A Utah Angel-ersary

Arista and I flew into SLC and my older sister Kelsey met up with us that night. We spent the night at Chris' Grandma Janice's house, and then we headed to Provo for the weekend.



In Provo we stayed with my sister-in-law Marissa and her husband Chris. My mother-in-law Sue was there too. We went shopping, out to eat at Jason's Deli, and watched movies. Kelsey and I also went to our first Zumba class, and LOVED it! Aunt Marissa and Uncle Chris gave Arista a bath while we were there, and Sue and Marissa stuck every bow in Arista's hair. She looked adorable! Arista's favorite part of the weekend was pushing kitchen chairs across the room.









After a fun filled weekend we went to Sunday dinner at Janice's house. Chris' Aunt Tina and Uncle Matt where there, along with their children. Aunt Michelle and Uncle Wes came too! We had a wonderful pot roast dinner with a fabulous apple dessert. Arista loved the dessert just as much as we did, she loved playing with her 2nd cousins too.





The next few days we spent at my Great Grandmother Beth's house. We went out to lunch at Little America, grocery shopping, played spades with Grandmother Penny and Beth, made dinner, and did a lot of catching up. We also took a drive through a cemetery by my grandmothers house. There were deer playing among the headstones, I threw them some of Arista's snacks.







Great Grandma Beth has one of the biggest bath tubs I have ever seen. Arista had a blast swimming in it. I hope someday to have a giant tub like hers.



After a wonderful stay with Beth we headed back towards Provo. With a few stops to order flowers for the casket, and a cake for Preslie's birthday on Friday. We also got our nails done. I've never had them look better! After out errands we arrived at our cousin Tyler's house. His wife Michelle was very nice, and we ate dinner and played a dice game. They have 2 7 week old kittens which Arista loved. It was good to see them and their kids, and spend some time with them.





After dinner we were onto our next adventure. We drove 12 miles to Payson that night to our cousin Melyssa's house. We stayed up until 3am talking to her and her husband Scott. Kelsey and I decided that Scott needs to be a motivation speaker. He gave us some of the greatest insight and advice we have ever received. Not only was the advice good, his spin was hilarious. We woke up and ate a yummy breakfast and then headed to Quilted Bear. I LOVE Quilted Bear! Kelsey worked at one in Boise, but I had never been inside. I wanted to buy everything in the store, but held back. Arista loved playing with Georgia, and play they did. They played a lot!







That night we went to dinner at Red Lobster. A waitress came over and took a big lobster out of the tank and let us all see it. Arista grabbed it's claw, and thought it was pretty cool. After dinner we went back to Melyssa's house and I watched Hocus Pocus while Melyssa did eyelash extentions on Kelsey. It took her 2 hours, and Kelsey's eyes looked amazing. We didn't have time to do mine, so I was quite envious. :)





The next morning we woke up and packed up the car. We headed back to Sandy, and ate lunch and then went to look for a sweater for the memorial. We met Melyssa, Maddy and Georgia at Gardner Village. I was in heaven looking at all the witches, and browsing through the stores. Arista loved riding in the wagon, especially when Georgia wanted to pull it. We were only able to spend a short amount of time there, then it was off to the airport to pick up Chris.











After picking up Chris at the airport we headed to the Gateway mall to pick up free movie tickets. We went to dinner at Cafe Rio and then Kelsey and I went and saw Easy A, while Marissa, Chris and Chris went to see Paranormal Activity. They said that it was soo freaky, Kelsey and I were glad we didn't watch it. After the movie Kelsey went to sleep at Grandma Penny's, and Chris and I slept at his Aunt Gaylynns.



Friday we woke up, got ready, and then headed to the cemetary. There was a woman there with her husband and daughter, who I did not recognize. They were there putting flowers on their son's grave who died when he was 5 days old. They stuck around because they saw Preslie's little casket, and recognized Grandpa's name. Come to find out it was my Mom's cousin! They were passing through to Washington and stopped to visit their little son.



We started the service by singing "Families can be Together Forever", and then Chad gave the opening prayer. After the prayer Chris spoke, and read a beautiful letter he had written to Preslie. I then said a few words, followed by my Dad giving the Dedicatory prayer. It was beautiful, and I know Preslie was very pleased.







We then were all given 2 balloons to release into the sky for little P. We stood and watched as all the balloons danced into the heavens. They danced into different shapes including a "P" and a butterfly.











After the balloons disappeared it was time to bury the little casket. Chris, Arista and I said goodbye and then Chris and I threw dirt into the grave before the casket was laid inside. Then Kipley threw some dirt on top. We then watched as the men respectfully burried the casket into the ground. It was a very sacred experience I will never forget.



Afterwards I placed the flowers onto Preslie's grave. I was so pleased at how they turned out. I loved the heart bouquet made out of pink carnations.




To celebrate Preslie's birthday we headed out to eat at Litzi's pizza. Litzi's is my favorite pizza place, and I am grateful we were able to go. We all ate pizza, and then sang "Happy Birthday" and had a piece of cake. It was perfect.







Chris and I want to thank everyone who came and showed their support to us during Preslie's burial. We are grateful for all the letters, texts, messages, emails, and prayers sent our way from those who could not attend. It was not easy saying goodbye one last time, but we feel that now we finally have the peace we have been searching for. I'll express my feelings of the event in a future blog, but I could not have asked for a more beautiful tribute to her. We also want to thank all my Aunts and Uncles for letting us bury Preslie with Grandpa. It feels good to know that Preslie is being laid with him, for I know that they are together in heaven. 2 days before Grandpa passed he waved and smiled at Arista, it melted my heart. It brings me peace to know that he is up there taking care of my other daughter.

Due to the length of this post, the rest of our trip will be posted in a future post. More pictures to come!

Preslie And The Terrible 2's

Two years ago today our beloved angel returned to heaven. Preslie Quinn Martin, our future tennis star, our first born baby girl, our daughter, our angel, our baby Princess and our hopes and dreams.

I still remember the day like it was yesterday. Getting a panicked call, running home from work on that cold autumn day, and rushing to the hospital. I remember the movie we watched the night before, the green polo I wore for the next three days, the sound of silence, and the breaking of two young parent's hearts. I remember my courageous bride who was able to hold me together and deliver Preslie only as a Mother could. I remember the beautiful baby P who had curly hair, long legs, big feet, and chubby cheeks.

How time has passed. My Dad and I were talking the other day and he stated in some ways it feels like it was just yesterday and in other ways it feels like its been 20 years. I think it is a mixture of both and while it does seem like just yesterday that Preslie returned to heaven, time does heal and although we will never forget there seems to be more good days than bad.

I drive by a day-care on the way home from work every day and look at the little two-year olds strapped together and smiling. Even though it makes me sad to do this it brings me happiness to know that little Preslie is two. I often think of Preslie as a two year old and what she would be like.
I think she would be a little adventurer getting into mischief. I think she would love playing with Chewy and Arista and teaching them new things. I think she would love to make a mess and then laugh about it. I think she would love to smile and cuddle with us. I think she would love to play dress up and change her outfits a million times.

I often told Rylie that I didn't know if I would be a good Daddy with an infant but once they started walking and talking that I would do a good job. I still feel like that is the case but how I was looking forward to teaching Preslie how to play tennis, having tea-time with her and watching Princess movies with her. Tonight I sat here and watched cartoons and looked at pictures of her and the sweet little angel that will always be in our hearts until that sweet day we are reunited.

Friday we will lay Preslie to rest in the Murray City Cemetery. We want to thank all those who have loved and supported us through all the ups and downs of the last two years. The list of names would be too long to list but you know who you are and we are eternally grateful for your Christlike acts.


Happy Birthday Preslie-

In honor of your 2nd birthday we bought a little tikes castle with slide and swing for your baby sister to play with. When we saw it we knew that you would have had so much fun playing with her that we had to get it. Your brother Chewy loves it too and even slides down the slide. We want you to know how much we love you and wish the very best for you. Have a Happy Happy Birthday up in heaven and enjoy the balloons that we are sending up.

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, Chewy, and Arista

October Sorrow

The colder weather, crunchy leaves, and little pumpkins brings me back 2 years ago. Fall used to be my favorite season. There is a different feel in the air, a unique smell of the fallen leaves, and the colors are beautiful.

Fall brings on a whole new meaning to me. The pumpkins remind me of my last night with Preslie. I remember carving the littlest one for her, and calling it the "Jack Skelington" pumpkin. The rain reminds me of my due date, October 15th. It rained all day long, but it didn't matter...Preslie would be arriving soon. The leaves. The leaves will forever be ingrained in my memory...riding up to the cemetery sitting next to Preslie's little casket. Watching through the hearse windows the colors outside were amazingly beautiful, and the sun shone through the bitter wind.

Now here I sit trying to push out the pain and sorrow, while failing miserably to do so. All of these reminders bring back some of my most tender feelings and thoughts. Wanting answers, but knowing there are none. Wishing I could go back for even just a minute to tell Preslie that I love her and will never forget her.

While waiting in the car the other day I watched a little girl(around age 2)playing in the leaves while her pregnant mother stood nearby. I couldn't help but think "That should be me". Playing with Preslie, while being pregnant with Arista. Although I enjoy every minute with Arista, I sometimes can't help to think of what would have been.

For Preslie's second "Angelversary" this year we are burying her with my grandfather, who passed away in June. She will be laid to rest in the Murray Cemetery among family. We are all flying out for the event in a few weeks, and I have mixed feelings about how it will go. And questions that have been keeping me awake long into the night. Will it bring back all the pain and grief? Will I be able to finally move forward? How will I react to seeing the little casket again? One thing that has gotten me through is knowing that I will see Preslie's little casket again. How will it be knowing that it will be the last time?

October Sorrow

October, a former month of happiness and joy.
Now, a month I struggle to enjoy.
With leaves and pumpkins reminding me,
of what was not meant to be.

A tiny cry I never heard,
A mother's hope and dream now blurred.
Cold fall winds awaken me
"Where is my sweet little P?"

Asleep I see her standing there
Brown eyes with curly light brown hair.
"I'll see you soon, my Mommy dear
Tell Daddy Hi, and Arista I'm here."

October, laced with sorrow, grief and pain
brought us our angel, who we will see again.
Preslie will forever and always be,
A special guardian angel over our eternal family.

Ten Terrific Months

Words cannot describe how much we love this cute little stink. With each passing month Arista grows more and more beautiful. Her personality stronger and more independent along with her. We spend our days going up and down the stairs, reading stories, watching Barney,cheering on BSU, and going on walks.





While in Idaho Arista would hold onto her rocking toy and walk around and around in circles. She is so close to walking! She pulls herself up to everything and anything, and can stand for 10-20 seconds. Give her a few weeks and she will be a walker!



This month Arista has mastered the art of destruction. She loves to pull the laundry out of the basket, rip magazines, throw things out of bags, and pull all her toys out of her toy basket. She especially loves to get into the pots and pans in the kitchen.





Arista loves dogs, especially her auntie's dog Yeager. A few days ago our friend CJ and Bev came over and brought their dog Griffin. Arista loved watching him play and run around.






Reading is another one of Arista's favorite things to do. Arista has a very long attention span, and sits still for the entire story. Grandma Mary loved reading to Arista everyday while we were visiting.



Arista's number one favorite thing of all time is "the swing". When Arista swings she is in her own world. She sings her songs while her eyes become heavy. Nothing makes her happier and more calm then to swing. When it is time to go she gets really upset, but she knows we will visit the swings again soon.





Arista loves sweet potatoes and banana yogurt. She is a very picky eater and would prefer to just drink milk. However, her nursing days are limited due to her new pearly whites. Arista loves to bite me while eating, and finds it the funniest thing. I know I should be more stern about her biting, but I can't help but laugh at her naughty face.



We are so blessed to have this little angel in our lives. We love you so much Arista kitty!