Congratulations Shane & Deanna!

Here she is! We are so excited! Hailey Marie Willoughby entered the world safe, sound and beautiful! She was born on Thursday night, September 17th. She weighed in at 6 lbs, 7 ozs and is 18 inches long. Elmo, Shawn and I took a quick trip to Phoenix, just so I could lick her. We are so thrilled to have a new little girl to dress up and love.

Happy 21st Birthday Jennifer!

Jennifer, what can I say? I carried you in my body, felt you grow, kick me and I was so thrilled the day you were born. You are so awesome, full of joy and sweetness, some sassiness thrown in there, along with a whole lot of girliness. You are a joy to our family and a blessing to Landon, Tristan, Jaxon & Avery. These babies,Auntie Jenny, love you and look up to you, please remember your life will influence them. Stay close to your Heavenly Father and make good choices for these sweet babies in our family. When I think of you as a little girl, I think of you naked with your toe hanging over the edge of the bathtub, looking over your shoulder at me, with your hair bow tucked tightly in your fingers, and your dark hair poking out all over your head. I see you singing, "Krinkle, Krinkle little Star" and "Unchained Melody", Erin and you twirling and dancing together. Jennifer, you have brought me so much joy, so much laughter and my wish for you is happiness and contentment in your life. I wish for you to have many, many little ones to call your own, a good man, who loves you as you should be loved and continued passion in everything you do. I love you Jennifer, thanks for the memories. Mom

Happy 17th Birthday Shane & Shawn

My babies are growing up. Happy Birthday to my twin boys, Shane Kim and Shawn David. Seventeen years ago, Dave & I excitedly awaited the birth of our twin boys. They have never let me down in the excitement department. They have brought our family many laughs, many tears and never a dull moment. They have grown into awesome young men, full of compassion, love for their family, and faith. Its been tough for them not to have their father around but they have found their own way, grown and matured, made their own decisions and are learning to live with them. They have grown up together, started out as one, and have grown into two wonderful young men, whom I am proud of. They are an extension of each other but standing proud on their own.
I gave birth to them 12 minutes apart, held them, marveled at their sameness and their individuality. And I still cannot believe Iwas so blessed to have not one but two perfect boys. In my eyes they are as perfect today as they were on their birthday. So Happy 17th Birthday, Dean & Don, Shaner & Shawner, my claim to fame. I love you both. You are so awesome. Thank you Heavenly Father for sending them to our family. Mom

Congratulations Erin & Brent Willis

Congratulations to Brent & Erin, who took the plunge on May 2, 2009, amongst family and friends. Erin made a beautiful bride and Brent a very handsome groom. Erin's father, Dave & soon to be step-father, Elmo escorted the bride down the aisle. Landon & Avery Trezise trailed behind the bride carrying her train. Unfortunately, Avery got wrapped up in the excessive amounts of fabric, tripping on the train when her Auntie Erin stopped unbeknownst to her (that was Tara talking).... Sisters, Jennifer and Tara were there to help Erin dress and veil herself along with her twin brothers, Shane & Shawn who added some comic relief. We missed our Heather, Jaxon & Preston as they were home in Queen Creek fighting the flu. With a few tears and lots of well wishes, Erin & Brent were married. We love you both and wish you the very best, much happiness, much love and many little Willis babies for their grandma to love! Love you both, Mom

GO BEES!

Landon is five now and is playing T-Ball. He is an awesome t-ball player and his Daddy is the coach! We arrived Friday afternoon early just to watch him play. Go Bees!

My babies are getting married....

When your children grow up, move away from home and start their own lives, it is bittersweet. You know that you've done your job, hopefully, as my girls have and they become productive members of society, hold a job, pay their own bills, make their own decisions. It was difficult for me to allow Tara and Heather to make those decisions, and now I face letting go of my little girls, Jennifer and Erin. Erin will marry Brent Willis this weekend in Snowflake, and Jennifer has also informed me that she has found her eternal mate in a wonderful young man, known as Wes. I wish them the very best of life and love. I tell them as my own mother told me, "the choices you make as adults, you live with for a long, long time." I hope and pray that our Heavenly Father is guiding them in their choices. Good luck, Jennifer & Erin, may God bless you with joy and happiness. I love you both, more then you will ever know. Mom

Happy Birthday, Willy T!

Happy Birthday to my Willie T! When Tara took Will as her eternal companion 6 years ago, she brought into this family, one awesome man. Anyone who knows William Russell Trezise knows what a grand addition to this family.

Ten things I love about Will:

1. Will loves my daughter with a devotion that takes most men years to attain. He works long hours and comes home every evening to help with the dishes and bathe the kids. He truly loves Tara and finds such joy in their marriage.

2. Will loves his children. Most men love their children, but Will absolutely adores his 3 children. He is such a good father, not only their father but their friend. He finds such joy in being their father and marvels at each of their accomplishments. He is a self taught father as Will's own father passed away when Will was quite young.

3. Will is a hard worker. Will manages the Snowflake Wells Fargo and has grown and matured from his responsibilities for his employees. He worries and frets about his employees, as though they were his children also.

4. Will loves to clean house. Okay, so I'm lying, but he is always there to help Tara sweep, vacuum, and clean bathrooms. I've never heard him complain about his chores, he just does what needs to be done, changing stinky diapers, taking out the garbage or wiping a snotty nose.

5. Will is an awesome brother to his many siblings. When he took Tara's hand in marriage, he also took on three younger sisters, and two younger brothers. He loves them all dearly, although I think he likes to antagonize Jennifer the most. He loves to take off with the twins and was caught early in his married life, allowing Shawn to back his car down Nan & Pops very steep driveway!

6. Will loves me and he truly cares for my well-being. He takes time out of his busy day just to call and give me some support and tell me that he loves me

7. Will loves sports. He loves to play baseball, basketball, volleyball, you name it... he loves to play it. He also loves to watch any kind of ball game on the tube. I can't tell you how many basketball games I've had to sit through on a Sunday afternoon. I would only do that for my Willy T.

8. Will loves to eat! I've never seen one man put so much chow down! He loves every kind of food but recently has had a taste for Lumpia. He has even talked Elmo into making a batch for him on Will's last visit.

9. Will is very spiritual, in his own way. ;) But, (and I'm with Will on this one) sometimes Sundays are made just for bumming and not churchin'. I'm sure Tara would disagree with me on this one.

10. Will has never met a person he doesn't like. He loves everyone, it matters not to him whether you are a bum or a prince, he will love you unconditionally and he will always be there for you, no matter what.

I could go on and on and on about my Willie T. He is super father, husband, son, friend, boss, you name it. The stars were shining, the moon was out and the sun rose on the day that Will was born, and the planets were aligned. We are truly a blessed family to have William Russell Trezise accompany us through this life.

I love you Will. Mom

Happy 50th Birthday, Elmo!

My dearest Elmo, Where has the last 35 years gone? Through my eyes, I still see you as a young man, 15 years old, with your whole life ahead of you, full of hopes and dreams. So, I dedicate this to you.

Ten things I love about you:

1. You are a patient man. In the years we have been dating, you have never lost patience with me, not once. Through all of our ups and downs, you have smiled and put things in perspective for me.

2. You love your family. Not only your children and grandchildren, but your Mother, your sister, her family, and all of your aunts and uncles. You loved your father very much and I know that you still miss him to this day. You are as much a part of their lives today as you were 20 years ago and you will continue to be there for each one of them for as long as you can.

3. You are a great cook. This is very important to me, because I am not. You take great pride in the joy you find in preparing a good meal. Whether it be a grilled salmon dinner, a simple salad, or a Thanksgiving feast, it is always prepared with love and finesse.

4. You are a jack of all trades. I've seen you tear down a car and put it back together, unplug a clogged toilet and be a mighty ant killer. Okay, so maybe you're not so good at killing small creatures, but I know that with time you will figure this out also!

5. You know how to relax and have fun! Whether it is a romantic cabin trip to Hawley lake with me, or a family camp out to Canyon Lake, you make it fun for everyone!

6. You a hard worker and a great boss. I have listened to you talk about your job. Even though I don't always understand what you are doing, I know the men who work for you, respect you for your knowledge and your desire to teach them the things that they don't know yet.

7. You have let my children and grandchildren learn to love you. You haven't tried to take the place of their father, but you have become their friend, advised them, and supported them, and showed them that you truly love their mother. You have given them the time they needed to make this transition as easily as they can.

8. You are a great ........, this one will be between the two of us, okay?

9. You love me unconditionally. With my 6 kids, 4 grandchildren, extended family, and all of our ups and downs, nothing ever frightens you or makes you think that you are in over your head with me. I think that in itself makes you the best, to take me on, to love me unconditionally in all my imperfectness.

And 10. Last but certainly not least, you look through life with rose colored glasses. This is a wonderful trait that you have, to always see life in a positive note, instead of the wondering what else can go wrong.

I love you Elmo B. Acosta, you have changed so little from the young 15 year old man I knew in England, you haven't gotten older, you have just gotten better. Ann

Nan & Pops News

Just a short note to let everyone who keeps asking me, "Why haven't you been blogging?", in on the comings & goings at the Willoughby homestead. Almost 3 weeks ago, I got a phone call at work (never a good thing) from Shawn. Nan had fallen. For those of you who don't know, Nan & Pop are Dave's parents and live next door to us. After quickly clocking out of work, I drove up to our finest, Verde Valled Medical Center, in time for the ambulance to come into the bay. Now, I knew that Pop hadn't been feeling well for several monthes, but was quite concerned after witnessing him walking with me to the ambulance. His face was gray, he was unshaven and was having a lot of trouble breathing.... Unfortnately, several hours later we learned that Nan had broken her pelvis. As the next several days unfolded, I became more and more concerned about Pop's health. Thursday evening he became so short of breath, he was checked into the hospital also. By this time, Nan had been moved to Infinia to begin her rehabilitation. I spent that Friday afternoon at Infinia with Nan, worrying about Pop. She was insistant that Pop was going to come and get her (break her out) and that they both would be coming home that evening. And he did. She came home against her doctors orders and so did he. A good thing did come out of it, as I was able to get Pop to see the cardiologist I work for, Dr. Patel. He has had several visits, along with some cardiac testing done and now Dr. Ravi (our cardiac surgeon) will be cathing him as soon as his kidneys are functioning correctly. I tell you, seriously... the kudos go to Elmo, who came down the following weekend and got Pop to all of his appointments and also managed to get Nan into her primary care doctor and set up with some in home nursing. Along with trips to Walmart for essentials and medications. Erin has also been wonderful, she has been here for 2 weeks, waking up at 6 am, visiting again at noon, at 5 pm and before bedtime to make sure that Nan is dry and in good shape. Pop will take a trip to the AZ Heart Hospital in a week or so to have his procedure done and Elmo has volunteered to help with the trip down and back. I couldn't do it without these two! On a more postive note, Pop is looking much better, the swelling has gone down in his feet and Nan is now able to use the walker. I know once Pop gets his procedure done he will want to take over most of Nan's care. It will a long haul for her. I have to tell you a story, 2 nights ago, Erin and I went over to shower Nan. After we got her showered, dressed, brushed her teeth & hair, she spritzed on a little "fume".... we wheeled her back out into the living room. Pop was walking down the hall with us. I said to him... "Now, Pop, she's looking and smelling better, but that doesn't give you the right to go messing with her, keep you hands off of her!" I thought he was going to choke for a minute ... he started laughing and got all embarrased... Please keep them in your prayers they both have a ways to go to recover their health. Thanks.

Wedding dress news...

I am so excited! This last weekend, my daughters, Tara, Erin and I met Heather and Jennifer in Queen Creek for some wedding dress shopping. My daughters were so excited, I on the other hand was very anxious. I think that I have put so many expectations on myself with my upcoming marriage to Elmo, that I thought that this would be very difficult for me. My girls made it so much fun! We arrived at the bridal shop and was greeted by a very sweet girl named Tami, who by the way, knew Jennifer. She showed us a row of wedding dresses and my girls started pulling dresses for mom to try on. Into the dressing room I went, with four wedding dresses and Tara. At first I was very overwelmed, but as I stepped out of the dressing room with each dress, I became more comfortable and more excited. My girls were so awesome. Tara & Jennifer picked out four more dresses, Heather & Erin had something to say about each dress. No one liked me in the dress that was strapless, (sorry, Elmo), I didn't much care for it either, nothing like those D's popping out.... the ivory dress was a no go... it made me look a little yellow... some dresses were to young, some were too tight, some too loose, but it was so much fun. My daughters laughed at me and at each other, and Tara said afterwards that it was more fun then picking out her own dress when she married Will. The final dress I tried on was the one. You can go to Tara & Heather's blogs if you are interested in the final outcome. They picked out crowns & veils, none of them impressed me. I was so excited after paying for the dress that I couldn't eat my lunch. And I kept telling my girls... "I bought my wedding dress", they think I am a lunatic. I am dedicating this post to my girls, Tara, Heather, Jennifer & Erin, thank you so much for taking your weekend and spending it with me. I will always cherish these memories, your laughter and your love. You made it a very, very special day for me. I love you all. Mom

Happy 32nd Birthday Mindi!

Dear Mindi,
Happy 32nd Birthday. During this last weekend as you allowed Shawn & I to celebrate this birthday with you and your family, I thought a lot about you. I asked your father about you and he told me with his eyes, (you know how he does that, don't you?) how very excited he was about you, the day you were born. Whenever he speaks of you, he speaks of you with such love and joy. He is very proud of you, proud of all of your accomplishments.... You are a strong woman, much stronger then I was at your age. I think back when I first met you, you were so lost & lonely without Ara. As she was lost without you. And look what you accomplished! In the past 2 years, I have seen you grow into a beautiful, strong woman. Look at all you have done... you have taken your love for music and turned it into a career, you have taken the love you have for your daughter, Ara, and made her a strong, independent 3 year old, and you have taken the love you have for your family and grown & blossomed with it. So, Happy Birthday, keep up the good work. All my love, Ann

Kudos to Emily!

We have formally inducted Emily as the "Greatest Holiday Cheesecake maker" of the family. She will be expected to make her "homemade" raspberry cheesecake every Christmas. This announcement is made this day, by her father & I.

You know, Emily... we can be forced to eat your cheesecake anytime of the year, but we will expect it.... every Christmas....

Mount Lemon Snow!

Who would have thunk it? Snow in Tucson, Arizona.... yep, I have the pictures to prove it. Elmo & I took the kids up to Mount Lemon on January 2nd. They had a great time, but the next day, we had a lot of sore tushes..... Emily, Josh, Victor, Callie & Shawn thought flying through the air on a snowboard was great fun. Don't worry, Elmo & I doled out the ibuprofen and they all recovered. I think the kids will agree that it was worth it though.

A very Merry Trezise Christmas

A trip to Snowflake for Christmas this year was a great joy for all who attended. Landon, Tristan & Avery enjoyed quite a load from Santa Claus, while Grandma Ann, Mom, Dad & Auntie Jenny looked on. Tara prepared a wonderful dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, Mom's sweet potatoes, corn, stuffing and a relish tray. Will added his touch to the dinner with prime rib and we must not forget Brent, who burned the rolls.... Erin & Brent showed up with more gifts for all... It was coooold.... in Snowflake... which made Auntie Jenny & Grandma grateful that they don't live there. New pajamas were given to all, although we all missed Uncle Preston, Auntie Heather & Baby J, Shane & Shawn.... they were never far from our thoughts.....

Happy Birthday Preston!

Happy Birthday to my son-in-law, Preston. These are some of the reasons I love you.

Preston, you love my daughter, Heather. Through all of the ups and downs of your married life with her, you have stayed strong for her. I have seen you grow & flourish in your marriage. Marriage is not easy, as you know, but you've hung in there and I am proud to call you my son. You are the hardest working young man, I know. You take the responsibilites of your family very seriously. You work hard and constantly strive to make your home life more financially stable for your little family. You, not only work an eight hour day but you head to school in the evenings, often missing those precious times of bathing & eating with Jaxon, to do so. Jaxon thinks you are the bomb. I believe little children, who are close to our Father in Heaven, and know better then we do, when someone is good. Jaxon knows this about his daddy and he adores you. You've come so far, Preston and you have so much to offer those around you. I think back to when you and Heather were first married, and I have watched you grow into a wonderful husband and father. Don't give up your dreams and stay true to yourself & your beliefs. Love my daughter with your whole heart and soul, love your son the same, and know that this side of your family loves you too. Happy Birthday, Preston. Love, Mom

Thanksgiving 2008

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner was had by all. I entertained 21, yes... 21 people at the old plantation. Along with Elmo, we had... (are you ready?), Victor, Emily, Joey, Josh, Sam, Shane, Shawn, Tara, Will, Landon, Tristan, Avery, Preston, Heather, Jaxon, Nan, Pop, Jennifer & Erin. When I say we ate a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, what I mean is a traditional dinner by our new standards. Turkey, ham & stuffing (donated by Nan & Pop), mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, relish tray, (yes, I remembered the olives for Tara), rolls and a little Filipino flavor thrown in there for good measure, Lumpia & ham fried rice. And my girls, Tara brought homemade pecan pies & banana - carmel - pecan birthday cake, and Heather brought cherry-cheese cake & pumpkin pies. It was sooo good! Emily, Tara, Heather, Preston, Jennifer, Erin, Josh & I stole a few hours to ourselves & made it to the movies to see "Twilight". I was a little worried leaving Elmo, Will, Shane & Shawn home to watch the wee ones, but we came home to find the Thanksgiving dinner ready and all 5 children still alive & kicking! I have several pictures of T-bird eyeing the pecan pie, which makes me laugh as he had a full dinner and was already for desert before we were cleaned up! We ended the evening with a birthday party for Jaxon, who turned 2 on November 11th, Tara whose birthday was November 7th & me, whose birthday was on the 28th. I honestly can say, fun was had by all, but when my four daughters left that evening to head home, I was relieved. I believe everyone left here at the plantation was sound asleep by nine.

Although, I do admit by midnight, there were several people milling around in the kitchen in search of leftovers.....

I wanna play tooo!

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Raising AZ, no raising 7 kids.... Lindsi graduated in 1998, so she had just married Jake & about this time of that year, announcing her pregnancy with Mickinsi.
2. Tara was 16 and learning to drive, or rather she was driving, she was never afraid to do anything.
3. Heather was in junior high, 14 years old and just beginning to let me know how much like me she was and is...
4. Jennifer was 10, in 5th grade, sweet as rain, just like Erin who was 8, and newly baptised.
5. Shane & Shawn were six & in first grade, long blond hair & pony tails, which they hated.

5 things on my to do list today:
1. give Dr. Patel my days off for my wedding in October.
2. get a decent nights sleep
3. write a grocery list for Thanksgiving
4. feed my twins, they are "starving"
5. talk to Elmo

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. anything with cinnamon on it or in it
2. chips & salsa (must be a Milligan trait)
3. chocolate with almonds
4. soft peanut butter cookies
5. veggies & dip

5 things I would do if I was a millionaire:
1. pay off all of my bills
2. take care of my children & grandchildren, Elmo's kids too!
3. invest
4. take a long, long trip with Elmo.
5. fix up this house & sell it.

5 places I have lived:
1. Cottonwood, AZ
2. Roosevelt, UT
3. Niceville, FL
4. RAF Upper Heyford, England
5. Enid, OK

5 places I have worked:
1. Cardiac Care
2. Jackson Hewitt
3. Verde Lea Market
4. La Carousel Day Care Center
5. K-Mart (I was in high school)

5 things I am passionate about:
1. Elmo, enough said...
2. my family, from the oldest, Willie T, Tara, Preston, HoHo, Jenny Penny, Shelly Belly, Dean (Shane), Don (Shawn), Lando Commando, T-Bird, Baby J & the youngest, Miss Avery. And of course, Elmo's kids, Emily, Joey, Victor, Alex, Mindi & Ara.
3. My folks, Bob & Rita Milligan (awesome parents), my sisters, Pat, Elizabeth & their families, Larry, Nicole, Meghan, Thom & Zoe, and even my brother Greg, and his kids, Aaron & Marissa.
4. Elmo.... ummmm.....

4 things I say often:
1. "Let me think about it...."
2. "Maybe.... tomorrow...."
3. "No!" and my favorite,
4. "I don't know"

4 things I want to do before I die:
1. Marry Elmo
2. I want to love myself and see myself as others do
3. I want to watch my children grow up, grow old & flourish.
4. I want to go Hawaii, lay on the beach and watch all those fine dark men walk in front of me.

4 things I want/need:
1. I want to have time to crochet, read, sew & grow a garden.
2. I NEED a Beetle.
3. I want many, many years to travel and grow old with Elmo.
4. I want many, many more grandchildren.

4 places I want to see and visit:
1. I want to go on a cruise.
2. I want to go to Hawaii.
3. I want to go to Alaska.
4. I want to revisit England.

4 TV Shows I can't live without:
1. Any bridal show, I love to see the dresses.
2. Jon & Kate, plus 8
3. I love to watch the shows that interest Elmo, cooking shows, adventure shows, the travel channel...
4. that "disgusting" man who eats grubs, worms & turtles ;)

4 things you don't know about me:
1. I cry, whether happy or sad, stupid things touch me, like movies, silly stories about my grandchildren, old pictures, hugs, saying goodbye to people I love....
2. I pick the mascara off my eye lashes when I am tired.
3. I hate taking a shower and then stepping on hair on the bathroom floor, it makes me feel dirty again.
4. If I am tired enough, I snort when I laugh.

Tag you're it!
I hope Erin reads this, she never blogs anymore.

Happy 27th Birthday, Tara Marie!

Tara, what can I say? I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. Bringing my first born daughter home from the hospital 27 years ago, I never dreamed you would grow into the wonderful, strong woman that you are. You were so beautiful, all 5 lbs 14 oz, big blue eyes & ears that flopped in the wind. You were and are my heart & soul. You make me proud to be your mother, to call you my daughter. We have laughed, cried & grown together. You have supported me, when I couldn't support myself, loved me when I felt unlovable and always given me hope for another day. Thank you for giving me 3 grandchildren, for giving me Willie T and for all the memories. May their be many, many more. I love you. Mom

I'm still trying to figure out how you can be 27, when I am only 35!

Happy 2nd Birthday Jaxon Robert Ruiz!

I can' t believe it has been two years since this sweet little spirit came into our lives. Jaxon has been a great joy to his parents and his family. He gave us quite a scare before he was born, Heather's doctors believed that he would be born with some medical problems. Other then being HUGE, a 10 pounder, he was and is an awesome, wonderful addition to our family. He loves his cousins, follows his older cousin, Landon around, wanting to be just like him.... He loves to play with Tristan, they are great friends and their companionship is amazing to watch, and Avery, being the only girl, gives Jaxon a run for his money, everytime they are together. Being the mother of my own children has been a wonderful experience, but being a grandmother has put a whole new prospective in my life. It is great to see what wonderful mothers, I have produced and now, to watch my own daughters, mother their own children. I am so proud of their accomplishments and I look forward to many, many more grandchildren from these truly amazing children of mine. I love you all, but "muzzes" to our Baby J. Happy Birthday, Love Grandma Ann

I just wanted to take a minute to tell my sweetheart, Elmo, thank you. He is so wonderful with my grandchildren. Without hesitation he drove up to Cottonwood on Thursday night & tended my 2 grandsons, Landon & Tristan for Tara & Will this weekend. Unfortunately, he was sick on Friday, but by the time I got home from work on Friday evening, he was baking cookies for them. He fed them, changed a couple of stinky diapers on Tristan, bathed them dressed them and cleaned up after them. On Sunday, we headed to Phoenix to spend some time with everyone, (except Erin, she was in Snowflake, working) and I have to tell you something that really touched me, and confirmed (again) to me what a wonderful grandfather he is. After arriving at the mall, we decided we needed to take a potty break, Elmo volunteered to take Landon with him into the mens bathroom. I headed to the girls powder room and as I was washing my hands, I heard Elmo's voice... "Landon, come back here, Landon...." I walked out into the hallway where I found Elmo, down on his knees in front of Landon, explaining patiently to him why he couldn't run away from him while he was still in the bathroom. Never did he raise his voice or become angry with him. Landon took this in and stayed very close to Elmo until his parents showed up later. I posted this picture, of Elmo with Landon & Tristan taken at the Verde River last year, but to me it shows the tenderness he has for small children.