2011 for the Weldons

Enoch with friend, Emma
- Dec. '11

Shaun and I talked yesterday about what happened in 2011 for our little family. For our own sake, I am recording it here in this post so I don't forget.


Family Photos (January)
Harry Potter Exhibit at the Pacific Science Center (Feb)
Test Drove Mini-Vans (Feb.)
Shaun turned 31 (Feb)
Shaun Lost Job at Bellingham Cold Storage because he continued to take classes at WWU (March)

Planning for my friends' future....

I don't mean to sound insensitive, but I have a many friends who are very beautiful, smart, creative, funny, educated, talented, and women of integrity...but for some reason, despite their valiant efforts, are not married yet. It seems to baffle us all...but to pass the time and for fun, I have started to plan 2 friends' weddings. t's kind of a game....to see if I can pick out the good stuff they'll like.

A Conversation and Belly-Button Wiggle

Yesterday, Enoch was sitting on the couch talking to his dad, my husband, about his belly-button. Here's what I could capture afterwards.

Gingerbread Houses, Christmas Tree, and Belly Button

We went to the Port of Bellingham's Holiday event on Saturday. Gingerbread houses made by people in the community were out for display, children's choirs sang, there were horse carriage rides, firetruck rides, the Maritime Museum (tiny) was open for Enoch to grab the ship wheel of. We had a good time.

What else-- Thanksgiving!

We made a two day trip down to family near Seattle for Thanksgiving. Enoch was the most popular one in our family--- and we are so glad! He was well received and loved by his family! Thursday, we were at my family's house, then Friday, we went to Shaun's family's house.
THURSDAY....

Shawn Murray & Enoch in back of car on ride to my dad's house.

Bite a Baguette

This is a moment caught in October when Enoch preferred to eat directly from the baguette rather than a torn off piece. Super cute. 

Costumes from 2009-2011

Enoch was able to celebrate Halloween with a tiny bit of candy this year... about six pieces after going to a church trick or treat event the Saturday before. Tonight, he was not interested in getting more. He just enjoyed seeing the "kids" at the church event. We tempted him into his costume by giving him M&M's this evening so we could take pictures. He was quickly out of it thereafter. He was a pirate and was good at saying "R." 

Speaking of letters, Enoch points them out on signs now. He's still learning his alphabet and counting-- but he is driven and interested. It's amazing to watch him grow up! We love him sooooo much!

Kill the Ladybugs

I used to like ladybugs, but now I don't. I am trying to rid myself of them...and have been forced to kill them. The last few weeks, we've had a ton of lady bugs coming into our house through two windows. It is gross. I keep vacuuming up patches of them hiding in the window sill in the living room-- like 25 in a clump. WHY!!? I recently a clip on Hulu of Sesame Street's classic "Ladybug Picnic" and I cringed. Shaun just informed me there are now there are 3 on the wall behind me. I just said, "Please, get the Vacuum."

Another Wonderful Year at Stoney Ridge Farm

Saturday was a wonderful day! We really enjoyed each other's company and the adventure to Stoney Ridge Farms in Everson, WA. We ended up being the first ones in line when they opened and rushed to get fresh Apple Cider Donuts and hot chocolate when from the little store. We were going to see the ANIMALS---Enoch's anticipated favorite part-- but decided to put Enoch on a "train" ride by himself. He did soooo well. We have a video as proof on our computer. When he watches the video he points at the screen and calls it the Tickle Train. (?? I don't know why.???) Then we saw animals. Enoch liked the bunny, cow, and birds. He doesn't like horses yet. We think size is intimidating for him. 

The Real Housewives of Bellingham

I was cruzing around the internet this evening after Enoch went to bed and happened upon Bravo TV. I watched a clip from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (California). It apparently was on autoplay-- so as I started talking to Shaun, I heard the next videos....which were poor quality videos with the women in the cast talking about how much they love their nice fans and being recognized. I was amazed that they would allow themselves to answer these questions. They sounded so narcissistic. So, I whipped out my camera and made a quick video this evening to show you my version of how they sounded. (I did only one take--so don't expect perfection.).....

Food Websites Worth Mentioning

I have recently noticed some food websites that I had not seen before. They look pretty neat. I thought I would share two with you.


Budget Bytes - Recipes that priced out for you. 

Bow Tie

Enoch IS so cute! 

Shaun put his old bow tie on him before we slipped off to church last Sunday. Enoch didn't put up a fight-- and kept it on the whole time. Shaun was talking to Enoch today and church came up. Shaun said, "Do you remember wearing your church clothes?" Enoch put a hand on his neck and said, "Bow." (He remembers!) 

I will be keeping my eyes out for more in the future. 

The Alphabet Photo Game: A- Z & the Puyallup Fair

Thanks to Sarah's post, I had a fun thing to do this week. Although, I didn't do it with my child...just me ...and I invited my friend Emily Pool to join me on Wednesday around the mall for a part of my hunt. We did a fun search for letters that aren't letters. I am going to continue to add to my collection...F, G, M, N are really hard to find. Here's my collection so far.

Enoch might enjoy this game in a few months. Try it, you may LOVE it!

For My Dear Confused Husband...

Gift Ideas ...for when you say how hard it is to shop for me.

Enoch's Owie on Day 3

Last night Enoch and I watched Shrek on the couch and he let me take pictures of his burned hand. The lines on his hands have faded quite a bit, but the blister remains big and intimidating. (Read on for graphic picture.)

I've Gotta Try This....

I saw a recipe for Homemade GoldfishCrackers. Wow. This could be very interesting to do with Enoch. I think I would put tape around the whole "cookie cutter" to cut down on sharp edges for my 2 year old. Hummmmmm....has anyone else tried this?

Camping at Ensign Ranch

Catching up on the Fun... End August- Early September 2011

Why Enoch Ate His Dinner

Enoch is two (2) years old and he has already discovered the joy of finding & gobbling up free food samples at Costco and Trader Joes. He will eat samples of foods he has refused to eat at home, or things we didn’t even think to offer him.

Visting Teaching

Today, I was planning my visiting teaching message for the month, and saw this video on You Tube. For those of you who are member's of of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), you may relate. For those of you who aren't, "Visiting Teaching" is something the women of the church 18 and older are asked to participate in. Every woman gets assigned some women to visit in the church and someone to visit them also. Once a month, we are asked to visit and share a message of faith with those women and check in on how their doing personally. It's a great opportunity to make friends and strengthen our testimonies together-- as well as provide service for those who may need it (look out for each other).

Highlights of Our Week

Highlights of the week...Delicious Taco Salad. We cooked our own taco shell bowls in the oven with some cooking spray and two bowls. REALLY good, simple, and light.

Our Silly Son

Enoch has learned to pose with meaning...like exaggeration for humor's sake. 

I think I must be rubbing off on him.

Visit with Lindsay's Side of the Family

Saturday, we ventured down to Kirkland, WA, and visited with my brother Shawn outside his work place before heading to Covington, WA, to see my dad, Yuko (my step-mom), and Yuko's mother, Masako, who was visiting from Japan. It was nice seeing Shawn again. He works on Saturdays so, it's hard to do anything together. He hadn't seen Enoch since he was 6 months old. (19 months ago) Enoch warmed up to him---eventually, and handed him leaves he found in the parking lot.

Enoch Loves a Good Hat...

Check out the Sombrero Enoch tried on at Value Village this last week. Love it!

Armys of a Little Boy

This is Enoch's Ball army. 

Cruising in Style Around Bellingham Bay

Friday, July 22nd, we went on an evening 3 hour sail on the Lady Washington. It was great. It was calming and beautiful and fun to be on a replica of an old ship. This ship was used in the Pirates of the Caribbean as the Interceptor. Shaun and I even touched the "boom" that Orlando Bloom hung onto. We heard little bits about shooting the movie, but mostly we enjoyed being out on the water and watching the crew shuffle around deck to get all the sails out. We had ALL but the "royals" out. It was a PERFECT night for sailing. It was a medium wind and sunny--but not hot. 

Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftan

Tomorrow evening, I get to go on a evening sail around Bellingham Bay with Shaun for 2 hours on the Lady Washington (bigger one on right)!!! Happy Birthday to me! (July 20th)

I haven't been on a sail boat before--and defiantly not a old looking boat. It will get me excited to see the 4th Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Gifts from Japan

We received gifts from my Japanese Step-Grandmother today in the mail. Enoch loved the snacks. There was a rice cracker wrapped in seaweed and some cake that we caught him on video eating.

Inspiration for a bathroom....

We are not homeowners and have never been. Sometimes I think about how I would design our house if we built one...or remodeled one. It's my great jigsaw puzzle that I've thought about since I was maybe 8....so, like 20 years. It is an ever changing labyrinth of ideas since I like so many things. I saw these tiles and got excited. 

Leaps in Speech

Today, Enoch was put in timeout for hitting Shaun. At the end, we always ask him to say sorry and give us a hug. He's never said the word sorry before, but has smiled or said something I don't' understand--then hugs us. Well, he actually said "Sorry" really clearly today. We were impressed!


He also had a clear nightmare. When he woke up from his nap today--he started crying- which is pretty normal. What was sad was when Shaun went in to get him, he was standing and backing away into a corner of his crib--pointing at the other side of the crib and crying. He had to be held and comforted for about 5 minutes before he could return to play mode.

Playing with the Cousins

We went to Wenatchee, WA, for Shaun's Grandpa Weldon's funeral this past week. It was a lovely funeral with many well wishers. 

Party Down for Enoch- The Newest Toddler in Town

Enoch turned 2 on June 29th. Saturday, July 1st, my family was able to make it for a small party for Enoch. Friday night, I made Enoch a birthday cake and had decorated it with Disney's Cars movie characters. I simply found the images on the internet, re-sized them in "Paint" and printed them off. I then cut them out and taped a toothpick into the bottom of each of them. They ended up looking a lot like the Cars movie poster.

Toddler-2 and Cars 2

 As an adventure and gift for Enoch's birthday Wednesday, we took him to see Cars 2.

Reasons why I might be a Secret Princess

You know the movies where a girl/woman finds out that she's a princess. Well, it hasn't happened yet, but I have my suspicions. Here they are:

The 5 Second Rule

By Blair Koenig

The Lie I Choose to Live as Truth (...unless it's a wet thing).

Lindsay's Dream Kitchens

What's your kitchen dream?

Couples Late Night Baking

Shaun noticed a pretty cake on a website-- a Chocolate Truffle Raspberry one. We made it tonight after we put Enoch to bed.
See...

My Cupcake Shaun Loves His Cayenne Cupcakes....

Shaun made a request Monday night for cupcakes. Tonight, I finally made chocolate cupcakes --with four different flavored chocolate frostings. 

Summer Wish List

Mother's Day 2010

Western Washington is a green lush place--known for its rain most of the year. Well, after waiting long enough, we do get a beautiful summer--or end of summer at least. With Enoch turning 2 at the end of the month, I am excited for the potential opportunities to enjoy some time together outside. Also, this weekend we're suppose to get some sun!


Our budget is VERY tight over the summer, but I've put together a activity wish list...even if we can't do everything right now. 

10 Things About Enoch

1. Loves the movie Cars. Loves to point out all car, trucks, and buses. AND... says, "Go, go, go, go!" when we get in our car. (Like in the movie when the cars are racing.)

2. We have annoying ants that have some nest under our whole apartment (here when we moved in and are here all but winter)---and must have a tunnel system under the carpet. Enoch has learned to announce every time he sees them, and says, "Uckie!" or "Ahnz." He will kill them if we don't get to them fast enough. 

Secret Murray Family Recipe REVEALED!

This Memorial weekend marks the anniversary of when Shaun and I really met in Bothell, WA at a Memorial Day BBQ. Shaun needed to "home teach" (LDS church thing) my friend, Annika, who brought me, after the BBQ.

10 Things About Shaun

1. Shaun loves fall spices-- like nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, molasses, and allspice. So, pumpkin pie, molasses cookies, and apple cider gets him drooling.

10 Things About Lindsay

1. I have NEVER mowed a lawn in my life. I grew up with two brothers who always got that weekend chore. (I think my sister, Laurel, is in the same boat as me.) Both of us learned to just stay quite and keep volunteering to vacuum. (We got the inside chores.)


2. I don't really like sweet gooey pastries-- like danishes and glazed scones. I like breads--but without the extra sugar. I get a headache if I eat a pastry for breakfast. (If I'm in the mood for a donut- or a cinnamon roll-- I'll request something warm and specialized.)

Finch Elementary School in Spokane, WA

3. In 4th grade I moved across town during the school year. My old class had been writing to a "pen pal" class in the city. I moved into the very 4th grade class we'd be writing to. At the end of the year we had a party and I knew everyone. I felt soooo cool.

Audubon Elementary School, Spokane, WA

4. My first kiss was in a play in college--age 18. So, it wasn't a REAL relationship kiss (that came when I was 20), but it was a great way to practice. But, I was really nervous for rehearsal. My director found out and ended up telling the boy. Anyway, I thought it felt like sticky rice. Not that great... but honestly, very educational. 


5. My parents got divorced the last few months of my senior year of high school. I was busy --in the middle of "hell week" (drama term for the long and late rehearsals before opening the show) of my senior year musical, Anything Goes. I came home one evening to find my dad moving out at 10 pm. I cried and asked him to stay. He said he would for one more night. The next day I hugged him goodbye, went to school and right into opening night of our play-- knowing that he wouldn't be there when I got home. I cried off my makeup before our group warm up, had to excuse myself to reapply it and refocus--forgetting what was going on in my home life for a few hours. It all worked out--the show went on, and so did I. I am glad I did. It gave me joy to connect with the audience and my cast rather than feel sad at home. To this day, I have a very close connection with my dad.


6. Shaun and I got engaged after three weeks of dating. Then married in 3 months. Why? Because I knew I was suppose to marry him. Because I prayed about it, and because I couldn't find anything wrong with him--and I didn't want to be in a serious relationship if I was going back to college in a few months. The Lord's timing was very precise. Looking back, everything in our lives fell into place days before we met. It was our chance to fall in love and commit for eternity.


7. I like spicy food! I won't pretend I want to eat hot peppers or anything, but I like a good 4 out of 5 stars from my Thai Food orders. Luckily, so does my husband!


8. I like to draw! I really like to do cartoon-y images. I don't get to do enough of it. Unfourtunately, in elementary school, I had to pick ONE type of art--and I chose theater/drama. They won't let you take drawing/painting/ceramics too. But, I've REALLY found from a very young age- that I liked architecture and have always drawn house floorplans to relax. (I like to create new ones.) So, imagine little 11 year old Lindsay at the grocery store with her mom--looking at the shelves of magazines--an then asking her mom if she's buy her the most recent residential floorplan magazine instead of Tiger Beat or Seventeen. (the usual suspects) In fact, in high school, if I was in a play and had a small role, I'd use my rehearsal time interviewing my friends to see what they would want in there dream home. THEN, I'd draw it for them during the week. I thought it was so fun!


9. I never liked reading in school because of the deadlines. In middle school I skimmed "Matilda" by Ronald Dahl and wrote a book report on it. I got an A. A few years later, the movie came out and I was blow away because I hadn't realized she had special powers (allowing her to use her mind to cause things to move) when I'd written the report. I remember thinking, "It's a good thing my teacher let us pick our own books and she hadn't read mine." So, sad. 


10. I really like Family Feud and Boggle. For my 20th birthday, I had a Family Feud themed college party at my apartment. It was epic! Really fun!! I even gave away toy cars to the winners of the live game-show all party members got to play. In the past, I have taken the Family Feud board-game questions with me camping to keep the fun going in the boring moments. Boggle is fun because there are so many words to find...with only short spurts of focus. That's good for my brain. I don't get excited for long games of RISK or Chess. I quickly loose on purpose and go get a snack while others play the long games.


That's a little more about me!

Motherhood

Me as a young 20 year old--before my mission. Likely considering my future.

My friend, Karen, posted on her blog a some beautiful reflections about motherhood in her own life. She referenced an LDS talk, which I read over and loved too. I wanted to share a few things from the talk as well.

Karen is on the left. Taken at my pre-mission party.

A FEW THINGS ABOUT KAREN: I met her when I started college (when I was 18) and she soon was my friend. Karen has a very soothing voice, great height for enveloping friend hugs, and best of all--a desire to seek out humor and joy. I liked going over to her house back then. Currently, she's a middle school math teacher who will post about some of the student's middle school drama from the teacher's perspective. She makes me wonder what my teachers were saying about me. (I could be weird sometimes...)


Now onto my thoughts on motherhood. Honestly, I don't have a relationship of trust with my mother.  So, when people talk about the role of a mother- I think of an imaginary woman in my head, not my own mother. I see the ideal mother...made up of all the traits I liked from different women in my life. When people say, "It was so good to talk to my mother..." I say, "Yeah." I say it not because I relate, but because I could IMAGINE how that could be nice with the ideal mother. I didn't realize I was doing this until I was married. 


Karen, and several other women in my life, have given me the nurturing I needed. I deeply appreciate mentors and strong women who pass though my life--sometimes just for a few days. I've had protectors, nurturers, coaches, pushers, jesters all whom weren't my own mother. 


Now here I am, a mother of a 22 month old little boy. I feel so blessed to have been able to have gotten married to the perfect husband for me--someone who I get along with, who I trust, who loves me, who shares the same big goals with me. Without him, I can't picture being a mom.


A quote I often think of as a woman is the following from a October 2000, General Conference Talk by Maragret Nadauld:
Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.


The guidance from this quote humbles me and causes me to reflect on my intentions, and reset my focus towards my eternal goals. I feel energized and ready to take action again.


The talk that Karen referenced was by Sheri Dew. She said:
Have you ever wondered why prophets have taught the doctrine of motherhood—and it is doctrine—again and again? I have. I have thought long and hard about the work of women of God. And I have wrestled with what the doctrine of motherhood means for all of us. This issue has driven me to my knees, to the scriptures, and to the temple—all of which teach an ennobling doctrine regarding our most crucial role as women. It is a doctrine about which we must be clear if we hope to stand “steadfast and immovable” ² regarding the issues that swirl around our gender. For Satan has declared war on motherhood. He knows that those who rock the cradle can rock his earthly empire. And he knows that without righteous mothers loving and leading the next generation, the kingdom of God will fail.


Shaun and I have read this talk and agree that mothers have a great influence for good---and for bad if they are not careful. As Enoch gets older, I know the problems will get more complicated. I am glad to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I know that I am loved and that I have an responsibility to make a good faith effort to positively impact in the life of my son, and also in the lives of those meet.


I wasn't thinking much about mother's day until this last hour, but am glad I did. 

Easter Egg Hunt- Probably only interesting to watch if you're us...

Easter and Cars

 

Saturday we checked our mail and saw a package from our old babysitter Sarah--who watched Enoch for one quarter she was out of college. She sent a sweet card and two special gifts for Enoch. Enoch LOVES the Disney movie Cars. Sarah sent him Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater. He has made them his special friends. They are the toy he carries around everywhere and have kept his attention the longest. They're well loved and already Mater has lost his right, side view mirror from being played with so much. I was in the living room this morning by myself before everyone woke up, and I heard "Cars?" come from Enoch's room. He was awake---and his new toys were the first thing he thought of. Very cute.

Easter weekend, my father came up to visit. We had an indoor easter egg hunt on Saturday, a walk in the beautiful weather around Lake Padden, and a low key homemade dinner. It was a nice two days to catch up with my dad and for Enoch to continue to establish a relationship with. They were good friends by the time he left on Sunday. That makes me very happy.

In case, I didn't mention it before, in March- Shaun was laid off from work. He has gotten an unpaid internship...and we are happy. Shaun has time to focus on school and is getting the classwork he needs finished. Shaun is planning on taking 7 credits this summer, then 20 in Fall and Winter...then graduating in March 2012 with a BS in Environmental Science. We're excited for him to finish and get working in an area he's passionate about.

That's all for now!

Work Update

So, I've been a legal assistant for about 3.5 years. I have had the opportunity to work with a great bunch of people and have enjoyed their sense of humor throughout. I have assisted in helping my boss with deciding on marketing decisions.


Today, my boss pulled me into his office and shared this commercial with me---and said we needed to do a marketing campaign like this one. (joking)



Funny Stuff. Clever ad. 

Life is slowly changing ...outlook is good.

Baths, playing in boxes, reading, running, playing with cars, trip to Wenatchee, Enoch fell/jumped out of his crib for the first time---last time?, lemon cake, Shaun's internship collecting algae from local lakes, and the words "go, go, go, go!!!" firmly exclaimed to us from Enoch (meaning, run, I want to play chase).