One Woman, One Man, Two Kids, and a Minivan

My view most days...

2012-01-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

Bella's first vet visit

2012-01-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

Randall and I took Bella to the vet for the first time on Thursday...she did a great job. We are using a fairly new vet in town, Dr. Towns, and he was wonderful. We didn't experience that "rush-in, rush-out" that you do many places. Bella weighed 3 1/2 pounds and was looking good. She did have a few worms, so they gave her a pill for that, but other than that, everything looked great!

One of Bella's favorite places to sleep!!

Free 8X10 Canvas

2012-01-29T09:34:00.001-08:00

I don't often post things I find on here, but this offer is too good not to pass on. If you will go to www.canvaspeople.com, you can get a free 8X10 canvas (you can choose your picture), and all you have to pay is shipping. I just ordered mine and got a $50 picture for $14.95. I am so excited. Here is the picture I am ordering. It was taken when Mac was in the NICU...it's his hand and Emma's hand.

The most important decision ever made...

2012-01-27T08:59:00.000-08:00

On January 2, our family had left Hays and was heading to Lowe's. All of the sudden, Emma told us that if she died, she would go to hell. She had been mentioning things since last summer that lead us believe that she was close to the age of accountability, but this told us for certain. We questioned her a little bit, felt like she was ready, and she wanted to give her life to Christ. She and Randall prayed in the back of our van in the Lowe's parking lot. She was so excited. These are a few pictures of her baptistm on January 8 by Brother James Hays.

Christmas at Gramps and Grammy's House

2012-01-25T12:07:00.001-08:00

Mac with his shotgun from Gramps.

Emma with her pearl necklace from Gramps.

Christmas was held a little late with the Summerhills this year. Randy came home from his deployment to Iraq the middle of December, and they didn't get to Arkansas until after Christmas. It was great seeing them all again! Miya even let Uncle Randall hold her!! That was a shocker. We took the kids skating at Thrills on Wheels one day and they had a great time. Several days Mikayla came over to our house and played.

Randy and Irene opening presents.

Mikayla with her Hays jacket from the Martins.

Gramps and Grammy with their flag from the Summerhills. This flag flew over the place where Randy was stationed in Iraq on Veteran's Day.

Grammy with her Barton Bears sweatshirt (another design from Tees to Please) from the Martins.

Emma and Miya

Gramps with his movie Cowboys and Aliens from the Martins.

Christmas Morning and Santa

2012-01-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

The kids patiently waiting to get to open their gifts from Santa...I just love how he coordinates the wrapping paper.

Mac and his blocks

Mac and his TV (yes, they both got one just alike!!) He couldn't wait to get to watch TV channels in his room. We were in the process of switching from Dish to DirecTV. He walked up to Rick Elliott (the man who was installing our Direct) at church on Sunday and told him he was ready for some TV channels in his room!!

Mac and his DVD player for his room.

Emma and the Diary of A Wimpy Kid Movie. She had read the book and wanted the movie. She probably watched it 10 times over Christmas Vacation.

Emma with her new TV for her room. She also got a DVD player to go with it.

Emma with her scooter...both kids got one from Santa. Emma's is a Razor and Mac's is a Radio Flyer (with 3 wheels)

Christmas with the Martins

2012-01-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

We actually did our family Christmas present opening on the morning of Christmas Eve. We have noticed in the past that as much as we do with our families, Mac and Emma tend to get overwhelmed, so we try to spread it out. They were very excited about what they got from us this year. We always try to make sure the children know the real meaning of Christmas and we make a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas Eve. However, this year I got stuck making it myself (Emma and Mac were too busy playing with Bella). It is a family tradition that I absolutely love. We always get up Christmas morning and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and then eat the cake for breakfast. Not the most nutritional thing, but my children can tell you why we have Christmas, and their answer doesn't include getting and opening presents!!

Mac and his camo snuggie (youth size)

Emma and her Searcy Lions sweatshirt. If you have any type of shirt you want, look up my friends on Facebook...Tees to Please. Amy and Kellie can make just about anything you want them to. The shirts are good quality and hold up well...I have several!!

Emma and her peace sign snuggie (also youth size)

Emma and her new Bible. Her other one was coming apart. This one has some great study habits in it.

Randall and his big gift...tickets to go see Zac Brown Band in Little Rock in March...he was shocked. Grammy got Gramps tickets, too, so we are all going together!!

Mac and his puzzle mat...he is loving puzzles and can easily do 100 pieces.

Mac and his Arkansas Razorback outfit.

Looking at Christmas lights

2012-01-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite places to go look at Christmas lights is Harding University. They hang millions of blue lights from trees and around. We get out and walk through the winter wonderland and have a great time!

Meet Bella- the newest member of the Martin Family

2012-01-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

Mac and Emma got a new "sister" for Christmas. Randall and I had been talking for a while about possibly getting a new dog for Christmas since our German Shepherd, Zowie, died unexpectedly in August. At first, I was dead set against getting an inside dog, but Randall took me to our local pet shop, and I changed my mind. We started doing research on some of the best types of inside dogs (we didn't want a shedder!!) and decided to go with a short haired minature dachshund. Finding a female that was short haired was near impossible. Then Randall made a call to a lady who had placed an ad in the newspaper for chiweeinies. The pictures that she sent said it all. She only had one female left to sell, and we went on a Monday night to a home right outside of Sheridan and put a down payment on her. It was all we could do to contain our excitement for the next 2 weeks without letting the kids know. On Friday, December 23, I had the kids sit in front of the fireplace with a present a piece. They started opening them as soon as I heard Randall open the garage door coming home from work. Each child opened a can of dog food, and of course, didn't know why. They both said yuck and threw the cans across the room. Randall then told them he knew who would like that food. When he told them Bella, they asked who Bella was. Randall pulled her out from underneath his jacket. I literally thought Emma was going to cry. She was so excited. They have come to love her very much, and so have Randall and I. I don't think we could've come up with much better of a present for them from us!!

Love this quote!!

2012-01-24T10:09:00.001-08:00

This quote was pasted on Facebook by a friend of mine. This is painted in the hallway of one of our local elementary schools, and how true it is.

"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression."
Dr. Haim Ginott

A Child's Ten Commandments to Parents

2012-01-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

I acutally got this from a friend's blog, Crazy Working Mom. Head on over and check out her posts if you haven't before. I loved this, and I always have to remind myself of several of these, so I thought I would post them for you to read.

1. My hands are small; please don't expect perfection when I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely; don't restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I'm only little such a little time--please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs. DOn't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness.) Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from god; please treasure me as God intended you to, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement and your praise, to grow. Please go easy on the criticism. Remember you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me. (I changed this one a little!)

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I'll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me.

8. Please don't do things over me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't measure up. I know it's hard, but please don't compare me to my brother or my sister.

9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it's a great way to show us that your marriage is very special.

10. Please take me to Sunday School and church reguarly, setting a good example for me to follow.

~ Dr. Kevin Leman

Going to try to become regular blogger again!

2012-01-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, I have been a very bad blogger! I think I am going to try to start back again. Many things led to the decline in my blogging, but I don't want to go into too much. The good news is that while I am down for the next 2 weeks, I am going to try to backtrack to Christmas 2011 to catch up, mainly because of our new family member we gained at Christmas.

First off, let me tell you why I am down for the next 2 weeks. On Friday, January 13, I was working in my classroom after school. While walking across the back of my classroom, my right ankle gave out and I fell to the ground. Long story short, I broke the bottom of my fibula. I had surgery on Wednesday, January 18. Now I am doing lots of sitting.

Now just a tad bit on our new family member. Emma and Mac got a chi weenie for Christmas. Her daddy is a chihuahua and her mom is a daschund. Her name is Bella. I will add more information and pictures of her later.

Jason Aldean Concert

2011-04-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

For Christmas, Randall got me tickets to see Jason Aldean in concert in Little Rock. He also got a room for us to stay in Little Rock. We went to the Flying Fish to eat before the concert, and we had a great time! Thanks, Randall!!

All About Me: From A to Z

2011-04-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

A. Age: 32

B. Bed size: King...it's a great size since at least one kid usually ends up in our bed every night!!

C. Chore you dislike: Cleaning toliets...yuck!

D. Dogs: I have 2: Duke and Zowie. I got Zowie from Gramps and Grammy right before Randall and I got married. That was back when Gramps was breeding German Shepherds. She was the runt of the litter, and now she weighs 85 pounds. We got Duke not long after Emma was born. He is a mutt (he looks a lot like a blue heeler, but he's bigger in size). He was born at Gramps's work.

E. Essential start to your day: Brush my teeth...it's always the first thing I do when I get up!!

F. Favorite color: Purple

G. Gold or silver: If you had asked this about 2 year ago, I would've said gold, but now I wear lots of silver!! I like both!

H. Height: 5′ 4"

I. Instruments you play(ed): piano, but not by choice (thanks, Mom!! LOL). I'm glad I have some of the skills now (I can play enough to pick out notes for children's choir, and I can still play a few songs). I never wanted to practice, though!! I played the flute for 2 years in school (but I really wanted to play the tuba!!).

J. Job title: Teacher (although I could add a lot more that go along with this job!)

K. Kids: Emma, 6 & Mac,4.

L. Live for ______: God, time with my family, and quiet reading time. All of these things lift my spirit and bring me joy.

M. Most embarrassing moment: While trying to foul a girl in basketball practice practice in 7th grade, I was running so fast that when I stuck my arms out to keep me from running into the wall, I didn't stop at all...I ran into the wall and broke my front tooth...I work at that same school now, and they have since put padding behind the basketball goals...on a good note, the girl didn't make her shot!!

N. Nicknames: Killer, Kel, Sugar Booger

O. Overnight hospital stays: When Emma was born, then in and out the week before Mac was born.

P. Pet peeves: incorrect grammar when speaking, people driving slower than the speed limit, having to repeat the SAME directions for the 5th time, people who don't listen.

Q. Quote from a movie: "And so the lion fell in love with the lamb..." Edward Cullen, Twilight

S. Siblings: Brother, Randy

T. Time you wake up: During the week I wake up at 6:00, on Saturday I get up 7:55 (for my prayer hour), and 6:30 on Sundays for early service at church.

U. University attended: Arkansas State University, Harding University

V. Vegetables: grilled are my favorite

W. What makes you run late: Emma forgetting to gather what she wants before we leave!!

X. X-rays you’ve had: Dental, plenty from basketball injuries

Y. Yummy food you make: ...am I supposed to make any?

Z. Zoo animal favorites: monkeys

Belly Pic

2011-04-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, since Mac was born 12 weeks early, I am always feeling like I didn't get any "belly shots" with him. This is the best one I have...it was taken on Twin Day for Red Ribbon Week in 2006. This is one of the teachers down the hall, Beth Maurer (she was my 6th grade math teacher!!)

Playing catch-up

2011-04-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

Emma finally lost her first tooth (back in October!!)

St. Jude's Trike-a-thon

2011-04-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

Mac will be participating in the St. Jude's Trike-a-thon at Miss Renee's on April 22. Please consider sponsoring him!

Mac Martin's Page

On a side note...I will be doing lots of catch up in the next week or so!! I know...it's been since October!

Surgery Update

2010-10-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know this is a week late...Aunt Debbie, this is for you!! LOL!! Last Friday morning, Randall and I arrived at Baptist Outpatient Center a little after 8:00. Surgery was scheduled for 10:00. I was called to the back and prepped, then they called Randall back. Brother James got there right before they gave me the "goofy juice." Once they gave it to me, I remember it kicking in, me saying, "Whoa!!!" and that's it. I now have 4 small holes in my belly, and my gallbladder is gone!! They did find some fatty tissue on my liver that they removed for a biopsy, and I should get results on Wednesday when I go back to the dr. for my follow-up appointment. Momma googled it and found out that complications from a high-risk pregnancy, obesity, or diabetes could cause it...well, we all know for sure that I've had #1!! I am doing well (still not eating a whole lote) and still CRAVING MEXICAN!!

Surgery Date is Scheduled

2010-10-02T06:48:00.001-07:00

Next Friday, October 8, I have to report to admissions at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock at 5:30 for my gallbladder surgery. Surgery is scheduled for 7:30. The plan is to have outpatient surgery to remove it and come home later that day. The kids are going to spend the night with Gramps and Grammy so Grammy can take them to school/babysitter's on Friday. I'm not nervous (yet), but I am praying for God to guide the surgeon's hands to take care of my problem. I am hoping to only miss Friday at work and be back to teaching my 6th graders on Monday!

Get Down Downtown

2010-09-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Searcy had their Get Down Downtown Festival. Randall and Gramps took Mac to deer camp, so Emma and I headed downtown for some Momma/Emma time. We wandered around, got Emma's face painted, made a sand peace sign, and watched the SHS cheerleaders. Emma was thrilled because she absolutely loves Jessica (the cheerleader in the pic with her). On Saturday night, Randall and I headed back downtown for the FREE (yes, I said FREE) Mark Wills concert. All in all, it was a wonderful day (except the fact that Bama beat our Razorbacks!!)

Awana

2010-09-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

White Co. Fair, 2010

2010-09-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I'm a little behind on blogging, and since it's 9:00 on Sunday night, I am not going to get caught up tonight. However, I thought I would get in a couple of posts. Two weeks ago was the White County Fair. It kicked off Monday afternoon with the fair parade. Grammy picked up Mac from Miss Renee's for me, and Emma and I met them at our spot to watch the parade. I think we've watched it from the exact same spot the last 3 years. The kids loved it! Randall and I worked our church booth at the fair Monday night, then we took Grandma, Emma, Mac, and Haley Wood to the fair Tuesday night. Tuesday night is free admission night AND armband night, so it was pretty crowded. The kids knew before-hand that we were going to see the animals and eat, not ride rides. I think they had a great time. Here are a few pics from that week!

And the outcome is...

2010-09-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

Gallstones! A whole gallbladder full of them. I had an ultrasound on Tuesday, and I went to the dr. today to get the full results. The first thing he said to me when he walked in the exam room was, "Well, you win the award for the most gallstones EVER!!" I asked him how many there were, and all he could tell me what that it was full!! Great! Now I will be heading to see a surgeon in Little Rock (the date is yet to be determined) to see about getting it out! Praying that they don't have to cut me open!!

Sticky Notes

2010-09-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

One of the programs we have on our computer with Windows 7 is Sticky Notes. Both of the kids love to type on it (they can change the background colors). I walked in the other day, and this was on Emma's screen.

"I love you Mrs. Amy Emma Grace Martin. I see a cat. I love you Dad. I love you Mom. I love you Mac. I love you me sef (myself). We wit (went) to a restwest (restaurant) to eat to get fthr (together). I like me sef (myself) because."

I thought it was the cutest thing. I love Amy (Emma's kindergarten teacher from last year) see it. I can see how much she learned last year through this simple "sticky note."

Not how I wanted to spend my Saturday

2010-09-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

Yep, in the ER. Randall and I ate Casa Brava for supper last night, so when I woke up at 3:00 this morning, I thought I had indigestion. Apparently, I was wrong. I finally :woke Randall up around and told him to take me to the ER. The original concensus was that I had kidney stones. That was ruled out. It seems that now I have an inflammed gallbladder. I will be scheduled for an outpatient gallbladder ultrasound this week, then I'll probably talk to a surgeon after that!! They gave me morphine at the hospital, and I've been sleeping most of the day...and I am heading back to bed now!!

SHS Lions Football is here!!

2010-09-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

As of Friday night, the Searcy Lions' football season has started...and it started with a bang! Our lions pounced on North Pulaski by beating them 56-0. It was a great game, and Emma and Mac were both full of school spirit (we still have to find Mac a SHS shirt, but Emma was sporting her shirt AND flip-flops!!

Books, books, and more books

2010-09-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Can you tell his mom is a reading teacher?

A Razorback Can Survive

2010-09-04T05:26:00.000-07:00

With today being the opening day of Hog Football, I just had to post this!

A Cute Story

2010-08-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I just have to share a cute little story about Emma. This morning, I asked her to put her cereal bowl away before we left for school. She told me that she already had, that she was being PROACTIVE. Ok, I was wondering where THAT word came from, so I asked her. She said it was one of her "words" at school. I knew that her school was starting a new character program this year, and apparently, this is one of the words. I asked her to explain it to me, and this was her explanation...

"There are good abits (habits) and bad abits. The bad abits are not good. If you do the bad abits, you are following the devil, but if you do the good abits, you are following God."

Ok, at least I know she's understanding what's she's told and putting two and two together!!

The Birds

2010-08-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Since the day Emma found out she was in Mrs. Cook's class, she's been begging me to sign up for a weekend to bring the birds home...so guess who brought home the birds on the first weekend after school started?!!

First Day of School, 2010

2010-08-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

The first day of school this week came and went without a hitch! Emma started first grade,and she loves Mrs. Cook, her teacher! She's especially excited about the birds Mrs. Cook has in her classroom. Here are a couple of pics of her on the first day!

Mac actually started back to Miss Renee's on August 11, but I needed a picture of him. He wasn't happy about it, and he fussed after I took this picture!

I'm getting to old!!

2010-08-15T19:26:00.001-07:00

Yep, I am...at least to play softball. I played in our church associational co-ed tournament yesterday, and I am paying for it dearly today! I can barely move!! I haven't played in two years!! What was I thinking?!! On top of that, it was HOT (over 100 degrees in the shade)!! I think I've lost my marbles! We did have a great time and some good fellowship! We played 4 games total (lost the first and last!). I meant to take my camera, but I forgot, so no pictures...those of you that played got lucky!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T05:02:00.000-07:00

Two Important Days

2010-08-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

Randall and I are coming upon two very important days in our relationship...on August 15, we will have been together for 12 years. On August 17, we will celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. One song sums up how I feel about Randall...No Place that Far by Sara Evans. This song came out not long after Randall and I started dating. We had been dating 9 months when Randall was deployed for the first time, and I thought of him every time I heard this song.

Randall, I love you very much, and I look forward to spending many more years with you!

Miss Renee's Graduation Program, 2010

2010-08-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Mac was in a program for the kids from Miss Renee's that were graduating from the daycare to kindergarten. Although Mac isn't going to kindergarten, he still got to sing in the program. It was priceless. The theme was "Tribute to the Soldiers." It was very touching. Thank you, Miss Renee and Mr. Wayne, for all you do for my little one! He's come so far since he came to you two years ago...an eighteen month old who had just started walking a month before he got there and barely spoke a word. Now you can't slow him down, and he talks A LOT!!

Mac holding the American flag.

Mac and Miss Renee. We are so blessed to have Miss Renee and Mr. Wayne taking care of our sweet Mac while Randall and I are working. They are both truly gifts from God. God answered a HUGE prayer from me when he sent them our way!

Update on Emma

2010-08-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, as promised, here is Emma's post.

Emma weighed 7 pounds and was 21 inches when she was born on April 26, 2004. Now, at 6 years old, she weighs 43 pounds (31st percentile) and is 47 inches tall (68th percentile). She is wearing 6X and 7 slim pants and 7 tops. She wears 11-12 in shoes. She is really into anything with bright colors and peace signs...and she's loving that she's old enough to wear clothes from Justice...(oh, she also really likes Justin Bieber and the Jonas Brothers!!). She is growing up so fast...I can't believe she starts 1st grade in a week and a half!!

I don't know if I've ever actually posted Emma's birth story, but I will soon...easy and quick labor...but Randall was deployed to Iraq!

Me holding Emma the day we were going home! Going home outfit was courtesy of Randall!

Emma at VBS in July.

Update on Mac

2010-08-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted lately just to give an update on how the kids are growing, so I decided to do a separate post on each one.

Mac is growing by leaps and bounds, and he's looking great when you see how far he has come...he started out at 2 pounds, 8 ounces, and 15 1/2 inches long. He now weighs 26 pounds and is 37 inches tall. He is still small for his age, but he's healthy!! He is in the 10th percentile for height, but he's still less than the 3rd percentile for weight. At 3 1/2 years old, he is still wearing 24 month clothes (some 2T shirts), and we have to roll the waistbands down on the pants. He speaks very clearly and has no health problems other than asthma and allergies (which we control with Flovent, Singulair, and Hydroxyzine).

Mac being held up by his nurse immediately after delivery on February 3, 2007.

Mac during VBS program in July...he's in the middle among other 3 year olds.

A Very Moving Song

2010-08-06T05:12:00.000-07:00

I love this song!! It reminds you that it's family, not stuff, that matters!

Family Trip to Branson

2010-08-03T11:14:00.001-07:00

About a week and a half ago, we loaded up on Friday at lunchtime and headed to Branson. Momma and Daddy headed that way with us, and Randy (my brother) and his family came down from Ft. Leonard Wood. We got a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo for the weekend and planned on just having some family fun time. We didn't eat out except lunch Sunday (which was actually lupper because we ate at 3:00) before we headed home. Friday night we had hot dogs for supper, then we headed out to walk around the grounds. Saturday morning we had pancakes for supper, then I went out and did a little shopping with Momma to get some school clothes for myself. (The men took the kids to the "kiddie pool" at the condo.) I ended up getting several pairs of pants/capris and shirts to go with them! I was very excited! That afternoon, the guys headed to Bass Pro while Momma and I took Emma, Mac, and Mikayla (Randy's oldest daughter) to the pool. We had steaks on the grill for supper, then headed out to the strip to let the kiddos get in some rides. We also headed over to Cakes~n~Cream to cool off. Sunday morning, we cooked breakfast and packed up...we did do some shopping before heading home. Randall, the kids, and I, ended up not leaving until about 4:00! All in all, we had a great weekend!

Mikayla, Mac, and Emma heading to Kids Kountry for the rides!!

Gramps, Mac, Mikayla, and Emma waiting for Randall and Randy to get armbands for the kids.

Mac and Emma

Emma and Mikayla riding the teacups

Randall and Mac watching the girls on their rides...he only wanted to ride the train!!

Poor Miya...she only got to watch!

Emma on the swings.

Miya finally got her own ride!!

Emma, Mac, and Mikayla riding the rabbits.

Emma on the go-carts.

My black raspberry sundae from Cakes~n~Cream!! That's my favorite place in all of Branson! I love to play the jukebox and enjoy family time eating ice cream or funnel cakes!!

Emma's Peace Sign Bear she made at Build-A-Bear. Her name is Sadie...we always let the kids cash in their piggy bank money for our trips to Branson, and Emma always gets to make an animal at Build-A-Bear! She doesn't know there is a Build-A-Bear in Little Rock!!

Mac's "Batman" car...he uses his piggie bank money to go to Ride Makerz...it's like Build-A-Bear, but the boys get to "build" their own cars!! It's really cool!

Life After You

2010-07-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

Chris Daughtry was my favorite the year he was on American Idol! I absolutely love this song by him!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

Self-Potraits by Emma

2010-07-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday- VBS program

2010-07-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

2010-07-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

If you remember in this post I was talking about redoing a bulletin board for Emma's room. Well, this week the kids and I headed to Hancock's to find some material for the bulletin board. I ended up finding something better. I found this bulletin board on sale for $10.

I did buy the rhinestone "E" on the top in the middle, but other than that, it was just the plain zebra print bulletin board with push pins. I still plan on redoing the other one to hang somewhere else in Emma's room, but for now, at least she has the pictures of her friends up on her wall!! She's so excited!

VBS, 2010: Saddle Ridge Ranch

2010-07-15T11:22:00.001-07:00

This week we are having VBS at church. I am helping with the music for 1st-6th grade, and Randall is in charge of the games at recreation time for the same age groups. Since I am helping with music, I have to "dress" the part and help lead worship rally by doing the moves in front of the kids as they enter the sanctuary...and I honestly love it (although I will be dreaming of tumbleweeds for the next month!!). Tonight is our last night of classes, and tomorrow night we will be having our program for the parents. Mac is old enough this year to be able to attend VBS and go to a class instead of staying in the sanctuary, and he has had a great time!

Me dressed and ready in my VBS t-shirt, jeans, and boots (Thanks, Michal, for letting me borrow them!!). Just to let you know, I bought these jeans and another pair this week (I splurged and bought 2 pairs of Levi's!!) and I had to buy a smaller size!! I was so excited...however, I really don't want to step on a scale!!

Emma on a saddle.

Emma with a tumbleweed.

Around the campfire

Mac eating dinner before VBS.

Emma eating dinner before VBS.

Dog Sitting

2010-07-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we dog-sat for the Wood family while they went to Texarkana to watch Hunter play in a baseball tournament. The kids greatly enjoyed Sadie being here all weekend! Thanks, Amy, for letting my kids keep an eye on her!

Upcoming Project

2010-07-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm still working on Emma's room in bits and pieces. I've finally decided to start working on her bulletin board to hang above her desk. She needs somewhere to put all the pics of her friends. This is what I'm starting with.

I am going to go to Hancocks and look for material and buttons or anything else I might can use to decorate. I'll post pics when I am done!

Photos by Emma

2010-07-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

When your babies are sick

2010-07-07T11:15:00.003-07:00

You are miserable. You can't do anything to help them, and it's not fun for anyone. Mac woke up this morning complaining of his stomach hurting, then he started dry-heaving. Not fun! After a few times of this, I sent a text to Mrs. Patty (our nurse practitioner friend from church) who prescribed some phenergan for him. As we were waiting at the drive-thru window at the pharmacy, guess who upchucked all in his carseat and all over his clothes...yep, Mac! I felt so bad. I stripped him out of clothes and had him ride home in Emma's car seat (I know, not the safest thing, but I wasn't about to make him ride in the other one!!) wearing only his underwear. I did stop by Sonic because Emma wanted some lunch and I wanted to get Mac a Sprite with no ice. He also wanted some french fries, which he ate all of and has kept down so far. Say a little prayer for my little man that this passes quickly. He doesn't need to lose any weight!

4th of July

2010-07-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Date Night with Randall

2010-07-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

Last night Emma and Mac both spent the night with Randall's mom, so Randall and I decided to make it an official date night. There are lots of time we get to go eat, but we wanted to do more than that. We started out by going here

to get Randall some new flip-flops. His other ones were about to bite the dust. After Hays, we decided to go to Sushi Cafe to eat dinner. I had this Hawaiian roll,and it was wonderful! (I also had a house salad with ginger dressing).

Randall had a bomb roll and a seaweed salad. All the food was great. We then headed to

to look at a few things before heading to the movies to see

Yes, I went to see it AGAIN!! I actually think I enjoyed it more the second time I saw it. We didn't get home until after midnight (and I feel like I'm getting a little old for that!!) but we had a great Date Night...can't wait to do it again!

Wacky Wednesday- Little Rock Zoo

2010-07-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was our last Wacky Wednesday with church. We loaded up and went to the Little Rock Zoo. I let Emma ride the church bus while Mac and I took the van (he had his appointment with Dr. Kagy, and then we met the group). We had a great time. Starting next week, it's time to break out my list of Summer Savings!

Mac and Emma

In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight!!

Giraffes...I really like these animals!!

Our group of girls!

Emma and Lindsey...Lindsey is Emma's new best friend! Thanks, Lindsey,for letting Emma hang out with you all day!

The huge elephant came right up to the edge of his area.

Mac with the lion statue.

Last Fellowship Group with Feltrop Group

2010-07-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday after church, we had our last "official" get-together with our Feltrop Fellowship group. We have really enjoyed our monthly "eatings" with the Feltrop, Merritt, and Davis families. In July, we'll be changing groups. I love that Bro. James came up with this concept to get to know more members of the church on a more personal level. The concept is you have 8 people (couples or singles) in a group. We start the first month with a kick-off at church. Then, for the next 4 months, you get together once a month just to fellowship and visit. We had a great time the first go-round, and I'm sure the next time will be just as good! Can't wait until the kick-off on July 18!!

Mac in the chair (that had a remote and moved around)!

I know this is a little dark. This is Frankie Feltrop and Randall.

Jordan and Cassandra Feltrop

Emma and Morgan Feltrop

Emma's Softball Party

2010-07-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we had Emma's end of the year softball party at the house! Jennifer and I had a great time coaching our girls this year! We had a simple get-together. We ordered pizzas and trophies for the girls, and they got to play outside while the parents got to visit. I am going to miss these girls!!

Emma, Kamryn, and Ashlyn being silly.

Go Kiwanis!!

We gained a pound!!

2010-06-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

No, I am not talking about me...I am trying to lose it! I'm talking about this cutie pie.

I took Mac to his 6 month check-up with Dr. Kagy at Arkansas Asthma and Allergy Clinic. He was 37 inches tall and 26 pounds...yep, 26 pounds! I've been a little worried lately because he doesn't weigh much at all. He is 3 1/2 years old and wears size 24 month clothes (and the waistband on his shorts have to be rolled so they will stay up!!). I can't begin to tell you how happy I was about this simple pound!! I do have to say that he is getting taller, so I know he is growing, but to me, he is still so small.

Eclipse

2010-06-30T06:05:00.000-07:00

I went to see Eclipse last night. It was a good movie, but I liked the book better. I still think Twilight is my favorite movie so far. We did have a great time,though. I still think there could've been more Edward (maybe that's why I like Twilight better.

Eclipse Buddies: Rhonda, Michal, Amy, Christi, and Me

When Amy dropped me off at home about 2:30, our street was without electricity. I was awake until about 4:00, then up at 7:00. I'm going to drop Emma off at church for Wacky Wednesday...they are going to the zoo. Mac has a dr. appointment in Little Rock, then we'll meet them at the zoo!

Ok, I admit it...

2010-06-29T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am a Twilightaholic!! I can't wait until midnight tonight when I get to see the premiere of

and yes, I chose the poster with Edward on it!!

Italian Get-Together

2010-06-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

So last night we had a get-together at Cindy's house and the theme...Italian. It was wonderful. We had 3 main dishes, salad, and garlic bread, along with several desserts. We also surprised our friend, Nicole, with a little housewarming gift. I forgot to take my camera, so I stole these off tagged photos on Facebook. When more are uploaded, I'll post more!! Thanks, Cindy, for having us over! We had a great time!!

Nicole, Jessica, Cindy, and me

Jason, Nicole, Randall, Emma, and Mac

Wacky Wednesday- Wild River Country

2010-06-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday, the kids and I headed to Wild River Country with the group from church for Wacky Wednesday. We had a great time. I didn't get many pictures because I was too busy running around (on a HOT day) trying to keep the kids in the water. We didn't do the big slides or anything since it was just me with both kids, but we had fun enjoying the Lazy River, Wave Pool, and Kiddie Pool. It was a wonderfully cool treat on a very hot day! Next week will be our last Wacky Wednesday for the year, and we're headed to the zoo!!

I am so excited for tonight. We are once again getting together with a great group of friends from church for an Italian Potluck!! We have a great time when we are together!! I can't wait to get in some good fellowship.

Speaking of fellowships, Bro. James has started Fellowship Groups at church. These are groups that are together for 4 months. We are supposed to meet once a month just to fellowship...no Bible Study involved. This is part of his vision for us to get to know more people in our ever-growing church on a more personal level. Our last meeting with our group this time is Sunday after church. Hopefully I will remember to take some pictures and post about it! We have already signed up for our group for next time, and I can't wait!! I have really enjoyed the time with our last group, and I can't wait to get to know those in our next group a little better!!

I am so excited about my weight loss so far! I have lost 7 pounds, so I only have 13 more to go on my first goal...hopefully I can reach that before school starts! I have only had 3 Dr. Peppers in the last 2 weeks, and I am keeping up with my exercise and water! I am also trying to watch what I eat a little more. I am trying to eat a little healthier, and when I am full, I stop! I think that's the goal for now.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! I know we will...it's very busy!!

Ok...I'm going to do it!!

2010-06-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

Next Tuesday (ok, technically Wednesday, June 30) at midnight, I am going with a group of ladies to see this movie...

...and I can't wait!! I haven't been this excited about a movie since I got caught up in this series of movies...

And come to find out, they both have one thing in common...

Yes, I am Team Edward all the way! I usually don't get caught up in books/movies that have a lot of hoopla going on about them, but as I said in an earlier post, I decided the read Twilight after much "nagging" from students...and I loved it, just as I loved the Harry Potter series once I started it. Now I am going to watch a movie release at midnight with a group of friends, and I am so excited!! Hopefully I'll remember to take my camera so I can take pics with the great group of ladies who are willing to join me at midnight!!

Happy Father's Day to Randall from me

2010-06-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

This is what I gave Randall for Father's Day!! HaHa!! Actually, I was coming in the back door yesterday and fell. I hit my hand and have some soft tissue damage...at least it was my left hand. Unfortunately, Randall ended up doing EVERYTHING for dinner that we were cooking for my daddy for Father's Day.

Randall, I am so blessed to be married to you, and Emma and Mac are very lucky to have your for their daddy! We love you!!

Last Softball Game

2010-06-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was Emma's last softball game for the season. She has done so well this year, and I am very grateful to have been one of her coaches! We had a great group of girls. I can't wait to have them all over to the house on Saturday for pizza and playtime!!

Emma with her softball medal.

Emma and Kamryn

Kamryn, Jadyan, and Emma

Our Kiwanis softball team (6U)

Wacky Wednesday-Dodgeball and Movies

2010-06-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

For last week's Wacky Wednesday, we had to stay at church because the church bus was gone to Arizona for a mission trip. We played dodgeball and had movies. My kids chose to watch Princess and the Frog (which I had never seen and thought was adorable!!) We had a great time, and we can't wait to head to Wild River Country tomorrow!!

Mac and Emma watching Princess and the Frog while having popcorn and drinks.

Emma playing dodgeball.

Mac chillin!!

Show Us Your Life-Proposal Stories

2010-06-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today's Show Us Your Life is about proposal stories...and I have to admit, Randall did a great job when he proposed. I knew the time was coming, but I didn't know when. We had been to several jewelry stores looking at rings so he would know what I liked and what I didn't, but in the end, he picked out my ring all on his own! (Well, with a little help from my mom!!) On Saturday, May 3, 2001 (a week before I graduated from college), we went out to a park that we have on the outskirts of town that overlooks the Little Red River. This was not unusual because we had done this before. The park has trails and little overlooks, and we were walking down one. He leaned over to kiss me, then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him...of course, I said yes. I then called my parents (even though the already knew) and he called his mom. We went to Colton's to eat, then went back to my house.

My ring was (and still is) beautiful. It is almost a 1/2 carat marquis with almost 1/3 carat bagets on both sides.

To add to the story, Randall was a true Southerner...he did ask my dad if he could marry me before he proposed, and he did this while he was in the woods turkey hunting with my dad...and yes, my dad had a gun!!

One thing I have to say about me is that I made him sit down and set a date IMMEDIATELY!! I knew I wanted to get married in the summer, but I wanted time to plan the wedding, so we set the date for July 20, 2002. Well, he ended up getting deployed and called 3 days after he left and said he wouldn't be there on July 20 for the wedding. Obviously you can't get married without the groom, so we postponed the wedding until August 17,2002...the weekend before school started (remember, I am a teacher!!).

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

Sizzling Summer Savings #2

2010-06-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Randall and I were at Wal-Mart and found this great deal sure to give the kids lots of summer fun...a Buzz Lightyear slip-n-slide!! Only $5! What a great deal for loads of summer fun!!

Softball

2010-06-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

Softball season for Emma is coming to an end. We have a game tonight and Thursday night, and then it will all be over for another year. I am very impressed by the progress she's made this year over last year. Every once in a while, she'll still cry on the field, but for the most part, she does a good job hitting and playing first base. She has even hit 2 home runs this year! I haven't taken many pictures because I am the assistant coach, but I made sure to take a few last night!!

Emma and Kamryn...Love those socks!!

Mac helping Daddy gather balls for the pitching machine.

Waiting for Gramps and Grammy

She hits....

and she run!!

Music Monday

2010-06-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Today's Music Monday is songs with your significant other. This is the song that Randall and I had played at our wedding while we lit the unity candle.

Updated To-Do List

2010-06-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

To check out the updated to-do list, click here.

Weight Loss

2010-06-12T09:39:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I have a problem. Ok,there, I admitted it...that's the first step, right? I am very uncomfortable with my body, so I am trying to lose some weight. My first goal is to lose 20 pounds by the time school starts. That's attainable for me. After I lose that 20, then I'll set a new attainable goal. I have to take baby steps. This last week, my goal was the walk twice daily, drink 100 ozs. of water a day, and try to wean myself off Dr. Pepper. The only days I didn't walk twice this week were Wednesday and Friday, but I did get in one walk on those days. Dr. Pepper just tastes funny after drinking that much water, so I'm not craving it anymore, and I've only missed the 100 oz. mark one day (and I had 96 ozs. that day!!). And the result? I lost 4 1/2 pounds this week!! GO ME!!

Emma, Mac, and Maggie

2010-06-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of Emma, Mac, and Maggie (Gramps' new blue heeler puppy).

It Won't Be Like This for Long

2010-06-11T08:20:00.001-07:00

As I type this post, Mac is sitting here in my lap with me. It seems like just yesterday Randall and I were getting married, then came Emma, then Mac...the time just goes by too quickly. Summer times are very special to me. I enjoy being home and spending time with Emma and Mac. I always try to come up with fun and inexpensive ideas to keep them busy. Today is one of Emma's favorite days...we are having pajama day! According to the radar, rain is heading our way, so I thought this would be the perfect day for this...here is a song to sum up how I feel...

Show Us Your Life- China Patterns

2010-06-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

Kelly over at Kelly's Korner is once again hosting Show Us Your Life this week. The topic is china pattern. I was like Kelly when I was registering for china...I didn't want a formal china. I wanted something for everyday use...and the funny thing is, I don't ever use it! I am planning now to start using it more often. My "china" is Fitz and Floyd Tuscany. It is discontinued now, so I had to search for different pictures of it so I didn't have to take all of mine out of the cabinet to take pictures of.

I really love these dishes. My kitchen is green and is decorated with grapes, and this china goes great with it...since I don't use it much, I actually took some of the salad plates (there are 2 different designs) and alternated the designs on the wall. I really liked the way it turned out!

I also chose a very simple style of glasses for my everyday glassware...I chose Libbey Gibraltor. They are very heavy and withstand a lot!

Sizzling Summer Savings

2010-06-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Movie admission for 3- $6
3 bags of popcorn and 3 drinks- $6
Lunch at McDonalds (after the refund from the Shrek glasses)- $3.04
Summertime fun with my babies- priceless

Today the kids and I went to the movies for their summer movie program. Admission is $2 per person, and you can get a small bag of popcorn for $1 and a small drink for $1. It's a great way of entertaining the kids!

Afterwards, we went to McDonald's for lunch. I had to return 2 Shrek glasses I had bought because they had been recalled. I ended up only having to pay $3.04 for lunch! Talk about our cheap entertainment for the day!

Wacky Wednesdays- Sandy Beach

2010-06-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

Today was our second Wacky Wednesday outing with church. We loaded up the church bus (I actually drove my van, too) and headed to Sandy Beach in Heber Springs. We had a great time of fellowship with all the adults and children who were there...I am a little worse for the wear...my legs are RED!! That's even after 3 coats of sunscreen. We did have a good time, though. Here are a few pictures from the day!

A Summer of Fun

2010-06-08T11:21:00.001-07:00

So far Emma, Mac, and I are having lots of fun this summer! They got to play in the pool today, and I have water balloons on the agenda for this afternoon!!

As for me, I am reading the Twilight series. I have had students in the past who have BEGGED me to read it, and I finally gave in. I treated this series like I did when Harry Potter came out...I do not like to read books that have a lot of hoopla going on with it. However, once I read Harry Potter, I couldn't stop...Twilight is the same way! I read the first 3 in a few days, and I am now reading the fourth book, Breaking Dawn. I borrowed the first two movies, Twilight and New Moon, and I loved them!! I can't wait until June 30 until Eclipse is released!!

Emma's End of Kindergarten Swim Party

2010-06-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 5, Emma had a swimming party at the house of a classmate, McKenzie. It was a cookout/swimming party for the class and their families. We had a great time! I can't believe she has finished kindergarten and will be entering 1st grade in the fall...where does the time go?!!

Emma

Chandler and Emma

Emma and McKenzie

Mac on the turtle

Mrs. Amy (the best kindergarten teacher ever!!)watching the kids

Mac playing on the shark

Haley Wood

Mac and Zoe's "playpen"

The class, Mrs. Amy, and Miss Alyssa (student teacher)

McKenzie, Emma, and Chandler

Emma and Lawson

Mrs. Amy opening her gifts from the class. A gift certificate for a mani/pedi, and a gift certificate to A Second Helping.. I am thinking about trying them out myself!!

Emma eating her dinner.

Homemade Play-doh

2010-06-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

One day last week, Mac decided he wanted to play with the play-doh we had...but it was dried out. I looked on the internet and found a recipe (there are 1000s) for homemade play-doh that used ingredients I already had at home, and this is how it turned out!!

The ingredients I used.

Emma's pink play-doh

Mac's blue play-doh

finished product!!

Our Garden

2010-06-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Randall and I decided that this year we were going to plant a garden. So far it looks good. We have radishes, onions, zucchini, yellow squash, and cantaloupe, just to name a few things! I am so excited that we are able to get fresh veggies out of our own garden!!

The cantaloupe plants that Mac brought home from Miss Renee's house...they are really growing!!

Squash plants

My To-Do List

2010-06-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Here is my to-do list of things I want to accomplish while I am out of school for summer vacation:

1. Straighten inside all of kitchen cabinets.

2. Clean baseboards of entire house.

3. Get garage organized...and keep it that way!
: organized on 6/12/10
4. Walk on the treadmill daily...and with Grammy at nights when time permits.
: Haven't missed a day since 6/7/10
5. Take the kids our for at least 2 outings weekly (Wacky Wednesdays through June with church and $2 movies on Thursdays are what I have planned!).: This past week was the lake and the movies to see Surf's Up.

6. Wean myself from Dr. Pepper.: This was a biggie, but I don't HAVE to have one every day!! 6/12/10

7. Drink 100 ozs. of water daily.: doing pretty good here!!

8. Lose 20 pounds (this is my 1st attainable goal...when I reach it, I'll set another goal!!.: weighed on 6/12/10, lost 4.5 lbs!!

9. Eat out less. This is a hard one since we are on the go a lot during softball, but I am making an effort!!

10. Blog at least 3 times weekly throughout summer.

11. Can fruits and vegetables. We do have a garden this summer, and I'm so excited about it!!

Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

2010-06-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, I got this recipe from another blog, and honestly, I can't remember which one. However, this meatloaf was WONDERFUL!! I will be making it again for sure!!

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground beef (I used ground turkey)
1 egg
1/2 cup Italian or plain breadcrumbs (I made my own!)
1 jar pasta sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup diced onion (I omitted this part!)
1 tbsp. parsley (I used Italian seasoning)
Parmesan cheese

Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, 1/3 cup pasta sauce, egg, and bread crumbs. Line a 13X9 casserole dish with plastic wrap. Shape the beef mixture into a rectangle covering the bottom of the dish.

2. Cover with 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Leave a 3/4 inch border around the edges.

3. Roll starting at long end jelly roll style. Use your plastic wrap to help you roll. Remove plastic as you roll it up.

4. Press all ends together.

5. Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and drain as much grease off as you can (you don't have to drain if you use ground turkey). Pour remaining pasta sauce over meatloaf and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Bake an additional 15 minutes until sauce is hot and cheese is melted.

YUMMY!!!

Wacky Wednesdays- All Family Bowling

2010-06-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Wacky Wednesdays are GREAT!! On Wednesdays, our church children's director (Mrs. Tonya) takes a trip or plans a fun activity for the day for kids in kg- 6th grade. The only stipulation is that the children MUST COME BACK to church that night for Valley Kids (our summer program that takes the place of Awana). If you don't come back that night, you miss out on the trip the next week. This week we loaded up about 30 kids and adults and headed to Cabot to All Family Bowling. We had a great time. It only cost $5 per person for 2 games of bowling and lunch. I am so excited for the rest of the events to come in June...check back, because I'll be blogging about them!

Emma and Alexis on the bus

Mac in his car seat on the bus

Mac asleep on the way down

Mac with this bowling balls

Emma and Mac

Emma bowling

Mac playing

Emma and Haley

Look at Emma's score!! (it's the top one!)

My firstborn!

Getting comfy!!

Emma and Reagan

Mac playing with his "w"izards!!

Mac and Reagan

Retirement

2010-06-03T14:14:00.001-07:00

My teaching partner, Sue Carrouth, is retiring, so we had a reception at school on Tuesday. Here are a few pictures!

Cake
Sue with her gift
The retirees...Sue, Sheila, and Dr. LePore
The 4 "Mustangs"...me, Sue, Monica, and Beth

Memorial Day Fun...I guess

2010-06-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Randall decided a couple of weeks ago that he wanted to redo one of the flower beds in front of the house. I told him that was fine, but before he could pull up the plants that were there, he had to buy what he would use to replace them. I knew if I didn't tell him that, he would pull up the shrubs and it would be FOREVER before they were replaced! On Sunday, we made a trip to Lowe's and purchased lilies and black-eyed susans. On Monday morning, I got up and he already had most of the shrubs pulled. He did take two of them and replant them in the ends of the bed, then he alternated the lilies and susans. (Yes, I say "he" because he did it...all!! I cleaned house!!) I think it looks great! Thank you, honey, for making it look great! Just let me know when you are ready to tackle the other flower bed!!
Empty flower bed after he had pulled the shrubs
I just love lilies!!

Sprinkler Fun

2010-06-03T12:08:00.001-07:00

Fishing Derby, 2010

2010-06-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Every year our Sportsman Fellowship at church sponsors a Fishing Derby for the kids. The last couple of years, it's been postponed or cancelled due to rain. This year it was postponed, but we did end up getting to have it. Emma even got a scholarship for Upward Cheerleading for being there!! Here are a few of our pictures from the day!
Daddy putting on bait
Helping Mac
She wasn't sure at first but...
she decided to try!
All he wanted to do was reel in!
Sibling love (this is my favorite!!)

My Helmet

2010-06-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Mac is so determined to have a Batman helmet to wear while riding his tricycle. We haven't found one yet, so he decided to use his toboggan as his helmet!! It was hilarious to see him riding around like this when the temperature was 85 degrees!!

Awana Awards Program

2010-06-03T11:45:00.001-07:00

On May 19, Emma had her end of the year Awana program. She was a first year Sparkie this year, and we couldn't be more proud of her. She was always looking forward to Wednesday nights, and she got to the point where she would want to go by herself and check in!
Emma- our Sparkie!
Commander Michael Sparks
Mac waiting for the program to start
Emma singing
Emma with her first book award

Kindergarten End of the Year Field Trip- SuperBowl

2010-06-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

I took a personal day off from school and went on Emma's end of the year field trip. It was a short field trip (only in the morning) so I also made good and cashed in on my mother's day gift...manicure and pedicure! All in all, it was a great day. Emma did wonderful in kindergarten this year and will be going on to 1st grade next year. I can't believe this year passed so quickly! Emma had the best teacher ever...Mrs. Amy. I can't say enough about the year! On Saturday, we will be having an end of the year party for the class, and I can't wait!!

Emma and her BFF Chandler
My little bowler
Emma, Chandler, Mya, and McKenzie
Emma and Ryan
Emma and Momma
Emma and Mrs. Amy (aka the best teacher EVER!!)
Best Buds!!

My Little Softball Player

2010-06-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

Emma started her 2nd year of playing softball this year. She is doing much better than last year, and I am so proud of her. I am actually one of her coaches, which I think has helped her feel more comfortable on the field. She plays t-ball, but don't let the name of the league fool you...they actually get 2 pitches off the pitching machine BEFORE they get to hit off the tee!! She even hit a home run off the tee last week...right down the 1st base line all the way to the fence...like mother, like daughter. That's exactly where I always hit!

She even wears Momma's number!!
Don't you love her socks?

Birthday Meal at Fuji's

2010-06-03T10:10:00.001-07:00

Emma's birthday is April 26, and Mr. Gary (our neighbor across the street) has a birthday a few days later, so we all loaded up and headed to Fuji's for a birthday dinner. If you didn't know, Fuji's is Emma's absolute favorite place to eat! These are just a few pics from the evening.

Mac waiting to be put into the highchair
The birthday girl
FIRE!!
The birthday boy (Mr. Gary) and Mrs. Becky
Emma's birthday dessert

Rodeo Day

2010-06-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

During the last month of kindergarten, Emma had Rodeo Day. These are just a couple of pictures of her dressed up!

Music Monday

2010-05-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

I have a friend of mine who participates in Music Monday, and since today's theme is 80's music, I decided to participate, too!! I absolutely loved Bon Jovi growing up, and this my very favorite song they've ever released!

This is another song by Nelson...even though they were very short lived, I loved this song!

Remembering on Memorial Day

2010-05-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

On Memorial Day, I would like to give a very big thank you to all the men and women who have served in our armed forces...A very special thank you to my hubby, Randall, and my brother, Randy!

To Randall

2010-05-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I always post about Emma and Mac on here, but I decided to make this post about Randall. For those of you who don't know our story, here it goes:

I remember seeing Randall for the first time when I was a junior in high school. He played softball with my daddy, and he had come over to the house for a party. He was with another girl, and I would sneak peaks at him through the window when I was supposed to be in the back of the house. I don't think he even knew I existed then. Now fast forward to the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I had just broken up with my boyfriend of 2 years, and I was seeing Randall quite frequently at the ball park. My mom had been in a wreck, and Randall called to check on her, but then he asked to talk to me. I knew my daddy wouldn't be thrilled about who I was talking to, so I told him it was another friend when he asked. Randall called several times, and I really enjoyed talking to him. On August 15, 1998 Ithe weekend before moving back to college), Randall and I played on the same co-ed softball team in a tournament, and we've been together ever since. Now for the first SEVERAL months, we didn't tell my parents because my dad had said he didn't want me to date Randall. I finally broke down and told my mom, and my dad found out because of a message left on his answering machine.

After we had been dating 6 months, Randall found out he was being deployed to Kuwait (he was in the Army National Guard). It was a very stressful time for me, but we made it through. Needless to say, that wasn't our last deployment together! Randall was deployed to Egypt while we were planning our wedding, and he was in Iraq when Emma was born.

I know sometimes he can say things or do things that drive me crazy, but I wouldn't change him for anything! I know God put Randall in my life for a reason! I love you, Randall!!

My Hometown

2010-05-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

Kelly is hosting "Show Us Your Life" and this week the topic is your hometown. Like that Kelly, I live in Arkansas, but I live in Central Arkansas, about an hour north/northeast of Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas. I live in Searcy. A few interesting facts about Searcy...

We are the county seat of White County, and our courthouse is on the national historic registry.

We are home to Yarnell's Ice Cream... the best ice cream on Earth! As a matter of fact, I actually went to high school with one of the Yarnell's, and she is now a major part of the operations!!

Searcy is also home to Harding University. Growing up here and being Baptist, I always said I would never go to Harding...and I didn't, at least for my undergraduate degree. However, I was married when I started my master's, so I did attend Harding and graduated from there in 2005 with a Master's Degree of Education in Reading.

This is where I graduated from high school, and I am very honored to be able to teach in the same school district that gave me so much knowledge growing up. Searcy has wonderful teachers, and I only hope to be able to live up to the many who influenced me!

Emma's 6th Birthday Party

2010-05-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I am a little late in posting this, but May is crazy around our house with the end of school and softball. Now that I'm out of school for summer vacation, I plan on catching up on the blog!!

On May 2, we had Emma's 6th birthday party. We held it at church. She requested a fashion party, so we let the girls come in their favorite dresses (nice or dress-up) and we let them do nails and make-up. They had a wonderful time! Emma also wanted an ice cream sundae bar instead of a cake, which was fine with us!! Here are a few pictures from the day!

the table with the nail polish and makeup
Emma's "cake"
Aunt Debbie, Pepaw, Memaw, Darlene, and Mrs. Becky
Singing Happy Birthday
Eating ice cream
The Birthday Girl
The Little Brother
Doing Nails
Haley doing her make-up
Emma and Chandler
McKinley, Avery, Chandler, Emma, Kamryn, Mya, and Jordyn
Mrs. Amy decided to adorn Chandler's tutu!!!

All in all, I think everyone had a great time!

Show Us Your Life- Kids' Names

2010-05-08T04:25:00.000-07:00

Kelly over at Kelly's Korner Blog is hosting her weekly "Show Us Your Life" this week and it's all about your kids' names or your future kids' names. As we all know, there will be no future kids for the Martin clan (although I would LOVE more!!)but there are stories behind my children's names!!

Emma Grace Martin (6 years old): Emma is named after my paternal great-grandmother. The older Emma also had red-hair like my Emma. I don't remember much about her. Actually, my only memory of her is going to her house and sitting on her porch with her. Even though Emma is a very popular name (it's #2 on the list this year following Isabella), that's not why we chose it. I remember when I was pregnant with Emma. Randall was being ready to deploy to Iraq, and I told him we had to choose names for the baby BEFORE he left because I couldn't stand to call the baby "it." We picked Emma, and he liked how Grace flowed with it.

Mac Patton Martin (3 years old): Both Mac's first and middle names come from family names. Mac is after Randall's maternal grandfather, whom Randall was very close to. I never met him because he passed away before Randall and I even met, but from what I understand, he was a very loving man. We did change the spelling a bit (from Mack to Mac). Patton is after my maternal grandfather. It's actually my mom's maiden name. My grandparents had 4 girls (all 2 years apart), so they didn't have a boy to carry on the name. I always told them growing up that Patton would be in my son's name, and it is!!

Other Names I Like: There are several other names I would've liked to have used for children's names: Sidney (boy) or Sydney (girl)...after my paternal grandfather and my dad, Spencer (after my dad's cousin), Mandi Lee (after my materal great-grandmother), and Charlie (boy) or Charley (girl) after my maternal great-grandfather).

For Mother's Day

2010-05-05T04:42:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist posting this. I've posted it before, but with Mother's Day right around the corner, I thought I would post it again...here's to all the preemie moms out there...

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. This year thousands of mothers will give birth to a premature baby. Did you ever wonder how mothers of preemies are chosen?

Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

“Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron saint, Matthew."

“ Forest , Majorie, daughter. Patron saint, Ceceila."

“Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron saint… give her Gerard. He’s used to profanity."

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, “Give her a premature baby.”The angel is curious. “Why this one, God? She’s so happy.”

“Exactly, “ smiles God. “Could I give a premature baby a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel.”

“But does she have patience?” asks the angel.“I don’t want her to have too much patience, or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she’ll handle it."

“I watched her today. She has that sense of self and independence that are so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I’m going to give her has his own world. She has to make it live in her world and that’s not going to be easy.”

“But, Lord, I don’t think she even believes in you.”God smiles, “No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness.”

The angel gasps, “Selfishness? Is that a virtue?”God nods. “If she can’t separate herself from the child occasionally, she’ll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child who comes in a less than perfect way. She doesn’t realize it yet, but she is to be envied."

“She will never take for granted a spoken word. She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says ‘Mommy’ for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it. When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.
“I will permit her to see clearly the things I see - ignorance, cruelty, prejudice - and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side.”

“And what about her patron saint?” asks the angel, the pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles. “A mirror will suffice.”

Round #2

2010-05-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

of "kornadoes." Or at least that's what Mac is calling them. We had bad weather last night and it's going on tonight again. This was our conversation a few minutes ago after Randall and I picked Emma and Mac up from Grandma's and came home under a tornado warning.

Mac: "Momma, there's no kornado right now, but it might storm."
Me: "What's a kornado?"
Mac: "It goes round and round and round in a circle (while making the motion) and can break your house."
Me: (laughing) "Is there going to be a kornado?"
Mac: "No, but it might storm!"

Out of the mouths of babes!!