Pics from the weekend...

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...

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

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:)

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...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:)

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.

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!  

It's been a while...

So, I was reminded today that I am really bad at keeping up with this blog.  It's true and I apologize.  I will TRY to do better.

Life has been somewhat uneventful the last few weeks.  Work has been kind of stressful, though.  I had to plan and execute my first event last week.  It went well, but I am so glad to have it behind me.  It involved me giving a speech, which is always nerve-racking.

This weekend we went to Michigan with the "other Murrill's".  Dwight Nelson was finishing up his series on "Angels" and Mark really wanted to hear it.  Mark was also craving his favorite sandwich from Baguette de France, so we loaded the cars and headed to Andrew's.  Church was nice and we had a lovely picnic after.  We visited the neatest carousel, saw Korine (Mark's cousin), visited with the Paradise's, and although I would love to say we ate a yummy sandwich at Baguette, I would be lying.  It turns out that with summer hours, it isn't open on Saturday night:(  We didn't figure that out until late Saturday evening.  Oh well!  It was a nice trip.

I have been doing some major crafting lately.  With the tight budget, I am finding new and creative ways to do gifts.  Here are a few baby shower gifts I have made...

       

Tonight, I finished up my Mother's Day gifts.  I will post those later.

So, "Potato Potluck" is this Saturday.  Mike has been the ringleader of this little shindig, but we are housing the event.  The guidelines state that all dishes must be made up of at least 50% potatoes.  I am making potato soup and, if I am able to track down the recipe, potato chip cookies.  If you know me at all, you know that this potluck is pretty much the highlight of my year.  Potatoes are my favorite food ever...hands down.  On a more somber note...I just read that breast-feeding moms have a harder time metabolizing carbs and will sometimes hold onto weight from carb consumption until they are finished breastfeeding.  *Insert deep sorrowful sigh*

My baby turned eight months old yesterday!  Can you believe she is practically one?!!!  Where has the time gone?  Motherhood has definitely changed me for the better.  I feel so complete now, and Mark and I have never been closer.  It's definitely been a good year.

Here are a few pics from the last few weeks...enjoy:)

Supporting the Bulls

My first event..."Volunteer Recognition Banquet"

Such a sweetheart

Bathing Beauty

1st Carousel Ride

The Murrill's 

Domino's, you can make the check out to Stephanie Murrill

What a wonderful weekend we had!  After church on Sabbath, we came home and had lunch with Mike, Melissa and the boys.  I realized that a nap was definitely in order, and my amazing hubby took care of Monroe while I took a little siesta.  Then after a relaxing afternoon, that included playing a few board games and lots of laughter, we all packed up (in one car) and headed to Geneva, Illinois, for some ice cream.  Yes, I said one car for the lot of us.  It actually was a surprisingly uneventful trip, but I can't imagine one much longer.  With three cars seats, it gets pretty cramped.  And from Melissa's and my experience, when one of our kids starts crying, a trio is quickly assembled, or at very least, a duet.

Geneva is the cutest little place.  It has one of those fun downtowns with unique shops and amazing restaurants.  We had a great time enjoying the sights and our yummy ice cream.  (I sampled banana chocolate chip, but decided on coconut almond, as I am sure you were all dying to know.)  After pizza, we called it a night.

On a side note, if you have not tried Domino's new pizza, you are truly missing out.  Mark my word, you will not regret it.  The garlicky crust melts in your mouth. As a kid, I remember Domino's pizza tasting much like cardboard smothered in oily cheese.  No more, my friends.  And for pizza's at $5.99 a piece, you can't beat it.  You are probably wondering at this point, if Domino's is paying me to write this.  No, they are not,  but I am hoping they catch wind of this shameless promotion and they send a little checky check my way... fingers crossed.

The next morning was Easter and did we ever celebrate.  Mike and Melissa hosted a lovely Easter Brunch at their house.  Everyone brought amazing food and the kids had the greatest time dying and decorating eggs and later, an Easter Egg Hunt.  It was one for the books.

The weather has been Florida-esque lately(in a good way), until today.  We woke up to crazy thunderstorms, which was kind of fun.  Monroe came in my bed and we napped for a bit this morning to the sound of thunder and rain.  Ahh, I love being part-time and getting to have these experiences with her!!!!  There is nothing better than napping with your little girl.  Well, if Mark could have been there as well, that would have been the cherry on top.

Here are a few pics of our weekend.

Monroe and Daddy on Sabbath Morning after a great night's sleep!  Yes, she is back to her normal sleep schedule!  What a blessing!!!

All ready to go to Church!  Dressed in my Easter/Amish outfit:) 

I love my baby girl! 

The Murrill Girls and their babies in Geneva

Ready to walk around Geneva

Easter Brunch Spread...yummy

Dying the eggs

Monroe taking part in Easter Brunch

The gang, getting ready to find some eggs.  And Monroe with a bucket on her head...

Project Update:  I started sanding the pink dresser yesterday.  I also removed the random screws and the hardware.  The process is a slow one, but hopefully a fun one.

RoRo Gallery

We had our first 75 degree day of the year!  It was amazing...Monroe misses the snow, I guess.

Hanging out with Uncle Krose.  He came for a house hunting trip!

The sun made her sleepy!

These pics made me smile.  She is such a big girl now.   

A very good Friday...

Melissa and I had been talking for awhile about getting together to go to Goodwill to find some old furniture to refurbish (this was before I came into such great luck...see previous posts).  So anyway, we thought it would be fun to go today.  It just so happened that Mark and Mike had the day off from work, and they took the kids to the park, while we went shopping.

Boy was it fun.  We actually found a few different furniture items that were contenders, but after walking around for awhile, we put it all back.  We did, however, find some other "treasures"!  Melissa snapped up the greatest Banana Republic Blazer and shirt, a Lucy sweatshirt, a frame, a brand new shower caddy, some fake flowers, and the cutest little tea/jam holder.  

I walked away with a brand new pair of snow boots for Monroe, an Ann Taylor dress, and an adorable shirt.  I also made a little investment.  I happened upon the same exact SIDS Prevention baby monitor that I have.  My mom and dad got it for us, and I know it was pretty pricey.  To find one for the Goodwill price, was unheard of.  I went ahead and bought it and stuck it on craigslist.  Hopefully, I can make a few dollars on the deal.  I'll let you know how it turns out.  I also put our big old black hutch up on craigslist.  It is a huge monstrosity and we really don't have a place for it anymore.  It used to house our television, before we got our new tv.  I am really hoping we have some luck selling them, and fast. 

After shopping, we had a lovely lunch in downtown Elmhurst.  I love that place.  The little boutiques and restaurants reminded me very much of Park Avenue in Winter Park.  I loved that area in Florida.  

We then headed to the park to meet the boys.  What we found was the funniest sight!  Poor little Max had lost his binkie on the trip and was happily sucking on Monroe's bright pink one.  Monroe was sockless, shoeless and dirty. And poor Mason was sporting a load in his diaper that size of Kansas!  It was hilarious.  The dads really did do a great job and we were so thankful to have a little girl-time.  We took the kids home while Mark and Mike played a quick round of frisbee golf on their walk home.  They also made a quick trip to the Ducati dealership.  Mike has a motorcycle and I really hope that Mark isn't getting any ideas!  They are known as "murdercycles" in my home:).  

Since Mark and I got married, we love just driving around on Friday evenings, looking at houses and the such.  We hadn't had a chance to do that since we arrived in Chicago, so last night we took advantage of the lovely evening.  It was super relaxing and we really enjoyed ourselves.  

So, that was pretty much my Friday in a nutshell.  I will post some pics of our amazing goodwill finds later.  

The baby that came to live with us last week...

So, I started to wonder if someone swapped Monroe for another kid.  The last five days have been horrible!  She yells her head off when we try to put her to sleep and will wake up in the wee hours of the morning to continue her yelling.  We couldn't seem to figure out what was wrong and were at our wits end. Then yesterday, I started noticing her shaking her head in a weird way.  My neuroticism  really came to the surface and I had convinced myself that Monroe had something horrible.  I did some online searching today and found that sudden irritability and shaking of the head in infants is a tale-tale sign of an ear infection.  We are headed to the doc a bit later today.  Pray that it is just an ear infection and nothing worse.  

FYI-  I have to admit something...I convinced Mark to go drive around the neighborhood last night to see if there were any other treasures.  No luck, though. I am keeping my eyes peeled:)

Love,

Phyllis