Unwrap Those Presents!

Merry Christmas (belated), Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!



Even though the Holiday season can be so crazy and sometimes stressful, it still is my favorite time of year. The presents under the tree, the music playing in the background, the big snowflakes falling from the sky...it all is wonderful. But we also remember what Christmas is about. Jesus is the reason for the season. And the quality time with family is treasured.

For those who are not able to celebrate with us here on earth, we hope that you were still able to share each moment with us.

We are so thankful for all we have. And we thank all of you, our friends and family, for all you've done for us.















P.S. Now, Ethan has learned how to ride his battery-operated 4-wheeler squatting, standing on his seat, standing on the foot rest, laying on the seat, or sitting backwards. Maybe we should get a smaller deductible on our health insurance...

Pre-Christmas

The computer has been on the back burner for awhile. I didn't do well with keeping up with e-mails, checking facebook, or looking at blogs. And I admit it has been pretty nice! We have been able to spend lots of quality time together.

So it is time to update you on the happenings of the Marshall family starting from pre-Christmas!

I worked way too many hours prior to Christmas. So it was wonderful to have a whole week off. I was able to put the tree up just a few days before Christmas.

Pre-Ethan Christmas Tree


Ethan Discovering the Christmas Tree


Post-Ethan Christmas Tree



We managed to block the tree off and have minimal tree catastrophes!

Oh how I love this time of year!

I Heart Christmas Season

I felt the need to change the blog a bit. As I read others' blogs, I realized that I am so busy, I just put information and some pictures. Now I plan on adding a little more thought as to what I write. We will see how this works.

While the three of us snotty-nosed Marshalls fight a cold, it doesn't change the fact that it is that time of year. December. Christmas.

Those around me know how much I love Christmas. I love making the house smell like apples and cinnamon, with a cup of hot cocoa or hot apple cider while sitting on the couch staring at a tree that sparkles so beautifully. Then there are the additional Christmas decorations that make the house feel like home. Since we got our first dog, we have not put any presents under the tree due to a previous experience, which I miss doing dearly. Thank goodness our puppy at the time, Trooper, did not eat the whole DVD and we could salvage the DVD for ourselves.

Now that we have a very active child, I am debating when we should put the tree up. Not only is Ethan active, but he is a persistent little fella'. You tell him no, and he grins with his little "no means do it again" smirk while you stare at him with a displeasing look. But without the tree, it just does not feel like Christmas. I don't get the feeling of curling up in a blanket and wanting to fall asleep on the couch next to the Christmas tree while it snows large Charlie Brown flakes outside.

So how do all of you deal with having small children and having a Christmas tree?

Almost all the presents are bought and wrapped. The last of the Christmas shopping has to be done this week so I can send off all the presents. There aren't many who get to send presents one way to Alaska and the other direction to Norway. We are so fortunate to have family, but I often miss them. It is especially hard for me during the holidays. One holiday season, we all will be able to get together.

Here is to one year ago, when Ethan got to experience his first Christmas. He was our little Christmas 2009 miracle.


And I love those little quirks of personality that Ethan has, like the one where he likes his legs pretzeled up so his feet can rest against the high chair.

More Pictures from November

Our house use to be pretty darn clean. Now, it looks like this on an average day with a 12 month old. Notice the diaper cream on the bench, the baby spoon and sippy cup full of water on the floor, a full grocery bag on the table, and our stools laying on their sides. Seriously, does anyone else's house look like this??? Ah, the joys of toddlerhood.


Here is a visit from Grandpa Greg. Telling time is a hard thing to do.



It's his Ninja Duck outfit!



So Big!


Do you like his handprint on his face? He sleeps on his face with his butt in the air. Well, his forehead was resting on his hands. This is the end result.


Ethan's first time being IN the snow. I had to pick him up and set him in the snow. He didn't move for about 5 minutes. Now, he loves being in it!

Changes

First of all, I cannot express all the things I am thankful for. I have a wonderful family and many awesome friends, a great job that I love (most of the time), yummy food on the table or the ability to go out to eat once in awhile, and we live in a beautiful house. My life is filled with love and happiness. I can't really ask for much more (well, I would like more children). During this holiday season, and the other 11 months of the year, I am thankful for all I have.

As for changes, I am going to change the blog a bit. It will be more than just pictures and updates of Ethan. So I hope you enjoy the new change, which will start in December.

Until then, we will post pics of our outdoor activities! He got a sled for his birthday from Gramma Norma and Grampa Charlie!


Ethan's Outdoor Outfit


I LOVE His Smile


His New Sled He Won't Willingly Get Out Of


He Suckers Us To Do Hard Labor

Happy 1st Birthday!

Happy Birthday Ethan!

It's amazing that in one year, you have gone from this...



To this.


In one year, you have become such a big boy. It only seems like yesterday (though daddy would disagree) you came into our lives as the 7 lb, 8.9 oz baby. We got through your colic and your reflux. Now, you are a 20 lb, 3 oz healthy boy who won't stop moving. The first word you said, and knew what it meant, was very appropriate. "GO"! And then you tear off from the kitchen to the living room to the stairs. Our gates to the stairs have been opened for 2-3 weeks now. All our bathroom doors remain shut since the tub and toilet are your new toy collectors. You are Mr. Adventure and you are willing to try anything. Vegetables are your favorite to eat (especially, peas, green beans, and green peppers) and fruits are great for feeding the dogs. There are always a few minutes to read books... even an hour for that matter. And you always make a little time to cuddle with mom and dad (which we never thought was possible).

I loved cuddling and hugging you when you were just a tiny baby, so it makes me kind of sad that you are growing up. But it sure has been a pleasure to see you grow, to watch you learn so many new things (the newest would be picking your nose), and know that you are on the path to becoming a man. We hope that we can be good parents and provide you the tools (with the help of God) to become a strong, mature, and responsible gentleman who can one day experience what your dad and I have been able to so far. Here are to years to come. And when you are 60 years old, you will remain our baby.

With love,
Mom and Dad


Best Pic We Could Get!


Opening Gifts


My New Trike From Grandma Cindy!


Yum, Cake!


Dad and Me

My Sickly Lion

Here is my little lion. He was sick over Halloween weekend with high fevers. But with a little Tylenol and Ibuprofen, he was rearing to go.

The first time he had it on, he hated it. The second time he had it on, he cried when we took it off.

I'm a lion. Here me roar!



(Imagine that... He has a pacifier in his mouth and in his hand.)