Mark, Mindee, Marshall West

Breakfast

2012-01-31T06:12:00.000-08:00

Marshall man doesn't eat much

He's getting pretty skinny

So we've resorted to feeding him donuts

Just kidding!

Playing

2012-01-30T06:15:00.001-08:00

Balloon Glow

2012-01-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

Dress up?

2012-01-28T21:10:00.001-08:00

Sports Fans

2012-01-26T16:21:00.000-08:00

I watch tons of sports, because my husband does. Soccer, basketball, tennis, football, baseball, bowling, golf, racing, volleyball... yes we watch is ALL!

I don't mind sports, but sometimes it gets mind-numbing to watch the pre-game, then the actual game, then the post-game, then sports center to recap the game... any of you have this occur at your house?

One thing that drives me nuts is that some people get so involved in a sporting event that they lose all sense of decency and self-control. Death threats, fights, vandalism... come on!

But I love to read inspirational stories of people doing good things. There are lots of them out there and I wish the media would focus more on the positive rather than the negative. I saw this great story of a father turning a losing moment into a learning lesson for his 7 year old son. It impressed me and I hope to have a good influence on my son as he grows up watching sports (and most likely becoming obsessed like his dad). The story is short and can be read HERE

Shoes

2012-01-24T18:25:00.000-08:00

I find it comical that kids just love shoes!

Playing the Guitar

2012-01-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

Mostly for my mom... and anyone else interested

Fridge

2012-01-22T20:24:00.000-08:00

Bum

2012-01-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

Look at that cute little bum.

We got these fun jean diapers from our neighbors before Marshall was even born.

He can wear them now and he thinks he's pretty spiffy in them!

Bath Toys

2012-01-18T06:53:00.000-08:00

Wishing...

2012-01-17T06:39:00.000-08:00

Skype is great!

2012-01-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

Our very own Cinderella

2012-01-13T06:40:00.000-08:00

The towel drawer is Marshall's new favorite place to play.
Now we just need to wet those cloths and he might be a big help!
Notice he finds a little crumb on the floor and wants it picked up.
Such a silly little Marshall man we have.

Picture for my scrapbook...

Saturday with the Animals

2012-01-12T06:45:00.000-08:00

Loving church at noon

2012-01-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

Marshall's fake smile and all....

4th Hair Cut

2012-01-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

Our little man got a much needed hair cut last week.

We've been meaning to do it for months and just haven't gotten around to it

He also got some funky green hair gel in the short little curls that remain.

What a cute kid, he looks so much older now!

Squeeze inside

2012-01-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

Marshall jumped inside to help drive. These two are so funny!

Cheese

2012-01-08T06:40:00.000-08:00

Loving Dad

2012-01-07T06:06:00.000-08:00

Best Seat in the House!

2012-01-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

This isn't a very good picture.

But he loves to sit on his soccer ball

(Actually it's Pedro's soccer ball)

I have no idea where he got this from, but it's his favorite seat lately

Eyes, Ears, Mouth & Nose

2012-01-05T06:02:00.000-08:00

Marshall (almost) held still for minute!

I've been meaning to capture this for months and finally got around to it.

Play Area

2012-01-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

He thinks the table is his personal play area.

17 Months

2012-01-02T06:18:00.000-08:00

New Years

2012-01-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

Another New Year was rung in at a Stake Activity. Happy 2012!

We had music, dancing, Wii, ping pong, card games, bounce house,

chocolate fountain, treats, breakfast burritos, piñata, hats, horns, and lots of balloons.

This was both a wonderful and challenging year. Lots of interesting changes and trials

that I still don't understand. Maybe some day I'll see... or maybe not.

I am trying to learn to walk by faith and not rely on my own understanding.

Lots of it's personal and I don't like to dwell on the negative things in life.

We have been incredibly blessed and as I look back I can see dozens of tender mercies

that were extended to us. We are very fortunate and I count my blessing!

This year a few resolutions are:

Spend less time on the internet (facebook, pinterest)

Spent more time playing the piano & violin

Attend the temple monthly

Serve others more frequently and creatively

Read the Book of Mormon, Ensign & New Era diligently

Finish school (Bachelors of Science in Business Management)

Get pregnant? (Only time will tell...)

Christmas Eve/Day

2011-12-31T08:44:00.000-08:00

Well I made it! All of Christmas is posted before the New Year. Yay!

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Fishies

2011-12-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to go here and was so excited when my mom said we were going as part of our Christmas present (along with Lion King/Phantom tickets). Of course it was fairly dark and my pictures don't due it justice. Such a cool place!

The Strip

2011-12-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

More Vegas...

2011-12-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

Swim - Games

2011-12-28T06:41:00.000-08:00

Vegas Trip (part 1 of ....)

2011-12-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

(Non) Christmas Card

2011-12-27T10:23:00.000-08:00

I didn't do Christmas cards... combination of many factors.

(Can you name that movie?)

Anyway here is a quick snap shot my mom took of us in Vegas after church.

Marshall was not cooperating and it's the best we could do at the moment.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

We've been gone for 10 days and we're finally home & unpacked.

We had a wonderful holiday with family and it was a much needed break.

This year I've been thinking how blessed I am and how I really don't need anything.

I realize I need to share my time, talents, and means with those around me.

Life is busy, but I need to make the time for the most important things.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

And get ready for a full week overloaded with pictures and blog posts.

I hope to get it all done before the New Year and get my photo book ordered.

Can't believe 2011 is ending this week... wow!

Golf Course Photos

2011-12-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

The last three years we have sculpted the golf course.

This means we allow (and force) some of the edges to go dormant during the winter.

It's a very beautiful look because of the sharp contrast in tones.

The peak condition is Dec-Jan and we haven't had any professional

photographers at our course during this time so we don't have many pictures of the sculpt.

Last week I grabbed my camera and attempted to get some shots.

I thought I would share a few with you and show you the course.

It was a beautiful day in December. I didn't even wear a jacket!

These boys were my drivers for the day.

Marshall LOVES Rob! Every time Marshall's at the course he runs into

Rob's office and put his hands in the air so Rob will pick him us. He seriously

doesn't do that with anyone else. He will follow Rob around all day and beg to

sit on his lap then he won't get off. When we leave he always gives Rob a long, LONG

hug and sometimes I have to tear Marshall out of Rob's arms because he doesn't

want to leave. It's so funny how kids pick favorites. And Rob is one of the favorites!

Early Morning and Early Christmas

2011-12-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

About one day every other month Marshall man wakes up super early, screams bloody murder,

and won't go back to sleep. He's an odd child. Anyway we had one of those mornings

last week and I decided to let him open one of his presents early. The day before he received

a gift from his little girl friend Braylee. She gave him an adorable wooden puzzle with vehicles.

Marshall thought it was the coolest thing ever and he's been playing with it non-stop.

I was worried Marshall would get into the tree and presents and rip things apart.

So I put all the gifts for Marshall, friends, and family in the spare bedroom.

We did receive a few gifts and those I've put under the tree since it's not

really a big deal if he gets into them early. But to my surprise he's left them alone!

Even after I let him open the present from Braylee he didn't try to open the others.

But apparently he thought the tree was a little sparse and added a few of his toys.

Silly little boy. I hope he enjoys Christmas this year.

Juice

2011-12-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

I was making banana bread...

And Marshall found a half-opened can of peaches in the fridge

and decided to drink the juice. I'm shocked he didn't cut himself!

Loving the Drums

2011-12-18T06:55:00.000-08:00

I really need to get this kid in some music lessons.

I also need to find him some drums that actually make noise when you hit them!

(He plays with the Rock Band guitar and drums all the time...

I can only imagine how excited he'd be if they actually made sounds)

Signing

2011-12-17T06:02:00.000-08:00

Marshall was a little whinny (and has some serious bed-head).
He was hungry and distracted by CMT music videos.
But I wanted to capture him signing a few things.

Ducks

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

$1 Sweater Vest

2011-12-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

We had a $10 coupon...

I'm a total sucker for plaids and argyle!

Surprise Guests

2011-12-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

I love ALMOST everything about living in the desert.

I love the weather

I love the mountains

I love the sunshine

I love never seeing snow...

But one thing I don't like is the bugs!

I hate cockroaches

I hate spiders

(especially hairy tarantulas)

I hate snakes

I hate all of them!

Our house is sprayed often and we are lucky that we haven't found many surprises.

With that being said, I have a story.

A few weeks ago Mark was in bed and felt something crawling up his leg.

He brushed it off and rolled over. But then he felt it again.

So he brushed it onto the floor and got up to turn on the light.

And he found....

A baby scorpion!

Yes lovely.. A sweet little poisonous critter sleeping with him.

Luckily he was in the spare room sleeping and I was safely in my bed across the house.

Mark doesn't like to sleep with me because I toss and turn all night.

About half the time he sleeps in the spare room.

Anyway I heard about it in the morning and we sprayed the house again.

Really well!

I don't love the idea of scorpions in the house (obviously)

but I didn't stress too much about it because it's bound to happen.

I mean we've been in our house over 6 years and we do live in the desert!

So the other night I was getting ready for bed and Mark came in and said,

"Bad news!"

WHAT!?

Another scorpion... In our bedroom this time!

The mom?

I guess we're making up for the last 6 years. But I hope there are no more siblings...

It just scares me for Marshall's sake.

He has an obsession with picking things up off the floor.

If he sees a crumb or lint or anything he'll pick it up and bring it to me.

He's a little 16 month old OCD, clean-freak baby.

I can just see him picking up a scorpion and dropping it into my hand.

Then signing "thank you" because he knows he's done a good job.

Yikes! We sprayed again and have our fingers crossed.

Fake Smile

2011-12-13T06:07:00.000-08:00

Giving Kisses

2011-12-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

Marshall is a lover and a kisser lately. It's kinda fun!

Donuts

2011-12-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

Golf Fore Kids

2011-12-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

To make a long story short....

7th Annual Golf Fore Kids Tournament

440 golfers at 4 golf courses

Lunch, raffle, prizes

Dozens of volunteers

$40,000 in cash & toys

Will help over 800 children

Merry Christmas!!

He loves cars and trucks!

2011-12-09T06:14:00.000-08:00

Marshall found this box of cars from when my brothers were little.

He was in HEAVEN and literally played with them for HOURS!

Piano

2011-12-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

Oh this video cracks me up! I hope it puts a smile on your face. Marshall signs "piano please" when he wants to play. He will sit and play for the longest time! Our computer is in the same room but on the opposite wall. Sometimes I'll sit at the computer with my back to him. When I hear him grunting I'll turn around he'll sign "up please" which means he's ready to get down. Such a good kid! And a good dancer too ;)

Birthday

2011-12-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday...

I am now officially 28 years young!

Two years ago today...

I found out I was pregnant.

It was the best birthday gift ever. My life hasn't been the same since.

I Love you Marshall man. I will always think of you on my birthday.

Walk

2011-12-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

Entertainment

2011-12-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

Bath Toys

2011-12-04T06:03:00.000-08:00

At grandma Annette's he scored a new set of bath toys... cars! What a lucky guy.

Temple Square

2011-12-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

Before we headed home Sunday night everyone loaded up and went to Temple Square.

Even those driving back to Logan made the little detour south to see the lights with us.

It was fun to be together and see the beauty of Temple Square at Christmas time.

The lights are amazing but nothing compares to the majesty of the temple all lit up.

16 Months

2011-12-02T06:34:00.000-08:00

Other Festivities

2011-12-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

Turkey Day

2011-11-30T06:50:00.000-08:00

4 Generations

-Annette, Mark Allen, Marshall Paul, Bonnie-

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T21:38:00.000-08:00

{We had a wonderful Thanksgiving... Hope you did too!}

My Favorite Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T21:16:00.000-08:00

I have lots of memories of wonderful Thanksgivings... eating on my mom's (or grandma's) special china with glass goblets, sneaking a taste of fresh apple pie with crumble topping, the year we had a weight gain contest, dipping homemade chocolates, seeing the Nutcracker ballet, and watching my mom's detailed schedule to get everything done at exactly the same time so dinner is warm and on the table at 12:30 sharp!

But today as I think about Thanksgiving I wanted to share my very favorite memory. When I was in high school, and living in the Chicago area, one year we helped put on a Thanksgiving dinner for all the men and women stationed at the navy base. Chicago is home to the US's only Navy boot camp, and the place is huge! My dad taught institute there each week and occasionally we went along to help with something or put on Christmas programs. It was a very cool place to visit, but very sad too. I don't thing I could ever make it through a boot camp. They are so mean and so tough on those young men and women.

So this particular year my family joined with lots of other families and invited the Sailors for a nice, yummy, warm Thanksgiving dinner at a church near the Navy base. It was really fun to get all dressed up, serve them dinner and get to know them a little. I think we put on a little program but I don't remember all the details. Laurel, I think you were there... do you remember? Anyway it was really a cool experience that I will always remember. I got to serve dinner to people who were going to serve for me and our country. Boot camp is rough, and being away from family during the holidays is super rough, and I think we made them a little happy.

Service has been on my mind a lot lately. Maybe because the holidays are here, maybe because I feel so thankful for my blessings and see so many people in need, or maybe because I want to teach my son to be generous and charitable. I want Marshall to help without being asked and be aware of others.

I have been feeling the need to do more and share with those less fortunate. We are going to visit the local rest home at least once a month and visit with patients who don't have family around. Mark and I are sponsoring a child this Christmas through the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. We donated to the food pantry and Mark spent part of last Saturday helping the scouts with the food drive. And this year I decided to never pass a bell-ringer and red kettle without dropping a little money inside. Sometimes service may seem insignificant. But I truly feel that no amount of charitable action goes unnoticed.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and take time to ponder the true meaning of this holiday season. I know my goal is to focus on others and be grateful for my blessings instead of getting caught up in the hoopla, parties, and stress of the season. Because I have been given much...

Catch

2011-11-21T05:54:00.000-08:00

Bumbo

2011-11-20T06:12:00.000-08:00

For some unknown reason Marshall doesn't like his highchair lately.

So he's been eating in the bumbo. One day he got his bumbo off the chair,

put in on the floor, got a book, and sat himself in the bumbo to read. So funny!

Mark was home and got a few pictures. I'm so glad he did.

Laugh

2011-11-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

You light up my world

2011-11-17T06:53:00.000-08:00

Rare Moments

2011-11-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

It's a rare moment when this little guy holds still... we enjoy it every chance we get.

Festival of Trees and Santa Clause

2011-11-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

We went to the Annual Festival of Trees with Shalya and Braylee.

Marshall wouldn't stay with me he just wanted to run around like a crazy child.

He wanted every car, train, ball, dog, and stuffed animal he saw on the trees or on display.

He ran up to the people providing live entertainment and just smiled at them while they sang.

He was a regular wild child and I didn't get any pictures because I was trying to prevent damage.

Little miss Braylee just stayed in Shayla's arms so calm and I was kind of jealous!

While we were there we saw Santa and Mrs. Clause

Marshall had never met them before

He wasn't quite sure what to do...

It made us laugh! I think he would have warmed up to them in a few minutes.

He's a very social little guy. But there were lots of other kids and we just said hi.

Then he enjoyed the candy cane and made a big mess.

Forts

2011-11-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

Prayers

2011-11-13T09:03:00.000-08:00

{Such a good boy}

Veteran's Day Visits and Kisses

2011-11-12T09:09:00.000-08:00

My friend Shayla had this great idea that we should take the kids and go visit the Veterans in the local rest home. So we took them little thank you cards and spent some time visiting with them and getting to know their history and experiences. I wish we had more time to chat and we've decided to go back at least once a month and visit different people.

They loved Marshall and Braylee and multiple people asked us if they are twins! We said no just friends and neighbors. The kids were really cute and held their hands and blew kisses to everyone. It was super sweet and I hope we brightened a few people's days.

After the visits, Shayla and I stood in the empty parking lot and chatted. The kids danced, ran around, and laughed at each other. They kept giving kisses and giggling about it. It was oh so funny! I smile just thinking about it. Thanks for the great idea Shayla, it was a really fun day.

I think he's proud of himself? These two might be trouble! hahahaha

More Furry (and Scaley) Friends

2011-11-08T15:34:00.000-08:00

For those of you curious...Roos-N-More is located in Moapa, NV. It's run by two Veterinarians

who have an animal/exotic practice in Las Vegas. They have about 160 animals at their "home."

They are only open a few days a month for visits. Here is the website for more info.

http://www.roosnmore.org/

More Veterans Day Fun

2011-11-08T06:30:00.000-08:00

After the parade Marshall man needed a nap. We wanted to go see the boy's soccer

team play (it was the zone tournament here in town) but Marshall slept for 2 hours and

we missed the whole thing, oh well. We headed up to Sun City for a BBQ, music, and

to see the petting zoo. It so cool! And that is coming from a girl who doesn't even like

animals. Roos-n-more from Moapa brought up a few of their animals for the kids to see.

We petted a boa, a turtle, an armadillo, a monkey, a zebra, a camel, a porcupine, a llama, and

a couple other crazy animals I can't remember the names of. I really want to go to their zoo

and see all the animals, it was really a neat experience and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mark wants a monkey. It was so cute and curled up on his lap and grabbed onto Marshall's

shoe. Then it went crazy and jumped on Mark's head and stole his hat. Too funny!!!!

Veterans Parade

2011-11-06T19:57:00.003-08:00

Footies

2011-11-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

The temperature is cooling down, and Marshall's so cuddly in his new footies!

Simply Joys

2011-11-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

Trying to appreciate all the simple joys... like Marshall laughing about mixing Orange juice.

Not sure why it was so funny, but it brightened my day!

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest... I'm totally lame, I dislike Halloween, I just think it's pointless.

One of my brothers plans all year for Halloween and his wife had to give him a Halloween budget.

With that being said... I know I need to be a fun mom so I tried a little this year.

I borrowed the pumpkin costume from my mom's dress up box. She actually had a

big pumpkin costume to fit Mark but unfortunately he had to work. Me and my brothers

were pumpkins a few years and my dad pushed us around in his wheel barrow. Good memories!

Marshall wouldn't wear the cute stem-top. I only got a couple pictures before he started screaming.

I wanted to "stuff" his little belly but I was afraid he's hate it and be grumpy all night.

He only got scared once by a silver mask and black cape, I was pretty impressed.

We went to neighborhood party, ate hot dogs, and saw LOTS of kids.

Then Marshall and I hung out in the front yard and handed out candy for a few hours.

He was happy to just waive to all the kids. I wonder if I can get away with that again next year?

I gave away 250 pieces of candy and when I ran out at 8:30pm I turned off my lights.

I'm proud to announce there is no Halloween candy in my house tonight.

Although I do have fond memories of candy exchange/bartering that took place when I was a kid.

Ahhhh the memories. Hope you all had a Happy Halloween.

I'm personally glad it's over because I LOVE Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years!

Illness and Temple

2011-10-31T06:41:00.000-07:00

Everyone at our house has been a little sick this week. Marshall's slept horrible, wouldn't eat anything and has been kind of whinny. It hasn't been horrible... just icky.

But luckily we felt well enough to spend two days in the temple with beautiful miss Jessica Sullivan. I got to know her years ago when I was in the ward young women's presidency. She and her cute sister sit by us at church and I work with Jessica at Falcon Ridge. She's been a dear friend, almost like a little sister. We were so honored to be with her Thursday when she received her endowment and Saturday when she was sealed to her cute new hubby. Congrats you two!

(I love this painting of the St. George temple)

Sunday night we had our Stake Standard's Night for the youth. They rotated 5 classes and learned about different standards. We had Halloween cookies, cupcakes, popcorn balls, candy and rootbeer afterwards. It was a fun evening and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Life is busy... but good!

Technology

2011-10-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Can I just say...

I didn't have a cell phone until I was 19.

I was off to college, and bought one for myself.

What will life be like for this boy? WOW!

Glow Sticks

2011-10-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

Vegas Baby

2011-10-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

Derek

2011-10-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Derek was so good with Marshall. In the mornings he took him outside so everyone could sleep in.

What a great kid. I will really miss having these kids here to visit and I know Marshall will too!!!

Aunt and Uncle

2011-10-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Basketball

2011-10-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Playdates

2011-10-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

A Saturday's Work

2011-10-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday we started the morning at 7am by participating in a ward service project. We ate donuts then cleaned tumble weeds off empty lots. Can I just say ouch! The thorns poked through heavy-duty leather gloves. But we got a lot accomplished and Marshall man just chilled and watched everyone work. We filled 4 heaping trucks full of weeds. Mark and I joke that we only have a truck for our church callings. Service projects, moving people, and camp-outs are about the only thing this truck gets used for. But I'm glad we have it and can help out.

While we were sweaty, we decided to get some sand for our sandbox. Luckily there is a lot of sand in our area! Mark filled up his truck and hauled 10 wheel barrow loads into the backyard and our enormous sandbox now has a nice thick layer of soft sand. When we finished the backyard, we intended for this area to be a garden... but we aren't really into gardening so we decided to make it a fun play area instead. I need to take a better picture of the whole thing.

After Marshall's nap we ran to Ace Hardware for some stepping stones (and popcorn - Marshall loves it!) On the way home we got a slurpee. Marshall was supposed to share with me but kind of hogged it! I'm loving Mark's Ipod and being able to snap pictures on the go when I don't have my camera around. Great gift! Every day I realize how much more he seems like a boy instead of a baby. I'm loving it.

Saturday evening we attended a fireside given by Gail Halvorsen, the original Candy Bomber during the Berlin Airlift. What an incredible man and an incredible story! What started out as simply giving the German children his rations of chocolate became a huge movement. They drops thousands of pounds of candy hooked to tiny parachutes from the planes. He in still in contact with many children he met during that time and has made three trips to Germany this year. Bro. Halvorsen is 91 years old and such an amazing man. He spoke of service, gratitude, and standing up for our values no matter the situation. His stories were amazing and I could have listened to him talk all night. It was a great end to a productive day!

Sink

2011-10-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

Marshall made a huge mess eating dinner!

So I stripped him down and gave him a quick bath in the sink.

He was in heaven and played in the water for 30 minutes.

Dog

2011-10-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

Love these boys!

2011-10-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

2011-10-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

I finally caught him signing more.

It seems like every time I got out the camera he wouldn't do it.

Marshall loves to say more, more, more when he's really liking something he's eating.

It's funny because I know a lot of kids who sign more this way instead of

with finger tips together. Maybe it's generally easier for kids?

Yogart

2011-10-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

So much fun!

2011-10-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

This month's project... build a sandbox in the back yard.

Actually we have it built, we just need to go out in the desert and shovel some sand.

Marshall is so much fun lately! It ALMOST makes me want another one.

But can I get the next one at this age and skip the first year?

Don't get me wrong... the last year was fine. But I really like this stage!

Bedtime

2011-10-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

Marshall's bedtime routine is my favorite part of the day.

He's a little more relaxed and calm than the rest of the day and I love it.

We try to get him to bed before he's over tired and becomes a beast.

I give Marshall a bath at 6:30pm. It's usually pretty short because he just wants to stand up.

Then he brushes his teeth while I put him in pajamas. He loves his silly toothbrush.

Then he lays on my lap while he drinks his bottle and I sing to him.

If you know my Marshall this is a miracle in itself for him to hold this still!

He drinks pretty slow and just listens to me sing primary songs.

If I stop singing he points at me until I start again.

He likes to waive his hand while I sing and sometimes I help him lead.

I think he'll have pretty good rhythm.

Once his bottle is gone, we usually read a couple stories.

Then I say, "It's time for prayers" and he walks to the place we always pray.

He doesn't like to kneel, he likes to sit on my lap as I kneel.

But he folds his arms and stays still during the whole prayer.

It's usually exactly 7pm when he walks into his room and turns off his light.

I give him his blanket and he gives me a hug.

Then I kiss him and say "I love you" and sometimes he tries to mimic my voice.

Then he lays down and smiles and goes to sleep so nice and peacefully.

He is a scheduled little guy, and does best on a routine.

I guess he probably got it from me.

Yes at this point in life, I'm loving bedtime!

4 Wheeler

2011-10-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

14 Months

2011-10-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

Homecoming

2011-10-06T06:58:00.000-07:00

My mom is seriously a miracle worker.

So Jamie came home with this crazy, funky dress that she found for like $30

Only problem... tiny little straps, low front, and super low back.

So my mom busted out her skills and made it beautiful!

My mom is an incredible seamstress, and super patient.

She has taken apart and re-sewn many dresses for me and my sister.

It was fun to see Jamie getting ready for her dance while I was up to visit this weekend.

Conference & Autumn Feast

2011-10-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

My youngest, baby-brother Derek just turned 12 and was ordained to the office of a Deacon.

It's a family tradition for the boys to attend the Priesthood session of conference when someone turns 12.

My dad, Mark, and all my brothers were able to go (except Kendall who is on a mission)

Aren't they a handsome group of guys!

The girls and Marshall and went shopping and out to dinner. I should have gotten a picture of us.

The Queen of the Fairies

Pretty good picture for yucky indoor florescent lights

Love ya sis!

Papa Paul

2011-10-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

Marshall loves his Papa Paul.

When my dad comes into the room, Marshall runs to him.

He even jumps down off my lap to go see his papa, which is really rare!

The last three times we've been about my dad, Marshall choses him over me.
So I guess papa gets the label of favorite... for now.

Signs

2011-10-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Fan

2011-10-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Mark got an ipod touch for his birthday.

Neither of us have ever had an ipod so we're feeling very modern now! hahaha

We got the carpets cleaned at my work and Mark and Marshall came up to

visit when the fans were still drying things out. Marshall had a grand time

in front of the fan. We were glad the ipod takes photos and videos to capture the memory.

This is our first experiment with the new equipment. Isn't technology crazy!

And to think I didn't even have a cell phone in high school.

Wow, where will things be when this little guy is in high school?

Sprinklers

2011-09-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

Mark re-planted the edges of our yard that die every year due to the extreme summer heat.

The last couple afternoons we've let Marshall play in the sprinklers while the grass is being watered.

Marshall man is in heaven! He squeals, laughs, and chatters the whole time. It's so cute.

Mia

2011-09-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

We watched Baby Mia last weekend while her parents went to a show in Vegas.

Marshall wasn't quite sure what to do with her, but he did love her car seat.

Mess

2011-09-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mark

2011-09-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

See and Say Songs

2011-09-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

How long has this toy been around? In my mind it's a classic!

Marshall loves to listen to the animal sounds and especially loves the songs.

It sings Old McDonald Had a Farm and The Farmer and the Dell.

Marshall smiles, dances, and tries to sing along.