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. 

Grandparents Day

Today is finally the day. We are notified of this day as soon as the school calendar comes out. The excitement builds through the fall as the classes decide the fun activities the grandparents will participate in. Emma has been working with her class on a performance piece for the beginning of the day-"Thriller"-they dress up as zombies and dance and sing. Lulu had an interview to do as well as research on an inventor. Its been fun to hear who everyone's inventor is-Lu had the inventor of ear muffs-Chester Greenwood. The kids dressed as their inventor and the classroom became a wax museum of sorts. Grandparents pushed buttons and heard about each person. Looks like Emma then did a virtual surgery with Grandma & Grandpa. The day is energetic, crowded and rewarding. As parents, we enjoy the after calls to hear all about the events. We feel elated about our decision to send our kids to such an incredible grade school! One that challenges, treats the whole child and provides a spiritual environment.

Alex's Lemonade Stand-9/23/2012

David & Sara

Ms. Dolbey & Mae

Kara & Emma Mock in disguise 

Ms. Scullin & Grammie

For years now we have wanted to do a lemonade stand to raise money to donate to a worthy cause. Margaret suggested next time she came over, we would do a lemonade stand. From there, our day was born. Emma took it and ran with it-researched on line, learned all about Alex's Lemonade Stand, signed us up and got them to send free table cloth, etc. Alex was diagnosed with cancer and decided to have a lemonade stand to raise money for Pediatric Cancer research. She raised a lot of money! She lost her life in 2004 but her parents have established a foundation in her name. It allows kids and adults anywhere to host a lemonade stand and be connected with this wonderful organization. Emma set a goal of $150.00....they surpassed it and raised $396.87!!! 
The day was perfect-sunny, clear, and people were beyond generous. We made cookies, white chocolate mix, Aunt Monica baked cookies & Margaret made cinnamon apple cider muffins. Yummy! The lemonade was even good--good old Country Time lemonade. Lulu was in charge of making signs which we posted on a telephone poll and then used our old Villa Open House sign for the other at the entrance of the neighborhood. This day was incredible in so many ways--seeing Emma & Lulu work together to raise money to donate, having Margaret there with us, experiencing all kinds of people coming by--including Villa families--2 of Emma's friends, Kara Scullin & Emma Mock-too funny--they came in disguise to trick Emma!! The Kirwins came...all neighbors came. It was awesome! There really ARE good people in the world. And I was on cloud 9 for days after!!! SO proud of my girls! 
Daddy was able to come home for the last part of it-he was in Jersey saying goodbye to his dear friend, TJ. Heavy stuff. TJ is dying of melanoma cancer. 

9/11-we won't forget-ever.

SO many mixed emotions today-grateful beyond belief for the freedom we all have her in America.
Grateful to be here on this day.
11 years ago today America....the world changed. Planes were boarded by evil people, hijacked and driven into buildings. Killing thousands. Sick. Absolutely sick.
And the entire event was caught on tv.
I was in our bedroom at 4985 Cinnamon Ct. with music on, hanging out in bed with Emma as we did most mornings...we would chill, listen to music, have her mid morning bottle and be together. Matt was in Columbus for work and a golf tourney. The phone was ringing off the hook-beginning at 9am. I didn't get it because I was was trying to feed fussy Emma (she was hardly ever fussy! just happened to be this day) her bottle. Finally at 9:45 or so I picked the phone up-it was Momm-"where's Matt? and do you know what's happening right now? Turn the tv on..." From the very moment, life as I knew it had completely changed. Forever. I was sick-can't even verbalize it. Scared, alone. And here I had this beautiful baby girl I had brought into the world. And into what world? No need to go into details of the day-its all over the internet. Very difficult times ahead. Hard to let Matt get back on a plane after all of that.
The day after 911 I attended stroller class at the Healthplex and as I am pushing E around the track, snap-my ankle broke-girl next to me heard it. I strolled right out of there, out to my car and called Matt. He had just returned from Columbus and met me in the parking lot at Mercy Hospital. I walked myself in while he and Emma hung out in the parking lot. I knew it was fractured--ex rays were done but it was "too swollen to make a definitive answer. They wrapped it up, I got crutches and out to the car I went.
We were headed out of town to the beach-Gulf Shores...had flights booked etc. but due to 911 all airports were closed for a few days-we decided to rent a van and drive down. I spent the 2 days prior calling all orthopedists to see who could cast me so I could go. Purple cast, Emma & I in the back seat, Matt & David in the front-off we went. I had to elevate my leg the whole time so I kept it on the arm rest in between David & Matt. Emma's first time at the beach! I have pics somewhere...will have to scan and get them on here. It was great to be with family-although all of the news was devastating at the time. Still hard to believe that happened. Lots of heros that day too.

loosing sleep

Not sure what is happening here but Emma has started to be afraid to fall asleep...brings back horrible memories for me from Kindergarten. Not sure what to do-trying to talk through it all with her-she is upset about Halloween, worried she won't fall asleep, having nightmares about the dent schoolhouse, is constantly reminded of it when she sees a billboard, is angry when I'm asleep and she's not so she comes into wake me up-yes, she said that. She cries & cries, ends up in my room and then we both suffer lack of sleep. Matt is traveling 247-he is home for 1 1/2 days then gone for 6 then back for 1, gone on weekends-its not a good place to be right now. Feeling like the mojo here in the house is WAY off. I am loosing my patience. Feeling like when will we ever get a break. She did so well over the summer when she came off the lexapro in beginning of June. No problems at all until 1 week ago.
Where is the balance everyone talks about? I am never in balance....I am beginning to doubt the whole thing.
As a Mom I want to fix this for her-I am going to have to figure something out-its always the Mom, right? We love our kids beyond words and hate to see them suffer in any way. I know logically she needs to try to figure this out herself-but I also know she can't do it alone. I don't want to put her back on Lexapro. Would want to explore another drug for her. But what? I love my girls so much it hurts.

at a weird place....

I am with this blog...is it time to limit what I say and do on here because its cyberspace? Or do I open it all up...tell all...reveal all thoughts and feelings? The problem with the latter is in the future, not knowing who will read this, it could get ugly. Feeling could be heart and information I tell could be shocking to some.  Many in other generations don't necessarily understand or respect blogs. To me, its a snap shot into my head and heart...into our family....a way to archive what goes on here. Especially for the future when maybe I wouldn't be around. I seem to be drawn to anything and everything old-vintage. Anything that reminds me of Grammie. Anything that reminds me of my childhood. Ashtrays, my old blue banana seat bike, recipes, my rainbow sheet and comforter set. I could go on and on. 
The girls can't understand why I forget some things-I have described my brain to them-its a carousel-something comes to the front of the carousel them spins around to the back. May not come back up to the front for awhile. Annoying. Too much in the brain. 
I'll have to think on going full throttle on here. Others have no problem doing it-its a little scary for me. 
I do feel better after being on here. We'll see...

I guess I should have put this post with our Saying Goodbye post....this one is about Petey. He was number 2 guinea pig. Emma picked him out at Petsmart one Saturday afternoon to join Pickles in the guinea pig homemade cage. I was against having guinea pigs from the beginning-mainly because I didn't know a thing about them. I re- thought my decision and suggested to Emma that she do research about them, answer some questions I have and we would re-visit the possibility. Boy, she did her job! Pages of information-how to feed, with what, how to make a cage, etc. The week before Emma's 11th birthday, we surprised her and took her to Petsmart and purchased Pickles for her. She had the cage, had spent some of her own money and now it was time for her reward-Pickles!   Pickles was the first purchase-he was the cutest out of the options. I was drawn to him because his one ear has pinkish skin with no fur on it-so cute! Luckily Emma saw him as the cutest too.
A week or 2 later, we decided to get Pickles a friend-Petey would be his name. Smaller than Pickles, cute with brown on him. They seemed to get along well except Pickles was a bit of a bully at times. Nothing horrible but would definitely show Petey who was boss.
Mid week we did notice that Petey wasn't as active as Pickles. Nothing too different-but definitely sleeping more. Then his breathing became weird-but not knowing much about Guinea Pigs we assumed he was sneezy or had a cold. Saturday after getting Petey, June 2, 2012 he passed away. Emma had been out with the Roberts all day, came home, up to check on them-the scream-I knew. Thankfully, Matt was here to assist. It was not easy on anyone. Emma chose a box from the basement-Erin Condren (the calendar's I get) which are decorate nicely to begin with. It said Celebrate Life on it. Emma further decorated it-Matt dug the hole in the backyard-its pretty back there because we have seeded the area with Wildflower seed-so many unique pretty flowers.
I have to believe in my heart that Petey was sick from day 1. It happened too quick for it to be anything else. Pickles knew. He was laying by his side when we found Petey.
Death is never ever easy. Especially, as a child its difficult to understand that death really is a part of life. Lu couldn't come outside to say goodbye. Too upset. Its hard as a Mom to watch your children hurting. Wish I could take all of that away. Unfortunately, its part of living and growing.

petey

pickles

new beginnings

Hard to believe we are here-another school year. First couple of days were easy, fun and exciting. Luckily only a 3 day week. Yesterday began the reality of it all-6th grade is going to be a challenge to say the least. Lots of tears last night and this am--lots of mouthy attitude and lots of frustration. Emma you have 2 of the very best teachers I know. Amy Arnold is your homeroom teacher-I have encourage you to discuss with her your feelings--overwhelmed, in need of slowing down-we'll see what happens. Lisa Wolfer is your other teacher. Lu had her for Kindergarten-she is trained for 6th grade and that's where she belongs. 
Lu you have Mrs. Finkbeiner-one of my favorite teachers. She is calm, relaxed and has been teaching for 27 years. So far so good in her classroom. You look so old though-grown many inches. 
I need to start praying for us! Without Daddy here for balance, we need to pull together and get through the next few years of hormones, heavy workload and life! 
I miss you at school and know SUV is the right place for you both. Its a wonderful environment that will give you the tools you need to succeed in life. After all-our job is to raise you for life beyond our nest here. 
I love both of you very much!! 
Mommy 

School's out for Summer...Alice Cooper

FINALLY! Its happened to me right in front of my face....FINALLY you came along....Crystal Waters 
An incredible song to say the least! 
School's out for Summer by Alice Cooper is another awesome song. Its going to be a busy but fun summer. Camp Ernst, Art camp, Drama camp, choir camp-all going to be fun. May has been nutty so I am looking forward to lots of down time with you both. 

Last Day!!!! 

2nd grade class

playing tug of war-5th grade party

Saying goodbye

Its never easy to do. Goodbye for a trip...for the day...until months from now....until we meet again-in Heaven. Jean Purcell Overbeck--Great Grandma Jean-has begun her journey. Its the beginning of what will be her new life in Heaven. Her sons, Kevin, David & Mark Purcell are trying to deal with this new stage. Jean is a strong woman-she raised all 3 of her sons, alone, while working in the school cafeteria at Cardinal Pachili school.  She will be reunited with her Mother whom she cared for until her death, her cats, and her true love-Frank X. Overbeck. She & Grandpa were cute together. 10 years went quickly for them, unfortunately. Jean lived next door to Grammie & Grandpa on Paxton dr. in Hyde Park. After Grammie died they started to spend more time together. It worked out well. She helped Grandpa pass on in November of 1995. He was unable to attend our wedding and we prayed for him at dinner at the reception.

She will spend her last days on earth at the New England club on Beechmont. Not a bad place-Uncle Drew and I went today to say our goodbyes until we meet Great Grandma Jean in Heaven some day. She is comfortable. Responded a bit to Drew's voice. God speed ahead Jean! Please pray for us after you get settled up there--we will see you soon! All of our love-

So now you're 11.....

Unreal to me that you Emma Kate Murphy are now 11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Happy Birthday dear daughter-my eldest, wise one. 

at Main Street with Grammie & Baca

swimming at Jordyns

the Sleepover...happy 11!!!! 

I love you so so much! 

teeth, Pickles, Singing....

taken with my iphone-we are relaxing pre-surgery with the meds! 

A lot to catch up on. Someone has a new smile! Lu you were so brave on May 4 the day of your mouth surgery-3 teeth out and a frentectomy which is the muscle thing that holds your top lip to your top gum. I was nervous-no worries at all. You are good to go! 
Emma sings again-amazxing job at the spring concert. Of course I had trouble video taping for Daddy. Turns out, Lori was nice enough to save Baca & I a front seat! Daddy was out of town and Grammie was at Reagan's graduation from pre-school. As a choir group you all sang "Rolling In the Deep"-Adele. Great job! Not an easy song to sing. You also had a solo in a really neat Americana type song. I will have to get the name of it. Wonderful job! 

Welcome to the family-we have a boy! Pickles Alec Murphy! I am so proud of you Emma for how you have handled the whole guinea pig thing. Months ago you came to Daddy & I to ask if you could get a gpig-absolutley not I said. I took some time and really thought about it-just because I know nothing about them doesn't mean you shouldn't have one. We can learn together. I suggested you do some research and answer some questions. This way, we could see how serious you really were. Boy, you showed me! You had pages of research from on line, you came to me and asked what I would want to know, checked in with us several times about it. And, you measured, saved money and ordered supplies to create your very own, unique guinea pig habitat. Its awesome! You are responsible for his food, bedding, cleaning, etc. So far so good. He is kinda cute...but spends a lot of time in his paper bag-seems to feel secure in it. The original plan was for you to purchase the gp after your birthday with your own money. I thought it would be neat to surprise you on May 12, take you to Petsmart and we would buy your gp for you!!! It would be your bday present. Well, its difficult to surprise you--I had errands to run and planned on taking you in the afternoon-you were so persistent-'can't we just stop by Petsmart and look at the guinea pigs? Please?" UGH...I had to just tell you our plans because you would not let it go.We all packed up and went. Honestly, upon seeing them for the first time, I thought they were hideous. I rounded the corner and there were 2 on the bottom in a cage like thing-one was much smaller than the others and I thought the cutest-just had to convince you of that! Luckily, you felt the same way--he was so cute-we signed paperwork, paid for him, got some supplies-you had bought most everything prior. So far so good--only one mishap. The night of the Gino Dimario concert, with 45 minutes until we needed to leave, you had Pickles out for some floor time and he ran behind your bookcase...sigh. Now what!!! You can't call him like a dog! We set up a paper bag at each end and thankfully, he ran into one of them. He is cute...nips a little and loves his paper bag. 

3 months

3 months ago yesterday Baca became extremely sick. Christmas day 2011 will never be forgotten. Rushed to Mercy then to University of Cincinnati hospital to find out Baca had a serious infection that went into his brain. (Streptococcus pneumoniae). Surgery  to remove part of his mastoid bone (behind his right ear), 5 days in a coma, 3 weeks at Drake a rehab facility and he is FINE!!!!! This is a miracle-truly. The power of prayer is what has gotten us all through this amazing journey.We have more time with Baca, we have learned how important family really is and God is good.

Going to try it....

My original goal way back when was to begin  blog in order to document this crazy fun life for my girls. Here we are in 2012 and I am just beginning!

I hope this will be a more regular event.

FIRST COMMUNION

The day was incredible! Cool and gloomy but it just didn't matter. I enjoyed Emma's First Communion too and this didn't disappoint either! Emma was a server along with Kylie, Emma Mock, & Rachel Horst. The Chapel at SUA is such a special place...I didn't want the mass to end. Lu did the first reading and did an excellent job! Grammy, Baca, Monica, Grandma, & Grandpa all sat up in the choir loft. It was perfect. They claimed to have the best seats in the house but I really think Daddy & I did. First family, first row. 
We all came back to our house where Drew, Kendra, Dylan & Reagan and David & Sara came over. Lu chose the entire menu-cocktail wieners, fruit kabobs with dip, spinach & artichoke dip, bean dip, Jersey Mike's sandwiches, and an awesome cross cake from Servatiis. It was an emotional day. Margaret & Mark were here too and as soon as you read her card, the tears were flowing. It was tears of happiness which I totally understand. Its such a happy day because you became closer to God, you are with your entire family and life is so good!!!