School... and Babies

So I have a lot on my mind about babies.

I feel the need to get it all down so that I can make room for my studies... My brain just works that way.     (if you could see my to-do lists you would be amazed at what little details I write!) 

Bentley and I are getting serious about bringing our first sweet babe into this world! Not like tomorrow or anything that soon, unfortunately. However I am going to stop by the birth center next week to check it out and probably rent books from their library. 

Babies and library books- best of both worlds :)

I plan on an all natural birth, preferably in the water with a midwife. I am still undecided if I want it to be at home or at the center. Maybe after a visit to the birth center and talking to a few midwives I will make up my mind with certainty. I know the answer will come to me, I have time to think.  I am open to going to the hospital, in an emergency... but that is really the extent of my desired involvement with hospitals and birth. 

More importantly I have always felt that bringing a new soul into this world naturally, in a calm & familiar environment, with as little stress as possible, never breaking that strong connection between infant and mother, is the absolute healthiest way to do it. Who needs an epidural? Let the oxytocin flow! Everything inside of me tells me it is the best way for me. Not for everyone, true, but for me it is instinctual. I have always been  super opinionated about drugs, doctors and the 'business' of being born, ever since I heard my birth story.  I'll just leave it at that....

You can look into it for yourself and make an educated decision. 

 Im looking for a wonderful midwife too so if you have any recommendations let me know! I am tickled just thinking about it. Bentley and I are so ready. 

There is one little thing standing in the way.... My Bachelors Degree program with WGU (Western Governors University) is not finished yet, not really even close. And the last 12 weeks of my program include student teaching! I can't exactly student-teach with a new born on my hip. So I will probably end up student-teaching with a belly-bump. Because patience has never been my strong suit and Bentley has been ready since... always. :) And even then, it's a ways off, but I am a PLANNER, I like to at least 'feel' that I have control of everything (haha) 

So here's to the beginning of a very exciting journey! 

I consider all the reading and investigating I've been doing (and will continue to do), the same as... Well...

...A positive pregnancy test. :)

SKY Diving

I jumped out of an air plane 10,000 feet above the ground!
with Sky Dive Pismo

My home looked like a little ant on a beautiful picnic blanket.

I still can't believe I did it. 
I was SO scared, literally. My fear was all over my face. My facial expressions actually made sky diving look painful. I am sure all the guys back at the sky dive shop are having a good laugh! 

You better believe I will be claiming guts and glory from this stunt for quite a while.

I dont even know how to begin to describe what it feels like... 

but I will try

Sky Diving was not what I was expecting what-so-ever. I was waiting for the most insane  tummy tickles the entire plane ride up, but as soon as my Lucky Jeans left the side door of that plane the only thing I felt was adrenaline. 

The rush of a lifetime. 

And pressure, lots of pressure from the wind. 

It felt like the wind was pushing my entire body up into the clouds but my weight was resisting it, or falling into it. Gravity was pulling me back to earth but the wind was pushing me up. My heart was racing almost as quickly as my thoughts, and if it wasn't the jump that took my breath away the view of the central coast was enough. The Pismo Dunes and the foothills are gorgeous from any angle but I have to admit there is nothing quite like real life arial view! 

A few tips from my first jump

1. If you are reeeeally nervous dont drink too much water the day of.... I think thats what saved me from peeing my pants :)

2. open your eyes THE ENTIRE TIME!

3. Keep your chin up, look out at the horizon. My tandem mate said that multiple times beforehand but my mind was going too quick to remember. Looking back on the pictures I really wish I had...

4. Go with a group, nothing like peer pressure ;)

5. Pretend the plane engine went out and the cock pit is on fire! Everyone is jumping off that ride!!!

6. Just think BANANA 

7. Hakunamatata

Now I can't stop thinking about being a bird and want to go again!

But this time HIGHER!!!

I was shaking with fear, nerves, and excitement. 

 

Half way up!

I can do this I can do this I can do this

Oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear

Eyes finally open 

Here I go taking the reins

    Hmmmm So many turns... what to do, what to do...

 

At the time I didn't know he was also holding the billows just above my hands. Thats how mesmerized I was!  Bahahaha thanks for the allusion of total control during the coast down... probably safer this way!

So thankful for a safe soft landing! Pat ROCKS!!!

Glen Lauterbach is like a second father and one big teddy bear!
He and Leslie went before Bentley and I. I knew that if they went first and didn't back out there was NO WAY I could chicken out.

The Ambassador of San Luis Obispo is....

Bentley Murdock

Congratulations honey, you work so hard, all the time- but extreme effort was put into this campaign the last TWO months! Out of 40 + contestants, 3 weeks of voting, an hour and a half long interview in front the mayor, Rosetta Marketing reps, city reps and so many more...  YOU have proven yourself to be the best representative for Share SLO.

Boy the anticipation has been brewing like no other 

This has been such a fun experience so far. I can't wait to watch my husband in action representing the city. They really chose the right person for the job. 

I am one proud wifey!

 HUGE THANK YOU 
to everyone who voted, wether it was one time or once a day for the entire campaign! This was a very demanding process, one that we felt hesitant about pushing too hard for fear of annoying friends and family, eventually running them off. 

But here we stand because of your support and enthusiasm!

WE really appreciate it.

I wish I could hug each and every one of you.

You can go here to check out what he will be doing as this adventure continues!

Better Together

Better Together

***Just to make this very clear,  my sweet sweet husband wrote this entry on his website under the journal tab found here! I love his way with words; it's what makes him such a wonderful musician, speaker, communicator, and friend.***

Having just celebrated our 1-Year Anniversary, "Better Together" has definitely been on my mind… And not just Jack's song, but the concept in general… Personally, I have found how true it really is… The fact that we are better in pairs. We are better people, when we have someone lifting us, who will in turn need us to lift them from time to time. Just like it reminds us in many of the verses of Proverbs and Psalms, everything is better when we stick together. My smile could not be any bigger right now, knowing what "Together" means for me and my wife, Michelle… But not "Till Death Do You Part"… I'm talking about the knowledge that our marriage is an eternal one… Signed, sealed, delivered… We're together. =:o)
In early October, I have the great opportunity of performing the song "Better Together", for the directors of all the major Non-Profit Organizations, Churches, Service & Humanitarian Aid Companies and Businesses in our fine County of San Luis Obispo. The Event is called "The SLO Public Affairs Luncheon", and I am deeply honored that they would ask me to cover the music during their slide-show for all the "movers & shakers" of the County.
While preparing for this event, I realized that although the song they chose has the perfect theme in the chorus, the verses don't go with the atmosphere of a County coming together to help each other. So I rewrote the majority of the words… Hope Jack doesn't mind. =:o)

"When it comes to me and you, and all the things we have to do, I believe it can be true, that we can help each other through.
As we watch our children play, embracing each new day, we can lead them on their way, by all we do and all we say.
Yeah, It's always better when we're together! We love to live & work & play & stay together! 
Yeah, it's always better when we're together! Yeah, it's so much better when we're together!"

"If we look, we'll always find a way to improve the lives of others, to bring some joy to all our Sisters and our Brothers. 
So look within to find the tools you'll need tomorrow, cause you never know just what another will need to borrow. 
Yeah, It's always better when we're together! We're movin' on & building bridges here together!
Yeah, It's always better when we're together! Yeah, it's so much better when we're together!"

365 days of happiness

Our first anniversary  

wait, what?!?

this has been the fastest & funnest year of my life so far-

Thanks Bent

for all that you do

all that you are

all that is

ours

you wash the dishes... all the time :) seriously thank you for that!

rub my feet

take care of A LOT of busy work I don't like to do

go above and beyond to show me your appreciation

tickle my back

play with my hair

bring home flowers for no reason, often :)

you sing me to sleep- LOVE LOVE LOVE that!

remind me to be nice to myself when I am being too self critical...

leave me sweet nothings in the form of love letters and art all over the house

you open my eyes everyday to this reality we call our life, I still feel like is a dream

How did I get so lucky?

typical bentley and michelle right here. 

G. Brothers Smokehouse BBQ to go (they catered for us), fortune cookies, and limonada con soda under the Gazebo at Mitchel Park. 

Our little space in SLO, the one where we held our ring ceremony.

Love, weddings, and our very own special day!

Tomorrow is our one year anniversary! I can not believe how fast time has flown by. A year ago today we were landing in Honolulu, rushing to get our marriage license to be on our merry way to the temple the following morning :) 

I remember thinking, wow even BORING buildings like the health department are gorgeous! 

I always wanted to get married on one of the hawaiian islands; my parents were married on Kona in flip-flops, a flowery print dress with only a stranger as their witness. I always hoped my wedding would be something like that when I found my other half. 
Simple, Small, and Sunny :) 

We fortunately had bentleys parents with us to celebrate our union!

We had all the sunshine anyone could have asked for.

I even wore my mothers flowery dress, 

and her white temple dress from her sealing.

Oh and don't think we missed out celebrating with friends and family as well!

We had TWO receptions (we know how to do it right!) one in Utah and a ring ceremony/reception in Cali

We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives, they made our receptions possible.

This month we had the pleasure of going to two weddings back to back already! 

Nothing like celebrating the commencement of loved ones' marriages to remind you of your very own special day.

yes we know our kids will have crazy curls!

Looking forward to tomorrow, reminiscing all day long with my best friend.

Photo credit to Mike Prior !