Questions About Santa!

OK so the questions were not asked of me but I overheard them. Mary and Galina are busy making late birthday cards for Anya. I am in the other room when I overhear Mary ask Galina "what did Santa look like as a baby? and Who took care of him?"

Ok made this mamma chuckle! I love my kids.

I am so happy they are out of school for two weeks (Mary gets three). Galina had her Christmas program this morning. Very precious to see children sing their hearts out for their parents and for Jesus. Makes me sad Mary goes to public school they had no performance (I know shocking!).

Tomorrow we have a cookie exchange with all 5 sisters and my brother and my mom. I am bringing 7 dozen cookies tomorrow at 1 pm. I have made none so far. Looks like a late night of baking!

Sweet Sixteen!

Well yesterday Anya turned 16. Hard to believe the shy little 12 year old we met is now a beautiful confident 16 year old. She has grown so much. She is 5'8" (taller than me now) and so beautiful inside and out. Peter and I each worte her a note sharing how proud we are of her and thankful that GOd blessed us with her. We also gave her a ring we purchased in Russia that has a stone that is mined in RUssia (my bad, cant remeber the name of the stone :) I will have to look it up). We had Grandma, Aunt Annette, Uncle Bill and their girls come over for a celebration of dinner and cake and ice cream. Speaking of cake, this time of year is always so busy with preparing for Christmas that I usually purchase a store bought cake for ANya's birthday. This year I woke up early and made a homemade birthday cake. Ok I should clarify that homemade in my vocabulary is homemade from a box. Anyways I decorated it real pretty with using candy canes broken into the shapes of letters spelling out "Happy 16th Birthday ANya" It was adorable if I might say so myself. I had purchased a nice plastic tray (but did not look like plastic) to put her cake on. It looked fabulous. Well before going out to run errands and pick the girls up from school I noticed a fly in the house (unusual in the winter) so I put the cake in the oven to keep the fly off of it.
Well all afternoon I ran errands (mostly picking up kids from school). On the way home I stopped by to get some dinner and called Peter who was already home from work. I asked him to throw some chicken nuggets in the oven for my younger nieces in case they didn't want what I was serving. I got home to find out Peter had nopt done what I had asked so I turned on the oven and flew around the kitchen to do the final preparations for dinner when something began smelling odd. Finally my mom said something and it dawned on me! Anya's cake was in the oven on the lovely plastic tray. I opened the oven to find the tray had completely melted in my oven (can you say toxic cake?) I had to throw the cake witht the melted tray attached in the trash.....I could have cried I spent all morning on that beauty! Oh well she ended up with a store bought cake after (seeing a tradition forming here).
All was well and I think Anya enjoyed her birthday!
Happy Birthday ANya!
I will have to post pictures later!

Exciting Week for The Murray Girls!

Anya started basketball at her new school and had her first two games this past week. They only have one team and it is varsity. She got a chance to play in both games. I will have to try and take pictures next time. Anya also had her school winter formal that she attended. We went out and bought her a pretty red dress and she looked so beautiful as ususal.

Of course I forgot to take pictures, so I stole one from her camera. She said she had a great time. She loves her new school with only 90 something students in the high school she says its like a family. The kids are great that go there.

Galina had a HUGE week. She made honor roll this semester and if she was going to a public school she would have had a 4.0 (her school considers a 90 to 92% a B). Anyways she was thrilled and so were we. School has always been such a struggle but she is doing awesome this year. Reading a book a week has really helped her! We are so proud of her!

Finally PJ, my sweet boy is cruising all over the place. STILL not saying mamma (stubborn boy) but an absolute joy!

The Murray History of The Christmas Tree!

Ok over the years Peter and I actually thought our marriage would come to an end over Christmas trees. The pressure of it all. I always romancitized the going out to find a tree with your sweetheart, cutting it down and bringing it home and decorating it while a bing Crosby song plays in the backround with a warm fire crackling in the fireplace, stealing sweet kisses between hanging each oranament and just feeling warm and fuzzy and lovey dovey. Murray Reality? We would go to the tree farm where none of the trees looked perfect til an hour into it and then all the trees looked the same. You get your perfect tree home only to find out that a 10 foot treee does not look as big outside on the tree farm as it does in your livingroom. I guess we always had an eye for big, tall and fat trees. We could never find a stand to hold our trees even after buying everyone on the market and having everyone we know invited over to assist with getting it to stand up. We ALWAYS ended up wrapping some rope (the straw stuff that my dad always had on hand while growing up) around the tree and attaching it to a nail in the wall. So by the time our tree did stand up we always had to decorate it the next day and then there were the LIGHTS. What ever man invented the little white strand of whites that if one light goes out they all go out was not an inventor but an idiot and I mean that in the most christian tone I can give. LOL! So by the time the tree stodd and the lights all lit. . . . . we had shared a few choice words that did not include stealing quick little kisses in between. So the year we adopted our Russian Princesses, after 16 married Christmas' were the tree issue each year was more difficult than our infertilty we purchased an artificial tree prelit (the kind of lights that one can go out and not ruin the strand). It was a neccessaity for the salvation of our marriage and Praise God for it!

Today we decorated the tree. . . . and it was peaceful and sweet. the kids like to hang ornaments up all in the same area which adds charm.

Here is the final project.

Happy 19th Anniversary!

Well Peter and I just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary. It does not seem possible. I mean only OLD people are married that long. It is truly amazing. That morning I thought to myself it did not seem like 19 years but maybe more like 5 years. Peter later shared that it felt like more like 6 years. Wonder why the year difference? LOL! Anyways we celebrated by going out to dinner with the kids. Through out the day I thought about how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband and how I really need to be a better wife. You see this may shock some but I am a horrible NAG. I know, I know, how can such a wonderful person as me be a nag? Hee hee I know most of those that know me the best will actually be nodding your heads. I mean people don't call him Saint Peter with out reason. This coming year I want to be a better wife. I want to be more loving, more forgiving, more patient, more helpful. I want to be the wife my sweet adorable husband deserves. So if anyone is reading this could you pray for this? Old habits are hard to break. I have known Peter for over half my life. I am so thankful for the wonderful man he is.
Speaking of thankful. . . . . . Happy Thanksgiving! We had a beautiful afternoon and evening at my sister Denise's house. Stayed up til 11 pm playing charades with my family....what a hoot!

Theres Another Driver In The House!

Well last Friday Anya went to the DMV and got her drivers permit! I took her out driving in a parking lot and she did better than i did my first time. She is very excited to start driving. We have been too busy to take her out again. She is eligible to take get her drivers license in 6 months. OH the fun of parenting a teenager.

Mary telling on Galina!

Sometimes being a mommy it is very hard to keep a straight face when your kids tell you something. This was one of those times, so I had to share!

Today is election day!

GO out and vote! If you dont vote dont complain. Meanwhile sharing a picture emailed to me by my friend Marlene. I thought it was pretty funny!

Halloween 2008

WOW I cant believe Halloween came and passed so quickley! The kids had a great time.

We had a horse, a cow girl and two 50s girls. Anya even wore Grandma Mary's skirt for the 50's.

A Day At The Park

Last week we went to the local "Duck Pond" park. The kids fed the ducks and got to see the veterans memorial that my dad's name is at (as well as my sisters). It was a beautiful day!

good analogy of Obama's 'redistribution of wealth' concept

A friend shared this email with me today and I thought I would share it with others.

'In a local restaurant my server had on a 'Obama 08' tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference--just imagine the coincidence. When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him thatI was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood therein disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip tosomeone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The serverangrily stormed from my sight. I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the serverinside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy wasgrateful. At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realizedthe homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiterwas pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though theactual recipient needed the money more. I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in conceptthan in practical application.'

Well He Finally Did It!!!!

Yesterday morning PJ took his first steps BY HIMSELF! He walked from me to Anya a few short steps. He is doing the same today. Sigh. . . . . Our baby boy walking. He had his first birthday last Thursday. Our family is still in awe of what joy and love he brings to this family. I once asked my mom about how she managed to love 7 kids so much. She reassured me that with each child the love was not divided but multiplied. I sure have learned that with each addition to our family. . . . . . the love just multiplies.

"what is defeat?"

Being a mom of three children who all started learning the English language 3 years ago can be entertaining and frustrating at the same time. My older girls would much rather ask me what a word is than use a dictionary. Today the question was "mom what is defeat?" I answered, laughed and then told her to look it up in the dictionary. While she looked it up I grabbed the camera to share what happened :).

PJ cruising but will never say "Mama"

Well my sweet baby is cruising with assitance of a walker and loving every minute of it. He makes my heart smile so much. I am convinced though that he will be able to verbalize the declaration of independance word for word before ever being able to say the word "mama." HE usually breaks out in laughter when I ask him to say it, as if saying "not as long as you ask me to do it." He says "dada" all the time, I have heard him say "babba", "anya" "hi" and Galina thinks she heard him say Galina (hee hee).

Here is some video of the hunk of love.
excuse the unsnapped pj bottoms :)

WOOOOHOOO

Wooo hooo Peter and I went out on a date with NO KIDS! The last time we tried a date we brought PJ and he wanted nothing to do with a nice quiet evening out. So today the kids all stayed home and Peter and I went for a lunch out and then a movie. We saw American Carol. Over all a good movie....wish they did use so much profanity but it was refreshing to see a movie making fun of the other side.

What dreams are made of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dreaming of having children you dream of pitter patter of feet, children's laughter, early Christmas mornings and so much more. One of those things is your children putting on a little talent show performing only for mom and dad. Our kids are performers and love to put on little shows for us. This past week Anya has had plenty of time to self teach herself on the piano (after much prayer and consideration she has been pulled from public school, we are currently enrolled in a home charter school and applying to a few private schools). She has been working on "Silent Night". The past couple of days she has mastered it pretty good. With the vidoe camera she didn't do as well but still precious never the less. Thought I would share.

High School.....is hard!

My heart is hurting for my Anya. Today is the Homecoming Dance and she had planned to go with a group of 3 other girls. They were suppose to be here at 5PM, eat pizza, get ready for the dance and then all go together. One girl and her friend called and called at 4:30 to flake (still meeting her at the dance but still). Then the other girl called at 5:30 and flaked (also still going to the dance but will meet Anya at the dance). Why are girls so flakey? They have had this planned for a week. Anya was so excited. Now my poor beautiful daughter has to arrive to the dance by herself. Her and I have often talked how difficult it is to be a teenager in a group and walk by yourself. I recalled and she confirmed it is still true that a teenager walks into a room by themself feeling like they have a big neon sign blinking "LOSER." I try to tell her everyone feels this way and hopefully someday she will out grow it but I guess that probably wont help her tonight. If by chance you read my blog tonight can you say a prayer for my precious daughter? I will post pictures of my beautiful girl after I take her to the dance. By the way anyone want 3 pizzas?

Recieved this email!!!

Regardless of your political views this has to make you laugh! Well at least it did me!

Thanks Marlene!

Update to my Colonoscopy

All clear!!! Praise the Lord! Having some strong family history (Grandmother, cousin and Uncle), its nice to know my colon is good. I dont need another one for 10 years. It was completely painless (thanks to some wonderful medications!).

Colonoscopies and good laughs with friends!

I struggled briefly on whether to share these details about my private life....but then I thought what the heck!
OK so tomorrow I am having a colonoscopy.
As a GI nurse I must get on my soap box about how EVERYONE at the age of 50 should get one....and if you missed it at age 50 its still not to late. Colon cancer is a silent killer. Most times by the time there is symptoms it is too late. And lets face it no one wants to volunteer to have that test....although i did volunteer my hubby Peter for one three years ago. The end result of his was "the test was not that bad" and the doctor did find a very small precancerous polyp that 10 years from then at age 50 might have been a huge mass of cancer requiring surgery, chemo or worse yet had it spread. I often like to tease him that I saved his life. Anyways he is scheduled for a follow up colonoscopy in October. OK so off my soap box and onto my colonoscopy.
So today I called a friend. To avoid any identifying information since I do not have permission to share her story...I will just say we have known each other almost FOREVER! and I really mean FOREVER. Anyways, we talk small talk. Hows the kids? Hows our husbands? Hows our siblings" Hows my mom? Hows her parents? Then on to how we are are. We begin to talk about her personal health issues she is having, and aches and pains and doctor appointments. We then go into my issues and that I am having a colonoscopy tomorrow. By the end of our conversation we were both in hysterics on how our conversations have turned into old people conversations. Her and I must get together soon and do some fun young stuff after today's conversation. TOO funny!
Anyways, so for those that are over due for a colonoscopy PLEASE GET ONE!

A Week Of Firsts

Evidently PJ likes to accomplish things on vacation. SO far this week at the beach he has FINALLY said "Mama", walked holding onto the stroller, clapped and played in and ate sand. My baby boy is growing way way way too fast. He is such a beautiful gift from God and amazes me every day.

OH NO!!!!

I would like to post a crosswalk light for PJ with the big red hand meaning "DONT WALK!"

Well last night while the girls were playing a bit of beach volleyball (and not so bad considering mary is 5 and galina is 10 and their cousin is 8....but then again it was three of them against anya)....anyways and Peter and I were just sitting and relaxing in the lobby of our time share and Peter put PJ down on the floor. As we were talking I looked to my right and PJ is walking his stroller acorss the lobby. OK um when did he start walking? He hasn't even walked holding onto still furniture but he is going to go acorss the room holding onto the stroller? Sigh. Slow down baby boy, mommy is not ready for you to grow so fast.

A week at the Beach!

The beautiful view from our room.

PJ and Daddy hanging out by the pool. PJ loves swimming and loves it even more if he sees a ball to chase after.

After a day at the pool we went to walk along the ocean to see the sunset (you can see Flat Stanley in some as he is visiting our family this month).


The girls and I made Peter a birthday cake for his birthday (OK disclaimer here....it actually looked better in real life...and we were away from home and they didnt have cake pans so we had to make do with what the condo provided).
Brave mommy took three of the kids to the beach while Peter went to work and Anya went to school. A few days later we did the same time only this time brought my 8 year old niece Danielle. We went for a walk I took the kids to the beach and we dragged a wagon to carry booogie boards, lunch, towels, beach towel and umbrellas. We get to the beach set up blankets and towels and my chair....put the boogie boards on the sand and then go for about a 3 or 4 mile walk to look for shells. I had an uneasy feeling on our walk like maybe I shouldn't have left all the stuff (the wagon was a nice one, the boogie boards just not stuff i have money to replace right now). Towrads the end of the walk I am getting antsy knowing something is wrong.....somebody is getting into my stuff....AND I WAS RIGHT!!!! THEY got into our lunch! As I was getting closer to our stuff I saw a squirell on the sand standing up leaning on my wagon...I yell at him to shoo and he does....as I walk even closer I see another one and he runs....and another...and another....when i stand over the wagon there is TWO more in my lunch bag eating our sandwhiches and refusing to leave as I am yelling at them waving my fists!......one stopped and actually gave me the STINK EYE....like "COME ON MAMMA, TRY AND STOP ME I WILL TAke YOU DOWN!!!!!!" FInally my niece claps her hands and they went runniing away. They chewed through two plastic bags one to get to the lunch the other to get to the sandwhiches...so we had to throw the sandwhiches away. I had an alomst full bag of chips and when i opened that it was full of sand (meaning they got my chips)....ok they are so lucky i wasnt PMSing and they didnt have choclate to get into or we would have had squirell burgers for didnner....Anyways out of the kids lunch the did not touch granola bars or their juice....so the girls sat down to eat the granola bars and juice when mary starts screaming we turn around and two squirels are ON MY BLANKET STARING AT ME.....i yell for them to shoo and wave my hands and they both give me the stink eye again like "C'MON mamma try to take us on!"...again my niece claped and they ran off and stood on the rocks staring at me giving me looks and talking behind my back...how horrible is it i was actually afraid of these squirrels? I We eneded up moving our stuff further doown the beach away from the cliff and rocks....i was sure i was going to have squirerl nightmares of them taking me down and beating me up and stealing my house. Wish i had my camera b/c although it is a true story it is hilarious...especially seeing 5 squirells in my wagon, the only non funny part is that they are distgusting (although cute) and were in our lunch.

PJ after a day at the beach.

Mary roasting marshmellows for smores.

All the kids pose for a picture around the fire pit after eating smores.

Silence

Anya and Mary are at school. PJ is napping and my brother in law took Galina to the beach. I have almost forgotten what silence is. Peace and quiet and its light outside. Its been years. Funny I recall the 13.5 years of painfully quietness of not having children. We prayed for the sound of pattering feet through the house and childrens giggles. That is what God has blessed us with only instead of the pattering we have galloping :). And mixed with the giggles is an occassional cry or sounds of fighting. A family that we had prayed for. I love quiet moments to remind me of how blessed I am. A little quiet time with God to give thanks for those 13 and 1/2 years of infertilty to give us a better appreciation for each of our miracles. OK well the silence is over I hear one of my miracles crying. He evidently is up from his nap and letting me know it. Well the 15 minutes was nice while it lasted. Thank you God for each one of my miracles, BIG and small :)

Three sisters =s blackmail for a brother's teenage years!

Well when you are incredibly blessed with three older sisters....they are bound to dress you up and take pictures. Pictures that as a teenager you would rather not existed. Well there is time, time for daddy to delete them from the computer before PJ becomes older. But meanwhile Mommy thinks they are funny and will share with you all.

0, 5,10, 15.....40

Those are the ages of 5 out of 6 of us are now that Galina turned 10 yesterday. She had a wonderful party at Libby Lu with her friends and cousins. They all got makeovers, shopped and danced.

The girls picked out matching costumes to get their makeovers in.

After Libby Lu the girls headed out for lunch, cupcakes and presents.

What a busy day! Galina's 10th birthday and Mary's first day of kindergarten and Anya's first day of her sophmore year in high school. Mary did great....mommy got a little sad but did ok. Here is some pictures from the day.

Handprints at Nightlight Christian Adoption Agency

Nightlight has a room that they have the children that have been adopted through their programs put their hand prints on the wall. For years, while waiting with painfully empty arms we would go to Nightlight for different occassions and see the wall. I always dreamed of having my child's prints up on the wall. Oh how we have been blessed. We went last week and were pleased to see thatafter three years they still had room next to the girls prints for PJ's.
Galina, Anya and Mary's handprint with Peter's foot print.

Mary, Anya, PJ and Galina in front of their prints.

A Visit with Flat Stanley

Ok so some girlfriends of mine with their kids and mine are doing a flat stanley and he is here visiting our family right now. SO far Stanley got me out of a ticket (I accidently went thru a VERY NEW stop sign in the middle of nowhere on a back street), went to work with Peter, hung out with Mary and Galina in the pool, ate lunch with the kids. Our Stanley began in Texas and so far has been to Prague, New Zeland, Australia, Japan, Maryland, Indiana and now with us in Southern California (I hope i did not miss any stops). From our family he will head to Ohio.

Here are some pictures of the kids with Stan.