For Grannie Annie.....(Ring and engagement story)

Anne,
I know Jim said you wanted a better picture of the ring, but it is really hard, maybe because of my camera...If you click on the picture it will make it bigger, so maybe this will help.

The engagement story is something I will cherish forever. I woke up that morning to a wonderful french toast and strawberry breakfast, which is my favorite!!! Then I was off for the most wonderful massage....Oh, that was heaven!!!! When I came back, Ava was asleep in Tony's arms, which was the sweetest sight to see. Tony took me to get a new dress, seeming how nothing in my closet fits me until I am done nursing Ava...So after that, I had yummy peanut butter chocolates waiting for me. An hour later, I got a dozen red roses delivered to me. You make think I would have thought something was up, but I get flowers once a week, and he does stuff like this all the time....He is so romantic, and I love it!!!! Then we went to dinner, and we were going downtown. He said he wanted to walk to the Bayfront by the fort, because he wanted to give me something. I had known I still had a late Christmas present, but he had been leading me to believe it was a camera, plus he was carrying a gift bag, that could have a camera inside. We walked over to the beautiful water and he pretty much got down and one knee and said stuff, that I would love to keep private and a moment that he and I will forever share in our hearts, and with tears in our eyes I said yes!!!!!! Of course I said yes..I am honored to marry this man!!!! It was a great day and night, and it was one of the most amazing things that has happened to me!!! I never knew love could feel like this. I never knew someone could treat you so right...I don't know your secret to parenting Jim and Anne, but whatever it is, I thank you for it. You raised a man of integrity, compassion, generosity, loyalty, honesty, and a man who is a wonderful father, friend, and soon to be husband. My family could not be happier. They are so excited for this. They think of Tony like a son already. I am so proud to be a part of the Marshall family. We love you all, and thank you for being such supportive families in this journey that we have started.

Emma's Respect Award..1-27-09.

Today at Emma's school, she and a few other students received a character pillar award on Respect. The principal, and vice principal, as well as a lady from the district, were all there to commend the students who were being honored. They spoke of what respect meant, and how respect is earned. They told the kids that this was in some way a double honor, because it showed that theses students not only repected their peers and teachers but they has also earned the respect from their peers and teachers as well. They called each child up to shake their hand, give tghem their award and ribbon, and told them that their 8 x 10 picture would be hanging on the wall for the month of February. Tony, my dad, Emma's dad, Ava, and Maya were all there and so very proud of her!!!!!! Tony is making her a special dinner tonight, two of her favorites-oysters and crab legs to say good job!!!! The part that was my favorite was when the guidance counselor said to the parents that this was our award too, becuase we were the ones that instilled these qualities in our children....:) That was enough for me. I am so proud of you Emma, keep up the good work!!!!

Ava is sitting up all by herself.

Ava sat up last night, January 22, 2009, all by herself. The longest it lasted was about a minute. We all clapped and got really excited. She still leans forward quite a bit, but I would say in about two weeks she will have it down and will be on her own. It's such a big milestone to me. It also means she becomes a little more idependent. Next step, crawling....OH NO!!! hahaha...Stay tuned!!!

Our first blog.....

So, Tony and I figured we would start this blog page, so that the families can log into this and check on updates about the kids, as well as us. We can post pictures and let you know how all our life adventures are going.

Obviously, by now, most or all of you know that Tony and I got engaged. We haven't set a date, but we are leaning towards June of 2010. As soon as we know more details I will let you know. The kids seem super excited about it.

Emma is well, she has Straight A's in class. They tested her reading level and it's on a 7th grade level. They put her math at 4th grade level, so needless to say 3rd grade has been a breeze for her. She is getting honored at the school next Tuesday the 27th. Each teacher had to pick one student in their class that best represented the word RESPECT ans Emma was the one chosen. I will be taking pictures, don't worry. She is also going to be starting softball and golf, and will resume soccer soon too.

Maya started her gymnastics and LOVES it....she just loves wearing the leotard more than anything. She watched in amazement as Obama took his inauguration. It was interesting to see this 5 year old comprehend what history was being made. She and Emma have a modeling job on Valentine's day at the mall for the make-up store Mac. They are coming out with a line of make up inspired by Hello Kitty and the girls are standing outside the store wearing kitty ears and passing out cupcakes. Maya is in heaven because they told her she would get free lip gloss.

Ava is 4 1/2 months now, and the HAPPIEST baby ever. She smiles all the time, she laughs and coos and babbles. She looks like she will be sitting on her own in the next month. She is teething a lot too. She is at 15 ponds and a very long baby with a big ole' head...lol.

We miss you all, and hope you check on this often.

With love,
Cindi.