Farm Trip

 Again, my blogging skills have lacked this last 6 months- but I still want to keep all our memories in one spot for the girls so trying to catch up !

This fall, we went to a local farm and spent the day with the animals, the haystacks and having fun as a family :)  Here are some shots from the day.

In the corn maze- went to the top to see where we were:) 

Playing on the bails of hay- she loved playing hide-and-seek

I love seeing these two play together and just love on each other.

A Humble Heart in Difficult Circumstances

Once again, we find ourselves in the Christmas season.  The more I look at the Christmas story, the more I am amazed at how God worked every little detail leading up to the birth of Jesus.  What caught me in particular this year, was looking at the life of Mary.

Her humility, in particular, amazes me.  Mary, though she had a huge part in raising Jesus, never let any of the glory be given to herself.  Rather, as a humble servant, she accepted the amazing honour that God had given her to carry Jesus.


Luke 2:34-35
Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: "Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.  And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

I never really looked into this too much, but the last sentence really got to me this year.  As a mother, I know how difficult it is to see your children suffering.  I cannot imagine knowing that my Child was sent on earth to die to take away the sins of the world.  At first, the amazement that the God of the universe would choose me for this task would be present, but then seeing the Child grow into a Man and knowing what is to come- this is the part that I find difficult to comprehend.  This is the part where I can see Mary's unbelievable faith and humbleness come into play. 

Though she knew the death of her Son, would "pierce her own soul", she continued to trust in God and his wonderful will.    

As a famous Christmas song reads: 
"Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God"

I continue to pray that I will develop that humble spirit that Mary demonstrated, even though she knew her baby boy would soon be taken from the world to deliver us from evil's hands.  

As we go into the Christmas season, I pray that you too may find peace in the Lord's will, whatever circumstance that may put you in.  

Merry Christmas! 

Ashlynn's 1st Birthday Party

Life sometimes gets so busy.... and that is evident in my lack of blogging.

In October, we celebrated Ashlynn's first birthday party with some friends and family.  

She had a Dr. Suess Themed party and we enjoyed all the time we had celebrating our little cutie.

These are a few of the snaps we caught from the day:)

2016 In Review

What a year it has been--  We have officially finished our first year as a family of four.

Peyton: Peyton has grown so much over the year!  She is officially potty trained and each day getting bigger and bigger.  She loves crafts and using her imagination while playing with her dolls.  Peyton is our independent girl, always trying new thing and not afraid to take on a challenge.  It's going to be sad seeing her start kindergarden next year, but I have no doubt she will be ready for it!

Ashlynn: Ashlynn is just starting to show her own unique personality.  She loves animals and would spend all day with Holmes (our cat) or Sophie (my parent's dog).  She loves watching her big sister play.  A month ago, she started walking and is now getting in all sorts of new things.  Though she doesn't yet talk, she uses her signs often to tell us when she wants more of something.

Wes: Wes is continuing to work as a masonry with Dad.  He started working more on the wall (rather than labouring) this past year and is growing each day in his trade.  

Bre: In March, I got hired on as an Occasional Teacher for secondary schools with the local school board.  I continue to work as a piano teacher as well after school.

On days where we are both working, Nana watches the girls.  We are so lucky to have her watching the girls often and they love visiting!

This year, we had to say goodbye to our van and got ourselves a new car.  It has been such a blessing as with all the commuting we needed something more reliable.  In February, we ended up accidentally taking on a big project and changing the majority of the main level floors- but having no carpet in the dining room has been nice cleaning wise!  

Wes and I spent a weekend away in Collingwood early fall, and it was so nice to spend time together kid-free.
Uncle Josh returned from his year abroad, so it was nice having him near to see the girls.  We also got a visit from Aunt Ashley this Thanksgiving.  It was so nice having so many of the Wardell clan home for Thanksgiving, we find the older we get the harder this is to do!

To all of our family and friends, we wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.  Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our lives this year (whether it be advising us biblically, or being there to talk - we appreciate you)!

Love,
The Marshall Family

Ashley and Ashlynn at the Fair

Halloween - Cinderella and Gus Gus 

Girls first trip to Wonderland- Peyton is a huge ride fan!!

We saw Disney on Ice in March- P loved it (as did I) 

Family hike

Our Version of Halloween

Trip to Collingwood

P has loved being a big sister and is wonderful at it!