Marley Reads

In this video, Marley Joy is reading excepts from "Go Dog Go" and from "Curious George and the Bunny". Phrases to watch for are "Up the tree, up the tree", "Go Down!", "George is Sad", "Hold a baby bunny!" and many more.

Enjoy

The New Year

The New Year started off quickly with a visit from the Wongs from Arizona. The annual New Year's fondue party was a blast as always, and thus began a new year of experiences for Marley.

Kalei and Allison Wong

Marley sharing her new Chrismas toys with all the kids

The fondue goodness

Kelci Wong...CUTIE!

This is Kalei at about 10:00pm...didn't quite make it to the ball dropping!

The party crew at midnight

Marley's first tennis lesson

The Houghton/Quirk ladies at Luanna's birthday party

Heidi and her friend Allisonne being honored at a School Board meeting for their Counseling work.

The most precious girl in the world

December 2008

The Christmas season was a whirlwind as always, but such a delight. We can't believe this is already Marley's second Christmas. We are blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends. 

Marley enjoying the goodies at the Martin Family Christmas party

Bodie and Heidi at the Church Worship Team Christmas Party

Marley with her winter hat from the Lu's

Marley and Presley (don't they look like twins?) Heidi and Kathleen

Emma helping Marley with her new toy

Our little reindeer girl

The hit at the Martins...A family Wii!

Christmas morning fun

Marley wanted to wear the clothes she received, ALL at once!

Walking in daddy's shoes...precious!

Nana and Boppa Jim with their Marley mugs

Marley and Mommy at the Houghton Christmas luncheon

Thanksgiving 2008

We had a delightful Thanksgiving at the Quirk house this year. It was filled with family, food and new this year...PUZZLE!!! Heidi got the urge for a family project and it ended up to be a lot of fun (though very addicting!) Everyone pitched in to complete a 1000 piece Thomas Kinkade puzzle in just 3 days. Of course Marley had a ball and was the center of attention with all the cousins. Some highlights of the week...

Heidi, Hailey and Wesley hard at work. Hailey and Wesley were key to the puzzle completion

Friends Matt and Carmen came over and were sucked in as well!

This was Luanna's doll when she was little. Marley loves playing with it too!

Some of the cousins and Luanna

Marley with cousin Laura with whom she loves to play

This is Marley with her favorite toys in the world...ROCKS!

The Ranch

Marley had her first trip to the ranch for the annual pheasant hunting gathering. She loved being out in the beautiful fields and playing with all the rocks. It was a great trip, even though Marley came down with a little cold.

Fall Fun

Marley is having a blast with the new season. She runs almost everywhere she goes and has become quite the talker. I think my favorite new word she says is "balloon" which sounds more like "bluhbluhbluhbluh." She is curious about everything and likes to repeat words you say. She has started "singing" along with her favorite songs and it is so precious. I love how friendly she is; she says "hi" to everything from people to animals to passing cars.

For those of you who didn't know, I started a new job in Duarte USD in mid September and am really enjoying counseling at the Junior High level. Although the commute is long and it is hard being away from Marley full time, the staff is wonderful and I am blessed to be employed in this uncertain economy. Here are some pictures of the season:

Swim lessons!

Marley sleeps with her booty up in the air, but somehow she managed to get her blankee on her back in the middle of the night too!

Pumpkin patch fun

Marley dressed up as a bear for our church Harvest Fair, but she thought it was a dog and went around saying "Arf" all night. I dressed as Marley in onsie pajamas and so she was my teddy bear.

A Rare Treat

Last Saturday, my family got to see Andre Agassi in person playing tennis. This was his first public playing experience this year and it was to help the Bryan Brothers Raise money for their foundation they were launching with this event: The All-Star Tennis Smash. There were current famous tennis players there like James Blake, Robby Ginepri, of course Bob and Mike Bryan, and some celebrites, as well including Jon Lovitz.

But for me, it was all about seeing Andre. He was and is my tennis inspiration so this was a true rare treat to see my tennis hero in a relaxed environment, where I was able to get quite close to enjoy the beauty of his game and get some pictures.

Here are some of my best shots that I edited and had some fun with.

B

Our Little Toddler

This toddler stage is just so much fun. It's like Marley learns a new word and new skills everyday. It is a joy to watch her discover her world. She is going all the time and getting into things at every moment of her curiosity. She waves to cars that pass our house and is obsessed with shoes and phones (already such a girl). She can make the animal noises for a dog, cat, cow, duck and monkey (which might be my favorite because it's "oo...oo...oo!"). She likes having music on most of the time and does a little squatting or stomping dance. We have started swim lesssons which she is doing really well in; she loves the water. It's crazy to see how much she has changed in a little over a year, and to realize you never knew you could love like this. Thank you Jesus, for this imperfect glimpse of how much you really love us, even though we are just as naive and selfish and stubborn as children sometimes.

Goofy face

Tickle attack from Auntie Hailey

Our little singer

Bath time with Emma, or as Marley says: "ENNAH!"

Marley decided to pack herself up!

Trying on mommy's shoes, already!

1st Birthday Party

Marley's first birthday was a blast. We had it at Yorba Regional Park and many pitched in to decorate and bring food. It was a beautiful day and so many of Marley's friend were able to come. Daddy showed her how to really dig into a birthday cake, much to everyones amusement. We are so blessed by our family and friends, thank you for loving and supporting us so well!

Auntie Heather made amazing cupcakes for the occasion!

Is frosting good for your hair?

Reading a new book with Uncle Kenton

Marley and her friend practicing their new walking skills

Cabin, Here We Come!

Marley's first trip to the cabin was fantastic! We delayed a little because of the fires, but that just meant we got to spend more time with Grandma and Grandpa Martin.

Grandma Sara Lee taking good care of me. She's funny!

Grandpa Glenn helping me slide down the slide. I was cracking up!

I put the "Joy" in Marley Joy!

I am a water baby for sure! This is at the pool of the hotel where we stayed while waiting for the smoke to clear near the cabin.

I love books, and my Mommy loves to read them to me.

I spent a lot of time in the "gated community" but my friend Bridget and Daddy kept me entertained.

Ok, have you seen how tall the trees are? This was my first attempt to see the top of a really big one!

I'm walking much better, and Grandpa helps me

The Equitz/Quirk trip to the creek. There was lots of rock throwing and dog splashing.

Happy Fourth of July! All I need is a broom and a hoolahoop to be happy.

My first taste of homemade peach ice cream...MMMMM!

Goofy Girl

My first steps all by myself. Can you see how excited I am?!

How about how excited mommy is?

Summer Begins...

Marley started off her summer with a visit from Grandma Wendy, which made it perfect! She began standing all by herself (not holding on to anything) and walking with assistance. We learned she loves swings, "dancing," saying new words (like fish! Well, more like "ish!"), and the old favorites: giggling and clapping. We had one little mishap...Marley lost her first tooth a little too early! It was probably more traumatic for her parents than her, but she won't be having a front tooth until her adult one comes in :( Other than that, what a happy, healthy girl. Here are some pictures:

With Grandma Wendy

The Quirk Ladies: Grandma Wendy, Auntie Hailey and Mama

Fun with Auntie Hailey

Getting messy!

I love my daddy!

Cute face

Daddy makes me laugh

First Steps

Hanging with Uncle Terry and my friend Presley

I LOVE bath time!

Reading my new favorite book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," with Mommy. I like putting my finger in the holes

Precious child

I woke up early one morning and got bored so I started reading a book. Then I decided I was too tired and went back to sleep. This is how Mommy and Daddy found me!