PreK Christmas program round 3.

Cool as a cucumber. 

I was a little concerned that Kingston wouldn't be the performer that Mc was BUT, he did awesome! He sang, did the actions (my favorite was "We Wish you a Merry Christmas") and followed directions like a champ.

His wish list included a "racetrack and a remote control monster truck" and for once, both items will be delivered this year (Mc's were always a surprise of what she thought Santa was bringing). Daddy, Mommy, Enzo and Alex came to cheer him on! A lunch at Chic fil A after was a nice reward for everyone.

Darling little Rudolph. 

I got this. 

5 of 12

Coolest baby in town.

This little chubster is five months old! 7 oz bottles, rice cereal, still sleeping through the night, sitting up, and a TOOTH! We went through 4 different kinds of formula and have settled on the Soy which seems to help with your spit up. The million dollar grin is still my favorite! You are now at the stage where you are in never in the position we left you in and you LOVE to take off your socks because you can. You seem to like your binkie a little better than before- mostly to chew on. You love to pat things over and over, kick your chubby legs and sit in your bumbo.Kissing your cheeks has become our new past time and we wondered how our family survived without your edible baby thighs.

Loving the rice cereal. Most babies don't know what to do with food/the spoon the first time. You were a pro- like you had been eating solid food your whole life (all five months of it).

You love your Seahorse. Right next to your face, licking it, biting it. A must have for nap & bedtime.

Sub for Santa

Brayden left early, Alina was working, we missed Tyler and the newest addition (outside of Lorenzo) was Brittnee's boyfriend Garrason. 

As is customary, we met together as a family to support a few kids from the Adoption Exchange of Utah. This year, we had 4 (two sibling groups). One boy stood out to me this year. He is 19 and based on the system will be "aging" out before he finds his forever family. His "wish list" was nothing more than things to help him to get out on his own- blankets, shower curtain, toilet brush- things that a normal 19 year old kid wouldn't be asking for but in his case, are necessary. He doesn't have parents to get him all ready for college. He doesn't have a college fund. His little brother surprised me by asking for the Maze Runner series and we were happy to oblige. The other sibling group was a set of twins. Darling kids that had the typical wants of an eight year old. We ate pizza, went shopping, had delicious oreo cake (Thanks, Bree) and get to think about these kiddos on Christmas morning as we remember what Christmas is all about.

Name them one by one

Thanksgiving 2014 was very reminiscent of Arizona. We had one turkey dinner (2009)  outside in AZ in the Cosseboom's backyard. I ran a 10K in the morning, wore shorts and short sleeved shirt while we feasted. It was awesome! It was unseasonably warm this year in Utah- no coats for the kids, no snow. We ate at Mom's house with the Lindquist side and had a pretty awesome turn out. Sunni brought the Corn Pudding which was pretty much all I had on my plate. Dessert at Mary Ann's and home to snuggle with the babies.

There was much to be thankful for. Health being #1 on the list this year. We all wore shirts for Ashlee- "Team Ashlee". She had gone in the day before to have her port put in so she could start chemotherapy today. I missed her. Some of the fondest memories I have are from spending Thanksgiving at the kid table with her. The gumdrops with our names that Grandpa had so beautifully caligraphied. We all took pictures that day in our pink shirts to show our love and support. We truly take for granted all the stress, exhaustion, bad eating and scars we put our bodies through and they just keep going. Ashlee has really helped me to take a moment to stop and think what is truly important and to notice small things (the mountains that are right outside my front door, hot chocolate, a warm bed, that I can run).

I am thankful for the opportunity I have to work from home. Since we moved back, I have yet to miss a milestone with my babies. Kingston and Enzo rolling over right next to where I work and Mc growing every day before my eyes. I get to volunteer in Mc's class, go to all the Dr appointments, lay with them on the couch and work even when they are sick.. It's a dream and I am truly blessed.

Mr Williamson. I am honored to be his wife and so grateful that I get to walk this journey with him. He is the best partner and companion. His kids love him to the moon and so do I.

I love my kiddos. All THREE (wow!) of them. They are all such special spirits and I am so indebted to the Lord for giving me these babies. They all have such unique personalities that bring different things to our home.

I am grateful for our cars, our house, heaters/AC, tampons, chocolate, Hawaii, Paris, The Walking Dead, Grandparents, the Temple, eternal families, the B of M, journals, soup, hair spray, dryers/washing machines, Ipods, disposable diapers, hair dressers, nail polish, jeans, U2, a bank account, Peonies, warm socks, Christmas, Hello Kitty, best friends and my Savior.

Kingston came with me to finish my shopping before the rush. He was thrilled to share, "look mom, I'm holding a bum". 

Happy Thanksgiving from our Butterball to yours!

Grandpa Donut holding Enzo who appears to be in a Tryptophan coma. 

The Williamsons rocking the pink for Ashlee. 

The whole crew showing our muscles. We love you Ash!

In Like Flynn.

Thelma Waraby Walter Marshall

Thelma Marshall passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2014.

She was born the 5th child of Stephen Warby and Hannah Nelson Deck Warby, June 16, 1925 in Manila, Daggett, Utah.

She lived in Manila, until the death of her father in 1936. At the age of 11, the family then moved to Green River Wyoming where she attended school.

She met Norman Walter in Kearney, Nebraska and they were later married on May 11, 1942 in Minden, Nebraska. In 1946 she had her first child Eddie and in 1947 she had her second child Emery. Thelma moved several times since Norman was in the Navy. Upon Norman's death in July 1952 she returned to Green River, Wyoming. She lived in Green River for several years. In 1960 she met Earl Marshall and they were later married on January 3, 1961 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1963. On December 5, 1963 she gave birth to her third child Scott Alan. Thelma lived in Salt Lake until 2012 when she moved to Roy, Utah where she lived until her death.

Thelma was preceded in death by all her six siblings; both spouses, a son Scott Alan, a step daughter Shelly, a step son Randy, a granddaughter Julie, and a great granddaughter Brittany.

She is survived by two sons, Eddie Walter and Emery (Nonie) Walter, two step daughters, Robin Marshall and Kathy (Kraig) Iverson, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 33 great- great- grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Myers Roy Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy. A viewing will be held Saturday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to services.

Interment, Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- See more at: http://www.myers-mortuary.com/mobile/obit.php?id=1455506&name=Thelma-Warby-Walter-Marshall&loca=West-Haven-UT#sthash.oCo7gYBb.dpuf

This is my Grandma Tilly. I was small when I spent the majority of my time with her but I have very vivid memories of this sweet lady. I had a tree. A pine tree that was planted and grew with me. I was the only one allowed in her fancy cupboard to play with the velvety kitten with "ruby" eyes and the dancer jewelry box. She taught me to play Rummikub. For my 13th birthday we went to the Magic Wok for dinner. She loved to buy me jewelry. The 8 track, "Sneaky Snake Goes Dancing" (Tom Hall, 1985) was my favorite.  I was her "Honey". 

I learned that she had a 56' Ford Fairlane. That seemed to suit her. She loved to play Pinochle and would say "In like Flynn".  Skip told me that had said earlier in the week, "I am going to die on Thursday". When he told her that Thursday was Thanksgiving, she said, "Well, then I guess I will reschedule". She went out swinging. She looked beautiful in the casket in a light blue silk.chiffon dress with her nails painted and cute rimmed glasses. 
 
She's with her sweetheart. She is with her son. And I know I'll see her again.



Thelma Warby Walter Marshall

Thelma Marshall passed away Tuesday, November 25, 2014.

She was born the 5th child of Stephen Warby and Hannah Nelson Deck Warby, June 16, 1925 in Manila, Daggett, Utah.

She lived in Manila, until the death of her father in 1936. At the age of 11, the family then moved to Green River Wyoming where she attended school.

She met Norman Walter in Kearney, Nebraska and they were later married on May 11, 1942 in Minden, Nebraska. In 1946 she had her first child Eddie and in 1947 she had her second child Emery. Thelma moved several times since Norman was in the Navy. Upon Norman's death in July 1952 she returned to Green River, Wyoming. She lived in Green River for several years. In 1960 she met Earl Marshall and they were later married on January 3, 1961 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1963. On December 5, 1963 she gave birth to her third child Scott Alan. Thelma lived in Salt Lake until 2012 when she moved to Roy, Utah where she lived until her death.

Thelma was preceded in death by all her six siblings; both spouses, a son Scott Alan, a step daughter Shelly, a step son Randy, a granddaughter Julie, and a great granddaughter Brittany.

She is survived by two sons, Eddie Walter and Emery (Nonie) Walter, two step daughters, Robin Marshall and Kathy (Kraig) Iverson, 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 33 great- great- grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Myers Roy Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy. A viewing will be held Saturday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to services.

Interment, Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City, Utah

quattro

Enzo & Grandma Cookie who said, "oh he's so little but he weighs a lot". Amen Grandma.

This kid- 4 months old! Where has my newborn slipped away to!? Not only did we pass the newborn phase but it seems that teensie tiny baby (my smallest at birth) also got lost behind this chubster little boy. At your appointment you weighed 16.5 lbs (82 percentile) with a head circumference  in the 90th percentile. You have been sleeping through the night for almost a whole month, drinking 6 ozs, eating your hands and sitting in the bumbo. You are such a happy boy and your cheesier grin rakes in the masses. Sissy loves to smoosh your cheeks. Kingston wants to lay by you while he watches his shows. Mommy and daddy think you're amazing for getting on such an amazing sleep schedule. You are pretty much the best baby and we love you more and more every day!

Wearing size 9 month clothes- this was also the day you rolled over for the first time. 

Filling the bath to the brim.

Brudders

You have found your hands and whack at this toy until you conk out. Nevermind that it's right on your face.

Some people are worth melting for

Halloween 2014 is the year of Elsa & Anna. Mc was no less enchanted with Elsa (and she was one of the few that didn't have to wear the horrible wig that came with the costume), and in proper form, I had to go as her counterpart, Anna (wearing a horrible wig that didn't come with the costume). Thanks to my mom I was able to overcome my phobia of sewing and not only aided in making my cape but also fixed TWO (count that, two) sweaters of Mc's. It was yet again unseasonably warm this year so with no coats and as fast as their legs could carry them Brynlee, Mc & Kingston raced from house to house until their feet hurt and their arms almost broke beneath the weight of their candy bags.

This was also Mc's first year of a school parade and I got the privilege of volunteering in her class for the Halloween party. I totally remember those cool room moms and hope to join their ranks as I will be volunteering every Friday for the rest of the year.

We got way too much candy, couldn't sleep thanks to "Monster House",  but ever year it seems to get more and more fun to watch the kids learn about everything cool that comes along with the Holidays.

The Willies at the ward Trunk or Treat where Enzo won "cutest costume" and Mark won "most original".

Nothing like a glow stick bath after a hard night of trick or treating.

3rd generation skull jammies that I think fit Enzo 2 months earlier than the other two kids. He is by no means a "skeleton".

Mimi and her Punkins.

Kingston took the liberty of wearing TWO costumes this Halloween. You may remember this number from Halloween 2012.

Alex the Sugar Skull with the kiddos.

two hands

Miss Mckinley Reese is S I X! The day that she has been talking about since December 2013 arrived- her birthday! It seems, at our house that it is more of a "birth month" vs a "birth day". We should probably theme this birthday The Year of the Cat because it seemed like everything was kitties. Alex spoiled her with her favorite cat ear headband that she has had to wear every day, a new beanie boo kitty, a Lisa Frank kitty notebook,   and a darling cat dress. Mommy and Daddy miraculously found "Pepper" the long lost cat that we left at Disneyland- except she is now clean and new. New shoes, an Elsa doll and art stuff.  Dinner with Mommy and Daddy for a special date at Benihana with your favorite, "pink meat" and shrimp.

The new and improved "Pepper". 

The following weekend we had your friend party. The guest list was slaved over and anticipation of what awaited could barely be contained in your little body. Asher, Garrett, Abby & Brooky, Kadree, Brynlee, Kate, Avery, and Jill came to honor you on your special day. We played the Dice game, per your request, decorated Halloween cupcakes, had pizza and bounced in the bounce house. Hello Kitty crafts, nail polish,  a Wonderloom, books, more Hello Kitty and a Frozen game were the coveted gifts.  It was one of the nicest days in October for weather so we lucked out. I love that your birthday is close to Halloween!

Front to back (L to R): Asher, Garrett, Abby, Kate, Brooky, Kingston, Kadree, Avery, Mc, Jill, Brynlee

Then on to Mimi & Papa's for more presents- darling clothes and an Easy Bake Oven. The Williamson party rounded out the month with clothes, a Kindergartner's dream box full of art supplies from Grandma Mary Ann and more trinkets and treasures. Two birthday cakes- both chocolate of course.

We are so lucky to have you in our family! At six you still have the longest, most beautiful hair! You are so proud that you have callouses- the sure sign that you have mastered the monkey bars at school. You LOVE making friends, running, riding your bike and playing pretend. Your favorite past time is making "books" by using all of mommy's Washi tape and various pieces of paper to tell a story. You have mastered the TV remote and always seem to find Scooby Do or an equally annoying kid program. I love walking you  to & from school every day to listen to you stories and hear about your day. You still give the best hugs and are an awesome big sister. Your favorite food has become pizza (after two years of trying to get you to try it), and you are a chocolate connoisseur. You love "fashion design" and to draw clothes, hair dos and accessories. You are one special kid that makes life interesting EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. We love you so much Mickey Do!

Go. Fight. Win.

They always say your cousins are your first best friends. In that case, Ashlee has always been mine. Born just 3 months after me, I think we were inseparable since birth. She was always my fashion "go to"- I knew frogs, Jack Skellington, Geribauds, Bjork, perms and Cottonwood Mall were cool because of her. I always knew I had a friend and someone at every family party to pal around with.  She has always been beautiful. I still regret not being there for her wedding- deadline week at work and I didn't end up flying home. I missed her trend setting short wedding dress and didn't get to meet her Love for a few months.

I still remember the day she called to tell me SHE was pregnant...I was pregnant too (and had yet to tell anyone), our due dates just days apart,  and it was in that moment that we arrived at momhood together. She found out she was having twins so what was an October due date became August and Mckinley decided to be six days late. She is an amazing mom. I love that Sophs showed up to a play date in an Elsa gown. I love that her life revolves around what makes them happy. I love that she isn't afraid to lick Van's sucker that is soggy with toddler goo,  but he asks her to "taste".  Holidays, birthdays, her leprechaun...all of it perfect.

She has always been a sounding board. She has always been an anchor. She has always been someone that understands. She gets me.

The email came last week. As Audy puts it "it is still hard to say or write"- Ash has cancer. Stage 4. Colon. In my moment of sadness, I can't help but think about my sweet cousin, her sweet babies and how she must be feeling. The prognosis is scary. The treatment, inhumane. 32 years old and in the fight of her life. Fight. That's what she will do with hundreds by her side. That's what she does best. This chick can ride a bike 100 miles. This chick can carry twins and one more. This chick can tell you like it is. This chick isn't afraid of the unknown. This chick holds it all together. This chick has seen the world, married her best friend and will kick cancer's ass. That's just how it will be. We have too many more "Princess Pat" songs to sing and babies to raise- I love you, Ashlee Smoot!

iii of xii

U2 sums it up quite nicely.

"Baby slow down
The end is not as fun as the start
Please stay a child somewhere in your heart"

Mr Enzo is three months old! Man did that zip by! I was really worried this time about making it through the newborn/ recovery phase and it literally feels like it never happened. Lorenzo is such a happy/easy baby. He is on an excellent schedule- eating 4-5 ounces and sleeping from 8-4 at night. He loves his bath. Loves to carry on a conversation and definitely loves to be held. He has found his hands and feet and is so close to having the eye/hand coordination to grab. He loves to have the blanket next to his cheeks, his swing and watching brother and sissy play.

This kid is a chunk! Unfortunately, he is so short that size 3-6 months pants are too long and 0-3 month pants are too tight around the middle. We are making due with one piece outfits and sweatpants (perfectly acceptable for babies).  

We love to kiss his cheeks, pinch his little thighs and hold our lips to his fuzzy little head when he's over our shoulders.

Daddy stopped in for a little chat one morning. We are all smitten with this little boy.

Lorenzo's first movie was the Boxtrolls with brother, sister and cousin Brynlee.

Happy to see me after a 10 hour night of sleep.

Disneyland 2014

A year of planning and it seems that our trip to Disneyland was over in a blink! We started planning pre-Enzo and when all was said and done, it was a great vaca to end the summer. We opted to fly this time which by all accounts was MUCH better than driving. Enzo slept the whole flight nestled in with Auntie Britty and before we knew it, we were in Cali. It was yet again unseasonably warm (see Disney 2012) but, we had the benefit of Brittnee and her scooter to push us to the front of the lines. We rode everything! Mc rode Tower of Terror (probably the one and only time- "I never want to ride the Tower of Terror again! I would rather ride the Tower of Laughter or Happiness."). She loved Thunder Mountain, Pirates, Ariel and Cars. Kingston wasn't quite tall enough for most of the rides but preferred the rides without "hills" and any ride that he liked, instantly, we had to ride again. Lorenzo mostly stayed in his car seat but it should be mentioned that his first ride at Disneyland was Pirates of the Caribbean. We had quite the system of staying with the baby while the other carted the kids. Dad was a trooper and let us hit the Tower of Terror, the Matterhorn, Space Mountain and all those "big kid" rides while he stayed with the littles. My favorite is sitting next to Mark on the Tower of Terror and listening to him laugh like a school girl.

 

Plane ride to LAX

The Desert Palms treated us well and the walk to and from the park (albeit hot) wasn't too bad. Thursday was our first day at the Park where we hit Ariel's Grotto for the Princess Breakfast courtesy of Mimi & Papa.We got to see some princesses, have some tasty food and then start at Car's Land for the rides. Most days, we headed back to the hotel to cool off and take naps. Friday we were there to see the Haunted Mansion transform into Christmas Town from Nightmare Before Christmas and also, be there with 1,000's for "Dapper Day"- season ticket holders dress up in 50's apparel, complete with nylons, headpieces and suits (keep in mind it was 96 degrees out). Saturday was our Magic Morning and last day. The kids were worn out but didn't want to leave. We made it home with only one major tragedy. "Pepper"- the mangled stuffed cat from Mc's 5th birthday, and our Ipad charger were left behind. It took Mc four days to notice that "cat" was gone and once she remembered many tears were shed.

There is a $300 bet out there that I will get the itch to hit Disneyland again next year. I am holding strong to a trip back in 2017 when K is tall enough to ride everything and we can get by with an umbrella stroller. I will admit, there is something that keeps luring me back no matter the cost or inconvenience. I love spending that time with my kids and can't wait to go back.

Lorenzo slept in a suitcase and seemed perfectly content to do so.

Kingston at the Princess breakfast.

The girlies and Sophia the First. It should be noted that Kingston had NO desire to talk to, look at or wait in line for any of the characters. Mickey included.

Watching the fireworks- notice Kingston holding his ears.

Lorenzo wasn't a fan of Dumbo.

All the girls in their Minnie shirts.

Two of the 300 Elsas we saw.

The face that makes all the planning, money, heat and waiting worth it. She was awestruck by the princesses.

Mc was smart- when the stroller was taken Aunt Britty provided a comfy, fast moving place to sleep.

Nail painting the night before our first day. From left to right: Brynlee, Brittnee, Mimi, Mc & K with his one blue nail.

Mimi and the kids.

Mc losing her mind and Brynlee emotionless right behind.