Happy Birthday May Bear

My not so little Maryn's birthday is today.  She turned 7 and I can hardly believe it.  She is so grown up beyond her years and has always been inquisitive to how things work and why things are the way they are.  She is also very sensitive to how your feeling.  She is a good travel companion because she can have a conversation about anything.  Daddy has gotten Maryn interested in the stars and that's their hobby they share at the moment.  She has beautiful green eyes and a quirky sense of humor.  I love you Miss Maryn...life would not be the same without you.  Happy Birthday beautiful girl!

Happy Birthday Maryn

I can't believe my little girl is 5! She was such a beautiful baby and has turned into such a beautiful little girl. Maryn is very special and was blessed with the gift of gab. We never have boring road trips because she is such a conversationalist. She is very happy and is a great older sister. Maryn has a very understanding heart even when mommy really messed up her cake and I was about in tears and laughing at the same time she told me "that's okay Mommy it still tastes good."

Maryn was born with a full head of hair and has always gotten compliments because of it. Her smile can brighten any room. She has the ability to make friends wherever she goes. Eventhough she loves princesses and dress up she loves being with her Daddy more and will help him work on the house, go snow tubing and fishing with him. She is definitely Daddy's little girl.

She is eager to learn but insists on doing everything herself. Yesterday, Matt found her playing in her room after we had put her to bed because she was trying to make me a bracelet. Matt told her I don't want to have to discipline you on your birthday Maryn please get into bed. Her reply was "you don't have to discipline me anymore because I'm 5."

We're so thankful that you are apart of our family Maryn. Things would be boring without you! Mommy and Daddy love you very much!

Here are some pictures from over the years.

Baby Macey's Birthday

It's been a month already but Baby Macey had her first birthday party. We took her to Target the night before to test the toys out and bought the ones she laughed and squealed with the most. Aren't we full of surprises! No worries, we let Santa do all the gift giving for Christmas.

I made Macey a cake that was pink of course. She wanted it so bad especially the candle. When we were singing Happy Birthday to her she caught a little bit of the cake. I was for sure that when we gave her a slice of cake she was going to dive into it. She was very meticulous how she ate the cake. She was swipe her finger into the frosting lick her finger and flick it out of her mouth. It was the cutest thing.

After the cake we had 2 presents for her. We were laughing so hard because when she was trying to get the wrapping off and the present kept talking to her and she got this startled look on her face then would laugh nervously. Here's a few pics of the party.

Happy Birthday Baby Macey

Just about a year ago I had know idea I was going to have a baby this exact night. I went to the doctor for my check up to find out I was dilated to a 5 1/2. After the appointment I went and picked up Maryn, chatted with a friend only to find out upon arriving home I started effacing and fast. Called Matt up and told him maybe he should start heading home. Started packing my bags and making arrangements for Maryn, received a blessing, then cleaned the house. Yes, I cleaned the house. Finally, Matt convinced me to go and I made him stop at Wendy's for a burger because I was starving!!! We went to the hospital and I walked up to the desk to tell them I was going to have a baby that night and the gave me a look like yeah right. I walked around the hospital for 3 hours and she came as quick as anything I have ever experienced. She was whisked away from me and I didn't even get to see her because there was no doctor to deliver her. Finally I saw her tiny body in Matt's arms. She was so beautiful and perfect.

Macey we're so glad you chose to come to our family. You bring so much happiness into our home. I love the way you can brighten any day with your huge grin. It's so funny to hear your duck conversations. You have such a silly disposition. You have the most beautiful dark brown eyes. You make me laugh when you start grooving to music. You have such a love for your older sister, it's amazing. Happy Birthday Baby Macey!!!

Thirty Somethin' and Counting

Thank you everyone for your well wishes on my birthday yesterday. I usually just like it to pass by so I don't make a big deal about it but it's kinda hard to hide it in your ward when they publish your birthday in the phone directory. It's all good! I decided I wanted a cheesecake for my cake so attempted to experiment with a Snickers Cheesecake. I think I'll still be looking for a better recipe or maybe changing some of the directions for next time. Ingredients were good just the cooking times were all screwed up. Anyhoo...sorry my perfectionist baking persona is coming out. But thank you, thank you, thank you to all the goodies and phone calls...MUCH APPRECIATED!!! I'm excited to try out my new pizza stone from hubby for our weekly Friday pizza night.

Matty's Birthday Debut

Another year has come and gone and Matt is well on his way into his 30's...oops was I not supposed to disclose that? He is aging quite well and for Murdock's the older you get the more handsome they become. Maryn and I surprised Daddy by making him a birthday cake with a fish theme because we got him fishing gifts. I had it in my head what it was going to look like and I even surprised myself how cute it turned out. Surrrre...it was probably a cake appropriate for an 8 year old but sometimes I do feel like I have a third kid in the house.


We woke up early in the morning and made homemade Rocky Road Ice Cream. Then started on the cake. The cake toppers were made using candy melts and lollie pop sticks. I like to paint ornaments so why not paint with candy and chocolate! We wrapped Matt's presents which was a fishing vest and fillet knife. Then tried to clean up the house before he came home.

We are so thankful for our Daddy who works so hard. We hope you had a good birthday!

Love,
All your girls(poor guy)

Snow Party

Look at this rugged Hottie!!! Sorry girls he's taken.

I'm a little sad because I didn't get a lot of pictures from Maryn's Birthday Snow Party but then again Matt videotaped the whole party inside so at least we have something. For Maryn's 4th birthday we had a snow themed party. Matt was pretty dead set against having anything princess or character type themes so I had to become creative. I decided on a snow party. On the side of our house we have this nice little sledding run perfect for kids...the only problem was it had been sunny all week and the snow was rapidly melting. Don't laugh but all week I was praying for snow so she could have a special day and the night before her party there was about 5 inches of fresh snow that dumped. That morning couldn't have been more perfect. The sun was shining and the air was crisp. We had 7 kids eventually show up.

The first hour we sledded and thank you to all the parents who helped out. I couldn't have done this alone. My friend's husband was there and he was a lifesaver. He packed all the snow at the bottom to make a bank for the kids so they wouldn't run into the fence. Imagine little girls squealing down the hill on their sleds. It was so hilarious. We had 3 to 4 foot snow drifts in the back and some of the kids would get lost when they went to play in the snow. Maryn's little friend Porter(the only boy...lucky him) was there and he was practically swimming through the snow.

After about an hour they were cold and came in for hot chocolate. After they warmed themselves up they played pin the carrot on the snowman. Four of the Kids put the carrot in the same spot and I know they couldn't see. What are the odds of that? I asked them what was missing on the snowman and they all yelled at his nose. Then I asked what we should name him and they all yelled Frosty.

I had a little cake but instead of having cake for all the kids I had them make their own personal snowman cupcakes. They had marshmallows, licorice rope, gumdrops, gummy lifesavers, mini chocolate chips and pretzels to decorate. They turned out really cute. We sang happy birthday to Maryn and on the way over I accidentally blew out her candles. Thank goodness the lighting stick was close by so I hurried and re lit them only to have Maryn blow them out before everyone could finish the song. Might have to explain the wish thing to her.

People were more than gracious to bring presents. Matt and I always feel a little weird about receiving gifts but this was Maryn's party and she was super excited. I think she got more for her party than she got for Christmas. What's up with that Santa?!?!

Maryn was exhausted after her party. She could barely hold her head up. Matt popped in a movie that Maryn got for her birthday and she fell asleep but Matt kept watching the Barbie movie. I told him we had to go somewhere and he didn't want to leave because he was really getting into the movie. It's a good thing Matt doesn't mind having all girls.

Happy Birthday Maryn!

Maryn Elizabeth was born January 3, 2005. She has literally an odd birthday 1-3-05. Maryn is finally four and I just wanted to tell you what makes my baby girl special. One distinct feature of Maryn is that she has always had a very full head of hair. Since she was little has always been very smart. At 4 and 5 months she could repeat and copy words that we would say. She has always had a smile on her face and always asks if we are happy. That is important to her. She's is very aware of how people are feeling around her. Maryn has the ability to make friends wherever she goes. She loves to learn and has such an understanding about the things around her and if it doesn't make sense she'll ask. She loves the outdoors and loves her bike. During the summer she learned to love camping and hiking. Maryn is a definite talker and has the gift of gab. She has an amazing memory and never forgets a thing you tell her. She will tell you in detail events that happened to her when she was 2 years old. Maryn loves to be Matt's right hand girl and will follow him wherever he is. If Daddy has a screwdriver Maryn has to have one too. Maryn loves to sing and has a sweet voice and she's on tune. Her favorite princess is Ariel. She has a special place in her heart for Macey and loves her little sister. She has a very strong will and sense of being. She's a girl who knows what she wants and has a very competitive spirit. She cracks us up with all her little sayings and the way she views the world. We love you Maryn and glad that you came to our family!!! Here are a few pictures of Maryn over the years.