The Merry Life of The Murpheys

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Savor Today

I can't stop thinking about Jenny. She touched thousands and thousands of people with her life & death. She was an incredible person with such a heart for God. I'm in awe that a person could touch my heart so deeply and I haven't seen or spoken to her in nearly 10 years. I'm moved by her family. Her husband's messages to her on facebook have me flooded with tears. Thinking of her 10 year old daughter growing up without her mommy makes me wail. Her whole story makes me cherish each moment and know that life is but a vapor. She got sick with flu like symptoms and 2 weeks later things got incredibly worse and she passed away at the age of 31. You can read her entire story at https://www.carepages.com/carepages/JennyBizaillionUpdates
It is so hard to wrap my mind around death. I know she is in Heaven walking the streets of gold and holding babies that have gone before her. I think the hardest part for me is the grief that her family is going through. I've never lost anyone that was young and I was super close to. I almost feel as though I wouldn't be able to breath and make it through the day. But then, I remind myself of Beth Moore's bible study on Esther when she says, "And then what?" What are you going to do after the scenario has happened? You have to go on and then... you rely on God and get on your knees, and then... He will get you through...and then...That's what. I'm not writing it as well as she said it, but it helps me in the slightest when I think about grief. I know your sweet husband and baby girl will see you again and I look forward to hanging out with you too. Maybe we can do boot camp in Heaven together?!?

So, with Jenny in mind...I'm going to savor today. I'm going to hug Ellie a little longer and kiss Brett a little harder. I'm going to love passionately, seek the Lord deeper, and find contentment in all that I do. Thanks Jenny for inspiring me to have purpose in my daily life.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Ellie's 2nd Birthday

We celebrated Ellie's 2nd birthday with friends and family at our neighborhood park. About three months ago I asked Ellie what theme she wanted for her birthday. She responded with, "SHOES!!" So, I made it my mission to have a shoe themed par-tay!

Ellie LOVES shoes so this was ALOT of fun to put together! Most of my party planning happened online. Here's a little recap on the party planning...then I posted some of the most adorable pictures of Ellie's friends and family. Thanks to Jennifer Luedke for taking such incredible shots!

I was so excited to find shoe pinatas! They were only $8.00 on http://www.partywedding.com/! The polka dot balloons are from there too.

Virginia did an INCREDIBLE job on Ellie's cake. Not only was it adorable, but it was delicious too! Virgina did our wedding cakes (which included a full mouth for Brett's grooms cake!). She can do ANYTHING so check her out if you need a cake! (her baby shower cakes are creative and her Mounds Cake is to die for!) http://www.virginiascakes.com/

I found this site http://www.bakeat350.blogspot.com/ and was so happy that Bridget could make some custom shoe shaped cookies! They were oh so cute and yummy too. Check her out, she has a true talent.

Party Favors! I got the girls plastic princess shoes and feather boas (from The Dollar Store! My fave place for toys). The boys got some plastic cars and motorcycles. I loved the girl party favor bags because they say, "I LOVE SHOES!" These couldn't have been more perfect! I found them at Michael's!

Brett & I figured the kids would LOVE to be outside and bounce, so we completed the party planning with a Princess bouncy house for my little high-heeled princess!

Let the Party Begin!

Ryanne looks like a GAP model and Morgan steals my heart with her pig tails and grin!

Buddies!

Ellie's is like her mama and devoured the cake!

Bounce House Fun!

My favorite picture from the entire day! Doesn't this just capture the essence of 2 year old girls (pig tails and all)? I love Ellie's hand on her neck and Morgan's smile is priceless! Morgan and Ellie share the same birth date so this pic melts me!