My Children are My Joy

My children are my JOY. They have filled my life with the love of motherhood and I would not trade that for anything. I just hope I remember this when they are in their teens! My Ashlyn is a sassy little girl -she has so much attitude and is completely full of life. It has been so much fun to watch her grow and her personality develop. The other day I was picking the kids up from the Melissa's house (the babysitter) and she was telling me how Ashlyn will never have a problem making friends - I just about started to bawl - Gary and I have tried to raise our daughter is such a way that she will be friendly and loving to everybody that she will not have any problems with making new friends or being too shy. When I was younger I was extremely shy. I remember how I used to make my mom call my friends to see if they could play because I was too scared. I never want my children to be too scared to talk to anybody on the phone and I want to instill in them that every stranger they meet is just somebody they haven't had a chance to get to know yet. I hope we are successful in our efforts! But, judging from these pictures - I think we are on the right track....

Marshall is also starting to get his cute little "attitude" too:) He is a very happy baby, I think the Lord knew that Marshall is exactly what I needed at this time in my life. He has that mischevious look in his eyes when he smiles. I think he is just getting ready to get into everything when he is mobile - LOOK OUT!

True Joy...

Family Pictures

After 6 years of marriage and 2 kids later........We finally had family pictures done!!! My sweet cousin LaraLee Daniels was our photographer and I think she did a really good job considering Ashlyn wouldn't stop whining and Marshall was hungry. Now hopefully my mom and mother-in-laws can move on to something else to harass us about for a while. (I mean this lovingly! I swear!)

Marshall's Blessing

On September 19th Marshall was given a name and a blessing by his daddy. We had originally set Marshall's blessing date as the first Sunday in September but because of Grandma Colleen's funeral the day before, Gary and I felt a very strong impression that we needed to push the blessing back a couple of weeks. I am so glad that we did.
It was one of the most spiritual events I have experienced. I am still in awe at the sight of my amazing husband tenderly taking my special baby boy in his arms, being surrounded by the men of our families, and by the power of the Priesthood blessing Marshall with strength, wisdom, and so many other things that Marshall will need to make the right choices to follow the path that the Lord has prepared for him.
Marshall will be 3 months old tomorrow - I can't believe how quickly time has flown! I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to raise this special baby boy - there were times during his pregnancy that I didn't think I would be able to do so during this life. I think that knowing that makes me hold onto the little moments longer and savor in them. I love being a mom to my two adorable children - there is nothing better.
Ashlyn has been keeping me very busy since she has started her 2nd year of Preschool - we read and read and read and read some more! She is a huge help with Marshall (sometimes a little too helpful) but I wouldn't change her one bit. I love her personality - sassy and all - she is so much fun! The other day she wore her black pants with her black boots to school - she told her teacher, the babysitter, and all of her friends that they are her work clothes - just like her mommy's. She makes me so proud!

Here are a bunch of pictures from the party after the blessing

5 generations of Gary's (Great -Grandpa Gary, GrandpaGary Dwaine, Gary, and Gary Marshall)

My brother Jason, Marshall, and I

My mom, sister Sarah, Marshall, and I

Uncle Kent and Marshall and with Jake

my side of the family

My awesome sister-in-law Ashley and my adorable nephew Jake with Marshall and I

Marshall and Ashlyn with Grandma Bonnie, Cheryl, and Russell


My brother Glen with Jake and Marshall. I love my brother - it is so fun to watch him be the cutest daddy to Jake!

I couldn't get away with posting some fun pictures of the kids :)

Grandma Colleen's Funeral

On August 30th Gary's Grandma Colleen passed away. We love her and miss her so much. It was devastating to get the phone call that morning but the hardest part of it all was telling Ashlyn. She loves her Grandma Colleen and loved going to Panguitch to see her, go for rides, and play. When Gary and I told her she just looked up at us and said - Grandma is in Heaven now with Jesus and she isn't sick any more, she doesn't have to use that walking thing or have those oxygen tubes in her nose - when she said that I starting bawling so hard that I had to leave the room for a minute. My Ashlyn is so smart and has such a strong and pure testimony of Eternal Families. She knows that we will get to be with Grandma Colleen again and that Grandma Colleen is whole again and no longer in pain. I am so thankful that Grandma Colleen was able to have a special relationship with Ashlyn and that she was able to be here when Marshall was born. I know that Grandma is still looking out for all of us - just in a different way.

the graveside service

the "Orton" girls

The Grandson's

Harold, David, Gaylene, Grandpa Gary, Holly, Kelly, and Dwaine

Families are Forever

BitterSweet

First off...I apologize for not posting more pictures of Marshall and Ashlyn...I promise to get up to date eventually!

BitterSweet -

Last Sunday I was released for my calling as an Advisor to the Laurels group. I cried. I loved my calling and I love my girls. They were all so inspirational to me. I love how unique they all are and how they are not afraid to stand up for what they know is right and for what they believe in. I am so proud of them all.

Now, here is the sweet part...... I have been called to be the Girls Camp Director!!! So technically I am still in Young Womens! I kind of know what this calling will entail since I have previously been the Assistant Camp Director - I just wish I knew what the theme was going to be so that I can start putting together ideas! I know it is way too early to be worrying about all of that but I want this camp to be the best one yet!

So here is my request for all of you....If you have ANY ideas....please do not hesitate to send them my way!!!

Gary Marshall Orton

Introducing Gary Marshall Orton
July 7, 2010
6:24 pm
5 pounds 4 ounces
18.5 inches long

We are so happy to have Marshall here safe and healthy! It has been quite the journey to get him here and we couldn't be more excited for the new addition to our little family.

Ultrasound Pictures

Here are a couple of ultrasounds pictures of the little man! I'm pretty sure he is the cutest baby boy I have ever seen :)