New Jersey TIme

Ah, a time to do just fun, everyday things with daughter Missy and her husband Jason. I certainly don't take these opportunities for granted. The weather was fantastic, so we took advantage of being outside whenever we could. Missy and her other mother Cheryl are planting some seeds in tiny "window sill" pots. Missy's face is even a little sun-kissed.
Jason has become quite the sought out educator and speaker. He has a group of eager learners

at one of his many seminars held after all day of working. He's captivating and very at ease, very fun to be in his audience !
Missy and I, along with 3 friends/co-workers, attend a health fair . She really loves being a chiropractor and sharing what she knows with people. It's wonderful seeing Missy and Jason so passionate about what they do...and it's just as wonderful, seeing others' benefit from what the two of them teach.

Ah...and I absolutely loved seeing Missy relax and have some time to day dream and enjoy

their beautiful back yard !
It was hard to leave New Jersey knowing that it would be awhile before I see them again. But

my heart is full of sweet memories ! Thanks to Missy and Jason for making me feel so at home with them !!

The finish line

It's been a priviledge to watch Selena grow into the incredible young woman that she has become ! She has been brave in setting and accomplishing some incredible goals these past few years ! We have seen her weather some big changes in her life, always with focus and goals in mind. Selena trained for, and ran a marathon or two ...... crossing the finish line with a big smile !! She's also worked hard the past two years at becoming a dental hygenist. Selena, picture your family and friends, holding the big "M" flag and cheering you on as you take your board exams the end of the month !!!! You will be heading for the FINISH LINE on graduation day, May 14, 2010 and we know that we'll see that big smile !!!

GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS

Girls, girls, girls. We do enjoy our time together in Florida ! Some adventures (like shopping which is almost like a treasure hunt), going to the store, Best of Everything and deciding on something to buy that will be a "memory " for all of us.
Memories ? We've got a TON of them....and I feel so fortunate to have such great friends attached to those memories !
Thanks girls, girls, girls, for being such good friends, for sticking with me thru thick and thin and for helping me look forward
to "the next time" !

See you this summer !!!!

WHAT A PICTURE !

Ok, these guys are just too cute !!! I LOVE this picture ! They've been friends for almost 25 years! Lots of adventures , neighborhood games and parties along the way ! What a great group!!!

Ahhhhhh

All is well. What a great thing to be able to say and really feel. Not that I have been experiencing any trauma, ill health, or major problem. I've just been in a "mom" worry mode and my worries have been lifted. Just wanted to share the peaceful "ahhhhhhh" moments that have been filtering thru my life like a ray of sunshine! I'm sooo grateful!

Chad has been rehired after a few weeks of being laid off. Ahhhhhh !!!! Weeks of worry, and searching have ended. BUt the reality of the economic changes in our country really did hit home. Chad had been working hard, always going to work early, staying late, going above and beyond his duties as they say. Also after being at his job for nearly 5 years, he was (rightfully so) feeling "safe" and didn't think that he would be affected by any future layoffs.....definitely a shock. The comfort of a routine and pay-check are back in his life. Ahhhhh, so happy for the Tulsa Murtaughs' . They will be staying in Tulsa near family and friends, at least for the foreseeable future.

Missy and Jason have returned safely from their travels to New Zealand. Another Ahhhhhhhhh. We're so happy that they had some incredible adventures ! I'm certainly looking forward to seeing them, sharing their pictures and stories of their journey.

So, my heart is happy and just wanted to share, a big thank you to friends and family who have let me tell them about my concerns and worries, and have even so often, asked how my family is. I'm very grateful, and appreciate so very much ! Ahhhh, all is well !!!!

Who are these people?

Most importantly...... they are a TEAM !!!! Together they can do things that they didn't know they were capable of doing !
Passionate about their careers
Talented....
They love their families....

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Pride and Love

It seems not too long ago, we, (our family), was celebrating the new start for Chad and Selena. A new home in a NEW state, a new job (career). So very exciting , and all so very new. They have done an incredible job in making a new life for themselves.....they have done everything "right". Renting a home til they could find and afford one of their own, making new friends and reconnecting with some friends from Selena's high school days, focusing on their future. I'm so very proud of them for the wonderful life they have made for themselves and for all they've learned about life along the way. Today is the last day that Chad will be working at his job due to lay-offs totally out of his control. He has diligently worked at the job he has loved for almost 5 years, often putting himself in harms way to protect the citizens of Tulsa. Chad has seen first hand , some of the cruelties of life through the eyes of a policeman...murders, child neglect and domestic violence. It hasn't always been an easy job, for him or for Selena, but it's a job that he has done very well and a job that he loves dearly. ...
I am so very proud of Chad and Selena for so many things, but today I feel even more proud of them for the love and support that they have shown EACH other. They know that together, they can once again make a new start and find a new focus on their future wherever that may be. THey won't be losing all that they have gained the past few years but will be building on all that they have gained, and learned. The love of their friends and families will "find them" and send their love with them wherever they may go and together their future will be filled with wonderful careers and hopefully a start to their own family. I have to believe that "the best is yet to come"!!! I love you both !!!