Where Did The Summer Go???

I had really high hopes that I was going to get a lot accomplished this summer. Well, you know how that goes. I really do plan on getting caught up and posting some pictures of the things that have been going on this year. We have had so much happen. I got a new job. I found out mid June that I was going to be at a new school. I was SO excited. This is part of the reason my summer flew by so quickly.

I am going to tell you a little about my new job. The school is called eStem Public Charter Elementary School. Here's the website if you have any interest in checking it out... www.estemlr.net. It's name stands for it's focus... e(economics)S(science)t(technology)e(engineering)m(mathematics). It was voted the #1 elementary school in Little Rock last year. So, that's my school...

Here's my new position. I am a specialist this year instead of a classroom teacher. I teach HALT which stands for Higher Active Learning Time. I get to create my own lessons and teach what I choose. I do Kindergarten through Fourth Grade. Basically, my only restrictions are to teach higher level thinking, critical thinking, and creativity. I am loving it!

The other great news is that Brayden gets to go with me. He is in first grade and LOVES his teacher.

Here's the other thing that makes my school different than regular public schools. We are an extended year, extended day school. So, the kids started back to school on July 20, which means that I started back on July 13. That is the main reason I lost most of my summer. For me, though, it was absolutely worth it to be at this school. I love my new job and the school!

More to come soon...I promise! :-)

Someday...

Someday, I will get it all together...

Someday, I will start posting more frequently...

Someday, I will be able to keep all informed of the Little Rock happenings...

Someday, you will get to see pictures of my kiddos and our activities...

Someday, everyone will get to see pictures of the new house we purchased...and the remodeling that is going on...

Unfortunately, someday is not today...and will not be tomorrow...and probably will not be until school is out for the summer...

Crazy times at the Martin house! School is winding down (both my job and my Masters classes); we just bought a house; we are painting and doing flooring prior to move in; we have to be out of the apartment by May 26; and I think I am going crazy! :-)

I will survive the month of May... I will survive the month of May... I will survive the month of May...

Fun times! Hope everyone is doing well. I do really plan to update very soon. I have been taking lots of before, during, (& will do after) pictures of the house so that you can see the progression.

Computer Problems

So, I planned on updating a lot sooner, but I was having computer & internet difficulties... I think everything is worked out. I have finally finished a post from the Christmas cruise. Enjoy below. I plan on doing more very soon.

Working On It

Just to let you know...I'm working on it...

Hopefully there will be new posts soon...

Martin Family Cruise

For Christmas this year we took a cruise with Matt's family. There was a total of 15 of us that went on the cruise. We had a blast! Enjoy our pictures from the cruise...

Brayden was so excited to finally be on the "big boat"

Mason's newest pose for pictures

Can you feel the excitement?!?!

Brayden in front of the water park on the top of the ship

Stop for a family photo...exploring the boat

checking out the mini golf course

balance beam

my cutie

riviting round of mini golf

Mason would just place the ball where he wanted.

Dinner

Brayden loved the ice cream!

Brayden, Hunter, Mason, & Tyler

beautiful staircase in the middle of the ship...beautiful decorations for Christmas

Matt & Ryan

ping pong tournament

pirate fun at Camp Carnival

family photo on formal night

This is the picture we used for the Christmas card.

cousins
Mason, Brayden, & Anna

Matt & I at dinner

The kids preferred to eat dinner at Camp Carnival. It worked out well for us, too. They really enjoyed all of the activities, including face painting.

silly pose

ready for the beach

Mason looking for his daddy's feet

playing in the ocean in December...loving it!

Brayden loved the waves splashing on him.

Mason lounging on the beach.

This is my favorite picture.

And now "Deep Thoughts" by Brayden

Matt and his beach ping pong opponent

Mason & Mommy

I have a really good caption for this picture, but I am not going to post it... :-)


Matt & I

Three Amigos Resturant in Cozumel


Matt, Bert, & Ryan


The Three Amigos


Christmas show presented by the kids at Camp Carnival. Brayden was a part of the show.

It's After Midnight

...am I'm up...yep...up and on the computer...why?...because I don't have school tomorrow! Yea! I love Thanksgiving break.

And...

We are back in the Lone Star State to celebrate our time with family. What a blessing it is to be able to take time to give thanks to God for all that we have. We are truly blessed! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Be blessed!

Things Are A Shakin'

Fun Fact: Did you know that Arkansas has earthquakes?

Here's the clip from the news website:

Hector - The U.S. Geological Survey says a small earthquake occurred in central Arkansas.

The quake, of preliminary magnitude 2.9, occurred at 7:47 a.m. Saturday, 14 miles north of Hector in Pope County.

A dispatcher with the Pope County Sheriff's Office said the office had not gotten any calls regarding the tremor.

A quake of magnitude 2.5 to 3 is the smallest generally felt by people. Hundreds of earthquakes occur each year. Most are so small they cannot be felt. Hector is about 80 miles northwest of Little Rock.

Luckily, we did not feel anything. Apparently, though, Arkansas falls on the New Madrid fault. I did not realize this until we moved here. Who would have thought Arkansas would have earthquakes!