Our Fabulous Weekend!

This weekend we put hardwood floors in our house with the help of Reno, Jim and Judy. I can't even begin to say how grateful I am that we had all of the help. They were so awesome and were a HUGE help to us. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!

I love it how my house has a little bit of everyone's help in it! Lily's room, Mark's room, my laundry room and now my living room. It makes this house so special.

Anywho here is a picture! Go http://picasaweb.google.com/courtney.marshall/NewFloor?authkey=ebEaPMnmCew## to see pictures of our progress throughout the weekend!

Happy Birthday Lily!

Here are a few pictures from Lily's party. To see them all go herehttp://picasaweb.google.com/courtney.marshall/11809LilyS7thBirthday#

She had a blast at the bounce factory! 19 of her close friends showed up to share it with her. It was a great time had by all. First thing in the morning we headed off to Shoney's for her birthday breakfast and then came home and waited until her party. Thank you to everyone who called and sang to her on her birthday. She felt so special :) And Thank you to everyone who was able to come to Lily's party! It wouldn't have been the same without you!!!!

Happy Friday!

I know it's been a week since I posted and I"m so sorry about that! Things have been so hectic with my schedule and with Mark getting sick and now they closed schools today I'm going crazy trying to get my work done.

Lily's birthday is Sunday!!! Can you believe she will be 7?! Wow, just a short time ago she was my sweet little Lily bug. Here are a few pictures from the past years. This is my day of reflection.

Happy Almost Birthday, Lily!

But this is how he would rather be...

Yikes, don't mind the night clothes on me...

Mark has been pulling himself up and standing on his own for a while now. He prefers it and is now starting to master letting go. 8 months old and standing on his own. Yikes! He is way too brave! He falls on his head and gets right back up!

It's official...

Mark is now tired of mommy saying "There is no whining in this house, you come see me if you want me..." He has known how to crawl for over a month now, but he refused because he hates to be on his belly. Now he gives up and comes to me if i'm too far from him. Watch as he stretches for me at the end though....Laaaaazy :)

Weekend Fun

It was Aly's birthday and we all celebrated with a little Sangria and Sex & the City.

The other pictures were so blurry. Darn camera!

Off to Ballet

New ballet outfits from Grandma Reno and Big Daddy Jim. She LOVES them. This is the first time she's gone to ballet since before the holidays and she is so excited!

Thank you, Aunt Lora, Uncle Len & GG!

Lily got her very first birthday present tonight....well possibly two since she got to take her very first Piano lesson tonight and that's what i got her, but this one came by main and was wrapped in a box with paper and ribbon. Really, what is more exciting but that?

To check out the videos go here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/courtney.marshall/1608#

They are marked #1 & #2

The video above is the one that would fit on the blog.

<3

New Toy from Grandma & Grandpa!

Grandma Reno & Big Daddy Jim gave Mark a walker/rider for Christmas and today we opened it for the first time. He had a blast with it! Look at him giving it a kiss :) Aww! I swear he will walk pretty soon. If he doesn't, it will be because of laziness not lack of ability. He crawled across the room yesterday, but refuses to crawl to get places. But anyway, here is Mark with his new toy!

Daddy & Mark


Here is a cute video of him.

Saturday, January 3rd

1 1/2 more days until I'm back at work. I'm enjoying all the time I have with the kids. I get Lily back tonight. Yay! We'll have a great family day tomorrow.

Enjoy your Saturday!

Happy 8 months, Mark!

What are you doing?

• Babbling non-stop!
• Crawling when you want to.
• Pulling up on everything - you even try to let go and stand on your own
• You've been sick for a while, so we pulled off on foods in case you're allergic.

You weighed 18 1/2 pounds at your last appointment. You're getting to be such a big boy!

Mark's ENT Appointment

Dr. Lee was awesome! He explained to me that I basically have 3-4 more weeks to try and do everything possible to make him better or we would have to do tubes and talk about adenoids being removed. I have a prescription decongestent that should be stronger, but I will try everything natural first (saline drops, steam, etc) There are factors in my home that I will change as well.

I have high hopes that this will be knocked out. I'm so glad this doctor sat down and explained to me what my options were instead of jumping into surgery.

Today has been a great day! I'm loving 2009 so far! So far I had a great appointment, booked Lily's bday party and had an awesome sandwich. Great day!

I hope everyone else is having a great day as well!

<3

P.S.

Thanks to Laurie & Brent for having us over and ringing in the new year with us! We already have a great start to the new year with awesome friends!

We <3 you guys!

Happy New Years!!!

To everyone We wish a Happy, Healthy and Fabulous 2009. I have a good feeling that it's going to be a great year!

Last year my resolution for 2008 were:

• Give more to charities
• Grow spiritually
• Focus on the positive/glass half empty
• Continue to be a great mother
• Get Mark's room complete

That was the jist. My list consisted of mostly selfless acts. I definitely followed my resolutions well last year and although I don't regret anything, I feel like I should be a bit more selfish so *I* can be a little happier. So here are my 2009 resolutions:

• Take more time for myself - even if it's just to go to the grocery without the kids once.
• Finish One book - My friend suggested Shopoholic
• Visit at least 3 new states with the kids
• Take a family trip that lasts longer than a weekend
• Give it all I can at work - I've taken off a lot, but I'm up for a promotion and I feel if it doesn't happen I will slack off a little. I need to maintain my repect and love for what I do.
• Finish a home project
• Maintain my loving and kind behavior without being a complete chump. I'm tired of being taken advantage of.

I will always continue to be a great mother and wife and my family will always come first, but I'm excited to think about myself a little more this year. I will continue to give to charities. I will continue to be a great friend. I am always on the go and i'm ready to slow down just a bit. Lily was talking about wanting a telescope for her birthday. I love astronomy! How awesome would it be to teach her and do projects together!

Time to play with Mark! I hope everyone has a Great New Years!

Love to All!!!

Courtney

xoxo