Murraytalk

As I was shopping for my little fourth of July gathering tomorrow I started thinking about my first year of celebrating the 4th in Phoenix. It was 1989 and we moved from Tucson to the big city. As silly as it seems it was a culture shock for me even though I was less than 200 miles away from my old stomping grounds. It was a whole new ball game in Phoenix - difficult meeting people, everyone rushing, few mom and pops businesses, not so friendly people, and lots of traffic. Anyway, we decided to take the kids to one of the big 4th celebrations at Wesley Bolin Plaza.  On our drive home they all needed the bathroom, so needless to say the argument was who would be first to the toilet. My daughter Melissa jumped out of the car as soon as we pulled in the driveway and begin ringing the doorbell - little did we know that signaled the robber inside that we had arrived. My husband opened the door and I noticed his shot gun in the entry way. I asked him why he left his gun laying...

I spent today running around gathering items for a baby shower that we're hosting for my eldest daughter this weekend. (Tenth grandchild coming soon) It was during this time that I started thinking about how precious our moments in life really are. I believe most of us live each day as if we're guaranteed of tomorrow. I faithfully thank God every morning for another day, but I really never embrace all of my moments that I'm blessed with. I just assume that there will be another time - which is probably the healthy thing to do because I can't imagine each day thinking this will be the day of my demise. I do think though that there's something to be said about the saying, live each day as if it was your last . I'm going to put more effort into my days being filled with moments that create memories for myself and for the people that are a part of my life. I want memories that last up until my mind can no longer hold on to them, but ones that will live in my h...

I spent yesterday with my dear friend helping her organize her mother in laws house as we prepare for an estate sale. We had a great day laughing and talking about life as we added to our piles of her mother in laws life. Once the piles were in order and the truck filled, we were able to sit down for lunch. Our conversation this time was about her mother who has been hanging on in hospice since December. But why, we questioned. This woman was an activist, a humanitarian, always a fighter for human rights. She was tired though and had stated months before that she wanted to go home. We both had our own scenario of why she was hanging on, but both of us had no real understanding of why. It's a riddle that we will never know the answer to.  I believe that's the way God wants it, so I just walk in faith and accept that. Later that evening I received a text from my friend saying that hospice called and they didn't think her mother was going to make it. I responded with I'...

I woke up way too early this morning.  Yesterday Makenna was playing with Tom's phone so we woke up to an alarm that sounded like the phone ringing at 4am. I will be ready for bed by 7 tonight. I read a few devotionals before I ventured out of bed to make my way to the coffee. After pouring a huge cup I joined the dogs in the backyard. We sat watching a quick shower of rain and enjoyed the morning view - at least I did, the dogs decided to ditch me to run in the grass. As I sit staring at the sky and the palm trees I can't help but think that I need to do this more often. I never take time to enjoy the view. My morning usually begins with me running around the house with a cup of coffee in my hand which usually ends up cold before I have time to finish it. I'm actually enjoying listening to the birds chirp, but I have to admit that I'm really tempted to grab the broom and start sweeping the patio - I have relaxing issues, but I'm forcing myself to st...

Today two of my grandchildren, the twins are 13 years old... Happy Birthday Allie and Brad! It's hard to believe that I have grandchildren that are teenagers. They're great kids - focused in school, busy with their extra curricular activities, and a great big sister and brother.  It doesn't seem like that many years have passed. I still have great memories of them as new borns - they were the perfect snuggling size. As they grew Brad still wanted me to sit and hold him all day, and I did. I asked Tiffanie how she got anything done holding him.                                                          She said, " I don't hold him all day." But I still did. I spent most of my time with Allie pulling vegetables out of her nose. Great times - loved every minute! We've had a lot of great times growing up together, and I hope to ha...

I was in Tucson Friday and Saturday for my father in laws service. It was a weekend of reuniting with family and friends as we shared stories and said our goodbyes to Thomas D. Murray. We all gathered at the house on Friday after the Rosary and had his famous vodka and sprite with a twist of lime. My niece made him a glass and set it by his urn which we placed by the desserts. It was an evening of food and laughter  - I believe that was just what he wanted.  Later in the evening the guys pulled out his set of poker chips and cards and played poker while others looked through his scrapbook and reflected on his life. Some gathered down stairs and shot pool - the kids played outside with his paddle ball invention that he made years ago. In fact, he even made the paddle. It amazing how creative he was. Teri (my sister in law) shared with me that he made the swim blocks when they were young and on the swim team - he also made his own ab roller out of a lawn mower whe...

It's National Best Friends Day!  I think you're fortunate if you have at least one good friend in your life -I'm happy to say that I do. I think the older we become our friendships are a lot different - most of us are more cautious of the people that we have in our life. For example, I know a lot of people and communicate with many of them on a daily basis, but only a few (2) know what's happening in my world. They know the ups and downs and the good and bad of my life - I'm blessed to have them as my friend. I was thinking back when I was young and how desperate everyone seemed to want friends. Of course, most of them wanted to be a part of the popular group and wear the other half of the best friends necklace. But, you grow up and realize that the popular group really weren't that popular, and that you need genuine and loyal people in your life. So cheers to my best friends! ( you know who you are) May we go through our golden years with continued lau...

I get emails asking me questions that I typically answer on a personal level, but this one I thought I'd blog. Question: Who are you? I am a wife that has been married to the same man since I was 18, a mother of five and grandmother of 8. I feel those are my bragging rights, but me as an individual - I'm a spiritual individual that loves writing, dancing, fitness, fashion, and life in general. I always thought that I could save the world - I'm still working on it. Question: What are your dislikes? I really hate washing silverware - hate putting it in the dishwasher, and hate putting it away. I dislike bullies no matter what age they are. Don't like rude and pretentious people. Not a fan of drama, don't like disloyal people and I don't like beef. Question: What do you do for fun? Drink! No, the things I do for fun no one else would classify as fun, but fun for me is crafts, re-decorating, taking pictures, gardening, going to Goodwill and hanging out at hom...

It's funny how my 2 year old granddaughter thinks her Papa is the answer to everything in life. Every time the computer messes up she yells, "Call Papa." I couldn't find the pasta... call Papa. The call Papa list goes on and on... in her eyes he can do everything. I have always envied my friends that have been blessed with the privilege of having their grandparents in their life. I love hearing the  fun stories and their silly family songs. In fact, my husband has passed on his family Nimmy Nommy song to our children and grandchildren - it has brought smiles and laughter to each of them. I'm pretty sure 'Nimmy Nommy' will be around our family for generations to come... I love knowing that. I believe that the relationship between a grandchild and grandparents is one of life's free small treasures - leaving everlasting memories in their hearts.                                       ...

Stylettoz Grand Opening Some of my pics that I thought I'd share. I'm a photo junkie so this is just the beginning of many to come. They're not in any order... just random family shots. I know that I love looking at other people's photos... hope you do too! Have a blessed Friday! My Mom Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. -- Jane Howard