HIGHLIGHT

If you REALLY know me, then you know that once upon a time, I was an athlete. Being the only girl in the Stock household didn't mean I was daddy's little princess, it translated to tomboy... and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Playing sports came second only to religion in our home, and I loved it!

So it was really no surprise that having Kaleb in soccer has been one of the MOST fun experiences I've had yet as a Mom. I mean, it's all about me finally being a soccer mom, right? ;) As my brother enviously said, "You've reached the stage where you can actually have fun with him... no more diaper changes and runny noses!" HA!

But it really is all about Kaleb & he LOVES soccer! It's been so cute to watch him practice, progress, and play in his games! He's really fast and good at dribbling. He's also really good at listening to his coach. Here are the rules he came up with on the way home from his first game:

1) Have fun

2) Listen to coach

3) No hands

4) Play nice (Some kid kind of pushed him and grabbed his jersey, and Kaleb didn't push back. We'll see how long this lasts.)

5) Score a GOAL! This is said like the Italians do, long and drawn out, with arms in the air just like Big Daddy taught him. Kaleb's soccer is the HIGHLIGHT of our week...PURE JOY!

PS...Kaleb scored his first goal today (4/17) and I wish we had it on video. Two arms shot up in the air, he was soooooooooooooooo excited! It was probably the cutest thing I've ever seen. He also had his first soccer injury (which was not a big deal really) at the end of the game. It was a reminder that even though he's SO big now, he's really still a little boy *sigh.* Better pics to come!

President Monson

One of the many things I truly appreciate about our religion, is that we are led by a prophet of God. He is the man we believe receives revelation to lead and guide us in our time, just as ancient prophets in the Bible led the people hundreds of years ago. President Monson is such a spiritual, loving man. Since I was a young child, I have always appreciated his stories and wisdom. More recently I've come to realize that although he is a prophet, he's also just a man. Here's some moments from various meetings where he shows his sense of humor. Love it!

80 RIESENS I LOVE MY GRANDMA

Grandma Ray holding Ruby Abigail Rae for the first time.

Today is the 80th Birthday of my beloved Grandma. We are very close & kindred spirits, really. She's the grandma I'm named after, and Ben jokingly calls me Grandma Ray when I say or do something just like her. It's kind of funny, but we have a lot of the same interests, and personality traits as well.

To celebrate her 80 years, all of her children & spouses spent a few days doing fun outings, touring the Spruce Goose, and going on a dinner cruise in Portland. Then on her actual birthday, all the grandkids, and great grandkids that live there got together for lunch in her honor. They presented her with a scrapbook full of updated photos and little love notes.

Grandma on her 80th & my replacement as fav. grandchild.

This was a very sad day for me because every single member of my family was there, except for me and mine. Even though I've lived away from home for 15 years now, it's still hard for me. I miss out on the every day stuff, which I guess I'm used to, but it's the big stuff like this that really gets to me.

Anyway, because she loves to have a little chocolate after every meal, she found these really rich, caramel filled chocolates called Riesens that are one of her favs. You can often find them in her pocket, purse, or hiding in a drawer in her kitchen. I wanted to do a play on words and come up with 80 reasons I love her. The vase is filled with 80 Riesens and paper flowers with written reasons why she's so special. Initially I thought I'd have a hard time coming up with 80 and was going to pull my brothers in on it, but once I got started it was easy. I think I have enough to go to 100, but I'll definitely be there for that birthday!

BIRTHDAY RETREAT!

Ben had the FABULOUS idea to take a mini-vacation for his birthday this year. It was SO much fun and such perfect timing for us. We really needed a little get-away from every day life. Some time to reconnect, rejuvenate, and unwind.

Ben woke up to presents and cards, then was off to work. Our plans to surprise him for lunch were foiled, but he came home to steaks on the grill and Bonnie Butter cake with french chocolate silk frosting...yum! We then had a late night of packing and getting everything ready for our trip!

Thursday we drove to San Diego and all the kids did great in the car....well, Kaleb may have asked about 103 times if we were there yet, but other than that, they were perfect! All of Ben's travel has it's occasional perks, as he was able to get us upgraded to a suite at our hotel that was just so nice. We swam in an indoor pool and ate at Island's for dinner that night overlooking the San Diego Temple.

The next day we spent a blissful day at the beach in La Jolla. The boys played soccer while the girls went for a walk on the boardwalk. I people watched & Ruby slept. When she woke up, we joined the boys on the beach. This was such a fun, family-friendly beach bustling with activity: surfers, kayakers, body board lessons going on, and of course the normal laying out & volleyball games on the sand. There was also a park right there that the boys played at, and Dylan was pushed down a very tall, steep slide backwards by a bully. Due to his large Grandpa Branson belly, he wasn't seriously injured, just scared, and rightfully so! That afternoon we headed to Ciro's pizza and shopping at the Gas Lamp District. Fun, fun, fun! Later that night we walked the temple grounds... it was so beautiful! Can't wait to go and do a session there someday.

Saturday we met up with Barbara, Jared, Kaden & Paxton for a day at Legoland. This was a first for all of us. The boys were so cute together & we all had a great time. Our boys just love being around their cousins and it was fun to introduce Ruby to the Christensen gang at long last! The weather was perfect & there was lots to see. Our boys loved the lego-pinewood derby & water areas best.

The rest of the weekend we spent relaxing, going to movies, shopping, and of course more time at the beach. The ocean soothes my soul.

The boys went to the Dragon movie (a BIG thumbs up according to them!), had their first popsicles of the season, and somehow we fit all 4 in the tub at a time...hilarious!

Us adults FINALLY got to watch The Blind Side...of course, I loved it! We had so much fun, it was hard to leave. Thanks for the GREAT time, Babs & boys... we love you tons!

MURDOCK MARCH MADNESS

Because I've been a slacker on the blog lately, I thought I'd catch you up with a photo log of this long & crazy month.

Spring has sprung. Buttercups and Octopus Agave are in full bloom. This is the first year the cacti have grown towers of flowers. Ben is 6'4 and these grew practically over night with all the rain we've had this year. *** Sidenote: I'm really missing the tulips & daffodils I grew up with this year.

Ruby spent her days all dolled up with lots of drooling as you can see.

She also graduated to the jogging stroller.

Muscle Men have been making up fun games & are either the best of friends or worst enemies.

Leprechauns turned our milk green on St. Patrick's Day.

The weather's been so nice, we've spent as much time as possible outside at the park, zoo, or backyard.

1 Little Monkey playing at the park

Super Kaleb learned to climb trees and start pumping on the swings all by himself.

Beautiful weather meant multiple trips to the zoo with friends. Kaleb (4), Cooper (3), Dylan (2)

We ROCKed the zoo! Kaleb & Henry, best of friends.