I'm so glad when Shelly comes Home!

Once Upon a time there was a girl named Shelly....

...who needed a place to live before she left for her mission.  So Dad and Mom decided she should move into our house! It was such a great decision because Andrea, Me, Josh, and Nick got an older sister! :)

Well that was a long time ago, and Shelly has been on her mission and returned, married a really cool guy named Chris, moved to Utah, bought a house, and most recently had a beautiful baby girl named Bailey!

Tonight, Shelly brought Bailey over to our house for the first time! She is so freakin cute! I love her to pieces already!

Thank you Shelly and Chris for my new little niece! :) I love you guys!

"The foolish man built his house upon the sand"

The foolish man built his house upon the sand,

The foolish man built his house upon the sand,

The foolish man built his house upon the sand,

And the rains came tumbling down.

The rains came down, and the floods came up

The rains came down, and the floods came up,

The rains came down, and the floods came up,

And the house on the sand washed away.

-LDS Primary Hymn

So this weekend was General Conference, and if you aren't familiar with our family tradition, we usually try to go to the Doghouse to watch it. Whether it's April or October, the Doghouse is always beautiful around Conference time. Most of the time we invite a bunch of friends to come up and watch conference with us, because then we play and have fun in between sessions, but this time Conference happened to fall on Easter weekend and most people were spending the weekend with their families.

I loved Conference! Half of the time it felt like the speaker had written his talk just for me, as if he or she were directly addressing me, and no one else. I especially love priesthood session, because we get to watch it at the Yermo chapel, which is about the size of maybe two classrooms in a normal church building. It is very quaint and always has a special spirit about it!

This Conference, our family tried something new! It's all my Grandpa's fault really! A few months ago he purchased this little Polaris Razor (like a dune-buggy) and has been bugging my dad to get one ever since. So I guess Dad finally caved, because he bought one and picked it up Friday evening. We used to go out exploring the beautiful desert landscape on quads when Andrea and I were younger, but it's been several years since we have done it as a family. Riding through the sand dunes in the desert, makes me feel as if I'm on another planet, or a whole different dimension. It is beautiful and strange all at the same time.

Anyways, we took a little trip down to the river bed, where the sand had overtaken several houses and it made me think of the primary song. Maybe it was just because I was listening to General Conference, but it seemed like the perfect illustration of what happens when you don't have a strong foundation.

It was way cool to explore and I can't wait to go out again before it starts getting too hot!

Cameron and Kamrin's Wedding

I am so greatful for the opportunity I have to witness friends of mine follow Heavenly Father's Plan and join together in Eternal Marriage!

“That proclamation on the family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship. The earth was created and this Church was restored so that families could be formed, sealed, and exalted eternally.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Celestial Marriage,” Liahona, Nov. 2008, 93

The Bride: Before and After

The Groom: Do you think he looks nervous?

The Happy Couple: Before and After

“Marriage is sanctified when it is cherished and honored in holiness. That union is not merely between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God (see Matt. 19:6).”

Russell M. Nelson, “Nurturing Marriage,” Ensign, May 2006, 36

 

"Remember, brethren, that in your role as leader in the family, your wife is your companion. As President Gordon B. Hinckley has taught: 'In this Church the man neither walks ahead of his wife nor behind his wife but at her side. They are coequals' (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 68; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 49). Since the beginning, God has instructed mankind that marriage should unite husband and wife together in unity (see Gen. 2:24). Therefore, there is not a president or a vice president in a family. The couple works together eternally for the good of the family. They are united together in word, in deed, and in action as they lead, guide, and direct their family unit. They are on equal footing. They plan and organize the affairs of the family jointly and unanimously as they move forward."

L. Tom Perry, "Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling," Ensign, May 2004, 71

"Men and women joined together in marriage need to work together as a full partnership. However, a full and equal partnership between men and women does not imply the roles played by the two sexes are the same in God's grand design for His children. As the proclamation clearly states, men and women, though spiritually equal, are entrusted with different but equally significant roles. These roles complement each other. Men are given stewardship over the sacred ordinances of the priesthood. To women, God gives stewardship over bestowing and nurturing mortal life, including providing physical bodies for God's spirit children and guiding those children toward a knowledge of gospel truths. These stewardships, equally sacred and important, do not involve any false ideas about domination or subordination. Each stewardship is essential for the spiritual progression of all family members, parents and children alike."

M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood," Ensign, Mar. 2006, 29-30

"There are many qualities you will want to look for in a friend or a serious date--to say nothing of a spouse and eternal companion--but surely among the very first and most basic of those qualities will be those of care and sensitivity toward others, a minimum of self-centeredness that allows compassion and courtesy to be evident. ‘That best portion of a good man's life [is] his . . . kindness,’ said Mr. William Wordsworth (‘Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey’ [1798], lines 33–35). There are lots of limitations in all of us that we hope our sweethearts will overlook. I suppose no one is as handsome or as beautiful as he or she wishes, or as brilliant in school or as witty in speech or as wealthy as we would like, but in a world of varied talents and fortunes that we can't always command, I think that makes even more attractive the qualities we can command--such qualities as thoughtfulness, patience, a kind word, and true delight in the accomplishment of another. These cost us nothing, and they can mean everything to the one who receives them."

-Jeffrey R. Holland

"Against [a] backdrop of spiritual decay, you young adults of the Church enter the stage. You have a firm foundation of faith. You are role models, both in courtship and in marriage. You know what's right and what's wrong! You hold the line! You know the Lord's teachings. And you will teach them to your own children and grandchildren. You are the 'Hope of Israel, Zion's army, Children of the promised day' ("Hope of Israel," Hymns, no. 259). You have far more spiritual power than we did at your age. As you go forward on life's battlefield, you are numbered with 'the covenant people of the Lord, . . . scattered upon all . . . the earth; . . . armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory' (1 Nephi 14:14). We are very, very proud of you!"

Russell M. Nelson, "The Dawning of a Brighter Day," Ensign, May 2004, 83

"One good yardstick as to whether a person might be the right one for you is this: in her presence, do you think your noblest thoughts, do you aspire to your finest deeds, do you wish you were better than you are?"


Ezra Taft Benson, "To the Single Adult Brethren of the Church," Ensign, May 1988, 53

Just Me and My Cuzzy!

Last night I went and hung out with my little cousin Emma! I hadn't seen her in probably 4 months, maybe longer- which is a shame because she just lives in Orange County! But we had a lot of fun! We went to this little Mexican food drive through (which I can't think of the name right now, but it's bomb!) and then just ate in my car.  Then we went and sat on the beach and caught up! Then we went back to her new place and just hung out for a while! I love my cousin! I'm glad that we finally hung out!

[Christ] has offered us the family as an example of an ideal setting in which we can learn how to love as He loves...because the greatest joys and the greatest sorrows we experience are in family relationships. The joys come from putting the welfare of others above our own. That is what love is.

Henry B. Eyring, “Our Perfect Example,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 70-71

Murphy Blood and Me!

St. Patrick's Day is one of my favorite hollidays! You may think that nothing special happens, but I would beg to differ! You have to wear green, which just so happens to be my favorite color! Irish herritage is celebrated! And you get to pinch people! What's not to love!?

While I was browsing through the St.Patrick's Day Cards at Target I came across one that said, "Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!" Well just to prove I'm not faking my Irish Heritage, I figured I'd give a little tribute to the Murphy blood which runs strong through my veins!

Edmund Murphy

Born about 1807 in Ireland

May luck be our companion

May friends stand by our side

May history remind us all

Of Ireland's faith and pride

Patrick Murphy

Born 1824 in Croone, Limerick, Ireland

(Patrick was the first of our Murphy's to come to
America)

May you have:

A world of wishes at your command

God and His angels close at hand

Friends and family their love impart,

And Irish blessings in your heart.

Alexander Murphy

Born 23 December 1873 in Northfield, Rice, Minnesota

(He's a handsome fellow...isn't he!)

May your blessings outnumber

The shamrocks that grow,

And may trouble avoid you

Wherever you go

Alexander married a nice Irish girl,

Ellen Violetta Gannon (Grandma Nellie) in Minnesota and had 3
children.

2 surrvived to adulthood

Their son Gabriel and Daughter Kathleen.

Gabriel Robert Murphy
Born 23 May 1912 in Austin, Mower, Minnesota
(Pictured here with his son Robert, but most people know him as Grandpa)

Robert Richard Murphy
Grandpa is awesome!

Diana Lynn Murphy (now Dowden)

Me

Truly, I am Irish- and not just on St. Patrick's Day!



For more information about my Irish Ancestory please see:

NO IRISH NEED APPLY

LAST CALL FOR ALCOHOL

May God grant you many years to live,

For sure He must be knowing

The Earth has angels all too few

And Heaven is overflowing!

“It takes a village….”

You might have heard the quote, "It takes a village to raise a child." Well, today, I was reminded just how true that quote is! I had the opportunity to attend a church service in which my "little brother," Derek Hales, spoke about the experiences he had while serving his mission in Baltimore. Surrounded by many of the same people in my own personal support group, I couldn't help but think about the experiences I had surrounding the departure for and return from my own mission several years ago.

Most missionaries carry a small photo album around with them containing pictures of their family, a few friends, and maybe even a girlfriend. Being cut off from the people you love most for two years can be difficult, but having a small reminder that you have people back home who love you and who are praying for your safety and success is often just the thing you need to refocus, and make it through. I think I was a bit unique because my photo album was quite large and consisted of pictures not only of my immediate family, but also of my extended spiritual family!

My best-friend, Josh, and I had a discussion once about all of the people my family knew, but more specifically loved and cherished as relatives. He was amazed that we could have so many intimate connections which extended generations—close friends of my grandparents and their children, as well as close friends of my parents, and their children. I thought about it and realized that the gospel truly does bring families together. I'm not talking merely about our families here on earth; I'm talking about our heavenly family.

I think that I am a pretty lucky kid to have these intimate connections at every stage in my life, but perhaps one of the most crucial times for me was throughout high school and prior to my mission. Elder L. Tom Perry said, "The friends we choose to associate with are main contributing factors in the formation of our character." Adolescence is a time of confusion and self-exploration and my peers, though loving and concerned, in hindsight did not always offer the best advice. However, the love and support I felt from two families that my parents had befriended provided the safety net I needed to avoid serious spiritual peril in a time where my testimony was wavering. I thank Heavenly Father often for my fun, kind, and friendly parents for having the insight to make lasting friends that could provide me with the necessary "village" I needed to be properly raised.

One of the families in my village was the Johnson's. I can remember the Johnson family being involved in my life from the moment my family moved to Murrieta. Craig was in the bishopric and over the scouting program. I remember when boys were rowdy or obnoxious, they would have to step into "Brother Johnson's office", which consisted of doing push-ups in the hallway! LOL! I remember him teaching me how to toilet paper someone's house properly—shredded paper and all. I remember he was the first one to let me drive a car. I remember how we would play Mariokart on Nintendo 64 and he would imitate all of the different character's voices. I remember him talking me on the Mormon Battalion trail because I wasn't able to go when the rest of our scout troop went. But most of all I remember that he cared about ME!

Shawna, is like my mom—number two. As soon as they moved up the street from us I was over at their house 24-7! I remember she taught me that eating cookie dough would give me salmonella! LOL! (I still do it anyways!) I remember driving around the town listening to Fleetwood Mac! I remember her sitting and talking with me on several occasions and giving me advice or listening to my problems or concerns. I remember laughing and crying and confiding in her. I remember her encouraging me and even on occasion scolding me…LOL! I remember going with her to pick up Ginny—the crazy dog! LOL! I remember our families having dinners together on several occasions and she would make the Texas sheet cake! I have so many good memories, but most importantly I remember how I felt loved at that most crucial stage of my life!

The other family in my "village" was the Hales! I don't actually remember how my parents started hanging out with Brent and Laura Hales, or at what point our families seemed to be connected, but it seems like we formed an intimate connection seemingly overnight. I can remember that one day this family was only our acquaintances and then suddenly they were our eternal friends!

Brent and my Dad served in the bishopric together and I can remember how they always seemed to have fun. Brent was always happy and encouraging. At a time when I felt very self-coconscious about going to church, He never seemed to judge me, and was always happy to see me. I'm sure my parents confided in their friends about challenges that we faced, but Brent was always there to put his arm around my shoulder and extend encouragement and support. I remember that he gave me my first real job! I was a file clerk in his law office!

Laura was just like Shawna, another Mom! I think my mom got sick of hearing Laura say, "He's a good boy" about me! LOL! She never failed to make me feel welcome! She was always interested in my life and was willing to support, encourage, and guide me anytime! I remember orange rolls and chicken cordon bleu. I remember coming home from my mission and going straight from the airport to her house and a feast! LOL! I remember her kindness and gentle reminders that I needed to be an example to her kids! I remember pool parties in the summer and church parties all year round. I remember she always saw the good in me and either overlooked, or disregarded the bad.

Having these other sets of parents in my "village" also provided me with SEVERAL brothers and sisters—all younger than myself. I love them all, and while I don't get to see them that often, I can honestly say that they have each taught me lessons and I look up to them in several ways!

Aenon- Conviction! Aenon is one of the most passionate people about her convictions I have ever met. It is refreshing and at times intimidating (all I can say is Titanic…LOL). But I respect and admire her for that trait. In a world where people's opinions are so easily swayed by trends and fads, Aenon stays passionate about her convictions! Hey Red, remember Sailor Moon, Pokemon, and Dragon Ball Z!? Emma- Strength! I think Emma is a strong, beautiful, caring person. She always had a strong will and a mind of her own. I'm pretty sure we even got into arguments—which looking back is a little pathetic because she is 5 years younger than me—but Emma always held her own! LOL! She is strong not only in will, but also in testimony! Emma always seemed to love the gospel and have a desire to choose the right. I admired that! Remember playing Princess and the slave and cleaning up my room?! Andrea is still scarred! LOL!

Eden- Pure Love! Eden loved everyone! She was the sweetest and most caring little girl. She was gentle, wouldn't hurt a fly. She was almost always happy, and she was often content to be in her own little world! She was super smart and was always on the computer, but she would climb in your lap and give you a hug every time she saw you! LOL! I was happy today to see that she still has that same gentle nature and kindness that she had as a little girl.

Hunter- Happiness! I really should say he taught me patience, because I swear he destroyed his diaper every time I was left in charge! Like throw him in the bathtub kind of destroyed! LOL! Not to mention him yelling about a certain body part being big while I was trying to pass the sacrament! LOL! But Huntino was always a happy boy! He loved to play—he was my little buddy! Today, he still looked like that happy little boy that would follow me around, except for now he's way taller than me! LOL!

Danebaby- Peacefulness! I didn't get to spend much time with Danebaby, but I remember looking into his eyes as a newborn baby and feeling peace! They were a gray-blue and full of light! I won't forget how he made me feel even though he probably won't remember me at all!

Derrick- Faithfulness! Observing the transformation of Derrick has been a testimony building experience for me. His confidence level has grown tremendously. His love for others is more readily expressed. He looks happy and grateful for the people in his life. He seems focused and firm in his faith. It is a testament that remaining faithful has the potential for each of us to become refined and perfected through Jesus Christ! I admire him and am so proud of him!

Lauren- Individual worth! I still think of Lauren as a beehive and little girl! Perhaps it is one of the reason's she reminds me of a young women's value! LOL! I'm not even sure that Lauren completely understands this principle at the moment, and yet she helps me constantly remember it every time I see her or hear about her! She's like a little sister and also in her own adolescent stage right now. I look at her and think "the worth of souls is great" because we are ALL God's family! It makes me happy when she's around and having fun with our big extended family. I know she loves my family and I hope she always remembers that we love her!

Ashley- Gentleness! Ashley is quite and gentle. She is concerned, reflective and contemplative! The missionary handbook is always talking about "quiet dignity" and Ashley epitomizes that! She is caring, but not overbearing. She is sweet and happy! Sometimes I see Ashley and I realize maybe I need to talk less and care more!

Alec- Friendship! Boy is the bomb! Months might go by without us seeing each other, but he is always excited to see me. Today when I walked up to the house from my car he was standing with a group of little boys his age and he immediately left them when he saw me, ran up and gave me hug and then returned to play with his friends. He's a true friend! He is always excited to tell me what's going on in his life and he makes me feel special!

MaeMae- Sharing! Megan was born on my 18^th birthday! I think she's the first person I think about every birthday since then! She is full of life and energy and spunk! And I am happy and honored to share a birthday with her!

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children." With the knowledge that we are children of God, our friendships have the potential to become more than earthly relationships, but intimate familial experiences that can last throughout the eternities. I have had the privilege throughout my life thus far of being able to recognize, love, and respect some of my heavenly relatives. It's interesting to me, that in Arabic, the word "relative" also has the same root and is a variation of the word "near" or "close".

On dictionary.com one definition for the word "close" is "marked by similarity in degree, action, feeling, etc." another, "intimate or confidential; dear" and my favorite, "based on a strong uniting feeling of respect, honor, or love!" While I love my immediate family with all of my heart, the funny thing about love, is that there is always room for more! On occasions like today, it feels more like a family reunion than a gathering of friends. I get to see members of my "heavenly family" that I once associated with on a daily basis and embrace them and reaffirm my love for them! What a privilege and an honor it is for me to have such wonderful people to consider family!