The Marshall 5

I Can Do Hard Things - Star Valley Half Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 00:58:00 +0000

I know I am way behind on writing this post but it is something that I don't want left out. I don't do this to brag about myself because there are people out there who do much more difficult things than I but I post this in hopes to encourage you.

July 13, 2013 I woke up in the mountains of Star Valley, WY. It was the morning of the Star Valley Half Marathon. I needed to get up, eat something and start getting dressed and warmed up for my very first half marathon. I was a tiny nervous but I had been telling myself "it is what it is", "it will be what it will be". I had made a goal of 3 hrs but I really didn't know what to expect.

I'm not a runner, but I play one on TV. :) Here I am doing one of the hardest things in my entire life. 13 miles!!!!! What was I thinking.

I'm not a runner, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. :) No, I actually stayed in Big Al. That is what we call our toy hauler camping trailer, and our truck is called Tuggy. Anyway, back to the story.

My family is not a running family, well, my brother Joe ran track in high school and did well. I was on the cross country team my freshman year of high school. But I really didn't have a love for running and shin splints the whole season really soured my out look on running. It wasn't good, and man shin splints hurt. Just saying. :)

So up until a few years ago I had done zero running. I added a little bit here and there with my other workouts in trying to loose some baby weight. I found myself celebrating the little achievements when running, which urged me on for more. In April I ran my first 5K, a fundraiser for my cousin who is fighting MS. I was pretty happy with what I did.

I can't remember exactly when I decided to run the half marathon but I do remember it was a decision I never wavered on. I said what the heck and then told my hubby (who supported me from day one, but I couldn't talk him into running it with me). I told my family, who several members had ran this half marathon a couple of times before. Plus I told them that Trey was going to be with me! I know a few of them thought I was nuts and couldn't pull it off, but I didn't care. I was going to do this. I was going to do this for Trey and for Jeremy.

So rewind a bit. I need to tell you a bit about why this half marathon is so amazing. It is amazing because it is in honor of an amazing man whom I was honored to know. Jeremy Kunz married my cousin Melinda, and had 3 adorable children. Jeremy was truly one of the best men I have ever known. If you click on the Star Valley Half Marathon link above you will find more info about Jeremy, his life, and his passing. I am forever grateful for him being there for my brother, Dave, the night when we almost lost Dave to a heart attack. He was there with Dave at his house when the EMT's came, he went to the hospital and stayed with Dave until I could get there. Jeremy and Dave are best friends and it really shook Jeremy to see this happen to Dave. Little did we know that just months later all of us would be shaken to the core when Jeremy was taken from us, from his sweet wife and kids.

At the time of Jeremy's death my husband and I were in Hong Kong on a business trip. I received an email from my mom and I just sat and stared at the computer for a very long time. My mind when blank, I couldn't think about anything nor did I want to. Maybe if I didn't believe it then is wasn't true. We were not able to be back in time for the funeral and I felt bad. I wanted to be there to support Min and I also knew that the funeral is what gives me closure and helps me deal. So for a couple of years I have just felt empty inside when it came to Jeremy's death. Something was missing, something was wrong. I don't really know how to explain it.

Back to my decision, I decided to do this in hopes that I can have closure and honor him. I'll do this for my son, Trey, who will never be able to do this on his own in this life time. I will do this for two people who can't. Now, I can't say that my training was good. It was not. I totally could have trained better. But like I said above, it will be what it will be. And I knew I would get through it with help from Jeremy and Trey.

And you know what, I did. I did get through it. This was no cake walk. It was super hard for me to keep going. Every mile marker sign had a picture of Jeremy on it. I would touch each sign and then give Trey a kiss on his head. I could feel myself receiving that closure and comfort that I had been hoping for in regards to Jeremy's death.

Trey did awesome, I wasn't sure how he would like being in his jogging stroller for that long. Plus he did awesome through the down pour during miles 10 and 11 if I remember correctly. We both were soaked and he just chilled out with his headphones on.

I was so excited to see that finish line I don't even have words for it. My muscles weren't even muscles at that point. I made them move me over the finish line because I didn't want to stop when I was so close. We crossed the finish line just a couple of minutes after 3 hrs. My emotions were all over the place. I was so close to breaking down crying but my body said no because my muscles were killing and I was now chilled from the rain and probably cause my body was in shock over what I just made it do.

I was so proud of myself of what I had just accomplished. Not only did a non-runner complete a half marathon but I did it while pushing my 50lb son in 30lb jogging stroller. And even as I sit here writing this, I'm proud of what I did. I CAN DO HARD THINGS! It has encouraged me to keep going with things when life gets hard.

People, you can do hard things. Whatever it is, no matter how hard it may seem, go give it a try! YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS!

When Jeremy was alive he inspired so many people, even now he is no longer here on earth he keeps inspiring us. Never in my life would I have thought I would complete a half marathon. Through his love of running he has gotten a lot of us out running who otherwise would not.

So I am training for the next Star Valley Half Marathon, come join me. I have not decided if I will be running with Trey again. I feel like I would like to see what I can do on my own this time.

I have to give a shout out to all the other runners who spoke encouraging words to me during the race. That really gave me a boost. And also a big shout out to all the volunteers, especially those road side with music, cow bells, and signs, cheering us all on. Loved it! And Trey really liked the boy blowing bubbles at one of the bends. You all are awesome! Thanks!

And a huge thank you to my husband. He always supported me and never gave one hint of doubt. That meant a lot to me. And also to my kids who cheered me on. And thanks also to my extended family who was there running and cheering us on. Love you guys!

Star Valley, WY is so very beautiful. This is the start line up in the mountains. Yep, we camped right at the start line, cool huh? A couple of my cousins ended up camping there with us too. Our trailer in the back with the Wicked Audio sign on it, a sponsor of the race.

And we're off. You can see Trey in his jogging stroller.

Trey receiving his medal!

We did it!

Trey getting a dry blanket and my other two kids there to congratulation Trey and me. I love my family. :)

Camping in the Uinta National Forest

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Over the 4th of July we took an extended camping trip to the Uinta's. It was so great to get out of the heat! Plus it is so beautiful.

I don't know what they are playing, it doesn't matter, because whatever it was they were not fighting!

Paul took the kids on a snipe hunt.

Ellie and her rendition of "Kevin" from the movie up. I can see it, can you. She did this all with no help. What a girl! I'll help you out if your not seeing it. Toward the top left the wood piece there is Kevin's head then follow that down to the back and body. The bottom is his feet and the tail is cut off a bit in the picture.

Trey chilling out on his new camping cot. He can now lay down outside without being on the ground.

Fishing at Whitney Lake

Tinfoil dinner

The night of the 5th of July, we had just gotten the kids down to bed and it was probably about 9:30pm. Paul and I decide to head back outside to enjoy the night sky and cool air for a bit. We come out the door and I turn to the left a bit and look out past the trailer and see Moose here. I let out a little gasp and Paul is like "What" then he sees what I see. Moose is stopped about 50 yards from the trailer in an opening chewing on some grass. He see us and doesn't do anything, but keeps his eye on us. We didn't move for a little bit and were prepared to run back into the trailer if necessary.

Since Moose seemed just fine with what was going on I decided to slowing go back into the trailer for my camera. I grabbed my Nikon D80 which was handy and it had one of my zoom lens on it. I knew this would be a difficult lighting situation because, really there was hardly any light left. I didn't have a tripod with me either. I couldn't use a flash because at 50 yds it wouldn't help and only serve to scare Moose, which I didn't want. So I bumped up my ISO really high and dropped my shutter down and opened up my aperture as much as I could. So the pictures aren't the best but just being there was so cool.

Moose made his way across the clearing, he ended up coming about 30 yds from us. Then made his was across and up the mountain behind the trailer.

Paul and I couldn't believe it, wow, what an experience.

My handsome man

Another day of fishing.

Saturday night we had a huge rain storm mixed with chunks of hail. We had fun keeping the fire going so we could have banana boats later.

Bald Mountain Pass Overlook

Provo River Falls

Tennis Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 23:50:00 +0000

A neighbor of ours does tennis lessons and since Paul never can get out on a court with the kids I thought it was a good idea to do lessons and introduce them to tennis. Plus it gave Brett and Ellie something to do for an hour a few times a week for a couple of weeks.

Trey VIP TBall

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 23:36:00 +0000

Trey had a wonderful time with Tball this year. Again he had two awesome buddies to help him, Easton and Brett.

Baseball for Brett

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 23:18:00 +0000

The baseball season came and went so fast. Which is really ok because June heated up so fast! Brett loved baseball this year, he had many friends on his team with him.

Happy Birthday Trey!

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 22:51:00 +0000

Yep, another year has flown by and Big Shot is now 11 yrs old.

This year for gifts he received some garden art for his garden and we took the family to the zoo.

Happy Birthday Trey! We love you.

Grandpa Meanea refinished his sign, Daddy hung it back up for the summer.

Trey - You are my Sunshine

Trey's hoping the elephant sprays his brother and sister :)

The polar bear behind the kids is made of Legos

This polar bear is not made of Legos.

Yummy, these little kids sure do look tasty!

So this gorilla was totally fixated on Trey. Checked Trey out for a good 4 minutes. It was really interesting how he just wanted to look at Trey when all these other kids where around. The gorilla kind of ignored people then stood and looked at Trey for a while.

Swim Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 22:02:00 +0000

Summer is here again and so are swim lessons. I am so grateful that my kids like the water and enjoy swimming and playing.

Goodnight Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 21:19:00 +0000

The Super Moon was this past weekend and it was beautiful.

The kids were in bed and it was a beautiful night so I sat out on the porch waiting for the moon to come over the mountain.

This is the picture I took with some post processing in Photoshop.

What do you think?

Sand Hollow and a Mission Call

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:22:00 +0000

Last spring we had such a blast going to Sand Hollow State Park that we decided to go again this year.
We had a very long day getting down there, between all the potty stops, blown tire on the trailer, getting blown tire replaced, stop for lunch, etc. It just seemed like we were never going to get down there. But we finally made it and Paul found us a great spot on the beach next to the water.
That first evening (Friday May 31) it was quite windy but we played any way.
Saturday was awesome playing in the water, rides in Pouncy the Prowler and the kids playing with the cousins. It was a wonderful day.
Sunday we relaxed and took our time packing up, then headed to my brother John's home to watch my niece open her mission call.

Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Trey making sure dad gets some work done.

Sand boy

Saturday morning we watched Stand Up Paddle Board races

Trey's turn in the Kayak

He did ok this way, but he really liked it when laying down in Brett or Ellie's Kayak and just relaxing and floating around.

Ugh, farmers tan and I'm not even a farmer!

Uncle John helping to bury Brett in the sand

"I hope they call me on a mission"

Chicago, IL Spanish Speaking

One happy family, but they are sure going to miss Allyse when she goes!

Look who's riding a bike with no training wheels!

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:59:00 +0000

So a month or two ago Paul took the training wheels off the bike for Ellie so she could start practicing. She tried hard but her balance just wasn't there yet. So with life and craziness we just hadn't gotten her back on it for awhile then on May 29th she asked me to help her ride her bike. OK, let's go!
I helped her get the initial start but then she just took off. It totally surprised me. And I think it surprised her too. The look on her face, she was so happy that she had accomplished this. She picked up on the starting by herself, slowing down and stopping, and turning. Another kid milestone down.

Arrow of Light

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:49:00 +0000

It has been fun for Trey to be in Cub Scouts the last few years. He has enjoyed going and being with the other boys.
It was close but Trey received his Webelos Badge and Arrow of Light before he turned 11. Here are a few pictures from the night.

Yep I'm wearing a scout shirt. I have been one of the wolves den leaders since just a couple of months after Trey turned 8 and went into wolves. I have stayed with the wolf den and Trey has moved on to the other dens when he had birthdays. He likes to be places without mom.

Preschool Graduation

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:27:00 +0000

The first of Ellie's many graduations in her life was held May 17th. (really, how many graduations do these kids have these days? TOO MANY!) But I guess it is ok cause they are so cute.

Ellie had a wonderful teacher this year, Ms. Jackie. She runs The Raspberry Sawhorse Preschool. Wonderful teacher, wonderful year. Ellie really enjoyed being there.

Here are some pictures.

There my little girl goes growing up, when I have told her not to. In August she starts Kindergarten.

Ellie's Dance Recital

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:05:00 +0000

Ellie loves to dance. But when I signed her up for dance lessons at first I don't think she liked the fact that the teacher was teaching her how and telling her what to dance rather than Ellie just doing what she wanted.
She came around quickly and by the time the competition in April came around I could see that Ellie knew her dance better and she loved to be in front of an audience. Now it was dance recital time on May 18, 2013.

Here are a few pictures from her recital.

Field Day

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:35:00 +0000

Field Day at the boys elementary school.

I went over to help with Trey's class but ended up taking some pictures. Trey's class joined with the first, second and third graders in the games they were playing.

volleyball

Limbo

Racing around cones

Brett starting his obstacle coarse

Go Brett!

We finally broke down and went . . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 05:26:00 +0000

to Disneyland.

So we have deliberately waited this long to go to Disneyland. One, we didn't want to take toddlers. Two, we wanted them to maybe remember bits and pieces of it. Three, ugh, Disneyland. Four, how was Trey going to do with it?

We timed it just right where the park wasn't too busy and where my wonderful niece could skip out on some school and come help us with the kids. We knew that Trey wasn't going to get to go on a whole lot of rides so someone who need to stay with him. We also knew that Brett and Ellie wouldn't ride alone on rides so that meant three adults, three kids. It turned out great and Allyse was such a wonderful help and she taught Brett so many cool things in MineCraft while traveling in the van.

This was a total surprise to the kids, which frankly I'm surprised no one spilled the beans because some people in the ward and neighborhood knew that we were going and many of my family knew. It all worked out.

Brett didn't even ask any questions when he saw me bring two big suitcases up stairs into my room and stacks of everyone's clothes around.

So we told the kids we were going to Allyse's Graduation Luncheon Saturday morning. (BTW, Allyse totally rocks, she graduated with a BS from SUU before she graduated from high school! I could go on and on about how awesome she is.)

At the luncheon Paul told the kids we are so close to Vegas we might as well go spend the night there. Oh and ask Allyse if she would like to come with us.

Next morning in Vegas Paul tells them we are close to L.A. (which I don't really think they knew what L.A. was) so we are going to drive there and check it out. But first let's drive out to Hoover Dam. The place where the US government was keeping Megatron frozen and the cube locked away. :)

Then we stopped in Baker, CA for some strawberry milk shakes.

Trey at the tallest thermometer in the world.

From Baker, CA we had quite the adventure with heavy traffic, slow traffic, off interstate scenic route, helping someone else change a flat tire, very long dirt road, and back on the interstate. That was fun!

We get into L.A. and the kids still have no idea. As I like back I don't think that Brett or Ellie really knew where Disneyland was. They have heard of it from friends, commercials, etc. but the location isn't really something that kids these ages understand.

Ellie in the lobby of the hotel with the Disneyland sign right there and she didn't even notice it.

The next morning we told the kids we where going to drive around and see what we could find. As we got a little closer to the parking area I started dropping hints but they still didn't get it.

We are all on the tram from parking to the gates and they still don't know.

Not until Brett heard the recorded voice on the tram say a couple of times "Welcome to Disneyland" did he start to put it together, then I finally had to say "Guys, we're at Disneyland!"

Pretty cool to see the Iron Man suits

Riding the carousel

Riding the train

"My wheels are cooler!"

The Pixar parade

Trey loving the Buzz Light Year ride

One Cool Dude

If only all that treasure was real

Trey meeting Donald Duck while stretching out in First Aid.

So all in all it was a good trip. We did the three day park hopper which was perfect for us. Disneyland one day, California Adventure the second day, then the third day was what we didn't see in Disneyland then the afternoon to hit our favorite rides again. We left the park when the kids were done and so no meltdowns in that area! The third day got to be a bit too much for Trey boy. He was done with the stimulation, the being in his chair all day, and not being in his own bed at home. He was a trooper though.

Well, we can mark it off the list now. Thank goodness! Don't get me wrong, we had a good time and I'm glad we went but honestly I think the family had a better time in San Diego in 2010. Now the kids can say that they've been. Now Paul and I can say that we've been and made it through with the kids!

Thanks again to Allyse for coming with us and helping out.

"I was a real bumble bee"

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:27:00 +0000

My dear, sweet, little 5 yr old. She says the funniest things. Even being at a preschool field trip doesn't stop her.

Ellie's preschool class went to the local fire station for a field trip. The man there teaching them is really great but he was having a hard time getting the kids to understand that just because he may be in his fire fighter suit that it is still him and the kids shouldn't be scared if they were to see a fire fighter all dressed up.
So he started talking about how at Halloween the kids get to dress up and pretend they are something different but really it is still them. He asks Ellie, "What were you for Halloween?".
"A Bumble Bee."
"Were you really a bumble bee or was it just you dressed up?"
"I was a real bumble bee!"

I cracked up. Trust my daughter to say that. Of coarse this is the girl who acts like different animals through out the day.

She was also lucky enough to get to try on the fire suit.

Super Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:10:00 +0000

The high school here put on the third annual Super Stars Track Meet. Special needs children from around the whole district were invited to come participate. 50M, 100M, 200M, 400M, Wheelchair 400M, softball throw, long jump, and high jump.

The high school track team comes out to help and be buddies to the awesome participants. A good time was had by all even though it could have been a little bit warmer.

Rolling in the 200M

Receiving his medal

Prepping for the 400M

And their off!

Finish line

Trey and his buddy

Everyone together for a photo op

Martial Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:23:00 +0000

The last few months our family has begun to experience something very new to us. Brett started as a student at a martial arts studio. This has been very interesting to learn about. The main form taught is Tae Twon Do but they also learn self defense moves, and Hapkido, Judo, Jiu Jitsu and Okinawan Weaponry.

Brett loves it and has done well for his first few months. Just a month after he started was the annual tournament the studio holds once a year and he competed in Form and Chinbara. I don't know if I spelled Chinbara correct. :) Which he received a gold medal in Chinbara (padded sword fighting, which he really loves to do) and a bronze in Form.

So just on Monday was his first test to move up a belt. He did wonderful and on Tuesday was awarded his White/Green belt.

Talking with Hak Saeng Stacy (student instructor) during the

mental portion of the test.

Standing in Jhoon-bi

Receiving his White/Green belt.

They put the old belt on the child's head to represent the knowledge his has gained. When the ceremony is over the instructor has been bring the old belt to mom or dad.

A Star Is Born

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Wed, 01 May 2013 20:13:00 +0000

Ellie has been taking dance lesson this year and she loves to dance. She also loves the stage! We found this out at the studio's Christmas performance. She was nervous before the dress rehearsal about the stage but at the dress rehearsal she did just fine and realized it was all good. That night when her class came out on stage, there she was just beaming and blowing kisses and waving to the audience like the cutest thing you had ever seen.
Yep, we're in trouble.

In April there was a dance competition at the high school and her class did wonderful. 1st place with a Gold High Point. I don't know what the Gold High Point is so please don't ask. :)

Here are a couple of pictures and a video of Ellie dancing. Brett was kind enough to video the dance with my IPhone while I was taking pictures with my camera. He did a good job too!

Is anyone out there?

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 23:33:00 +0000

I know I haven't posted in awhile, sorry. My question now is if anyone out there is reading this blog? totally fine if you are not but I'm just wondering if I should keep doing it or not.
So, if you check this blog to find out what is going on with us then please drop me an email or a comment on this post.
I will wait a few weeks before I make my decision but I will put some posts up soon anyway.
Love
Christy

Pictures by Christy

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 21:43:00 +0000

Pictures of my Birthday boy

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Brett took the pictures of me and Trey and Ellie took the picture of Paul and Trey.

Trey's 10th Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 20:59:00 +0000

Weekend of June 10th, 2012
Seriously, 10yrs old! How did that happen? Paul and I are so honored to have Trey as our child. What a special guy. He brings so much love and joy to our lives and into our home. Happy Birthday Trey, we love you so very much!

For Trey's birthday we decided to go camping for the weekend. Trey loves the outdoors, in fact when he was really young and we had our first trailer we would go camping he would sit outside in his swing and look up at the sky through the tree leaves and just smile.
We took Pouncy and Big Al up to Diamond Campground in Diamond Fork Canyon. Paul found us a wonderful spot.

Don't worry Trey, dinner's coming.

Christy gets into a picture thanks to a tripod and remote.

On a ride in Pouncy the Prowler.

Saturday evening Paul's parents came up and spent sometime with the kids and had dinner with us. Paul grilled some wonderful steaks.

I have the best husband ever!

Paul with his wonderful mom.

Handsome dude!

Yep, big bottom lip comes from his dad.

Isn't that just sweet?!

This campground had a wonderful trail called the Discovery Trail. It was smooth and wide enough for us to take Trey on it in his jogger. Every so often it would have a plaque telling about the native flowers in the area, the different birds, the different animals, etc. We also saw this teepee and a beaver lodge.

This Sunday night and we are back at home. Paul is making Trey his birthday brownies. I usually make the kids' birthday cakes but since we were camping I wouldn't have time and we all enjoy Paul's brownies very much.

Birthday Boy!

Yummy!

Metal flowers to put in his garden.

More flowers for the garden.

Supervising the flowers going into his garden.

Make a wish!

Yummmy, the good stuff. Brownies with mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Trey VIP Tball 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 18:36:00 +0000

Here we are in June again and so it is time for Trey to play some ball. Such a wonderful program for these VIP kids. They have so much fun and the smiles on their faces says it all!
Easton, Trey's awesome friend was his buddy again. The pictures I took here was at a game he couldn't make it too. Easton and Brett are Trey's buddies for the games and they make a good team together. Brett bats and Easton pushes Trey around the bases. In the outfield, if the ball comes Trey's way then Brett and Easton will get the ball put it in Trey's hands for a few seconds then help him throw it to first base.

Brett and Ellie Swim Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Christy Marshall) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 18:11:00 +0000

June 4, 2012
School has ended and here comes summer. Enter swim lessons. For two weeks Monday - Thursday Brett and Ellie went to swim lessons. They love it and get so excited when I tell them it is time to get ready.

Go Brett!

Back float Brett

Here I go!

Wheeeeee!

YES!

I am so proud and happy for Brett. Swimming does not come easy for him, a couple of years ago all he could do is sink. He has improved so much especially the last two weeks. His teacher was very impressed with him and his willingness to try and keep trying. Right now he can can swim for a little then flip over to his back for breath and quick rest then flip back over and keep going.