You're a Grand Ole Flag

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

I'll post soon about our fun memorable day of parades and festivities AND some one WALKED across the room tonight!!!

Any guesses???

I'll leave you hangin' until tomorrow.....

Freedom (in the form of a Stroller)

Have I mentioned lately how grateful I am for our hand-me-down Runabout Stroller? (Thanks again, Schleper Fam!)

It spells F-R-E-E-D-O-M for our family. Not only this July 4th Holiday, but all year round! =)

Especially now that we have the hitch for the back of the van to transport it!

Where has our Runabout taken us lately?

~The Zoo
~Chipotle (all in one day)
~Target

~Walk in the Park (by myself, whoohoo!)

I'm working on beating my time for loading the stroller on the hitch, strapping it down, carrying out kids, strapping them in their car seats, and pulling out of the driveway. I think I might be clearing the 10 minute mark.

I have to psych myself up for taking the boys out by myself, but it gives me a rush afterwards, like I can conquer anything that comes my way. Everest, here I come! Plus, I usually reward myself in some way after I've accomplished a successful outing. Yesterday it was a frozen lemonade from The 'Bucks.

It also makes me feel a little bit more like a "normal" mom when I can do things that other SAHMs (Stay @ Home Moms) do.

Brad and I are really striving to have as normal of a family life as possible with our boys. Yes, we have quadruplets, but we aren't letting it stop us from experiencing life to the fullest.

It just takes a little more effort, preparation, and definitely more patience. =) AND DIAPERS! =)

Sippy Cup Personal Ad: The Quest for The Perfect Sippy

My Pseudo-Submission to E-Harmony:



Happily Married Loving Mama of Four ISO (In Search Of) Non-Leaking, Easy to Hold, Cheap, BPA-Free, SIPPY CUP! Perfection is a PLUS! Looking for lifetime friendship!!!

Trying to find "The Perfect Sippy" is like trying to find Richard Simmons a date for the prom. (I can say this because I've met him personally, but that story I'll save for another blog.)Seriously, it's nuts! Soooooo many sippy cups out there, and now we have the whole BPA junk to mess with (If BPA is new terminology for you or you are looking for BPA-Free Products, this link is a great resource), plus purchasing sippy cups x4 turns into quite an investment! I decided my quest for "The Perfect Sippy" needed to be documented - Laugh, Cry, Comment! =)

Exhibit A: Our Sippy Cup Cabinet (Recently organized by Kathy C. while she was over watching the boys - HUGE Kudos!)

You'll see we've got options in the cabinet for thirst quenchin' action:

Option 1: Playtex First Sipster (Henry's Preference)

Pros: Very Little Leakage, Easy to Sip, Fairly Easy to Clean, Stackable, BPA-Free
Cons: Doesn't Fit in Cup Holders Due to Handles, Losable Parts to Clean

Option #2: Nuby Gripper Cup (Clark's Preference)

Pros: CHEAP (.99 @ Wal-mart), No parts to wash and loose, BPA Free
Cons: Leaks When Upside down, Hard to Screw on Top, Mouthpiece Has to Be Aligned Just So to Keep From Leaking, Unstackable, Leaks When Shook....Did I Mention It Leaks?????

Option #3: Take & Toss Sippy Cup (Van's Preference)

Pros: Cheap, Stackable, Convenient, Portable, BPA Free
Cons: Leaks When Squeezed, Shook, etc., Chewable Mouthpiece

So in continuing my search for "The Perfect Sippy ", I've turned to the Playtex Sipster, recommended by a triplet/twin mom. It was reasonably priced, somewhat stackable, so far leak free, BPA free, comes in 4 different lid colors, and the boys didn't get angry with them on the first try....so have I found my prince charming? Only Time Will Tell! Wish me Luck!

Happy Da-Da Day!

Dear Daddy,

It doesn't seem long ago when we ALL fit in your lap...

but now we're growing up into little men who can't wait to be just like our daddy...

but we're not too big to hold your hand....

or to follow your lead....

or jump in your arms...

or rub noses....

or to cuddle with...

AND We Will NEVER be too big to LOVE!

Happy DA-DA Day! We Adore YOU!

~Henry, Brooks, Clark, and Isaac

Related Post: 1st Father's Day Post 2007

Little Swimmers...

In case we don't make the cut for the USA Men's Gymnastics Olympic Team (See Video) we've got swimming as a solid possibility. We've already got the speedoish swim diapers...now we need to just work a bit on technique and decreasing splash, thus increasing speed.

If only cuteness could score points...

Henry

Clark

Brooks

Isaac

By the way, we tried out the picnic table for lunch before our swim and it turned out rather nicely. The boys stayed put to eat their meal and then swam off the calories. Hose down the table and call it a day! However, I did find two pieces of English muffin floating in the pool, but we were pea free (notice spelling)!

(Left to Right/Top to Bottom): Isaac, Brooks, Clark, Henry with their cream cheese mouths

Thanks to Aunt Kristy and Uncle Ryan for giving us the pool for our birthday present! The gift that keeps on splashing! =)

A Walk in the Park....(and some swinging too)

Warning: This Blog Requires Little Reading, but Lots of Scrolling!

I'm in love with some of the pictures we've captured during our last couple of weekend trips to the park, so this will mostly be a photo blog, with a few captions in case you still need some help with "who's who".

(Left: Isaac Clapping for his own outstanding sliding abilities; Right: Brooks in front, Clark behind w/Daddy pushing)

(Mr. Henry)

(Isaac Loves Being Pushed Around)

(Left: Henry, Right: Isaac, Thrilled to Be Swinging High Thanks to Uncle Ryan)

(Clark feeding Mama and himself)

(Brooks' sittin' sweet)

(Isaac Gettin' a Smootch from Daddy)

(Brooks Smootchin' Mama...He even says, "MMMM-MAH!" to go with it!)

(Henry Waitin' for His Ride)

(Brooks One-Handed)

(Clap for Clark-a-Roo)

(Henners)

(Wildflowers on our Walk)

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: Memorable Moments in Music City

If you're new to these episodes you gotta start....

Here...

Then Here...

Then Here...

And Finally Here.

In an effort to start wrapping up this great Ad-"Venture" here are some of my favorite pics from the 4 day event, and then a video montage to follow (since I had to keep with the "video" theme). In case you are wondering, many of these were taken at the Gaylord Opryland Resort which is a MUST see when in Music City.

Just The 17 of Us

Yet Another Failed Attempt to Get a "Perfect" Family Photo

Taking a Dip in the Fountain

Gotta Love the Shots from Behind

Make sure to listen to the lyrics of "Broken" by Jack Johnson....(Ironically, this CD was playing in the van during our break down.)

Stay Tuned for the Grand Finale and the Revealing of our NEW VAN to be delivered to the Murray Casa Tomorrow!!!!

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: Cheese Nips, Downpours, and Maurice

If You Haven't Already, Read The Prequel and the First Sequel Before Reading Further....

Let me set the scene for this next episode of Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation. Things were going quite smoothly on the first leg of the trip. The boys even took a 45 minute nap and the peaceful view looked like this:

HOWEVER, as we neared Lebanon Junction, KY (about 3 hours from home)the van went from an accelerating 70mph to 0 in a matter of seconds. God truly protected us as Brad was able to coast directly onto an exit ramp and into a gas station parking lot with absolutely no power. What does Jen do to keep from going into a panicked cardiac arrest? Turn on the video camera, of course!

7 Blessings and Provisions from this "Venture":

1. God's protection in an engine failing situation.

2. We were able to get the one mini-van rental left in the 50 mile radius, due to the Kentucky Derby. The first rental company we called had only a Ford Focus left on their lot (uh, definitely not "Quadmobile" material), the next was completely out, and the last had just gotten a cancellation for a Toyota Sienna. Coincidence? Nope, I don't believe in them!

3. My brother and his family were less than 10 minutes from the exit where we broke down when we called them to find out if they had even left Indiana yet. He was able to help us unload, reattach the overhead luggage carrier, reload, and hold babies while we transferred the car seats. It was an ENORMOUS blessing to have his help and to see a familiar face during an uncertain situation. (I should have videoed this part, but I must have been too caught up in the major shiftaroo!)

4. The semi-truck service station graciously took a look at our van, correctly pronounced the van "dead upon arrival", and allowed us to unload our Venture and reload our rental van under their garage during the downpour.

5. The Hertz Rental Company in Elizabethtown treated us with true southern hospitality. Due to our extreme circumstances, they made an exception and picked us up from our stranded location. Maurice, our driver, was able to refer us to a trusted place to have our van towed and provided enjoyable conversation along the transport.

6. Brad and I had an amazing measure of calmness that HAD to be from the Lord.

7. The boys were absolutely AMAZING! No major meltdowns, fits, tantrums, etc. Considering everything they endured we had no complaints from our little troopers.

Plus...it ended up being great blogging material!

Love, Mama

Clark and Mama

Isaac and Mama

Brooks and Mama

Henry and Mama

To My Mother's Day Gifts: Clark, Isaac, Brooks, and Henry,
It is a true privilege to be called your "mama". It's a title I longed for, dreamed of, prayed for, but I didn't know if you would ever exist. I'm so glad you're safe and that God has placed you in my arms. I love each of you in an unexplainable, unmistakable, overwhelming way. I'm grateful for your miracle lives and the contagious joy that you abundantly spread. I'm praying for you to grow to love our Savior and that you would honor Him with the lives He has given you.
Love You From Head to Toe,
Mama

Videos of "Venturous" Vacation: "The Calm Before The Trying to Stay Calm"

Read the Prequel to This Sequel First

Okay, so here it goes..... All of you who were unaware that Brad and I are elite members of the "Ultimate Dork Club". It's over - we've been uncovered. The Proof is in the Pudding Video.

Here's where our "Venture" begins. Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride. (Oh, and let me know if you're getting a laugh out of our pure dorkidity.)

Stay Tuned for the Next Episode: "Cheese Nips, Downpours, and Maurice"

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: A Prequel to Many Sequels

Before I start on some great reality footage of our "Ventures" to Nashville, I'd like to begin with some behind the scenes details of our trip. Around Christmas time, my siblings and I started planning a surprise 50th anniversary celebration for my parents. Their actual anniversary was February 21,2007, so we were only a mere year and 2+months late! The boys were born less than 3 weeks before their incredible milestone, and on their actual anniversary Clark became very ill with his digestive issues, so needless to say, their big day became a bit overshadowed.

Clark receiving fluids via a pic line due to premature digestive system 02-23-07

However, we wanted to honor this accomplishment of marriage and celebrate with them, regardless of the timing, so we began planning a trip for 17 to Nashville, TN.

My parents holding Clark and Brooks - Mother's Day 2007

We weren't sure how we would fit 4 pack-n-plays + four boys + their enormous amount of stuff in our Chevy Venture, but then a triplet buddy, Linda, gave me this great product recommendation: Kidco Pea Pods!

If you look closely at this picture you'll see four little boys asleep inside their little tents complete with their camo sleep sacks. We are in love with this product, because it can go anywhere, takes up minimal space, and folds up to the size of a flattened basketball. I'm serious! (And no, they are not paying me to endorse their product!) It's one of our favorite products thus far. And grandparents are pumped that they'll be able to stay overnight now! We had them "practice" in the playroom for one week to adjust to the new surroundings before trying it out for the first time in a populated hotel!

So that's some background prior to our official road trip "Venture". To give you fair warning, this post will be part of a mini-series of posts, complete with bloopers and more details than you probably wish to digest. It is sure to become a moment in history for our family, so I'm using the blog as a way to document the memories, which is one of the main purposes of this blog. Read at your own risk.

Next Up...

Videos of a "Venturous" Vacation: The Calm Before the Trying to Stay Calm

RIP Quadmobile

Our '98 Chevy Venture was laid to rest in Elizabethtown, KY over the weekend. The engine is T-O-A-S-T!

We were on our first real road trip to Nashville, TN to celebrate my parent's 50th anniversary when she decided to kick the bucket near E-town. I have LOTS of blog material and footage in the works to document our adventures and the awesome time we had with family, but I'm currently buried in laundry and searching for some new wheels.

If anyone has any contacts looking to sell a reliable van/SUV for an affordable price, please contact me via comment or email quatro_mama{at}yahoo{dot}com. We would also appreciate your prayers as we look to purchase a vehicle for our family in the next few days.

Moving Forward....

We made the switch to forward facing car seats. I think the little munchkins are pleased with the results....

Isaac: "Mom, I can definitely do my backseat driving better from this position."

Clark: "Mom, do these windows have UV protection for my pasty white legs?"

Brooks: "Mom, a book about cookies?, this is SWEET!"

Henry: "Mom, was that my duck making that noise or was it a surprise waiting for you? Better roll down the windows!"

15 MONTHS TOMORROW!!!! I feel like my life is in fast "forward".

The Grass Is Getting Greener On Our Side - What about Yours?

Today we welcomed 60 degree weather with open arms in Indiana. We Hoosiers get antsy while waiting on spring to arrive. The robins are back and we've hopefully said our final goodbyes to the snowflakes.

After being cooped up with my boys for a LONG winter, I'm more anxious than ever for a warm spring (and a beautiful summer to follow)!

Here's my running list of things I'm celebrating about SPRING....

* Long Stroller Walks (we took 2 today!)

* Open Windows and Fresh Air

* Spring Cleaning (Boy, did I get a lot accomplished on my list this week!)

* Getting into a steamy hot car after the sunshine has warmed up the seats

* Sandals

* Onesies

* Ice cream (even though I indulge all year round)

* Green Grass

* Flowering Trees

* Tulips (my fav)

*Thunderstorms (sans tornadoes)

* Mushrooms (yep, we eat wild fungus)

* YOUR TURN!

It will be fun to see what's on your list and how it differs across the country/world, so tell us your state in your comment too and we'll keep the list "growing"!

Wombmates Remain Cribmates

Unbelievable. Yep, it's true. The Wombmates are still Cribmates. 14 Months Old Today and Clark and Brooks are still sharing their crib. (Isaac and Henry each sleep in their own cribs.) It just gets cuter all the time. Take a look:

14 Months is the longest we've ever heard of anyone co-bedding so we'll be giving Guinness a call to see if we can get in! (Kidding) Someday when you're flipping through the pages, looking at world records for the longest eyebrow hair, the most weddings attended by a best man, most coconuts smashed in one minute, or the world's tallest parsley plant there they'll be precious as precious can be....

If not the award for world's longest co-bedders perhaps the world's sweetest?????

To see our history of co-bedding quads go here.

Our 4 Left Feet...(and 4 Right Ones Too!)

The Alexander's (remember our favorite hair stylist?) took the boys shoe shopping Thursday night. Our outings have been rare to none due to RSV season, so this was a treat indeed! I think the boys associate the choo-choo wagon with shots, so I think they were waiting for the poor shoe lady to stick them with a needle (hence the tears)! Soon enough they were all smiles and fascinated by their new kickers. They LOVE them and so do WE!

Such grown up little men! Here's the pictures to tell the story....

Henry sporting his new kickers

Clark not too thrilled by the idea

Brooks waiting his turn

Isaac soakin' up the attention

Favorite quote from Mr. Alexander: "You act like a cat bein' neutered." CLASSIC!

Lesson Learned: Shoe Shopping is Exhausting! (Can I get an Amen from the ladies?)

We've already initialed the bottoms of each shoe to distinguish sizes (Henry: 4 1/2 Brooks: 4 1/2 Clark: 5 1/2 Isaac: 5) I guess identical DNA (B&C)doesn't equal identical shoe size!

Gotta love the velcro action!

More Mac 'n Cheese, Please

Thought you might get a kick out of the boys trying their first mac 'n cheese yesterday. We're making the transition to real food for lunches. They were so into it that they didn't really have an interest in the camera! (Notice the suction cup bowls.) Enjoy!

Welcome to Quad-Mart

I stress this is only ONE section of our "store"...but after re-stocking and organizing the other night after a diaper run to Target I thought you might want a peek into our garage (aka Quad-Mart).

Top Shelf: Cases of Diapers
2nd Shelf: Packages of Diapers and Wipes
3rd Shelf: Juice and Baby Food for the Week
4th Shelf: Cases of Paper Towel
Bottom Shelf: Laundry Detergent

Nuts! I know....what's even more INSANE is how quickly it will all disappear!

4tune Readings...

In response to my 4tunate cookie post I've had several requests to share some of my 4tunes.....

DISCLAIMER: Jen Murray does not believe in fortunes, tar rot cards, horoscopes, luck, vibes, numerology, astrology, crystal balls, lucky charms, genies in bottles, karma, palm reading, magic 8 balls, Pat Sajak (Wheel of Fortune), or the like.....This is just for FUN!!! =) =) =) =)

"Diligence is the mother of good fortune." (Hmmm...wonder what Diligence is the Father of...it's always the mother's responsibility!?)

"Excitement and intrigue follow you closely wherever you go!" (Uh, yeah!)

"Through greater effort and hard work a precious dream comes true." (32 weeks of a quad pregnancy was a great effort and the boys are now a precious reality)

"Your love of life will carry you through any circumstance." (I do love my life!)

"Your skills will accomplish what the force of many cannot." (Funny, what skills?)

However, this would have been a more accurate fortune....

Let's hear some of your favorites.....