Big Girl Mary

So I haven't blogged much lately about Mary. I thought it was time for an update. I suppose there isn't much new but she just seems to be getting bigger and smarter all the time. She is just so yummy and such a joy to raise. I am so proud of her all the time.

I don't want this post to be dedicated to her potty training - I will dedicate a post for that at a later time, except to say that I think she might be there! We have been potty training all along. But last week was the week that I calendared (is that a word?) out to finally go all the way with it (at least at non sleeping times) - meaning no diapers. I needed to plan a week where we didn't do much except stay at home. But even that first Monday, I thought, "Well if she has an accident on our walk, it will be fine". So we went and she stayed dry. And later that evening, I took her to the grocery store and she did fine there too. She only had 2 accidents that Monday, same on Tuesday, 3 on Wednesday. But this week - 0 on Monday, 0 on Tuesday, and none today. And again, we went to park and grocery store on Monday and today we were gone for 2 visiting teaching appointments and she did great! I'm sure she will still have her accidents and that I still need to be vigilant for awhile about making sure I check in with her often about going. But she is telling me, "potty" when she needs to go. Funny actually, on Monday when we were at the park, she said "potty". So I ran her into the park outhouse/bathroom and held her to go on it. She wouldn't. And I assumed she'd probably be wet by the time we got home. But she held it! She still doesn't want to go in regular toilets, so that is going to take some time. But I figure, we will master this first and then take bigger steps later. One other note - she often wakes up dry too especially if I get to her right when she wakes up. And often she'll wake in the middle of the night and I get up and take her to the potty. Cool huh? But like I said, I didn't really mean for this to turn into a post about potty training. I will talk more about the full journey later.

But it just goes to show you how big she is indeed getting. Her vocabulary is big. She knows her colors and she knows a lot of her numbers. She is starting to understand consonant sounds. She will play her refrigerator magnet toy (phonics toy). She will play "H" and as the toy is singing, "H says huh. H says huh. Every letter makes a sound. H says huh." she will say "HOT!" "W" is her favorite letter and sometimes she recognizes others too. (This is another reason I love Baby Signing Time and the regular Signing Time. They teach letters and numbers. I really recommend them!)

She is so cute and bouncy right now. She tries to run and says, "Wunnin! FAST!" She knows almost all her extended family members.

I'm not saying that any of these things make her brilliant - though I do think she is smart. I'm just saying them to show you how big she has gotten. And alright, I guess I am a proud momma. Maybe it happens more with the first born children . . . you have more time to spend on them individually and so they learn quickly.

She is a good baby too. When she yells demanding something, we say, "ask nicely". And she'll say "nicey. pwease.", with a little frown on her and signing please. So cute!

Here is what she loves lately . . . She loves books still and often she insists on taking a stack of books with her wherever she goes. Not so much this week, but the past several, she'd take a basket with little stuffed animals - she calls them "fwiends" wherever she went. She still loves my shoes, makeup, and jewelry. And she wants to be wherever I am. If I'm home and I need to go do something in another room, I leave her with Jeff, and she will grab Jeff by the hand and tell him, "Momma? Find it!" She still loves brooms and drawing too.

So I guess that is about it. I'll post some pics now. Life is good, especially when it comes to Mary.



Taken today. Mary wanted to wear her raincoat I guess since it rained outside. : )She sure does love to write and draw these days.


Mary was really interested in Porter's robe. So we let her try it on.


One of Mary's new words is "cool". She sure is!

Mary with one of her stacks of books. Also playing with her flashlight - another favorite.

At Gap last week, Mary was amused by the mannequin.






A couple of weeks ago, Mary would have these boots on all the time. And let me tell you, they aren't easy for me to walk in and she can now. Took her a few times. I also love her wearing her bracelets too in this pic.

Yesterday whilst reorganizing her closet, Mary wanted to wear her tutus.


We celebrated my Dad's birthday on Friday. We were supposed to go swimming, but it was raining, so we went to my brother, Ivan's instead. On the way over to my brother's, Mary and I stopped by Macy's to get my Dad a gift. People stopped me to tell me that Mary looked like something out of a magazine she was so cute. Fun huh?

What was one of the first toys she started playing with when she got to Ivan's? The broom of course!



Hannah's leaving this weekend for college. : ( Aaron fits right in with the family. : )

Mary and Joe play. Joe loves Mary very much.


Mary wanted to be right by Grandpa John to light the birthday candles.




Helping to blow out the candles.


P.S. She isn't so big though that I don't have to worry about her. Last week (as I posted on facebook), Mary was at the phone desk coloring . . . or so I thought. She was only two or three feet away from me. At one point she starts whimpering and says, "bugger". I say, "Okay Mary. Let's go clean out the bugger." I take her upstairs and lay her on her changing table. I didn't see a bugger, but I did see something. I thought? No. That isn't anything. I tried using the bulb syringe. Nothing. I look closer. No, there is something! What is that? By golly, THAT is a paperclip! Yep, shoved right up the nose! Took some doing, but I got it out pretty quickly. It was a good reminder that she is still at a prime age for getting herself into dangerous trouble. I know that even though she is indeed getting bigger, I can't let lull me into a false sense of security. Yes she can walk and climb stairs. Doesn't mean she isn't curious and very able to get herself into trouble. I pray so hard every day that I will always be able to keep her safe.

Yesterday I was Super Woman!

Last night at about 8 PM, as I was ironing the last of Jeff's shirts, I was thinking of what a productive day it had been for me.

Scripture study. Check. Work out, park, and get mail. Check, check, check. Dishes. Check, check and check again. Grocery shopping and gassing up car. Check, check. Straightening house. Check. Laundry. Check. Make dinner. Check. FHE and family scripture study. Check. Check. Ironing. Check. Only 1202 calories. Check! No potty accidents. Check!!! Making sure baby and husband are happy. Check, check!

I know it doesn't seem that exciting probably. But I LOVE being productive. (This is one of the reasons that Monday is one of my top three favorite days of the week.)

I know many of you are the same. We do so many things as housewives - tie up so many loose ends, divert many explosive situations, tend to several people, teach, clean, organize . . . and the list goes on and on! We are amazing!

And yet . . . I still have so much to improve upon. But anyway, it made me feel happy and so I thought I'd share that with you. And it bled into today too . . . we organized closets, dusted, vacuumed . . . Feels great!

I need to do a Mary update soon. It's coming, I promise!

Christmas is Cancelled

Where do I start?

As most of you know, last Wednesday afternoon I left Mary and Jeff at home and traveled with Annabel and her honorary bridesmaid, (not really an official bridesmaid) Lahaila up to Beaver Creek for wedding festivities that would be happening the next several days. Before arriving at the condo (Annabel's parents don't own these condos but have first pick of them every year - and they were amazing), we met up with fellow bridesmaid, Elle (pronounced Ellie) and had dinner in Vail at a pizza joint that Jeff and I actually ate at when we went for our 10th anniversary trip called Vendetta's (I know. A strange name for a restaurant). It was very beautiful and lovely sitting outside. We actually moved in though because Lahaila didn't bring a jacket and it was getting cold. Then we arrived at our condo - Annabel's parents and grandparents and brother and future brother-in-law stayed in one and Annabel, her sister Izzi(MOH), us four bridesmaids (which includes a jr. bridesmaid) and two honorary bridesmaids stayed in the other condo. I shared a room with Elle. We each had our own beds. And there was a kitchen and living area and each room had their own bathroom.

(Outside of the condo)



Thursday, we got up, had breakfast that Annabel made (eggs, donuts, fruit)and went on a little hike in Vail. (Izzi, Annie, Annabel, Lahaila, Demi, Lulu, and Elle)
I picked a pretty bouquet of wild flowers as we walked along and afterwards we ate at a place in Vail. (Demi and Izzi with the wildflowers)
Then we went back and all showered and got ready for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner that night. (Annabel and her Mom, Debbie)
(All the girls - Lahaila (honorary bridesmaid), Wednesday (honorary bridesmaid), Me (bridesmaid), Lulu (bridesmaid who is a cousin of Annabel's), Annabel, Elle (bridesmaid), Demi (Jr. bridesmaid - also a cousin), Izzi (Maid of Honor and sister of the bride), and Jennifer (wedding coordinator and friend of Annabel's).


Rehearsal went well. Then we were off to the restaurant (the evening was Cowboy themed) where Quinn's family was hosting. His step father sings in a band and they played for much of the evening making it very fun and festive. The Mexican food was good - particularly my chile relleno - and we all had fun dancing and chatting. I also presented Annabel and Quinn with a half finished "Engagement Memories" scrapbook - which everyone loved.
(Dancing - Annabel's Aunt, Mom, Dad, and Grandma)


A small tangent here - I tried and tried to bang out the album before I left - leaving all the cleaning and preparing for Charles and Ellen to poor Jeff. I wished also that I had spent a bit more time packing since I threw it all together in like 1/2 hr flat. But it all worked out I suppose. Anyway, the evening was tons of fun and successful and I enjoyed getting to talk with lots of Quinn's family in particular. Then back at the condo we all snacked while we watched Ever After and I finally admitted to myself that I HATE Drew Barrymore's acting in that movie. But it is still a good movie anyway : ).

Friday! Wedding Day!!!
Annabel's Dad made breakfast for everyone. Then, Annabel and Izzy and their mom went off to have massages and so while they were gone four of us walked around the block so-to-speak. When we got back, Annabel was back, and had been irritated that we weren't there to greet her or some such nonsense. And this REALLY irritated me - but mostly I think because I was hormonal. I showered and blew off some steam, cried a bit, and prayed and felt better.

For lunch, Annabel's parents furnished us with Subway platters and life was good. After that, we were shuttled to the Park Hyatt for hair updo appointments. I thought it was nice that they paid for this. Doesn't my hair look nice?


When I got back I had a little time to repack before getting ready. We were to get ourselves ready and then come help Annabel get ready while the photographer took pics. I brought my special "Fairy Dust" and all of us bridesmaids put it on and were extra sparkly! Annabel and I used this during Will Rogers - so it was a fun reminiscent thing for us. (Me in my dress)
(Elle (bridesmaid), Me (bridesmaid), Izzi (MOH), Lahaila (honorary bridesmaid but wasn't officially in the wedding party), Demi (jr. bridesmaid), and Wednesday (honorary bridesmaid but wasn't officially in the wedding party). Lulu (also a bridesmaid) was missing from this pic.)


Annabel looked absolutely stunningly gorgeous.

Next we were all off to the church to be photographed with the entire wedding party before the ceremony. Meanwhile, Jeff had driven up (Charles and Ellen - GrammE and Papa stayed overnight with Mary) and checked into the hotel, picked up my bags that were waiting downstairs. He was texting me about all the hidden costs that were popping up - valet, "resort fee", etc.

The ceremony was really nice and special and beautiful. I sang "How Great Thou Art". I did really well except for one note in which I'm not sure what happened but it was kind of wobbly or something. I wished I could've been perfect - or at least done my very best - but that is live singing for you. It just happens that way. But it must not have been too bad because it seemed I got a thousand compliments that night.

Next was the reception. And it was a little rough. Poor Annabel. She was not too happy about it. First they had to fix the cake after putting the cake topper on that was too heavy. Turned out okay. Next, a fuse blew and the music and mics were out for about 20 minutes. Then as Izzy was giving her toast, down comes an entire wall of white curtain. And then, the DJ . . . oh dear . . . I don't think he was playing with a full deck. As Jeff says, "He was hilarious". But maybe that's not nice. He just couldn't really speak well and was quite clueless. It made me feel a little better about the hiccups that Catherine had on her wedding day. But I did feel bad for Annabel. She spent so much time planning. I'm sure I would've been upset too. I think she made it worse on herself though. There wasn't anything she could do about it. And the guests didn't care. They were enjoying their surf and turf and the general splendor of it all. I wished that she could've enjoyed it more. (This is the only photo of the bride and groom that I have)


I definitely felt that I had been helpful and attentive to her though. I spent the evening fetching eyelash glue, being a listening ear, reassurring her, bringing her my brush up to her hotel room after she and Quinn had left because she didn't have hers. . . It was still a great time. (Oh, and I also drove her and Quinn to the airport Saturday evening and earlier in the day had been one of the spokeswomen for a prayer for the group of women.)

Jeff was a trooper and stayed the full time and smiled and was social. I was grateful that we could share this together.

Saturday morning we packed up and finished off the festivities with a killer brunch outside on the Hyatt patio.
It was so beautiful and yummy and fun for me.


It was sure fun to see how the rich folk do things and I felt so honored that Annabel had picked me to be one of only two "friend" bridesmaids (the others were family). But it was an expensive weekend and as Jeff said driving back down the mountain, "Christmas is cancelled". That's okay. It was worth it.


P.S. I have to give a shout out to Ellen and Charles. They did such a great job watching Mary. When I came back, Mary was a little different. Her vocabulary was bigger mostly. Anyway, I know she was happy with them and she keeps saying "GrammE" and "Papa" now. THANKYOU so much you guys!!!

One Down. One To Go.

Mr. and Mrs. Willams were married in the Denver LDS temple on Thursday, August 11th, 2011 at 11:30 AM.

Followed by pictures at the temple.

Followed by pictures/sound check at 3:30 at The Wellshire.

Followed by a ring ceremony at 4:30.

Followed by a reception after that.

Mary was pretty much done by 8, so we left 1/2 hour before it officially ended.

I was pretty tired and more stressed than I realized. There were a few hiccups throughout the day. But overall, it was a beautiful. And it was a joy to see Catherine and Aaron so happy.

The highlights for me were:
- seeing Aaron's joy as he knelt across from Catherine at the altar in the temple.

- Being with family

- Seeing Catherine in her beautiful dress (the pictures I will post don't do it justice)

- Being helpful

- Seeing all the dresses/colors/flowers come together that I was in charge of and liking the way it looked

- The beautiful Wellshire

- The yummy cake, the artichokes, pepperchinis, and the lasagna

- Getting to visit with dear, old family friends

- And of course getting to be with my own little family of Jeff and Mary.

I just have to give a shout out here to Jeff. He was so helpful to me that day. He took care of Mary most of the time, so I could run about seeing to other things. I really appreciated it.

So here are some pics!

So . . . Life is good.

Hi! Just thought I'd post a quick update here. Nothing too new or exciting to share. Well, actually a couple of things that hopefully are interesting to you all. . . .

My In-laws have been trying to sell their Estes Park home for a couple of summers now. They have loved living there and we have all loved visiting Estes. But as the Sullins family grows, it seems there are more opportunities than ever to get together and it really isn't an easy thing for either us or them or Jeff's brother's family to get to each other. It is a good 2 hour drive each way. It takes an entire day if anyone wants to go see anyone. So C and E decided to sell their home and look for something that was closer to their children and grandchildren.


Last summer is Estes.


A Christmas in Estes.


I mostly included this pic b/c Jeff looks so cute in it. But look at what a white Christmas it was!


I'm a little sad . . . We've had lots of good memories there. It is SOOOO beautiful and fresh and quiet - particularly on their mountain. I have always said it is "healing". But I'm also thrilled that we will get to see them more often and that they will get to enjoy Mary more. They - I believe - purchased a home in Parker on Saturday. : )

Also, Saturday was my "birthversary" - my 34th birthday and our 12th anniversary. You know, Jeff and I dated for about 3 years before we got married - so technically we've been together 15 years!!!! I was 19 when I met him. Soon I will have been with him as long as I wasn't. Crazy no?



Anyway, I've gotten lots of nice presents and well wishes and Saturday was a super fun day. Friday night though, Jeff and I celebrated our anniversary by doing something not too spectacular - but something we both wanted to do for awhile now. We went to see Harry Potter. As a side note - whenever I think about the fact that the books had a hard time getting published with multiple rejections - I can't even understand that. I mean how was that possible???? The books were SO good, so imaginative, so thrilling . . . I remember when they came out I was working at the Catholic school. And I remember being out on the blacktop with the kids one morning and saying, "I want to go to Hogwarts!!!". And they all fully agreed with me. It really is fun to see the different things that bring people together.

So then Saturday morning, I made some delicious whole oat flour oatmeal pancakes. Then I went to a free corepower yoga class - which I highly recommend, had Red Mango for lunch and then was off to Annabel's bachelorette.

We had manis/pedis at a salon, then had appetizers at the hotel restaurant, and then dinner after that and walking around downtown. It was really a fun day!


A few years ago, there was a thing going around about barbies of the various Denver Suburbs. My FIL called me Highlands Ranch Barbie on Friday. I had forgotten about that. It made me laugh. So here is Highlands Ranch Barbie and Cherry Creek Barbie. Hee hee. Also, as you can probably tell I got my hair highlighted last week. It is pretty blonde right now. My MIL was here and said to Mary, "Your Momma's hair is lighter than yours!" It was pretty funny.


Guess that is about it. Church was good today. And tonight my family had a little birthday dinner and cake for me. It was nice.

Mary enthralled with it all. Me concentrating on lighting 34! candles. : )
P.S. Did you notice my brother's biceps??? Geez.


A profile pic of my niece Eve and me. And I love Mary's little hand reaching to get a candle off the cake. Cutie.



Catherine's wedding is THIS week!!! And Annabel's is the week after.

All I can say is: "Sunrise, sunset. Sunrise, sunset." Who says life isn't a musical? : )