There's No PlAcE like hOmE for the HoLiDaYs

Hello Bloggers! Pardon the absesnce for a week or so...it has been super busy here in Utah. We came into town last Thurs and missed all the snow on the drive in...phew. Mckinley was an ANGEL on the trip- she drank all of her bottles in her seat and only had a minor explosion an hour from my mother-in-law's house so it was great. We came to Utah and the snow was spectacular...I don't think I have seen so much snow in forever. It is gorgeous! We have seen tons of family and Mckinley is adjusting to the rig-a-ma-roll quite well. We had an excellent Christmas with gifts and goodies galore. Mckinley made out like a bandit- books, clothes, a Pottery Barn baby doll named Abby and lots of toys for when she is older and can appreciate how loud they can be. Mark and I were lucky enough to get some things to add to our food storage (since I have been on the food storage kick now for months). It has been awesome to see family and have them meet Mckinley. It is such a blessing to have family- here and in AZ. We are so blessed and I am grateful for my blessings! I hope you all had a MeRrY ChRiStMaS and that your new year is safe! 2009 is going to be a good one- we are back in Arizona on 1/3 and I return to work on 1/5. I can't believe how quickly this year went- I am sure now with Mckinley on board time will go even more quickly!

4 Generations- Grandma Cookie, Mimi, Mckinley and Me.

Baby Kates and Mckinley. Kate calls this her "Minnie Mouse" hair..such a sweetie!

eAtInG FrOgS and VaCcInEs

Mckinley is 2 months old today! i CaNnOt believe it! She had to go and get her shots today and she was such a good girl(notice the bandaid)! I had Mark stay in there and hold her because I didn't want to see her scream...and she did (only on the last two though). She was pretty grouchy @ home today but thank heavens for TyLeNoL! :) She weighs 11 lbs 13 ozs and is in the 75th percentile for height and weight and 50th for head size. She is absolutely perfect!

Mark Twain said “If you eat a frog first thing in the morning, the rest of your day will be wonderful.” Basically, nothing is worse than eating a frog and today was one of those days! My frog was going to Costco with an unhappy, inoculated baby...

Mark was such a dear and went solo while I attempted to get Mckinley to sleep.

PS- we are heading to Utah on Thurs. rather than the original plan of Wed. because the weather here in Northern Arizona is supposed to be super bad...so until Thurs. Oh and watch out Ellisons- we have the WHITE ELEPHANT gift to trump them all! :)

The gift that keeps on giving

Just click on the link and ENJOY
http://mistletoemakeover.com/?45622a8a8019071eecffa40ba5486f1d

Ribbons and curls because she is a girl

I have found a new obsession....

BOW MAKING (much to Mark's dismay). Last night myself and a few ladies from our ward took a bow making class together. It was so much fun. Heidi and I rode together and met everyone there. We had a blast! Thanks to Heidi for the class pictures

Doesn't Mckinley look so happy?!? This is my favorite!

Smallest to biggest

A little white dress...

The first major event for our little girl. MCKINLEY REESE WILLIAMSON was blessed Sunday, December 7 by her Daddy. It was a wonderful weekend. Grant, Grandpa Junior, Dave, Mike and Matt came down from Utah and so did my parents and little sister Brittnee. It was such a special day filled with lots of tears (I of course had to bawl from the pulpit while Mark stood cool, calm and collected as usual!). We had a little luncheon at our house afterword and didn't think we could have EVER fit that many people in our house. Here are a few pictures just to share the day with those that couldn't be here...wish you could have been! We love you all and will see you in a week!

The pictures come in two sections- the baby in the first...the bracelet from Grandma MaryAnn, her bow, the shoes and the onsie before the dress.... sorry so skeewampus...when I upload them it changed the format!





odds and ends :) A proud daddy, Auntie Brittnee who is an exceptinal closet organizer, Mimi and Grandpa and the Williamson Boys at their finest. Thanks to everyone that came!

Mckinley and Mark...need I say more.

Little Miss

HaPpY tHaNkSgIvInG!!!

What a great day! We are so happy to have Amy, Dave and their girlies here....Thanksgiving is so much better with family. In light of today....

10 things I am THANKFUL for:

10. A home that is mine and full of all the things that make it warm, inviting and comfortable. Mr. Williamson's special touches make it that much more special.

9. A job- right now, we are thankful that people want to go to school and that in January I still have a place of employment.

8. Family- we couldn't be more blessed. It is funny, as you age, your definition of family expands, changes and soon encompasses people that, by DNA, aren't relation, but you can't image your existence without.

7. A functioning body- I got up and went for a run this morning. How thankful I am for legs that propel me. I am grateful for my eyes to see the darling creation known as Mckinley. I am thankful for my sense of smell and taste and that I can enjoy all the pies, rolls and pit turkey I can handle.

6. The Gospel- there is no comparison to a testimony of knowing where I came from, where I am going and that I have a constant support system throughout my life. I am grateful that I KNOW I can be with my family forever. I KNOW that prayer is a real, tangible communion with God and I KNOW that the Savior died for me. He knows me personally, individually and loves me.

5. The gift of creativity- in no way should be this be construed as boasting :) I truly love to make things with my hands. The new thing are bows for Mckinley...man, who would have thought they were so easy! :)

4. Technology- web cams for the grandparents...truly amazing.

3. Mark Steven- my friend, companion and soul mate. I can't wait for eternity!

2. Mckinley- what a miracle. I can't look at her and not think about how lucky we are to have her here (FINALLY!!). Such a sweet angel from heaven that brings such a peaceful spirit to our home. I can't wait to see all the accomplishments she will have and to watch her learn and grow.

1. Lastly, in no particular order, I am grateful for shopping. I love it and can't wait for Black Friday!

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Turkey Day! Love you all! On to Christmas...I can hear "Muppet Christmas Carol" calling to me!

I can't believe that it has almost been a week since my last post. Sorry bloggers! I know there are quite a few of you (Mimi included hehe) that need pictures on a daily basis. Sorry I have failed you! ;)

This past week my really good friend from 8th grade Melanie came to stay a few nights. She is a sweetheart and quite the traveler...not everyday you meet someone who just up and goes to Borneo :)

Last night we went and rocked out @ the Stephens- here is Mr. Cyclone himself, Dallin holding Mckinley. He kept saying "BeeBee needs haircut" which caused my heart to sing as my child has hair!!

This was just a picture of Mckinley in her sunglasses (Thanks Aunt Becci)...what child in Arizona doesn't need sunglasses? Funny, she opened her mouth like she wanted to eat them. I could just eat her up!!

Angry Explosion...

This video pretty much sums it up...who knows where angry days come from and who knows where they go to fester until the next time they peer their ugly little heads.

Today just was one of those days...I did absorb most of it reading "The Secret Life of Bees" and I thoroughly enjoy it.


At least there is a small bit of humor and nostalgia in this video. Enjoy and brighter days to come :)

http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/hulu/vi3990159385/

Babies for Bono

Start them while they are YOUNG...Mckinley sporting her U2 custom onesie. Too soon to tell if she will be a BONO or The Edge fan but she is a music fan- today we rocked out to "Human" by The Killers and she was soothed. Slept. Calm.

Bits and pieces

Me and the BEAN...how lovely a nap...when my eyes are closed the bags under my eyes are completely unnoticeable ;)

Our dog Cory- he is feeling neglected with the new baby but is still such a good boy.

Mark's dad and Step Mom here from Utah. Quite the Scrabble contenders :) It was nice to have them here. Now a few weeks of just me, Mark and the baby and then more guests...it keeps your house clean, your fridge stocked and a happy, anticipation :)

The Mystery Castle

G and Chris (Mark's dad and Step Mom) are in town from Utah this weekend. So many visitors, we are truly blessed! Yesterday was Mckinley's first big outing- oh the stories, considering we took her to a place we refer to as "the Junk House".

Mark and I discovered this gem of a landmark a few years ago and took my grandparents there. G wanted to go and see the Frank Lloyd Wright house..alas, I couldn't part with the $32 PER PERSON price tag to tour a house with a triangular swimming pool. The $5 admission fee for the Mystery Castle was far more appealing so that is where we went. We put Mckinley in the snuggly- Mark carried her papoose style on his chest and after she ate...she slept the rest of the time.

For those of you that don't know what the Mystery Castle is...basically a dude built this house all out of recycled stuff for his daughter, who still lives there, and hid all this stuff under a trapped door for them to open in 1945- they opened it and found all this money. The last time we went she was up in her room so we didn't get to meet her...this time she was up and about and thought Mckinley was an angel from heaven...loved her! This site gives a little more information and more pictures...funny enough Mr. Gulley who built the Mystery Castle put in 13 fireplaces and one of them is in a room where people used to get married. Pretty cool. Read more here: http://phoenix.about.com/od/attractionsandevents/ss/mysterycastle.htm

Here is Mary Lou Gulley

Here are some pics of the castle-

We had a fun and Mckinley was pretty well behaved :) G and Chris leave tomorrow and Mark and I are going to start our food storage. I think that is my new quest. We have been really bad at it...up until now we can barely survive a week on what we buy. My first purchase was some Quick Oats..not much but better than nothing. Off to another week!

PS- Thanks. a. million. We have gotten so many calls from friends and family about Mark getting laid off. We are so grateful. We are too blessed! Thanks for the support and love!

Blessing in Disguise?

So, the day we have been dreading has finally arrived....no, I am not referring to the President that was just elected, I am referring to Mark being laid off. We have been anticipating layoffs since August and have crossed our fingers and prayed since. He made it through a few rounds but the hammer fell today. I had just dropped Mark's mom off at the airport (side note it was marvelous to have her here!!) and had made a stop at Hobby Lobby, the first real outing with Mckinley since she is 3 weeks tomorrow, Mark calls and says:
Mark- "Where are you?"
Me-"Hobby Lobby. Why?"
Mark- "Well, make sure you don't buy anything I just got laid off."
Me-"No way."
Mark- "Yep."

In typical "don't get worked up Mark fashion" he says we will be fine and it will all work out. I believe we will be ok. The Lord has blessed us so much and this might be a trial (horrible timing but it wouldn't be a trial if it wasn't), but I know we will be fine. Mark has lots of skills; computer hacking skills, nunchuck skills, bowstaff skills and he can grow a goatee. No seriously, he has lots of things to offer and will make sure he provides no matter what. He is hard worker and we will make it!

"NOT WHAT WE SAY ABOUT OUR BLESSINGS, BUT HOW WE USE THEM, IS THE MEASURE OF OUR THANKSGIVING."
-W.T.PURKISER

BEHOLD!

Wow- up until last week I never realized how codependent I was on technology- I honestly went through internet and blogging withdrawal! Our computer was overtaken by a nasty spyware virus last week and thanks to the graciousness of one Evan Iund (we are forever indebted), we are now back up and running. I know you missed me :)

So here are the details- my mom is gone. It was hard. I never thought it would be as difficult as it was to have her leave- she was here for 16 days and we had a great time. She is up for a game of Scrabble for anyone interested...she could use the practice for when we come home for Christmas ;) (have some taters!! ha). Dad and Bree came for a few days which was nice- it made me realize how long it has been since we had a baby in the family. It also made me wish to be home- we are more than likely coming home for Christmas and can't wait for everyone to see our little girl.

Mckinley had her two week appoinment and she now weighs 8 lbs 8oz. She is a chubster and a great eater. She is sleeping almost 3 hours consistently at night and Mark and I have been taking turns getting up with her. We in fact were just talking tonight about feeding her at night being such a trip. It is so quiet- nothing but the soft squeaks of a newborn and your thoughts- so surreal and meditative.

We are all happy and healthy and enjoying Mary Ann (Mark's mom) being here this weekend. She will be here until Wednesday and then another sad day when she has to leave.

Ok- time for the pictures which I am sure what you have really been waiting for :) Again, thanks to everyone for coming to visit and OH and we got an anonymous gift in the mail...a dArLiNg onesie with her name on it!!! If that was you....we love it! Thanks for the prayers, well wishes and thoughts. We really do miss you guys and wish you all could be here to love on her :)

Mckinley and Mimi

I like Mckinley's face in this one...she knows full well the trouble Grandpa is going to give her...and sweet Van Halen T-Shirt dad :)

Mimi and Auntie Bree

Grandma Mary Ann and her first Mckinley encounter :)

THANKS JENN!

We had a sweet girl, Jenn Allen, come over this week, TWICE (because she is such a sweetie), and take pictures of Mckinley. She did a GREAT job. I just wanted to send a few out, I couldn't wait until the announcements. I have to say, Mark and my genes are a superb match that equals a darling little girl.

Sugar and Spice.....

I can't believe our little girl is going to be a week old tomorrow! Today Mark went back to work- we are so happy to be saying that considering that DR Horton has been threatening to lay employees off since August. Mckinley is doing great. She is finally accustomed to getting her diaper changed- at first she would scream bloody murder any time we uncovered her but now she relaxes and lets us get the job done. She had her first Drs appointment yesterday and she is sheer perfection. She left the hospital weighing 7 lbs 11 oz and was up to 7 lbs 13 ozs yesterday. The Dr. does seem to think she is a little "tongue tied" (the little tissue under her tongue is really close to the end) and we are going to another Dr. next week to see if it needs to be snipped. He said she was "beautiful" too- Mark is happy we didn't end up with a "Seinfeld" baby although I thoroughly believe that we would think she is the most precious thing regardless :)

Here she is adjusting to getting a bath- she is getting better but she still has about a 5 minute limit of being naked.



Her first "real" outfit since the hospital....

Here is another picture from the night the Iund's came to visit....

Proud Papas

This is Mark and his best childhood friend Evan. He and his wife Lindy had their little boy Braeden about three weeks ago- you can definitely see the size difference and how different little boys and girls really are.



Mckinley is doing well. We realized this morning we must have been starving her because the nurses said to only give her 30 mL. Well, this morning she drank 50 mL and then 10 more. She is a great eater and burper. She is sleeping pretty well and we are really enjoying our newest addition.

Our little Pumpkin

We are so glad that we got to come home today! Here are a few cute pictures- more to come of our darling little girl.

Here is Mark- such a good daddy!



This is the bow- yes it is large but undeniably the cutest thing ever. You can also really see the giant scratch she gave herself.






The proud parents...so excited to be taking her home.





this is the going home outfit her proud Daddy picked out. The shirt Mark bought @ the motorcycle races in July- it says "Fast Kitty" and has a little cat on a bike. The pants have a cute little ruffle on the bum :) She is so precious!