Dinner of Champions

We had the honor of attending the 33rd Annual Dinner of Champions this past September. The McCarthey Family hosted the event at La Caille Restaurant. The gala celebrates athletic and community leaders, who inspire all with their drive and determination. Our Mother was one of the honorees, Melissa accepted the award on my mother's behalf. This is what was written for  Mom:

MS CHAMPION

Living with Hope

Ann Marsh
The Living with Hope award was proudly accepted by Melissa Marsh on behalf of her late mother who, despite her limited physical state as a result of MS had an unwavering determination to live beyond her disease. Ann was a graduate of Murray High School and Brigham Young University. She was a mother and teacher who robustly exuded joy in all that she did.
 
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/utu/fundraising-events/dinner-of-champions/index.aspx

Melissa with Philip G. McCarthey

Richard, Justin, and Rob

All of us

With our Grandparents, Bob and Mary

Justin and I

Richard and Melissa

Rob and Becca

My Grandparents

Sisters

The event raised more than $120,000 to support local programs and services for people impacted by multiple sclerosis. It will also help to fund research that will find ways to stop the disease,  help restore what’s been lost, and to end MS forever. We were all so honored to attend. It was a great way to celebrate Mom's life. We know she wasn't perfect, but she did the best she could with her situation. Cheers to you Mom, we love and miss you!



Silly baby

Last weekend Ellie had made quite a mess eating her breakfast.

I had taken her down from her high chair, and she disappeared back into her room. I was getting the kitchen cleaned up, I turn around and this is what I see.

She had taken off her jammies and her diaper was hanging on by a thread. She is one silly girl.

Thanksgiving II

As mentioned before, we celebrated Thanksgiving a day ahead with my family since Justin had to work on Thanksgiving. Our friend Matt, who happens to live across the street from us, invited us over for dinner that night. Since dinner was later in the evening it worked with Justin's schedule, perfect!

A few celebratory decorations

Matt, and our friend Teresa. I know, she gorgeous!

Karen made the cranberry sauce. I believe it was a cranberry Cognac sauce. Whatever it was, it was so yummy.

Steve had the honor of cutting the turkey.

He did a great job. How the vegetarian ended up cutting the turkey is still a mystery to me?

Ellie, and Steve's daughter Alex

Sorry the photo is dark. Matt has a beautiful fixture in his dinning room, it isn't the best for photos. Oh well. This was the end result. Turkey, asparagus, the delicious cranberry congnac sauce, stuffing, and Mom's famous French Creamed Potatoes. It was a great time. We are so lucky to have such great friends.

Christmas Tree

This year has been a little interesting with a 17 month old and a Christmas tree. She of course is mesmerized with the ornaments and lights. She can't help herself, she has to touch every one in sight. I have attempted to teach her to touch with one finger. She usually starts out with the one finger, gets very excited and grabs the whole thing. We have only had one ornament casualty so far...not bad.

Please note the one finger, haha

Day or night, it's still interesting

Fall Family Pictures

One of the many reason's I love Utah is the seasons. There is something about the turning leaves, the slight chill in the air that holds a special place in my heart. I asked my sister if she would take a few pictures to use as our Christmas card this year (Oops!). We live close to the Garden Park Ward house, the grounds are gorgeous, it's a perfect location. When we arrived a wedding reception was being held, so we stayed at the other end. We were just about to get started when my little brother Richard came over. He was there for his friends reception - what a small world? Several of his friends from High School were there, it was fun to see them again.



What a handsome man

Fall 2011

Christmas Card

I am very lucky to have a creative mother-in-law. I had found a few cards online that I liked, after seeing Ellie's photo's I was undecided. I showed Cindy what I had found, she took what I liked about each, and this is the end result. I mailed them out yesterday so they are on there way.

Santa Photo Shoot

Last weekend I took Ellie to get her photo taken with Santa. I have mentioned before how much I LOVE Foto Fly, and once again they have out done themselves. They had a small heated tent at Thanksgiving Point. To avoid the screaming photos, you are Santa! Genius, I don't know why this has not been done before. They had the suit and everything you need, your face was left bare so your child is completely at ease. The "Real" Santa was there as well, welcoming children to his knee.

4th of July

Justin and I love the 4th of July. Good food (BBQ!), fireworks, great weather, what's not to love. Cindy and Dean came over, we had the traditional 4th of July feast.

Justin lit the fireworks and we enjoyed the show

I think Ellie was a little impressed :)

Happy 4th of July

Ellie's 1st Birthday

For Ellie's first birthday we decided to have a few friends and family over. My sister was kind enough to document the event. We decided to have a BBQ in the back yard. Since it was in July, I thought nice bright, summery colors were appropriate. I made her happy birthday banner, and suspended a few tissue flowers from the trellis.

We had quite the delicious spread. Justin was in charge of manning the BBQ, he did a great job with the burgers.

 Cindy made a rhubarb pie

Justin and I tried our hand in making cupcakes. Piping is much harder than it looks.

We ordered Ellie a vegan white cake, chocolate icing, Elmo cake.

We had a great time visiting with our friends

Time to sing Happy Birthday, and start in on the cake

The cake was a hit, to say the least

She has so much fun opening her gifts

Happy Birthday my sweet little baby! We love YOU!!!