The Citrowske Christmas

Christmas Memories

Presents from California

Christmas was amazing at our house this year. We just had a blast. The girls were so excited about everything this year. We went to church for xmas eve and Santa even came so the kids thought that was awesome. Then we went to Jay's dad's house and had a great time there. Came home and the kids got to bed so Santa could come. We could hardly sleep that night waiting. I was up at 4 and 4:30, 5 and 5:30 and 6. Finally got up at 6 and had a cup of coffee and I woke up my mom to enjoy a cup with me. The kids woke up at 6:15, Maddi first and came down the hall and saw me and saw that Santa came. She ran in and yelled at Jay, "he came, he came". And then went into her sister's room and yelled that Santa came. Macie's eyes popped open wide and up she came. They could not believe it. But Macie wanted to know where Santa was??? So we enjoyed presents and laughter and playing. Then my sister came over with her family and I made a champagne brunch for everyone with egg bake, buttermilk waffles and sausage and bacon. We all enjoyed the family time and food and presents. We just thank God for the family that we have and that we were all able to be together. Then we spent the night ice fishing and playing with the Wii that Santa brought us. Maddi just loves the Wii and Macie also wants to play. Saturday we head off to my grandma Joans for Christmas, looking forward to it.

Gone Fishing Christmas night

Madelyn mastering the Wii

Maddi and her new dance mat Christmas Morning

Macie dancing Christmas Morning

Merry Christmas!

So Joseph and Mary were on there way to Bethlehem, while they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstbotn, a son. She wrapped him in the cloths and placed him in a manager, bcause there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appears to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, "Do no be afriad. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great compnay of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rest."

I encourage you to read Luke 2 and just rejoice in the real meaning of Christmas. How awesome it is. Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas.

The Real Meaning

Reflection of Christmas Time

Here we are 3 days before the whole Christmas craziness begins. We have had a blizzard in MN this weekend with temps in the 40 below range so most have been in doors all weekend. We missed out Church program today. I have taken that time and enjoyed it with my family. I have be able to get some work done around the house that has needed to be done. Yet, I have also taken the time to teach my girls all about Christmas and the real reason behind it. Which we started today (even though a few days early) we made a cake for Jesus's birthday. A way that really sinks in for the kids to understand that Christmas is NOT all about the presents and santa. There is a real reason why we do what we do.

A celebration of our Savior Jesus Christ. I truly just love this time of year, there is something about it that is just so MAGICAL. All the Christmas music that is so beautiful and it is really taking the time to let the words speak to you about why we run around with our heads cut off shopping and the long lines and spending more money then we had planned but wanting to make that person or all the persons in your life feel special this Christmas season. Watching the girls talk about Christmas and singing the Christmas songs and baking with them and family. Making Christmas cards and reading cards that you receive. Getting ready for that special day that day that is all about Jesus. That is the real meaning behind Christmas and this awesome time of year.

I read a story to the girls today,

The Story of Christmas:

Do you know why we give gifts at Christmas? We give gifts because it is Jesus's Birthday.

Long ago an angel told Mary she would have a baby named Jesus.

Mary and her Husband, Joseph were very happy. They had a lot to do to get ready for the baby.

First, they had to take a trip to Bethelem. Mary rode a donkey and Joseph walked.

When they got to Bethlehem, many people were there.

Mary and Joseph were tired, but there was no place for them to stay.

They slept on a bed of hay in a stable with a cow and the donkey.

That night Baby Jesus was born.

Angels told the shepherds, "Jesus is born!" You will find him lying in a manger.

Wise men also followed the star to the stable and Baby Jesus.

They all brought Baby Jesus presents because they loved him.

We give gifts at Christmas to show our love. And to say "Happy Birthday Baby Jesus."

May God bless you this Christmas.

My Poor Poor Girls

Well, I am afriad to report that the flu has hit the Murphy girls on Thursday. Maddi threw up a few minutes before Jay picked her up from daycare on Thursday. The poor girl. She came home and slept almost all night and was doing pretty good by later on Thursday night, that is the kind of flu to get I tell you. Poor little Macie did not know what to think of Maddi throwing up. She has never seen that before so she asked why "sauce" came out of Maddi's mouth. I guess that was a good word to call it. Well, Macie was starting to feel a little under the weather but I think she did not know what it meant, she was really whinny around 8 last night and I kept asking her what was wrong and she said "I don't know." And she would stick out her tongue and ask me if "she had sauce in her mouth." Getting ready for bed I put a towel down on the carpet by her bed because I was afraid what was going to be happening and I have been there before when they throw up on the carpet and I wanted to prevent that, Macie freaked on me and screamed at me that she did not have sauce in her mouth. She was so scared and worried about the flu. About 9:30 she started throwing up, the poor thing. Went to sleep until 11 and then woke up until 3 every 20 mintues throwing up. It was horrible and she was so weak. The last time she threw up was 8:45 and slept until 11 and now she is getting better, running around. I am struggling because of lack of sleep. What a night! Thank you God for healing Macie though. Now we are in for a blizzard warning for Saturday and Sunday in MN, fun fun.

The weather outside is frightful

It is winter in MN today. The temp when we woke up was 28 and now at 4 pm it is -4 below. The wind is about 40 mph and it is snowing which mean almost the whole state is in a blizzard warning. The weather outside is frightful but it is sure delightful in the Murphy house today. We have been making cookies and we decided to make a gingerbread house. We had so much fun!!! I love days like this. Christmas is coming so fast it is some awesome to have days to enjoy doing things together. Enjoy the week. Last full week before Christmas!!! God Bless you!

The weather outside is frightful

Our awesome Evening

We had a awesome Friday night. The night first started with celebrating my Godson Chance turning 6. We had pizza and a party with family. It was a great time. Then we headed to the "Go Fish" Christmas Concert which was just awesome!!!! The kids had so much fun. The danced the whole time. My aunt Jenny and her children Chance and Camryn and along with my grandma enjoyed the concert with Jay and I and the girls. The concert was just amazing. I am hooked on Go Fish concerts. For those you that don't know who Go fish is, they are a christian band that sing biblical music for kids which is considered newborn to 100, that will not drive parents crazy and teach the kids about jesus. There music is so awesome. I think that Jay even enjoyed the concert!!! We sat there listening to the meaning of Christmas and Christmas music about our Savior, Jesus Christ for 2 hours. It was awesome!!!

Our Awesome evening

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It's been an interesting day so far. Jay left for his ice fishing trip to lake of the woods today. Just in time for a snow storm to come. Not sure how much snow will be coming at this point but it is not nice out right now. Snowing and icy roads and blowing snow. Anyone in MN that needs snow to get in the christmas spirit, here you go. I do not need it, I dislike the snow a lot and live in the wrong state. So anyways the snow made a slight turn in events in our house today. My mom was going to come to Adrian for the week but instead we are at my mom's in Marshall for the week because of the snow and for once I don't have to worry about the snow and roads. Yeah. Looking forward to going to the "go fish" concert on Friday. I even got Jay to go. I am going to be going with my aunt and children and my grandma. Should be a really great time. God bless you.

A Busy Thanksgiving Weekend

Happy Thanksgiving

"Happy Thanksgiving to you all" May you have an awesome day of thanks with family and friends. "God Bless you."
The Murphy's

"We got a Message today"

The girls were very excited tonight. A message came from California and it was very special. By the looks of the pictures you can tell, Beautiful dress coats. "LOVE THEM". Wish they came in my size!!!!Thank you Grandma Beckie. We Love them and will really enjoy them.

Santa Claus is coming to Town

We stopped and saw Santa on the mall on Saturday. Macie could not wait and just loved him this year. She did not cry so that was great. Macie asked for a care bear and Maddi asked for a Wii. My how things have changed being 5 in 2008. We did lots of Christmas shopping so that is a great feeling. Can't believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner and then Christmas. Can't wait!

We had a very busy weekend. We were lucky to have Johnnie for the day of Friday so that was really fun to spend the day with her. Wow, it was busy though.

Then we were off to Ottertail City, MN. 4 hours away for a friends wedding. The girls stayed at mom's. Fun was had by all. We had a great time with friends and celebrating. Now, I am having a hard time thinking about Monday already.

Busy weekend

Starting to look a lot like Winter

Well, starting to look like winter in Minnesota. We received a few inches of snow this morning and the girls and Dad enjoyed making there first snow men of the year and Macie's first ever. Macie's first time really enjoying the snow and it sounds like she really liked it. I was off shopping in Sioux Falls today with my mom and sister, we had a really nice time. Good Job Guys.

Enjoying The Day

Well, today we went off to Sioux Falls me and a friend Jessica took the girls to the BIG Movie of High School Musical 3. My girls just love HSM and so I decided I should really take them to this movie and find out what the hipe is all about right? I loved it. The dancing and music was amazing. I am hooked, want to go again. Wow, it was great. We went for lunch and danced in the movie and laughed and life was just great. Macie had a little hard time sitting but all and all it went great. So nice when you can take the time to sit and hold you girls look at the smiles on there face and them saying "we are really going to see High school Muscial". It was a great moment. I love when I can make them smile!!! Life is so hard to understand at time but this afternoon it was simple. I even almost started crying! Thank you for this day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!! We had a great time trick or treating. For a MN halloween this was an awesome night, so warm. We went to way more houses then we have ever went the kids could not even carry there candy bags it was great. Enjoy the pictures. The kids had a blast. I thought they were pretty cute

Trick or Treat

Tagged

Here are the rules:

1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 6 random thingsa about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at end of the post
4. If you are tagged just do it and pass the tag along


1 . I am a mother of 2 wonderful girls, have a wonderful husband and a yellow lab Kalie. I can't believe how fast the girls are growing up. Madelyn is 5 and it amazes me how grown up she is. And Macie is 2 1/2 and challenges us at times but that is good.

2. I went out on a date with my husband last night it was great. We are trying to have a date once a week. Man it helps so much to just have some alone time and to have a whole conversation. Strongly recommend it. It is so important to stay connected.

3. I am spending the whole day cleaning and making meals for next week which is pretty much what I do every Friday. I work in Marshall which is 140 miles for me round trip so I am not home much Monday-Thursday so I have to get a lot done on the weekends. I like to get it out ot the way on Fridays so I can enjoy my family on the weekends. I love my job though. For anyone that does not know I am a dental hygienist and just love it.

4. I am probably more excited for trick or treating tonight then my girls.

5. I have a huge passion for cooking and decorating my house. If I could get paid for those too things I would be in heaven.

6. Jesus rocks!

Ok so I don't know 6 blogs to tag but I will take Kari and Jenny E and encourage anyone that is reading my blogs to answer the tag when you leave me messages.

Sneek Peek

Here is a sneek peek of the halloween costumes. We had a fall festival to go to last night and the girls got to dress up and get candy and play games. Tinkerbell is Macie and Prilla is Maddi (tinkers friend). They had a blast and more halloween fun to come Friday. Can't wait for more stories and pictures. I will write by thoughts tomorrow night. Just got home from work and it is like 9.

Halloween Memories

So we have had a very busy weekend. Friday I painted my basement and my mom was great to make some camo items to go with the color. I just love the basement now. About time I put sometime into the basement. So I had to add some pictures of the final product for those of you that do not live close.

It is a VERY windy day here so I thought I would add a picture of the play house being tipped upside down. Lots of damage was done in the area today.

Last but most important we spent the afternoon making cut out cookies with the girls and frosting them. It was so AWESOME! So important to put everything done and make memories. Of coarse the kids just loved it. Thought the pictures painted a good picture, thought they spoke all by themselves without adding titles. Macie had her pretend phone next to her when she was busy frosting or should I say putting sprinkles on her cookie. She picked it up and started talking and I asked her who she was talking to and she said her "boyfriend". I tell you that girl is going to be interesting. He was getting groceries she said. Crack me up that girl. Macie worked on one cookie the whole time and I thought it would be best if that was her cookie as you can imagine. She was perfectly content with that. It was a great time, enjoy the pictures.

It was Johnnie's baptism today. She did such a wonderful job today and it was so awesome having her baptised. Now a Child of God. I am so blessed to have a niece and be her God Mother. I will do the best job that I can with her. She is such a blessing that it was so awesome to have this day. She was just beautiful today. What a Joy............................................

Child Of God

Remembering Kendra Jennifer Elness

My very special Aunt Jenny Elness who is like a sister to me had a baby in August 2000. She lived until October 20th, 2001. She was born without parts of her brain. She has not suppose to live for more then minutes the Dr's told us. So you can see she was quite a blessing to this family. She has been gone now for 7 years. Those 14 months that she lived she touched more peoples hearts then we could ever imagine. She taught me what real love was. I never knew that I could love this baby that much. She was such a special little girl and taught us about love, patients, trust in God, Faith in God and in each other and it goes on and on. She was truly an angel to teach a lesson on earth and then it was time for her to go to Heaven where she was not in pain and where she could run and jump like the others. I wish I was a great writer and wish I could go on and on but I am not. I wanted to share with you all that read my blog that Monday is a hard but special day for us. Because we remember the pain but we remember the joy that this little girl brought to our lives and the love she shared with her. Please pray for peace and comfort for the Elness family today. And to enjoy the small stuff life today because we often get so bsuy that we forget to enjoy the wind blowing or looking at the moon. "God did not promise days without pain, laughter with out sarrow or sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way". Love and Miss you my little Kendra Bug. Blessed be your memory. God Bless.............................

Johnnie's Day

We had a baby shower in honor of "miss Johnnie" this weekend. We had a great turn out and really enjoyed ourselves. Johnnie looked beautiful as ever and is doing really well. She was showered with love and presents which was awesome. Next weekend we have Johnnie's baptism so another great day to honor and bless Johnnie.

Halloween Message

The girls received a halloween message today from Grandma Beckie and Grandpa Dan and they really enjoyed it. They like to call them messages. I think that is cute. Thank you!

Am I in trouble?

Here is Macie my 2 year old jammin to the music as loud as it will go. I am thinking I am in trouble, this video will make you laugh. What do 2 year olds think, wish I knew or not? Enjoy

Busy weekend

This weekend we went to Marshall. We had a great time. Friday night we were able to watch my cousin Jade play Volleyball so we enjoyed that. She is a junior already, can't believe it. I remember when she was born and it was not that long ago. She did a great job. We really enjoyed watching her.

Saturday was "Phesant Opener". Clay was able to come with us this weekend and got to go for the first time. The guys all had a great time. Kalie pup is tired out though. Poor girl. We enjoyed cooking for the guys. Some good ole beef stew and homemade bread with some pumpkin bars for dessert. I just love cooking and I enjoy it more when everyone enjoys it. I need to find out how to get paid for cooking and I would be in my glory. I need a show on food network. Okay keep dreaming......

And a big suprise but Johnnie came and stayed with us for the weekend also so that was great for the girls to bond with her and ME ALSO. It was even enjoyable getting up with her a 4:30 am for a feeding. It has been a long time and I enjoyed the snuggling, it is amazing how much you enjoy that when you don't do it every night, ha ha. The not so good part was Macie and then Maddi followed once I got Johnnie up so we ALL got to enjoy the 4:30 feeding. O'well, they were just excited to see Johnnie and thought it is cool to be up when it was so dark out. Me too........

God Bless.

The Winner

Miss Madelyn was the winner in preschool for the pumpkin coloring contest. One child was picked from every grade. She was so excited. She won a coloring book and crayons and a bracelet. She worked on that pumkpin for a long time and was very proud of it. We are proud of her. Way to go Maddi.

Pumpkin time!

Pumpkin time!

Good afternoon! We took the time today after church and painted pumpkins, a tradition that we have done since Maddi was one I think. The girls had a blast. Macie kept saying "that was fun." She must have enjoyed it. Not sure if her pumpkin will ever dry but she enjoyed it. We picked a cool and rainy day but still managed to get it done. Life has been so busy and out of control lately that I have been feeling like I don't know which way to turn. So it is so nice to take time out and relax and paint pumpkins. Sometimes the small things in life make you enjoy the bigger picture.

We Got the Spirit!

Adrian Homecoming tonight so off to the game we went. The girls both had a friend over. Hali and Macie play today at daycare and are going to be in the same class. Maddi and Moriah are 2 years apart but really like to hang out and they play at daycare also. It was spirit day at school today and Maddi was dressed for it but I did not color her hair and everyone else had it so I was not a cool mom today, but we took care of it before the game. Bummer, I want to be a cool mom and did not think I would let me little girl down already in preschool. I am not that old I am still cool, right??????????? I am having a hard time believing that it is already October, man time is flying by and it is going to be Thanksgiving and Christmas before we know it. Have a great weekend. God Bless you!