My Wonderful Girls

the last post I sent was actually at the beginning of November and I just realized I hadn’t even posted it.  It has been one busy couple of months.  With working full-time classes this year, and trying to keep up with the girls I feel like time is passing me by way to fast. 

Going into my 5th year of school has been a challenge this year.  I have heard that your 5th year of running your own business will either make you or break you.  Some days I feel like it is going to break me, but all in all I am going strong.  I have decided though I will not be teaching full-time next year.  With the girls getting older and being more involved in things, I am finding a hard time keeping up on just the day-to-day jobs to do around the house.  So with 5 months left of the school year, I am looking forward to slowing down a little next year. 

Steven has been involved in Scouts now for a year.  It has been a new experience having him gone for weekend camps but the girls and I have actually started looking forward to having our fun evening at home, watching girly movies, painting fingernails, or just having a quiet time at home. 

The month of December has brought some crazy things and also some fun things to remember.  The first of the month we encountered a run-in with a deer and well the family van was in the shop for about 2 weeks.  At the end of November I took a fall down the stairs and broke my finger.  Thank goodness it was my left hand, but it has been a trial to still keep up with laundry, dishes, and preparing dinners. So for the next two weeks I will be in Physical Therapy and looking forward to having a hand that is full function. 

We have enjoyed a wonderful time going  to see Forgotten Carols, making a quick trip to St. George for my cousins wedding.  Learning how to make some new treats, and just staying home not having to go anywhere.  Looking forward to spending time with family the next couple of days and one more week of absolutely nothing to do.

okay so the last time I posted it was the beginning of the summer, and after that I found myself in a whirlwind of BAND!!  We have now finished the season and I am hoping to have a little more time the breathe.  I have to admit though I truly loved being with Marissa and the Band. 

So to get you all caught up…..Marissa decided she wanted to join the High School Marching Band.  For 8th Graders they can play in parades and pre-shows for the Footballs game.  We thought it would give her a great experience and a chance to progress more with her Trumpet.  About a month into the season, he coach asked us if she would like to play for the High School Competition Team.  This would include all comps throughout the August – November Season and she would have to reschedule her classes at Jr. High to take the High School Band class for First Period. 

So we talked about it with Marissa, and Prayed about it.  I was really nervous with her stepping into the High School and all the things she could hear or see.  But she was excited and determined to go for it.  So we went for it.  And our lives have been eat, drink, sleep and sometimes dream about Band.  It has been an amazing experience and I am SOO SOO PROUD of Marissa.  She really worked hard and it was truly an experience we are so glad to have traveled. 

We attended every football game.  The girls LOVED watching the band come in.  They were always excited to help in any way they could.  We went to 10 different competitions from Logan to our last one in St. George. It was a wonderful to see your daughter in a light that not so often do you get to see as a parent.  We are looking forward to having some time off with the next couple of months.  But Marissa has already informed us this is a great love of hers and looks like we will be traveling the life of Band Mom and Dad. 

Maranda decided she wanted to start taking Violin lessons, and on her own found a teacher and worked out a schedule that she could babysit in trade for her lessons.  How what an amazing young women she is.  I love listening to her practice she truly puts her heart into all that she does and it truly makes me so proud to call her my daughter.

Madison, oh my dear Madison.  She has an amazing talent for the piano.  It almost comes naturally to her.  She seems to pick up songs so easily and not very often to I have to remind her to practice the piano because she has already done it.  She is such a wonderful spirit in our home and I truly love her sweet heart.

Makayla, when did I blink.  She has grown up so fast.  And I so want to just cherish every little moment with her.  You will often find Makayla in the shadow of one of her sisters or just coming up to say, “Mom, I love you.”  She loves, loves, loves to read.  And we do not go to bed without her bedtime story reading or her take home reader often in her hand.  Oh, time goes by just too fast. 

So all in all our family has been great.  It has been a whirlwind and I think we are still trying to figure out how to just hold on.  But I truly love each one of my girls, love seeing them grow, and love seeing them succeed in the things they love.

Well the summer has begun as well as our lives in Marching Band.  Marissa will have 7 parades to attend this summer as well as over 50 early morning practices and a week-long Band Camp to add-on top of that. 

I can’t tell you though, how PROUD I am of her.  She has been up every morning at 6:00 a.m. to go to practice and has been such a good sport about having her Friday nights and Saturday ALL DAY’s booked with Band.  WOW!!!

Our 1st Parade was the Pony Express in Eagle Mountain.  They did a FANTASTIC job and it was truly a moment for a parent to enjoy.  Now to tackle next weekend with a 10-mile Marathon, Marissa is hoping to earn at least 1/2 of her tuition with the Pledges she has received.  THANK YOU to each of you who have already show such great support towards her.  She was so excited to hear so many of you cheering for her at the Parade, (even though she wasn’t able to smile at ya) And also for your wonderful consideration with your pledges towards her March-a-thon.    THANK YOU!!!!

May always seems to be the craziest month for me.  Trying to get the last little things done for Preschool Graduation, getting the girls finished with all their year end projects for school and all in all just looking forward to SUMMER. 

Maranda had a wonderful opportunity to sing in Hope of America.  It has been a standing tradition for the Alpine District and I truly love it!!  We took Maranda’s best friend Marissa.  They are like two peas in a pod.  It it so cute to see them together.

Makayla Graduated not only from one Preschool but TWO this year.  Mom’s preschool and Ms. Carrie’s Preschool.  It has been so much fun watching her learn and grow this year.  She is one smart cookie and I am so excited at how much she knows. 

Best Preschoolers ever!!  This year, I am wrapping up my 4th year teaching.  It has been truly an amazing opportunity for me to have with these sweet spirits.  I have the best job in the world!!!  I was truly blessed when one of the mom’s put together a gift from the entire preschool classes.  I enjoyed these beautiful roses for weeks and am truly looking forward to a night at Texas Roadhouse and a movie!!! 

Marissa is looking forward to Marching Band this summer and we have a CRAZY, BUSY schedule.  7 parades, and every Saturday is booked with something to do.  Along with Tuesday and Thursday practices.  I think she is going to look forward to her bed each night.  HE HE

Makayla has been wanting to donate her hair for several months now.  I kept telling her she had to wait till after Graduation, so the day after we made our appointment and she was SOOOO excited.  Maranda decided she was going to take a HUGE step and also donate.  IT was a fun day to share with the girls and what an amazing gift they can share!!  I am so proud of them.  Makayla ended up donating 14 inches and Maranda donated 10 inches!!

Our little Bike Rider…..Makayla has been wanting to practice riding a two wheeler for the last several weeks.  But the weather has not been the best to ride it.  One day I decided okay this is the day we are going to help her ride this little bike of hers.  At first she was really excited but then when she realized it was a little more work she was a little bored.  But each time one of the girls came home I had her show them 3 times what she could do, by the time Steven got home from work she was a little PRO!!  It was so much fun to watch how fast she took off on that little bike.  The next morning, bright and early 6:15 a.m. she crawled into our bed and said, Mom, can I go ride my bike now.  TOO CUTE!!

FAMILY VACATION…. because we knew it was going to be so crazy this summer, we decided to take our vacation a little early.  It was so nice to get away for a week and just enjoy time together as a FAMILY.  We headed down south to Goblin Valley.  It was so much fun.  I would like to say we easily put in 10 miles a day hiking.  Our trip got cut short due to the weather, we had 50 miles per hour winds and it got a little scary.  But all in all it was a WONDERFUL trip.

boy it has been awhile.  SO…….where have we been……let’s see………

March 

Disneyland:  I have a dear friend who said I need to get out-of-town.  She arranged all my friends from West Valley to take a trip to Disneyland for a weekend.  I have to admit it was really nice to get away.  Though it was fast and we spent 16 hours on our feet in Disneyland, we had a WONDERFUL time.  And I truly love these girls.  They are the glue that keeps me together.  I know that if I every need  a friend to call on they are there.  I know if I need a shoulder to cry on, they are there.  And if I just need some good advice they are there.  Together we have shared so much and I am truly blessed to have them in my life.  LOVE YOU GIRLS!!!

We celebrated Madison’s 8th Birthday.  Maddi is such an amazing young women.  She is the spirit and the spunk within our home.  There is never a dull moment with her.  She was so excited to get Baptized.  Steven, Maddi and I took a fast trip down to the Salt Lake Temple one Sunday afternoon to get her Baptism pictures done.  I have to say, it is really nice having older girls that can babysit.  We had a wonderful time just hanging out and taking some very quick pictures…BOY…..was it cold in March.  Maddi was a trooper and we were able to get some adorable ones.  

For her birthday she decided she wanted to go see Justin Beaver the Movie.  So she invited her BFF – Veronica.  They were so cute during the whole movie.  It was a lot of fun to see them together. 

Concert Band:  Marissa finished up her last concert this year.  Though I was not able to attend that night.  I want her to know how very, very proud I am of her.  When she had ask last year if she could try band I never imagine she would find such a great love for the Trumpet.  She truly has an amazing talent and can’t wait to see where High School Marching Band will bring to her next year.

Scout Camp:  This was Steven’s 1st Camp since he has been called into Scouts.  They headed to the Sand duns.  And came back with Gallons, and Gallons of sand in our Van.  Steven was great to make sure he took the van cleaned out even before letting me see the damage.  He says, really sweetie you DO NOT want to see the car.  Ah, what a great man!  I think it took him over an hour to get it clean.  Though the girls keep complaining it still smells like BOYS!!  (LOL)

April

Maddi’s Baptism:  All I can say is we are truly, truly blessed to have such amazing family and friends.  We figured our house was full of over 100 family and friends.  We went through over 75 hamburger buns (shredded beef), 8 salads, 12 bags of chips and lots, lots, of desserts.  We are so proud of Madison and the choices she has made.  She is always striving to choose the right and is always so willing to share her unconditional love. 

We also celebrated Makayla’s 5th birthday.  It is really hard for me to believe our baby is 5.  Makayla is such a loving and sweet little girl.  She never wants to be home.  She always wants to be entertained and she always needs a friend around.  She is an amazing helper around the house and I am truly going to miss our quiet lunches together in the afternoon before classes. 

Marissa spent over 4 months with the Drama Club, running stage crew.  She was so excited that this was something dad did when he was a kid.  We enjoyed a wonderful FHE going to the play.  It was truly a sight to see her running lights and making the show go on.  Through the middle of the production the sound system crashed.  She took great leaps to make all things run smooth.  I am so proud of Marissa.  Though it was a long 4 months, EVERYDAY after school.  I was very proud of her sticking to something that took a lot of time. 

Maranda has been working very hard for her upcoming Concert Choir and can’t wait to see her production in May.

Spring Break:  The girls spent 3 days with Auntie Tracie and Grandma Sheri.  It was a great time for me to get a HUGE start on 48 scrapbooks for preschool.  After over 1500 pictures developed, 20 glue sticks, 48 hours of organization, my books were ready to go and looking forward to Graduation Day.  THANK YOU so much to Auntie Tracie and Grandma Sheri, I truly could not have completed, let alone finished the books.  And each year I think why do I do this.  A friend texted me saying:  Because you are truly an amazing Teacher and every mom loves you for it!!

Scout Camp:  Steven headed to Goblin Valley with the boys this month.  I have to admit I think I am getting use to him being gone.  It was really hard at first, but the girls and have been finding this to be our special Mommy/Daughter time and we LOVE IT!!

May

Maranda performed her Concert Choir and was so excited that she was able to do a solo part.  She is such a sweet young lady.  She is always so willing to help and truly gives of her heart.  I am very proud of her.

Mother’s Day:  though Mother’s Day always seems to be a hard day for me, I don’t know if it’s the memories of knowing my girls are growing up and soon I will need to let them go out into this big world or the realization that I know things are going to be getting even more difficult as they get older and make their very own decisions.  But all in all it was a great day.  Steven bought me some ZUMBA pants and I LOVE THEM!!!  Probably a little too much.  After coming home from work each night for a week and Steve finding me in them he finally said maybe I should have bought you two pair one to wear at home and one to actually work out in.  HE HE.  LOVE THEM!!!!

High School Marching Band:  Oh boy, Oh boy.  Our lives have now become eat, sleep, drink, dream, Marching Band.  Though I am very excited for Marissa to create this path, it is going to take A LOT of time and patience on my end.  After sitting down and writing all dates on our Family Calender, I realized that every Saturday from March 14th to the end of the Summer we have something with Band.   And then once school starts every Friday Night we have Football games.  Again though I look forward to watching her grow, it will be a new path for us to dedicate so much time.  I have a dear friend who says:  Welcome to our world.  They eat, sleep, drink Soccer.  And are gone A LOT! 

The other day Marissa called me and said:  Hey mom, can you come pick me up I am done with Band Practice.  Sure sweetie I will be there in a minute.  I arrived to the Jr. High and she calls and says, Where are you, at the school, no mom I am at the High School.  My mommy mind, said, oh, I really don’t know if I am ready for this path.  I know she is growing up and I know I need to let her do that but can I please, please place a rock on her head and just enjoy what I have.  I am so very proud of Marissa, she works hard and she is very dedicated to the things she really wants.  As a mother, it has been the most precious thing to watch her take something so new and turn into something so AMAZING!!  I am so proud of you, Marissa.

So we are looking forward to many new family tradition created with going to over 5 Parades this summer, 5 football games, a 10 Mile-march-a-thon.  Fundraisers to earn over $800.00 to cover upcoming tuition for Band next year.  I think we might even create an Annual Murray Family BBQ Fundraiser.  And I am hoping at least 5 naps Sunday afternoon to catch our breath.

Preschool Graduation is just around the corner.  I am so excited this year to watch my little preschoolers take their Huge steps into this Great Big World.  Though one of them is my baby, I am so very proud of each of them.  It’s hard to believe this is my 4th year making a dream of mine come true.   Steven and the girls have been such great supports through this journey.   And though my job is not an 8 – 5 job or a 12 hour shift, there are many sleepless nights, many, many early mornings, and many stressed out mommy in the afternoons.  The girls have been so great to ask what they can do to help.  It has been nice to have their help and I look forward to so many more years to come.  I truly, truly LOVE what I do. 

4 weeks Dr. Pepper free.  I don’t know what I was thinking to pick the crazy times in our lives to go Caffine free.  Though I never realized how much I enjoyed, NEEDED my Dr. P.’s.  I am proud to say I have been over a month free.  I did have one can on Mother’s Day, and wasn’t even able to finish it.  I have popped the cans a couple of times just to hear the sounds of that aaaaahhhhh and then dumped the drink out in the sink (he he that rhymed)  But all in all I am very excited to say, I have made my goal.  It was a tough road to travel, I was sick as a dog for about 4 days, had a HUGE headache for about a week and a half  but all in all I am so glad to have made the decision and hope that it will be a good Health choice for me. 

So that’s our lives in a blink the last several months.  It’s hard to believe how fast time seems to get away and how fast our family is growing up.  We are looking forward to the summer to settle things down a little but all in all…….

LIFE IS GRAND!!

(I will add pictures to all events soon)

so because I work during the day, I feel like Makayla very seldom gets a chance to have the fun Playdates my older girls got to experience because I was working nights and that’s just what mommies do.  (so my head tells me)  A couple weeks ago I was feeling very, words the word, JEALOUS of those that have the opportunity to run the kids to Artic Circle or just hang out and let the kids play. I was complaining to Steven and his advice to me was: “Honey, you just aren’t in the stage anymore. Our baby is growing up and we just don’t have playdates anymore.  I tried to explain that it’s not necessarily the playdate itself but just the time to spend with the other mommies and talk, laugh, cry, and well sometimes, just vent!!  He said, I understand, and just smile.  What an amazing hubby, I truly love him putting up with my emotions.  That lately have been a complete ROLLERCOASTER!!

So on the two afternoons I do have off from work, I am usually found running here or running there. Trying to caught up on the much-needed laundry, finish the dishes in the sink, vacuum the floors, wash the sheets, prepare dinner, get grocery shopping done, finish preping classes for upcoming week.  I had a dear friend who stopped by to ask if Makayla could have a playdate, SURE that would be great.  I figured I might actually get an hour to get something done with all 4 girls gone for a little bit.  WOW, I could get so much done.  RIGHT!!??!!  WRONG!!!

Madison came home sick yesterday from school, (thank you other amazing friend for picking her up from school) and decided she was still sick today.  So even though I have a playdate for 1 set up, I have another home sick.  Well turns out Maddi was fine, spent the whole morning, playing the piano, chasing the dog, reading her school books and oh has already finished her chores by 11 a.m. Came with me to pick up Makayla from preschool and was totally fine.  So I went to drop off Makayla for her playdate, just thinking I would run her in and run home have Maddi watch a movie and maybe I could still finish the many things needed to be done around the house. Like finding out what that smell is in the fridge – UGH!!!

My friend offered for me to come on in for a minute, my mind thinking oh I have soo much to get done around the house.  But my heart saying I would just love to visit for a little bit.  So I ran out grab Maddi and completely enjoyed the rest of the afternoon with a truly amazing women.  Her testimony, her strength and her spirit, inspire me to become a better person always.  And I am truly grateful to her and the example she is to me. 

Though the girls were running around like little puppy dogs and for some reason why you get 3 girls together, they can never just get along, it was a much NEEDED playdate for me.   Thank you friend!!!  It was a wonderful Playdate. 

 -smiles-

Do you ever have those weeks you feel completely overwhelmed.  You take two steps forward and are PUSHED, SHOVED, PULLED,  back 5 steps.  Is it really only Wednesday!!???!!  It has been a long one here.  And I feel very discourage.  I know life gives us trials to make us stronger but I am feeling the pressure and I just don’t want to hold the weight anymore.

UGH………

we all know how the saying goes:  we will never be given more that we can handle.  Well I think with some changes that will be coming our way soon, we will see how well that is tested in our family.

Our ward recently split and we knew some changes would be coming.  We got a phone call Tuesday asking if the Bishop could meet with us Thursday.  Sure not a problem.  Mind wandering and pondering what he had to say.  Also we had been asked to speak in sacrament by the 1st counselor that morning.

Wednesday…. my mind is still pondering what the Bishop has in store for us.  Steven has been Sunday School President for a year and a half now, I have been the Primary Choirist and though I truly love it, wouldn’t mind a change.  Being with Children 6 days of the week tends to get a little overwhelming but whatever it is we will take it in stride. 

Thursday morning we receive a phone call asking if we can meet with the Bishop in his office Saturday morning instead.  Sure …..two more days of wondering and mind boggling worries.

Now let me back track to a couple of weeks ago, before the new year began.  Steven and I had an evening that was just quiet, the girls had gone to bed and we were enjoying some time just talking.  I told him, I had a feeling things were going to have some changes this year.  I think we are in store for some growth spiritually, physically and mentally.  I don’t think these changes are necessarily for you, but more for me.  As we pondered on some of the changes we already knew the year is going to be a full one with me working full-time classes for the upcoming year 2011-12.  So maybe it’s just that….

Saturday morning….I decide I really need to clear my mind and headed into my Zumba class.  Truly grateful for the hour to just let my mind get away from the crazy week. I ran home for a quick shower and we headed to the Bishop’s office.  We talked for a couple of minutes and then he explained that he had a new calling for Steven. 

Deep breathe……okay so I will be in Primary for a while longer.  ENJOY!!!! just enjoy.  Steven we would like to call you as Scout Master.  And Nisha are you willing to support your husband in this position.  Sure, like I know what scouts is all about.  I don’t have boys, I don’t have brothers.  How much time will it be??? 

As he proceeded to go into detail about the calling….I think I might have been a little wide-eyed towards the end.  And I knew Steven wasn’t too thrilled.  What are we in for??

CHANGES!!!

Though I am truly grateful for the opportunity to speak the following day about SIMPLIFY.  I truly feel it was more for me than anyone else at church that day.  I know that this is where the Lord would have Steven at this time.  I know that he will do an amazing job with these young men.  But I am not so sure I know how to be that strong women to stand on her own as her husband goes from one campout to another each month.  Being gone for one meeting to another.  Basketball games, Youth Activity.  Did I mention meeting after meeting and campouts every MONTH.

CHANGES!!

Okay so we have the secret elves that come to our house every Monday during the month of December.  I was not totally about this movie, I didn’t know if it really was going to be a good one.  But Steven had taken the younger girls to it for a special date and said it was surprisingly good.  So the secret elf decided to just go ahead and purchase it.

Have to admit, it was a really cute movie and the girls totally and completely

LOVE IT!!!!

(for some reason Marissa didn’t get in there, but she is the older lady)  It has been really cute to see the girls play together during Winter Break and even better getting along so well. They have the movie memorized by now.   LOVE MY GIRLS!!

oh and they totally wanted dad to dress up but he said no way – he he

BOY has it been a busy week. Can I just say again I am so glad I listened to that mommy intuition that said don’t do dance this year.  We have had one school thing after another. 

Marissa had Girls Concert Choir on Tuesday.  She did a great job, even though the Fire department did stop the concert right in the middle to clear out the iles.  TOO MANY PEOPLE.  MMMMM..wonder how soon we will have Jr. High #2 in Eagle Mountain. 

It was a great concert and all the kids did a wonderful job.

Maranda had School Choir Concert on Wednesday.  They did a great job and we sure are going to miss Ms. Arnold when the kids move to the new Elememtary School next year. 

Makayla had her Preschool Concert Thursday afternoon.  And would you believe even Santa came to see them.  TOO CUTE!!!! (but I think she figured out who Santa really was)

Marissa had Band Concert Thursday night.  They did an awesome job.  We are really proud of Marissa at how well she has done with her Trumpet this year.  Can’t wait to see what the new year will bring with her moving up to Concert Band. 

Now it’s Friday and I wish we could say we get to take a little breather but one Family Party after another this weekend, will bring us to I hope a relaxful Monday night for Family Home Evening.  (I HOPE)