Saturday Morning Pancakes

A Is For Alphabet

2011-11-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

Preschool has started!! In preparation for Liam beginning our family on the homeschooling journey with kindergarten in the fall of 2012, I have created my own preschool curriculum for the 2 oldest Murphy boys to engage in this year.

On November 3, 2011, Captain Liam America and Overall Duncan set out with their backpacks, each containing one "show and tell" item, and made the trek...(out the front door, back in the front door and up the stairs to the landing)...

...to where their teacher, the "Hat Lady," anxiously awaited them.

"A Is For Alpahabet" is our 26 week letter theme to be completed by next summer. As any good alphabet theme would, we began with the letter A. Liam and Duncan tried to think of words that start with the letter A (Book - Amelia Bedelia, Friend - Avery, Food - Almonds, Animal - Allouicious the Alligator). We outlined, cut out and decorated an A in cardboard, and also wrote an A word that was a characteristic of God: Almighty!

Then it was time to go for circle time. We sang, danced and kept the beat to our A song (Awesome God). Next was story time, where the boys heard the first ever Amelia Bedelia book. They picked out a few words in the book that began with the theme letter (Amelia "aired" out the light bulbs and Mrs. Rogers was "angry").

After discussing the story, it was time to return to the table for a small A snack (Almonds!!).

Next..."show and tell!" Each student stood in front of the class and was asked to share what they brought and why they chose to bring that particular item. Liam presented his Obi Wan Kenobi Star Wars Lego figure, because Legos are his favorite thing! Duncan brought a Dinoco Blue Lightning McQueen car and when asked why he likes the car he stated, "It has wheels."

Art time was up and Duncan's request was to paint. He created "roads" and Liam produced a few Star Wars light sabers.

When it was time to go, the Mr. Murphys collected their bags from there cubbies and lined up at the landing. They said goodbye to the "Hat Lady" and turned toward the trek back home. What a fun first day of preschool (and baby brother Gideon napped through the whole thing)! Coming up next week...the letter B!!!

Three Little Ducks

2011-08-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

Three little ducks went out one day,
To Buck and Emma's pool, far away.
And the one baby duck named Gideon,
He had his very first pool time swim.

"This looks like a yummy flotation device."

"I will keep my eyes on my brothers."

Just wanting to lounge in the "boat" while wearing one of the hats that Buck provided for us to block the sun.

This is Duncan's "famous duck." He wanted to carry this duck thermometer everywhere around the pool.

Thank you for the pool time, Emma!

2G

2011-07-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

At his two month well check, Gideon weighed 12 lbs. and 6 oz., which is exactly 5 lbs. gained from birth...and he looks a whole lot of cute!

Proud Mama...

Favorite cap...

First outfit bought for Liam, then worn by Duncan and now fashioned by Gideon!

Blanket in the background was Daddy's.

Bright eyes...

Hat knitted for little G...and his many faces!

Lullabies For Gideon

2011-06-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

The Murphy boys are all fond of each other. Here is Liam singing his favorite lullaby to Gideon, "Away In A Manger."

Duncan singing one of his favorite, "Mary Had A Little Lamb."

Watching It Go

2011-06-11T13:34:00.000-07:00

One of Duncan's favorite things to do is to watch toys that move. Roll. Zoom. Cars on the floor. Trains on the track. Wheels of all kinds! Pushing them in the sand. They go swimming in the bathtub and are buried in the garden. He takes cars in bed and in the car. CARS!

This is classic Duncan at his favorite pastime...ZOOM!

On his third birthday, there was a theme.

Always needs a little help from a willing brother to unwrap presents.

He may not appear excited, but boy was he ever! The Ice Creamer!

Watching it go...

VROOM!

ZIP!!!

They don't really go on that track, but he has found a way!

You are a sweet blessing to us Duncan and it is a joy for us to watch you grow as you watch things go!

Pancakes With Five

2011-06-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

It is only appropriate to document the very first Saturday morning pancake experience with the Murphy five. Awaiting the pancake breakfast...

Waiting...

Duncan likes to wait in his chair...

And waiting...

Yes, even Phoenix is waiting...

Time to eat pancakes. Welcome to the tradition, Gideon!

A little tree climbing afterward.

And silly time with Daddy.

First weekly Husker picture.

Gideon Clark Murphy

2011-06-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some welcoming shots of the newest member of the Murphy family. Weighing 7lbs. 6 oz. and 21", little Gideon joined us at 2:33am on April 2nd, 2011. From the first moment, he has been a joy to have in our family. Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers and gifts.

An unforgettable first photo.

The proud family.

Gideon "Clark" Murphy

Liking Mommy already?

And Daddy?

Sweet little dark haired one.

The many faces of Gideon.

Finding his fingers already.

Getting ready to leave the hospital.

Asleep on the first drive...home.

The unwavering protector.

Classic Duncan.

Wide eyed.

Shut eyed.

Adored by big brothers.

In Daddy's clown outfit.

One month old already.

Coming Soon

2011-03-19T21:25:00.001-07:00

Ready to meet you little man...welcome anytime!

There was an attempt to get some pictures of the boys with Baby Brother before we get to meet him. These are the results.

Liam is the poser.

Duncan needed a bit more coercing.

Bunks or Bonks

2011-03-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

After about three weeks of Liam sleeping on the top bunk, which he refers to as a "bonk" bed, it was time to for Duncan to join in the fun. Two boys in bunks at last. Two boys and Little Elmo, that is.

Out with the nursery...

...in with the bottom bunk!

Big brother is thrilled! There are nights when they are still awake after an hour of noises, but the novelty will wear off soon enough. The mornings are the best, when we hear, "Hey Duncan. Hey Liam. Climb up on the top bonk. There's a 7 at the first and we can get up now. Let's go play..." Then there is the stampede of little feet running down the hall.

Naps are a bit more of a challenge, as Duncan (sporting nap hair below) doesn't always want to take a nap, or rest, or lay in bed, or even stop singing. His singing is pretty cute though, even if at times it does last for 2 1/2 hours!

One project that we recently worked on was for Valentine's Day. We heard of a nursing home that was requesting handmade valentines from willing children, for its residents. Each of the boys made a few and Liam's are pictured below.

And Duncan's efforts.

Friend In Me

2011-03-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

Needless to say, the boys enjoy Toy Story. Duncan frequently requests the song, "You've Got A Friend In Me" to be sung for him at bedtime. Found these shirts on sale and couldn't resist. Surprisingly, the shirts are the same size and fit both of them perfectly...just different.

In preparation for Duncan joining Liam in the room with the bunk beds (or as Liam refers to them "bonk" beds), the walls were freshly painted. So, Liam slept on the floor in our room for a few nights as the paint smell faded. Such a sweet sleeper.

One day we decided to make little personal pizzas with faces.

And yes...Liam did put peas on his.

Frozen wild blueberries are a favorite.

The boys worked on a Lego "castle" creation...

Most of the handy work was by the 4-year-old.

When Mimi Alice came to visit for a few days, we had a tea party with the tiny red dragon tea set that Miss Choi had given me years ago on my first trip to China.

Liam was host.

Duncan was...priceless!

Minimal Christmas 2010

2011-03-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

Christmas was here at last and in line with most children, the Murphy boys were thrilled. Even though we had half the amount of things we have given as gifts on past Christmases, nothing was missed! There was a hot orange-cranberry drink, blueberry muffin and apple picnic ready in the living room as we all went down the stairs. Duncan was so enamored by the food that he spent the first 20 minutes sitting in a muffin coma.

Robert read the boys the note that St. Nicholas had left for the boys on the mantel. It spoke of how proud he was of them sharing their toys with each other and with children in need. They gave money from their piggy banks to a few places...

Then the opening of Lego time began. There were a few other items that the boys received, but it was mainly a Lego theme.

Much to Duncan's delight, there was the unveiling of the train table that was placed in the basement the night before. It was handmade by a father in Omaha and found for a great price on Craig's List.

Liam was so happy to sit and put Legos together with Dad.

Duncan stayed in the basement for at least 30 minutes, by himself, and was found there most of the rest of the day crashing trains.

Our good friend Koob spent the rest of the day with us and brought a fun game for the boys, Richard Scarry's Busytown.

Then I had the privilege for reading one of my favorite stories to the boys before bedtime, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." What a lovely day!

LPM = 4

2011-03-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day at home for the Murphy family, while we celebrated Liam's fourth birthday. He opened a first "real" set of lego blocks and 2 paris of Toy Story socks. Loved it! Liam informed us that he wanted a dinosaur cake. Robert demonstrated his artistic abilities on the top of the traditional, special occasion, family cheesecake, and the four-year-old was thrilled.

One sweet moment happened last night. As I, Jana, was tucking Liam into bed, I started crying (which I do a lot of late). He touched my face, asking why I was crying. "It is the last time that I will tuck you into bed as a 3-year-old, sweatheart" I explained. He put one hand on arm, with the other he patted my back and he just looked into my eyes with such compassion. A moment I will never forget.

Amazingly, the night before Liam's birthday, the four of us were able to turn out the lights in the living room and watch a thick, snow fall. Then on the big day, we all went out side to play!

Robert rolled a few large balls of snow all the way from the back yard, while the birthday boy and I made baby snowmen.

Duncan was content with licking snow and ice off of the driveway.

October 2010 Delights

2010-12-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

There was a great attempt to get Duncan to actually put his face into the astronauts helmet on this display at Vala's Pumpkin patch. Alas...

Down the slide...

A great display of Duncan's most recent self-inflicted wounds.

I love caramel apples!

Me too!

First hot chocolate of the season.

A ghost and a lion.

Rrrrr....

The spoils, which Liam proceeded to give away to each person that came to our door that evening of October 31st.

A Tribute To The Wall

2010-12-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

The last days of the wall separating our kitchen and dining room are pictured below...enjoy!

Liam wanted to climb up into the attic too!

Down came the drywall by the capable hands of Trent!

A smaller hammer was also used...

And at times it was a bit noisy in the house.

All were hard at work...

First meal where the wall used to stand.

There was laminate under our kitchen laminate, a lovely pineapple design. A pity to cover over such a beautiful print!

Stand in for the oven...

Bookshelves made from boards taken from fallen ash trees in the woods behind Jana's Ohio home. A special touch...

Mimi Alice's main task was entertaining.

A ceiling shelf.

So much space!!

This is a good depiction of the blur of activity that this week held. Trent ever steady in the whirlwind of young boys and construction.

Sweet sight. Thank you Trent!!!!

Salt Fork State Park

2010-08-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

After a few years of deliberation, the Metzentryphys vacationed together for a weekend near Salt Fork State Park in Ohio. All 13 of us were there and it was a excellent time.

Duncan tried his hand at some cards...

Aunt Lauren brought some treats for the boys to play with outdoors. Can't go wrong with bubbles and expanding water capsule that turn into bugs!

Liam has been thrilled for months at the prospect of going fishing with Papa Trent. He even had a little pole all his own.

By the end of the time he was even casting by himself.

Off to Buck and Emma's to swim...both Liam and Duncan took a bit of time to warm up to the water, but then they were 'swimming' by themselves in little inner tubes. They were so giddy!

Duncan called this device his 'boat.'

Most of the day at JR (James Rachel) Farm was spent eating fresh raspberries from the bush.

A Robin's rest was found in a bush with 3 baby birds!

Make sure they are ripe silly!

Yes, you can ski in July...

The Zehr's were up from Georgia and we managed to play a 'game' of wiffle ball. Liam represented with his hitting.

Grandma Swartzentruber's infamous swing.

On our way back to Omaha, we stopped by Seth and Morgan's new house for lunch. The boys has pineapple popsicles. Yum!

Windsor, Colorado

2010-07-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

Liam, Duncan and I spent a week with our friends Erica and Eliza in Windsor, Colorado this month. We spent some time on her parents farm, where the boys play with the baby kitten. They even got to watch Pop on the tractor and took rides with Mim on the four wheeler. What a wonderful time!

We had an adventure on a paddle boat that one of the neighbor's let us borrow...and sand toys and a mini pool and life jackets....

Duncan was especially content to just sit by himself in the parked boat and stare off over the water.

It was 9 hours of driving, but the kiddos did well....for the most part.

On another note, Liam saw his first movie "Toy Story 3" on Robert's 34th birthday with his parents. It was a fun time and he only sat on Robert's lap for the last 45 minutes!

No More Free Flights For Duncan

2010-06-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

Duncan officially turned 2 years old on June 3rd, 2010. Robert wrote a blog about some of the events of the day and you can read about it (and see some pictures) by following this link:
http://ramhatter.blogspot.com/2010/06/break-in-action-duncans-2nd-birthday.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CurryFriesAndMayo+%28RamHatter%29

Here are some more pics from the day that I wanted to add in celebration of our joyful Duncan Allen. This is the third time he has been up for a ride on the SkyFari at the Henry Doorly Zoo and he is surprisingly content to glide through the air...

The bubble time was a huge hit...

Matching brothers in their Honduran soccer jerseys...

Some birthday coins to put in the piggy bank...

We love you Duncan! Happy 2nd birthday!

Fun Times

2010-04-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

When they came to visit, Papa Trent and Liam took daily morning walks to Hy-Vee. Papa got his coffee and newspaper while Liam had his token hard boiled egg, fresh fruit and doughnut with sprinkles.

Mimi Alice followed Duncan's requests singing, "Quack Quack!"

Liam took this picture while experimenting with the camera.

Bedtime routines are a favorite.

Easter cookies on a stick from Lucinda!

After going to the Saturday evening Easter service at Christ Community Church, we decided to have our second year of Zoo/Zesto trip on Easter Sunday morning. There were hardly any people there. The Zoo was ours!

Liam ate his entire Zesto's hamburger!

Duncan seemed to enjoy his as well.

It has been a winter full of cold and we are ready for the summer!

Goodbye to Duncan's Mullet

2010-04-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

And here he is: the baby boy with the crazy hair. On April 10th, we set out to tame that mane...

And it is goodbye to the flip up curls.

The first snip...

The second snip...

The final product. So handsome.

What once was...

...and a Yummy Earth sucker for Little Haircut!

Meanwhile, Big Brother Liam is riding his new Lightening McQueen bike down the sidewalk with Dad for the first time!

Little Haircut joyfully watches on.

To celebrate, the family is off for an adventure to the OPPD Arboretum and the boys spend most of the time climbing on the hilltop rock garden.

"A tun-ah," says Little Haircut.

"Watch me squeeze through this small triangle tunnel," says Big Brother.

(Isn't my hair awesome.)

Three kings of the mountain.

Valentine's Day Cupcakes

2010-04-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day 2010, Robert and Liam went to Cupcake Island and brought home a lovely treat for each of us. He did cater to my more "healthy" preferences by getting some of the carrot cake version. They were scrumptious!

Only Half Once

2010-01-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

And here they are. Liam at 3 years and Duncan at 18 months. Not only is Duncan half of Liam's age for the only time ever, but he is also the age that Liam was when Duncan was born. Wow....isn't that such an interesting point to make. Hopefully you are all awed by my observation.

A spur of the moment family picture.

Liam with his new bike on Christmas Day.

Our house after the blizzards over the holidays.

Robert trying to make a dent in the 3-4" drifts that covered our driveway.

The boys intently watch Daddy shovel snow and occasionally hurl a scoopful up to the window.

Mommy's Hurt Leg

2009-12-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

On the last day of October, I fractured my left tibial plateau playing sand volleyball with a group of friends. Liam continued to ask, "Mommy, is that your hurt leg? Can I kiss your hurt leg? That's ok Mommy." After a week of appointments and family and friends helping us out at home, Robert and I loaded my Mom (who had flown in to help) and the kids up in the Big Red Monster Truck (Suburban - thanks Fagers!) for an extended stay in Ohio so I would have daytime help with the kiddos and Robert could work back in Omaha. Here is Liam's rendition of the vehicle: Monster Truck, 5 wheels, Daddy, Liam and a tire are shown.

A few days before we left, Liam was able to get his baseball glove!!! (This was a reward for filling up his "10 poops to a baseball glove" sticker chart...Hurray!)

At one point, there was an attempt for me to use a walker instead of crutches, because my palms hurt so much from supporting my weight. That didn't last long as walkers are intended for those who can walk and I couldn't. The boys enjoyed the ride, though.

Yes, this is a fabulous picture of me wearing my immobilizer. Sweet Liam fell asleep as I was reading him stories form one of my favorite collection of stories....Childcraft Volume 2!

The 3-year-old couldn't stop holding his fingers up to tell people how many he was. Liam just started showing us his three fingers one day and he was not even prompted.

Fruit pizza as a birthday cake, YUMMY!!

It was so hard to catch him inside this basket, but Duncan was a hoot as he climbed in and out so that only his head was showing out of the top. He would express his 18 month version of peek-a-boo.

A farmer was harvesting in a nearby field and Liam and Mimi Alice were offered a ride in the Big Green Monster Combine. Liam commented, "It eats corn and then puts it in its belly, the wagon."

When Daddy finally came to be with us for a week over the Thanksgiving holiday, the boys didn't give him much of a breather at all. We all cuddled up to watch something on the iPod Touch.

Duncan couldn't let go....

Robert got matching UNO Mavericks hockey jerseys for Liam and Andrew, the 10-year-old neighbor boy. Andrew was a good buddy to the boys the entire visit and he played hockey, basketball and lots of tackling with the boys.

The three boys would take turns wearing the mask and chasing the other two around the house. Duncan was the favorite to play "the monster." Duncan really engaged with the older two and would always pile on top if they were tackling.

This is a good attempt by Robert to get a decent picture by the Christmas tree with everyone smiling, using a slow shutter speed on the basic digital camera.

Andrew was adored by the boys and we took every opportunity for him to play. Here was a favorite pastime...

Fall = Pumpkins + Leaves

2009-10-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

The tree in our front yard lost all of it leaves last weekend and it was time for the fall rake and pile romp. Duncan actually participated this year. Liam held his football the whole time.

On a somewhat warm and misty day, the four of us took a trip to the infamous Vala's Pumpkin Patch, with Mimi Kathy, for some harvest adventure. The bunny playground was a hit. To think the bunnies have a one room school house.

This wooden train play set was actually used this year. Both boys enjoyed the climb.

The train ride....always captivating. And pumpkins everywhere!

This is an attempt to eat a caramel apple with two boys that have discovered that there is something there other then the apple. What is this fabulous brown, gooey stuff with nuts?

Peek-a-boo!!!

Almost Always A Smile

2009-10-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a few snapshots from the rest of our summer. Enjoy!

Another button pusher in the house. Duncan, the smiler, is quite adamant when he wants my cell phone and he can not reach it or I am not giving it to him. Thank you cell phone people for inventing the lock function!

At one of the Saturday Farmer's Markets at Village Pointe, I picked up a watermelon. The boys loved it. As you can tell, Duncan had a good meal all around this night.

Both the boys love pesto, but Duncan would just eat it out of the jar if allowed. I made about 15 pints with basil from my garden this year.

Duncan and Eliza are totally precious together. She is the one kiddo that Duncan will always interact with. He will follow her around, tackle her, sit beside her and read a book, you name it. So much fun to watch them. She is only four months older, but a few pounds shy of his.

This was a magical moment with three children under 3. I left the living room for a second and it was really quite when I came back....because they were all sitting and quietly reading there own books. Lasted about 30 seconds.

On Labor Day this year, we made the trek to the zoo. Always fun. The boys aren't smiling in this picture but they loved the train ride. Duncan gave the token "Choo Choo" and Liam made comments about Thomas.

Liam took a big boy step in September...he decided to give his beloved pacifier to his 6 month old neighbor friend, Talia. He and I wrapped it up and colored the paper, said goodbye and took it on over to her. He asked for it for the next day and a half and hasn't since then. Have to admit that was way easier then I thought it would be.....please let potty training be the same story!!!!

Our first snow in Omaha this year graced us on the second weekend in October. Robert and I decided to gear up and go on out. We are both fans of the winter weather, as long as it is safe, so we were thrilled to see the white stuff fall from the sky. Needless to say, the excitement was passed along to the kiddos. Liam: "Daddy, we need to check the weather....are we going to have snow tomorrow? Wow!!! Can I touch the snow? Can I run in the snow? Can I make a snowman? Daddy, can I have hot chocolate?"

Duncan did enjoy walking in the snow, but had a bit of trouble with all of the extra clothing. He would take a few steps and say, "Eh, eh, eh" in frustration and either hold up his hands to me or bend forward in a mini tantrum, then do the same thing over again. The boots fit well, but they don't work quite like bare feet!

Pool Time Begins

2009-07-15T20:36:00.001-07:00

And the Little D has made it to the pool with great success! It is funny that he hasn't submerged before 13 months of age, but alas, the time has come. Thank you Emma and Buck for the use of your fabulous facilities! The water was like a nice warm bath.

"Come on baby brother. This swimming pastime is the best!"

This is one of the only moments that Duncan was still. He decided that the water worked best while wiggling and didn't even care whether or not I was holding on to him. A few coughs and sputters of liquid in the mouth, but he didn't mind a bit. A quick dunk under the water even had him giggling.

So proud to be jumping into the water.

All smiles.

For Daddy Who Is Missed

2009-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

Robert this is for you. Liam asks for you daily and prays for Daddy in China. Here are some glimpses of our days as we are away from you.

Having never flown with two children before, the great unknown was a bit daunting. The experience was smooth and it was nice to have Little Smiles on my lap in Melissa's wrap.

Both boys managed to fall asleep on the plane for 30 minutes or so. A crayon also managed to find its way to the light colored plane wall while attached to Liam's hand.

At Great Grandma Carol's 80th birthday party, Liam and Uncle Ben share many a fist bump....

...and Aunt Morgan shared her purple stilettos with Liam. Yes, my son can walk in heels better then I can. I confess.

Andrew became a fast friend of both boys. Since he lives in the other half of Mom and Trent's duplex, he has been close by and has spent hours in play. Hockey in the garage is a favorite. "Where is my new friend?" Liam asks.

Uncle Ben and Aunt Joy brought matching Honduran soccer jerseys for their nephews. Many thanks for the gifts!

Does this smile ever end? Rarely.

Wagon rides up and down the lane. We even took the wagon to church on Sunday with Duncan secured by a shoe lace.

Aunts Joy and Morgan joined Liam and I for a walk in the woods. We made are way to the creek bed through unidentified underbrush and walked the return route balancing on rocks and dodging puddles.....

...that is us ladies did the dodging. We came across a deep section of the creek and Liam proceeded to jump, splash and giggle gleefully right into the center of the puddle.

Mimi Alice gets lots of snuggle time with the 2.5 year old. "No, I want Mimi to hold me. No, I want Mimi to sing to me. No, I want Mimi to change my diaper. No, I want Mimi to put my bid on me. No, I want Mimi to read me a story. No, I want Mimi to brush my teeth. No, I want Mimi hold my hand. No, I want Mimi...

Papa James offered Liam a ride with him on the tractor, but Liam refused. He was quite apprehensive. Duncan jumped at the opportunity and then Liam decided that the trailer appeared a better option. VAAROOM!

Uncle Seth came to visit for an afternoon and evening, traveling from Columbus on his motorcycle.

Duncan has been very attached to his blanket on this trip. He favorite way to carry it is by his teeth. Both of his upper first year molars are breaking in to add to his oral inventory.

We love you!!!!

Hap, Hap, Hap, Happy Birthday!!

2009-06-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a photographic glimpse of Duncan's first birthday. If you click on this link and push play you can hear part of the Parry Gripp song that the title references:
http://ca.dada.net/music/parrygripp/hap,-hap,-hap,-happy-birthday-(intro)_1045708m.html

Blueberry pancakes!

Off to the Henry Doorley Zoo where Liam spies "Uncle Elephant" (Arnold Lobel reference). We even rode the Skyfari from the Butterfly House to Pachyderm Hill. Duncan rode with me and Liam with Robert. It is similar to a ski lift and my arms were wrapped tightly around the 12 month old. Great ride, despite the tension from my grip.

Snack time.

Without a morning nap, the birthday boy had a dazed look for awhile as he rode around in the stroller. He managed to sleep off and on.
"It's my birthday and I'll snooze if I want too."

Walking past Rosenblatt Stadium, home of the NCAA College World Series since 1950 and our Omaha Royals, Liam wanted to stand on top of the large cement "balls" that adorn the entrance.
"I put my hands in my pockets!"

Zesto's gave us another enjoyable birthday meal of the claimed "best burger in town." Not to mention my personal favorite....
....the butterscotch vanilla dip cone.

Duncan wasn't so sure.

"Helium balloon that is just my size!?!?!"

"Being one-year-old now, I have mastered the art of sitting just so and looking irresitabley cute, as my brother eats dirt and mulch in the background."

Flame!!

The most yummy cheesecake ever!

We love you Duncan! It has been a great year having you as a part of our family. You are a joy and a blessing!

One Step...Two Step...

2009-05-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

He has done it! Duncan was standing on his own this afternoon and took one small step with each chubby little foot, before taking a rest. Today's accomplishment even trumped last Sunday's milestones: the first good-bye wave to the ladies in the CCC nursery and the first glee filled clapping of the hands at suppertime. Duncan loves to be on his feet now and he and Liam have been enjoying a chase episode up and down Liam's bed right before it is time for them to say goodnight. The giggling is ridiculous! This evening when giving his brother a last kiss and hug, Liam said, "I want Duncan to sleep in my room." "That day will come soon enough," was my reply.

After Liam and I had a trip to the Village Pointe Farmer's Market on Saturday, we spent the evening in the back yard planting. Duncan enjoyed the large shovel...

...with an ever present grin...

...while Liam preferred the smaller, hand held shovel. The better to dig with, I would say. He is helping me pull up some weeds below.

Earlier in the day, we pulled out the favorite toy of the summer of 2008...the kiddy pool! Liam took no time at all getting reaquainted.

At first, Duncan was more interested in the broom that I was using to wash off the deck...

...but soon enough he joined his brother.

Someone has the "smile for the camera face" down.

One another note, Liam has been enjoying a batch of play dough that the Margie of CharlotteMargieJoe made for him. When I say enjoying, I mean it literally. He eats it! When told that play dough is not to eat, Liam gives the same response that he does when eating dirt, sand, rocks, chalk, etc....
"Mommy, it tastes so good. I love eating play dough!!"

More of a Gardener

2009-05-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Mimi Alice and Papa Trent came to visit the Murphy family in April. And as is the case for anyone coming from out of town, the standard trip to the Henry Doorly zoo ensued. Such fun it is with a 2 1/2 year old and a 10 month old and the weather was kind to us even if it was not a warm day. Actually, which is one of Liam new words, we went to the Saturday evening service at Christ Community Church Old Mill, so we had no crowd at the zoo on Easter Sunday morning!!!! It was our very own sunrise celebration!

Duncan enjoyed looking at the sun bears and feeling quite burly himself, as he stood by the fence.

Picnics are a favorite pastime.

One highlight of the visit was that Papa Trent and Liam built shelves in the garage. What a treat for us all!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Trent! As much as Liam enjoyed helping with this project, he was often found sidetracked by the flower beds, with his shovel. And as he is not used to a hammer, he managed to give himself a battle scar on the right cheek....he is more of a dirt digging and eating gardener.

Liam was always ready for the saw. He would run out of the garage and up the stairs everytime Papa Trent announced its use. Thanks to Joe Hearn for letting us borrow the power saw.

"It's A Secret!"

2009-04-04T18:58:00.001-07:00

A new phrase has been added in the last month that has given both smiles and frowns to Robert and I. Usually when Liam is mad about something, he has learned to say "I'm upset." Then we ask him why and talk about how he is feeling. This is all very good....enter the new phrase. Lately when we ask why he is upset, he will say "It's a secret." This came about because of a book he has that uses those three words. He has also been saying it when he gets hurt and we ask him what happened....Ahhh!

We had some fun after supper one night with some whipped cream from a can.

Duncan has a new past time. He loves to pull books off of the self in his room. One book in particular is a favorite. The title is CAT and it is by the same author as the book TAILS, for those kids book aficionados out there. It has the fuzzy fur to touch, flaps to open, tabs to push and pull to make the tails move, etc. If the book is placed back on the shelf, he immediately crawls to the shelf to take it down again. This sweet little man sure can get around fast, and he provides a sound track with his mobility. Lots of babbling.

Duncan had his first sit in the snow in the month of March. Robert piled the snow from the driveway in the grass and he and Liam were jumping around in it. Duncan didn't really know what to do, it seemed. But he was also bundled up so tight that he probably couldn't have moved if he wanted to.

Five Years Later

2009-03-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was spent on our old stomping grounds, the wild foothills of Elm Springs, Arkansas. Five years ago, Robert and I spent the first two weeks of March in different states, as I was looking for work and a place to live in Omaha and he was wrapping things up in Arkansas. Now with two kids and more life under our belts, we weathered the beautiful weekend, introducing our kiddos to the people we love in Wal-Martland.

Liam spent a good deal of time chasing after Allison, Oren and Cari's little girl who just turned five on March 1st. She even let him carry around her new baby doll, but had to help him when he tried to put the diaper on. Liam did manage to find all of the balls, bats, gloves, cars and trains in the house. Duncan smiled, cooed, crawled and giggled the whole time. He and little Oren, who is one month his elder, enjoyed playing beside each other. The even fussed a bit a few times when they were taken away from each other. Duncan did succeed in being larger then his new buddy though, which is not a surprise. I failed to take any pictures while in AR, so here are some others to give a glimpse of us.

Duncan has discovered the dishwasher.

Liam and I played the "Toot and Puddle" board game for the first time. He even won!

Little puppy dog.

On Valentine's Day this year, Liam had his first cup of hot chocolate. We played the appropriate song from "The Polar Express" soundtrack, which is one of his favorites. Duncan shared in the fun by having his first taste of a family favorite.....Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream!!!

Couldn't resist the closeup of blue vs. hazel.

Teeth, Thomas and Touchdowns

2009-01-19T20:21:00.000-08:00

The new year has brought some changes in our home. It is always a good and healthy sign when the kids are growing and learning and the parents are also growing and learn. None of us should be off the hook in those to categories. The boys are making sure that we meet our challenge quotas.

Duncan's 4th tooth has popped through recently and it appeared tonight that he was trying to chew his dinner. He is becoming an accomplished rocker....on hands and knees with tummy high up in the air. He tries to move forward in that position, but usually ends up back on his tummy, attempting to scoot or pull himself. He is definitely moving, just not very far or fast. Such a happy baby, always ready to giggle and smile and give you the heart-wrentching "gooo" of endearment. Can't kiss those cheeks enough.

The last few weeks have seen a lot of success with sleeping as well. Duncan slept until 8:15 two mornings in a row last week! His normal wake time has been between 6:00-7:00, but Liam, on the other hand, has been a bit more unpredictable of late. Liam's excellent sleeping habits have been compromised since the addition of his little brother and he will wake for the day anytime after 5:00am. He often wakes crying in the night and calls for us. Don't want to start a habit, but it is hard to hear a cry at 1:00am and not go comfort him. Tonight he got out of bed four times, even turning his light on and getting a book to read. "Amuls Mommy!" (aka animals)

Liam has been enjoying the adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine. He received sets, tracks and trains from a few sources for Christmas and it is fascinating to watch him create and play. His vocabulary is rapidly growing. He talks of our friends 'Charlotte-Margie-Joe-Blueberries' almost every time he is asked what he would like to do or who he would like to pray for. He tells a story of going to the mailbox with daddy, scrapping his finger on the sidewalk and having daddy carry him back home. He is constantly entertaining Duncan and trying to tackle him....usually succeeding against the 7 month old. Liam has also started saying "40, 30, 20, 10, Touchdown!" after which he throws the football and falls to the floor.

We had a evening picnic in the basement on Sunday, because of the football games. Liam ran and tackled as Duncan rolled and seemed to get ahold of many things that were purposefully placed out of his reach. Fun evenings!

Six and Twenty-Four

2008-12-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

At Duncan's 6 month well visit with Dr. Pat, he checked in at a solid and smiley 20 lbs. 2 oz. at 85% and 27 1/2" at 79%. He has his big brother beat as Liam was 18 lbs. 4 oz. and 27" at his 6 month check. All else looks great and he is a health little guy. His homework is sitting(check), crawling(no check) and slowly starting solids(check). It is surprising to me that he is growing at the rate that he is because he has never been one to spend a lot of time eating. He does not appear to care for solids much at all, either.

At Liam's 24 month (ok....2 year) found him to be 31 lbs. 5 oz. at 84% and 35 1/4" at 70%. He is happy and healthy as well. He even managed to give our pediatrician a hug, which Dr. Pat said he hardly ever gets with 2-year-olds. However, Liam was reffered to an orthopedic doctor due to his in toeing being a bit worse then Dr. Pat sees in kids at 2. He had the appointment and x-rays and structurally he looks great. This is a relief, but we are to keep an eye on things in case there is any change, as he will not have another appointment until a year from now when he turns 3!

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-18T19:58:00.000-08:00

It is Thursday evening and the boys are snug in bed as Robert and I drink homemade salted caramel hot chocolate and anticipating a grueling game of SET. There is sleet and snow falling outside and I am certain that Liam will be asking to go venture out and play with Frosty when he sees the white.

Liam, the recently turned two year old, is full of energy, songs, words, spirit, anything that has to do with daddy and delight in every kind of ball created. If there is a circular object, it is a ball. If an object isn't circular, it is a football. If there is a long object, it is a baseball bat. If you can put an object over your hands, it is a baseball 'glub.' If it goes on your feet, it is a baseball sock or shoe. And if it goes on your head, it is obviously a baseball hat. He is a joy to be around, always helping us and watching out for his little brother.

Duncan is 6 1/2 months and has been sitting on his own now for about a week. Two teeth have popped through and though he has not been given a steak to chew on yet, he has had egg yolks, spinach, bananas, carrots and yogurt. He doesn't seem to like solids much at all, but water in the sippy cup was a fast favorite. Considering that Liam was such a happy baby, I didn't think it possible to have a happier baby. I was wrong. Duncan grins, giggles and goos at everyone and everything, especially Mommy and Liam. Surely Daddy's time will come. He is Liam's favorite now.

The month of November was a full one for our family: Robert took off on Liam's second birthday and we celebrated at the Omaha Children'ts Museum. He was excited to get a baseball and bat from us, as well as a cheesecake that had raseberries strategically arranged to look like a baseball. We spent a weekend with the Patchen's in Kansas and ten days in Ohio visiting my family. The days that we were home, though it was half of the month, it seemed to fly by. We are glad that the travel is over and that the rest of the year will be spent in our home, watching the snow, enjoying each other's company, and listening to the songs of the season...such as " I wanna get snowed in with you."