The FurSulMurphsAgers 12/12/09

In harmony, four families combine to share some updates, giggles and good times before the holidays engulf us! Here are some fun pictures of our BIG Xmas party, hosted this year in our home. Presenting the FurSulMurphsAgers!

**Please note** "Small" pictures were downloaded from FB page. Can't seem to fix size. Will try later!


This year's winner of the "candy jar"!


That face is priceless!


Yummy!


Everyone is posed!


Smile!


Just the girls!


They look so innocent! Say cheese!


Singing Xmas Carols as Cousins cherub dazzles us!


Hubby (before he turned into Minnie Mouse) & Cherub 1


Hubby (as Minnie Mouse) in a parade with kids!


Uncle B!


Me & Cherub 1


Cousin's Babygirl...also dazzling us!


Pops & Eldest Nephew


BIL & Cousin, dodging a phote (stinky boys!)...


BabySis & Cousin!


Cousins! Say Cheese!!


Aunt N, me, BigSis! Say Cheese!


Nana & Sis!



Boys, boys, boys...and that is only some of them!


BabySis dishes with the young girls!


Don't forget your purse!

Cherish the SISTAS

Some we are born with, some are chosen
In a heartbeat, we are there for each other
Stories, advice, honesty, giggles, gossip
Together we celebrate the holidays
And cherish time together
Simply priceless

Love my SISTAS!
12/6/09 Christmas Dinner in North End!

Building back up the Pieces

This is the snowman that cherub 2 built.


This is the hockey rink that hubby built~ right where the snowman was. (Look closely, you can see the snowman remains.)


These are the pieces of cherub 2 that mommy had to put back together. (Sigh.)

Me: What's wrong????
Cherub 2: (In between sobs.) I am SO mad at Daddy! He took down my snowman to build the rink! I worked SO HARD ON IT! (Mind you, he is the one that will use the rink the most.)

All Wrapped Up

Cherub 2 purchased our dog a Christmas gift at his school holiday shop. He asked hubby where the wrapping paper bin was. Mindlessly, hubby told him and continued what he was doing. Next thing you know, cherub 2 came up the basement stairs carrying this HUGE bin! He wrapped the doggy bones all by himself and labeled it:

To: Haley
Love: Cherub 2

The best part was when hubby told him to put it in Haley's stocking and cherub 2 replied, "I can't! Santa's gonna fill it!"

Democratic Decision

The cherubs shopped at their school holiday store. On the way home in the car cherub 2 announced that they "voted and decided to give each other their presents right now". I asked if they wanted to at least wrap them and cherub 2 told me that they weren't going to because it was just "a waste of time anyway" (takes time away from getting the gift right away). I love that they live have created their onw democracy (and that they are so excited and can't wait)!

Where's Cherubs?

It's like where's Waldo? Where's Cherubs? You can barely make them out in the snowstorm as they walk to the bus stop with Daddy.

(Cherub 3 too fast to be caught on film!)

Husky Angry Guy

Yesterday, I ruined someone's day.

Yes, I know I should feel bad.

On the way to work I stopped at the local gas station to buy a diet sunkist. Of course their was only one teenee, tiny little parking spot. So, I did what any commuter would do. I squeezed my big but minivan into the spot, got out of my car sideways, and ran in for my soda. I was only going to be in there a minute anyway.

While waiting in line, some guy BURST into the door and screamed in a husky growl, "WHO'S GOT A BLUE VANNNNNN?". Startled, I answered quietly, "me". He then growled, "WOULD YOU MIND MOVING IT SO I CAN GET IN MY CAR?" With a smile I answered, "sure". (He was kind of raging and I did check to make sure he wasn't armed to go poastal on me.)

I put my stuff down, walked out, squeezed into my van, moved it as he STOMPED TO HIS CAR, SLAMMED HIS DOOR AND DROVE AWAY AT 100 MILES PER HOUR.

I couldn't help it, it was funny.

What I can't figure out is why he didn't just squeeze by and slam his car door into mine like any other self-respecting MA commuter would have? Why be mad? Why make a scene? Many a time I have gotten into my car via passenger seat because someone parked to close (I didn't slam their door). Inconvenienced? Sure. But seriously people, take a breath. It was a convenience store, clearly I would've been out in under 2 minutes anyway.

Back in the line everyone was laughing and commenting, "somebody needs his coffee", "someone's ragin' on a Monday". I feel bad for his co-workers because they were sure to get an earful that morning.

So, sorry I ruined your day, husky, angry guy but next time...just breathe.

Parent's Penance

(Disclaimer: The below is sarcasm at it's best.)

I decided this morning that going to church has become my penance for all my sins. I remember the day when I used to go to church, my place of peace, beautiful music, serenity and prayer. I used to have the time to listen, learn and try to be a better person. It is way different now.

My penance looks something like this:
Wake up. Corral 3 children to shower, eat and get out the door, with appropriate clothes, on time to make it to mass. (Today, cherub 1 came down with a summer dress and open toe high healed shoes on. Ummm, turnaround and go put leggings and boots on. It is snowing!) This change is the point where we run late for mass.

Whisper on the way in to be quiet, because we are a tad late.

Pick up worksheets on the way into mass. My children are "required" to fill out these worksheet during each mass to "help them learn about the mass and the church seasons. In essence, it is to prove they were there. Who is kidding who?

I find myself whispering things throughout the mass like: feet down, stop banging, hands off your sister, what? you have to go to the bathroom again?, yes-it is almost over, don't scribble on your worksheet, don't grunt at me, etc, etc, etc.

We continue to annoy the elderly people sitting near us as I whisper throughout the mass helping them with their worksheet, since it has words like 'sanctuary' on it. In the end, I do not hear the true message of mass today because I am too busy assisting my kids.

After mass, take 1 of 3 children downstairs to ccd. Leave for 1 hr. Come back to pick child up. Corral cherub 2 because he has decided to LAY DOWN ON THE FLOOR OF CHURCH, GRAB CHERUB 1'S LEGS AND SCREAM THAT HE IS GOING TO TAKE HER DOWN. In the end, I pick him up (by his jacket sleeve), point my finger and say sternly, "Cherub 2! Stop it! You are in church!" He looks at me like, "What did I do?"

In the end, I looked crazy.

In the end, my kids look out of control.

In the end, I feel the need to cry.

So as a true sinner would, I will pay the piper, do my penance next week at 9am mass. Who needs to go to the confession booth?. The priest should simply 'absolve' me (for all my bad thoughts throughout my mass experience) on the way out of mass each time in hopes that I will come back next week.

Not a Couple of Misfits!

Watching Rudolph, being Rudolph! Treasure these times!

Fancy Pants

Scene: Cherub 2 getting ready for school, putting on cackies.

Cherub 2: Mom, I am not "going to picture day" why do I have to be fancy?
Me: Honey, those are the only pants clean, please put them on.

Fancy? Cackies? I remember having like 2 pairs of levi chords, 1 ALWAYS had to be blue, hating them and STILL never complaining.

Saintly?

Saintly.

It is not usually a word that I would use to describe hubby. He is an amazing hubby and father, full of life, hysterical, handsome, hardworking, creative, always right (ha, ha), but saintly? However, he recently has change my mind...at least for now.

Last Friday, we went to my high school reunion. As one can attest to, if it isn't your reunion it can be boring. Not having those connections, being introduced 4,000 times, not understanding the old stories. Having said that, hubby was amazing! He was his usual self, meeting people, making the best of where he was (even if he was bored). Here is the proof for his new definition:

*He was the drink fairy. Where ever we were, hubby kept "delivering" drinks. We would be off in the opposite corner of the party talking with an old friend and a beer/glass of wine would appear in our hands. The next day, RLF, H said "how is it that I never spent a dollar but had a drink in my hand all night?" Ironic b/c my money had disappeared from my wallet. (I vaguely remember him taking it all when we first got there.)

*At any given moment he could be seen carrying around H's shoes. He was afraid she would leave them there. Where is the picture of him holding her strappy little sandals?

*First trip home~ At the end of the night, we all decided to go to the local bar. Hubby left to relieve our sitter. He was five minutes around the corner when I texted him to come back (b/c I changed my mind and wanted to go home with him). He got back to the hotel as I said "oops".

*Second trip home~ He graciously said no problem when he heard oops (hey, it took him five minutes to get there...they convinced me to stay again) and left when we told him we decided to stay. He got all the way home to the driveway when I called him and said "oops".

*Third trip home~ He laughed (on the outside) as we rehashed our conversation "honey, we got to the bar and it was closing!". He came back AGAIN to pick up all of us 'over-imbibed' individuals.

So Mr. Shoe carrying, Mr. Socializer, Mr. Gentlemen, Mr. Keep-your-sense of humor...it is a consensus.

You are saintly!

Just a can of Cranberry Sauce

Hubby has officially given me permission to turn it all into a book. Here's an excerpt from It's Just a can of Cranberry Sauce (the title he strongly suggests):

Preparing for our Thanksgiving Feast, I reached for a can of cranberry sauce. With a quick turn, turn, turn, I opened the can with a can opener. Next step, turn it over and tap, tap, tap to the bottom of the can. Realizing I forgot to do my trick (gently run a knife around the cranberry sauce to loosen it enough...making it slide out), I put the can down to get a knife.

SWOOP! In swooped hubby and MIL. To save me of course. Everyone knows that even I couldn't quite possibly know how to open it all by myself. Right? (No, I am not sarcastic at all!)

So...I backed up quietly and watched their little escapade:

Hubby: You have to open both ends. Open the other end with the can opener too.
MIL: (Agrees.)
Hubby: (Tries.)
Cherub 1: Can I help?
MIL: (Uses this as a teachable moment.) Sure, you want to open the other end. Then you'll be able to slide it out.

Hubby & MIL soon discover that the can is rounded on the bottom so the can opener won't work on that second end. (Discussion ensues about how the ends are so different.)

Hubby: Where's the bottle opener? We can poke a hole in it.
MIL: (Agrees.)
Me: (I am thinking, WHA?)

No one can find it.
After watching them struggle (approx 5 minutes worth), I quietly and politely ask MIL if they are ready to give me the can back. MIL nods.

Me: (Grabbed knife, gently go around cranberry sauce. Gently taps the bottom of the can and cranberry sauce slides out gingerly onto the plate.)

MIL: (Laughs.) I guess she knew what she was doing all along.

Later when we were laughing about it, hubby asked me when I was going to accept that they both were the same ...always "having to step in, control the situation and be right" (his exact words~ not mine!). I told him it took me 12 years, but I finally have learned to just step back and let them have at it. It is just easier that way.

After all, it's just a can of cranberry sauce.

(And yes, I still love you both, even if you are always right!)

The Lumps and Bumps of Life

A week and a half ago, my OB found a lump in my breast. There. I said it. This lump made a big bump in our life on the scale for the short time we feared it. Finally today, I got the answer I had prayed for. I am fine.

I always try to make sense of things, trying to figure out why fate has led me down a bumpy path. Trying to figure out the message being sent to me. I have been struggling to find balance in my life lately (like for years). I have been providing and giving, yet not taking care of myself health-wise. I think the bumps in this path jolted me into a clearer state.

So this scale may never be in perfect balance but somehow I will find a decent amount of balance so that I can provide, give and be healthy (so that I can be blessed to continue to provide and give).

Message heard.

Choose the Correct Answer

Why is it the mom's job to be the 'bad guy'? Hubby asked cherub 1 to paint a bookshelf with him tonight. Great idea, bonding, fun, creative. Love it actually!

However, why would you let your daughter use non-washable RED! paint while wearing her BRAND NEW outfit? I notsonicely suggested that he have her change (actually I pretty much barked at him b/c this is the millionth time he has had a cherub painting in NEW clothes).

Choice: does this situation make me mean or him just a glutton for my nagging?

Double Dippin'

In my most recent post, it is mentioned that the tooth fairy didn't come on time (simultaneously when I had 102 fever and was delirious). Once the tooth fairy came (when she came home from ahem, vacation, she left cherub 2 $2 (an extra for the wait). That next morning, cherub 2 woke me to tell me that he lost another tooth and I replied, "Great. That means the tooth fairy will come again!" I watched him do the happy dance all the way out of my bedroom. I fell right back into to temp-a-coma.

The next day, cherub 2 told Daddy that the tooth fairy left him another $2. Hubby asked him if he lost another tooth and he answered, "No, I have no idea why she left it for me. I'm gonna put that tooth pillow under my pillow tonight to see if she'll do it again!" Hubby is relentless! He has not stopped laughing at me.

I guess I dreamt the whole thing in my delirium? $4 a tooth. Not bad.
Hey~no double dippin.

Did You Know?

That when mom has 102 fever, she still made sure:
1)you had your library book
2)had your favorite outfit clean so you could speak at your assembly
3)fed the kids, the dog and the bunny (with some help! Thank you!)
4)gave you your medicine
5)disinfected the house
6)made sure you studied for spelling and did your math
7)tracked down your missing school picture
8)helped you plan your art contest picture
9)gave up and let you play football in the house
10)still loved you even though I couldn't lavish you with hugs & kisses
Most of all, did you know that when mom is sick, she wants her mom too?

PS- Did you know, that even though I had 102 fever and I forgot to 'send the message' to the tooth fairy that your tooth was under your pillow, I still love you? She got the message the next day and whala, $2 instead of $1. Maybe it pays to have mommy sick?

The Transitions

I have been teaching my 2nd graders how to use transition words in their writing: first, next, then, last. Since I have seemingly forgotten how to blog, I will re-learn how to write again, transitions included.

First, I took a job teaching second graders.
Next, life become caotic, sleep became extinct, yet all were happy.
Then, the cherubs became very ill with the H1N1 flu.
Last, hubby & I lost our marbles. Seriously.

It is all about how you Recover!

Can you believe we have been so busy that I FORGOT I used to blog. Like, everyday. It wasn't until I was teaching my little 2nd graders about how 25 pennies would weigh more than 20 and showed them with my hands up in the air (one higher than the other) that I pictured the scale from my blog page.

I love, love, love teaching. However, working moms balance a very delicate mix of juggling balls. If one, just one of those balls falls, it all unravels. Add a hubby that is gone every other week on business and it is a sure fire guarantee that that one of those juggling balls will fall. Everyday. What I have learned this year...what I hope to teach the cherubs...it is how you recover that matters.

Oh, you want a funny? How about the fact that I can't keep track anymore. I actually didn't know my own kids had a 1/2 day until last night at 9pm. That's right. Best mom of the year award. Try keeping two school schedules balanced (among the sports schedule etc).

There are just too many falls from grace (balls falling) to catch you all up. How about this one for a chuckle. My fourth day into the school year, I get a call from my new sitter. Cherub 2 is "gone". WHA? I am panicking from work. I called in my neighbor for emergency backup and my sitter & I nearly lost ours mind. Within minutes he was found hiding in the dining room. BLECH. Imagine the feeling in my heart I had when I heard he was GONE. Gone. Gone. My mind was racing. After gracefully recovering (or not so much) from that first near tragedy, within two hours my kids school called all my emergency backups (b/c I was in class and didn't get the call apparently) b/c cherub 3 is sick. BabySis saved my but and picked him up. BigSis saved my but by taking him the next day. BIL and BigSis continued to save my but by taking him the rest of the week. Ah, huh. That was fun.

So, since then, it is all how you recover. I have come to terms that I will mess up. Alot. I have to try my best, just like I teach the cherubs and my students and follow my mantra "no worries" (courtesy to RLF, K). There is always tomorrow. Tomorrow the scale might be in balance.

First Day of School

Cherub 1 ~ 4th grade
Cherub 2 ~ 2nd grade
Cherub 3 ~ 1st grade

All cherubs had a wonderful day! So far, the transition to a new school for the cherubs and mommy going back to work simultaneously hasn't given us any hiccups...yet. :o)

Happy First Day!!

RE-ENTRY PART II

Before we get to the RE-ENTRY...

BLAST OFF!

There is no feeling in the world like leaving for vacation. Doesn't even matter where you are going really. Over here where we try to keep our scale balanced, vacations are precious. With hubby traveling every other week, we don't get alot of that family time anymore. So a week away ~together~ is the best! We headed to Seabrook, N.H. for a week~ our annual trip to Nana & Pop's beach house. We are lucky, because BabySis always join us for at least half the week.

ADVENTURES!
We had a week filled with family, sandy toes, wave ridin', walks to the rocks, castle building, arcade games, go-carts, water rides, beach juice and lots-o-fun on our adventure!

Grammy & Grammy Visit
Bocci on the Beach with G&G

Aunt N & Cousin E watched the Bocci challenge with me...


Turtle first, turned into a GREAT BIG DINOSAUR!


MIL (Grammy) helping cherub 1 work up the courage for the go-carts...


FIL (Grampy) & Cherub 3~ holding their own!


Hubby & Cherub 2~ determined to win the race!


Cherub 1 & I~ going...really...slow...per...cherub 1's....begging!


BabySis joined us just in time for the last race!


Arcade fun~



Cashin in...

Side note: on day two of the arcade escapades, I turned around to find Cherub 2,
"aka Mr. Independent", trading in his tickets all by himself to get his prize. ALL he wanted was goofy eyeballs!


Cherubs & Cousins...beach, fireworks, flashlight tag...lots o giggles!
One is NEVER too old for 'don't let the wave get ya'!

Hubby's box-o-fireworks...what a bang!

Can you see it?

Cherub 3 huggin Pops in between displays...

Cherubs 2&3 blocking out the bang!

Beach sparklers...


Beach Olympics
Hubby, BabySis & I enjoyed beach juice as the cherubs jumped over the REALLY big beach hole...we cheered and cracked up as they did tricks...
cherub 2

cherub 3

cherub 1


Soon I cheered hubby & BabySis on as they joined the fun (many a beachjuice in)...





WaterCountry!
Last day adventure...



THANK YOU!!!!
Thank you Nana & Pops (me mum & dad), we had a great week, as always! Poor Nana, suffering from a root canal gone bad the whole week did her best to have some fun. We will miss you until you return after Labor Day! Enjoy the rest of your vacation!!


RE-ENTRY
So, after a wonderful trip with Nana, Pops, and BigSis, hubby & I packed up the cherubs to take them home. We were all tanned and happy. Cherub 3 cried when he left. Just like him, I wanted to stay at the beach forever. However, it wouldn't be so special if we were there everyday! We packed up and got in the car JUST IN TIME...the hurricane that was wizzing towards New England brought a nasty stomr right to the beach. Made it a little easier to re-enter the world. As we left the beach the last time for the season, I had the cherubs turn as always and exclaim, "Bye Beach! See you next time!" We will be dreaming of the sounds of the waves and the tickle of the sand between our toes until we meet again.