Happy Birthday Aaron!

I wanted to wish my favorite husband a very happy 28th birthday! These pictures were taken at 7:00 AM this morning as he was on his way to a symposium, then back to the office, then to an evening of school. Doesn't sound like a very fun birthday, but we'll try to celebrate some more tomorrow! I did try to surprise him a little by decorating his car with window writing and some balloons. Even Kennedy decided to wake up an hour earlier than usual (at 6:30 AM) just to wish her daddy a happy day! We love you Aaron!

Nine Month Checkup

Kennedy had her 9 month checkup last Friday. She weighs 19 lbs. 1 oz. (60%) and is 28 1/2 inches long (75%). The doctor also confirmed she has croup. The poor little thing has had one illness after another since Thanksgiving!

I used to think Kennedy was such an easygoing, mild baby. However, her temperament has changed in the last few months, and she definitely has a stubbornly independent side. Here is a picture of a what a successful mealtime is like these days.

Kennedy HATES to wear a bib, so she quickly discards of it at the beginning of a meal. Also, she much prefers to feed herself. As soon as anyone comes at her with a spoon, she vigorously shakes her head "NO!" from side to side. If the feeder is lucky enough to sneak a taste of the pureed food into her mouth, there's a 50/50 chance she might change her mind and decide to cooperate. If so, beware of the grabby hands that go after the spoon every chance she can get. On the other hand, if she does not enjoy the food sample, her head shaking continues along with tightly pursed lips. She already has a strong preference for big people foods--these days her favorites are yogurt, graham crackers, and string cheese.


Along with beginning to crawl, Kennedy has also said her first words! A few weeks ago, she began saying "Mama" whenever she wanted me, and she has repeated it many times since. Tonight was a milestone in that she actually reached from me to Aaron and said "Dadad" two different times! In the past, whenever we played the game "Who will she reach for?" I have always won. It looks like I have some competition now.

Elder Alex Murray

We have been anxiously waiting for my brother Alex's mission call to come these past few weeks. With the passing of President Hinckley, it took a little longer than we had anticipated. Yesterday, the envelope arrived.

Alex will be serving as a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California San Diego mission!!! Anyone who knows my family will understand how hilarious and unbelievable this mission call is! Both of my parents grew up in San Diego. All of my grandparents live there as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Several times a year for as far back as I can remember, my family has made the requisite pilgrimage down to southern California. What's more is my sister Alli and her husband Cory might very likely be moving to San Diego in the fall so he can attend medical school at UCSD. I can't think of a better place for Alex to serve!

Another interesting fact is that Alex is probably among the first batch of missionaries to be called by President Monson. Congratulations Alex!

Snow Day

Could it be possible? Another foot of snow?!? We girls awoke this Sunday morning to find snowpack covering our windows, and a peek out the front door revealed near blizzard conditions. Aaron had left an hour earlier for Bishopric meetings, and I couldn't even see his tiretracks in the driveway. Not much later, he telephoned with the news that church was cancelled for the day. When he arrived home, there was so much snow in the driveway that the car got stuck and couldn't even make it to the garage.

Aaron joined other men from the neighborhood with shovels, snowblowers, and snowplows attached to ATVs and spent the next hour or two clearing driveways, sidewalks, and roads. Maddie couldn't resist the fun and joined in for a little while. Aaron measured over 23" of snow in our backyard (and there were only a few inches leftover from previous storms). I know the snow is good for Utah's drought conditions, but I think we've all had enough already!

Sealing of Joni & Brock

An emeritus General Authority spoke at my Uncle Scott's funeral a few weeks ago. He said that in his experience, there are three significant life events at which the Spirit speaks to us most strongly: the birth of a new baby, a temple sealing, and a funeral ceremony. Yesterday was a uniquely spiritual day for us since we were able to witness both our prophet's funeral services as well as the temple sealing of my friend Joni to her husband Brock. It was such a beautiful yet brisk day, and we were grateful to be able to experience it all.

Congratulations to Brock and Joni! Brock was baptized a member of the LDS church one year ago, and the two were married last June. We're so happy that they were able to make their marriage an eternal one yesterday, and we're thankful we were able to attend their ceremony.

Kennedy Crawls!

Kennedy has been scooting backwards and crawling in place for a few weeks now, but two days ago she finally was able to move her little self forward. In the last 48 hours she has happily realized she can now go wherever she wants! She is quite good at sitting up from her crawling position, and she is now trying to pull herself to standing with any furniture she can get her cute little hands on.