Grateful

Bradford Johnson Murdock

1Year Old

Dave & Jo Anne Murdock

Jill Anne Murdock

6weeks old

Quantico, Virginia

Jill and Sydney Today
Brad......Today

I haven't posted for a while. Life has been busy. There are so many things to catch up on that I don't know where to start. I've decided to copy a friends blog and just write about all the things I'm thankful for that have happened in the last three months.

I'm grateful for Bradford J.....he celebrated his 31st birthday on March 30. I love thinking about the kids when they were small on their birthdays. Brad came into the world on a day that was very frightening for us all. It was the day I was due and I was on my way to the Dr. for a checkup. I had just turned off Beck St. onto Victory Road and was starting up the hill when I could see this car barreling down the road....fast and swerving into the oncoming traffic lane. I didn't have a lot of time to think but knew I was going to be hit if I zigged or zagged at the wrong time or in the wrong direction. Things literally went into slow motion as I was thinking through the situation. I was hit head on by a drunk driver who was going 75 mph in the middle of the day!!! I was driving a Ford LTD which I know saved both of our lives. While I was in the emergency room, the investigating police officer came into my exam room and closed the door. He asked Dave and I if we were LDS. We replied yes. He said to us both, "Well, just between you and me, someone was watching out for you today. You should not have survived that crash. You didn't have a seatbelt on and should have been ejected from the vehicle." It truly was a miracle that I walked away with a fuzzy head from being knocked unconscious, a very sore and bruised body along with some stitches in my head from hitting the window. Brad was merely bounced around in the waves! Brad still has many of his characteristics that he had when he was a little guy.....tender hearted, loving, compassionate, athletic, anxious, handsome, smart, giving and so much more. He's our get-to guy...the one everyone calls when they need help and he's there without hesitation to lend a hand. You're a wonderful son, Brad! So glad you're an important part of OUR family!!!

I'm equally grateful for our firstborn...Jill Anne who celebrated her ???? birthday on May 30th (you're welcome that I didn't post your "real" age). We were so excited to become parents all those years ago. I'm amazed at how much I remember about that day.....it was the Monday of Memorial Day Weekend in Washington DC. It was hot and muggy. David was in Basic School Training at Quantico, Virgina. You were three weeks overdue!! Your actual due date was May 9. I was miserable and had been for quite a few months....for some reason my back always hurt and nothing seemed to relieve it. A condition I never had with my other pregnancies. I went to the hospital at abot 11:00 at night. My blood pressure was high and the Dr. on call started injecting me with some meds to bring it down......by 6:30 in the morning I had had 12 injections in my thighs!!! Dr. Olson who came on duty at that time hit the roof! He couldn't believe it! No more shots that day for blood pressure issues. Jill wasn't born until 4:57 pm. The nurse in charge was a battleax....no compassion whatsoever. Very little anesthesia to numb my pain.....no such thing as epidurals then.....you would have thought we lived in the dark ages the way I was treated! In hindsight, we felt very grateful that both Jill and I came through the birth without any side effects. It wasn't a very clean hospital, there were mosquitos everywhere. No air conditioning. Gnats in the sitz baths. I'd have to brush the bugs off the bottoms of my feet before getting into bed. Anyway, in that particular hospital, (Quantico Naval Hospital), the husbands were not allowed in the delivery room. However, Dr. Olson saw what a close and wonderful bond that Dave and I had so he bent the rule and told him to scrub in and get some surgical garb on....he was coming in!! I was so happy and relieved. When Jill was born we were elated to see such a beautiful and healthy 8 lb 2 oz, 21 inch long baby girl. We named her Jill after Dave's first love way back in kindergarten....her name was Jill and he always loved the name after that. So sweet! Jill was a very fast developer. She walked at 9 months. Barely crawled before that and was always on a dead run. She had us wrapped around her little finger from the minute we saw her. Jill, you are a joy and a blessing to our family. We're so grateful you chose to come to our family, too. Love you!!

I'm grateful to have the opportunity to remember all of our fallen soldiers and loved ones on Memorial day. Our little Olive wanted to go to the cemetery so Papa, me, Erin and Ollie went to Redwood Memorial Estates to put flowers on the graves of baby Julia, Grandma & Grandpa Murdock, and Uncle Tim. We've never been good at visiting the grave sites, but I'm really glad we went. It was a good day.

I'm grateful for good times with family. Took the kids to see Thomas the Train in Heber City. What a great time we had.....Thomas, train ride, games, tattoos, balloons, cotton candy, meltdowns!!! HaHa! It doesn't get any better than this!

I love summer! I'm so grateful for this beautiful season of the year. Without it, I would be insane! Literally! No, really, I would. Insane!! Warm days, sunshine, laying in the hammock, gardening, watching flowers grow, digging in the dirt, tomatoes....mmmm, delicious! Birds chirping, summer thunderstorms, cumulus clouds, starry skies, picnics, BBQ's, corn on the cob, the most beautiful sunsets on the planet, lazy days, the color green, longer days, baseball, hot dogs....these are a few of my favorite things!!!

I didn't realize I have so many things to be grateful for.....will finsih later!! Too much on this post already!

The "Bestest" Years of My Life

So, this Saturday is our Anniversary.....39 years of marriage and 40 years of being together! I remember when I was a teenager if someone had said they were married for 39 years I was sure I was talking to a relative of Methusela! It seemed like such a long time to be married....how could they be married that long and still be alive? I look back and think how silly those thoughts were.

I love David for so many reasons. He's gone above and beyond to make sure my life was good. He has kept true to all the promises he made me....every single one! Here is a list of the reasons why I love him and look forward to another 39 together....at least!
He's the hardest working man I have ever known.....no exceptions.

1. He honors his temple covenants.
2. He loves me and our children more than he loves himself.
   He gives me the best cards with the sweetest sentiments written inside.
3. He says he'll sleep downstairs if I complain about his snoring....because he wants me to have a good night sleep even if he won't.
4. He studies and loves the scriptures so he can bless his family with knowledge.
5. He loves everything that I cook even when it's yucky.
6. He's creative.
7. He's humorous.
8. He's cuddly (yes, Spence, I love a puffy dad).
9. He's safety from the world.
10. He's my soulmate.....no one else for me....EVER!
11. He would sacrifice everything for the people he loves.
12. He's an amazing provider.
13. He's the wind beneath my wings and is the reason for my success in life.
14. He's an adorable "Papa".

I could not have asked for a better life partner.

Thank you for the "Bestest" Years of My Life, David!

I Love You!

Daylight Savings!

I love daylight savings! Spring forward.....I don't even mind the lost hour of sleep! I've heard so many people say they don't like it. I can't exactly figure out why. First of all, it means spring is around the corner (1 week away....officially....according to the calender).

I realize mother nature may have other ideas but at least there is hope!). Secondly, and even better yet, it means summer is around the corner beyond spring (can you see me doing backflips?) Gardening, sunshine, warmth, higher seratonin levels, the sound of kids playing outside, BBQ, Brandon and Jacob climbing the apricot tree, long days, laying in the hammock reading a book, hummingbirds hovering around the feeder, swim parties, dance parties. I could go on and on......I really like Spring but I LOVE LOVE LOVE summer!!!! Daylight savings is just the beginning of a new hope for me......WooHoo!

Don't forget to spring forward this Saturday at midnight!

Mustache March?

So, I have this outrageously fun friend Melinda. I follow her blog on a regular basis and am always amazed at her positive outlook on life, events, and people. The great thing about Melinda is that she is the same in real life as she is sitting in her home, on her computer, blogging. She posted something a couple of days ago that I thought was so funny. It's about Mustache March. It could also be spelled moustache. Well, I thought it was something that her family had thought of and was doing just to get a laugh (they don't mind if they are a spectacle or that people laugh at them. In fact, I think they thrive on it). Ha!

Well, today while I was at lunch with Brad, he started to chuckle as he was looking at his iphone. Of course, being the nosey person that I am, I asked what he was laughing at. He said, "What is up with Mustache March?" One of his friends also had posted something about Mustache March! Now I'm curious. I had never heard of it before and here two times in as many days, I was hearing about Mustache March! It was then that I remembered that I had a picture of a couple of adorable little girls taken a few weeks ago by their equally adorable mom.........yep, you guessed it, SPORTING MUSTACHES! Then I found this on the internet.....surprised to see that it's a real celebration! Oh my, what next!

About Moustache March
Moustache March is a month long celebration of the most glorious facial hair known to man. The moustache isn't as commonly accepted as it once was but we feel that at least one month per year should be devoted to it.

Oh, I get it now! It's a celebration of facial hair! Celebrated by thousands and thousands of men (and a few special women) around the world who have a true respect for the most elegant of all facial hair types! An excuse to be macho and unkissable! An excuse to be unkept (unless you're Tom Selleck and then it's hubba hubba). An excuse to have it your way.....just this once!

Okay Men.....here's your chance to have a legitimate excuse to grow a mustache.....thick, thin, scraggly, handle-barred, over the lip, tickly or ugly. However it comes in, we'll accept it! May the best Mustache win......just remember, on March 31st it's outta here!!!

LOVE YOU

I just wanted to tell you all how awesome of a Mom I have!!! She's my best friend and confidant. She always knows what to say to make me feel better in any situation. She's just awesome!

I love her to pieces and am SO happy I was sent to this family!!

I Love You Mom!

-From Lu Lu

Winter, Winter, Go Away!!!

I don't like saying this, but I HATE winter!! I don't think I like anything about it. I start getting anxiety about it starting in October and then I stress over it until the threat of no more snow and cold temperatures are gone. I don't like being cold. I don't like having to wear so many layers of cumbersome clothes, I don't like being cooped up in the house day in and day out. I don't like looking at all the doggy doodoo that is deposited on my patio and driveway because I have a dog who can't find any grass to do his duty on.....it's like a land mine out there! Of course, I could clean it up, but have you ever tried cleaning up doo that has been covered in snow or been rained on.....not an easy task.....messy. Will wait until it dries out and then I'll use the heavy duty doodoo scraper to pry it off the concrete...Sigh. Winter is dark and grey, uninviting. Where has Mr. Sun been hiding? I think he has only reared his beautiful bright face a handful of times for months now. BooHoo! I don't like that the deer have been devouring my euonymous bush again this winter....I don't know how many more beatings it can take before it gives up the ghost! Ho Hum. I am so excited about Spring.....even temperatures in the mid to upper 50's will have me jumping for joy. Spring come soon! I've missed you so!

Bug

I am frustrated! Why do my posts on my blog add spaces where I didn't add spaces? It totally messes up the fluidity of what is being said.....grrrrr! Can I edit posts already posted? Please, somebody help!

Oh, tantrum over. Lindsay showed me how....I feel so much better!

Spencer The Great

Holy Cow! The baby of the family is 21 years old! It's a weird feeling to know that your youngest kid is a man, yet in my eyes will always be my child. How does one process that concept? I'm glad when he shows independence and still elated when he asks for my help...like tonight when he asked me to help him pack his suitcase for his trip to San Francisco. Spence is unique. He always has been and I don't think that will ever change. I like that he is not a cookie-cutter variety. I love his creative thinking and out-of-the box personality. He's different.......he likes that he is different. I like that he is different. Skinny jeans and shirts that are too small. His stick-like figure. Hair that is a throwback to the 60's. His shabby beard and mustache. Truly eclectic. Music rings in his soul....molds his character. Music defines him. Spence is a teacher.....he's taught me to be patient and accepting.....of him.....of others. Spencer....son, brother, uncle, friend, nephew, cousin.....we all love him. Life wouldn't be the same without him. He makes us smile with his sense of humor. He makes us proud with his many accomplishments. We are so glad he chose to come to our family.

Happy Birthday, Bud!

Happy Birthday, Roxy!

Yesterday was Roxy's birthday. She is now a double-digit kid! That is so cool and hard to believe at the same time. I was reminiscing about Roxy yesterday and the very first time we met her.

She was only 3 years old at the time. Angel came over to our house with Jake so he could help her with a paper she was writing for school. We were asked to keep an eye on Roxy while they worked on the paper......we were so happy to.....Roxy was such an adorable 3 year old! Dave and I took her outside to jump on the trampoline. Now keep in mind that we didn't really know where Jake and Angel's relationship was or where it was going. Jake always kept us in the dark about his girlfriends. Anyway, while we were out jumping on the trampoline (me and Roxy jumping together holding hands), amid our conversation of many things, Roxy blurts out while looking at us with her big brown eyes, sporting the cutest little Princess Leia buns we had ever seen, "My mom fell in love with your kid.".......it flowed out of her mouth like it was the most natural thing in the world to say. Dave and I just looked at each other and smiled.

It was at that very moment we fell in love with Roxy. She has been a joy and a delight to our family from the very beginning. She is mature, kind, happy, loving, beautiful, fashionable, patient, helpful, compassionate, and so much more.

Happy Birthday, Roxy!

We Love You!

Thanks For Your Service, Jake

It may seem weird to post something so patriotic in February.....well, maybe not. I just thought of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln....both fine patriots in their own right and we celebrate their birthdays this month!

But the patriot I'm thinking of today is Jake. He leaves for the Persian Gulf today for a few weeks. I just want him to know that we love him and we know it is with great sacrifice that he leaves to serve this nation.

I love America and I love a man in uniform (well, except maybe for the Navy....I've never been real fond of the sailor suit)!! Let's always remember because of our men and women of the armed forces that we have the many freedoms we enjoy every day.

Love You, Jake!

Sad Super Bowl Sunday

We didn't know it was going to be sad until it was over.....poor Colts! As sad as we feel, I always feel sadder for the football players who put their heart and soul into doing what they love. Unfortunately there can only be one winner and as sure as the sun sets in the western skies, you can count on one thing, there will be another season!!! So Good Luck next year!

The family came, we ate, and played, then ate some more. We watched the game, visited, laughed at funny kids, compared babies. It was a great day!

Laughing

On Lindsay's Birthday we were walking through the Gateway Mall. There was a dad carrying a little girl on his shoulders...she was laughing. Laughing uncontrollably. It put a smile on my face and just in general made me feel great all over. We couldn't stop watching these two strangers having the time of their lives. It was amazing. I've thought a lot about this dad and daughter, laughter and smiling ever since and have come to the conclusion it's a powerful response to that which makes us happy. I guess you could say it's an outward manifestation of what's going on in the inside.

When we took road trips when our children were small and lively, I would get frustrated when they would fight and equally frustrated when they started to giggle and tease each other in the confined area of the car. I would ask them to stop and be quiet. I remember Dave saying to me, "Leave them alone, they're having fun and at least they aren't fighting"..........I wish I would have listened and enjoyed the laughter more! I realize now his advice was priceless! It's interesting how age gives us wisdom!

Quotes on laughter to ponder today:

"When you laugh the whole world laughs with you, when you cry, you cry alone."

"Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects."

"Laugh often, Dream big, Reach for the Stars."

"I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out my nose." Woody Allen

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." E. E. Cummings

"What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul. Yiddish Proverb

"Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on." Bob Newhart

"Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at."

KEEP LAUGHING AND SMILING!

Our LuLu

Our sweet Lindsay (LuLu) was born 27 years ago today!

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect baby, child, adult (at least she thinks she's perfect...we'll play along for now. HeeHee!)

She was born on a winters day in 1983, 8 lbs. 8 oz., 21 inches long.

Lindsay never cried upon arriving in this world,

rather she chose to silently observe everything around her.

She has been a delight to our family, a ray of sunshine, a loving example,

a great friend, sister, daughter!

She's beautiful, kind, smart, savvy...a real fashionista!

She loves all kinds of movies, Lost, 24, Lord of the Rings,

TWILIGHT, Jane Austen novels.

She's a romantic through and through.

She had very blonde hair as a child and cheeks that

tempted every cheek-squeezer alive....she was irresistable...

Still is.

We love you, Linds....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

May all your dreams for 2010 come true!