the Graham Cracker House

I know this is out of chronological order- but I have to mention how much we enjoyed spending Conference weekend with Kacy and Maren.   (recently remembered  because I just uploaded my pictures).

I would have LOVED an older sisters house to hang out at (even if she was married) when I was a freshmen at BYU, and I hope Kacy and Maren (my adopted sister) enjoy coming up here as much as I would have.

It was great to have girl time, someone to make peanut butter treats with, just people visting us in our little apartment (which doesn't happen too often).   The college girls bravely rode the bus and trax up to SLC all by themselves, I was proud.  We then carried on the Murray tradition of eating crepes for breakfast, and the newly established Graham tradition of attending at least one session one temple square.  Someone must have been living righteously, because although we were planning on doing the standby line, someone from the stake gave us 4 tickets to the exact session we were planning on attending.  It was a wonderful and fulfilling experience; sharing it with family made it that much better.  I especially love hearing the testimonies of the apostles and hearing their JOY in living the gospel.

We stayed up "late" with games and desserts... making me feel as if I were in college myself again.  Sunday afternoon we all went down to Wendy's to watch the last session of conference on a real TV (we had watched the ASL version on our internet for the other sessions).  Along with some real good food compliments of Chef Wendy and the Sunday Dinner Club.

Okay Bjorn AND myself... but nobody has ever spent 4 1/2 days in Salt Lake City just to visit us.  Apparently, his parents (and sister) love us.   They flew down from WA Friday afternoon and started thier touristy tradition (his mom loves to do EVERYTHING there is a to do in any town she visits).  It had been over 10 years since they'd been to Utah, so there were plenty of attractions to hit: temple square (including museum, conference center, JS movie, etc.),  Bingham Copper Mine, BYU football game, introducing them to our favorite ice cream (SubZero), walking around BYU campus, welfare square, DI, air force museum... and of course the boys went shooting and the girls went shopping.

For me the most memorable moment was the BYU Homecoming game.  I hadn't been to a football game since 2008, and even then I wasn't too thrilling of an event.  Granted, that could have something to do with the fact that I was on the phone with Bjorn half the time as we were "long distance dating" during that semester.  At that time of life  I didn't go to the games with any friends as they all seemed to be glued to "significant others".  Overall, the last few games I went to were not much fun at all..  So I was understandably a bit nervous to bring my in-laws to a sporting event I hadn't enjoyed lately.  Not to mention BYU's losing streak.  What was I thinking?!?  However- entering Lavell Edwards Stadium brought a grin to my face.  The GOOD games, the GOOD times, the GOOD memories all came back.  What a lively environment!  And the game turned out to be amazing!  Besides the fact that BYU won, we made some good plays, and the whole thing was enjoyable to watch.  Great weather, no sun in our eyes, the cougar marching band (with my sister in it), the traditions, the students, the cheering, the hilarious opening prayer...... Maybe BYU is trying to lure me back? Regardless, I am and always will be a supportive alumni.



Most importantly, we enjoyed some Graham family favorites such  as cooking breakfast together (well, 2 of the crew),  playing board games, and birthday traditions.  Thanks family!

namely, the funny comments that come out of their mouths.  When you're stuck in a stressful situation see a different set of people everyday, who knows what you'll say next!

These are from a few chucklers from yesterday:

SCENE:  Toddler is making whiney noises.  a lot. over and over. she wants ice cream. loudly.  Mom ignores her.  Grandma tells her to stop.  Grandma tells her stop again. Then Grandma turns to me and says "You tell her to stop".
Me: "uh....."
Grandma:  "do it!  she'll listen to you!"
Me: [thinking it's not really my place to be disciplining here] "can you please stop... thanks."
Girl stops whining.

The power of being a nurse?  Maybe it was the princess scrubs.....  I didn't know I had it in me.  Now if only my own future children will obey so promptly.

Second best quote was from a young mom who said to me "I like you.  You make lists".  I was writing down some of her questions on the white board.   It made me smile inside.  And I think we bonded.

A while back, two people I don't know very well, did something nice for me.  It wasn't extreme, but I know they went at least a little bit out of their way to pick us up/drop us off at the airport.  I was extremely grateful for the small act of kindness, and could not think of quite the right way to repay these generous souls.  I thought of baking a loaf of bread, but I am still fairly new at baking bread and it doesn't always turn out perfect, and it's kind of dense, and what if they don't like it..... but in the freezer that day I spied the solution: bananas.  The perfect idea was formed: Banana bread.  I made two batches of banana bread (a classic recipe from my mother which I know is good) and two somewhat cute and crafty thank you cards.  I was proud of myself for creating such substantial homemade items (bread and cards).  The kitchen smelled wonderful, and I was tempted to save a loaf for my husband and me.  But I was excited to share as well.  Of course I worried all day about the almost-burned spot, how to wrap them so they still look cute but you can tell what it is inside, whether these people even like banana bread, or if they have allergies to fruit?  I finally faced my fears and just delivered them.  Two loaves of bread. One apartment complex.  Two families.  Done.  And you know what?  I felt great.  I hadn't done a simple service like that in a very long time.  Perhaps since getting married all my service has focused on my husband (not a bad thing), but it honestly felt GOOD to get outside myself and put in some work and effort to really do something for someone else, outside my family.  I truly felt a warm tingle start to spread across my body and a smile across my face and concluded: I need to do this more often.

Here a few pix from our Murray clan photo shoot.  Look at how much we've grown!
Location:  Anacortes, Washington
AUGUST 2010

Sadly, Sadly, even the best of summers seem to come to an end.  This year's was marked by our last weekend of non-stop fun (for a while).  We seem to be devoid of pictures, so I'll try to describe good mental pictures.  

Saturday we drove up to Logan.  The main reason for this is to help fulfill our goal of attending every temple in Utah before we leave the state.  After Logan we only have two left!  (the "off-the-beaten-path" two) We also hung out with a young couple Bjorn knew from his mission:  homemade pizza, ice cream sundaes, and a card game I'l rather not talk about.  Sunday we did our usual church activities (which include much busyness for Bjorn) and joined the Sunday dinner club in Springville for a BBQ (more info. on this amazing group of select individuals to be forthcoming).  We saw another friend in Provo, then made it to Grandma Bu's house that night.
Monday was jam packed with jet skiing at Jordanelle (I become "licensed"), a bike ride to bridal veil falls (with my mountain bike crazy sisters), and a BBQ/bonfire at the AF house.  Friends and family galore, good food, good times.

Bjorn started school today and is already a little stressed about his math class.  I'm just looking forward to getting one more semester under our belt.  Bring it on!

The pictures from our epic trip have been floating the web for weeks, it's time I give some details of this one of a kind Murray family reunion.
First and foremost- I was just glad to get 2 weeks off work.  Taking a break from work really does wonders for the soul.  And Washington is the perfect place to visit for this type of time off.
All the Murray's (11 of us now!) made it to Anacortes by Saturday the 14th of August.  We packed in a BBQ, family pictures (poor Kacy), a bike ride, a few games of settlers, church, two boat debriefings  a "captain's fireside", a little bit of sleep a lot of ice cream before departing from our respective marinas on Monday morning.  Michael, Steph, Erin, Alex, and Kacy took our boat, the MurrMaid, while the rest of us were the crew of "Surprise" a 39' beneteau we chartered for the week.

Roche Harbor at night

relaxing in the "therapy pool"

As the rest of the world celebrated Harry Potter's (20??) birthday, Bjorn and I commemorated being married for one whole year.  I feel old having reached this point, though I'm not sure if I have any right to be.  I know we have many more anniversaries to come- and I'm already excited for them.

Bjorn had one of the best kind of birthday celebrations- a four day event!  Last year his special day was sort of overlooked in all the wedding planning madness, so I was eager to give him the birthday he deserves this year.  Thursday in between my night shifts he opened his presents (thanks parents!) and Friday I made one-of-a-kind cake and we went out to dinner. While at dinner, all our Utah County "family" (steph, mick, erin, alex, kc, maren, chris) drove up to SLC and snuck into our house.  Bjorn had an idea something was up- but was genuinely surprised at the people and balloons that greeted him as we walked inside.
Here is some photographic evidence of our unique cake and fun familia party.

Our entertaining story of the month comes from the Murray clan.  Of course.  Because now that 7 of the 11 B. H. Murray's reside in Utah, we are together and causing laughter whenever we can.
Erin, Kacy, and roommate Maren came up to SLC for a date with the Grahams.  We took them to "our" pool, then donated blood together.  I know that may sound strange, but Bjorn and I have gone on more than one date to donate blood. Weird, I know. But it is nice to know I have saved a life or two.  Especially because the blood goes to local hospitals, like Primary Children's, I can say to my patient "that's my blood you're getting!"I digress.
So the five of us are donating blood.  Erin and I have had problems in the past (i.e. throwing up, almost passing out, low iron, etc.).  Kacy and Maren have never donated before. Bjorn, of course, is a pro.  He RACES when he donates.  (to see how fast 1 pint can come out).  So Kacy is naturally nervous, but I hold her hand during the scary parts (needle stick) and she and Maren do great!  We're sitting in the food area gorging ourselves on their assortment of snacks when Maren states she doesn't feel so great.  She is quickly wheeled (in a wheely-office chair) over to the beds again and lays down while they take her vitals.  Kacy starts to think "glad that wasn't me" then realizes she DOES feel sick.  Before she can get the whole sentence out she has completely passed out in the chair.  Her head leaned back and she started breathing funny.... it was scary for a moment. I was helping Maren on the other side of the room, but came rushing over with a few other staff when Erin said "she's sort of freaking out".  The staff had Bjorn  pick Kacy up (I guess the no heavy lifting after donating rules don't apply to him) and lay her on the floor.  They had towels and cold packs all ready and surrounding her quickly.  By then it was just humorous.  She started to wake up after about a minute and said some funny things.  I was laughing so hard!  And trying to keep from laughing at the same time.  It was great.  Kacy was soon taken over to the beds as well and she and Maren spent another half hour recovering together before we could go home.
She says she's still considering donating again.

One of the longest road trips of my life- probably because the stay was so short- but definitely worth every minute.  Mick and Steph had a reception the next week in Arizona, where she grew up.  Being the kind, loving, family members we are, three siblings and our parents made the trip down, along with a spouse, ex-roommate (who's more like a brother to us now), and another roommate.
I have to say the 3+ hours in the hotel pool was by the far the highlight of the trip.  Though the beauteous green and purple reception (in a cute, old,  church hall) was perfectly put together.  I even helped Madeline win the quiz (but there were no prizes).  enough rambling.  I'll let pictures finish the story.

Three weddings in 14 months! I think my parents are ready for a break.  Kacy and Gavin say they will GLADLY comply with that request.  

Michael and Stephanie's marriage at the Oquirrah Mountain temple was joyous.  I spent several seconds deciding on the right word and JOYous does describe the day well.  With lovely colors, a hot sun, fun family and friends to hang out with all day, spiritual moments, and a yummy luncheon at Gardener Village.  I was able to get to know Stephanie and her family more during the weekend and am truly excited to have a sister in law!

Second to the Murray Wedding was Madeline's 10th birthday.  The whole family saw  Toy Story 3 together on opening day.  Quite funny!   Right on par with the other two.
The most traumatic part of the day was discovering I had lost my wedding ring after we went swimming!  I was becoming depressed about it, but Bjorn and I went back to look in the grass after the movie, and after 15 minutes of searching I found it!  What a miracle.  We are so grateful.

Third momentous event of the weekend: KC moved to BYU!  I actually moved her into her dorms, and with Erin's help gave her a tour of campus the next door.  Erin took her to get all her books, etc., and Mom finally took her grocery shopping.  I think she'll do just fine living on her own.

On the last day of the family gathering I took Madeline and Gavin to 7-peaks.  They had no memories of the park, so I enjoyed showing them around around and rushing from one slide to the next.  Bjorn showed up in the late afternoon and convinced us to do the BIG rides.  With only slight sunburns and the wave pool breaking down only once we considered it a highly successful day.

Happy Permanence Day! I have officially lived in our newlywed cottage for over 10 months, which is the longest amount of time I have lived in any one spot since High School. That being several years ago- this is a big deal. While pondering how to celebrate permanence day I realized it probably should include some sort of big change, since my life has been in a constant flux every 6-9 months or so for the past 8 years, it's time for another one. We decided on rearranging the bedroom (I've never rearranged a room- besides adding new beds to fit more siblings- I'm always moving on and moving out in a few months) along with a thorough cleaning and some added organization- my favorite way to celebrate anything! We bought some baskets for Bjorn's clothes shelves and I just love them! They fit perfect and even look good and I love looking into that closet now. I'll open it just to make myself smile. Silly, I know.
After a great many errands, Bjorn and I enjoyed Chinese take-out and Martinelli's. Every weekend needs a reason to celebrate. :)

It appears I have overlooked the seemingly insignificant parts of our lives that actually enable to go on trips, are the items we go on trips to get away from, and are what help us grow and save and plan for our future.  These items would be: work and school.

Hello again Washington!  Though we're not taking up residence (yet) Bjorn and I thouroughly enjoyed our eight day stay with our families in Northwest Washington.  We packed a perfect amount of amazing activities into our short visit so I'll describe just a few of my favorite moments.