Silhouette Cameo

The Silhouette CAMEO™ is an electronic cutting tool for personal use. Like a home printer, it plugs into your PC or Mac® with a simple USB cable. However, instead of printing it uses a small blade to cut paper, card stock, vinyl, fabric and more up to 12″ wide and 10 feet long. The machine also boasts a quiet motor and the ability to register and cut printed materials.

My sister purchased one for her FCS classroom and loved it so much that she purchased one for her home as well. I can't even count all the projects it has been used for. It is so nice to have this sitting on your computer desk to use whenever you need it. It is small and compact and best of all, it doesn't require a million cartridges to work. You can cut graphics that are already on your computer, or you can purchase individual patterns online for pennies compared to a cartridge, and you get exactly what you want, with out the fluff that you might never use.

I'm sharing this with you today because this site listed below is teamed up with the company to advertise a great deal going on right now to purchase a Silhouette Cameo one AND they are also giving one away.



If you have ever thought you would like a personal cutting machine, this one is worth looking into. You can also see TONS of project ideas on the website listed above or on the Silhouette Facebook page.

Happy crafting throughout the coming year!

Birthday Wishes

Elliott's Birthday is November 23, so we also got to celebrate that with family. I can't believe that I now have a two-year-old. Last night I was looking at older posts and pictures from 'then' 'til 'now' and the change is so dramatic, he really is my little boy, no longer my baby.

We are so blessed to have this little boy in our lives, and I cannot imagine my life with out him. Even with all the mischievous grins that are quickly followed by catastrophic events--He is 100% boy (unless he is playing dress-up and hair dresser with his sisters) and I love every moment. He is our family comic relief and knows when to laugh with us and when to cry with us. He is tender hearted and HATES to be corrected or told no, but is learning. He is so polite and makes sure to say "thank you"(ta tue), "excuse me" (scus me) and "your welcome" (belbome) at all the right moments. He is constantly learning, which we have to be careful about, and LOVES to play with his sisters, especially when they are playing animals. He is my little helper and loves to help put away the silverware from the dishwasher, and loves to help me empty the dishwasher even when I am trying so hard to get it loaded :). He is daddy's little helper and is quick to pull out all the tools when daddy is fixing something, eager to add his assistance.

Happy Birthday Elliott...We LOVE you!

Thanksgiving

We were fortunate to be able to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with both Aaron's and my family. We spent Thanksgiving day in Meridian at my brother's house. He was a wonderful host and I got to try turkey from a turkey fryer...very good flavor and moist.

Aaron and I spent our Friday morning anxiously awaiting the opening of Lowe's so we could catch a killer deal on a table saw and shop vac to assist us in finishing up our basement project. No, we aren't to a finishing point yet, but hopefully with in the next year we will be busy using our new toy to frame our basement, with finishing not too far behind.

After we returned from shopping it was a mad rush to get children awake and ready to go to Caldwell to start cooking our own turkey at Aaron's brother's house. Aaron and I attempted and succeeded at cooking an apple brine turkey...VERY good flavor and very good texture. We got the turkey from my dad, if you remember, who raised turkeys about five years ago. the first few turkeys we cooked from this were dry, so last year Aaron and I attempted to increase flavor and moisture by brining in a sugar/salt water brine. It worked O.K. but we both decided that it needed more brining time. This year we found a recipe for a apple juice brine that also had fresh garlic and salt. 10 hrs. later we were ready to put our bird in the oven. At this point I turned it all over to Aaron and he did a terrific job and about 3.5 hours later we had an EXCELLENT turkey to go along with a wonderful dinner.

Friday evening we joined the rest of the Marshall's and experienced the Boise Botanical gardens--Winter Garden Aglow. It was beautiful to see all their lights and how they decorated every aspect of the garden. I was saddened to learn that we missed the train set, the reindeer, and Santa by a little over one week. They were all scheduled to start in December, there's always next year.

We loved getting to spend time with both of our families. Our children LOVED playing with cousins and they also LOVE their new crochet bags from their aunt, McKenzie insists on taking it everywhere she goes, and reluctantly gives it up at night with a promise that it will return in the morning.

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete with out recognizing all the blessing in my life that I am MOST greatful for:

First and foremost I am thankful for Aaron. My life would not be the same with out him. He calms me down when I get overwhelmed or upset, and he brightens my days that would otherwise have been dark and dreary. He know how to listen, and when hugs are not only needed, but necessary. He is a wonderful father. Our children love him so dearly and miss him every time he is away. He is someone I can confide in and someone I am not afraid to make mistakes infront of, because I know he will never laugh (unless I am also laughing). He has a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and has faith when mine is lacking. He knows not only who he is, but also what he is to become and strives for that daily. He motivates me to be better and reminds me that we are getting better together.

I am thankful for my children who teach me daily what it is to become like a child and be teachable in all things. I could not go through my days without their smiles and laughter that fill my home. I love the love that they have for each other and the patience they have for me.

I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, without which I would be completly lost. It anchors me in today's world, it gives me strength to keep trying, even when I have made so many mistakes, and gives me hope in the future. I am thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who blesses me with everything I need even when I am not doing everything right, and loves me unconditionally.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Back To School!

The first day of School was Aug. 22, and EVERYONE was excited. Alexis didn't start until the 23rd but that didn't keep her from being awake at 5:00 just so she didn't miss eating breakfast with her daddy. Aaron had to send her back to bed with the promise that he would wake her up when it was time.

The next day, Tuesday August 23, was Alexis' first day of school, another morning full of exictment. She woke up early, rushed through breakfast and then sat waiting just watching the clock so she wouldn't be late and miss the bus.

We went outside at 7:40 to take pictures (the bus comes at approx. 7:50 and there is a short walk to the bus stop). She let me take about three pictures, and that was it before insisting that it was time to go.

The plan was that I would follow the bus and meet her at school with the rest of the supplies that I thought were to heavy for her backpack. After rushing home from the bus stop I was greated with my car being blocked in by Aaron's car, and no keys to move it. It was quite an adventure to sneak around my house and out the other gate, but all of the excitement made me a little later than I wanted, and I still had to take McKenzie and Elliott to Aaron.

My neighbor (who has a little boy in Alexis' class) let me know when I got there that Alexis had been worried about where I was, but when I talked to Alexis, the first thing she said to me was, "you brought my supplies right?" She was more worried about making sure all of ther stuff was there, not really concerned with where I was, although I am sure that there was a little trepidation about that as well.

I left her classroom about an hour later after making sure she was OK, all of her supplies were sorted, her lunch account was paid, and she was ready for me to leave. Mentally Alexis has been ready for this day for about a year, and our back to school countdown started in May on the last day of Preschool. Unlike most new school age moms, I didn't cry when I left the school, we were both more than ready for this day.

When she got home she told me all about her day and how much she liked her teacher, how nice her teacher was, and all of her new friends that she had made. I love that she is finally getting this experience.

Alexis goes to Kindergarten two full days a week (Tuesday/Thrusday). And all of the neighborhood kids are in her class, and they all sit at her table. As the school year progresses I am sure that this attitude will continue. She is so grown up and loves to learn, even when she is "learning" somethig she already knows. It's more the process I think than the actucal content, which is OK with me as long as we can keep up an at-home program to keep her progressing.

Here is our new Kindergartener!

Happy Mother's Day!

Yesterday was Mother's Day and I loved every relaxing moment.

Alexis was the first one up. With McKenzie right at her heels she came into my bedroom with a brown paper bag...her present for me for Mother's Day from Preschool, she had been saving it since Thursday and counting down the days. It was so cute to see her so excited. Her present was a picture of her in a Popsicle frame with shells glued around the edges, my first in what I hope becomes a long line of homemade gifts

Aaron got up with the kids and got them breakfast and dressed so I could shower and enjoy getting myself ready for church.

Elliott went to Nursery for the first time by himself...even though he isn't quite old enough, the nursery leader thought he was close enough and since he didn't struggle or throw a fit it didn't make her day any harder. Having Elliott happily there encouraged McKenzie to not be grumpy and go to class as well. In nursery they made Mother's Day cards where they traced their hands...something that I will save FOREVER!

In Primary, Alexis also got to make me a card.

When we got home, Aaron went straight to work making a traditional Marshall Family Mother's Day meal...Crepes. It all started with his dad when they were growing up, and has Aaron continued the tradition.

We then all relaxed in front of too many Sunday approved movies. Dinner was leftovers from lunch (yumm x2). We then had a wonderful family time going through the Friend Magazine reading stories and talking about them. We also gathered around the piano for singing time.

Bedtime was ON TIME and the kids didn't argue too much. Aaron and I then spent the next three hours going through our upcoming activities for the month of May and working on a menu/shopping list. We ended with a great gospel study time together.

I LOVE my family more than words could ever begin to explain and I know without a doubt that my life would be miserable without them. Aaron quite literally is my other half, without him I wouldn't be complete. We have gone through a lot together and Mother's Day was a chance for us to reflect on the many blessings we have that make is possible for me to be a stay-at-home mom actively participating in raising our three beautiful children.

Happy Mother's Day!

Spring Break!

This last week was Spring Break, and we took the opportunity of spending a week in St. George with Aaron's parents. I don't know what the weather was like here, but I do know that it wasn't in the 70's EVERY DAY-except our last day! Yes, we were spoiled, and the kids LOVED it. We spent every moment we could outside doing things. Hiking, playing in the water park, hiking, playing at the park, hiking...you get the picture.

Alexis' favorite thing to do in St. George is go 'play' on the red rocks. She is my dare devil and loves to climb, jump, and hike her way through. She isn't afraid to try any route, and if it weren't for tiny members of her family, she would have gone everywhere she could on those rocks...but little, wobbly, in-experienced legs kept us to the safer routes through the bluffs, although given the chance, Elliott also would have gone everywhere.






McKenzie fell in love with this ladder at the local park. She would climb up and then take the slide down, and run back to the ladder to climb up again. I had to pull her away when it was time for us to go and it took a moment for her to accept the idea. She also LOVED crossing the balance steps (I don't know if they have a name, but this is what I'll call them here), she loved moving back and forth, and more than anything else, doing it HERSELF. This idea of independence is comming out with a vengence. She wants to do everything and insists that she can do it herself. This USUALLY isn't a problem, and we have enjoyed watching her learn by working through the problems that arise with doing things herself.



Tuesday morning Aaron and I were able to go to the St. George LDS Temple with his grandparents. They returned home with us, and got to meet Elliott for the first time...I wish I had rememberd to take pictures, but this mental memory will have to do. It took about an hour for our children to warm up to Grandma and Grandpa Murri, but after that there was no turning back. Alexis played ti-tac-toe with Grandpa, and McKenzie and Elliott were right there trying to figure out how they could also take part.

Tuesday after lunch (Elliott took a morning nap while we were at the temple) we returned to the bluffs, and when it got too hot to play, we went to the city water park. THe Water park in St. George is amazing. There is a foutain you can run through, a river you can walk down, and water falls you can play in. Elliott LOVED every second! He spent most of his time playing in the water falls, just getting his hands wet; he would sit down whenever he thought someone was going to come move him! We had to leave the falls to go to the fountain, and once he understood that he could run through the water he was back in water heaven. It was a perfect way to cool off and spend a lazy afternoon.


That night we attempted to hike to the temple quarry. Elliott fell asleep in the stroller (how he managed with all the bumps and obstcals that exist in a stroller is beyond me) and McKenzie refused to walk after the first 100 yards, so I put her on my back at which point she started to fall asleep. To keep her awake we played eye spy. This worked suprisingly well, until we got back in the car, at which point she fell asleep and didn't wake up until 9:00 that night, ate a late dinner, and went back to bed.

Wednesday, just as the weather channel promised, was cooler with a chance of rain. It was cloudy and overcast, and we did get some sprinkles, but we didn't let that stop us. We went to Fiesta Fun and played miniture golf with Grandma Marshall, played in the arcade, and played on the indoor playground. We met Grandpa Marshall for lunch (mongolian BBQ), and then returned to Fiesta Fun to let Alexis and McKenzie ride the mini-go-carts, and--much to McKenzie's dissapointment--Grandma Marhshall and Aaron (with Alexis as a passenger) rode the go-carts.

Thrusday we woke up early and headed for home. We left St. George at 9:00, stopped in Sciepo for a potty break and a petting zoo, stopped in Provo for lunch, and got home around 6:30, just in time for Aaron to go to Round Table (it's a Scout thing).

Did I mention that this little town (Sciepo) in the middle of no where Utah has a petting zoo...with a baby zebra!?!

Laundry

So, this last weekend...I FINALLY got a washer and dryer back into MY house! Yes, we are all very excited.

The Story:

If you didn't know, we have been struggling with plumbing problems since a week after we moved in...something in the pipes that we though was just old, needed cleaned out pipes, but that we later discovered were a lot more than 'just' that.

Unfortuently we went thorugh every other cheeper option before we just gave into the idea that our piping need replaced, and a badly installed downstairs bathroom needed to go.

So last summer after making sure we were able to pay for Aaron's first year of school, we decided to take out a student loan to pay for the plumbing and then pay the loan back when Aaron's signing bonus came in, and before it collected interest. I contacted many different plumbers in the area, and the first one that actucally came out to place a bid on the project ended up being the bishop up in Lava (a town in our stake). We walked through all of our new plans for our basement, and made sure to mention that we needed to complete in stages as we could afford to do so. He was wiling to work with us and let us do all the man labor and he would just come lay the pipe. It sounded great, but was still quite a chunk of change, and the manual labor took the most time.

Aaron spend a solid week breaking concrete, and then my sister came and we spend the next few days cleaning out all of the dirt around the pipe creating a trench that stretched almost halfway across our house. Then Chaud Plumbing came and ONE man in less than ONE day replaced everything and set up new hook ups for our washer.

It then took a few months to work schedules such that "my in town electrician" (my brother) was able to come over and move the electrical over to where the new drain line was, and Presto-Chango--we now have a new drainline with a washer/dryer hook up.

First Hair Cut

Elliott had his first hair cut last week. It took me two days and it still needs some touch ups in spots. He is quite the mover and shaker. He wasn't scared of the scissors or clippers, he just wanted to MOVE, even marshmallows soon lost their interest.

The first day I couldn't stop looking at him, to me he looked so very different, not at all like my little baby boy. BUT he does look like quite the handsome toddler, he is just minus some curls. This was the deciding factor for me. I had been putting it off because I LOVED his hair. It was curly and beautiful, not very boyish, but beautiful. On Saturday night when I was giving him a bath I noticed that his hair was starting to form into the second curl, a sign that it had been long enough and it was time for a hair cut. Little boys just shouldn't have ringlets.

I didn't get a before picture like I had always planned; mostly because it was a spur-of-the-moment decision and I actually did the first few cuts with him in the sink in a bath. The most recent picture I have of him is Christmas. But we got some AWESOME after pictures.

So without further ado here is our handsome toddler:

Happy New Year!

Eventhough it is ALMOST a Month into the new year, it's not too late to send this wish until at least the end of January...

I hope you all had a great Christmas and that you enjoyed being together with family and friends. Ours was great. We stayed at home and had a first ever Marshall family only Christmas in Arimo. I think the best part was not having to wake up early, Alexis was the first one out of bed at 8:30, she then got the other two up and all three joined us in our room for Christmas Morning-Mommy-Daddy-Bed-Time. Luckly for me there were not tickle wars this morning and as quickly as Alexis could pull us out of bed we were in the livingroom and all the magic of Christmas greeted us and made everyone smile.

Alexis was overjoyed AND overwhelmed. In her five-year-old mentality she wanted to move from gift to gift as fast as possible and is only now starting to enjoy all of the gifts. It is great to see her move through these developmental stages and I LOVE that now she is so greatful everytime she realizes that something in her day was new at Christmas and she is so quick to say thank you a MILLION times.

McKenzie tried her hardest to keep up with her sister AND keep her brother away from her Christmas stash. It was so cute to hear her say over and over, "No, Elliott". She too LOVED Christmas, but because it went by at a five-year-old pace, she too is just remembering Chirstmas presents, mostly when Alexis points it out and then they are both SOOO greatful. I LOVE IT! McKenzie is in an imitation stage where she wants to be just like her big sister in EVERYTHING. It is great to be reminded how big she really is. It is so great to see the interaction between the two and they have so much fun together, and now with more games and toys in the closet, they have more to share. Lastly for McKenzie, Christmas break kicked off potty training...YES! It took longer for McKenzie to pick up on the concept, but it came and now she is well on her way to having "Potty Power" (as quoted from a movie that has played endlessly in my home). SO, if you call, be prepared for McKenzie to share her accomplishment with you, reguardless of who she thinks is on the phone.

Elliott was a lot more interactive this Christmas than last, but still somewhat reserved, and when it was all over, he was just ready to take a nap. He loved opening presents, and playing with EVERYTHING reguardless of ownership. Big sisters beware, Elliott is getting taller, faster, and stronger!