...and it involves the laundry. Last week, before I left for Austin, I was so excited to do some much needed laundry. I hadn't been as consistent as I usually am so I had some pretty ginormous "mounds" to do. I started with towels. As I went to turn on the dryer, the most horrifying, nails on a chalkboard noise erupted from it. I thought maybe it was on the wrong setting...like "shredding metal" setting or something. It turns out, it wasn't the setting. The dryer gave out on me and I was left with the biggest load of wet towels known to man.
So Mark and I set around lamenting the situation. He took apart the dryer and with help from google images, diagnosed the problem. We were planning our means of attack, when it all of a sudden hit me, "Hey, we are renting this house. This isn't even our dryer!" Our washer and dryer are taking a much needed break in the garage.
We called the landlords and they scheduled Sears to come out on Monday between 10am and 2pm. This was going to be tricky, because my flight arrived at 2:45pm, but we figured it would be alright. Also, since my flight was delayed until 5pm, it should have worked out perfectly. Except the dude didn't even call to come until Mark was on his way to the airport at around 4:45pm! He was angry because he had come home early from work and wasted so much time waiting. He called Sear's customer service and they weren't any help, so he called Sears customer service again, and they were no help again. So he called Sears customer service...you can probably figure out...they weren't any help, but they promised the technician would give us a call at the end of his route the next day to stop by and check the dryer out. Well, still set my growing piles of laundry...I am up to 8. They decided they couldn't come until today...that's a week after they were scheduled to originally come. I am hoping and praying they don't flake out on us again.
We are down to the worst sheets ever. If there was such a thing as a "negative thread count", these sheets would have it. Mark likened sleeping on them, to sleeping on construction paper, very rough construction paper. So needless to say our sleep last night was less than stellar. Oh, well.
So, the point I am trying to make is, "BOYCOTT SEARS"!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
A Solemn Vow
I, Stephanie Jean Murrill, do solemnly vow to you, my tens of readers:) to NEVER take an airplane trip with an infant without my spouse again...ever. Never. Ever again.
Let me start off by saying that Ashley's wedding was amazing and beautiful and I was so honored to be a part of it. With that being said...it was the most stressful trip of my life...hands down.
I was nervous from the beginning. As we boarded the plane and walked down the aisle, I saw people's faces of fear and then instant relief as I would pass. You could tell they were so nervous that I was going to set next to them...me with my two huge carry-ons and my talkative little baby. I don't know what poor Mr. 18B did to get so lucky, but next to him we set. I have to give the guy a major shout-out. He was so helpful. He totally took care of my bags and just was very understanding about everything. There ended up being tons of seats open on the flight, and he asked me if I wanted him to move to an empty seat so we could have some room! What a great guy and a great offer. We gladly accepted. Two bottles and 2 1/2 hours later, we arrived in Austin. Monroe did great and I was so relieved.
It was so awesome to see Ashley and Jaime and we had a blast from the beginning. Laughs were the theme of the weekend and many were had by all.
The only bad thing was the packed schedule. i.e. Lunch, head to resort, wedding shower, church, rehearsal, move to lake house, rehearsal dinner, lingerie shower, pedicures at the spa, getting ready for the wedding, wedding, pictures, reception, pack, fly home...it didn't leave much time to pump every three hours, feed Monroe or give her naps. I felt so bad for her, because she was truly exhausted. Luckily, Andrea and Carlos took Monroe during the rehearsal dinner and for the pre-wedding and wedding. I honestly couldn't have done it without them. They were lifesavers.
By the end of the weekend, I was just so keyed up and nervous because I was constantly trying to find time or a place to pump or a place for Monroe to nap. I know it probably wasn't the best idea to bring her, but I just couldn't imagine leaving my baby behind.
I was also so sad to leave Mark at home on Father's Day. He is such an amazing husband and daddy to Monroe. We wanted to celebrate him and we did the best we could from a few hundred miles away. Before we left we got him some special goodies:) He got a new grill that he absolutely loves. He has been grilling for every meal since we got it! We also got him one of those huge clocks to hang in his office at work along with some matching office accessories. Monroe got him a Starbuck's giftcard for Sunday morning since we couldn't be there to make breakfast. We also got him a bag full of his favorite candies to snack on while we were gone.
So anyway, on Monday, Andrea and Carlos dropped us off at the airport. We didn't want to get there too early, because we didn't want to wait around. As we were checking in, we found out that our flight was delayed an hour! What a bummer!!! I didn't have a lot of milk, as my milk production had gone down throughout the weekend. I found a family restroom there in the airport and locked the door. Monroe was getting tired and fussy, but I had to pump, so I pushed her around the bathroom in the stroller while I pumped. What a sight to see:) I fed her the rest of the solid food I had left and hoped for the best. We finally were able to board the completely full flight and found our seat next to an older gentleman. He was also very helpful and I really appreciated him. We got all ready to go and pulled onto the tarmac. This is the point where I pulled out the all important bottle to give to Monroe during takeoff. She sucked it down and fell asleep in no time, but we still set on the tarmac, which we continued to do for the next hour and a half. How frustrating!!!!
Monroe woke up before we ever took off and was pretty terrible the rest of the flight. She didn't wail or anything, but she was just so cranky and still so exhausted from the weekend. I couldn't get her to set still and she just whimpered through the whole 2 1/2 hours of the flight. It was really overwhelming. I felt so bad for the guy next to us. He was so sweet, but I know I would have been annoyed if I were him.
I have never been so glad to be home ever. The whole trip just made me so thankful for my wonderful husband and his help and support. I will be so much for thoughtful and kind to young mother's traveling alone. They are doing the best they can:)
I am so sorry for venting!!! This is a total Debbie Downer post.
Did I mention it was a beautiful wedding? :) It truly was amazingly beautiful. They had it at a little ranch and the setting was breathtaking. Ashley was an absolutely stunning bride and I am so excited for Ash and Eric as they begin their new life together. Here are a few pics of the weekend...
Jaime and I The Beautiful Bride
Let me start off by saying that Ashley's wedding was amazing and beautiful and I was so honored to be a part of it. With that being said...it was the most stressful trip of my life...hands down.
I was nervous from the beginning. As we boarded the plane and walked down the aisle, I saw people's faces of fear and then instant relief as I would pass. You could tell they were so nervous that I was going to set next to them...me with my two huge carry-ons and my talkative little baby. I don't know what poor Mr. 18B did to get so lucky, but next to him we set. I have to give the guy a major shout-out. He was so helpful. He totally took care of my bags and just was very understanding about everything. There ended up being tons of seats open on the flight, and he asked me if I wanted him to move to an empty seat so we could have some room! What a great guy and a great offer. We gladly accepted. Two bottles and 2 1/2 hours later, we arrived in Austin. Monroe did great and I was so relieved.
It was so awesome to see Ashley and Jaime and we had a blast from the beginning. Laughs were the theme of the weekend and many were had by all.
The only bad thing was the packed schedule. i.e. Lunch, head to resort, wedding shower, church, rehearsal, move to lake house, rehearsal dinner, lingerie shower, pedicures at the spa, getting ready for the wedding, wedding, pictures, reception, pack, fly home...it didn't leave much time to pump every three hours, feed Monroe or give her naps. I felt so bad for her, because she was truly exhausted. Luckily, Andrea and Carlos took Monroe during the rehearsal dinner and for the pre-wedding and wedding. I honestly couldn't have done it without them. They were lifesavers.
By the end of the weekend, I was just so keyed up and nervous because I was constantly trying to find time or a place to pump or a place for Monroe to nap. I know it probably wasn't the best idea to bring her, but I just couldn't imagine leaving my baby behind.
I was also so sad to leave Mark at home on Father's Day. He is such an amazing husband and daddy to Monroe. We wanted to celebrate him and we did the best we could from a few hundred miles away. Before we left we got him some special goodies:) He got a new grill that he absolutely loves. He has been grilling for every meal since we got it! We also got him one of those huge clocks to hang in his office at work along with some matching office accessories. Monroe got him a Starbuck's giftcard for Sunday morning since we couldn't be there to make breakfast. We also got him a bag full of his favorite candies to snack on while we were gone.
So anyway, on Monday, Andrea and Carlos dropped us off at the airport. We didn't want to get there too early, because we didn't want to wait around. As we were checking in, we found out that our flight was delayed an hour! What a bummer!!! I didn't have a lot of milk, as my milk production had gone down throughout the weekend. I found a family restroom there in the airport and locked the door. Monroe was getting tired and fussy, but I had to pump, so I pushed her around the bathroom in the stroller while I pumped. What a sight to see:) I fed her the rest of the solid food I had left and hoped for the best. We finally were able to board the completely full flight and found our seat next to an older gentleman. He was also very helpful and I really appreciated him. We got all ready to go and pulled onto the tarmac. This is the point where I pulled out the all important bottle to give to Monroe during takeoff. She sucked it down and fell asleep in no time, but we still set on the tarmac, which we continued to do for the next hour and a half. How frustrating!!!!
Monroe woke up before we ever took off and was pretty terrible the rest of the flight. She didn't wail or anything, but she was just so cranky and still so exhausted from the weekend. I couldn't get her to set still and she just whimpered through the whole 2 1/2 hours of the flight. It was really overwhelming. I felt so bad for the guy next to us. He was so sweet, but I know I would have been annoyed if I were him.
I have never been so glad to be home ever. The whole trip just made me so thankful for my wonderful husband and his help and support. I will be so much for thoughtful and kind to young mother's traveling alone. They are doing the best they can:)
I am so sorry for venting!!! This is a total Debbie Downer post.
Did I mention it was a beautiful wedding? :) It truly was amazingly beautiful. They had it at a little ranch and the setting was breathtaking. Ashley was an absolutely stunning bride and I am so excited for Ash and Eric as they begin their new life together. Here are a few pics of the weekend...
The Happy Couple
At the Rehearsal Dinner
Getting ready to head to the Spa
Strutting it in our heels
Jaime and I The Beautiful Bride
The Wedding Party
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Thelma and Louise
Yep, the two girls are heading out on our own tomorrow! Are we feeling super independent and totally prepared? No. Not at all. I am dreading this like the plague. Not the destination, just the trip there. Today I have started packing and I am starting to realize what traveling with a little person entails. I have always been a horrible, horrible packer. I usually bring 10 times the amount of clothes I need. Mark always gives me the hardest time, but I always counter him by explaining that I am prepared for any disaster that we might run into. Kaylee has inspired me to be better. When she came to visit us in Florida, she came with a small bag the size of my purse! I was overwhelmed by her skill. I wanted to be just like her.
This trip has made the change hard. I have decided to prechoose my clothes for each day. Before I would have a pick of three or four outfits...now, I will have only one. The problem is that there are so many things happening over this trip! 1) Friday Bridal Shower 2) Sabbath Church 3) Sabbath Afternoon 4) Rehearsal Dinner 5) Smores at the Lake House 6) Sunday Manicures 7) Wedding 8) Monday Flying Clothes 9) Swimming throughout! Besides the clothes, I have to remember sleeping clothes, shoes, toiletries. And then, to top it all off, times that by two! UGH! I also have to pack diapers, wipes, baby food, pumping stuff, toys...the list never ends. How will I ever fit it all in my bag?
I have a lot planned for today. Laundry was on the top of the list, but when I went to put some things in the dryer it made the loudest screeching noise in protest and totally gave out on me. Not the best time for this to happen! I need to go grill shopping (Mark's Father's Day gift), grocery shopping for Mark, finish packing, straighten the house, get my hair cut, watch game 7, and of course write this blog entry:) Pray I get it all done.
As I write this, the little monkey I call Monroe is jumping in her Jumperoo. She has been jumping like a crazy woman for at least 15 minutes straight, squealing with glee through the whole thing. It is really quite entertaining to watch.
Well, I better run. Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday! Love you:)
This trip has made the change hard. I have decided to prechoose my clothes for each day. Before I would have a pick of three or four outfits...now, I will have only one. The problem is that there are so many things happening over this trip! 1) Friday Bridal Shower 2) Sabbath Church 3) Sabbath Afternoon 4) Rehearsal Dinner 5) Smores at the Lake House 6) Sunday Manicures 7) Wedding 8) Monday Flying Clothes 9) Swimming throughout! Besides the clothes, I have to remember sleeping clothes, shoes, toiletries. And then, to top it all off, times that by two! UGH! I also have to pack diapers, wipes, baby food, pumping stuff, toys...the list never ends. How will I ever fit it all in my bag?
I have a lot planned for today. Laundry was on the top of the list, but when I went to put some things in the dryer it made the loudest screeching noise in protest and totally gave out on me. Not the best time for this to happen! I need to go grill shopping (Mark's Father's Day gift), grocery shopping for Mark, finish packing, straighten the house, get my hair cut, watch game 7, and of course write this blog entry:) Pray I get it all done.
As I write this, the little monkey I call Monroe is jumping in her Jumperoo. She has been jumping like a crazy woman for at least 15 minutes straight, squealing with glee through the whole thing. It is really quite entertaining to watch.
Well, I better run. Hope everyone is having a wonderful Thursday! Love you:)
Monday, June 14, 2010
I'm no doctor...
I'm pretty excited that my "diagnosis" of Monroe's ears, was wrong. The doctor said she thought her teeth were probably bothering her. This is great news! I really didn't want to fly with her if her little ears were bothering her.
Today was a busy day. RoRo and I went to Panera for lunch, headed to Apple Valley for healthfood, went to the doctor, went to Target to stock up on baby food, and went to Marshall's and Sport's Authority for gifts. It was so nice to finish up things for our dads for Father's Day. I am usually horrible about getting cards/gifts out in the mail to people on or before their birthdays/holidays, so this is quite an accomplishment.
I still can't believe I won't be able to celebrate Father's Day with Mark this year!!!! I'm pretty bummed about the whole thing. I am so excited for Ashley's wedding, but I will be thinking about my big handsome hubby at home alone the whole day:( And, I'm taking his little girl with me. I feel just horrible!!!! We've decided to celebrate on a different day. I will really have to make it pretty amazing to make up for our absence.
I finished up a project I have been working on for a good friend of ours. Here are some pics...
I am really dreading going to work tomorrow! At least it is my two day week. I hope everyone had an amazing Monday. Love you all!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday...Fun Day
Sunday's are usually pretty full around our house. Cleaning, laundry & mowing the lawn are usually on the short list. This Sunday was no different. We got up early and Mark mowed the lawn while I started work on the hot pink dresser that we are redoing. It has turned out to be a doozy! Under the pink paint, we found a lovely robin's egg blue. We realized that instead of just sanding, we were going to have to strip the whole thing. We could have worked on it all day, but Mason and Max were coming over for the afternoon, so we put our project on hold. Mike and Melissa were having a little date day/night. They went downtown to experience Michigan Avenue at it's best.
The rest of our day consisted of feeding, changing diapers, park visits and naps. The boys were great and we had a wonderful time with them. We were able to work in some time to take pics for our dads for Father's Day. We did some themed shots. Basketball for Dad Murrill and Coca Cola for my dad (he is a collector of all things Coke). I have a sneaking suspicion that Rosie has an ear infection. Usually I can't get the kid to stop smiling, but during our "photo shoot", I could hardly get her to look at me, let alone, give me smile. Here are the two best. Hope you enjoy:)
The rest of our day consisted of feeding, changing diapers, park visits and naps. The boys were great and we had a wonderful time with them. We were able to work in some time to take pics for our dads for Father's Day. We did some themed shots. Basketball for Dad Murrill and Coca Cola for my dad (he is a collector of all things Coke). I have a sneaking suspicion that Rosie has an ear infection. Usually I can't get the kid to stop smiling, but during our "photo shoot", I could hardly get her to look at me, let alone, give me smile. Here are the two best. Hope you enjoy:)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Blogging is hard...
I have been really bad at keeping up with this blog. Back when I was pregnant I was so consistent at blogging. Yep, back before Rosie came into our lives:) Now that this little sister is more active, I rarely feel like I have any "free" time. I truly want to be better and I promise to try, but...don't count on it:)
It's been so long since I last wrote, that I really don't know where to start! Things have been very busy in the Murrill household.
I don't think I mentioned that I took on more responsibility at work. My boss was needing some extra help with planning events and wondered if I would be interested. She understood that I really didn't want to give up time away from Monroe and thought I could do most of the work at home and in the evenings. After talking it over with Mark, we decided that the extra money would be nice. So now I am the Volunteer Coordinator/Event Planner:)
It's so crazy what directions your life can take. I never would have dreamed that I wouldn't be teaching. I loved it so much. But I can truly say that I love what I am doing now. I also see how all my past jobs have helped prepare me for what I am doing now. God is amazing.
My first Mother's Day happened since I last wrote! What a wonderful day!!!!! Mark and Monroe really spoiled me. Mark got up at the break of dawn and took Monroe. I had no idea where they went, but it allowed me the opportunity to sleep in and do some things around the house that I was really wanting to do, but hadn't had a chance to. When they got back Mark made me the most incredible breakfast. Along with the yumminess he made, he surprised me with Ann Sather's cinnamon rolls! These cinnamon rolls are world renowned!!! They have been featured on the food network many times and I had been dying to try them. Mark and Monroe had driven all the way to Wrigleyville and back to get them:) They are so thoughtful! They also gave me the most wonderful cards and...A NEW PHONE!!! I loved my Palm, but I was definitely ready for something new. Mark got me the HTC Hero and I really like it. I was very surprised and felt, oh so special.
Being able to celebrate Mother's Day as a mom, was such a blessing to me. I remember many nights crying, wondering if I would ever have a baby of my own. I was so worried that something was wrong. It just didn't make sense that I wasn't getting pregnant. I remember sitting in church on previous mother's days and feeling so uncomfortable as the little kids would bring roses around to all of the moms. My students would always bring me roses, and as sweet and wonderful as that was, I always yearned to have my own baby. This year as a little girl brought me my carnation, it finally felt real. I AM a mom!!!! Crazy! What a wonderful God we serve and what perfect timing he has. Why do I ever question???
As we are on the Mom subject and as I am approaching my 30th b-day, I am really starting to feel myself age. How sad is that!!!! My body feels older, I think I may even look older, and................I think I want a mini van. Yes, I am old. But what can I say, I am really starting to see the allure of a small room on wheels. Why did I ever make fun?! I like the Toyota Sienna. I have gotten such a kick out of their newest ad campaign, as well. If you haven't watched "Swagga Wagon", you are definitely doing yourself a disservice.
We redid our first piece of furniture! Forgetful me, didn't take a "before" picture of this piece! We found this desk on the side of the road and saw real potential. It was pretty ugly and not in the best shape, but it had a nice look to it. This last Sunday, we sanded, painted and clear coated it. Mark also fixed the drawers. Then this week we got new knobs and I mod-podged the drawer fronts. It was so satisfying to take something that would have ended up in the dump and turn it into something beautiful (at least to us). I am so proud of it and am so excited to have a new sewing desk. Mark and I really had a blast doing it!
Mark and I celebrated six years of marriage at the end of May! I know it doesn't sound like a huge amount of time, but I am still so proud of us. We've gone through our rough times, but God has brought us out of it stronger and more in love than ever. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and best friend. I am so excited to spend the rest of our lives together!
Some things I am looking forward to in the next couple of weeks:
1) Going to Austin for my friend Ashley's wedding. I am very nervous about making the trip with just Monroe, but I am so excited to see my friends and celebrate such an awesome moment in Ashley's life! Congrats Ashley and Eric!!!
2) Going to Cancun with Mom, Dad, Stephen and Michelle. Mark, Monroe, and I can't wait to hit the beaches with the fam! It has been so long since we have seen them and we are so glad they will get to spend some quality time with Monroe.
So, I will leave you with some pictures from the last few weeks/months! Love you all.
It's been so long since I last wrote, that I really don't know where to start! Things have been very busy in the Murrill household.
I don't think I mentioned that I took on more responsibility at work. My boss was needing some extra help with planning events and wondered if I would be interested. She understood that I really didn't want to give up time away from Monroe and thought I could do most of the work at home and in the evenings. After talking it over with Mark, we decided that the extra money would be nice. So now I am the Volunteer Coordinator/Event Planner:)
It's so crazy what directions your life can take. I never would have dreamed that I wouldn't be teaching. I loved it so much. But I can truly say that I love what I am doing now. I also see how all my past jobs have helped prepare me for what I am doing now. God is amazing.
My first Mother's Day happened since I last wrote! What a wonderful day!!!!! Mark and Monroe really spoiled me. Mark got up at the break of dawn and took Monroe. I had no idea where they went, but it allowed me the opportunity to sleep in and do some things around the house that I was really wanting to do, but hadn't had a chance to. When they got back Mark made me the most incredible breakfast. Along with the yumminess he made, he surprised me with Ann Sather's cinnamon rolls! These cinnamon rolls are world renowned!!! They have been featured on the food network many times and I had been dying to try them. Mark and Monroe had driven all the way to Wrigleyville and back to get them:) They are so thoughtful! They also gave me the most wonderful cards and...A NEW PHONE!!! I loved my Palm, but I was definitely ready for something new. Mark got me the HTC Hero and I really like it. I was very surprised and felt, oh so special.
Being able to celebrate Mother's Day as a mom, was such a blessing to me. I remember many nights crying, wondering if I would ever have a baby of my own. I was so worried that something was wrong. It just didn't make sense that I wasn't getting pregnant. I remember sitting in church on previous mother's days and feeling so uncomfortable as the little kids would bring roses around to all of the moms. My students would always bring me roses, and as sweet and wonderful as that was, I always yearned to have my own baby. This year as a little girl brought me my carnation, it finally felt real. I AM a mom!!!! Crazy! What a wonderful God we serve and what perfect timing he has. Why do I ever question???
As we are on the Mom subject and as I am approaching my 30th b-day, I am really starting to feel myself age. How sad is that!!!! My body feels older, I think I may even look older, and................I think I want a mini van. Yes, I am old. But what can I say, I am really starting to see the allure of a small room on wheels. Why did I ever make fun?! I like the Toyota Sienna. I have gotten such a kick out of their newest ad campaign, as well. If you haven't watched "Swagga Wagon", you are definitely doing yourself a disservice.
We redid our first piece of furniture! Forgetful me, didn't take a "before" picture of this piece! We found this desk on the side of the road and saw real potential. It was pretty ugly and not in the best shape, but it had a nice look to it. This last Sunday, we sanded, painted and clear coated it. Mark also fixed the drawers. Then this week we got new knobs and I mod-podged the drawer fronts. It was so satisfying to take something that would have ended up in the dump and turn it into something beautiful (at least to us). I am so proud of it and am so excited to have a new sewing desk. Mark and I really had a blast doing it!
Mark and I celebrated six years of marriage at the end of May! I know it doesn't sound like a huge amount of time, but I am still so proud of us. We've gone through our rough times, but God has brought us out of it stronger and more in love than ever. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and best friend. I am so excited to spend the rest of our lives together!
Some things I am looking forward to in the next couple of weeks:
1) Going to Austin for my friend Ashley's wedding. I am very nervous about making the trip with just Monroe, but I am so excited to see my friends and celebrate such an awesome moment in Ashley's life! Congrats Ashley and Eric!!!
2) Going to Cancun with Mom, Dad, Stephen and Michelle. Mark, Monroe, and I can't wait to hit the beaches with the fam! It has been so long since we have seen them and we are so glad they will get to spend some quality time with Monroe.
So, I will leave you with some pictures from the last few weeks/months! Love you all.
Monroe and Daddy at the Park on Mother's Day
Monroe and Max
The Cousins
At the zoo
Mommy and Monroe
Rosie...so proud of her first tooth:)
Just enjoying some rays!
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