tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2423104569241484282024-03-05T14:19:32.745-06:00Live. Laugh. Love.Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-7966602232722674942013-01-20T21:04:00.002-06:002013-01-20T21:04:59.702-06:00The Theme of Twenty-ThirteenHappy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! It's been a while since I've visited my little blog world.<br />
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I started 2013 with such anticipation that something great is coming. I don't know what it is, or in what form it will come, but I just know great things are getting ready to happen.<br />
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Maybe it's because we are seeing new opportunities with our business.<br />
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Maybe it's because I'm determined to cross some items off my bucket list! (The ones I'm able to cross off...like participating in a 5k! Not the huge ones...like traveling to Norway. Ha - that'll come much later!)<br />
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Every year I try to choose a word of the year. Last year I struggled, and I can't honestly say what word I decided on. This year, I barely had to think about it because I knew what I wanted the theme of 2013 to be: <br />
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Discipline.<br />
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It's a tough word to swallow sometimes, because discipline isn't always fun. In fact, I would dare say most of the time it isn't fun. But I believe being disciplined is a Biblical principal, and definitely one that I need to work on. Between balancing a full-time job, being a good wife/housekeeper/cook, and managing a small business, my time management skills get quite the workout. I'm tired of feeling like one of those things is always slipping, so it's time to instill some old fashioned discipline in my routine! <br />
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I did great the first week of the year, then got sick and had a huge work event and fell apart. But instead of throwing my hands up and saying "forget it" like I normally would, I'm getting back on track tomorrow!<br />
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What about you? If you were to pick a "word of the year" what would it be for 2013?<br />
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~SMurph~<br />
<br />Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-66876942813049060502012-10-16T21:20:00.000-05:002012-10-16T21:20:32.906-05:00"I saw it on Pinterest!"Everyone has heard of Pinterest, right? You know, the virtual place that shows you how to create a beautiful wall hanging from a toilet paper tube, bake cakes or meals with 3 ingredients or less, teaches you 12,357 uses for olive oil, or how to do your hair in any way you could possibly imagine....THAT Pinterest.<br />
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Although I don't "pin" much on my boards (because really...everyone would know my secrets if I actually pinned stuff) I spend quite a bit of time perusing the site. It's amazing!<br />
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But sometimes, I feel like people put random stuff out there just to see who's gullible enough to try it. (read: <strong>I'm gullible enough</strong>) I can't help but feel like someone somewhere is watching me try their ideas and laughing their heads off. <br />
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I mean, I'm not paranoid or anything...<br />
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First, there was this pin:<br />
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Always eager to save some money, I tried this one when my cyan ink ran out in my printer at work the other day. No joke, I think I spent 10 minutes trying to find a reset button on that blasted ink cartridge. <br />
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IT. DIDN'T. EXIST.<br />
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If you find one on <u>your</u> ink cartridges, send me a picture and make me a believer. <br />
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I also tried one with a two ingredient recipe for lemon bars. Delicious, chewy lemon bars with only TWO ingredients?? Yes please!<br />
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You know what mine looked like? A cake. A very poofy cake that spilled over the sides of the cake pan while it was baking. Not cool Pinterest. Not cool at all.<br />
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Finally, this one:<br />
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Since I'm currently experiencing a horrendous breakout on my face, I was ALL OVER this one! Plus, it's so much cheaper than buying the expensive pore strips.<br />
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I have to be honest, the jury's out on what I think of this one. Mainly because I'm still sitting here with the goo on my face. <br />
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It smells like rotten flesh and I have zero face mobility at the moment. <br />
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I also <em>might</em> have gotten a little close to my eyes and my bottom lashes are glued to my face. All in the name of beauty, right? Matt is totally getting a kick out of this process ("What's that supposed to do to your face?" "You look like one of those women who got Botox and can't move their face!") and keeps making me laugh. But I can't move my face so I'm sitting here rocking back and forth laughing like an owl "Hoohoohoohoo..." <br />
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We're a mess I tell you.<br />
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I think I might need to stay away from the pins that sound too good(easy, cheap) to be true. Maybe I should just look at the clothes or decorating ideas. It would certainly be a little safer! :)<br />
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Does anyone have a chisel I could borrow? I think it's time to remove my granite mask...<br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-31450505153335427692012-10-02T22:09:00.000-05:002012-10-02T22:09:17.921-05:00Self TherapyWriting is therapeutic for me. Sometimes I hesitate to blog because I often write from a place of extreme emotion (happy, sad, or other) and it can come across as too personal and raw. Occasionally I choose to throw caution to the wind and share what goes on in the deepest parts of my heart and mind because I think that surely there is someone out there who has felt the same way...<br />
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When I think about the way I've always pictured my life, I have to admit that it isn't what I always expected that it would be. <br />
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There. I said it.<br />
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I want to believe that I'm making a difference in the world. Right this moment, if I could, I'd open a battered women's shelter. I'd be a foster parent. I'd run an orphanage in Kenya. I'd feed the homeless and comfort the sick. <br />
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The other day I was telling someone about my Bucket List and said that I feel quite certain I'll need about five lifetimes to accomplish everything I want to accomplish. Surely I'm not the only one who feels overwhelmed by things I want to do with my life? Yet in my state of overwhelmed-ness, I'm doing nothing that really matters in the grand scheme of the world. I have a job that I genuinely enjoy. I'm good at what I do, and I truly don't dread going to work in the mornings. But does it make a difference? <br />
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Matt and I have been married for over four years now. If you'd asked me while we were engaged what our life would look like in four years, this isn't it. I thought we'd have a house. I thought we'd have <em>kids</em>. <br />
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Don't get me wrong, life is great overall. But if I'm completely honest with you I have to admit that I feel a little...disappointed. <br />
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There is a growing restlessness in me that I just can't put my finger on. I question things a lot more than I used to. Things like, Am I being the best wife that I could be? Am I the best daughter/sister/auntie that I could be? Do people know that they can count on me? Am I a good friend?<br />
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Am I living my life to it's fullest potential today and every day? Or am I missing opportunities in which I could be making a difference left and right? I am caught in a place where I feel like I'm waiting for my life to start and watching it pass me by at the same time.<br />
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I don't know how to pull this one together. How to make my point yet wrap it all up with a cute story or comment about how everything in life is rainbows and cupcakes. But you know what? I have to think that it's okay if I don't always have all the answers. It's okay to sometimes feel confused and frustrated.<br />
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A coworker gave me a bracelet a couple of weeks ago with a small <strong>anchor</strong> charm on it. She had no idea what was going on in my life that very week, but I was anticipating some news that could either have been very good or very bad. As soon as I saw the anchor shape of the charm, the first thing that popped in my head was "my anchor holds." No matter what type of news I received, I knew God had a plan and everything would be okay. Over and over those three words rang in my head..."My anchor holds. My anchor holds. My ANCHOR holds." <br />
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I ended up getting good news. The news I was hoping for. But you know what? The same three words holds true today in this situation. <br />
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I feel a little confused, but my anchor holds.<br />
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I'm restless and uncertain, but my anchor holds.<br />
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<em>Thank you Jesus for being an anchor that holds!</em><br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-46105157223645198042012-06-13T13:15:00.001-05:002012-06-13T13:17:01.400-05:00A Midlife CrisisAm I too young for that? Am I too old?<br />
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So I have a birthday coming up in a couple weeks, and I will be turning 26! I'm still a baby, right? My life isn't even close to being half over, right? So why does the very sound of "I am 26 years old" cause my chest to tighten and a lump in my throat?<br />
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Matt and I were awake way too long the other night contemplating this. I'm not freaking out about the age itself, I'm freaking out because I swear just yesterday I got married. I swear it was a week ago I left the only home I'd ever known to start my "grown up" life in college. Wasn't it just last month I was sitting with my youth group friends talking about what we did last weekend?<br />
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My point is that I was a kid, I blinked my eyes and now I'm an adult. There is no more "when I grow up" because I'm here. This is it!<br />
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This totally freaks me out because it makes me realize that 20 years from now I will probably say "I swear I was just 26 yesterday!"<br />
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So what's my point? Live each day to its fullest. Stop wishing for things you used to have or want to have. Stop waiting for tomorrow to do the things you know you should do today. <br />
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I'm talking to myself here, but can you relate? Life is short. If you blink you will miss it!<br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-25842997927803407662012-05-30T22:04:00.000-05:002012-05-30T22:04:49.456-05:00Fabulous FourthOur anniversary is next week!<br />
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I sometimes tend to be a little bit overly sentimental with things. If you don't believe me about that, just ask my husband (or my mom) about my tendency to hold on to every little thing because it reminds me of someone or something that I love.<br />
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So in anticipation of our fourth anniversary, I spent some time looking through old pictures tonight. My goodness what a flood of memories! It was striking to me that in almost every picture from our wedding, I am laughing. Not just a slight giggle here or there, but genuinely laughing as if I just heard the funniest joke of all time. I loved every minute of our wedding. It truly sticks out in my mind as the happiest day I have ever experienced. Every single detail was (as far as I know) perfect. <b><i>I had amazing friends beside me the entire day, making sure that each of those details was perfect. I felt spoiled and loved. And happy. So incredibly happy.</i></b><br />
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It hit me a couple months ago that we were coming up on four years of being married and I panicked a little. Our life is far from what I always thought it would be when we had been married for four years. I figured we'd already be living the "American Dream" somewhere on the East coast. You know, two story house with a white picket fence and exactly 2 .5 kids...<br />
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But here we are. In Texas, in a cramped apartment with exactly 2 .5 doggie "kids." (Lu counts as 1 .5 because the dog truly has THAT much personality...) But you know what?<br />
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<b><i>I have my most amazing best friend beside me every single day, making sure that each detail of our lives is perfectly covered in prayer. I feel spoiled and extremely loved. And happy. So much happier than I could have ever dreamed four years ago.</i></b><br />
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I always believed people when I heard them say things like "I love my husband even more today than I did when we first got married." I just didn't understand how that could be possible. But today, as I reflect on the last four years and all that they have held for us, I can honestly say I'm starting to understand.<br />
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So this one's for you, darling! Thank you for every moment every day. For every time you have me rolling on the floor with laughter. For every tear we have shed. I love you!<br />
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Happy anniversary!<br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-70142484186819389762012-05-22T20:21:00.000-05:002012-05-22T20:25:42.056-05:00Mis-Matched Success!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well hello there, blog world! Did you think I forgot about you? I didn't. Not for a second! The truth of the matter is, life has been extremely busy and I needed a break to get some other things done and clear my head a little bit. </div>
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Curious what I've been up to? </div>
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For starters, Matt and I started a business! It has been such a fun project for us to tackle together. I've mentioned before how opposite we are, and we have really seen our differences come out as we've worked on business stuff. Again I say we couldn't be more perfect for each other! We're not ready to quit our day jobs just yet, but we are very pleased with our sales so far.</div>
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Speaking of jobs, I got a new one! This could be an entire post in and of itself, but I'll just suffice it to say I am so. incredibly. BLESSED.</div>
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I'm getting a baby nephew in a few months! Naturally, I have a few projects in the works for precious Baby C. More on that later!</div>
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And now, a project I *<i>can* </i>show you!</div>
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We had the opportunity a while back to buy a new (to us) kitchen table. The top of it is glass, which is perfect when you're in a cramped apartment! I figured it would make a difference, but I was shocked how much it really opened up the space. The only problem I had with the table was that the cushions on the chairs were just slightly different in color than the walls in our apartment: white and blah. This girl needs some pattern and color!</div>
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Clearly this translates into "Ooh, a new project!!" I have been meaning to recover the chairs for several months now, and even went with my sister to pick up some fabric samples. I just couldn't settle on anything, and something else always came up that I'd rather spend the money on, so it just wasn't happening. As a part of our business, Matt and I have started perusing antique shops around the metroplex. Lo and behold (did I really just use that phrase? Ew.) I stumbled upon piles of sample upholstery squares sitting in a shop for $1 each. Total JACKPOT!! After spreading nearly half of them out across the various shelves and floor space, and wrecking the nice neat piles, I finally settled on four different prints. I've never attempted a mis-matched style before, so it took a little reassurance from Matt that they really would look good together. Can I just say, I love that man of mine!</div>
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So I finally had an excuse to buy an upholstery stapler (staple gun?) and I went to town!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$1 Each at an antique shop!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new favorite "tool"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohAQMx5arvQk1dsrPcuu7WarI6kr19ILmPW1JRi2QtCwe-gVaG2EbXN1LdwZuhcS0BWashaC4GAIk8xpzCSoRuysurT0rNIWL4KBCXRioAcxiHAi2E6hWH4r-JQgminVyw2YGsdePu4M1/s640/blogger-image--1272744262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohAQMx5arvQk1dsrPcuu7WarI6kr19ILmPW1JRi2QtCwe-gVaG2EbXN1LdwZuhcS0BWashaC4GAIk8xpzCSoRuysurT0rNIWL4KBCXRioAcxiHAi2E6hWH4r-JQgminVyw2YGsdePu4M1/s640/blogger-image--1272744262.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Before" picture via Instagram</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUIWfb-7E9-4NIcu6CFXtYxlvCUYggLLpl9VOp-d2Ef0Fnrait36z1881GaxH8_tc_j1cksOS4OIw9JwLBOcWXrab9omZKHapbG2w9AL4guD2aX8UbRbDmx42QfXySO3IlKJF9JO5e1c-/s640/blogger-image--1728703455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUIWfb-7E9-4NIcu6CFXtYxlvCUYggLLpl9VOp-d2Ef0Fnrait36z1881GaxH8_tc_j1cksOS4OIw9JwLBOcWXrab9omZKHapbG2w9AL4guD2aX8UbRbDmx42QfXySO3IlKJF9JO5e1c-/s640/blogger-image--1728703455.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to be made colorful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure this is the officially correct way to do the corners but I like how it looks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting off the excess on the bottom so it looks nicer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice and square on the bottom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZA0Ywh9yb6ymL8wnekD-IDMfg3pi7igoss9geo6GMrxFqCp1p8NIrewHORjXfIpi9r4Cohxug0XYzWBo00w1whdt4Pts6L30at73-QQ0mPI5fermqnKa3J-sc23m7Sk2j1wTVPbiH18r/s640/blogger-image-489843531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZA0Ywh9yb6ymL8wnekD-IDMfg3pi7igoss9geo6GMrxFqCp1p8NIrewHORjXfIpi9r4Cohxug0XYzWBo00w1whdt4Pts6L30at73-QQ0mPI5fermqnKa3J-sc23m7Sk2j1wTVPbiH18r/s640/blogger-image-489843531.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished cusions!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ever tried to take pictures of a glass table? It's impossible to get the lighting right...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love love LOVE my new chairs!</td></tr>
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Eventually, the iron part of the table will get re-done too. I am envisioning a cream or light gray crackle coat on top. We'll see how many times my mind changes before I actually get it finished.</div>
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So hopefully, now that I'm back in a regular routine and enjoying daily life again (it's true...the old job wasn't a very happy place) I will be back at my blog much more regularly. Until next time,</div>
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~SMurph~</div>
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ETA: I realize that the layout of some of the pictures is wacky. Sometimes, I really think it's more difficult to add pictures than necessary. Something a little more user-friendly would be much appreciated. That's all.</div>
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</div>Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-63459704091854127992012-03-19T20:18:00.000-05:002012-03-19T20:18:33.780-05:00Piddly Pillow ProjectIt's not news to any of you that I have dogs. What might be news, however, is that my dogs think they're people. Shocked? I didn't think so. When faced with the option of lying on the floor or snuggled into the couch, the couch wins 100% of the time. They're small, so I really don't mind them being on the couch, but what I do mind is that they have claimed my couch pillows as their own.<br />
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Because of this, my pillows are a wreck. And they are decorative, so they don't have a removable (read: washable) cover. What to do, what to do...<br />
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Never let it be said that I had a problem I didn't creatively try to fix.<br />
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So I pulled out my handy dandy sewing machine and went to work!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj503ar6rhtDMporEqeDwOJdry3rWIXnc0jLinkknLlMVOm5V9vM7G9msJwfnV8aHiEqNosel41JEQPkrz7PB6fR96bTJezCas4b69F4o1ZHaoBLq5RnPX-OEnWwkzmXJq3ntp2IfJ8N_w7/s1600/100_3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj503ar6rhtDMporEqeDwOJdry3rWIXnc0jLinkknLlMVOm5V9vM7G9msJwfnV8aHiEqNosel41JEQPkrz7PB6fR96bTJezCas4b69F4o1ZHaoBLq5RnPX-OEnWwkzmXJq3ntp2IfJ8N_w7/s320/100_3647.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I wanted to save as much money as possible, so I decided to reuse the stuffing from the old pillows. This took FOREVER to re-fluff. I literally thought I would die at the ripe old age of 107 before I got it finished. But then my TV show ended and I realized I was actually almost done. Not nearly as bad as I thought after all!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VYQSSIPVin0KbkcLMnFc28_BLKl3ESrn8LGLEnSWRc0auLZlnRfFDNP5IPHoNSYodV_XPwOL4Nol54ISM2rKCLwZzlnpLEaNyl9R9g7h0PCVuqZ0ZhMVYIKwv1cKMpFfecF8dWBNAjn_/s1600/100_3655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VYQSSIPVin0KbkcLMnFc28_BLKl3ESrn8LGLEnSWRc0auLZlnRfFDNP5IPHoNSYodV_XPwOL4Nol54ISM2rKCLwZzlnpLEaNyl9R9g7h0PCVuqZ0ZhMVYIKwv1cKMpFfecF8dWBNAjn_/s320/100_3655.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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My plan (as always) was to take pictures along the process to show you exactly what I did. However, my desire to work uninterrupted outweighed my desire to have quality pictures, so all I have are these few snapshots that I took on my cell phone. </div>
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I am now accepting applications for a live-in photographer to capture my every move as I work on a project. Or, we can just go with these cell phone shots and call it "art." </div>
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Since I was recreating the pillows from some I already had, I did remember to take a "before" picture. I got the pillows all laid out, went to grab my camera, and this is what I saw when I turned around to take the picture. Now do you believe me about how much they LOVE pillows?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilN23YZLbqA6J4WsFFtiaPzRLcZvW0WO36jXVkEnw6R4HjpYcaXrElC4_HOJUKPJO8jp-gLIB9n2YIKD2DuPoaKpfbR68wH5Ij1icL2BDfnZQVOpFssNadd6d9zWbYzcEOkCW002rTllbE/s1600/100_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilN23YZLbqA6J4WsFFtiaPzRLcZvW0WO36jXVkEnw6R4HjpYcaXrElC4_HOJUKPJO8jp-gLIB9n2YIKD2DuPoaKpfbR68wH5Ij1icL2BDfnZQVOpFssNadd6d9zWbYzcEOkCW002rTllbE/s320/100_3648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had a flat sheet from a set we were given as a wedding gift. The fitted part ripped while we were trying to make the bed up after washing the sheets. Evidently that was not an appropriate time for us to test our tug-of-war skills. (um yes, we act like children sometimes) The sheet ripped apart halfway, so instead of throwing the whole set away, I saved the flat part to use for this project. This was cut into squares and sewn up to form the actual pillow part of my project. See?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0-YfeWFuTv_J1KLmc7jg52nT2iZjOLnhVVcIgKHTlXN__YcWdWtARqNjyoYE4i9QPJpUaY9N9FJaRsy5HCarPPAMX_HsVWcbmtGSW1EpZwyOEImay3A3_WLvKD6mr79atbsgglP93p20/s1600/100_3650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0-YfeWFuTv_J1KLmc7jg52nT2iZjOLnhVVcIgKHTlXN__YcWdWtARqNjyoYE4i9QPJpUaY9N9FJaRsy5HCarPPAMX_HsVWcbmtGSW1EpZwyOEImay3A3_WLvKD6mr79atbsgglP93p20/s320/100_3650.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought this fabric about six months ago intending to use it as curtains in our bedroom. Evidently it's important to measure your window height before you plan curtain panels. It's been stuffed on my shelf ever since.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFZQgbRsgXytC0GAXxKq1OGOuZD3YaqvM7xmqSHSPSO0WCfkfeVmz353uvmFFHfF9xtiMrwq9hBtBYFcHMVO3KvnfXxP17RxyovXoEGeSr9Oy5COxwJ7AOHuOrGiuMvyMEqZA5N8eRHxh/s1600/100_3651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFZQgbRsgXytC0GAXxKq1OGOuZD3YaqvM7xmqSHSPSO0WCfkfeVmz353uvmFFHfF9xtiMrwq9hBtBYFcHMVO3KvnfXxP17RxyovXoEGeSr9Oy5COxwJ7AOHuOrGiuMvyMEqZA5N8eRHxh/s320/100_3651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oscar wanted to help SO bad, so I let him hold one side of the fabric while I cut out the squares for the covers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza-OiJgQOcqZjoh4AH7zuYNbpnU4x8jaqGCy4Jv_NNMbSImHUbIOTmnArpbA8hyphenhyphengGdhAjU8bcnAXz8_ZOX93c4Gb5p84NBPevHO2_RmOq60x976ayNUe0TjFuN8Y5jA5tRP6ZB2MHi4oC/s1600/100_3653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgza-OiJgQOcqZjoh4AH7zuYNbpnU4x8jaqGCy4Jv_NNMbSImHUbIOTmnArpbA8hyphenhyphengGdhAjU8bcnAXz8_ZOX93c4Gb5p84NBPevHO2_RmOq60x976ayNUe0TjFuN8Y5jA5tRP6ZB2MHi4oC/s320/100_3653.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I sewed up the pretty fabric on three sides then inserted a zipper on the fourth, so the cover can easily be removed to wash. Hallelujah! No more unwanted doggie slobber on my pillows!<br />
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And here's the finished project!<br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-80389857906820302532012-03-14T22:14:00.001-05:002012-03-14T22:15:21.498-05:00The place where God speaksI'm in a weird spot in life these days.<br />
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My absence from blogging lately is mostly because although I want to be <b>real</b> with you, I want to be an encouragement of sorts. There has been a whole lot that I could have said, but I desperately don't want to be a sinkhole of negativity. Nobody really likes a Negative Nancy, right?<br />
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Overall, I think I'm learning that life is spent more in "weird spots" than in normal, perfectly happy ones. You grow more when you're uncomfortable than you do when everything is flowing along smoothly. I never want to be okay with not growing and becoming stronger.<br />
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That being said, I'm extremely happy in my unhappiness. Clear as mud, yeah?<br />
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There is something I've been praying about for a long time. I'm not ready to share exactly what it is yet, but it's something that has caused me much discomfort over the last couple of months. It has robbed me of sleep and made me cranky at times. I've cried and I've wanted to scream out of frustration. And I've prayed. A lot.<br />
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The last several days, I've been trying to pray about it but just feel like I don't even had the words anymore. How do you pray when you've prayed everything you know to pray? When you're so tapped out mentally that you don't even want to think anymore?<br />
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Throughout my life, I've always had a place I could go to just be still and <i>listen </i>instead of blabbing away. To sit down with my prayer journal and just spill my heart out without holding back. To listen to music and just worship my Creator. In the past, I've been close enough to the edge of town (or lived in a small enough town...) that I could get in my car and just drive until there were no more distractions. Just me and God.<br />
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Since I've moved to the DFW area, I have realized that it is impossible for me to drive like that because I would have to drive for hours (literally) to get away from the distractions of the city. Also, there is a good chance I would wind up getting myself lost, and that totally defeats the purpose of having a quiet retreat. :)<br />
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There is a small "canal" across the street from our apartment complex. If you follow me on Facebook at all, I've referenced the canal and a certain doggy of mine taking a Superman dive into it after a duck the other day. *sigh* Well, they have planted cattails and scattered large rocks along the sides of it to try make it look nice, instead of just a drainage ditch. Much to my delight, one of the rocks hangs just over the edge of the water, and is a nice flat spot for sitting. I spent quite a bit of time there the other night. Despite the fact that they're building another apartment complex on the other side of the canal, and the fact that we basically live on the DFW airport runway (...or at least it sounds like it) I had the most amazing quiet time there.<br />
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I wrote in my journal a little bit, but mostly I just sat and listened. Have you ever experienced how calming the rippling of water is? How healing the wind is as it brushes tears off your cheek? How amazing it is to sit and observe the presence of a MIGHTY God, right in the middle of His creation?<br />
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I sat down on the rock that night feeling like a mental and emotional wreck, and stood up to leave feeling refreshed and peaceful. How thankful I am for my walk with the Great I Am!<br />
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So this is my place, where is your favorite spot to experience the presence of God?<br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-20975127758578921522012-03-05T19:45:00.000-06:002012-03-05T19:45:19.240-06:00Crafty Cone TreesI am totally in love with those cone-shaped decorative trees that you see everywhere. So I set out to create them myself instead of forking over big bucks to buy them!<br />
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Like most craft projects, I started out at Hobby Lobby to buy the styrofoam cones to decorate the way I wanted. Have you ever seen how expensive they are??? Just the foam cone alone ranges from like $7 to $15 (ish) EACH!!! <br />
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I really don't get it. Isn't part of the point of crafting things yourself to help you save money? Aside from the fact that it's super fun, of course. Anyway, I wanted a set of 3 cone trees and there was NO WAY I would spend around $30 just for the base of my project.<br />
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Enter <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. I know you've all heard of the site, because you are probably just as addicted as I am. Most of the time I don't even get around to pinning stuff because I get so enthralled in what I find there. Anyway, I found the idea on there to actually make the cone base for my trees using cardstock and a plastic cup instead of buying styrofoam. Brilliant! Eureka! Voila! You get the point.<br />
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I just happened to have a bunch of <strike>Red Solo Cup</strike> Blue Solo Cups in the very back of my pantry. <strong>Cost: $0</strong>, essentially (The song which is now stuck in your head is just a bonus. You're welcome!)<br />
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During the Thanksgiving/Christmas season, several holiday card catalog sources sent us (my office) card samples a couple times a week. Naturally, I pulled all the samples out to keep before I threw the catalogs away. <strong>Cost: $0</strong> (Thank you, Galleria!)<br />
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Over a year ago, I was re-painting a room in our house, and bought a roll of "painting" paper. It was supposed to serve as sort of a drop cloth edger thing, I guess. Not really sure. Anyway, I thought it would look cool as the covering for my cones. <strong>Cost: $0</strong> (for this project anyway)<br />
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I will warn you, doing the cones this way is NOT a project for the faint of heart! I did all three cones on different days, several days apart, because my fingers got so sore. It probably took about 2 hours just to make my paper "ropes" and then another hour or so to glue them on the cone form. Definitely well worth the effort, but not a quickie project by any means.<br />
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The cups I used were a little smaller than normal. I think the normal ones would probably be too big for this project.<br />
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I started by cutting the paper into approximately 1-1.5 inch strips.
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Then painstakingly twisted each strip as tight as I could, without ripping the paper. I didn't want it to look completely uniform.
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I used the cardstock to form a cone shape, then fitted it over the cup.<br />
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Once I had all the strips twisted into "ropes" I simply started as close as I could to the bottom of the cone and glued the rope around in small segments. This part takes quite a while, because you have to make sure the rope stays twisted and that you glue close enough to the previous row that you don't have any white space in between.<br />
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When I got to the top, I went around one more time, then tucked the end of the rope down through the hole in the top and glued it into place. This is what gave it the "finished" look on top. Then I took a brand new rope and went around the very bottom edge of the cone one more time, to give it some more sturdi-ness and to finish that edge as well.<br />
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And there you have it - Crafty Cone Trees! (They're really not crooked, it's just the way I took the picture. Photography is not my strong suit.)<br />
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At some point, I think I'll make another set that has a few more embellishments on it. For now, these go perfectly in my living room and I love them!<br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-39957313601281293112012-02-15T21:31:00.000-06:002012-03-14T22:16:18.412-05:00Sidewalk Poo and a MudpuddleOver here at the Murphy house, we're trying to get a little healthier. And when I say "we" that means ALL of us. Our babies are not excluded.<br />
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I often tell people that we don't have wiener dogs. We have a bratwurst and a little smokey. Bless his heart, Oscar is a little husky.<br />
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Not "A" husky. He IS husky.<br />
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He really likes to eat. Since Lu is afraid of her food dish (and everything else in the world... *sigh*) he often polishes off her dinner before I can catch him and tell him no.<br />
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So, the healthy revolution has started and we have started to walk/jog after I get home from work at night. They crack me up so much that I decided to take along my camera tonight and try get some pictures.<br />
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First, I tried to capture the moment when I asked the babies if they wanted to go for a walk. This first one made me laugh so much! It definitely captured what I was hoping for. Pure excitement right there, ladies and gentlemen!<br />
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Since I walk them both by myself while Matt is at the gym, I have to have a system to keep control of both dogs and hold the doo doo bags. </div>
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And the camera, of course. Because everyone who is walking two extremely hyper dogs should stop and take pictures periodically. </div>
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I think I'm crazy.</div>
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"Let's GO mom!" </div>
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I was trying to get all three of our shadows, but Lucy moved at the last minute. Bad dog!</div>
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Kidding of course.</div>
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This right here is a woman on a mission. Thankfully, she likes to run ahead, because the girl stopped to "tinkle" no less than 17 times during the course of our walk.</div>
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<b>Then she decided to poop in the middle of the sidewalk.</b> What kind of silly dog does that??? I quickly looked around, locked their leashes, then fumbled around with the doo doo bags. </div>
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And grabbed the camera. </div>
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Priorities, people!</div>
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Okay, actually I cleaned up the mess THEN grabbed the camera. But only because I couldn't get the doo doo baggie open with one hand, so I had to improvise with my leash holding. When I realized how silly I must have looked, I just had to take a picture.</div>
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As I was bent over to clean up her mess, a lovely little couple came walking up the sidewalk behind me while I had my back end sticking up in the air. Um yeah, I got some strange looks from them.</div>
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What do you even say? Lu doesn't like the pokey grass, can you blame her? </div>
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Oscar was embarrassed.</div>
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"Are we almost done yet?"</div>
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When we finished our walk, I noticed that the dog park inside our apartment complex was empty (that never happens!) so I took them over there to run free for a while. In typical boy fashion, Oscar found a nasty stinky mud puddle to play in, so when we went home he was carried straight upstairs and put in the tub.<br />
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Call me a crazy dog lady if you want, but I do love my babies!<br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-8341036766896525012012-02-02T11:22:00.000-06:002012-02-02T11:22:49.936-06:00Superpower: SupporterHave you ever taken a personality analysis? I've taken a few over the last several years, and I've always been so surprised how accurate they sometimes are! <br />
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Last night Matt was telling me that he found a free personality analysis online through Crown Ministries. He started reading his "results" to me and we totally cracked up. Let's just say they NAILED it! His personality type is <strong>"Driver" </strong>according to this specific test. In a nutshell: he's a leader, easily makes decisions and sticks with them, and can be assertive. If you're familiar with the animal personality traits, he is almost 100% Lion with a little bit Golden Retriever.<br />
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Naturally, it made me curious to see what the same test would say about me. I love it when we both take the same analysis because it shows us areas where we are similar and different, and opens discussion about how we can communicate with each other more effectively. We are SO different from each other in so many ways (you know what they say...."opposites attract"!)<br />
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I took the test this morning, and here's what it had to say about me:<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #45818e;">Sandra - your profile type is Supporter </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #45818e;">General Description</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">As a Supporter, you naturally thrive when given the opportunity to help, encourage, or cooperate with others. You make loyal friends and employees and gain fulfillment by helping make others successful. </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #45818e;">Typical Areas of Strength</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Supporters, like you, typically are excellent team players, at home or at work, due to your desire to cooperate, help others, listen, be patient, loyal, steady, and support the efforts of those in charge. </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #45818e;">Typical Areas of Struggle</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">You may sometimes undermine your effectiveness by compromising too much, vacillating on important decisions, being too passive, resisting change, or compromising quality to protect the feelings of others. </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #45818e;">Your Preferred Activities</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Because you work at a steady pace, you demonstrate an excellent ability to follow through on projects. You cooperate well with others in order to complete activities. </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #45818e;">Your Communication Style</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">You communicate best by using your superior relational and listening skills to convey care and compassion to people in need </span><br />
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It also produces a graph of your personality traits. Not surprising at all to see that when you put Matt's chart and mine together, they are almost completely opposite of each other! My animal personality trait is mostly Golden Retriever with a little bit Beaver and a little bit Otter. <br />
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So interesting, right? I love that Matt and I are so different, because it gives us an opportunity to truly be "one" together. To rely on each other's strengths, which are typically our own greatest weakness.<br />
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If you're interested, take the assessment for yourself by clicking <a href="http://www.crown.org/Tools/personality.aspx">here</a>! <br />
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~SMurph~<br />
<br />Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-74408608963075876902012-01-30T12:39:00.004-06:002012-01-30T12:39:54.167-06:00New Look!Well....I'm just about finished with my re-design so I guess time to ask, "What do you think of the new look?" Yes, it's extremely simple and kind of plain, but it fits me better that way! : ) <br />
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Also, check out the new tabs across the top!<br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-12746341250609250022012-01-23T16:08:00.000-06:002012-01-23T16:09:13.260-06:00***Caution: Construction Ahead***I have severe ADD when it comes to the layout/design of my blog. For a long time, I've been wanting to take the time to completely design and customize the look and feel of this, so it is completely "me." Know what I mean?<br />
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Well I'm happy to say, the time has come!<br />
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Therefore, if you check in at some point during the next few days (or week...who's counting?) and things look a little "off" please take heart I will get it fixed! :)<br />
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See you on the other side, hopefully with a new fresh look!<br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-30908245790555033372012-01-20T08:47:00.000-06:002012-01-20T08:47:13.730-06:00Recent EventsIt's finally Friday again!! Does anyone else feel completely different on Friday than any other day of the week? Since there's a party going on in my brain and I'm having a hard time organizing my thoughts, I'm just going to give you a random run-down of recent events (in no particular order) for your reading <strike>pleasure</strike>.<br />
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Humor me, okay?<br />
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1. We joined Gateway Church last Saturday! I was excited, but had NO idea the sense of "belonging" we were missing out on without being an official part of a church. So thankful to be part of the body!<br />
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2. I'm headed to The Fabric Yard with Kari tomorrow, to look for fabric to re-cover my kitchen chair cushions. Just being in that store makes you feel all crafty. Love it!<br />
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3. We recently got a new kitchen table! It has a glass top with iron legs and iron chairs with a cushion. Right now the cusions are white, but I'm thinking re-covering in a bright pattern would be a fun way to brighten up our white kitchen. (Um, told you this was in no particular order. Please see No. 2 above...)<br />
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4. TOMS are the best shoes ever. Period.<br />
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5. FPU has started up again. If you haven't heard of the class or aren't sure if it's for you or not, I promise you that it is! Whether or not you have debt, this class is life changing and I can't express that enough! We are hoping that we can continue to be involved in this great ministry, and are looking forward to being small group mentors in the fall!<br />
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6. I think God is going to do something amazing in 2012. I can just feel it, can't you?<br />
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7. Please see Number 4 above.<br />
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8. I was able to go to the women's event at church last night. Big bold step for me, because I didn't know what to expect. Thankfully I was able to meet a friend from our last FPU small group, so there was a friendly (and familiar) face expecting me. It was an amazing night and I am SO glad I went!<br />
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9. It's Friday!!!!!<br />
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10. We paid off our first debt last week. You would have thought we won the lottery, we were THAT excited. So excited, in fact, we took a picture of the check before we mailed it! (now.....what do you do with a picture of a check???) <br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-23715663493459294932011-12-30T16:22:00.000-06:002012-01-01T09:20:38.950-06:002011: Never OnceI can NOT believe 2011 is over. What a year it was! <br />
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<em>This time last year</em>, I was beyond ready for 2010 to end. We started 2011 with the hope of a job offer and a big life change for us. It was around New Year's last year when we told our families that we were moving to Texas. We gave our notice at our jobs and buckled up for an adventure.<br />
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<em>This time last year</em>, I was scared to death. Scared that Matt would never be happy again. Scared to be by myself (and halfway across the country from my husband!) for nearly three months. Scared to move somewhere new and start all over again. Scared I would never be able to find the grocery store in a new city.<br />
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I've been doing a lot of reflecting over the past few days and have struggled to put into words exactly how I felt about 2011. There have been some really big struggles. There have been really happy times and really sad times. Overall, there has just been a lot of change for us. In a way, it has made me a little unsettled about facing a brand new year. <i>What kind of change will we face this year? What ups and downs? What struggles?</i><br />
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As anyone who knows me very well knows, I struggle with putting my thoughts into words sometimes. (And yet there are several of you out there who faithfully read my ramblings! Not sure if I should say "Thanks" or "I'm sorry"!) I've sat down to write this several times this week and just couldn't decide which direction to go with my year-end thoughts. I've been far too jumbled.<br />
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Tonight in church we sang this song and I completely fell apart. It's like it took all my jumbled thoughts, organized them, then summarized my year perfectly. We had our ups and downs, but through it all, <i>God was faithful</i>!<br />
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So as I head into 2012, I know that no matter what may come (good or bad) <b><i>God is faithful!</i></b><br />
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Happy New Year, friends!<br />
~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-71051046131830426642011-12-27T16:56:00.000-06:002011-12-30T11:08:44.780-06:00Christmas RecapWe had four Christmases this year. That's right, FOUR!<br />
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<strong>#1: Murphy Christmas</strong><br />
Marty, Cindy, and Jon made the long drive cross-country to spend a few days with us! A few highlights of our time together were going to Babe's Chicken then watching the Christmas lights in Frisco, Penzeys Spices (Cindy's first trip!), and a game called "Words of Wis-dumb" which is not a game for the faint of heart. Or those easily offended. We had many great laughs that night, and learned a lot about each other. I'm still deciding if this was good or bad. :)<br />
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<strong>#2: "Our" Christmas</strong><br />
Matt and I wanted to have a special time together to open our gifts from each other. We both had a hard time shopping (both lack of time, and wanting to shop for each other together) so we just got a couple things and saved the rest of our money. Or so I thought... This Christmas mainly taught me what a selfish jerk I am, as my darling had secretly been saving his "allowance" money for several months to buy me the one thing I REALLY wanted (a Kindle Fire). With the money he saved, he was able to almost double our budgeted amount for each other. <em>*slaps forehead*</em> "Why didn't I think of that???" Again, he is so much more thoughtful than his dreadful wife.<br />
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<strong>#3 Stagl Christmas</strong><br />
We travelled to Wichita for this one. Both of us were able to get off work early on Friday so we didn't have to drive late into the night like we usually do. How lovely! Justin and <a href="http://karijo-co.blogspot.com/">Kari</a> also made the drive so we got to spend Christmas all together at Mom and Dad's. Highlight of this Christmas was definitely Mom and Dad's gift to each other. They've been married nearly 30 years (October 23, 1982) and decided that they were way past due for a wedding ring upgrade. The coolest part was that they were able to very closely match their original ring designs....just bigger and better. I'm thankful for their example of a marriage for us. They've had some rough times, but they haven't made it to 30 years on their own, and I'm so glad to have their godly example.<br />
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<em>And finally...</em><br />
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<strong>#4 Kihle Family Christmas</strong><br />
This one took place at my Grandmother's house (also in Wichita). Every year for as long as I can remember we have drawn names for our gift exchange. We all gathered Christmas Afternoon to exchange gifts, then have our traditional Norwegian meal: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lefse">Lefse</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutefisk">Lutefisk</a> (and some Meatballs for those of us who are a little afraid of the Lutefisk). Highlights of this Christmas were the time spent making Lefse together at my Aunt and Uncle's house, and a conversation I had with one of my Cousins. <br />
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I sincerely hope that each one of you had a wonderful Christmas season, and that you were able to spent it surrounded by people you love! <br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-7178779397168567022011-12-21T21:04:00.000-06:002011-12-30T11:08:29.183-06:00Nutty-nessI'm sitting in a big overstuffed chair in the living room beside our glistening tree, warming myself by a crackling fire in the fireplace while Christmas songs play softly in the background. The dogs are curled up beside me, seriously cramping my leg space on the ottoman.<br />
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Matt walks in to bring me some cookies from the kitchen. He sits down and stretches his hands toward the fire to warm them....<br />
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...then looks at me with his head cocked to the side and laughs,<i> "What in the world are you doing? Is this the 'Christmas Yule Log' video on Netflix?" </i><br />
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Okay, so perhaps I'm a little nutty for "warming" my toes by my TV. But does it really feel like Christmas if you haven't yet had a chance to sit by a crackling fire? I say that it simply does not. So if the only fire I can get is one I've streamed through Netflix, by golly I'll take it! Ahhhh my toes feel warmer already!<br />
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With all the craziness of getting ready for Christmas, I totally forgot to give you the recipe for the almonds I made for Thanksgiving. They were a big hit with the fam! My uncle from Colorado asked if he could take the rest of them with him for a road snack so I'm thinking that's a good sign. He also said that the way they had been roasted gave them "kind of a really nice smokey flavor." That totally cracked me up! <a href="http://www.sandra-murphy.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanksgiving.html">Remember?</a><br />
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Here's the recipe:<br />
2 C. whole almonds (skins on)<br />
1/4 C. Sugar<br />
1/2 tsp. Salt<br />
2 Tbsp. Honey<br />
2 Tbsp. Water<br />
2 tsp. Oil<br />
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Spread the almonds in a single layer on a cookie sheet or in a cake pan and place into a COLD oven. Bake on 350 for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven and set aside.<br />
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Thoroughly mix sugar and salt in a small bowl. Stir together the honey, water, and oil in a medium size pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir in the almonds and continue to cook and stir until all the liquid is absorbed by the almonds (about 5 minutes). Immediately transfer to a large bowl and sprinkle with the sugar/salt mixture, then spread on wax paper to cool.<br />
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Mmm...that's making me hungry.<br />
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But if you'll excuse me, I need to go add another log onto my fire. (er....you know, press replay)<br />
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Merry Christmas!<br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-52553310164286085452011-12-14T15:32:00.000-06:002011-12-30T11:07:42.493-06:00Merry Christmas!Can I just go ahead and say that Christmas has absolutely crept up on me this year?? <br />
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In a conversation with my mom the other night, I said "Inside my head I'm an organized, domestic, lovely person, but in reality...I'm a lazy slob!" Sad, isn't it? This totally sums up all my "holiday" planning this year. I had such great ideas for fun things to do from before Thanksgiving until New Year's. And now here it is December 14 and I'm sitting here thinking "Gee, maybe I should make some cookies or something." Needless to say, I haven't been nearly as productive as I was hoping!<br />
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We did actually manage to find the time to make several Christmas gifts this year! (yes you read that right) I haven't made anyone a Christmas gift since like....um.....never. It's SO FUN!! <br />
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That has a lot to do with my lack of writing. After everyone has opened their gifts I'll have a few fun crafty ideas to share with you!<br />
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Anyway, nothing really exciting to share with you. I just wanted to take an opportunity to say Merry Christmas!! Enjoy the season but please don't forget the reason behind it! <br />
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~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-38926318587797991692011-11-22T15:59:00.001-06:002011-12-30T11:07:20.778-06:00Thanksgiving!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you Google for letting me borrow this image!</td></tr>
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Who doesn't love this time of year? I mean really, with so many different gatherings and yummy foods or treats to eat, what's not to love?<br />
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I am also thrilled beyond belief that I will be spending my first Thanksgiving in EIGHT YEARS with my extended family in Wichita. Can. NOT. Wait!<br />
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In honor of this big occasion, I decided to spend a little time making a couple treats to share with everyone while we're there. You know, to prove my "adulthood." ...or something like that.<br />
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So I decided to make some candied almonds and candied pecans. The almond recipe came from a friend and co-worker of mine in NC. Let me tell you, they are delicious! The pecan recipe came from....what else? Pinterest of course!<br />
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Because I lack the ability to do just one thing at a time, I decided that I could successfully cook both recipes simultaneously. You know, throw the almonds into the oven to begin roasting while I start putting pecan ingredients in my crock pot, then work my way back and forth until both recipes are completed. <br />
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I've always been amazed at my mother's ability to cook twelve billion things for a meal at the same time, and have everything done at exactly the right time and cooked to perfection. Sometimes I like to pretend I am as awesome as she is.<br />
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***Side note: I took photos all throughout this process to make sure everything was documented. However, when I downloaded them onto my computer, this is what they look like:<br />
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<b><i>SIGH</i></b>. Technology is NOT my friend lately! ***<br />
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Anyway, the almonds went into a cold oven (set on 350 for 12-15 ish minutes)<br />
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I had turned my crock pot on high about 15 minutes early so it was already hot, then put in an entire stick of butter and mixed it with 1 lb halved pecans.<br />
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Back to the oven.....which was smoking! Matt started running around our tiny apartment opening windows and fanning the smoke detector. Then I remembered accidentally dripping grease in the bottom of the oven a few nights back, and suggest that he just disconnects the smoke detector so the grease can just burn off. My plan has changed and I'm now cooking "smokey candied almonds" Fabulous.<br />
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Back to the crock pot to stir in 1/2 Cup of powdered sugar.<br />
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Back to the oven to stir the smokey almonds. <br />
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Crock pot.<br />
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Oven.<br />
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You get the idea.<br />
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Surprisingly in the end, both recipes turned out great! <br />
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Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I sincerely hope you can all enjoy each moment you spend with friends and family over the next few days. What are you thankful for this year?<br />
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~SMurph~<br />
<br />Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-72781188828535774052011-11-09T21:49:00.000-06:002011-12-30T11:06:51.363-06:00Thoughts from a heap<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I think we have finally been in our new apartment long enough that we’re ready to start dealing with all the junk. You know, the “crap heap” as we so affectionately call it. Let me give you some advice: If you ever move cross-country, sell everything before you leave. EVERYTHING. You can buy new clothes when you get to where you’re going, I promise. We were advised to sell some things before we left but just couldn’t let go of all the things we most certainly would “need.” So instead, we paid to get it all here then….well….we sold it. Two love seats, one sofa, a very large desk, a table saw, lawn mower, two end tables and one coffee table. You know, small stuff that was cheap and easy to get here (insert sarcastic font).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Once we cleared out all the extra furniture, I found box after box full of “keepsakes.” I am extremely sentimental, and have a tendency to hang onto everything that reminds me of someone or something special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I was a kid, my mom used to occasionally lock herself in my room with a box and clean everything out. I’ve never had the ability to determine what is truly a keepsake and what is not. I would be so sad because she threw out my “treasures” when really she was doing me a favor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I digress…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I spent a few evenings and went through each and every note and card that I’ve kept for all these years. And as I read the notes, I felt so many different emotions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I laughed at the gossipy notes and cards from highschool…the ones filled with weekend plans, silly chatter and the occasional “so-and-so totally has a crush on you!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">All the birthday cards, graduation cards, and “just because” cards made me feel warm and fuzzy because I have been so blessed in life with family and life-long friends who love me and have always wanted the best for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">But then I cried. A lot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I cried because of friendships which have grown apart over time. Because of friendships which weren’t allowed to even grow to a real depth, because life just kind of got in the way. I stopped and thought about it for a while and it kind of makes sense. I left Kansas after highschool, spent the better part of four years in Florida with friends from all over the country. Then moved to North Carolina for three years and was just settling into some really good friendships when we found out we were moving to Texas. I cried because we haven’t found our Texas friends yet, and I had to be completely honest with myself.….I’m kind of lonely. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">But you know, we never really appreciate the sun until we’ve had a few cloudy days, right? I guess sometimes it takes being uncomfortable to regroup and focus on what really matters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">This whole year has been the most stretching and growing time I’ve ever experienced. Parts of it have been total mountain top experiences, and parts of it have been scary and lonely. It’s a process. I’m at a point of looking back and reflecting, but I’m ready to start looking forward and anticipating what is to come. I’m discovering who I really am; as a woman, as a wife, and most importantly as a child of God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ll be just fine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Can you believe I got all that from a crap heap? ; )</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">~SMurph~</span></div>Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-28813279512907903322011-10-23T17:45:00.000-05:002011-12-30T11:06:10.230-06:00Crafty or crazy?Recently, I have been thinking about doing something. I mean REALLY thinking about it for a long time. I guess you could say I finally decided to stop weighing everyone else's pros and cons and try it for myself. "What could this be" you ask?<br />
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Homemade laundry soap (aka "washing powders" if you're in the South) </div>
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Did you cringe like I did the first time I heard of someone making it? Sounds a little crazy right? Granted, if it works and I really like it, this could save a LOT of money in the next several months. Couldn't hurt to try.</div>
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Oh, and I took pictures of the process because in all the blogs I've read about homemade laundry soap, not one of them had pictures and I am a VERY picture-oriented person. I might have tried this sooner if I just would have had some pictures to look at! </div>
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First, the ingredients. Total cost for these three items was approximately $9.00 (I should get two batches out of the bar of soap, and probably 5-8 batches out of the Borax and Washing Soda.) Recipe calls for 2 cups of grated Fels-Naptha soap, 1 cup Borax, 1 cup Washing Soda, and you use 2 Tbsp per full load of laundry.</div>
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I cut the Fels-Naptha soap into chunks so it would be easier to grate<br />
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And used my handy dandy cheese grater because I always seem to lose a nail or a chunk of skin when I try grate something by hand. No bueno.<br />
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It kind of looks like cheese. And it took a pretty long time to grate so I took breaks every once in a while.<br />
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This picture has nothing to do with the soap, and everything to do with our dinner. We bought a "double pack" of baby back ribs to grill for dinner and this is a picture of Matt discovering what the second set of ribs looks like. He is feeling a little jipped. I thought it was hilarious!<br />
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Okay, back to the soap. I took another break from grating to measure out 1 cup of washing soda. (this is NOT the same as baking soda).<br />
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Then I measured 1 cup of Borax.<br />
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And finally finished grating 2 cups of <strike>cheese</strike> er, soap.<br />
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Then mix everything together. I used a fork to help break down some of the bigger pieces of soap from the grater. I suppose a finer grater would be better, but it all melts the same, and as long as you get it mixed together really good, I really don't see what the difference would be.<br />
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Just happened to have an empty canister so I'm keeping the soap in there.<br />
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I just put the first load of laundry using this soap into the dryer. They definitely didn't smell perfume-y when I pulled them out of the wash, but smelled clean. I'll be interested to see what we think once they're out of the dryer!</div>
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All in all, this was really easy and fun. As long as it cleans my clothes as well as the major laundry brands, I think I'll keep it up for a while! Let me know if you try it and what you think!</div>
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Oh, then I made 2-ingredient lemon bars, and they nearly exploded in the oven. I have the worst luck with Pinterest recipes....</div>
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~SMurph~</div>Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-73311536765224298072011-10-20T17:00:00.000-05:002011-10-20T17:00:45.609-05:00Something heavenlyIt's time for healing, time to move on,<br />
it's time to fix what's been broken too long<br />
Time to make right what has been wrong; <br />
it's time to find my way to where I belong<br />
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There's a wave that's crashing over me, and all I can do is surrender<br />
Whatever You're doing inside of me<br />
It feels like chaos, but somehow there's peace<br />
And it's hard to surrender to what I can't see, but I'm giving in to something heavenly<br />
<br />
Time for a milestone, time to begin again, re-evaluate who I really am<br />
Am I doing everything to follow Your will or just climbing aimlessly over these hills?<br />
So show me what it is You want from me<br />
I give everything - I surrender<br />
<br />
Time to face up, clean this old house<br />
Time to breathe in and let everything out that I've wanted to say for so many years<br />
Time to release all my held back tears<br />
<br />
Whatever You're doing inside of me<br />
It feels like chaos, but I believe ...<br />
You're up to something bigger than me<br />
Larger than life, something heavenly<br />
<br />
Whatever you're doing inside of me<br />
It feels like chaos, but now I can see<br />
This is something bigger than me<br />
Larger than life<br />
Something heavenly, something heavenly<br />
<br />
Time to face up, clean this old house<br />
Time to breathe in and let everything out<br />
<em>~Sanctus Real</em><br />
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~SMurph~</div>Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-21424548597655561652011-10-16T19:12:00.000-05:002011-10-16T19:12:23.150-05:00Burdens<i>"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 ESV</i><br />
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I have an app on my phone called Daily Bible. It puts a new Bible verse on my home screen every day. I've found its a really good way for me to keep meditating on Scripture daily. I can't help but see it every time I pick up my phone<i>.</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
Galatians 6:2 was my daily verse earlier this week, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. I've had a couple really big burdens on my heart for the last couple weeks, and at times it has been really difficult to stay focused on the faithfulness of God, and of the things I know to be truth.<br />
<br />
However, the verse didn't make me think even more about my burdens. It made me realize how wrapped up I get in my burdens, and how often I overlook the burdens others are carrying. My heart hurts for my burdens....but if I'm honest with myself, I have to stop and ask myself how bad my heart truly hurts for yours. Can anyone relate?<br />
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I read the verse, and immediately countless people were brought to mind who are dealing with some really heavy, scary, or painful burdens. It's so easy to get bogged down when life throws you curve balls. But how much easier is it when you know you're not alone? I want to be the kind of person you know will always be there for you when you're having a tough time. <br />
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I will bear your burden.<br />
<br />
~SMurph~<br />
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<br />Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-35283092555149517092011-10-10T20:02:00.000-05:002011-10-10T20:02:14.377-05:00The day I almost got kicked out of college.I consider myself to be a good girl to the core. A rule follower. But I almost got kicked out of college my Sophomore year. *GASP*<br /><br />I don’t tell this story very often, because unless you understand the college I went to, you won’t understand the story. But since it was specifically requested, and because it really is funny now (it wasn’t at the time, believe me!) I will write it for your reading pleasure.<br /><br />Let me begin by saying that I do not and <b>WILL NOT</b> badmouth the college I went to. No, I don’t agree with the way everything is done there, but like everything else in life, you have to take the bad with the good, and make the most out of every opportunity you’re given. Also, there is no doubt in my mind that God called me to go there, and although I sometimes wonder why I couldn’t have gone to a “normal” school, I really can’t complain because I met my husband there, and that alone is a lot to be thankful for!<br /><br />Speaking of meeting my husband, he actually has a lot to do with me almost getting kicked out.<br /><br />Go figure. :)<br /><br />Matt and I started dating near the beginning of my Sophomore year at PCC. That fall, a group of our friends got a bunch of people together to go out to dinner for someone’s birthday. If you’re not familiar with PCC rules, in order to leave campus in a “mixed” group (ie guys and girls together), we had to get a chaperone. Being off campus in a mixed group sans chaperone got you an immediate dismissal. Traditionally, the chaperone will arrange to meet you/pick you up on campus, drive to wherever you want to go, spend that meal with you, then take you back and drop you off. Easy enough, right?<br /><br />I don't really remember all the fine details about this event. All I knew was that the chaperones had told us they weren’t coming to campus to get us, they would just meet us at the restaurant on the beach. None of the girls had cars, so we got into odd numbered “mixed” groups (odd numbers so it would be clear we were being “good” on our way to meet the chaperones) and drove to the restaurant. The chaps arrived right about the time we did, so we went in and enjoyed a lovely dinner away from the chaos of the campus dining hall. When we got ready to leave, the chaps walked us out into the parking lot and said, “Okay, tell us who rode in which cars.” So we did, and they said “Great! You guys go straight back to campus and have a good night!” and then they left.<br /><br />The next day, I was going about my normal busy schedule, and stopped to check my mailbox after lunch. My heart nearly came out of my body when I saw a small green slip of paper with MY name and ID number on it. These green slips of paper, “call slips” as they are called, are almost always a VERY BAD THING. But since I couldn’t think of anything I had done wrong, I tried to not worry about it, and just showed up in the Student Life office at my appointed time. I brought some notes to study, because I had a quiz in my next class. Long story short, I found out that the chaps had gone to Student Life to inform them that we drove to the restaurant in odd-numbered mixed groups without a chaperone. I was so confused. <i>“But we did exactly what the chaperone TOLD us to do! And they knew we all drove together like that, and didn’t say a word about it!”</i> I thought to myself. The lady in Student Life told me that I would be shadowed by a floor leader until Student Life could meet to discuss whether we would be allowed to stay or not. “Shadowing” is also a VERY BAD THING, and I am one of the only people I know of who has been shadowed and lived to tell about it. While you are being shadowed, you are not allowed to speak with anyone on campus other than the floor leader who is shadowing you, and you are only allowed to call home to speak with your parents. Aside from the time we spent in a shelter for Hurricane Ivan, that night while I was being shadowed was the longest of my college years! I was passed around from floor leader to floor leader. I cried and cried, wondering how I (a girl who NEVER got in trouble) was probably going to be sent home the next day. What would my parents say??<br /><br />Long story short, when I went back to Student Life the next morning, I was told that since I was completely honest with them about everything, and since the chaperones should have done things differently, that I would be allowed to stay at school, given 50 demerits (less than half of what this type of “offense” normally would be worth), and socialed for two weeks. (Socialed=can’t speak to anyone of the opposite sex except a teacher).<br /><br />
<strike>I think the moral of this story is that even good girls can get in trouble, so you might as well be a bad girl.</strike> Nevermind, there really isn't a moral to this story. It's just one of those stories that makes me laugh when I think about when Matt and I started dating.<br />
<br />
The end.<br />
<br />
~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-242310456924148428.post-34567171586455422232011-09-15T17:00:00.000-05:002011-09-15T17:00:57.680-05:00Grand Slam and a Hot Dog Stand<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKmjIH1V2TKE_Njnym2vx1ni1iYbAVatRtR0YgopTJXomXd5fFqdyD9PhAjYUHtqEzzgLt6I5BFcW_Gtk2HnayeJvWsmGcFMuck1WKZy9d2ms-J0g-_XEHcs0YF3cBxE3PQiDgXdsDaFN/s1600/american-baseball2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKmjIH1V2TKE_Njnym2vx1ni1iYbAVatRtR0YgopTJXomXd5fFqdyD9PhAjYUHtqEzzgLt6I5BFcW_Gtk2HnayeJvWsmGcFMuck1WKZy9d2ms-J0g-_XEHcs0YF3cBxE3PQiDgXdsDaFN/s320/american-baseball2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is not my photo. I borrowed it from Google images.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm really curious about who, exactly, determined that baseball is the "all-American" sport? I'm sure there is history behind this of which I am simply unaware. But seriously....someone please enlighten me! I don't hate baseball, I'm just not it's biggest fan.<br />
<br />
Matt and I were given tickets to the Texas Rangers game last night. We were pretty excited to go. But because we have both become so insanely <strike>cheap</strike> er, <em>frugal</em> (thank you for that, Mr. Dave Ramsey) we were probably mostly excited about the game when we found out that Wednesday nights are "Doller Hot Dog Night." WooHoo!! A baseball game AND cheap food? We are so. there. <br />
<br />
I even ate two hot dogs because seriously, you just can't beat that price.<br />
<br />
We found our seats and settled in for the start of the game. I had decided early on that I was going to pay really close attention and not miss a thing in this game. <em>Usually</em>, I'm the girl at the game who is just chatting away until everyone starts cheering and clapping, then I'm in a confused state wondering, "What happened? What did I miss??" <br />
<br />
Yes. THAT girl. But this time was definitely going to be different. I was determined! <br />
<br />
The players all took their places out on the field and the first pitch was made.<br />
<br />
"Hey Matt, what color are we?"<br />
<br />
<em>"We're the ones wearing the shirts that say "TEXAS" on them." </em><br />
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I squinted my eyes to try read their shirts. "I can't read the shirts. Are we white or gray?"<br />
<br />
<em>"White."</em><br />
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By the second inning I was really tired of trying to pay attention to the game. Why do all those "vendor" people (you know, the ones running around yelling "ice cold beer" or "peanuts" or "cotton candy") have to wear such neon shirts and yell so loud? Like that's not distracting. <br />
<br />
I briefly re-gained my concentration and paid attention throughout the third inning (might have been the fourth or fifth....but who's counting?) when we got several runs followed by a grand slam. I will admit that inning was very exciting. There is something really cool about watching all different kinds of people cheering and high-fiving each other. If baseball was always that exciting, I'd love it!<br />
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Speaking of all the different kinds of people, my oh my the people you see at a baseball game....my favorite was the little white-haired grandma with a drum who would stand up and beat the drum in time to the music. She was hilarious!<br />
<br />
Come to think of it, maybe I really do like baseball games after all. Sure, I might not go for the <em>game </em>but does that really matter? <br />
<br />
People watching is a sport, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
~SMurph~Sandra Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534207347958288091noreply@blogger.com1