Marianne's Family

ABOUT 2011

2012-01-31T11:20:00.001-08:00

I didn't blog for all of 2011. As I look back now, I can see that so much happened that year I was completely overwhelmed.

I lost my job as a trainer in February because the grant ended. I found another job with the state that left me very underemployed. It was also a heartbreaking job that involved talking to many broken foster children. I was not happy in the job -but lucky enough to have good co-workers. To keep the story short and maintain confidentiality...I will just say that when I was fired on December 15th....I was devastated.

I now see that it was the best thing that could have happened to me! I have been very blessed with support from family and friends with prayers, meals and calling to check on me.

In August, my car was stolen but again through the miracle of prayer and a brave witness coming forward, my car was recovered the same weekend.

In September, Kaitlyn moved to Utah. I know this is the best thing for her...but letting the last one go is a big thing for the momma!

At this point, I am working to get my social work license. I had not needed it in the past...but, seeing the job market I realize it is imperative that get the license.

I am awaiting the paperwork from the state to take my test. They have everything needed to approve me...just waiting the 3-4 weeks for approval. I have the financial support from a dear family member for all of the fees to apply and test. A close friend also helped to finance a study course at UT Arlington.

I am richly blessed....with more than I deserve. I have the gift of a loving Heavenly Father who knows my needs and sends many angels into my life.

2011 was filled with many blessing and joyful moments...so I wanted to share them with you. If the climb seems too hard...call me. I've been in my own dark places and see the hope and joy ahead. Keep me in your prayers!

Next step....to take and pass the LMSW...get my dream job....and make 2012 a great year!

Much Love to all who read this-----MARIANNE

Christmas 2010

2012-01-17T20:32:00.000-08:00

Elle and Rhett

with Santa

December 14, 2010

2011-02-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

BIG SISTER

"I want to hold him"

Is this my baby?

After 24 hours of wellness...it was time to meet Rhett.

Elle was thrilled to be the new big sister....she could hardly believe her luck at getting to hold her precious new brother. She thought he belonged to the baby nurse that brought him in at first. Lauren, the nurse, was so touched by the sweet reaction Elle had holding her brother---it brought tears to her eyes. When she realized that she would get to bring him home, she shared this smile of pure joy. She loved on him and kissed him sweetly on the head. She spoke to him in a tiny high pitched voice and kept telling him..."it's alright". She's going to be quite the protecter!!

December 13, 2010

2011-01-10T19:17:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Rhett

Welcome to the world baby Rhett--- 7 lbs 5 ozs of perfection! My handsome grandson Rhett joined our family today just after noon. He made his debut despite most of the family having the stomach virus. Poor Aubrianne spent the middle of the night in labor alone. She had a great nurse taking care of her . I was taking care of Elle who was so very sick, Rusty was very sick and Kate was recovering and super helpful with Elle. It was such a nightmare amidst a miracle. Rusty made it in time to see his son born...but still felt so awful. We were all glad to have him here safe and healthy.

The end of a long first day of life!!

December 1, 2010

2011-01-09T21:48:00.003-08:00

Elle's 2nd Birthday

Elle's Birthday- the Big 2

Elle with cousins Becky and Lillian

Princess Balloons

Party hats were not optional....Ellle insisted we all wear them!

the Princess cake!

Elle got many princess related gifts and loved each one. I video taped the birthday song and blowing out of the candles on my phone...she still asks me to watch it each time I see her. She sings with it and claps at the end . It's so cute!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2011-01-09T21:31:00.000-08:00

DISNEY PRINCESS DREAMS ON ICE
We went with Elle to Disney Princess' on Ice for her 2nd birthday. She is very crazy about everything princess- her favorite is Cinderella. As a part of the pre-show 'Cinderella' came out to see her fans. I got a shot of Elle when she first saw her....a picture really is worth 1000 words, but I would say one word for this expression....JOY!

Uncle Brannon bought her this magic lighted Cinderella wand.
She loved it!

Be Our Guest

Aubrianne - 38 weeks

November 2010

2011-01-09T21:12:00.001-08:00

Orange Beach, Alabama-

Perdido Beach Resort

I want to Alabama to speak at a State Conference.

My hotel was on the beach and the view was so peaceful.

I loved the sunsets the most!

AUBRIANNE'S BABY SHOWER
Aubrianne and her friend Emily.
A beautiful and delicious cake made by a generous friend who owns a cake shop in Downtown McKinney.
"Baby Rhett"

Halloween 2010

2011-01-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Halloween Trunk or Treat

Rusty went as Aubri....Aubri went as herself...

and Elle went as her favorite thing....a Disney Princess!!!

The funniest part was when Elle looked at Rusty after he got ready and said, "Daddy looks funny, he's wearing Mommy's dress. " and "Daddy, why are you wearing mommy's shoes?"
A lot of the people at the trunk or treat also looked at Rusty pretty funny.......go figure!

Oktoberfest in McKinney

2011-01-09T20:37:00.001-08:00

I went to Oktoberfest in McKinney with Rusty, Aubrianne and Elle.

We rode the train....

she loved the petting zoo.....
and danced for us to the lively German music....
and reminded us that she still remembers how to "power-up".
A trick she started at about 3 months old!

October 2010

2011-01-09T18:58:00.001-08:00

Aubrianne and Rusty had some family pictures taken by Skyewolfe Designs. I think that they are the cutest family...and Aubrianne was radiant and looked so beautiful.

I was along for Elle entertainment and control. Enjoy......

Thanks to Amber Palmer --owner/photographer for letting me share these.

I taught a class in Dallas. They were quite the lively bunch. They were so sweet to me. They took me to lunch and gave me a digital photo frame....how did they know I loved taking pictures?

The Dallas Class

The Chuck E. Cheese Experience

Elle went to Chuck E. Cheese for the first time.

She loved getting 'money' to put into the rides.

Her daddy played some games and she loved picking her prizes.

San Antonio Riverwalk -

International Accordion Festival

I went with my friend Mollie to San Antonio.

We went to the International Accordion Festival.

It was a blast! My favorite band was an Irish band called Solas.

The weather on the Riverwalk was perfect.

Thanks Mollie for a fun weekend break - I needed it!

(I also got to have a great reunion dinner with my friend Jen -
a transplanted Texan. We picked up where we left off years ago......

Jen you're the greatest-Miss you!)

Garland High School's - Ollie Owl

Elle went to her first Garland High football game and met Ollie the Owl....

She was not as thrilled as I had hoped!

Time Out for Women -2010

Kate met her favorite LDS author -Brad Wilcox

My friend Chris and I got a picture with one of my favorite LDS music artists - Hilary Weeks!

September 2010

2011-01-09T18:37:00.000-08:00

I went to Columbia, SC to teach a class. They were delighful and wonderful to me. They gave me a bag of goodies for my office as a gift and also a set of Palmetto Earrings and a necklace to remember them by.....

I went to Savannah on my Saturday off....and ate dinner on Tybee Island. It was great. I knew that it would be my last class there, so I wanted to take advantage of my opportunity to see one of my favorite cities.

One of Savannah's beautiful historic buildings.
I love Tybee Island and the Crab Shack!

My Columbia Class

August 15, 2010

2010-08-05T06:53:00.001-07:00

I had foot surgery in August and recovered for two days at Rusty and Aubrianne's house.

Elle managed to keep me company for the two days I was there recovering while still taking care of her baby doll and watching 'Baby Signing Time'.

August 2010

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Annie Get Your Gun

Brannon finished his run as Buffalo Bill with the Jackson Hole Playhouse in

'Annie Get Your Gun'

He loved Jackson Hole- the area looks amazing...wish I could have been there.

(for a previous look at his 'street gun fight' - see my July 2010 posts)

July 31, 2010

2010-08-05T06:49:00.005-07:00

I think he's my brother....what do you think? I have looked for my birthfather for the past 23 years...recently my older brother Ron decided to reach out to his younger half-brothers Terry and Trevor Bowman. [He had also hoped to reconnect with his father, Ted (Wayne) Bowman] Although Ted passed away in 2002, Terry and Trevor were quite happy to talk to Ron again. They exchanged pictures and noticed a striking resemblence to a certain sister and her kids!!! While we don't have the DNA to prove it, I'd say a picture is worth a thousand words. I am thrilled...I was able to meet Terry and wife, Mary. They are awesome and I feel so lucky. Terry has been an added joy in my life. It has been very surreal...looking for so long, then finding and losing a man I never got to meet all at the same time. I am blessed to have them in my life!!!

July 2010 - Courtney and Ozzy

2010-08-05T06:49:00.003-07:00

Court has a talent agent (doesn't everyone in Souther California) that discovered him and loves his super cool curly hair (You're welcome, Court!)

He was hired to be in the latest Ozzy video "Time Won't Wait"

His .05 seconds of fame...you can view it on YouTube!

He met Ozzy and Sharon, as well as Kelly and Jack.

He said they were all very nice and gracious people.

He enjoyed the day of production so much...despite having to spend hours around dozens of beautiful models in bikini's. Poor Court....

He said Sharon said to say hello to me.....yeah, we're tight like that!

July 28, 2010

2010-08-05T06:48:00.007-07:00

My darlin' loves ice cream cones....(aka iffreem cone) In fact, the only thing she seems to like better is being a clown and making faces. We find it pretty entertaining too!

July 17, 2010

2010-07-21T09:08:00.001-07:00

Little Miss is getting quite funny about looking cute and wearing hats...she insisted upon wearing this hat and we added the flower. She also loves her sparkly sunglasses.

July 12-16, 2010 Kansas City - City of Fountains

2010-07-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

I learned a lot about Kansas City during my stay...the Plaza was the first outdoor mall in the US. The Spanish influence is seen in the buildings as they were trying to look like their sister city, Seville. Kansas City is also known for it's many fountains. There are more than 200 fountains registered with the city....I loved them. Here are just a few of them...

A view of the Plaza.

Loved the style.

Mac store...a favorite of my girls....beautiful location and loved the flowering baskets everywhere.

July 12-16, 2010 - NNPTC & FTCC

2010-07-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

I had to go to our federal training meetings in Kansas City. The meetings were held in the Intercontinental Hotel in Kansas City near the Plaza area. What an awesome location...we enjoyed walking in the plaza until the temps went up and it was too hot. My favorite part of the federal meetings is getting to see all of my collegues from all over the US. My fantastic coordinator from Austin, Tammy was able to attend for a few days. I enjoyed hanging out with her so much. Wish she lived closer!

I stayed at the Marriott Country Club Plaza in Kansas City....wonderful hotel...so helpful and friendly.

My bag and badges.

July 10, 2010

2010-07-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

"Anybody want to take a spin....my daddy left the keys in the car!"

Elle loves to stand in her daddy's car while he works on it....she thinks she can drive!

Elle is wearing her Nauvoo shirt I got for her....the face of an angel...I could just kiss those cheeks all day!

July 5, 2010

2010-07-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

We were lucky enough to get to watch rehearsal for the opening of the Nauvoo Pageant.

July 4, 2010

2010-07-21T07:35:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July I went with my friend Chris Evens and daughter Hope to Nauvoo. We stayed until the morning of the 8th. It was a completely awesome experience. The pageant opened on the 6th. The driving/girlfriend time was so fun. We laughed and talked and the hours of driving flew by.

Brannon and I before his show "Our Story Goes On" -in Nauvoo- it's impossible to get him to be serious!

Living dangerously with a sparkler ...that's the extent of our fireworks for today.

Our fancy Fourth of July picnic....

My patriotic look for the 4th.

My 1840's hat look....

My Buffalo Bill cowboy look....

July 2, 2010

2010-07-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

We had a fun day with my good friend Lori at her pool. Aubrianne, Ellianne, Camielle, Madden, Zaria and Alivia were there. We enjoyed fresh fruit, pasta salad and hot dogs.

Elle cheeses for the camera.

Elle and Madden were good at sharing fruit.
Aubrianne and Zaria

June 29, 2010 - Sweet Natalie

2010-07-21T05:59:00.000-07:00

My friend Natalie brought flowers to surprise me after I came back from Houston. She knew I was having an emotional time with my mother-in-laws passing. Isn't she so thoughtful? Thanks bunches Natalie - everytime I looked at them I smiled and felt cared for!

June -Book Club

2010-07-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

our book this month was The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck - I'll admit I didn't finish it all....but read most of it before we met. This was such a fasinating look at life for the average Chinese citizen in the 1930's. It reminded me how blessed I am to have been born in this country at this point in time to enjoy the freedom and respect as a woman that I take for granted.

The Bishop Family - San Antonio

2010-07-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Rusty, Aubrianne and Elle went to San Antonio and visited the Children's Museum and Zoo.

Elle loves to pretend - she has a vivid imagination and loved having things that were her size.

She used to be the camera dodger - but has learned to smile...sort of, she says cheese! It usually results in a cheesy smile...I guess that's the point.

I don't know who had more fun Rusty or Elle...

Aubrianne tried to put Elle in a Spacesuit for the 'rocket'....she hated it...she was so mad and tried to get it off as fast as she could.

Aub and Elle with the Elephants

Rusty and Elle checking out the Rhinos

Watching the Rhino get a bath was the most interesting thing about the zoo. Elle signed "Rhino bath" to everyone when she came home!

Annie Get Your Gun - Jackson Hole Playhouse

2010-07-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

Brannon has been in Jackson Hole Wyoming this summer playing the part of Buffalo Bill in "Annie Get Your Gun" - This is a picture from the town square shoot-out they do every afternoon for tourists. Brannon was the choreographer for these scenes. He looks like an authenic cowboy -don't ya' think?!

June 25, 2010

2010-07-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

Houston ISTDI Class - June 2010

Me-Jessica-Brad-Mary Catherine-Sudipa-Mark-Stormi-Marcus-LaJeane

This was a small class - but we had fun. They patiently worked with me during my family drama - as I had to take a day to go back to Dallas for the funeral of my mother-in-law. Thanks to each of them for their kindness.

June 23, 2010

2010-07-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

My student and new friend Stormi and I enjoyed some Pappasitos together in Houston.

June 22, 2010 - Grandma Killgo's Funeral

2010-07-20T06:53:00.001-07:00

Frank and Margaret Killgo - Together ForeverOur Grandma Killgo went home to be with her beloved Frank on June 19, 2010. She was a fun grandma, fantastic mother-in-law and loving mother. She was also a good friend and lots of fun to be with. Her sense of humor and flair for the dramatic will always be her legacy. I will always remember the Christmas Tree decorating parties, teaching me the fun of Christmas stockings, helping me win at Spades and Dominos, loving my children unconditionally and always being there for me when my kids were small and I needed her most. She will be missed, but we are so thankful she is free from the pain and sickness which hampered her life for the past 10 years.
Her theater legacy and Love is....cartoons.

Brannon conducted, spoke and sang "Going Home". He did a magnificent job. I was so proud. Aubrianne also sang "Be Still My Soul" - it was beautiful. Kaitlyn and Court prayed.

" Cheese" --- the funeral director gave Ellianne some flowers from one of the sprays. She was so happy!

Aunt Karen gave her a peacock feather from the casket spray.

Elle was willing to show her flower to anyone-but don't try to take it!

Court, Kate, Honey (Mark's oldest daughter) Brannon, Aubrianne & Ellianne

Me and my babies!

Grandson's Killgo and Duke

Monday, June 15, 2010

2010-07-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

My king suite at the Marriott Houston Galleria. I am here for another 2 week class.

My view - to remind me of the Houston traffic - my favorite...

Thursday, June 10, 2010

2010-07-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

Today was Liz's birthday - guess which one?!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

2010-07-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

Elle and mommy have been in swim lesson's at McKinney Parks and Rec. So cute --she loved going for the ducks. Especially cute was the way she tried to put her face in the water to blow bubbles.

Brannon - The College Years!

2010-06-10T11:40:00.001-07:00

Brannon's Graduation

2010-06-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Brannon James Killgo graduated from Brigham Young University with a BFA in Music-Dance-Theater .( www.music.byu.edu/ya/MDT )

He was one of only a few students to complete this interdisciplinary degree this semester. I was so proud of him. It has been a long road that has included a mission to Arizona and coursework at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and Collin College to prepare for this journey. Only 16 students are accepted into this program each year. The two months between his audition in January 2006 and March, when we received his acceptance into the program was long and nerve-racking. He has enjoyed every minute of his time in Provo and developed great relationships. His favorite roommates have been his cousins Alex and Lewis before and after their missions. During his time there, he has been in several theater and musical productions including "Oklahoma" and playing Father in "Children of Eden". He was also able to perform in "Savior of the World" for two years at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Last summer he was blessed to be called to portray Brigham Young in Nauvoo, IL.....He will return this summer as Brother Brigham once again. He was also able to obtain an acting contract in Jackson Hole, WY to play Buffalo Bill in "Annie Get Your Gun". He plans to travel to NYC to pursue a career in musical theater. Enjoy the pics and a slideshow of memories from the last few years.

Son, I am so proud to be your mom. You have used you talents to bless the lives of many. I am greatful that you have always been prayful and reflective of how each opportunity fits in with your eternal perspective. I love hearing you sing. You pushed forward when others said you couldn't sing well or shouldn't waste your time. I love that you believe in yourself! Raising you was sometimes frustrating, scary and always busy and exciting. But it was a JOY! Motherhood rocks!!!!!!!

Here is a link to his website- http://www.brannonkillgo.com/

Here is an invitation to the Nauvoo Pageant (it's amazing) - http://invite.nauvoopageant.net/

....if you go to Nauvoo...plan to see "Our Story Goes On" - Broadway music made into a musical. You will love it!!!

Memorial Day

2010-06-08T07:08:00.001-07:00

For Memorial Day, we went to Andreya and Jeremy's home for a cookout and swimming. We really had a great day. Here are my bathing beauties Aubrianne and Ellianne in the pool.

all of the girs got to decorate their own cookie...

I love how she is watching her cousins decorate their cookies....

We all had fun....thanks Dreya and Jeremy!!!!

May 2010 - Everything Old is New Again!

2010-06-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

An unknown water leak behind my shower wall and under the toilet, caused the sub-floor under the bathroom and into the hall. The "lovely" pink tiles from the 50's finally had to go!!!

Aubrianne and I went to Home Depot to pick the new tile for the floor and walls - as everything had to come out! Sweet Rusty and Aubrianne helped me to get a new tub and pedestal sink (since those weren't covered by insurance) to help give the room a completely new look.

I think that my favorite thing is the crushed rock decorative border on the shower wall.

Part 2: my sad looking carpet was next to go---I asked if we could refinish the oak floor underneath the carpet instead of putting down new carpet...they said yes!

My sofa wouldn't fit in any other room, so I used it to decorate the driveway. Here is the sanded oak-what a beautiful site...

After sanding came a dark stain and the first coat of poly.

A second coat of poly and some time to dry and the floors look amazing.
My old furniture is too pitiful to put on this great floor....anyone care to donate a new living room set...my floors would be so much less embarrassed! I was just so pleased with the fantastic service I received from my State Farm team and Watermasters Reconstruction for the transformation.

May 2010

2010-06-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

May brought warmer temps and some major storms. We were able to see dear friends from Indiana…(now Colorado). They were sweet enough to come and spend Mother’s Day afternoon with us at Jeremy and Andreya’s house. They came to Dallas to pick up an angel that the stork left them…a beautiful baby boy. They named him Mitchell.

Brannon went with the MDT graduates to NYC.

He ate New York Pizza....(and got some cool offers for auditions and a talent manager!)

Beautiful sweet Charley went to Long Beach to visit Court.

They went to Vegas to play and have fun.

Kaitlyn rocks the Bowling Alley Karaoke almost every weekend.

Elle loves to watch The Wiggles....she loves to dance and sing already!

She insisted on wearing her daddy's socks...not matching...a brave fashion choice.

My sister Gena had a house fire due to a lightening strike.

Everyone was safe and they will be living in a trailer on their farm while repairs are made for the next few months.

My awesome nephew Lewis asked his sweet Kara to marry him. They are planning to get married in the Mt. Timpanogos LDS Temple in Utah before the fall semester at BYU.

April 2010

2010-06-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

April was a fun and busy month. General Conference, Easter, Brannon's trip to LA and his graduation from BYU.

Elle has learned to "tuller"aka color--look at her intense concentration...genius at work!

We went to Stonebridge Ranch Easter Celebration for the kids. Elle saw the Easter Bunny - she thought he was interesting and was not afraid at all. She rode the train with mom and dad. She saw goats, pigs, chicks and ducks. I don't think she will be a veternarian...she didn't want to touch the animals.

Brannon and his cousins, Alex and Lewis were able to go to SLC for General Conference....so jealous!

We celebrated Easter at Aubrianne and Rusty's house. The missionaries from church were able to join us for a yummy dinner. Of course hunting Easter eggs was included...Elle caught on quickly and was so excited to find the eggs, fill her basket and show us her bounty. (we let cousins and her buddy William have the candy out of the eggs...that took some great sneaky moves by Aunt Kate!

Kate and her FHE buddies make sure to keep WalMart interesting on Monday night. Tyla came home to celebrate her 20th birthday with her G-town friends.

The Actor's Headshot

Brannon and Court hanging out in LA

April Book Club was a choice of any novel by Jodi Picoult. I chose her newest book called House Rules. I love her work because it makes me think about the difficultly of situations and living in someone else’s shoes. House Rules was a great read about the challenge of having an autistic child and being a single mom. Her son becomes entangled in the legal system and can’t communicate well enough to help himself. It keeps you guessing until the end!

March 2010

2010-06-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

My awesome friend Regina was able to drop in and visit from Wilmington, DE. I miss my work buddy so much! I'm still mad at CDC for transferring her to Philly...but, if they will send her back, I will forgive them.

Brannon celebrated St. Patrick's Day the way a good BYU Scotch/Irishman should...hanging with friends in kilts.

Apparently Brannon likes to ride with his head out of the window. Is this a Utah thing....should I be worried?

Ellianne went for her first ride on a carosal. She was very serious about the entire matter!

She also had her very first Chocolate shake from the famous Keller's Hamburgers. She loved it. She took possession and you can see by her expression, she wasn't interested in giving it back!

Aubrianne also let her take charge of feeding herself. She loves chocolate pudding...especially with strawberries.

Her newest entertaining trick of the month was hiding in her closet during evening prayers. She thought that if mommy and daddy had their eyes closed, she could hide and wouldn't have to go to bed. She did it every night for weeks!!

One of my 'adopted' daughters, Tyla came home from college for Spring Break. She and Kaitlyn got to hang out and catch up on fun and general craziness.

This is my Albuquerque class. I was there from March 15-25th. To my right is a great co-trainer from Mid-America PTC, Regina Charter. We had so much fun teaching together and we really enjoyed our time in New Mexico. Our class was fun to teach because we had great students. And even though I had to spend my birthday in the airport and on a plane...it was good at the end when Regina and I went out for a good steak dinner. (my favorite!)

For our Book Club this month, we were to choose any Newberry Award Winner. I consulted my good friend Libby (an excellent elementary school librarian) and she recommended Walk Two Moons. I loved it...a funny yet emotional journey of a young girl seeking to know what became of her mother. Her eccentric grandparents add to the humor and comfort of this story.

Mild temperatures and lots of wind made for a great weather month...but the BIG water leak beneath my house made it expensive and a blessing.....more to come!!!

February 2010

2010-06-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

February was a record cold month here in Texas. We even had some snow---this one was over 12 inches. I was in Texas for most of the month, just going to Oklahoma City for a couple of days to teach a customized course. I got to have dinner with my of great former students, Dana.

Aubrianne and Rusty's House

My House

Elle's first snowfall. She wanted to taste it, but didn't want to make

a snowman with Daddy...it was to cold to touch and she refused to .

keep her gloves on.

My cat Bailey (inheirited from Kate when she moved out)

hates the cold. He spent each evening sitting as close to

me as he could get.

Our book club selection for February

was Crossing to Safety. It was a great

read. Very thought provoking and descriptive.

January 2010

2010-06-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

January was a good start to 2010 for me. Brannon started back to school at BYU for his last semester there. I worked - just meetings-no travel. Fun activities included a get back to walking committment at night with Dorothy, Libby and me; book club and Relief Society Friendship seminar. We experienced a very wet and rainy month and my yard looked like a lake. Aubrianne ran the Half-Marathon this year in Fort Worth in under 2 hours. We cheered her across the breezy cold finish line. Court was hoping to launch the Freedom Charger this month. Although the infomercial is completely edited and ready for air---they are out of $$ for media time. (anyone looking for a great investment opportunity?) Kaitlyn is working for Macaroni Grill and is a fantastic server. Ellianne is growing like crazy - picking up new signs each day from her Baby Signing Time videos. (she loves watching them and Aubrianne was able to purchace the entire set) I am going to have to watch with her to catch up.

Miss Personality

"Trusty Solar Scientist" Court Killgo at FreedomCharger.com

Book Club selection for January

Brannon returns to Utah with a little help from his brother, Court.

Emily and Aubrianne with their biggest fans after the
Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon.

Aubrianne and Kaitlyn after the race.

The only time Elle is still!

My favorite server works here...and sings Happy Birthday in perfect Italian! Ask for Kate!!

I'm back........

2010-05-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

OK.....since pretty much no one really reads this blog, I didn't post for over a year. However, I plan to publish a 2009 Family review - complete with monthly comments, pictures and updates.....and I commit to do better in the future! I so admire my friends for blogging on a regular basis and love to keep up with families who are far away. It helps me feel connected to them and I find that they make me laugh, cry, share their joy and difficulty, and in general improve my life and attitude. Thanks my faithful blogging friends. Push me to improve!!!! I need it!

Beautiful Elle

2009-01-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

elle was blessed in the same dress as her mommy! my sister Gena made it 25 years ago. too beautiful for words.

Goodrum Christmas

2008-12-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

We had our annual Goodrum family Christmas Dinner last night. Thanks to Eric and Maribel for hosting. I really missed having my boys home this year. Both are inIndy - and Brannon will be back in Utah soon. It was so quiet without them there!

2008-12-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

Santa Loves Elle!

2008-12-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

Elle had her first big outing on Friday. It was unusally warm on Friday afternoon - so we decided to go for the Santa picture. She was so good! She slept until we took her out to meet Santa. He was so sweet and tender with her. When the photographer finished the photo -he took an extra minute to give her a tender squeeze and kiss on the cheek. He looked at Aubri and asked how old Elle was and said that she was so beautiful. So there you have it....the man that holds hundreds of kids a day thinks our Elle is as beautiful as we do!

Elle's first bath at home

2008-12-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

My Grandma - aka Momma Mia - thinks I'm adorable no matter what I am doing. Here are some pics of my first bath at home. Getting ready for a weigh-in at back at the hospital. (i'm back up to 7 lbs 10 ozs)

Playing dress up.

2008-12-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

My mommy and Aunt Kaitlyn love to play dress up with me. See how cute I look in my jammies? Mostly it just wears me out!

Going home....

2008-12-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

Elle went home with Mommy and Daddy on Wednesday afternoon. She was stylin' in her Baby Gap hat and wrapped in a pink blanket made by her Great-grandma 25 years ago for her mommy!

Welcome to world Ellianne!

2008-12-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

On Monday, December 1 Ellianne Celeste Bishop made her entrance into the world at 9:14 am. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 15 ozs. and was 20" long. She has dimples in both cheeks and a head full of dark hair. Here are a few pictures from her first hour in the world. As you can see, she loved her first bath.

Baby Shower

2008-11-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

We had a shower for Aubrianne and Elle on Saturday. Thanks to everyone who came and made our day special. A special thanks to Kristi and Gail Clinger for all of the hostessing, food and hard work! The diaper 'cake' was made by Kristi from two boxes of small and newborn diapers and then surrounded with pink ribbons and cute toys. My personal favorite was the pink and brown leather shoes on the second layer. Thanks Camille for the 'candy shop' idea and glass bowls. Between the cheesecake bites, cream puffs and bowls of candy....we were all on a sugar high at the end of the day. Thanks also to Momo Liz for the lovely church parlor used to house all of us. The really creative Ellianne crystal shirt that Aubrianne was wearing was custom made by our artistic genius - Kaitlyn. She also made three customized onesies with Ellianne's name on them. She will be the envy of all the other baby girls in McKinney!

Ms. Bennett and Mr. Darcy

2008-11-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

For Halloween, Kaitlyn and Coulter dressed up as Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. They looked great!!!!!!!

29 weeks and growing strong!

2008-09-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

I got to feel my granddaughter move for the first time last night! She's finally getting big enough to make her move! Apparently she loves to roll back and forth and Aubri says it feels so funny. Here's the latest 'elli-belly' picture!

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!

2008-08-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

Kaitlyn's birthday was last week....so what better way to celebrate than to go to the Greatest Show on Earth! We went to Barnum and Bailey's Circus. It was so much fun. We will both be forever kids at heart. The show was great. Of course, no adventure would be complete unless you get to meet the star. Kait and I got to meet Bello and go backstage. Happy 19th Birthday Kaitlyn!

Hottttt in Texas.

2008-07-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

I'm back home for 3 weeks before I head to Birminham, AL to take a class for work. It has been over 100 for the past week and no end in site. Our high this week so far was 105 - I think the heat index is 300. My house is a hotbox without central air. Perhaps I should start a Help Marianne Cool Cff fundraising campaign to get central air. Until then I will just run the window units and hope to be able to pay the bill next month.

Aubrianne has the cutest little baby bump. I had to buy pink stuff in Nashville at Carter's.
Y'all take care!

Grand Ole Opry

2008-07-21T18:38:00.001-07:00

I decided to treat myself to a night a the Grand Ole Opry. I was lucky enough to get a seat on the 6th row in the center. The show was totally amazing. Saw several of my favorite artists. The ultimate in country performance. I recommend it!

It's a GIRL!!!!!!

2008-07-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

You can already see the she has a precious little nose and face. We can't wait to see this baby girl!

It's a GIRL!!!!!!

2008-07-16T09:39:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to go the the Dr. with Aubrianne before my flight to Nashville on Monday. We get to buy PINK!!!!!

Grand Canyon - Skywalk

2008-06-19T09:46:00.001-07:00

2008-06-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

OK...what happened to May? Oh yeah, I was on the road constantly. Spent May in Monroe, LA, Baton Rouge, LA and New Orleans...then a week in Austin, TX...then back in New Orleans. The first week of June I spent an amazing week with Kaitlyn, Aubrianne and Rusty in Arizona. We had so much fun and have too many pictures to show for it. Now, I'm in hot Houston for two weeks teaching a class and then it's off to Long Beach, CA for a week to attend a meeting. Check out the pics of us at the Grand Canyon Sky Walk!

Easter2008

2008-04-04T12:19:00.001-07:00

Easter

2008-04-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

This easter was a little cool and cloudy, but tons of fun. Thanks to Jeremy and Andreya for hosting everyone. We ate too much and as you can see by the pics, there were 'bunnies' everywhere. The best part of the day was the Easter Egg Hunt, of course! The 'Bunny' left some eggs in the house, so Rusty decided to go drop them in the yard during the festivities. The little girls saw what he was doing and started to mob him. So, he eventually started pitching eggs as hard as he could across the yard. It was quite funny. Kaitlyn captured many moments on her camera. Hope your Easter was great too!

2008-03-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

Aubrianne and Rusty worked as models for their neighbors - who are starting their own photography business. Check out the great pics at the web address below! Aren't they just the cutest couple??? http://cpcamera.blogspot.com/2008/03/rusty-and-aubrianne.html

Chicago 08

2008-03-16T18:47:00.001-07:00

My Birthday and Chicago

2008-03-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I celebrated my 47th birthday with my girls and son-in-law last night and we had a great time. We talked about blogs and I decided that this would be a good way to update family and friends. I travel lots for work and don't keep in touch the way I should. I am also really lame at keeping up with a journal, so I hope that this will inspire me to do better. I treated myself to an all about me day complete with a massage, pedicure and shopping trip.

I had an interesting time this past week in Chicago. At a conference for work I was able to connect with many old friends and make some new ones! Chicago was cold and windy - but, a great city.