The Tunnel of Life

WE FOUND IT.....

2009-07-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you for everyones PRAYERS and LOVE in the last few months.

WE found and got into the apartment we wanted.

Thank you God for everything !

New pictures of ECKO.....

2009-04-14T15:21:00.001-07:00

PRINCESS ECKO

Do you feel lazy?

2009-03-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hang in there.....

2009-03-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like .............

You have no where to go.....?

Do don't know what to do...?

Where God is leading you?

God always knows the why to your heart..

I know it is hard but try to LISTEN

Amazing GRACE

2009-02-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

God has done Amazing things in our lives and I thought I might share the words of Amazing Grace with you......

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me -I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now, I see. T'was Grace that taught -my heart to fear.And Grace, my fears relieved.How precious did that Grace appear -the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares -we have already come.T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far -and Grace will lead us home. The Lord has promised good to me -His word my hope secures.He will my shield and portion be -as long as life endures. When we've been here ten thousand years -bright shining as the sun.We've no less days to sing God's praise -then when we've first begun. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me -I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now, I see.

Have you seen my Moose?

2009-02-13T17:13:00.000-08:00

Without the picture, this would be hard to believe.

Unbelievable!

Read under the picture...

Pogo - Fairbanks , Alaska 'They were laying new power cables which were strung on the ground for miles. The moose are rutting right now and very agitated. He was thrashing around and got his antlers stuck in the cables. When the men (miles away) began pulling the lines up with their big equipment, the moose went up with them. They noticed excess tension in the lines and went searching for the problem. He was still alive when they lowered him to the ground.He was a huge 60 inch bull and slightly peeved!'

SNOW again........

2009-01-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

The SNOW is so beautiful. It makes me think how GOD is so good and pure. That GOD will always take care of us through the rain and SNOW...

Here are a picture of this morning at the Murphy's house...

House M.D.

2009-01-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

Sean and I love this TV Show.....

HOUSE M.D

http://www.fox.com/house/ - here is how you can check it out. It's also on Monday nights @ 8:00.

2009-01-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

I got these story from Terri, a girl friend of mine from church.... She knows that I love those moose stories.

Thank you Terri...

Baby Moose 12 Hours Old - Born in the middle of downtownNaubinway, Michigan

In my 33 years in Michigan 's Upper Peninsula , I have never seen a new-born baby moose. This one was not even a halfA mile from our house. The mother picked a small quiet neighbor and had her baby in the front yard just off of US 2,At 5:30 am.Allen and I were out bike riding when we came upon the pair. The lady across the street from this house told us she saw it being born. We saw them at 5:30 PM. So the little one was 12 hours old. What an awesome place we live in to see such a site.

History of Valentines Day...

2009-01-22T17:49:00.000-08:00

I know that it is not Valentines Day yet but I found the History of it and thought I would share it with you..... Enjoy.....

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day — and its patron saint — is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France. While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival. In ancient Rome, February was the official beginning of spring and was considered a time for purification. Houses were ritually cleansed by sweeping them out and then sprinkling salt and a type of wheat called spelt throughout their interiors. Lupercalia, which began at the ides of February, February 15, was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

Oh... So... Cute

2009-01-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

Shhhh... She is sleepin...

I took this picture of Ecko this Morning and thought it was really cute...

Duckin Around

2009-01-20T16:22:00.000-08:00

Sean and I and his parents went to Ashland,Oregon for the Afternooon. We stopped and watched the Ducks. Not knowing what we where about to come upon...

As I stood there looking at the ducks with husband and his parents, there was quite a noise in the water. Two males and one female. Can you take a wild guess what they where up to...?

I look with shock at my husband, has he look with laughter. We both turned and walked away. I told Sean.... "There are children around"..... I was alittle embarrassed for the ducks... We were all in loss at words......

I don't talk about these things is public but I had to. GOD has a great since of humor. Nature has a way of ...... Well I hope you understand...

Well the Adventure of the Murphy continue....

This week is very busy...Sean is working on getting a job at the post office. There sending him a study guide and then he will take a test.. Please pray that GOD's will is our lives will grow....

For me I have a a meeting with The Foundation Fighting Blindness on Thursday... We are on are way to discussing the Vision walk and raising money tfor the Foundation... I'm really EXCITED ...

I hope you all have a great day and week....
May GOD bless you and keep you...

.... on the road again

2009-01-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow we go to Medford to see Sean's parents. Please pray for safety on the roads. Sean will be driving in the dark. Thank you for the prayers the last few weeks. Sean and I have really needed them..

Rough time....

2009-01-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

I must say it has been a very rough year already. I ask for your prayers... Sean and I are great but its the things of life that have us in beening heavy hearted. Please pray for wisdom & a quite heart to listen to what GOD wants us to do.

Thank you...

With LOVE the Murphys

SNOW.... and more SNOW....

2008-12-18T12:13:00.000-08:00

2008-10-24T14:56:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversery Sean!

I Love you so much..

Its been a great FIRST Year!

October 27

2008-10-06T14:20:00.001-07:00

I'm so Proud of my Nephew Kevin.....

He has been in the R.O.T.C..(In Georgia)

2008-09-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

This is an article from FOX 12's website.

GRESHAM, Ore. -- Gresham police said a thief stole a donation jar full of money for the blind from a local restaurant.
The money was to be used to help find a cure for diseases causing blindness.

The money was in a large jar sitting on the counter inside a Papa Murphy's restaurant and was evidently too much temptation for someone who didn't mind stealing from the blind, workers said.
Papa Murphy's workers said the donation jar sat on the counter for weeks with a poster describing it as a charity fundraiser to help cure blindness, but instead of dropping money inside for people with disabilities, someone stole the jar that was stuffed with money.

"It really does make me mad," Papa Murphy's employee Alejandro Boyles said. "People are trying to raise money to help cure this stuff and then you have the people who don't even care."

Workers said the theft happened on a Sunday evening a week ago. They said they noticed a strange man hanging around, and when they got busy, he grabbed the jar and ran.

Amy Murphy, who is legally blind, is the person trying to raise the money. She suffers from a disease that's slowly destroying her sight.
Murphy said she's trying to collect donations for a foundation which is helping find a cure for her and others.

"All I want is an apology and all I want is the money back so I can give it to the foundation fighting blindness so they can give it to the right doctors and the right scientists so we can find a cure," Murphy said.
While the jar only had $50 to $60 in it, Murphy said the loss is a financial and emotional setback.

"I mean it's really sad. People have to go out and do something. It's just $50 to $60 but it's a cure for me and a cure for others," Murphy said.
The thief is described as a skinny white man, about 19 or 20 years old with blond hair and wearing shorts and a black baseball cap.
Anyone with information about the thief or the theft should contact Gresham police.

Here's the link to the newscast...

http://www.kptv.com/video/17424206/index.html

By the way, the vision walk is this coming Saturday at 10:00 AM at Duniway park in Portland.

Don't Judge

2008-07-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

Some people!' snorted a man standing some distance behind me in the long line at the grocery store. 'You would think the manager would pay attention and open another line, 'said a woman.I looked to the front of the line to see what the hold up was and saw a well-dressed, young woman, trying to get the machine to accept her credit card. No matter how many times she swiped it, the machine kept rejecting it.'It's one of them welfare card things. Damn people need to get a job like everyone else,' said the man standing behind me.The young woman turned around to see who had made the comment.'It was me,' he said, pointing to himself.The young lady's face began to change expression.Almost in tears, she dropped the welfare card onto the counter and quickly walked out of the store.
Everyone in the checkout line watched as she began running to her car.Never looking back, she got in and drove away.Several minutes later a young man walked into the store.He went up to the cashier and asked if she had seen the woman.After describing her, the cashier told him that she had run out of the store, got into her car, and drove away.'Why would she do that?' asked the man.Everyone in the line looked around at the fellow who had made the statement.'I made a stupid comment about the welfare card she was using. Something I shouldn't have said. I'm sorry,' said the man.'Well, that's bad, real bad, in fact. Her brother was killed in Afghanistan two years ago. He had three young children and she has taken on that responsibility. She's twenty years old, single, and now has three children to support,' he said in a very firm voice.'I'm really truly sorry. I didn't know,' he replied, shaking both his hands about.The young man asked, 'Are these paid for?' pointing to the shopping cart full of groceries.'It wouldn't take her card,' the clerk told him.'Do you know where she lives?' asked the man who had made the comment.'Yes, she goes to our church.'Excuse me,' he said as he made his way to the front of the line.He pulled out his wallet, took out his credit card and told the cashier, 'Please use my card. PLEASE!'
The clerk took his credit card and began to ring up the young woman's groceries.Hold on,' said the gentleman.He walked back to his shopping cart and began loading his own groceries onto the belt to be included. 'Come on people. We got three kids to help raise!' he told everyone in line.Everyone began to place their groceries onto the fast moving belt.A few customers began bagging the food and placing it into separate carts.'Go back and get two big turkeys,' yelled a heavyset woman, as she looked at the man. 'NO,' yelled the man. Everyone stopped dead in their tracks. The entire store became quiet for several seconds. 'Four turkeys,' yelled the man. Everyone began laughing and went back to work. When all was said and done, the man paid a total of $1,646.57 for the groceries. He then walked over to the side, pulled out his check book, and began writing a check using the bags of dog food piled near the front of the store for a writing surface. He turned around and handed the check to the young man. 'She will need a freezer and a few other things as well,' he told the man. The young man looked at the check and said, 'This is really very generous of you.'No,' said the man. 'Her brother was the generous one. Everyone in the store had been observing the odd commotion and began to clap.And I drove home that day feeling very American.We live in the Land of the free, because of the Brave!!!

Remember our Troops of Yesterday and Today!!! A great example of why we should be kind and patient. Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear. Never judge someone...until you have walked a mile in their shoes. May God's many blessings continue to be with you -

ALWAYS!!! MAY THIS KEEP GOING....
IT MAY OPEN A LOT OF EYES,HOPEFULLY HEARTS,AND KEEP SOME MOUTHS SHUT

2008-06-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

What a day...

First we went to EPIC and they injected a radioactive tracer into my arm. This tracer was designed to indicate areas of increased metabolism such as would occur in areas that are healing from an injury. It takes about 3 hours for the tracer to make its way through the blood stream so we left, ran some errands, and came back.

Between the time of three hours we went to Target and got some stickers for cards, detergent for the washing clothes and toilet paper. (lol) Oh.. so exciting... then we tried to find some shoes.... No luck at 205 area...

I almost for got we went to lunch too...

Then we went back to EPIC and took more pictures of my leg and ankle. Oh so much fun... NOT. But the the nurse @ EPIC (Kelly) was very nice and helped me feel very comfortable.

Then went to look @ apartments... (If those who knew, we are moving from our apartment to other @ the end of September). We to see two. I think we found one.... But we are still looking... Thank you for our prayers.

Next we went to look for shoes. We found some at SHOE MILL in the Gresham station. I recommend them because of ther customer service was wonderful and they knew there product. We bought me a pair of MERRELL. I was having trouble with my feet so the doctor said this shoe would help me.

http://www.shoemill.com - here is the website

God is so good...

May God bless you and keep you....

2008-06-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Well Hello......

Long time..... It's been along few months. So here is alittle bit of what has been going on.

Work is done for the summer. The last few weeks of School (work) has been long but good. We got throught other senior class. It was sad to see them go but I so proud of them. They worked so hard. The 9th, 10th, and 11th graders are on ther way too. To see them grow is amazing too.

I'm also taking on a volunteer project which is close to my heart. I'm working with the Foundation Fighting Blindness. I'm finding money support and looking for walkers to walk in a Visionwalk on September 13, 2008. So if you know who I am please join this adventure with me.

Here is the link to be involved: http://blindness.org/

I don't know where He will take me throught this battle of darkness but I've got his light to guide my heart.

This is what I have to say.... I'm sorry that it has been so long. Please pray for me.. I'm going through a few things personally. Please pray that go get through.

2008-05-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to you all that I have not posted in a long time...

I've been so busy. There is alot going on like.....

1. Ecko eating plants

2. Taking care of Sean - which I love to do....

3. Cleaning (yuck)

4. Taking Ecko to get her yearly check-up -

which she didn't enjoy at all

There is so much to do.....

But I think I'm ready to play a little bit.... Work has only 5 more weeks. I might have job opportunity up @ Mount Hood with a close family friend.

Aunt Jean and I have a great time together...

I hope it works out...

THAT IS ALL FOR NOW..

HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE

2008-04-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

So much to do... So much to organize...
Then you take a nap....

2008-04-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

This pictures were taken at the Evergreen Aviation museum in McMinville. Some of the pictures were taken of Howard Hughes "Spruce Goose", the largest plane ever built. Notice how all of the other full sized planes in the picture fit under the gooses wings. By the way, contrary to popular belief, the Spruce goose is actualy made of birch wood not of spruce..... (OK... I took some of Sean's blog, he is a great writer.)

Here are some pictures:

2008-04-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

Lord, take me where you want me to go;
Let me meet who you want me to meet;
Tell me what you want me to say,
& Keep me out of your way.

2008-03-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

We have a Blog together..... Sean and Amy

http://seanandamytogetherforever.blogspot.com

Please check it out...

2008-03-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

Spring Break...

It's been crazy but fun.

I hope you are having a great day...

2008-03-21T18:34:00.000-07:00

Look on Sean's blog to hear the story about his uncle....

Well... It was quite a day today... We went to put flower on Uncle John grave. Sean let two shamrock balloons (Murphy equal a strong Irish background) go, in John's honor. Yesturday we went to Sean's Uncle John Funeral. They honor him in great form. I'm so proud that I got to meet John.. He made people laugh and was very a where that people were a round him. He loved the children in the Murphy Clan. I loved hearing storys from Sean.

Please continue praying for Sean & his family.

2008-03-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

The Murphys want to wish everyone

a happy

St. Patricks Day

2008-03-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Everyone...

What a beautiful morning...

Hope you all have a great day..

Phil. 4:1 - 9

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.
Words of Encouragement

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts

2008-03-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

We are going to Tom L. home tonight for Dinner. He is a gentleman the goes to are church. He is every sweet. His wife past away a few months ago. He has a heart that just gives wonderfully. Please pray for him.

2008-03-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

Well... It's a wonderful Monday Morning and Afternoon. Hope you all have a great week. Hope you all enjoy the sun too. So much to do this week. So please pray for the Murphy's.

My God Bless you and keep you....

2008-02-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

The retreat was wonderful @ Cannon Beach.
God is so good. I'm in a better place with my faith and have a lot of work to do. But God working on all of us.

Somethings I learned:

I am who I am by divine design.

I doesn't matter what we are doing in life: Let the Potter (GOD) do His job. He's molding us and shaping us to what He wants us to be.

Thank you again for praying for the women's retreat.

2008-02-25T17:07:00.000-08:00

Ok... I'm blogging but I don't much to say... I know what you are thinking. Amy not having much to say... Laugh if you like.... It doesn't happen very often.

2008-02-22T07:52:00.000-08:00

This weekend is the women's retreat at Cannon Beach. I'm so excited. Please pray for us all.

Thank you..

2008-02-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day was wonderful....
Sean and I had a great time This weekend.

Friday we went to Build-a-Bear.
(Buildabear.com)
What a great time we had. Pictures are coming.

Then we went to dinner.
It was a great time of talking and fun.

I love you Sean with all my heart.

2008-02-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

Well hello to all....

Long time no hear.....

This will be Sean and I first Valentine's Day together as a married couple. I'm Very Excited. We will be going out to eat thou on Friday. He won't tell me where wwe are going. I think it will be a surprize.

I love my husband with all my Heart !
Happy Valentine's Sean !

I love you..

And to all...

Happy Valentine's Day !

2008-02-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

Well...
Hello to all...

Its been a long time...

Sean and I have both been sick with colds.

What to do?.... What to do?...

Hope you all have a great day...

2008-01-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

Well good morning....

Two more days of finals for the kids at school but they will make it through.
I will be getting Friday off and Sean doesn't have to go to jury duty. So we will final get to spend some time together. I'm excited.

For those of you that are in 1.3, thank you for understanding about Sean's decision.

2008-01-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

Well Hello All...

It's been awhile... Everyone as been sick or just woren out.... But we are on the way out of the hole. God has been there throught this large trial. I'm so glad....

Sean Has jury duty on friday. It should be interesting to here to here how his day goes that day. Please pray for Sean job. Don't worry he still has the one job but he is starting to look for other. God provided the money for him to go to IDAK. Which will help alot.

Other pray would be for my job. I go see my boss at 11:45 tomorrow... Please pray it goes well...

THank you for your prayers.... Love You all...

2008-01-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon.... I have 3.5 hour
left until the weekend...

I'm so EXCITED.
Have a great day and weekend.

2008-01-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

We had a little excitment at the Murphy house last night. The washing machine decided to acted up. There was water everywhere in the kitchen.

In the processes of it all: my dad was there to pick me up for a dad date night. Sean and Guys that work on fixing things at the apartment tryed to fix it. I did want to be ther in the middle of it. My dad and I left went to Applebee's. I got home and the there was still something wrong with the washing machine. (It was no one's fault: washing machine have a mind of there own... ). Sean and I called the guys AGAIN. they finally came around 8:00 and fixed the washer.

It was a very crazy evening and thank you for reading my little story.....

Hope you all have a great FRIDAY and Weekend.

2008-01-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

Well Welcome Back...

Ok... I'm back to work..
I'm so excited to be going back to work...
I'm one of the those weird people that love their job most of the time... (lol)

I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

2007-12-24T14:04:00.001-08:00

I know that it's Christmas Eve Day but we are at  the Ayers' Christmas and I had  a quiet moment to say..... 

Merry Christmas. 

Tomorrow we will be @ the Murphy's in Medford for Christmas. 

This will be Sean's and I's FIRST christmas together.

2007-12-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

Well... letting the living waters flow...

I wants to thank you all for your prayers.
It' s been a wild and crazy month. Me being sick..

I'm so blessed to have friends and family that care about me.
Still don't understand the dizziness of it all.

Please.... continue the prayers..

May all you wishes come true this holiday season...

2007-12-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

Another day in paradise.
What a day yesterday....?

Please pray for unspoken prayer request.
I'm not aloud to talk about it because of the rules at work so;
thank you so much so understanding.

Have a great day...

2007-12-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

Whatever happened to the storm? It rained so much this weekend. I really enjoy the rain. It makes everthing new and it can smell so good.

This weekend was very good.. I got up on some sleep.

Sean and I talk to the Thurmans on Sunday and we are going to be able to join their bible study on Wednesdays. We are very excited.

2007-11-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

1 more day until the weekend..

Yeaaaahhhh...

Have a great day everyone...

2007-11-28T07:27:00.000-08:00

Well... The doctor called yesterday....

It was my inner ear. The inner ear controls a lot of your balance. The left ear is weaker then my right ear. The doctor said that it has to heal on its own. I'm a little worried but a little glad that we finally know. Sean has been a great support through all the falling,dizzy spells and being sick.(Thank you sweetie)

Thank you everyone for all your prayers and support through it all. Knowing that I have a family and friends that support me is GOD's blessings. God has taught me a alot of important lessons in life.....

2007-11-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

This is a letter from a close friend that helped me throught a very tough time in my life. She is one of few that I can talk to about my blindness. Her guide dog passed away. This is a sad story but a happy day. Tammy (the dog) is in a happier place. This is the email I was sent. I know this sounds worried but please pray for the family of Tammy. I got the chance to meet Tammy a few years age and feel in love with her. Guide Dogs are a very important part to BLIND community. Someday I might need one. God only knows. May GOD bless you all with this email.....

Born at Southeastern Guide Dogs on September 14, 1994, Tammy came into our lives on February 20, 1996 and died on November 24, 2007. The youngest in her class, she remained my guide dog until March, 2007 when bone cancer retired her. Through her more than eleven years of service, she enjoyed greeting everyone in the English Department at Miami Dade College, proctoring exams in the English Computer Center, overseeing student research papers in the library, and, of course, inspiring all my students.

In her leisure time, she enjoyed endless swimming escapades with her dear doggie friend Frances and all their squeaky toys, hikes with her Daddy and Uncle Jim, and walks on the Oregon Coast with sandy little nephews whom she’d tuck in at night with a bedtime story.

Many thanks are needed to acknowledge all the loving hearts that made Tammy such a fabulous creature. There was the Vanstone family who puppy raised her; her Southeastern Guide dogs trainer Lynn who fashioned her into a working guide; Jorge who taught her to swim and who tossed squeakies into the lake for endless retrievals; Becky and Kathy who helped with her late-stage care; Colleen who carried her home when she couldn’t walk and who cleaned up after her when her systems failed; and Mark and Bernie who prepared her burial spot and provided us with comfort.

A very special thanks to her Daddy who devoted himself totally to her final care while I trained with her successor dog Sparky. For weeks, Al spent countless hours looking after her, feeding her by hand, medicating her, taking her to the park, patiently walking with her every day she could muster the strength to do so, carrying her up and down the stairs, and cleaning up after her; neither one ever complained. He kept her alive until I could return from training.

To honor her memory, Al and I will participate in the Southeastern Guide Dog Walkathon in Palmetto, Florida on March 1, 2008 to raise funds for her school and thus sponsor a puppy we can name in her memory It’s the very least we can do to honor someone who guided us all to a higher level of companionship, devotion, and love.

Farewell, dear Tammy; your service here has ended. May we never forget all the lessons you taught us.

WE WILL ALL MISS YOU TAMMY... FROM THE MURPHY'S

On a side note from me (AMY):
My health has been quite a challage in the last few weeks. Thank you for your prayers. I go to the doctor to day @ 3:30.
I hope we get some answers.

May GOD bless you and keep you all too.

2007-11-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for your prayers...

Its been a HARD two weeks...
Please keep praying.. I need them.
God is working on my heart.
Sean is trying so hard to
make life a little easier.
He is doing a great job.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving.

May GOD bless you and keep you always.

2007-11-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from our wedding.

Enjoy

New pictures of the Family

Lighting of the unity candle..

Courtney: Helping me get ready...

What is taking Amy for - ever?

Aren't we cute...?

Hubbbbaaa Hubbbbaaa

Holly and I..

Courtney and I

Annette and I

More will be coming...
Sorry Some of the pictures would not
come through.

2007-11-13T18:35:00.001-08:00

Hey all... This is Sean filling in for Amy. She is having some medical issues. She's okay and she wanted me to write and let you all know what is going on with her these days. Here is the post that I put on my blog greatadventure29.blogspot.com.

A few of you who are reading this may have witnessed a somewhat scary incident at Newport Bay on Saturday night in which my wife Amy completely lost her balance and had to be assisted to the car. Here's an update.

Let me start by saying that Amy is doing much better right now. However, her problems with vertigo which have been going on for a long time did intensify markedly on Saturday. Normally, Amy will lose her equilibrium for a few seconds at a time and when she sits down and rests, the attack passes. Last saturday however, I noticed that these attacks were coming more often than usual. Then came the incident at Newport Bay where I had to assist her to the car. I got her back home and put her to bed thinking that the attack would pass by morning however at about 3 AM I woke up and she was still struggling with symptoms of vertigo along with symptoms of a panic attack. She was still unable to walk even a short distance unassisted. At this point we decided that the best thing to do was to get her seen immediately. We ended up at the emergency room at about 3:30 AM. Now I don't know how many of you have ever been in an emergency room at 3:30 AM but I really don't reccomend it if you can avoid it. First, a lot of time the overnight shift is the shift where the most inexperienced doctors and nurses work. This proved to be the case Saturday night. The Doctor looked like he was about 8 and could not seem to figure out why we came to the emergency room given Amys symptoms. It was all I could do to keep from saying in a really sarcastic tone, "I'm sorry, I always thought that someone not being able to walk under their own power for over 6 hours constituted an emergency!!" but wisely I held my tounge. After a bunch of hemming and hawing, this doctor decided to put Amy on an IV with some medicine to help her dizziness. So after awhile nurse ratchet came in to put the IV in. Now Amy was a little nervous at this point as would anyone be. She asked the nurse if she had done this a lot of times. Just our luck, we had to get a flippin' comedian as a nurse. "Nope, first time." she replied. It was supposed to be a joke to ease the tension but the result was that Amy got even more nervous and as a result of THAT the IV hurt more than it should have and even came out of the vein. So after some maneuvering, this nurse got it set. Keep in mind that while all of this was going on, there was an 80+ year old woman in the next room screaming that her legs hurt. So about an hour goes by, Amy gets to feeling a little better, and the doctor comes back and anounces that he is sending her home with a prescription for Meclizine (an anti-diziness drug). So a nursing assistant came by about 5 minutes after the doctor left and took out the IV. Amy started getting dressed but after she got her shirt back on, we couldn't help but notice the massive amount of blood flowing from where the IV had been. Our wonderful nursing assistant had forgotten to apply any pressure to the vein and so blood was now flowing down Amys arm. I calmly walked out to the nurses station and informed them of this fact. The nursing assistant then came an and stopped the bleeding and we went home.Amy recovered Sunday and Monday but this morning she had a bit of a relapse and had to stay home from work.

Now for those of you who have been following this story, this diziness has been an onging problem. She has had a complete neruological exam, blood tests, and an MRI all of which have come up normal. On friday we go to an Ear Nose and Throat doctor to have Amys inner ear checked. Please pray for this appointment. Pray that God would give the doctors wisdom because the diziness is getting really bad and is starting to impair Amys day to day functioning. Pray that God would give her strength because understandibly, she is getting frustrated by not having an answer to this. It would make this a lot easier to accept if we just had something to call it.Thanks for your prayers...Have a great day and God bless...Sean

2007-11-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from the wedding..

The pictures were taken by a friend @ work..

The Adventure Begins...

Me and my Dad with
Paster Maddox

The BagPipper -  Scott Staurt

Mr. & Mrs. Murphy

The Runaway Car: A 1936 Ford.
(Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Hayner.)

Thank you everyone for a GREAT day.

2007-10-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

5 more day

2007-10-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

This week is over...
I really thank GOD for this week.
I learned a lot about myself and other people...
I hope that things work out....

May GOD Bless you and Keep you this weekend...

2007-10-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

Ok..

Yesterday... Had to be the worst day ever. I can't really get into it but please pray that I get through it... I have never been so angry and so upset. A place; I trusted let me down... My faith has been tested. God is working on my heart. Please pray that God helps me through this...

PLEASE PRAY

2007-10-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

 WOW..

What a fun weekend... Sunday I had a great time.. I had a Bridal Shower @ Holly's home. 24 ladies showed up... From friends from my childhood to friends know. It was a lot of fun to see and chat with all... I feel really blessed... God is GOOD...

Sean picked me up... And when we got to my house.. I got to show Sean the fun gifts we got... We are very blessed. Ecko even go on with the present.. She loved the tissue...LOL

Sorry to disappoint you all this is not ECKO but this was the close enough picture I could find  on the web. (Felinenoir.com) - This cat was so cute...

2007-10-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

Ok... That last blog entry was when I was about to hit the point of no return... I'm now in the crazy house. Sean comes and visits me ones a day. The little green volkswagens came to visit quite often (Flying around)... I'm not sure but there a nice woman that comes and talks to me on the televion about 4:00 that show me things of the world. Sean siad the it is just Oprah but I know better. I have been told that I'm aloud to be released on good behavior on October 26th. There will be a celebration on the 27th that I will be aloud to wear a very pretty dress... I have to go now. It's time for arts and craft time.. Dinner will be soon after...

Crazy one.... lol

2007-10-11T07:50:00.000-07:00

2 weeks AND 2 days

WOW.

So busy.

Can't thing.

Please PRAY.

Bride Brain - Needs HELP

2007-10-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a good one....

But last Friday was a hard one... I found out I didn'y have pay check at work... I really can't go into detail but Everything worked out today (MONDAY)... Thank you GOD...

Hope you all have a great day......

2007-09-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

It's Friday....

Have a great weekend everyone...

May GOD bless you and keep you...

2007-09-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well...I have some exciting NEWS:

ONE MONTH to Go..
Wedding Bells will ring
(BIG SMILES)

So much to do thou..

Fitting of the dress
Music to finish
Cake - Saturday
My Flowers
Boutonnieres(Groomsmen)

AND SO MUCH MORE ....

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS..

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU..

2007-09-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Well...
I have a great news... I went to the Arm Doctor on Monday. My arm is healing. THANK YOU JESUS. I don't have to go back the doctor but I still have Phys.Therapy. But that is OK. Things are somewhat back to normal at Work... Thank you for praying...

Well.. I must get going... Kids call... lol..

Have a great day AND thank for you PRAYERS...

2007-09-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a great weekend everyone..

Just a quick prayer request....
After work I have a Arm Apt.
Please pray everything will turn out ok....

2007-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Pain in Many Forms
(Dedicated to Tim Major)

A Sonnet by Alisha DePaolo-Neff

Life is tough without you here at this time.
You willbe remembered as a true friend.
We will remember you as you climb.
But slowly out heart for you will mend.

It pained me to hear you had left today.
You always knew how to make others smile.
Now that you have left the world is dark gray.
It feels like we have gone back a few miles.

You always knew when something wasn't right.
Death is a hard thing to learn to accept.
We understand that you went to the light.
When I found out that you were gone I wept.

We will misss you and your sence od humor.
But now it isa long living rumor.

This young lady wrote this Sonnet and read it to the class and thought I would share it with you.... Please PRAY for Tim's family and little sister (His little sister is a freshman this year).

We lost a young man @ the high school I work @. I don't know the whole story but what I have heard is that he had a accident with a 4 by 4.

Please pray for David Douglas HS...

Thank you so much...

Also please PRAY for me...
It's been a long week...

--------------------------------

There is a sad bit of news this week.
This is from the Oregonian. I knew this kid.

Timothy John Major
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
A funeral will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, in Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes for Timothy John "Smoke" Major, who died Sept. 16 in an ATV accident at age 17. Timothy was born Sept. 25, 1989, in Portland, where he lived all his life. He graduated from Alice Ott Middle School and was a senior at David Douglas High School, He enjoyed target shooting and working on mechanical things; he loved airplanes and was planning on entering the Marine Corps after graduation.
Survivors include his mother, Antje; father and stepmother, John and Janell; sister, Kelly; and grandparents, Vera Culligan, Connie and Walter Major, and Hanna and Dieter Raubacher.

2007-09-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

Ok...

Here is the scooby... I went to the Doctor on Monday...

My shaking is just a trimmer
But the doctor wanted me to take a MRI... SCAREY (but OK)
Didn't take the MRI because of insurance ( Still being worked on)
Had to take a drug that would settle me down because.. it would help me relax - OHHH did it ever. But I didn't have to take the MRI because of the insurance. So I was druged up for no reason... I did't like the Drug....
Monday - I'm still drowsy ( I really need to wake up....)

I have Ph.y Thery. today.... Please pray...

Thank you for all your prayer... Sean and I have really need them...

2007-09-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Well..

Today I'm over at Mom and Dad's house.. Well Sean climbs Mt. St. Helens. I been looking at old picture (of me) with my mother.... It was great fun..

We have also been looking for :

Something BLUE (My Great Grandmother Newmens Garter - this was made by her for my mother on her wedding day)- very special; Something NEW (My dress); & Something OLD (Still working on it)... (One of those wonderul wedding thing to remember). Oh.. I almost for got something BORROWED - I need that one too...

Sounds like fun....? It was a great day...

GOD BLESS

2007-09-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Well....

It's FRIDAY... I'm really thankful that it is....

Its been a long week..
Please pray I have not been feeling today....

Talk to later....

2007-09-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

LOOK....

ONE MONTH

TWO WEEKS

YEAH.....

2007-09-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Well.. Hello

It's been a very interesting week...

1. Phys. Therapy. on my arm... Please keep praying about the healing of my arm. Thank you too for the PRAYERS

2. Invitations are on the way from Bridal Veil, OR.... (How fun is that...)

3. Pre -marriage counseling is almost over... We will be meeting with the Jackmans over the first year of marriage... Which is a great thing...

4. And work has been interesting... I have a few students are are going to be a challage but I love a good challage... Please Pray.... THANK YOU...

Have a great day everyone....

2007-09-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

Well....

Other day to start...
Yesturday Sean and I went to PT. for my arm...I know it seems small to other people but big for me... I can touch my right ear with my right hand...Things are going well. I praise GOD for every little step... Lots to go but that is OK....

Thank you everyone for your prayers.....

2007-09-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's going to be HOT today...

Please try to stay COOL....

HAVE A GREAT DAY....

2007-09-10T09:44:00.000-07:00

Well..

Other day....

This weekend was big.... The two parents (Ayers' & Murphy's) met... BIG... It went well. Both dads got along great....

We got the invites done... They go out today or tomorrow...

Lots to still do but we still need lots of prayer

Have a great day....

2007-09-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well HELLO...

I know it has been a long time....

I want to thank you for all your prayers in the last few months....
Work has started for the year... So life is a little better...

If I could ask for prayer on:

1. My arm
2. Wedding plans
3. Sean and I - Everything is fine but everone needs prayer...

2007-08-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

thank you for all your prayers and support through these last weeks. It's been rough for Sean and I to go through all this medical stuff. Sean has been a trooper. I know why I love him so much.

Sean moved my brace to 40 degrees of extension today. I go back to the doctor on the 27th. My arm should be at 0 extension by then but it won't be because of the tendonitis setback that we had a few weeks ago so please pray that it will all work out.

thank you again and have a great week.....

2007-08-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

Just to let you all know, this will be written by the amazing and talented Sean since I still can't use my arm. Ummm. Pre-marital counseling was really cool. We both feel a lot better about a couple of issues that we've been struggling with as a couple. It's good to know that many other couples struggle with some of the same thing. It's nice to know that we're somewhat normal :o).

Please continue to pray for my elbow. I don't know what God has planned for me. I have been feeling very stuck and a little frustrated that I haven't been able to work on the wedding but I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all of the prayers and phone calls. They have meant a lot.

Please continue to pray for patience understanding, and for Sean and I. May God bless you and keep you this week.

2007-08-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

Okay Folks... Sorry that I haven't been blogging. I had a little bit of an accident on the 21st of July. Okay, for some of you it was a big accident. I dislocated my elbow. I'm sorry but I'm using Seans excellently written, extremely articulate and wonderful to read entry. (Just to let you know, Sean is writing this above info. Because I cannot use my right arm. The above information is also very well written and should be read again and again for generations to come.)

Well, last weekend could have been better. It could have been a lot worse but it could have been better too. Saturday night, at around 9:30, Amy and I were at her appartment when she took a fall and dislocated her right elbow. I called 911 and she was transported by ambulance to Mount Hood Medical Center where they were able to put it back into place. As many of you can imagine, a dislocated elbow is one of the more painful injuries that a person can sustain but she was really brave through it all. In fact, you should know that I didn't hear her say even one cuss word the entire time. Given the circumstances, that's very impressive. I think I probably would have let fly with a few (or possibly more than a few). Anyway, they put her arm in a splint and gave her Vicatin but the pain is still pretty severe at times. She's actually at the orthopedic surgeons office as I write this. Having said that, I should say that I seriously doubt that she'll need surgery -- The O.S. is just a follow up. She'll probably recover nicely from this but it was still a very upsetting development and she could really use all of our prayers for a full recovery.

2007-07-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

Ok... Here are the pictures from the zoo & the Mount Hood adventure....

Is it he a face that you could take home...?(The Monkey) It looks like it's about 10:00 in the morning?(The Meercat)

Sooo... How you dooin?(The Elephants)

I don't know about you but I think this is really entertainment.(The Polarbear)

This saying is from Sean: Hey.. Ecko get out of the Hippo's pen... Oh, that's not Ecko, that's a Hippo... Was that neccessary? Said Amy.....(The Hippo's)

Ok... On to Mt Hood....

It's this one of the most beautiful of GOD'S Creation...

Sean took this picture...

He wanted credit.(LOL)

Aren't we cute?

Ok... that's enough for now..

Have a great week and GOD bless...

Oh.. PLease pray for my parents & I are going to Washington State on Wednesday moring until Saturday.. We are goin to see my Uncle...

Sean will be taking care of Ecko. So of anyone knows Ecko please pray for her... Just kinding Sweetie..

Love you...

2007-07-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hello..

If you could pray....

I'm stuggling with money... I scared.... I know in my heart the God will provide but... I know that should not be any buts (but...) there is. Trusting money with God is hard right now...

God will be my strength... Please GOD help....

Oh... also please pray that God provides a new job @ David Douglas High School (Fulltime Instructional Asst.)

Well... I know that life (GOD) will take care of my Heart.....

2007-07-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

OK...

I know... SORRY no pictures yet, but I'm working on it...

Hope you are having a great week...

I'm working on wedding stuff this week, so if anyone has any ideas about where I can get drippless candles for a good price, let me know.

Have a great week and may GOD bless you and keep you.

Colossians 1:11 (Whole Chapter) [1 Cor 16:13] strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; [Eph 4:2] joyously

2007-07-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

Well...

As you can see.... I'm still HERE in Oregon..

Sometimes things just don't turn out the way you want them to... God had other plans for me I guess. Please pray that GOD shows me what He whats me to do about this summer... Money will be very very tight....

Thank you for all your prayers....

Friday Sean and I went to the zoo. We had a Wonderful time. The weather was beautiful... Sunny... The Meircats, Polar Bears & the the Elephants (there was baby one....) were really cute.

Saturday, Carrie, Sean and I went on a drive around Mount Hood. SORRY.... No pictures yet but there coming. We saw some really cool scenery and had a great time just enjoying each others company as we enjoyed Gods creation.

Today, we're over at my parents.
Sean and I are working on wedding stuff.

Thank you again for all your PRAYERS and SUPPORT...

2007-07-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here it is folks...
I live for Alaska on Saturday... Wow... So much to do... Please pray for this week..

Sean & I are spending extra time together. It's going to be hard to leave him but I know this is what GOD wants me to do... Going to Alaska is a God giving thing... But next summer, Sean will go with me... I'm Excited about that...

Thank you for all your Prayers....

2007-06-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Have a fabulous Day!

2007-06-24T17:30:00.001-07:00

So the last week has been really stressful and the stress is heavier now than ever. One praise item is that Amy and I got part of a day on Saturday to just do nothing. It wasn't nearly long enough but it will have to hold us for now. (Written By: Sean Murphy) I agree with Sean.... It been alot and we need sometime... & I know that GOD is working on us both... We are getting to much of everyone thoughts but no one is listening to us.... I know in My heart that GOD has it in his hand but sometimes I wish I could hear what GOD wants us to do...

Sean & I need prayer.... Thank you for all your loving support.

2007-06-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

If you have a chance: Look at the top of my blog, there is a timeline of how long it is until the BIG DAY!

Thank you Carrie Margaret for the great idea...

Hope you are all having a great week...

Talk at cha later...

Caio for now.

Bye.

See you soon.

Ok... Really.

Bye.

2007-06-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Have a Great Week.....

2007-06-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

PLEASE AND THANK YOU....
For the Prayers....
God is workin in each and everyones hearts.
~
Wedding Days - 131

Alaska - around 2 1/2 weeks

2007-06-15T07:25:00.001-07:00

Ok..

Here it is..

Wedding Date: October 27th

Alaska: July 7th - Aug. 4th

Last day at Work:

June 18th(2 more days) Yeah...

So much .... BUT so much fun.

2007-06-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my family...

My middle sister is coming to town (Virginia) this afternoon... I need prayer for peace, understanding & compassion. She is a hard person to understand...

Thank you for your prayers...

Have a great day..

2007-06-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Nothing to Post.

SORRY!

Have a Great Day.

2007-06-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Well....

This weekend was very busy...

Thursday:I meet with Rekel Thurman &

had a great time talk about

life and the wedding.

(Thank you REKEL)

Friday:

Was a busy day of going everywhere.

Saturday:

We found invitation to your wedding.

We have a DATE people:

OCTOBER 27,2007

We are all very excited...

Thank you for all your prayers.

BUT please don't stop...

lol

Have a great day...

2007-06-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all your prayers

with the wedding..
Please keep praying for

the dates and planning..

(November or October)

Thank you

The meeting with Bob Maddax went great...
PreMarriage counseling is next.

Yeah....

Have a great day everyone..

2007-06-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone...

Yesterday was a bad day.. I won't go to far with it but PLEASE pray for a girl @ DDHS. She needs Jesus.. I know that everything will turn out OK.. I leave this young lady in GOD's hands..

OK.. Part of the day was great.. Sean and I meet up with Darin, a friend of ours that goes to church with us.. We went to coffee & caught up on all the news. It was a great time of fellowship and sharing what GOD has done in are lives. It was a lots of fun..

Oh.. Please PRAY today: Sean & I have a meeting at church with Pastor Maddox about the wedding and counseling..

2007-06-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

Well...

Wow, long weekend but good...

Have a great week EVERYONE

2007-06-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

Wow!

What a day, yesterday.

I found my wedding dress..

IT BEAUTIFUL

(I'm so excited)

Let me tell you about it....

OH... That's right I can't.

(He He ..... He)

Have a great day everyone!

2007-05-31T07:18:00.001-07:00

I was so excited to tell you all about the ENGAGMENT that I for got to put up pictures up of going to the cemetary to see my Grandmother.... (May 26, 2007)

Well... Yesterday I went wedding dress shoping with my mother and sister... So many to choose from. I can 't show you any of the ones I'm lookin at because....

Sean is not suppose to see until the wedding... (Sorry SEAN...)

Very busy.... But please keep praying for the

wedding plans to go smoothly and please

continue to PRAY for Sean & I.....

Thank you....

HAVE A GREAT EVERYONE...

2007-05-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

Well.. What a wonderful weekend.....

Sean and I are engaged and now we have lots to do before I leave for ALASKA.

Dress, Invites & Flowers and much, MUCH MORE...

Please take a look at my May 28th BLOG...

You will see something really beautiful..

VERY BIG SMILES...

I hope you all had a great weekend..

PS... Please check Sean's BLOG, he will have more

pictures of this wonderful then I do..

Nov 3rd, 2007 we will be getting married..

(This day could change...)

2007-05-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well.. I have some wonderful

news to share with you all...

Sean and I are ENGAGED...

YEAH...

There will be more pictures May 29th on Sean's Blog...

BUT here is the ring...

Very Beautiful..

2007-05-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

Pirates of the Caribbean 3

(It comes out today...Very Excited)

Yo Ho ~ Yo Ho