More Time for Life

I am back!  I really thought about the blog and if I would do anything with it anymore.  Sadly, over the last year Facebook has just been easier to upload pics of the kids.  It is just not as fun though.  I stink at baby books etc.  So this has always been a fun way to capture moments, quotes, and memories.  I was also frustrated when I started using Pinterest and found great recipes, made them and then went back to do it again and the recipe was gone.  So I am back to the blogging world and have made it a goal to phase out Facebook for many reasons!

With the new year lots of changes have come to the Murphy house.  Of course we have a new little one Isla, who was born in June.  She is the best thing since sliced bread!  Everyone adores her.  I feel like I have always had family as a priority, but I have been able to really maximize this since January 1.  I had some changes in my work world and I am no longer working for Hussmann. (Full-time at least)  The last 3 years have been great working at home, but some of the hours I have put in on top of being a full-time mommy were crazy!  So with changes at work, I decided that I couldn't take a position that would have me in St. Louis a whole week each month.  I am now just doing some contract work for them here and there.  It is nice to still have my own "work" thing, but also SUPER nice to have more MOMMY time.  We have lots of moments like the pic above and I feel like I have a ton more control over my life.  So with that, I am back to blogging!

P.S.  I found a great little trick this week.  If you have a wood piece of furniture that has a knick or some of the varnish came off you can use walnuts and rub them over it and it almost makes them disappear!  Love it!

Making the Most of the Weekend!

We wanted to make the most of this weekend since this week we will have a new Murphy joining us!  We started out the weekend with a parade at Princeville's Heritage Days.  The kids even got to enjoy a few rides at their small carnival.  I can handle a small town carnival any day over the chaos (that's putting it nicely) of the same idea in my hometown.  The kids got cool balloon art and ice cream to top it off.  Justin and I enjoyed a Ribeye Sandwich.  Yummy!  We also managed some park time and went to a splash park in Chilicothe.  Now we are on the final countdown to Thursday and "Baby Butter" arriving.  Clayton is still sure it is a girl and Maddie that it is a boy.  Clayton has even picked out a name Isabella.  Yikes, not on our list and he said it doesn't matter, that is what he is going to call the baby if it is a girl!  We will continue to pack it in with Gymnastics, Storytime, Running Club, T-ball, etc until I have to go in Thursday morning!  We can't wait to meet this newest addition!

Clayton's Tball Fan

Serious Fisherman

Sneak Preview of Camp Galena

T-ball

Clayton started his first season of T-ball in May.  They had some practices and are now having their games.  He loves it and has really been improving.  They get to try to hit the ball without the tee and then after 4 tries they use the tee.  I have been pretty impressed with the kids.  He looks adorable in his hat, t-shirt and pants.  Justin would kill me for saying that.  His strength is definitely throwing!  He is on the Dodgers this year.  Maddie has been great about going to the games.  We have done ice cream afterwards a couple of times which always sweetens the deal for her.  Just another reminder of how fast he is growing up!