be read only backwards.
-John Flavel
Puritan writer
Looking backwards I see how Hannah and Kate have challenged me and encouraged me. God had me wait for my family, and God provided the perfect gifts for me. Looking backwards I see God at work, and it encourages me to look forward towards the things God still has in store for me.
On a lighter note, check out these pants Hannah is wearing...we received a new installment of hand-me-downs and she loves these pants. You may be seeing them often!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Talking with Taters
Kate is talking more and more these days. It amazes me how verbal and expressive this little girl is. I often find myself thinking of the the talking babies on youtube like this video:
Okay she's not that verbal but the other day she looked at me and said, "Ma cic-en nugs peez" (more chicken nuggets please) and I actually understood her. It freaked me out a little. So here's another conversation we just had:
Mommy holding some brownie:
K: Peez ma-ma.
S: That was nice asking. Sarah gives Kate the brownie
S: Now what do you say?
K: Ma peez (more please when what I was really hoping for was, "dank-do" or "thank you")
Smart cookie!!
And just for fun here is a Hannah conversation:
H: (screaming) Elp ma-ma! My cwothes outside in. (instead of inside out)
Okay she's not that verbal but the other day she looked at me and said, "Ma cic-en nugs peez" (more chicken nuggets please) and I actually understood her. It freaked me out a little. So here's another conversation we just had:
Mommy holding some brownie:
K: Peez ma-ma.
S: That was nice asking. Sarah gives Kate the brownie
S: Now what do you say?
K: Ma peez (more please when what I was really hoping for was, "dank-do" or "thank you")
Smart cookie!!
And just for fun here is a Hannah conversation:H: (screaming) Elp ma-ma! My cwothes outside in. (instead of inside out)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Whine or wine?
Whine and wine have a lot in common:
1. Sometimes you have to let it flow
2. Know your limit
3. Don't start too early
4. Always have a friend who is willing to listen to you
1. Sometimes you have to let it flow
2. Know your limit
3. Don't start too early4. Always have a friend who is willing to listen to you
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tis the season
CHRISTMAS!!
Christmas season is a great time of year, and it's hard to stay focused on the important things. This is the introduction to our toddler Bible called The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every story whispers His name:
"The Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bibles is most of all a Story. It's an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It's a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the one he loves. It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!
You see, the best thing about this Story is - it's true!
There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.
It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. At at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle - the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you see a beautiful picture.
And this is no ordinary baby. This is the Child upon whom everything would depend. This is the Child who would one day - but wait. Our story starts where all good stories start. Right at the very beginning..."
"The child upon whom everything would depend" WOW!!
I find myself relieved to know that regardless of what gifts we give or do not give, receive or do not receive, tree we decorate, candles we light, wreath we hang, lights we light, cookies we bake, cards we mail, family we see, family we don't see, clothes we wear, is said or unspoken...Jesus is born, and nothing can change that. Our hopes and expectations are already fulfilled because God was faithful to the covenant He made when Eve and Adam sinned. I am grateful to be content even during this possibly stressful time by remembering that everything depends on one child who already accomplished it all, and that every day is meant to honor Him.
The evergreen tree reminds us of the everlasting love of God.
The lights on the evergreen remind us that He is the light of the world.
The advent wreath is a circle to show that God's love is without end or beginning. We light one candle each week to remind us 1. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies and gave the world Hope 2. Jesus is the way and the Light in our darkness 3. Jesus is the lasting Joy to the world 4. Jesus brings Peace to the world 5. Christ's birth and the expectation of his return.
May this time of year draw you closer to God and the understanding of Jesus in your life. Blessings to you and your family!!
Christmas season is a great time of year, and it's hard to stay focused on the important things. This is the introduction to our toddler Bible called The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every story whispers His name:
"The Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bibles is most of all a Story. It's an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It's a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the one he loves. It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!
You see, the best thing about this Story is - it's true!
There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.
It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story. At at the center of the Story, there is a baby. Every story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle - the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together, and suddenly you see a beautiful picture.
And this is no ordinary baby. This is the Child upon whom everything would depend. This is the Child who would one day - but wait. Our story starts where all good stories start. Right at the very beginning..."
"The child upon whom everything would depend" WOW!!
I find myself relieved to know that regardless of what gifts we give or do not give, receive or do not receive, tree we decorate, candles we light, wreath we hang, lights we light, cookies we bake, cards we mail, family we see, family we don't see, clothes we wear, is said or unspoken...Jesus is born, and nothing can change that. Our hopes and expectations are already fulfilled because God was faithful to the covenant He made when Eve and Adam sinned. I am grateful to be content even during this possibly stressful time by remembering that everything depends on one child who already accomplished it all, and that every day is meant to honor Him.
The evergreen tree reminds us of the everlasting love of God.
The lights on the evergreen remind us that He is the light of the world.
The advent wreath is a circle to show that God's love is without end or beginning. We light one candle each week to remind us 1. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies and gave the world Hope 2. Jesus is the way and the Light in our darkness 3. Jesus is the lasting Joy to the world 4. Jesus brings Peace to the world 5. Christ's birth and the expectation of his return.May this time of year draw you closer to God and the understanding of Jesus in your life. Blessings to you and your family!!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Nope
This just in, we are staying longer in our apartment. We did not get the condo and are both happy about this.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Advent and Other News
Advent means coming, and it is a special time of year where we remember the coming, or birth, of our Savior Jesus Christ, and the hope for His second coming.
We use an advent calendar every night and an advent wreath on Sunday. It is a special time, and I really enjoy talking to my girls about Jesus and the significance of His life on this earth.
The calendar also includes fun toys and tasty treats, such as this duck horn that says, "Quack if you love Jesus." Just reading it cracks me up, and every time Hannah blows it Kate cracks up.
Potty training is going well, and after a week and two days of training Kate is having 1-2 accidents a day, usually before nap or bedtime when she is more tired. It helps that Hannah is such a good role model, and so eager to help her little sister. When she has to go to the bathroom she says, "Kate, I have to poop. You want to watch?" Who could refuse such an invitation, huh? Me.
Our realtor did say that we are one of the offers submitted to the bank. This is further in the purchasing process than we have been before, but I am not packing up yet and am trying to stay realistic about the whole thing.
We use an advent calendar every night and an advent wreath on Sunday. It is a special time, and I really enjoy talking to my girls about Jesus and the significance of His life on this earth.
The calendar also includes fun toys and tasty treats, such as this duck horn that says, "Quack if you love Jesus." Just reading it cracks me up, and every time Hannah blows it Kate cracks up.
Potty training is going well, and after a week and two days of training Kate is having 1-2 accidents a day, usually before nap or bedtime when she is more tired. It helps that Hannah is such a good role model, and so eager to help her little sister. When she has to go to the bathroom she says, "Kate, I have to poop. You want to watch?" Who could refuse such an invitation, huh? Me.
Our realtor did say that we are one of the offers submitted to the bank. This is further in the purchasing process than we have been before, but I am not packing up yet and am trying to stay realistic about the whole thing.
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