MY BABY

My baby and her baby

I just had to wish my baby a happy birthday. My baby, Alayna, turns 28 tomorrow, the 30th of October. Can you imagine how old that makes me feel? I feel so blessed to have her as one of our four fabulous children. I have to admit, she was the dream child. She was a big baby, so she was always content and soon slept through the night. When she was a little girl, she could play in her bedroom for hours by herself. Since she was the baby of the family, she pretty much went wherever Randy and I went, and she could have easily been spoiled. But to the contrary, she never asked for anything. (We just gave her everything without being asked.) She met Tim, the love of her life, in the 7th grade, and I don't think she ever really looked at another boy. She waited for him to complete his mission, followed him to Ogden where he works, and continues to support him in his advanced educational endeavors. We're sure glad, because we think the world of Tim.

I think Alayna was a super teacher, but all she ever wanted to be was a mom. She has spent every day with Dawson since he was born three years ago. She is teaching him so much, without him realizing he is learning the abc's and 123's, and so many other amazing things. She is always willing to get on the floor and play trains with him, or to watch a Thomas video for the hundredth time. She waited for what seemed to her to be a very long time to add little Maddie to their family four weeks ago. She cherishes holding and loving her, dressing her in pretty pink things, and putting bows in her hair.

We love you, Alayna. We are so proud of the wife and mother you are, and for the example you are to all of us. Hope you have an over-the-top birthday. I know Tim and Dawson will make sure you do.

Remembering Mom

All of you are probably thinking about the same thing today as I am--our special Mom. I feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful loving Mother. Not a day has gone by in the last two years that I haven't thought about and missed her. She was such a great example and I wish I could have been the kind of mother that she was. I regret not spending more time with her especially after Dad died, when she was so lonely. I really thought she would be around alot longer than she was. I know I have mentioned this before but I remember as a girl in grade school being so excited that she was my room mother (I know she did this alot for years for each of us--probably because the teachers knew they could rely on her to bring yummy treats for the holidays) and looking forward to the days she would visit our room. I thought she was so beautiful and I was so proud for all the kids to see her.

The other day I was thinking about how much I love fall and one of my favorite memories of the season was coming home from school on a Friday afternoon to the wonderful smell of her delicious chili. I think it was so special that on one of our last trips to St. George with her she made us a delicious pot of chili.

Anyway, thanks Mom for all you did and sacrificed for us. Thanks for giving me five brothers and sisters to support me in my trials. I love each and every one of you (and your spouses and families). Tamara

Some Sad News

Just thought you might be interested in knowing that our cousin Gregory Thomas passed away on Saturday evening. The only information I have is that it is believed he might have had a heart attack or a brain anursym. This is so sad for Uncle Blair and Aunt Jean.

Lunch Date!

We missed you, Collette and Deb. We went to lunch without you last Wednesday for my birthday. We went to the Trolley in Springville which is one of my favorites for a salad. They are so goooood there. Then to top it off they bring you a piece of one of their yummy cakes for your birthday so I chose the carrot. It was such a big piece I had some that night after dinner and the rest I took to work with me. We sure miss you two when we get together like this. We need to schedule our December Salt Lake trip and a girl's outing to St. George. Let's get it done!

Have a great Monday and my the rest of your week go great too. See ya chicks, Love, Shannon

Collette's Brag Blog

I am so anxious for you to see Madelyn Jane Marriott. Alayna and Tim welcomed her (via c-section) Thurs., Oct. 2nd at 8:15 a.m. She weight 7 lb. 11 oz., and measured 20 inches. She has thick black hair and is absolutely beautiful. She had a little trouble breathing at first so she has been in the NICU, but as of today, she is off oxygen and iv's and will probably leave the nicu tonight or tomorrow. Alayna is doing fine, and they will probably go home on Monday. We are in Ogden, splitting our time between the hospital and their home taking care of Dawson. We'll go home on Wednesday. These new babies are such a blessing, and we cherish each one.

#20

We were at the hospital last night, for the second time yesterday. We just couldn't stay away from this cute little thing! Mike's parents were there and we were discussing which number place McKinley fit into on both sides. I had to come home and figure this one out after Kaye told us that she was the 80th Great grandchild on her mother's side, can you believe that, we thought that to be pretty amazing.

McKinley is Mom and Dad's 20th Great Grandchild if I did the math right, little Madelyn will follow, and then another new one in February with Amber's new little boy. I bet they are so proud of them as they send them down for us to enjoy. You know how proud they were of all of their family, they loved to brag. She would be the 13th Great for Stuart's Dad, he would be so proud of this little angel too.

I found this cute little verse in a magazine that says it all,

I may not be rich and famous,

but I do have

Priceless

Grandchildren!

Isn't that the truth.

Enjoy the rest of your week, Shannon