"Calm down...you'll be fine"

Shrek...Maynard...Max?

2012-01-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

Apparently I was 4 weeks off. Due May 9. Boy.

2011 goodbye...

2012-01-18T18:50:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas=snow This Christmas NO SNOW
Christmas 2010...

Sea World Spring Break

Summer 2011

-Summer no real Vacation because Ty worked as Lifeguard at the Country Club and Shani had HS Dance Team practice every day.

We did spend a few days at La Paloma in Tucson. And stayed at Arizona Grande Hotel Labor Day Weekend. Mini Vacations...

- School started and we have not stopped to breathe. Lee is in the High Council, coaches Trey Football and works in Houston 3 weeks a month. Ty non stop Soccer, Shani Dance, Trey Soccer, Baseball, Football, Paige tried soccer. Paige and soccer are not a good idea. First game Paige opted to sit out most of the game as she doesn't like to run. She brought a purse and proceeded to put on lipstick (not lip gloss) and brush her hair. Some games she would just sit on the field. Lee threatened her one game and she scored a goal then sat out the rest of the game.

-October: AJ/Brit and Heidi and kids came to stay for a week. Brittany helped me redo the Guidance Conference Room. We were able to see the fall colors in Colorado and spend some time in Durango.

-November: Thanksgiving with Murphy's in Morgan Utah. The best part for me always is seeing Dianne! Miss that crazy lady.

-December: Quietly coming to terms with being 40 and having an addition to our family...I will post 3-D picture tomorrow.

Finally a Little Down Time

2011-11-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

At last we are in between Soccer, Football, Basketball and only practice for Dance Team. I love that my kids are involved in activities other than school and church...but sometimes it kills me.

Loving the Fall reprieve.

"I'm a Teenager"

2011-04-03T18:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning Paige was in the shower "cleaning" and singing. She loves to make up songs, but this morning her song was more like a mantra that she sang over and over. It went something like this..."I'm a Teenager, I'm a Teenager, I'M A TEENAGER, I'M A TEENAGER!!" Until she was yelling. What does this mean? I chose to just ignore her. I think secretly I am afraid of her. I was always a people pleasing passive child. She is the exact opposite.

She tells women at the soccer games they are ugly, she looks for "fat boys" to make disappear with her wand, she demands chocolate milk in bed while saying she is not ready to get up, she needs "more" sparkly make-up because she can't see it, about every other day she needs her nails done, she always needs a "tissue" after a very dramatic blow up to wipe her eyes, she talks incessantly, she lets the dog in to sit on the couch (and pee) to watch Coraline or Alice in Wonderland with her and on and on. I work full time and She is still very exhausting to me, I can't imagine what she will be like when she really is a TEENAGER.

Let me sum up... 2010 up til June

2011-01-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

Since this was supposed to be a Family History of sorts...And I only posted three times last year I am going to try and summarize events, good and bad.

January:

Lee's niece was married so we spent New Years in Tucson.

Set my goal to loose 20 lbs. I began P 90 x with Lee. Lee lost 40 lbs I gained 5 and gave up around March.

Paige started daycare at Piedra Vista High School. She loves "Olee" and was potty trained there.

Trey found out he loved basketball. I seriously doubt he will have much height to go with this love. With Murphy and Busby genes not much chance..

Ty and Shane started track season. Shani was forced to participate and Ty was motivated to make it to State as a Freshman. We spent many nights at the High School track practicing running techniques.trying to teach Shani to run. Many fights at the track with threats, frustrations etc. ..Really a beautiful thing.

With Boggs at the Ranch

Tera Murphy/Gubler Wedding Reception

February: Can't remember

March: We spent Spring Break in AZ. Lee came and we traveled to San Diego. Spent some time with Boggs at the Ranch. Went to the Beach and Flower Fields and Resort.

It was amazing to see the old Boggs. Even cynical Lee had to admit there was a change in Boggs that he did not ever expect. Spent every weekend watching Track meets or Soccer Games. Threw my back out and walked crooked for a couple of weeks.

Carlsbad California Flower Fields

April: Shani finished track season with a first place in the 400. Yeah!

May: Ty qualified for State in the Boys medley and long jump. I turned 39. Talked to the HS Baseball coach at Farmington High School about having Pierce come and play in the Connie Mack league. Coaches looked a film and stats and decided to take him. Pierce came to stay after he graduated. Trey played for the Panthers Baseball again. Final game he told the coach he had been practicing pitching with Pierce. Coach let him pitch. Trey did pretty good but it was soooo painful to watch as he struggled. He was definitely in over his head.

University of New Mexico State Track Finals (400 boys medley)

Summer: Started off with many visitors.

Trey was baptized. Lee's parents, Mom, Chea, Wendy, Heidi, Jackie, Missy and all of their kids and Pierce came to stay for a couple of days. Very full house. I decided to spare Lee the stress of thinking about all of those people coming. He was just surprised when 22 people came to stay.

Spent most of the summer watching Connie Mack Baseball Games. Pierce was like a superstar in the Newspaper every week.

Pierce as Short Stop for Farmington Cardinals

I have spent 18 years trying to keep my crazies at bay. Having a sibling live with me opened "Pandora's box." Pierce encouraged me to embrace who I am and revel in the madness. Many fights, arguments, breakdowns ensued this summer as I tried to bend a very stubborn 18 year old to my plan for him. Pierce was unbreakable and I lost. However I learned much from having that boy stay all summer. Paige also learned many new phrases; "This song is Gay", "You are Gay" etc. Thanks Pierce for helping me remember who I am.

It only took 18 years

2010-12-22T06:31:00.000-08:00

I think I might be a closet "hopeless romantic". (Thanks to my mother.) After 18 years of being married to a realist, Type A personality Chea was finally able to coax a "semi-fun/romantic" photo shoot out of Lee. Here are the results. I will be sending after-Christmas Cards.

Why? Irrationality expressed.

2010-10-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

Me: "Stay in the car Channy"

Me: "What is going on out there?"

Me: "Stay in the car Channy"

Me: "Why is Ty and friend the only one's running suicides?"

Me: Now out of the car at the fence with my hand on my hips giving the stink eye to the coach...

Me: (asking a Freshman player) "How long have those two been running?"

Small Freshman Soccer Player: "I don't know about half of practice"

Me: "What did they do?"

Small Freshman Soccer Player: "They were talking while coach was."

Me: Walking with my hands in the air shaking, eyes fixed on the coach, "What is going on here?"

JV Coach (Not even the Varsity Coach): "They are running because they were giving me Varsity Attitude... they thought they did not have to listen."

Me: "So they had to run for half of practice?" " No water...YOU Couldn't do that!!!!###***"

JV Coach (NEVC): "Well I am a fifty year old man."

Me: "I am a very angry 40 year old woman."

Me to other coach that walks by (By the way he is about 23 with spikes in his lips and still thinks he is a HS soccer star): "YOU CAN'T DO THAT EITHER!!!!***###"

Other spikey coach: "Mam' calm down lets talk about this"

Ty: "Moommmmm please stop lets go"

Me: "What I am just trying to find out what is going on"

Other Spikey Coach: "Long Explanation about RESPECT, sportsmanship what a good player your son is... Blah Blah."

Me: Still wanting to fight and verge of tears

Ty: Mom this is not helping...

Me: "Alright then"

Spikey Coach: "Do you want to talk to the Varsity coach he is in Durango and will be back tonight."

Me: Ignore him and walk to car

Ty: Very upset..." I didn't even do anything"

Me: "Don't ever make me come to your practice and watch that again...all while crying hysterically"

Me an hour later sitting on the bathroom floor

Ty: "Mom are you alright?" "Can we ever be friends again?"

Me:"...I hate that I am crazy."

So I ask myself was any of that necessary. NO. So Why????

Stop Whining I am Doing my Work

2009-11-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

Paige just came up to me and pushed my belly and said "Stop whining, I am doing my work", then proceeded to play on Lee's computer and made other disconcerting noises and phrases like AHHHHH who touched this?!, This is my work!, I have to work!, and Don't touch it!

Ty asked me yesterday why our house it like Chea's. We never have any food and I never cook. That is such a lie!

I think trying to pull off two full time jobs and be a decent caregiver is making me and my children warped!

Grandma Arnett... and Brush my hair

2009-08-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have very few traits like my paternal grandmother. But one of my biggest memories of her is brushing her hair. She would get her brush and ask us to comb her hair. She loved it. My own mother does not like anyone to touch her hair so I assume that my love for this form of relaxation came from Grandma Arnett.
Anyways I have taken to paying Trey to brush my hair or just "get out the tangles". Paige thinks this is something she can do also. Yesterday she brought a brush and began to groom me. Apparently she thought I needed my hair wet down to properly comb out the tangles. ( I do this to her) So she comes back from the bathroom with the brush dripping. I let her brush my hair into a wet mess as she goes back and forth from the bathroom to the couch several times. I am not sure why it did not occur to me that she can not reach the sink... Nonetheless I was enjoying getting my hair done.
I finally got up to go into the bathroom, I was very surprised to see my little Paige dipping the brush into the toilet and on her way to continue with her work on my hair.
Gross!!!

Family Vacation Yellowstone, Tetons, Martin's Cove, Rushmore

2009-08-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

Shani at Jackson Hole Theater.

We decided to have family closeness and all travel 3200 miles in the truck. Maybe not so wise. This is Crazy Horse in SD. The native American version of Rushmore.

Me and Paige Slept in the truck while the others visited Crazy Horse.

Rushmore Pics. It is actually a very interesting site to visit. Well worth the drive.

I loved the Teton's. Many good memories from this beautiful place.

Jackson Hole Cowboy in Bronze.

Jackson Lake

Yellowstone...Hot...Cranky...Why do we have to look at this stuff...this is where I discovered that someone stole our food out of the back of the truck in Ogden. At least it wasn't like my wallet and all of the vacation spending $$ Oh wait that happened too.

Old Faithful. Well worth the crowds and traffic.

Love the Elf.

Ricks or BYU Idaho

Rexburg Temple

Murphy Reunion in Zion's

2009-08-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

Getting Ready for Angel's Landing Hike.

Older Cousin's Table

Murphy Clan before leaving home on Saturday.

Pool Table was a Hit!

Paige was excited to see Shani after two weeks of her being gone.

Trent and Troy showing their skills at Horse shoe's

The Start of Angel's Landing when everyone was hopeful.

Tara showing off her Rock Star skills.

Trey and Maddie just saw something horrifying and did not hid their disgust and surprise.

Zion's is home to many foreigners... they have different tastes in swim wear. Trey and Maddie did not approve.

This is part of the Angel's Landing Hike. Very scary! I found out I am petrified of heights. I was still able to make it to the top nonetheless.

Down on Grandpa's Farm

2009-08-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

This July 4th we spent time visiting Utah. We built a porch at Lee's Uncle's House in Roosevelt and visited his Grandpa's farm, and other old family homesteads. Way cool. I would have loved to loot some of those places.
We also attended the Arnett Reunion. Here are a few pics from both events.

I want that Back...

2009-06-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

The older I get the more I realize how fast time flies. I want it to stop... I am at peace with Me getting older and fatter and crankier. However, I want my kids to park it for awhile, I want my flowers to stay in bloom, I want my house to stay clean, my dishes to stay done, laundry clean, my hair to stay colored with out dark roots, my "to do" list to stay crossed off, my Mt. Dew to stay full, and the dog poo to stay raked.

What spurred these thoughts was the Double Birthday of Paige, and Trey. When Paige asked for panties on her Birthday I was sickened. She is my last baby. I will only get to change diapers, make bottles, and rock her for a little longer then poof, that time is gone. I missed many of those years with Trey when I was working and Lee was in school. I want them back! I want my Tulips in Bloom again, I want Paige to not know how to say "Shut Up" and "Go away" (Thanks Shani) I want my old Volkswagon Bug, I want to go camping with Grampie in his red truck and my "luvvie", I want to live in trailer in Oracle and have a great garden and mostly right now I want my babies back and my Mt. Dew full.

Blogstalking

2009-05-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Through reading my sister in laws blog with her beautiful baby and then going to my cousin Lindsay's blog I saw that my other crafting cousin was doing a give away. I LOVE GIVE AWAYS!!! Anyways visit her site megscrafts.blogspot.com. YOu too might win a free craft especially made by Megan.

Goblins

2009-05-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

Me and Paige walking to find the really good dirt.

Trey running from Grandma Murphy.

Lee trying out the timer on the camera. Mercy I look old!!

Ghandi?

Last year we went to Zion's National Park Spring Break. Great trip! This year we tried many new National Parks in Southern Utah. The kids were so surprised when day after day we were hiking, the Great Wash, Arches, Natural Bridges, Capital Reef, and one more somewhere close to Moab.

Goblins National Park was the funnest!!! You can actually climb and run amuk! The kids played hide and seek with Grandma and Grandpa Murphy. Me and Paige just dug in the sand.

Lee got some great pictures.

Moments that Define

2009-04-30T13:08:00.001-07:00

March 08 I took Ty for a drive by of Mesa View Middle School. Check out the new school!!
Some kids were out running for PE so we watched them, and sized them up for awhile. It was not the Queen Creek Az crowd he was used to for sure. I could see my 13 year old's eyes well up just a bit. Maybe from fear of the unknown, PTSD from leaving a very comfortable social situation or all of the above.
Moving when you are a teenager is hard. Moving a lot growing up is harder. Nonetheless I told him he would be fine. But my heart ached just a little bit also. I was hoping we had done the right thing moving to Farmington.

After I enrolled Ty I saw on the Marquee that track had started. I told him to talk to the PE teacher and stay after school for practice. His reply..."Gay". I did not pick him up for school and he texted me several times...Come GET ME!!! I did not.

Long story short he did very well last season in 110 hurdles, 400 meters and long jump.

Fast forward to Tues. April 28, 2009.
It was one of those days where you witnessed life changing events. Ty competed in Basin Finals for the 110 hurdles, 400 meter run, and 200meters.
Watching him I wanted to vomit, cry and scream. (When I figure out how to post video you can witness the screaming.) Ty set a record in the 110 hurdles, Basin Champion in the 400 meters 55.3 and got 2nd in the 200 meters 24.05.

Like Lee told me the morning of the Track Meet this is a time and an accomplishment that he will always have..."no one can ever take this from him."

I guess we all need moments of Greatness to get us through this life. What an honor to witness that moment in someone else's life.

Puppies are Good

2009-04-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

I am so behind in some of my paper work and invoicing!! I have been trying to be consistent at exercising but other things suffer...like my work, my lesson plans, my kids, my house, my patience etc.
I know I wouldn't have to exercise if I would just give up Mt. Dew and Reece's. But I also could not accomplish everything I need to and stave off my stress from letting the above mentioned items slack. A vicious circle I know! But back to being grateful for puppies. This morning I did not go work out with my friends. ( I exercised at home, novel idea) So I had almost 2 extra hours to catch up. However Paige had other plans for me that included, Moon Sand, Tents, Chocolate Milk, many many books, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Shampoo, Water, two changes of clothes and my best lipstick.

Finally I sent her out with the dogs. She fed them, screamed NO NO NO, carried the puppy, and basically occupied herself with them for almost a full 45 minutes. You would not believe what I accomplished in that amount of time.

Thank you, you nasty little pooping machine. (puppy not Paige)

Payback Time

2009-04-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

So our wonderful little addition is not a good night sleeper.
Surprise, Surprise!! But I figure that I was not consulted on the decision to get the puppy and I already raised 4 newborns. I got up with them at night, fed and changed them so I will just pretend that I do not hear the yelping and crying that has continued for the last 3 nights.

Last night was especially bad and Lee was tired and lacking in nurturing skills.
He got up yelled at the dog, put it in the garage, changed the newspaper and pads, and then finally gave in and brought the dog to our bed. EWWWWWWWWWWWW. But I continued to pretend to sleep like a baby. The puppy would still not be content.
So Lee pulled out the big guns. (And I did laugh out loud just a little at this) He told the puppy he was going to "Kill it... with a Knife!" If it did not stop.

It did not stop but alas it is still alive to yelp another night.

My need to Nurture...

2009-04-05T18:03:00.001-07:00

Aunt Candy had a beautiful post about women (her nieces) who nurture children and their fulfillment. I have four beautiful children and struggle with nurturing. So Lee brought home a gift that I could continue to practice my nurturing skills on. She was intended for Shani but I know how that goes... Mom will pick up poop, train and feed the "kids" dog.

Also a big shout out and thanks to Brother-in-law Colby who bought a little puppy for his boys while we were visiting during Spring Break. Lee of course could not control the impulse to get one also.

Lucky me this is an "inside" Dog!!!!

This is going to be so0000 fun.

The "damn" Leprechaun!!

2009-03-19T15:02:00.001-07:00

So I sometimes try to be a good mom and have traditions for my children to someday look back on and emulate with their children or just remember fondly. Anyways St. Patrick usually comes and hides candies or does a scavenger hunt. However sometimes it is an afterthought for me and I do a less than adequate job as a Leprechaun. I was remembering when we lived in Socorro and I forgot to do anything with the gold I had. So that night I stuck a back of chocolate gold on the wreath hanging on the door. I told Trey to go outside and look for something in my car. (Hoping that he would see the gold on the way back in.) Well he swung the door hard and the gold came down and hit him on the head. He was sure that the "damn" Leprechaun (as Lee says) threw the bag of gold at him. Makes me laugh whenever I picture his face and him telling the story of the Leprechaun that threw the gold at him.

Yet another time I forgot to be a good Leprechaun and a few days later I had Shani look in my glove box on the way to school. She was sure that the Leprechaun had hid the candy so good that they could not find it on St. Patrick's Day!

This year no gold throwing and just a trail of gold pieces leading to each child's See's Candies Gold Pieces.

All Before 10:00 o'clock in the Morning

2009-03-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

I decided to track Paige's Morning today.

-tried on 8 pairs of shoes
-filled 2 purses with everybody else's stuff
-laid on my bed naked with a UofA hat
-took a bath
-took another bath with clothes on
-ate two lip glosses
-ate some lotion
-ate some shampoo
-put on Shani's mascara
-sniffed deodorant
-used 74 wipes
-unloaded the silverware from the dishwasher to the floor
-tried to put laundry soap in the washing machine
-cried a lot (Cause Laundry soap hurts your eyes)
-read two books
-mashed 6 chocolate donuts
-talked on the phone
-made 6 copies of nothing
-found three passies
-made beds for three babies
-refused Life Cereal
-begged for Life Cereal
-Threw the bowl on the floor
-cried
-read the same book again

-another Chocolate milk bottle (I know shame on me for letting her still have bottles!)

I am too old to have a toddler!!!

Rebound Relationship

2009-02-24T09:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have not completely quit seeing Mr. Dew. I admit in my closet at school I have a 2 liter that I chug when no one is looking but I have had it there for 2 weeks. Also it is my rule that if a student uses the "F" word in the wrong context in class they will bring me either Mt. Dew or Chocolate. (that rule was in place before I decided to change my evil, white trash, unhealthy ways.) So I do have a few unopened Mt. Dews for emergencies.

I decided to try a new love. My sisters have a fondness for Diet Coke with Lime and occasionally I will share this drink with them. I think it is a waste of a drink. No real kick and just a bad headache...

But since I have faithfully been working out with my neighbor friend for 3 weeks now I thought I should do the diet thing. We have made it our ritual to stop in Bloomfield and get a diet drink after working out.

I am about to go back to Mt. Dew. I have not lost any weight and look like a very STRONG Fat woman!!!

I am finally letting go of my oldest and most meaningful ReLationShip!!

2009-02-15T16:26:00.001-08:00

As a student at Chandler High School I fell in love. Many days I would walk across the street to Elmers for a secret rondevous. (how do you spell that?) We would share an Elmer's Bean and Cheese. Sometimes I would borrow money for him! Through out all my 16 years of marriage I have remained still in love with this "nectar of the Gods". When I feel down, depressed, tired, lonely, fat or happy I always have this "love" or addiction. I have tried to give up this relationship many times but always return for the sweet nectar.

However Saturday night while watching 20/20 our relationship hit a HUGE Bump. Apparently the people of the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky have the same type of addiction and relationship I have. They cannot resist the 50% more Sugar and Caffeine than regular Pepsi or Coke... Just as I Love the sugary happy delight. But when I watched a disgusted Dentist talk about the rot in their mouths and watched the doe eyed white trash chugging down my "nectar of the Gods" I fell out of love just a little. Then Lee proceeded to remind me of my own rotting mouth...most likely due to this persistent relationship and my own doe eyes at every 7/11 and Circle K I see.

I have decided to break up with Mt. Dew for good!! It was a good run but I guess I am too old to carry on this relationship. Not to mention too FAT.

Happy 14th to my Baby Boy!

2009-01-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

Ty turned 14 yesterday and I turned 80. I can still remember being fourteen... so weird that now I have one of "those".

I must admit he has turned out pretty good so far. He a great mix of his dad and me. Very organized and neat yet still a little laid back, a sense of humor with a touch of crazy, athletic and artistic, and a "smart ass" and a pleaser. All good combinations.

Who would have thought that the little 4 lb baby would tower over me by 5 inches at 14.

Happy birthday Ty Marshall Murphy!

Echos of yesterday...

2009-01-03T17:45:00.000-08:00

I visited Great Aunt Arwella today.

I love to hear her voice. It is an echo of my own Grandmother who passed away when I was about 10. What I love most is when she says my name "Channy"... like that is exactly who I am.

I was born Chandell Fay Arnett and grew up as Channy. But as an adult and in the world of work I became Chandell, Ms. Murphy, Sister Murphy, "Miss" (to the juvenile delinquents), Mrs. Murphy, or Miss Chandell.

When Arwella calls me Channy and talks to me like she has known everything about me since I was born, it is the most comforting thing I have felt in a long time! She reminds me of who I am or who I was. Funny how easy it is to loose yourself as you become an adult. You become so many things to so many people that you hardly remember when you used to be so happy playing the piano loud and long (Man from Snowy River Theme my personal fav.), eating peaches off the tree, playing in the mudd, reading Newberry Winners, talking to yourself, skinny dipping, playing wahpah on the trampoline, coloring with your friends, and singing off key with your sisters.

Winter Visitors

2008-12-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

Mom, Dad and Pierce came for a visit this weekend. Pierce, Ty, Lee and Trey all went snowboarding/skiing Sat. It snowed the whole day! Lee said he only got to do one run and spent the rest of the day on the bunny hill with Trey. Trey loved it!

Sunday Mom, Trey, Shani, Lee and I rode the Polar Express to the North Pole.

5 degrees is very cold. Not a good temp to wait for the Polar Express in your Jammies in.

Dad was very very very very very ill. It was just cold so he was hiding out under his hideous beanie.

It is always nice to have family come visit. It feels like the Holiday's.

"Each one... Reach one..."

2008-12-10T06:11:00.000-08:00

My ever so lovely and talented sister came last Monday to take pictures of the Teen Parents I work with. She is magical and can make anyone look and feel beautiful. I wanted these girls ( and boys) to feel that.

If you want to see all of the pics check out chealambphotgraphy.blogspot.com or on Chea Lamb Facebook.

These girls have so many challenges with boyfriends, families, poverty, school and trying to be a good parent without any role models. They could use some help...

Chea is helping me round up some items these girls are in need of.

(Many people feel that my girls deserve what they get because of choices they made...but we have all made bad choices. Some just show on the outside more than others.)

Some items that they are in need of....

socks: any size up to 24 months

warmy blankets: (it is cold here!)

cribs

crib mattresses

warm clothes: boys sizes 18-24month

girls sizes 6 mo-5T (Many girls!!)

Baby books, toys, car seats, strollers really anything is a help!

"Shooooos"

2008-12-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

Paige has a fettish with shoes! Not a bad one to have. Last night we were at Big 5 buying new basketball shoes for Ty and Trey. (Apparently the ones I got at the thrift store were not good enough.) Anyways while everyone was busy trying on shoes, Paige too was busy at work.

She had filled up a near by trash can with about 6 pairs of Nike High tops from the display. I am not sure what was going through her head but she was greatly dismayed when we put them back!! She has such a delightful scream that she has perfected. She usually gets what she wants when she uses it. So she tried it out in the store. I hate shopping with all of my kids and with Lee!

Waiting for Pie is Dumb!!

2008-12-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

We went to Morgan Utah for Thanksgiving. From the time we arrived early Wednesday morning Trey was ready for pie. He was constantly starving for lack of nourishment. (Pie)

Thursday morning he asked for a piece, During dinner he asked for a piece. When he was told that we were waiting for another cousin he exclaimed that "Waiting for Pie was Dumb." I don't think that prim and proper Grandma Murphy knew what to say. Of course we did not continue to wait for the cousin and Trey was at last appeased. After reflecting on Thanksgiving Dinner I think I agree. The only thing I looked forward to is Pecan Pie.

Thanksgiving Trip was great. The best part was spending time with my Best Friend from High School. Man I love that girl. It is so great when you can find someone that time apart does not change your relationship. She arranged for our families to have a soccer match, feed llamas and goats, eat lunch and spend time catching up. Good times!

I have so many great memories of Dianne.

I am Thankful for Pecan Pie and my only friend (other than sisters) that has stood the test of time!!

"Fall" Thoughts...

2008-11-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

I hate Fall...and today I began listening to Christmas Music on XM. I decided to put up Christmas Decorations tonight. Except I also hate Daylight Savings so I have been taking to going to bed about 8:00pm. I would go to bed at 7:00 but that would make me seem to lazy!

Anyways since I have decided Fall is over I will say that I think I am obsessed with Pumpkins.

I think about them all the time and want to have them.

I want gourds, white ones, antique ones, huge ones and all of the small ones, ornamental,foam, or ceramic... are all good.

Since I regularly deny myself things I really really want I did not purchase all of the pumpkins I wanted. Thus leaving me obsessed with them.

Next year I am planting my whole back acre in pumpkins and gourds. Maybe I will sell them.

I hate Fall!!

YES THAT IS A TOOTHBRUSH!!

2008-11-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

Strange how when the toilet gets clogged no one did it! This morning we mysteriously woke up to a clogged and gross toilet. Since I am apparently the only one who knows how to use a plunger I plunged our problem. Paige seemed fascinated with this process and several minutes later I found her using the plunger and the toilet brush. Gross!!
The second time I went in the bathroom to tell her "No, No, Ca ca, Yucky" I saw what she had done...
You can only see two of the cars in the toilet... there were four, and Shani's toothbrush. (Shani's bathroom drawer is her favorite, many lip glosses, chap sticks, toothpaste, bows and other goodies.)
Shani told me later that she had even been brushing her teeth lately... with that toothbrush. I guess she is implying that brushing was an option and she recently had made it a habit. My kids are kind of sick! Nonetheless all items were retrieved. Time to start closing the lids!!

If I Can Not Do Great Things, I Can Do Small Things in a Great Way

2008-11-16T18:03:00.001-08:00

My Dear Friend Passed away last Wednesday Night...
Ann Hale was one of the first people I met when we moved to Socorro NM 5 years ago.
We were like Mutt and Jeb. She is 6 feet 1 inch and I am 5 feet 5 inches. We started teaching Drug Prevention Classes in the Middle School and continued our work with youth for the next 5 years. Although Ann is 9 years my senior we found much in common. She grew up in Whiteriver Arizona, My best camping memories are of Whiteriver.
She loved the Arizona Wildcats as do I. She played basketball at MCC... I attended MCC.
So the similarities were a stretch. Nonetheless I enjoyed a co-dependent, enabling, close -distant tumultuous relationship with this powerful, and gentlewoman.
I attended her Memorial on Saturday and my eyes have still not recovered.
Lesson learned... I will pay more attention to relationships. I guess in the end that is all you have.
She will be missed.

Tweedle Bugs and Snow

2008-11-05T14:26:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up to this... Coldy, Coldy!

Here are a few pics of Halloween. Paige was a Tweedle Bug/Butterfly. Very Cute!

I am at a loss for words lately so just enjoy the pics.

FaLL FesTiVaL

2008-10-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

When Lee is off of work I always feel like we have to do something. My idea of something is usually clean the house, rake the tumbleweeds out of the yard, clean out the garage or something like that. However this weekend it was my idea to ride the quads AND go to the Fall Festival and pick pumpkins. Riding was not that fun since Trey refuses to use his brakes and just runs into people and things. Shani is afraid to go up any hills and goes very slow.

Anyways back to the PumPKin PaTcH. Lee surprisingly just wanted to go to Safeway or the Kmart Parking lot but I insisted and we were off to Aztec.

When we finally got there I was much dismayed that we had to pay to get in!! You can't even just buy pumpkins!? They made you go on a HayRiDe to the PumPKin PaTch. Even though the pumpkins were about $15 each it was worth it. The kids and Lee had a great time picking the best pumpkin.

Another treat for Trey especially was the corn pit. He dirtied himself and played forever. Paige did not like that stuff on her clothes and much preferred the SpriTe BottLe and the chickens.

Ty shot corn at a target and ShAnI got her face painted. Lee said it felt like DisneyLand for PumpKins. Pretty close. But I thought it was fun. First time I liked spending money.

Come play with me...

2008-10-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

Shane has never really liked dolls, babies, kids, anything that takes effort. But she loves Paige. She plays dress up with her, plays on the trampoline, teases her, and reads to her. I shouldn't be but I am always so surprised at how attached she is to Paige. Here are a couple of snapshots of them playing. I know in a couple of years when Shani is raging in her teen years I will long for these days!

Angel's Peak in the Morning

2008-10-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Seems like the most meaningful time I spend with Trey is in the morning when I am waiting for the bus with him. The other morning he looked across our yard to the mesa's and mountains and said how beautiful they were. He described the colors of the sky and the mountains etc. Then before he hopped on the bus he said I am going to draw that. When he came home from school he had this picture. He drew it. I am surprised that a kid with the attention span of a gnat could transfer what he saw to this.

Reindeer Games??

2008-10-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

So I feel a little like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. My friend Trish "tagged" me. I normally don't engage in blogging games, (Never been asked). So I am going to give it a try...
8 TV shows I love to watch
1. The Closer (She reminds me of my friend in Florida, I love the Southern Woman thing!)

2. Fringe (My new fav.)

3. American Idol

4. Big Brother

5. The Office

6. Backyardigans

7. Columbo (Re-runs when they are on.)

8. Wizards of Waverly Place (I tell my kids I love that show but have only seen one episode it was funny.)

8 things that happened Yesterday

1. Freaked out because Shane and Trey missed the bus...(Throws my whole day off)

2. Bought myself "expensive" make up. (Thanks to my niece Jessica for the inspiration)

3. Taught 4 classes

4. Took Trey to Soccer

5. Went to Target for Halloween Costume for Trey (blue Power Ranger)

6. Made chicken enchiladas for dinner. Made them so hot no one but Lee could eat them.

7. Had a "Heart to Heart" with Ty

8. Put together a cabinet for all of the video games and DVD's

8 Favorite Places to Eat

1. Elmers (Place across the street from my HS in Chandler)

2. Olive Garden

3. Any Sushi Place

4. Joe's Crab Shack

5. Taco Bell (Because of the Mt. Dew)

6. Red Dragon in Tucson

7. Anything I don't cook

8. Eegee's

( I think this game should be 5 instead of 8 of everything!)

8 Things I look forward to
1. Wearing wigs (when I am bald)

2. Being just a mom

3.Having A maid

4. The Spring ( I hate Fall and perhaps winter too!)

5. Being old and crazy and torturing my kids

6. Loosing 20 lbs

7. Having a productive Garden

8.Sleeping through the night

8 things on my Wish List

1. House on the Beach

2. Debt Free

3. PhD.

4. Lived by my family

5. I had a Pecan Orchard

6. Shani's eyes would pop out of her head next time she rolls them

7. Lee would find his destiny, purpose or legacy Whatever makes him so restless

8. I would excersize

8 people I want to Tag (this is hard I don't really have friends mostly family so here goes)

1. Shani

2. Chea

3. Heidi

4. Wendy

5. Brittney

6. Sara

7. Frances

8. Kim

The Happiest Place on Earth

2008-10-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

So Sept 26th weekend Lee had this great idea to take the kids to Disney Land.. "before the economy crashes". Strange rationale I know but nonetheless the seed was planted and we went. Left Thursday night for Arizona... Picked up Pierce and left for California Friday morning.

We went to Santa Monica Beach Friday afternoon and then Disneyland Saturday morning.

Paige absolutely hated Disney except for the parade at 7:30 pm that night. So you can imagine how much fun I had fighting her all day. She threw a pacifier, sippy cup, and bottle into oblivion or the Disney lake. She pulled out her ponytail hair and all, destroyed her ribbon and shot her rubberband somewhere. She ate a bag of Cotton Candy, 7 fruit roll-ups, a Mt. Dew and then spit them on her very cute outfit. By 11:30 she looked like a very angry, disgusting elf. She proceeded to wriggle out of the stroller, my arms, Lees arms all the while screaming. Nothing would console her.

Trey loved every ride and wanted to go again. He probably had the most fun of all until... the parade when he was on overload. He needed a Mickey Balloon, Sword, Cotton Candy and a Churro stick simultaneously. He did not get them and began to cry and rub off his face painting which sent him into hysterics. Good ending for the day!

As for the other kids.. not really sure if they like Disney Land. They spent the day together standing in the "Big Kid" rides.

Later that night at the hotel everyone decided to sit in the hot tub. Apparently so did 12 other "special needs" adults with continence problems. I did not venture the tub but Lee was sure he smelled "diarrhea" in the hot tub. Imagine his horror when Trey emerged from under the water with his cheeks full of that bacteria ridden brew.

I don't know if Disney is really the Happiest Place on Earth... but we had fun. Next time I feel the need to blow some money I think I will rent a beach house.

Confessions of a Not so Molly

2008-10-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Okay... I have to confess that I love to read other people's blogs and dream about maybe cooking some of their recipes, canning some beautiful peaches tomatoes or "meat", reading some of the uplifting books or just the Twilight series, making some of the cute crafts, decorating my house, sewing something, anything domestic.

But I must admit ..

- I made Top Ramen Chicken flavor for dinner last night, some of my children chose to have it dry and crunched up in a ziplock baggie with the flavoring on it

- the book I am currently working on is "Hand Hand Fingers Thumb" I especially like the "dum ditty, dum ditty, dum dum dum" part. I have never read any of the Work and the Glory, any Twilight books, and I don't read the Ensign cover to cover every month

-Shani stuck some pretzels in peanut butter and called it a Halloween craft (check out her blog for pictures)

- We usually eat our delicious dinner about 8:00 or 9:00 depending on whether Ty had a game, Scouts, Soccer or dance was that night

-I paid my mom and my sister to can chicken for me and am still willing to pay more for someone to can anything else for me.

-I need my sisters to help me decorate my house and I am too cheap to buy anything new

-I take my baby to a babysitter every day so I can teach Teen moms and dads how to be good parents. (What a hypocrite)

Please tell me the things people blog about aren't true or they are greatly exaggerated!

Hit the Morning Running!!!

2008-10-02T07:22:00.002-07:00

(Kim thanks for the rotating tip but now I can't delete the off kilter one.)

Trey likes to make me wait for the bus outside or at the door with him in the mornings. Normally we are at the door because I am practically naked! Or not presentable. He always makes a run for the bus like the driver is going to take off with out him. Yesterday we waited in the garage. When the bus arrived he went out into the middle of the carport and began backing up while keeping his eye on the open bus door and stairs. The bus driver seemed to be anticipating something. Recently my irrational side has flared up and I had a confrontation with Trey's teacher at PT Conferences over minor things. Anyways my first thought was oh my he is so afraid to get on the bus. Someone must be being mean to him... perhaps I should have a talk with all of the children on the bus and the bus driver RIGHT NOW and put a stop to this. (Never mind that I am in my robe only.) Trey continues to keep his eye on the open door and back up. Then he stops abruptly and bolts. Before I know it he is on the bus and the doors close. Apparently he needed a running start to jump on the bus and the Garage was too close to attain full speed when he hit those stairs. So alas my lecture for the bus driver and other children will have to wait for my next flare up of irrational behaviors.

To"Facebook" or not to "Facebook"

2008-09-25T08:15:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend at Chea's (again). I had a training in Scottsdale so I brought all of my kids for a fun visit. Anyways while sitting at Chea's table "Facebook" came up and Chea took great delight in telling me that both Ty and Shani had a Facebook. Even though I had specifically told Ty a few months ago to get rid of it. He said he did and just started a new one. (He found the loop hole!) Anyways Chea said that she felt it was a good way for kids to network and she has one so she can check up on her kids. I have many (Negative!) feelings about this. Shani definitely can not have one, I don't think it is age appropriate and it puts you on the radar of things, conversations and people. However, Ty????? I need input. So if you have thoughts please feel free to help me out.

"Where's Grampie?"

2008-09-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

I was driving down the road today and looking at my troll hands with little age spots. (I am starting to get arthritis and it is painful!) Anyways I was reminded of Grampie and the little nubs he had. I sure miss that guy. The picture above is when he came to visit me in Florida. I am so grateful for the memories I have of driving him around to his old mission sites and hearing his stories. I think it is lucky that he lived so long after Grammie passed. He was such a huge part of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren's lives. So many many memories of that man.

He taught me to:

-love camping

-hate pigs feet

-look for green olives in green corn tamales

-how to pack a camper

-which peaches were ripe for the picking

-to love figs but wear long sleeves when in the tree

-it is okay to eat out on Sunday's if it is Picadilly's

-you must always have a dessert after dinner

-pray and read often

- jerky needs a lot of salt and to hang on the clothes line for at least 5 days

-it is best to map out your garage sale route at least one day in advance

-stick with whatever job you have

-Thirstbusters are a waste of money

-don't go to church without mints in your pocket

-dry clean your own clothes with a can with a plastic brush on it

-Matlock is good TV, so is People's Court

- keep a year supply

- help your family...

Those of you who knew this man Grampie what did you learn from him?

What are you 50?

2008-09-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Best Friend for 37 years. Chea and I could not be more different. But for some reason we still understand eachother! What a beautiful thing. I can go weeks with out talking to her and then just pick up the phone and we are right back in Jr. High with many stories to tell and dramas to work through. Her photos, artistist ability, chaos, emotions on the edge (always!), never ending projects (people and things) and undying love for her family are to be admired by all. I am so glad that you are 39!!!!!
(I have a great picture of us when we were little but i have to figure out how to scan and then I will add.)

White "Lite-ing" Hawks Football Star

2008-09-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

Today is Ty's first football game. He turned out to be quite a good player despite his lack of mass. (He only has height) But apparently speed can make up for quite a bit. Lee is in Houston so he will miss the debut of the starting: Cornerback, Safety, Kicker, Kick Return and Receiver.

Look at him I am so old!!

Chest Hair, Back Hair, Leg Hair...Hair No More

2008-09-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely trip to Queen Creek this weekend and stayed with the Lamb's. Wayne likes to tease and was asking Trey if he had any chest hair. He replied "No but I have back hair." This prompted many more conversations about hair. Why does he have so much, Can he shave it, Why do girls not have hair, Why does Ty not have as much hair as he does etc. Anyways on the way home from soccer he was rambling and I was deep in thought so I was only half listening. I remember something about I am going to get rid of the hair, maybe shave...

This morning in the shower there were about 20 naked GI Joes and a razor. Still I did not think anything. Then when I was putting on Trey's socks I noticed how smooth his legs were (Up to his knee cap and then there was a line of fur)

I asked if he shaved. He replied very confidently "Yes!" and then went into great detail about what soap he used to lather up and how careful he was. I did not know what to say so I just said hmmm. He was late for the bus so he ran out and that was that. Hairy legs no more!

"Let me do it!"

2008-08-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

Paige likes to drink out of anyone's cup. (She also want to hold it herself...Let me do it!)Apparently someone did not set their drink back far enough on the counter. The little elf with her eagle eye spied it on the edge of the counter. Very sneakliy she reached for it with her little fingers...Kapow, Splash, Scream, Crash...
You can guess the rest. As a side note why is Koolaide not clear? Why the red Dye?

The only thing in Life that matters is...

2008-08-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

Monday we had a Family Home Evening Lesson about the way we treat others. Lee was explaining to the kids that the only thing that defines you as a person is how you treat others. If you treat people bad you are a bad person... It doesn't matter if you are rich or good at sports etc. Then we proceeded to the activity portion of FHE. Polishing our basketball skills or lack thereof. Lee was not pleased with our skills so many lessons, drills etc. ensued. Shani was furious and tried slacking, Ty told Lee that he was not going to try out for Basketball anyway so why are we doing this. Trey loved every moment. Ty and Shani's lack of enthusiasm kept us practicing (me included) for almost 3 hours. Later that night when Ty was in bed and frustrated he asked why if the only thing that matters in life is how you treat others why does dad say it is so important to be good at sports? Good question. So I concluded the two most important things in life are how you treat others and if you were competitive and competent in most sports. Words to live by!!!

Piggy Tails!!

2008-08-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Paige has managed to give herself a mullet. In order for her to relax or go to sleep she pulls out her pony tail and bow on top of her head and then pulls her hair. Thus the mullet. She can't reach the hair in the back only the front. Today we tried a new hair do that accentuates her elfish features but she sure looks cute!

Love and Limits

2008-08-14T06:22:00.001-07:00

I have been teaching parenting classes for the last 4 years. Mostly to extremely dysfunctional families. The buzz words are "Love and Limits" finding the balance. Too much "Limits" and no "Love" create rebellious, bitter, controlling, and perfectionist children and adults... Too much "Love" and no "Limits" is supposed to create children and adults with no boundaries, no structure, no understanding of the real world... basically spoiled monsters.

I often use my upbringing as examples in my classes. ( I have great stories thanks to my siblings and my mom and dad, some stories are not believeable!) A couple of weeks ago I was at the Juvenile Detention Center teaching parenting and Fatherhood Classes to ajudicated 15-18 year olds. (I love those guys... again thanks to my upbringing) I was telling a story from my family and I began to cry. We were discussing "Self-Image" and what feeds it. How parents from infancy create either positive or negative self-image in their children based on what they tell them. I spoke of how my mother always told me how beautiful, kind and talented I am. Then showed a picture of me in 7th grade. My teeth were jacked up, my hair was mousy and stringy, I had bulging eyes... Not a pretty sight! But nonetheless I have always believed myself to be beautiful, talented, and kind because of the endless or unconditional love of my Mother (and father). I always thought you needed a balance of "Love" and "Limits" to become a healthy adult. I have since learned that I would rather err on the side of "Love" with my children and change who they see themselves as and who they become because of my too much "Love".

Thank you mom for your example of Christlike love!

Happy Belated Birthday!

He's almost 40 and still alive...

2008-08-14T06:06:00.001-07:00

Here's a Happy Birthday shout out to Lee. Today he is 38...

The miracle is that he is alive. I don't think he hoped or thought he would live this long...He is always sure he has "Hanta Virus, West Nile, Skin Cancer, Just plain old Cancer, Heart Disease, Brain Tumor, Bird Flu etc". (In that way he and Shani are very alike. Very in tune with every ailment and slight dysfunction in their body. )

Anyways turns out Today he has none. He is just a 38 year old Petroleum engineer at ConocoPhillips who gets up and is at work every morning at 7:00am and comes home at 6:00pm. I know this is not the life he dreamed of or dreams of, but his family appreciates him taking a break from his endless quest for knowledge, horses, and creating a legacy so we can be settled for the moment.

Happy Birthday to the most Brilliant, Complex, Funny, and Spiritual Man I have ever Loved!

Cyclone Lake Camping Trip

2008-07-22T10:09:00.001-07:00

Mirrors and Gardens

2008-07-22T09:44:00.001-07:00

Wendy has been helping me decorate my house. I finally put some mirrors up in the Dining Room and also made my own framed music art. Not necessarily what Pottery Barn has but cheaper and I am cheaper. Here is a picture of my first tomatoes and poppies. Neither are in my garden that I have been waiting 5 years for. ( That is not doing so well) but I am pleased to have tomatoes.

Let me know what you think about the Dining Room/Music Room!

Cheap Summer Fun

2008-07-06T17:41:00.001-07:00

We just spent a week at the Beach and a whole lot of money. I planned a variety of"good" activities and signed my kids up for summer camps. However the only thing they want to do is play in the Walmart $14.00 swimming pool and make water balloons. I could have saved mucho $$'s if I would have know this is all they wanted.

The Horror's of Fishing with Dad

2008-07-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Trey caught four fish while at the Father's and Son's outing in Lemon Dam, Colorado.
Lee was so proud of him. When I asked Trey about catching fish he told me the terrible thing that his dad said about catching the fish and keeping them. "We are only able to keep them if we cut them open, take out the guts, and cut their head off!" He said he just wanted to keep one for a pet because they were so beautiful. I don't think realized what terror he struck in his 6 year old son's heart with his tale of beheading such a beautiful creature. Needless to say no fish came home from the trip.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-02T15:49:00.001-07:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-02T12:38:00.001-07:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-02T09:34:00.001-07:00

Family Vacation on Pacific Coast

2008-07-02T08:24:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics from our Marathon Camping Trip on the Northern California Coast.
I just want to get pictures up for Grammie to look at so I am not going to be too creative.

Progression of Paige or Ketchup

2008-06-11T14:46:00.000-07:00

Mom asked for Pics of Paige so here are some dating as far back as December. I am not as creative or organized as my sisters so I will just throw them out there!

Rescue Me???!!

2008-06-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

Since no one is linked to this blog I will feel free to be honest and use this blog as a therapy tool. I previously blogged that I felt that Verbal Vomit was inappropriate but now have changed my mind.

Yesterday I took a trip with all four of my children to Sam's Club. Just for a fun activity during the summer. Everyone was of course starving so we made the rounds through the frozen food section to get as much free food as we could. However Sam's Club seemed to be running behind and the only thing available was fruit coctail and animal crackers. Trey gave all of the crackers to Paige who promptly stuffed 3 in her mouth. Being the lax mother I am I assumed that she would soggy them up and then spit them out.
Since the fruit coctail and crackers did not fill up the children I sent Ty with Trey and Shane to buy some pizza while I checked out. Paige was not pleased with her siblings leaving and began to wail. On her second big wail she inhaled an animal cracker that proptly got stuck in her throat. She was not breathing just opening her mouth and looking horrified. I blew on her which usually works when she holds her breath..nothing...I turned her over and patted vigorously on her back...still nothing... I am starting to panic and people are looking at me...I think I said softly someone help me...then I tried the heimelich manuever....still nothing and she is turning blue... I am screaming someone help me, someone help me...nothing just stares...so I hang her upside down and bang on her back and out comes three soggy animal crackers.
The cashier then asks if he should call a doctor. (No you moron!!) An a lady next to me said that she knew what to do when a baby was choking but did not want to take her from me. Hello...did you not hear me saying "Help Me!!" in a very panicked voice?

This morning while I was rehearsing the events of yesterday my epiphany came. I am a rescuer who definitely wants to be rescued. Even when I am screaming "Help me" no one will come. That is my job. Then I cried for myself out of pity.

Lesson learned loud and clear. When you yourself are a rescuer no one will rescue you even if you ask for it. Now I definitely feel sorry for my DAD. So this can be a Fathers Day post of sorts to the biggest rescuer of all. Where do you think I learned my rescuing skills?
Thanks Dad for always rescuing and I feel your pain and longing for someone to rescue you.
(My after thought..)
But alas I cannot wallow in my own sadness for rescuers because I know that there is someone to rescue me from my pride, self pity, sadness, sins and mistakes. The Savior.