February???

Thursday is Valentine's Day...where does the time go? Its been a fair winter, only a couple of snowy days-when I say snowy, I mean like 1-2 inches. One day driving to school 2 weeks ago it was icy. No delays, no snow days!!! Bums me out completely. Daddy is traveling but not as much as last year. Emma sings tomorrow in the Ash Wednesday mass. Saturday Lu promoted to yellow belt at EMAC. Incredible day to say the least! 

Mommy & Emma being silly at EMAC

Lu with Master McFarland-before breaking a board

Parents Day at school 2/8/13

Lu making her own Valentine's

our family VDay card. Hi Paddy!!!

Christmas Eve!!!

Merry Christmas Eve! Cannot believe its 2012 Christmas!!! SO excited to be with my babes for a long, long time this year. We still have lots to do, Lights to look at, etc.
We went to the Murphy's and had mashed potato bar. It was a fun night seeing Aunt Meghan with baby on board and proud Daddy Ryan.
When I think back, last year at this time we had no clue what would transpire in the coming days. It's good life works that way. A protective plan in place.
So thankful for the new year and all it will bring!

December 14, 2012-Will Never Forget

I am beyond saddened by the horrific tragedy that occurred yesterday in Newton, Connecticut. Innocent little souls taken for no reason-senseless. This shooter was a child himself-20 years old. 27 people in all are gone. Why are guns so accessible? What can we do to change our mental health system?
I can't help think that the shooter was much like the shooters in the past-loners, trouble in social situations, maybe their parents have tried to help them-maybe not. Had the shooter been bullied? Or did he just snap-something we will never understand in his brain. Did the shooter accept Christ and believe in God and what he has to offer us? Did he pray? May never know the answers to all of my questions.
The teachers-heros. Keeping the children quiet and safe. And the ones that took bullets to help save more children-heros.
The innocent children-it never needs to happen but why the week before Christmas?
Today I hold my girls tighter as I wait for my husband to fly across the country to join us back here at home. We are enjoying the Christmas decorations, still in our jammies and had ice cream for breakfast. I am able to hold my children-many parents are not able to do that anymore. Why do bad things happen to good people?
I am trying to see some good in all of this-I can't see much...but the teachers and children who were killed are now in Heaven. That is some good.
My heart is heavy...my brain is trying to wrap around the whole event. I need to assure my girls that they are safe and all will be fine.

Almost Christmas

I can't believe its almost Christmas...where does the time go? We had a terrific holiday at Thanksgiving. Its so great because the girls have the entire week off. We decided 5 years ago that this would be OUR holiday-just the 4 of us. No one else. We would spend a few days together, somewhere fun. We have been to Chicago twice, Bedford, PA twice, Columbus, OH...this year we went to Bedford, PA. The weather was incredible-so warm. Daddy played golf it was that warm! We hiked, swam in the awesome indoor pool, ate some wonderful meals and just were together. Reading, laughing, shopping...it was perfection. There is this adorable antique store in town-E & O always buy these tiny glass animals there. I love it there-bought some vintage Xmas decorations. 
Monica & Erin stayed with the pets-that was good too. 

Lu just began martial arts at Eastgate Martial Arts Center. Wow. What a neat place. And Master McFarland is awesome-definitely one of a kind. So good with the kids. Lu is loving it! 
Last night was the annual Xmas sleepover-Emma, Grace Silvers, Kristen, and Bree. All went well except the chatter lasted well into the night-1am to be exact. It was fun though-Emma planned a craft-clay pens, we ordered pizza, watched Percy Jackson, ran around outside, exchanged Xmas gifts-so many cute ones-Bree made everyone a headband, Kristen bought everyone Mickey & Mini pj's complete with traveling pants book and that put put "traveling pajama pant on the cover! Too cute! Grace Silvers gave everyone candy-I think-Emma gave everyone their favorite candy and a glass animal. Dad got Ms. Cheri's donuts in the am. 
Tonight Reagen, Kendra, Kit & Jack, Emma & Lu went to eat at Main Street and to Alice In Wonderland play at the Ensemble theater. 
This Christmas we have so much to be grateful for-Baca is alive and well for one. Last Christmas was bitter sweet for sure. Great here in the am because we surprised the girls with an awesome trip to Disney....then horrific by Christmas night because Baca became extremely ill very quickly. He had an infection that went to his brain very fast. Was rushed to Anderson Mercy hospital then to UC hospital, very scary, then rushed into surgery Monday am to remove part of his mastoid bone which had been eaten through by the infection and it went straight into his brain. 7 days in a coma-he woke on the 7th day speaking!!! Off the ventilator, etc. THIS IS A MIRACLE. and THIS is what Christmas is about. 

 Christmas tree in Bedford Omni

 There was a race Thanksgiving am-Turkey Trot-the Murphy's didn't race!

My little martial arts girl

clear

Daddy is all clear today-a great report after his colonoscopy. A huge relief for Dad. I was good-pretty sure all was good but its good to know for sure. We have lots to be thankful for-our health for the most part is good. My file is certainly big-but still thankful. 
   

SLowing Down

Daddy & I leave for our little get away today. Looking forward to some much needed r&r but will miss you too.

Pumpkin Farm-Oct. 21 2012

Gorgeous fall day! Perfect to go to our annual Burger Farm "Festibul!! We've been going since Alex Chapman & Emma Murphy were itty bitty. I'm sure there are pictures way back in this computer that are from other festibul days. This year we have Kate Chapman coming with us! Being 2, she loved all of the games, prizes and suckers. It was crowded and definitely warm. Alex ended up with a sleepover hangover since he had spent friday night at a friends house. We ended the day by picking out our pumpkins and getting ice cream at UDF.