Always look for a loop hole you can float through...

So today was officially my first day back to work. Man, in 12 weeks one can really get rusty on the jargon of business and management. It was weird because I went back to a team of unfamiliar faces and unfamiliar programs. At first I was a little shocked that I had left my newborn home, in good hands of course, and that I had ventured out to work....BUT...as the day progressed I remembered why I love what I do. I have a ton of cool people on my new team but my heart always lies with the original Team Williamson.

Mark is sick- he made it the whole trip in Utah without catching the plaque but I think we brought it back. Mckinley was out of sorts on Sunday too- kind of grouchy but back to her happy self today (Mark was extra grateful since he was flying solo today). She is getting so big and I just love to hear her chatter- Mark held the phone to her ear when I called today and she smiled when I talked to her. Such a sweetie.

I am on a book kick lately too- a few recommendations "Diary of a Skinny Wimpy Kid", "The Heretic's Daughter", "Freakonomics" and now I am listening to "The Last Lecture" (where the title of this post is from) about the guy who is dying of pancreatic cancer and wrote his last lecture on "childhood goals" in relation to his life.

These pictures have nothing to do with this post just documenting the cuteness of my daughter.

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.