Last weekend was an amazing adventure.  Many details had to come together to arrange the 4 days with such perfection....I believe it was orchestrated by God.  Elizabeth and Elaine had planned visit Springer (where mom and dad met) and venture out to find the old Murphy homestead on this weekend, not realizing that it was the same weekend of Aunt Marie's memorial service in Tucumcari, which Trish and I had decided to attend.  Allen (Elizabeth's husband) also had a raquetball tournament in Las Vegas (nearby).  So, four of the Murphy sisters planned to meet in Alb., attend the memorial service in Tucumcari, use Las Vegas as a homebase and explore east NM for a couple of days....one main goal being to find the homestead.  

The whole weekend was wonderful.  It was great to see aunts and cousins and other relatives.  The memorial service was very touching.  All the arrangements turned out to be perfect.  We had a great time together, broke all kinds of rules (trespassing and playing ghost in the night... among others), sang to cows, and generally acted with silly abandon.  And....we met our goal....we found the homestead site.  We were overjoyed and laughed and hugged each other.  Hopefully the cows have recovered from our intrusion.  Some photos are attached.

I don't post very often....obviously.  

Today has been a very good day.  I spent the morning at Dad's reading and reflecting while he napped.  We ate Blake's burgers at Boyd Park.  The afternoon was spent doing sudoku and cryptograms....a little mind exercise for my aging brain:)  Then Dad and I watched Lawrence Welk.  A typical Saturday, but one filled with an unusual degree of gratitude.  I am grateful for many things...a healthy and happy family (immediate and extended).  A good job.   A God who is present and powerful and good.  

Superbowl Sunday.  Today I exchanged a few things at Lowe's, Walmart, and Target.  I made a couple of changes in the bathroom decor.  Now we (Miah, Susan, Moses and I) are all just hanging around  with the TV on...not that I'm all that interested in Football.   

It's an absolutely beautiful day outside.  

Oh, I get to go change Moses and hang out with him.  It's a highlight of my life lately:)

It's been a few days.  Being a grandma is the best.  Baby Moses is already growing so fast.  It's fun watching Jeremiah and Susan as parents. 

Today I went to Lowe's to buy a new microwave.  After a few minutes, while the appliance guy went to the stock room to retrieve it, I walked to the front of the store.  The fire alarm went off and I asked if I needed to leave the building.  The clerk said "no" so I browsed around a bit.  A few minutes later I noticed firemen walking to the back of the store.  Hmmm....

Then a worker walked by saying, "Josh set off the sprinklers while trying to get a microwave from the stock room".  This did not sound good.

   Doyle Meyer and his son Christoff walked passed, so I visited with them a few minutes.   

Next thing I knew the clerk said that I wouldn't be able to pick up the microwave for a while....probably hours rather than minutes.  The stockroom was drenched in water and the sprinklers were still going.  

A couple of hours later, Miah and Susan dropped by and picked up the microwave.  When we opened it, it was damaged....not by water, but someone had punched a good-sized whole in the side and damaged the unit.  

Back to Lowe's.  I brought home another unit....and now we are installing it.   It has become quite a project.  

What an awesome experience to witness the birth of Baby Hayes.   He weighed in at 8'13", and was 20 inches long.   Labor was long (16 hours) and difficult.  Susan was incredible and Jeremiah was a wonderful support.  They are scheduled to bring him home any minute now.  I know I'm going to love being a grandma!

My first blog post.  I am awaiting word to come to the hospital for the deliver of my first grand-baby.  I am beyond excited to hold a new little bundle of joy.  It brings memories of the wonder of life when my own boys were born.  And I am very proud of little Baby Hayes' mommy and daddy.  They are going to be awesome parents.