Out with the Old, In with the New...

A new year is always fun, don't you think? The promise of so many new adventures to come... and memories to make. A fresh start. Clean slate. 

Looking back on 2008, I just cannot believe what a fabulous year we had. We are so incredibly blessed!!

Some of the highlights... we went to Kauai with John's family, went on a Caribbean cruise with my family, sent both kids to summer camp at LLYC, taught the kids to waterski, went skydiving (and lived to tell about it!), spent Thanksgiving with friends and family at the pub and then had a perfect Christmas surrounded by loved ones here at home... um, hello, it just doesn't get much better than that my friends!! 

Hard to believe Kathryn turned 1o this year. Wow. A decade. She's growing up so fast. Too fast. She got to go to Science Camp with the 5th grade, was a cheerleader during football season and is now playing basketball. Kathryn and I had a fun Girls Only trip and went back to California to visit all of our friends there. Yes, I think she had a good year. 

Jasper also continues to delight us daily. He's really coming in to his own. He's funny and smart, just like his Dad... and of course, good lookin', like me. ;) I know he had a good year because, well, that's just how he is. Always happy. No matter what. Lucky kid. 

And John... ahhh yes, well, big year for him since he finally got the ginormous TV of his boyhood dreams!! LOL! He's also really enjoying his incredible work schedule that comes with seniority. Life is good. 

And me. Gosh, really, what more could I possibly as for? Nothing. Not a single thing. Except maybe world peace. I adore my children beyond words and my husband is still my very bestest friend in the whole wide world. He makes me laugh daily and can still make my toes curl. He's still even the most handsome guy I know, although Jasper is working very hard to play catch up in that department. Heck, even my dog is the way coolest and cutest dog there is... so yes, I am a happy, happy girl. I also love how my relationship with my parents continues to grow. I have totally hip and fun parents (even though my 13-year-old niece would NOT agree! LOL!) and LOVE that I can honestly call them great, great friends.

I'm looking forward to 2009. It's going to be another fantabulous year for us. We will be going back to Kauai in March and then John and I get to go do a BIG grown up trip to Ireland this summer while the kids are in camp. We're also very much anticipating the birth of our first nephew in April! Cannot WAIT to meet him!! Oh, and let's not forget John will be celebrating the big 4-0 in July! Whoa ho! :) 

But unfortunately, most years do not pass without some sadness. Just this month, there have been two tragic deaths near us. One of Kathryn's friends, Stephany, was killed in a car accident on December 16. She was only 11 years old. The whole community has been torn apart by this incredibly tragic loss. She was a sweet, sweet girl. 

Another friend, one of the Cub Scout leaders, gave birth to a baby girl, Shelby, on December 10. Sadly, Shelby was born into the world much too early and did not survive. She passed away on December 23. Bless her little soul. 

I thank God every day for our continued health and pray He keeps us healthy and out of harm's way. 

I also thank all of my dear friends and family for helping make this such a memorable year. I am just filled to the brim with happiness and gratitude and feel like the most blessed friend, daughter, wife and mother in the entire world. 

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!!! Be safe tonight! See you next year! :)

For the Record...

Let's just let it be known that Stacy is still a bad ass. Got that? Good. 

We went to Six Flags over Texas yesterday for a very belated (sorry kid!) birthday celebration for Kathryn. We'd given her tickets WAY back in September and life just got so busy that we didn't have a chance to go. 

Well, yesterday was OUR day and you know what? It was PERFECT. Blue skies, high 60s, very light crowds and three very cool adventuresome kiddos! The longest line we waited in was 20 minutes! Most rides we practically walked on. Oh and the best part... all the holiday lights and music were still going strong... it even "snowed" at night. Super duper fun. 

But let's get back to the part about me, the bad ass. 

Yes, I know I amazed you when I went skydiving a couple months ago... and now I can amaze you again when I tell you that I rode the Titan!!!!!!!! AUGHHHHHH. OH MY GOSH. THE SCARIEST thing I've ever done in my life. WAY worse than skydiving!!! REALLY! 

How intense was it???? So intense that I actually BLACKED OUT for a few seconds on the ride! I am NOT even kidding! Freaked me right out! That has never happened to me before on a rollercoaster! Bwahahahaha! Here's a nice little description from the Internet to back up my point:

Top Speed: 85 mph / 136.7 km/h

The Titan was built by the same Swiss designers that built the Goliath but includes extra twists. It has 5,280 feet of track, allowing for more drops, loops, and corkscrews. After dropping from the 255 foot hill, you are plunged in to a dark tunnel at the speed of 85 miles per hour. Titan includes a spiral that creates forces of up to 4.5gs.

Do you see that people? 4 and a half gs???? Yup. That will SERIOUSLY mess with your head! John agrees that was the biggest thrill he's ever had. A-MA-ZING!

But it wouldn't be fair if I didn't share my bad assness with my daughter, Kathryn... who rode this ride not only once, but TWICE!!! Even after dark! She also earned some major bragging rights!! 

Anyway, great day. Jasper even rode the Shock Wave with us twice... that sucker has TWO full loops!! He is so brave. A 15-year-old kid told him he was super cool. That made his day. 

Fun fun stuff and lots of laughs and great memories! Thanks for sharing your fun birthday day with us Kathryn! And thanks for being so brave!! I'm TOTALLY impressed girl! 

Only 364 more days...

I'm already looking forward to next Christmas! I just love Christmastime. So much joy and laughter and best of all, TOGETHERNESS. 

We had a pretty perfect Christmas day here in the Murphy household. No one cried. No one was lying on the couch, urping between gifts. Mom and I didn't cut ourselves chopping or peeling all day in the kitchen. Roxie was nice to Schnitzel. The ham didn't dry out. The tree was still green, the weather was glorious and everyone seemed to get what they wanted... so gosh, yes, I dare say, it was pretty darned perfect! I hope you all can say the same for your Christmas day!

I have absolutely loved having my family here this week. Truly. I am sad they have to go today, but I understand them wanting to try to beat the mad rush home.

Well gosh... then what to do? A teensy LITTLE part of me wants to join the crazies out there today and grab up some major steals with all the huge sales... but then the more sane (and fortunately more persuasive!) part of me says, nah, skip it. Let those other crazy fools fight it out on the roads and in the stores today. I'm going to STAY HOME in my jammies all day long, drink too much coffee, write some thank you notes, look at my Christmas photos, write in my Christmas journal, watch the kids (John!) play the Wii and eat yummy leftovers. Sounds like a pretty perfect day-after-Christmas day to me. 

*I'll add some Christmas photos later today when I get them downloaded! ;)

Home Again, Home Again...

Gig-a-dee-gig!! And only TWO more days until Christmas!! WHAT FUN!

We had a great time on the cruise... you know how cruises go... eat and drink and play and then eat and drink some more. Lobster bisque, filet mignon, lobster tail, shrimp, escargot, and everyone's favorite... warm chocolate melting cake with vanilla ice cream! YUMMMMMM. Mom even sweet-talked the head chef and got the recipe, but said she's not going to share it with anyone. 

We really all should've been marched straight to the Betty Ford Clinic off the ship... if you know what I mean. Hee hee. I'm sure we killed a few brain cells on this trip. But gosh it was fun! 

The kids both partied until the wee hours of the morning, enjoyed the Kids' Club, snorkeled, swam, turned into prunes in the hot tub, danced, laughed and ate probably two gallons of ice cream each... and that's no exaggeration! 

We stopped in Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel... went horseback riding and snorkeling, drove beach buggies, and ate and drank some more! LOL! 

Thank you Dad for such a wonderful gift! I love that we share these memories and I'm sure we'll be giggling about our inside jokes for years to come!! 

And now... the BIG countdown has begun!!!!!!!!! Can't WAIT for Christmas morning! So many surprises to come!!! 

12/13/08

'Twas the night before our cruise, when all through the house, 

Stacy was really excited to wear her new sequined blouse. 

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, 

Cause when we get home the WHOLE family will be there! 

The children can't wait to eat ice cream all day, 

While into the sunset we go sailing away. 

The next day in my bathing suit and favorite baseball cap, 

I'd just settled down for a long Caribbean nap.

When out on the Lido Deck arose such a clatter, 

I sprang from my chaise lounge to see what was the matter. 

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, 

But John and Grampa and two big frosty beers!

With a smile and a sigh that came oh so quick, 

I knew in a moment it was gonna be a great trip! 

Gramma was relaxing with her new paperback book, 

So happy to know there were no meals to cook. 

And we whistled and sang 

And called out by name... 

Now Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Cozumel, here we come!

For lots of stress-free holiday fun in the sun. 

Kids? What kids? We haven't seen them in days! 

Can't even hear their screams over the warm ocean waves. 

They might be at the Kid's Club or even the arcade... 

I'm sure wherever they are they're very well-behaved. ;)

We'll be happy and plump, right jolly old elves, 

And we'll laugh at the scale in spite of ourselves. 

Cause we'll eat lobster and steak 'til we've got round little bellies, 

That shake when we laugh, like bowls full of jelly!

My iPod and wine is really all that I need, 

Okay, maybe a massage... a nice gentle kneed. 

I'll think of all the people in town still rushing about, 

Shopping and stressing and cursing no doubt. 

As I lay in the sun, knowing all *my* work is done, 

Worrying only "Has the shuffleboard tourney begun?" 

And you'll hear me exclaim as I sail out of sight, 

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

There's no place like home for the holidays...

It just really doesn't get any better than this... 

How cool is it that we'll be going on a cruise and then will be home just in time to celebrate Christmas at home with family? LOVE that!! :) 

We've been enjoying the holiday spirit around here and hope YOU have too!! 

Here are a few photos I downloaded this morning... trying to catch up on my own photo editing now that I'm finished with all my 2008 clients!! ;) 

Oh, see my GIANT 4 ft. x 4 ft. Santa canvas hanging in the background? Isn't it AWESOME?! Unfortunately, the photos don't do it justice. It's VERY sparkle-plenty in real life!!! The whole thing is made out of silver glitter and I just ADORE it!!!!!!! I've been drooling over this in the Pottery Barn catalogue for three years and this year I got a Visa gift card from my mother in law, so decided to just GO for it, be silly and indulge myself!!! THANKS PAT!!! I just smile every time I see jolly old St. Nick grinnin' at us. His smile is so contagious and reminds me that this is a season about JOY and happiness and good times. A time to rejoice!!!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Ohhhh don't you just LOVE that old song? I loved it when they sang it in the movie "Elf." So sweet. 

And yes, it *is* cold outside!!! WOW. Last night a tornado watch and tonight a chance of snow... welcome to CRAZY Texas weather! Then, of course, it'll be back up to 72 degrees by the end of the week. Ha ha ha. At least the weather never gets boring around here!!! 

It is a bit strange this week, listening to Christmas carols and watching for snow while packing bathing suits and flip flops!!! Hard to believe that in just 5 days we'll be sunnin' our buns!! Ohhhhhhh and SCARY buns they are right now!! My Mom called me yesterday and said her whole body looks like a frog belly! LOL! So so so pale. I was trying on clothes today (doesn't every girl deserve a new sparkly top for a cruise!?) and was thinking, "Oh man... no ONE wants to see this pale pale skin on the boat" so yes folks, I'm going in for a nice little spray tan on Friday. Trust me... you'd thank me!! 

But anyway... just wanted to pop in and apologize for being such a major blog slacker lately! It's downright embarrassing. I've just been super duper swamped... and sadly my blog is one of the first things to get abandoned, ignored and neglected. I *will* do my best though to share all of my fabulous holiday/cruise stories with you!!! 

Hope you're enjoying YOUR holidays so far... now go snuggle up with your favorite honey, cause baby... it's collllllllllld, cold outsiiiiiiiiiiiiiide!! 

Ten Days

We're in it baby... the official 10-Day Cruise Countdown! WOW! 

That means ten days to finish shopping (ooh so close), finish wrapping (um, not so close), and attend several school and neighborhood parties and parades (fun).

I am not freaking out. 

I also have to finish the NINE "last-minute" orders that came in today (eek!), pack myself and the kids for the cruise.

I am NOT freaking out. 

Oh, and I also have to figure out WTH I'm going to do for my Christmas card this year!!!!!!!!! 

Okay, I'm freaking out, just a little. 

Oh wait, I haven't even TAKEN the photo yet!!!!!!!! 

Okay, totally freaking out! LOL! 

Bucket List

As a child, I was obsessed with death... and quite terrified of it. Perhaps it was in part because of my evil sister, who used to tell me that every freckle I had was cancer. I used to also have this horrible recurring nightmare that my mother was holding me down, trying to feed me poisonous green slime (remember the kind you'd get in the little plastic trash can?). That's a strange one because really I have THE NICEST parents on the planet and they would never do anything like that... but like I said, I was terrified of dying. 

I used to lay in bed at night and pray to God to just let me live long enough to get married and have babies. I'd say "Pleasepleasepleaseplease let me live long enough to have a baby and then you can do whatever you want with me." Ha ha ha. 

Well, thankfully we have a generous, loving God, and He has let me live through the birth of not only one, but TWO wonderful little children... and now my prayer has changed... now it goes something like, "Pleasepleaseplease let me just live long enough to watch my children get married and have babies... THEN you can do with me whatever you want!" LOL. 

So have you seen the movie "The Bucket List?" Great flick. I watched it the other night. It deals with the uncomfortable notion of having to think too much about your impending death. So the two guys who know they're dying decide to make a list of all the things they want to do BEFORE they die. It's their "Before I Kick the Bucket List." 

Last night I laid in bed thinking of what mine might be... 

Well, let's see. I've already done so much...

Graduate from college. Check. Get married and have kids. Check. Visit Japan and Mexico and Hawaii. Check. Snow ski. Check. Ride in a helicopter. Check. Skydive and bungee jump... check.

Start a small business. Check. 

Cool... that all seems pretty good. But let's think of what else I would like to do:

* Drink a beer in a pub in Ireland... on my way in July!

* See a Broadway show in New York

* Go on a photo safari in Africa

* Have 2 Golden Retrievers as pets, and maybe a horse & a farm! 

* Publish a book

* Hold a grandbaby

* Learn to play the bongos

* Visit every state in America!

* Meet Missy Mullins in person... oh and Dave Matthews too! ;)

* Own at least one top of the line ($$$) Nikon lens!!!

Alright, that's a good start. How about YOU... what's on YOUR list??