i have the BEST cousin

This is our family

My awesome cousin Amy made them and sent them in her Christmas card to us. I'm so blessed!That's her in the middle...she's the mom of 4 beautiful children. Thanks Amy! We love you!

When needed Heavenly Father will use the phone...

I will admit this last quarter of 2009 has been rough for the Murphy family for a variety of reasons. I've been looking for the blessings...sometimes it was harder than others. I've been practicing an attitude of gratitude. I've been focusing on my haves and not my have nots. Monday, we were "blessed" that Gary was able to have knee surgery and everything went well. It's not fun to spend the holidays recovering, but we have insurance and sick leave so...attitude of gratitude. Really, over all I can't complain and then...Tuesday happened. As I was leaving to take a friend to drop off her car, to have work done, I simply stepped out my front door and BOOM...down goes Fraser! Yup, nasty sprained ankle was my reward. My first thought was...you've got to be kidding me! I have a 3 months old, 2 year old and 43 yr old invalid to take care of during the day...this is NOT an option. Add to that the 2 year old's parents were on their way to Atlanta to find out if the dad's mass on his pancreas is cancer. Really a sprained ankle? I mean REALLY???
After two days of sharing crutches with my patient, head shaking in disbelief, husband I admit to feeling a little sorry for myself. Enough is enough. Then my phone rings. A lady on the other end asks if I teach scrapbooking classes and if I'd be available December 19th to do a workshop. Can you imagine where my mind went...it wasn't pretty...then she goes on to explain she works for the Division of Child and Family Service and she wants me to help about 40 foster kids make life books. To say I was instantly humbled is an understatement. As I sat in my comfy recliner, looking across the hall at my healthy, loving husband, with pictures of my incredible children on the wall in our warm, safe home I was put in my place by a kind and loving Heavenly Father.

Thanks for calling...it's just what I needed.

If you need me on the 19th I'll be busy from 10-2.

PS Is a miracle sprain healing too much to ask? As Gary would say, I had to ask ;D