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.