My superhero, my best friend, my mom.

In lieu of my Mom's birthday today, it seems like a good idea to write a post about her. As some of you may know, my Mom raised all four of us kids by herself. I would say that in and of itself is a feat not accomplished by many. Four kids, by yourself? I can't imagine raising one by myself. This is why she is a superhero. My superhero.

Along with raising four kids by herself, she also went to school, worked full time and had a social life. Things were different for my brother, sisters, and I compared to everyone else. Everyone else had their Dad to coach them in basketball, their Dad to teach them about sports, their Dad to be the "discipliner" and their Dad to spoil them. We did not. But that didn't matter to us because we had someone who loved us more than we could ever imagine. My Mom did everything for us. She gave up her bed to let us all sleep with her, (And yes, all 5 of us did sleep in my Mom's waterbed for a long time. Waterbed.) spoiled us rotten on our birthdays, Christmas, and every other day just because she loved us so much.

Sometimes I wonder how different things would be if our Dad was in the picture, but then I remember we wouldn't have experienced half of the things we did if he was in our lives.

All in all, I'm trying to say that my Mom is the greatest woman in all of time and she deserves the world for her birthday. The gifts that I gave her will never show my appreciation for all she has done for my brother, sisters, and I.

I love you, Mom. No one deserves to have a better day than you.

2014 in review

I can't believe how fast 2014 came and went. It seems like just yesterday that we were ringing in 2014 with some close friends in Boone. How is it that we went to bed at 10:15 on New Year's Eve this year and completely missed the countdown? I guess that's what happens when you get older. :)

Here are some of the highlights of my 2014:

In January, we welcomed Abram Lee Murphy to the family. What a handsome little guy he has become!

In February, Zach and I celebrated Valentine's Day and our 1 year anniversary!

In March, my sister Emily and I got to go to the Matt Wertz concert at the M-Shop! It was so much fun to spend the evening with her and be front row listening to our all time favorite singer.

In April, Penny turned 4! It still baffles me that I've had her for so long and she is still the best dog I could have ever asked for!

In May, Zach graduated from Iowa State University with a major in Kinesiology and a minor is Psychology. As a part of his graduation present, we went to Kansas City to celebrate at Fogo de Chao!

In June, I started nannying for the Wakefield girls again. Little did I know it would be my last summer with them. We had so much fun going to the pool, Adventureland, the park, and on many lunch dates. I miss these girls so much!

In July, Zach, Jordan, Jon, Alex, Barb, and I all headed off to Colorado for a week long vacation. This trip is what has sparked Zach and I's interest in moving to Colorado in August. This is the same month that I got my new car!

In August, my baby sister and her long time boyfriend got engaged! This has been a dream of our family for many years and it was wonderful news to get on that warm August day. Another big thing that happened in August, is that I moved to Des Moines to be closer to Zach. Along with moving, I started a new nanny job with the Liss kids.

In September, one of my best friend's from high school got married, my sisters came back to attend an engagement party I threw for Maddie and Ethan, Zach and I went to the World Food Festival with his family, and I moved into a new apartment in Urbandale. September was quite a busy month for us!

In October, Zach surprised me with a trip to the High Trestle Bridge, we tailgated at a few Iowa State football games, and enjoyed the fall weather.

In November, Zach and I celebrated our birthdays. I turned 26 and he turned 25. Penny had a bit of a rough patch this month. She had a hot spot on her backside & had to go to the vet. Thankfully we got it solved and she is back to normal now!

In December, my sisters & Ethan came back from Kansas to celebrate the twin's 20th birthday and Christmas. Zach and I attended a housewarming party with some of my high school friends, got to spend Christmas Eve with his family and my family, and got to spend New Year's Eve with one another. (Even though we were in bed and asleep by 10:15. Party animals, right?)



All in all, I would say I had a pretty great year. The only bad thing about 2014, is that it's over. If 2015 is anything like 2014, I'm ready! I hope everyone enjoyed my year in review.

xoxo thanks for reading!