Marshall Story Board

Jack Elliott Marshall

2012-11-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Elliott!

Today my 'baby' boy turned three, and it has been a fantastic day! McKenzie said it best when she said, "this is great we don't have school and we can just stay home and do stuff!"

My day started early...I have never missed a black friday and this year was no exception. Aaron stayed home and spent the morning eating Fruit Loops--Elliott's favorite cereal (for this year any way), playing games and watching movies.

When I got home, we made lunch, played more and had a great afternoon. For dinner, Elliott helped Aaron make Pizza while I decorated his cake. Our Friday tradition is pizza and a movie, and Elliott LOVES pizza so this day was no different.

Cake and Ice Cream, followed by presents, and finishing our movie. What a wonderful end to an amazing day.

I can't believe that Elliott is already three-years-old. Every day has brought smiles and laughter as we have watched him grow. His humor helps lighten the mood, and he helps teach us all what this life is really all about.

Happy Birthday Elliott! I can't wait for another wonderful year.

Halloween 2012

2012-11-05T19:22:00.000-07:00

This year was VERY different in that it was the first year that we have had a sick child on Halloween. Because of this, Elliott spent most of the day and night in bed and missed Trick-or-Treating. Aaron took the girls, and I stayed home while Elliott slept.

Alexis was a pirate, McKenzie-Little Bo Peep. His sisters were great at sharing their candy as soon as he was feeling better, and luckly he will still have many more Halloweens.

Elliott was going to be a dragon, a few days later I dressed him up and took his picture, because I couldn't pass up a picture of Elliott the Dragon :).

Sgt. Marshall

2012-09-23T19:53:00.000-06:00

On September 16, 2012 Aaron recieved another title to add to his ever growing list...He was promoted in the Idaho National Guard 25th Army Band to a Sergeant.

Chief Durfee, Spc. Marshall, First Sgt. Cleavenger

Notice the step back :).

The entire family was invited to his promotion ceremony and because it was in Boise, my mom, my sister, and my brother were also able to attend.

I had the wonderful honor of pinning on his new rank, the instructions I was given were to make the old rank fly and to make sure the new rank stuck (which I guess 'required' a little help) so I obliged and in the process hit my sleeping Elliott with the old rank (it defiently flew!), and knocked Aaron off balance with his new rank (I know he was expecting it, but I guess he just wasn't ready).

The General that was present for his promotion and his unit Chief both had some comments about Aaron and Military service. The general focused more about military service, but Chief was more personal and it was good to hear how much Aaron is appreciated and loved in his unit.

We are so proud of Aaron, his musical talents, and his leadership ability. He is a blessing in both of his occupations and in our home.

We love you Sergeant!

Happy Birthday Alexis!

2012-09-04T22:05:00.003-06:00

Alexis came home last week and informed me that she wanted to be a COWGIRL when she grew up, which wasn't necessarily new, but after weeks of worry about what to get her for her birthday, it finally clicked and this has become her new favorite accessory.

September 3, 2005--The day my life changed FOREVER and changes I would NEVER trade.

I will never forget the amazing three night stay in the Moscow B&B (aka-Gritman Medical Center), and leaving with THE cutest and most perfect little baby girl in the world. Fast forward SEVEN unforgettable YEARS and we have September 3, 2012. That's right, my oldest daughter turned seven yesterday and we did our best to make it unforgettable.

It started early (she went to bed the night before telling us that she was going to be the first one up, and she was--at 6:30AM on a holiday!) and ended with enough time for a good night's rest on a school night.

First things first, we celebrated by going BOWLING (because the roller skating rink was closed for cleaning) Followed by a traditional Wingers lunch. Alexis opted to go out for dessert this year instead of having cake and ice cream at home, so we left Wingers, forgoing the asphalt pie, and headed to the Pocatello Cold Stone Creamery. Alexis decided that the ONLY way to celebrate is by getting to choose your own gourmet ice cream flavor and having toppings of your choice mixed in by hand in front of you. Opening presents came as soon as we got home...Hold on to your hats, 'cause this was a moment to remember...SHE LOVED IT! and insists on wearing her new had as much as possible.

Alexis is AMAZING! She is a strong leader, she is kind to others, and always knows just what to say. She is always there to lend a helping hand with whatever we might need, and strives to anticipate where she can help others before being asked. She is an amazing pianist and works hard at developing this talent. She loves being outside more than anything else and has recently started making up her own gymnastic tricks which she performs on our swing set (her 'bars') and trampoline (her 'floor'), not to mention her wonderful circus acts. She loves her bike and would ride it all the time if we would only let her...Our lives would never be the same with out her. She lights up the day with her smile and humor. She enlightens our minds with all that she is learning. She amazes us every single day, and we am so happy to have her in our life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXIS!

Back To School!

2012-09-04T21:30:00.000-06:00

WOW, what an amazingly quick summer! I can't believe that it is gone and school is back in session. Aaron finished his schooling, completed all of his 'homework' and...PASSED! He now has his Masters Degree and we are all so very proud of him. He is already VERY busy with football season, marching band, and a new percussion class.

Alexis is in the first grade this year and for the first time goes to school all four days. All summer long she was counting down the days when school would start again. She loves being in school "just like Daddy". She LOVES reading and learning EVERYTHING she can. I can't believe that she is already in the first grade! There are two first grade classes and NO ONE that she 'hung' out with last year were in her class...NO ONE from Arimo was in her class either. As a mom, I was so worried for her, but on Back to School Night, she explained so maturely that this way she could make new friend. I can't believe how blessed we are with this amazing spirit that adjusts to anything at the drop of a hat, takes new situations and soars through not willing to let anything get her down or hold her back.

McKenzie started preschool today, she too was very excited and could hardly wait. Every time we drove by her school last month she would yell, "There's my school!" Today was her first day, and I had no idea what to expect, so I prepared for the worst. I planned on taking her and staying as long as she wanted me to. I got her signed in and all of her supplies sorted. She had her picture taken and was just settling into a puzzle when Elliott had to go potty, so I said I was going to take him, but I would be right back, she still asked if I was going to come back, so I asked if she wanted me to, and she said, "No, I'm fine, you can go." VERY different from my shy-in-new-situations girl, but I was overjoyed with this reaction. She was so happy to be there that any fear that she might have had were blown away from her excitement.

Elliott is about 97% potty trained...night times aren't our problem area, its PLAYTIME! Sometimes he still gets so caught up in the moment that it is hard for him to gage his physical abilities and make it on time, BUT 97% is enough to say that we are a DIAPER FREE family! And he LOVES his big boy underwear and lately, he even insists on his daddy taking him in the stores to the boy potty. In church on Sunday he REFUSED to go potty for me in the Women's restroom because "it was a girl potty". I'm not sure about this new phase, but ready or not, here it comes! Today was our first day alone together, and I'm not sure he knows what to think about it yet. I am planning on making this time his nap time so there won't be alot of time to miss his favorite playmate when she is at school.

I was asked earlier this year to teach a mini-class (if I can call it that) on quilting. The only people that signed up for the class were five young women in my ward, so as soon as Aaron got back from Ashland, I jumped on the opportunity to get the classes going before summer was through. We started with a course on fabric content, compilation, and care. With a section on cutting with a rotary wheel and safety. They move quickly and three short weeks later, we have blocks pieced ready to start lessons in hand quilting this week. It has been fun being able to do this and have the focus be for young girls. It takes me back being in Moscow Jr. High doing observation hours, plus the many courses on curriculum development and general FCS coursework.

So we are off and running! In our house this season naturally brings about new beginnings and we have already set wonderful goals for our family for this year...I can't wait to see the new directions we are heading...it's going to be great!

Jared

2012-06-15T09:21:00.000-06:00

My nephew, Jared White, passed away on June 13, 2012. There truly is another angel to join the choirs of heaven.

Unfortuently at this time of mourning and memories also comes the stress of trying to pay for an unplanned funeral. I cannot begin to describe the feelings in my heart as I try to imagine "what if it had been me". I know that right now, I would not have the finances or the plans made to take care of my child's funeral, and I know I am not the only one.

My family has created a blog about Jared, some of you might have seen it on facebook. In this blog we tell of Jared. His medical history, his loves, and our loss. We have also set up a non-profit paypal account and are asking for donations to help cover the $7,000 bill for the mortuary and cemetary, and this is just the bare necessisities: embalming, casket, plot, opening and closing of the grave, and other mortuary costs.

Jared's family, like myself and so many others, did not have life insurance to help cover these costs. Everything will be out of pocket, and unfortuently in this case, that pocket is not that deep. Here is where we need not only the prayers, but also the financial help of you, our family and friends. Every little bit helps , $10.00 here and there combine to make a lot more than you might imagine.

We have reached out through facebook, blogs, and phone calls to family and friends of EVERYONE we can think of. Our hope is that they can and will help through a donation, reguardless how small, and will pass on the link that others that we do not know will also be able to help just a little.

This may sound like desperation, and you are probaby right, but this 14-year-old boy deserves a proper burial, not just a body bag and cement box, and with that comes a bill that cannot be paid without crying out for help from others.

Jared's story and a link for donations can be found at: http://helpforjared.blogspot.com/

This Old House

2012-03-25T21:00:00.006-06:00

This past week/weekend Aaron and I spent a lot of time in our basement...and the results are AMAZING! With the help of our home teacher, my two brothers and their families (close and extended) we were able to take this:

And turn it into this!

We are leaps and bound ahead of where we were, but miles away from the finish line. It is weekends like this that I relish in the fact that SOMEDAY this project will be done and my basement dreams will become reality. We couldn't have done it without help, and we are both learning so much about construction-framing, electricity, HVAC, concrete, and more.

Our children were wonderful this weekend, they played with cousins and we didn't have any outbursts from the lack of parental interaction--It is moments like this when I know we are truly blessed in our efforts to finish our basement and increase our living space--which translates to separating our children so they don't jump on each other at night :)

Next up:
1-Intense clean up of the work area (I am a firm believer that if you clean up as you go, it makes it easier the next time around)
2-Leveling of the old floor drain so we can frame the other half of the basement
---All before spring break starts on Friday...wish us luck!

Happy March!

2012-03-07T09:25:00.002-07:00

February has come and gone, and WOW what an adventure.

We started out our February (2nd-5th) in St. George where Aaron was a recruiter for the American Band College. It was a wonderful time for us to spend with family while Aaron worked. I loved seeing my children interact with grandparents, and my children LOVED this time as well. Alexis and McKenzie also had the chance to have a sleepover with their cousin M—a night with NO sleep and LOTS of play made for wonderful memories.

We went from St. George directly to Boise so Aaron could fulfill his duties in the ANG band. They had rehearsal most of the morning, followed by a performance the night of February 6th. It was a short trip to Boise, but in the process we picked up lumber for our basement framing project, and drove all night to get Aaron back for school Tuesday morning.

February 16-18th Aaron was back in Boise with his HS Pep band at Girls Basketball State. Games were Thursday, Friday and the championship game on Saturday—Congrats to The Marsh Valley Girls BB Team for winning State and an UNDEFEATED season!—Aaron got home late Saturday night, just in time to start another week.

February 23-25th Aaron was back on the road, only this time with his Jazz Band. They traveled to Moscow to participate in the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. This was a great experience for Aaron’s students to see different jazz performers from across the nation, not to mention a great chance to see the beautiful University of Idaho campus. Many had never been, and it is an experience they will never forget.

And that was our February!

When Aaron is gone I do my best to keep down the fort. With lots of prayers and a little bit of luck, I keep the kids on schedule, and then stay up all night, either unable or unwilling to go to sleep on time without Aaron :). I have been able to complete some projects on my “to-do” list including a clock for Aaron’s parents, and re-organizing my house hold file box. Mostly I just try to keep my head above water, keep on top of daily chores, and somewhere in between find time to play with and teach my wonderful angels.

Alexis had her first Piano recital the end of January. She also started taking Tap Dance in January as well. She LOVES both and I am amazed everyday at both the natural talent and how hard she works to accomplish the tasks required with mastering these arts.

McKenzie entered primary in January and LOVES going to the big room. She is a HUGE helper around the house, she is quick to volunteer and slow to complain. She is a wonderful big sister to Elliott and loves to help him, which doesn't always turn out the best. She is mastering the fine motor skills associated with writing her letters, and enjoys dancing in the living room to whatever music is playing.

Elliott is getting to be such a big boy. He is my little singer. He LOVES to sing and makes up his own songs at night when we are getting ready for bed. He is also focusing on his independence and loves to do everything by himself and is quick to say ME!, MINE!, and NO! to anyone who even thinks about trying to help. His vocabulary is also growing leaps and bounds and there is very little that he says that I don’t understand. He likes to explore and loves to climb. Animals and their noises are at the top of his list of favorite activities. He is 100% boy, as long as his sisters aren’t doing their hair :).

March has already proved to be MUCH more relaxing as far as traveling is concerned. We are turning our focus back to our basement. Aaron has enlisted the help from wonderful friends in the neighborhood who have already taught him so many new skills related to construction work. Expect great news as the year progresses.

--Looking forward, no time to look back--

Happy New Year!

2012-01-06T21:45:00.003-07:00

This year Aaron and I have set goals that focus around BECOMING better both individually and better together. To copy a phrase I heard last Sunday, we are trying to get rid of our REVOLUTIONS--goals that are so "good" they keep coming around year after year. :)

It seems to be that it takes little to no effort to break a good habit, and FOREVER to build it again. Here in lies the reason for resolutions: to make good/better habits. So how do you make/keep a good habit? Are they really that easy to break? Or is it only easy if you aren't 100% committed?

For example: As a child I used to bite my fingernails, being young, it didn't seem like I had any control over the action, it was just something I did and something that was a part of who I was. My Grandma Larson was always getting after me to stop and "let them grow". It took YEARS to break the habit. Looking back I don't remember the process or the exact day/moment when I finally committed to stop biting my nails, all I know is that I don't bite my nails anymore and it is something I would never dream of doing. My biting temptation no longer exists.

So, I pose a question for you to ponder, and I would appreciate any comments or opinions: Is a good habit really that easy to break? Or is it only easy if we aren't committed? And HOW do we commit ourselves, 100%?

It is not only my opinion but my conviction that our commitment level determines our success and the real challenge is overcoming being satisfied with who you are in order to allow yourself to BECOME something better.

As I begin my new year this is my new focus. Not on the goal, but on the commitment level, and overcoming mediocrity. It is easy to make a list of ways to BE better, but unless there is a desire and commitment to BECOME better, it is just a list on the refrigerator that will most likely be thrown away during spring cleaning.

Silhouette Cameo

2011-12-29T14:07:00.002-07:00

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

2011-12-03T15:01:00.001-07:00

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

2011-12-03T13:55:00.004-07:00

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!

2011-08-24T12:28:00.004-06:00

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!

2011-05-09T13:08:00.005-06:00

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!

2011-04-10T13:17:00.017-06:00

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

2011-03-03T18:16:00.004-07:00

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

2011-02-02T09:37:00.004-07:00

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!

2011-01-07T07:10:00.003-07:00

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!

Winter is HERE!

2010-11-08T14:57:00.002-07:00

SNOW! Today Aaron and I woke up to rain, about three hours later it was snowing. Alexis was so excited! She rushed to get dressed just so she could go outside. Later she changed out of her choice of lounging cloths so she could go run outside and her pants wouldn't get wet.

Today as part of a cold weather inside day we pulled out a book Alexis got for Christmas last year--sticker sudoku. I can't even begin to describe how difficult it is and how much patience is required to work with a five-year-old on figuring out why a certain picture goes in a certain square. I think Alexis REALLY started to hate the question WHY? I was trying to get her to explain why she chose a picture, and work vocally through the process, she eventually understood what I was doing, and has since perfected the sticker sudoku process.

It was great to see her work through the problem and her frustrations with me on why I wouldn't let her guess. It never ceases to amaze me just how impressionable her little mind is, even in her most determined state. She really loves to learn, and as long as I have the patience, she has the patience.

Happy Snowy day!

Happy Election Day!

2010-11-02T14:52:00.002-06:00

Election Day 2010!

Hope you all find time to vote today. Remember: the choices you make today WILL affect your tomorrow.

Ever since I turned 18 I have relished in the fact that I can vote, and I haven't missed an election since. I love knowing that my opinion matters and can be counted as part of the whole, I have also always been of the opinion that if you didn't vote, you have no right complaining down the road.

There are a lot of political issues facing our nation at this time. They are almost always the same, jobs, health care, education. Get informed and stay informed so that you make the right choice for you and your family, and don't think it foolish to ask for divine inspiration.

Happy Voting! (Most polls in Idaho close at 8:00 p.m.)

Monique

Back To School!

2010-09-11T12:49:00.003-06:00

It seems very appropriate to have a back to school background because of Aaron's occupation, BUT this year it is also back to school for Alexis, who started preschool the Tuesday after her birthday. SHE LOVES IT! Not only does it give her time to have experiencing a school setting, but it also gives me time to have with McKenzie and Elliott.

This year in preschool (for Alexis) will help her learn what to do in new situations, experience being away from home, allow her to make new friends outside of family and church, and will help her learn things like the calendar system, pledge, and talking about the weather. They also go through a letter of the week, but for Alexis this is only review. She loves her teacher, and talks about how she gets to be the helper. (they all take turns being a helper in different areas ie: pledge, snack, etc.) On Thursday of this week (September 9) Alexis got to celebrate her birthday with her preschool class. We made and frosted cupcakes, and the entire preschool day she got to be the ONLY helper and do everything! I'm glad that the teacher thought about the fact that her birthday was just before school started and didn't make her wait to celebrate it with everyone. Being 5, the excitement about her birthday was still VERY much a part of everyday since her birthday.

McKenzie has blossomed this summer! I went from being so worried about her speech development to knowing that there isn't anything to worry about basically overnight. She is my TALKER! She talks as much as, if not more than, Alexis. She loves to say ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. I think the cutest thing is when Alexis will ask me a question, and McKenzie will answer, with out even thinking about it, the answer is usually yes. Alexis is ok with this, she knows that McKenzie answering is not the final answer, and it only bothers her when McKenzie feels the need to repeat the punishment or 'no' to her after I have talked to her. :). She loves to help, and loves to love her little brother.

Both girls LOVE Elliott. They enjoy just making him smile, and will do ANYTHING for a repeated giggle. Elliott also LOVES his big sisters. Every time I take him out of bed, he doesn't snuggle, or look at me, he turns instantly to the door and starts to look for them. (this is usually because he heard them and that is what woke him up) He loves to be on the floor with them and play with them. His favorite thing right now is Lego's. He loves them. He loves the bright colors, as well as the sound they make when he pulls over the container, and the sound they make when he hits them together. They are also a toy that he can play with and I don't have to worry about them getting teeth marks or being too small.

Aaron is enjoying a new year, although budget/funding cuts have put a damper on everyone. He is doing his best to still have a full functioning program, the hardest is that they have canceled his ability to take his students to festivals or competitions, which alters his spring curriculum significantly. BUT we still have a job in a wonderful community that supports the arts and we recognize that EVERYONE has experienced the bad economy, and it most likely is only going to get worse. This is his 'senior' year, and has been so exciting for him to see his freshman class enter their senior year. His concert band numbers are the highest they have ever been, and he is enjoying the challenges that come with more students.

This year I have set some wonderful goals. It amazes me how most people's years go from January to January, but ours go from August to August. We have had school a part of our lives from the very beginning, so this is just how it goes. Anyway, because of this, I find that my 'new year resolutions' come in August, not January. This year I have decided to dedicate to wellness...physical, spiritual, and emotional. I am in the process of setting a daily schedule that allows for me to succeed in each of these areas, and still have the majority of my day with my children helping them to learn, grow, and succeed at their goals. The hardest part of this I have found is JUST DOING IT! It sounds so simple when I put it on paper, but then the morning rolls around, and with a later night than 'planned' neither body or mind have any desire to jump out of bed at 4:30 in the morning and exercise. BUT by approaching the final goal with achievable steps, I have come a lot closer. It isn't 4:30 yet, but I have had success at 5:00 and I will get there.

I know this sounds ridiculous, but something I have realize as a mother of three, if I don't have me time before my children wake up, then me time doesn't ever happen, and then I feel bad the entire day because I am not succeeding, and I feel down on everything. Even now while writing this blog post, Elliott is asleep, and McKenzie and Alexis are playing an educational game together in the living room on Daddy's computer, and I am feeling guilty about not being in there with them.

Aaron's first football game was last night, and because of this commitment he had to wake up at 2:30 this morning and travel to Boise for a National Guard Band performance at 8:00. He loves it though, despite all the traveling back and forth, it is giving him performance experience, and he loves it...and that is all that matters.

I am working on a project that I will hopefully have pictures up of soon. My RS has quilt classes about 4 times a year where we learning something new and put it in a quilt. I missed the first one this summer, so I REALLY wanted to participate in this next one. I'm not sure how much I am learning, but I am enjoying making the quilt and having an excuse to get out of the house with my sewing machine and create something. Me being me, I took the pattern that was presented, and altered it just enough to challenge me, and create a lot more work then the original pattern. They are created for beginners, and I am not a beginner sewer or quilter, so I do what I have to to still love what I make, the 'teacher' thinks I'm crazy...I look at my fabric pattern and I can't see anything else being as cute. JUST WAIT 'TIL YOU SEE IT! It really is adorable and I am very happy with the added work.

My next post will include pics that you've all been waiting for of children, etc...PROMISE!

Still Kickin'

2010-07-29T00:59:00.002-06:00

Here is a brief note to let you all know that we are still here and doing well.

Aaron just completed his first year of his masters degree in Ashland, OR, through Sam Huston State University and is currently in Virgina Beach, VA at the US Army School of Music completing his training. His address is:

SPC Marshall, Aaron
US Army School of Music
1420 Gator Blvd. (JEBLCFS)
Virginia Beach, VA 23429-2617

Hopefully when he gets home I can get him to post about his flight getting to VA, it was very long with a lot of interesting twists and blessings.

Alexis is our next birthday, and I can't believe that we are so very close to having a five-year-old. She will be starting preschool and couldn't be more excited.
She is growing like a weed, just recently her size 4 Capri's have become too big around the waist as she just recently went through a growth spurt. She loves to sing songs and listen to music. Every song that comes onto the radio is 'her' song. Today I smiled as she swept the kitchen floor with a toy broom singing the song from Cinderella (with her own lyrics) "Clean, Sweep, Nightingale, Ahhhh..." you get the picture. It was adorable and amazing at how much she remembers.

McKenzie just turned 2 in July and hit her 'terrible two's' about a month early. She loves to be a big girl and does EVERYTHING her big sister does. Sometimes this is good, other times, it could be better. She loves playing pretend in her kitchen and making food master pieces for all to enjoy. She love to help with anything you are doing, and loves to share. Yesterday we were watching a movie and eating popcorn. I was feeding Elliott and I wasn't able to reach over and get popcorn to eat, so with out asking or saying a thing, she brought me one piece at a time so I could have popcorn too. She doesn't pronounce everything correctly, but she is getting so much better. She loves Elliott and watches out for him like a hawk. She is my little mommy. She too loves to sing, especially her primary songs that she also sings in nursery.

Elliott is eight months old and is HUGE! At over 18 lbs. he is my biggest baby still and somehow I don't see him being short or petite like my girls have been. There is a good chance that he is going to be taller than all of us, daddy included. He has two bottom front teeth, and one upper K-9, and the other is not far behind. About a month ago, he decided that mommy wasn't good enough food and insists on eating solids, even if I just fed him. I'm not offended, it's just something that has to happen. He loves to MOVE, and MOVE he does. He won't stay any one place when I put him down, but prefers to follow me and be where I am, or at least not where I want him to be. Just recently (about two weeks ago) he started no longer being satisfied with crawling and has started pulling himself up on everything as well. He crawls on boxes, into open suitcases, and over everything in his way. He loves to sing and 'chat' and I just can't get enough of his amazing smiles that are always present.

I am surviving, it has been a long summer, but shorter than last summer. I am very grateful for family and friends that have helped and continue to help me when Aaron is gone. I have spent a great amount of time in Boise, and even though the schedule isn't quite what I would love to have, I love being around family and giving my children the opportunity of being around G. Grandma and Grandma, Madison, and Aunt Lisa. McKenzie hasn't always been the closest with Grandma, and just this trip has become a lot closer. These are somethings I would never change. I don't ever seem to get a whole lot done, but the time together is still worth it. I am already thinking about Christmas, the ideas are coming with every craft store that I enter, and when Aaron gets home and I have a little more time to work on projects, I should have a very FULL plate; hopefully this year I will actually get some of them done.

Thank you all for your prayers and support, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,
The Marshalls

Happy Spring?

2010-04-11T20:09:00.020-06:00

(April 3, 2010)

Hello all, yes, I have finally updated my blog! -gasp-

We have been busy here with life. Aaron had spring break this last week and it was so very relaxing to have him home and to not go anywhere.

Elliott is working on sleeping. McKenzie is refusing to eat (almost) anything as usual, and Alexis is struggling to establish the line between acceptable and unacceptable behavior...just when I think we have it established, she tries to move the line, and it feels like we are back to square one.

Elliott is also perfecting his smile and learning how to giggle. McKenzie's vocabulary is getting bigger, this past week she said 'jammies' and 'bunny'. McKenzie is also "the sweetest little girl" (from her nursery leader) and loves to help others and make people happy-most of the time (we're still working on sharing). Alexis still loves learning and amazes me everyday with what she knows and what she can do. Tonight she impressed us all with her memorization skills--she was able to recite the order of animals in a story without looking at the book, or any help from us. The impressive part? We've only had the book for about three weeks. She is also working so hard on understanding the concepts behind blending letter sounds to form a word and read. Alexis is also learning a lot about feelings and expressing our feelings in appropriate ways. She loves to cuddle.

Our house...is a very very very small house...not really small, but it just got smaller. This past week we completed a complex diagnosis of plumbing problems...the culprit currently (and hopefully last) is a rubber 'y' joint hooking metal and plastic piping, located underneath the bottom stair, and about a foot or more of concrete. We no longer feel safe doing laundry, mostly because we are getting dirt in the down stairs shower, so it's pretty much official that it is disconnected, and we no longer have a 'working aka:living' downstairs.

THE BRIGHT SIDE: This is something that Aaron can fix (and learn a lot about plumbing). It is going to take a lot of manual labor (the foundation needs jackhammered and the lines and connectors need replaced), a lot of outside advice, and a lot of time. Aaron is excited at the chance to experience and learn and grow, not so excited about the problem. Isn't owning an older home a great learning experience?

CUTE KID QUOTE: Yesterday I was talking to my brother about a conference he just got back from and he mentioned that Simplot was campaigning enormously for researchers. I made the comment that maybe I should go back to school and become a plant scientist. Alexis very quickly made the comment "but what about Kenzie and me?" It is comments like these that stop me in my tracks and help me refocus on what is important and why I am a stay-at-home-mom.

MOTHERHOOD by Webster definition is not that great until you put the actual definition into context and realize all the wonderful things that motherhood encompasses. Something I really picked up on from conference this last weekend was how as parents we need to instill in our children (girls) the love of and desire of motherhood(specifically Eld. Ballard's talk). It really got me thinking that this is something that I kind of missed growing up. I always knew I would be a mother, and that if at all possible nothing would stand in the way of me staying at home with my kids...it is something I feel very strongly about, BUT on the other had, this is not something that is accepted in the world, and I find myself always struggling with defining success and how to define my successes.

Today in my reading I came across this scripture: 2Nephi 8:12. Here is the best part..."who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man". Jacob is quoting Isaiah who is talking to us in reference to Christ. Once again I was reminded STRONGLY that this life is not a time for us to be worldly, it is a time for us to prepare to meet our Heavenly Father, to stand in his presence and report to him about our life...AND prepare our children for this as well. We cannot compare our lives with those of the world. To do so is frivolous and a waste of time, because: who are we that we should be afraid of man? What man thinks what man says, etc.

MAYBE if I had not only picked up the importance of motherhood, but really grasped onto it as THE MOST IMPORTANT role I would ever play in this life, I would not have this inner struggle, always wondering if what I am doing is really worth it, and what happens when my kids grow up? (Personal note: Motherhood NEVER ends...did you call your mom today?).

SO I am trying my hardest to always LOVE what I do everyday, even if my successes for the day are that I actually got around to reading stories with my kids, we watched a movie TOGETHER, and I DIDN'T worry about the dishes being done because I was too busy worrying about teeth being brushed, scriptures getting read, and prayers being said just in time for bedtime.

Pictures!

2010-03-16T09:36:00.003-06:00

These aren't pictures from the blessing day, they are some individuals we took on Sunday. Hopefully I can get the family pics from my brother this weekend...We think our little man is adorable, but we might be a little bias...

Happy March!

2010-03-07T16:48:00.003-07:00

I can't believe that the first week of March is already over, how quickly time flies...

Elliott is THREE months old, and had his 2-m check up this week...13 lbs. 10 oz, 24"!

EVERYone in our household is sick or is getting sick or is getting over being sick :(. My pediatrician said that the symptoms are those of a MILD case of RSV...I would HATE to see what a bad case is like. Elliott and McKenzie are the worst...it breaks my heart every time they cough and there isn't anything I can do to help them...Alexis is old enough that she can cough up the junk and spit it out so it doesn't bother her as much...but then there is the lingering cough that seems to last forever...

This weekend was so wonderful. There wasn't any where we needed to be, so we STAYED HOME! Our house badly needed us to stay and get things done, and is finally looking less like we are moving.

Yesterday my dad came down from Shelley to have lunch and help us celebrate a joint birthday--Aaron and my brother Troy. Lunch was wonderful. Aaron and I decided to add a new recipe to our menu each week this month instead of having a eat out budget. So far, no regrets! This first week we actually did two new recipes because of the birthday lunch: pulled pork, and chicken cordon blue. Aaron LOVES being in the kitchen, and I LOVE letting him! He did such a great job, each meal was wonderful. Yesterday was the chicken cordon blue with chicken flavored rice, gravy, a tossed salad, grape juice, and cake...I made his cake, NO ONE should have to make their own birthday cake, even if they enjoy cooking. Aaron chose a layered 'better than anything' cake...chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crunched skor bars layered like a truffle....mmmm all around.

Life is great, we are all doing well, and hopefully I can get some pictures posted soon from the blessing...they are on my brother's camera, so hopefully this week I can get those up so you all can see what a handsome little man we have.