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!

Praise Report and New Request

To start off with, I have a praise to report. I have talked to my mom everyday since her surgery. She is doing fantastic. Apparently, she is impressing herself and her doctor with how well she is doing. YEA! Again, the recovery will be lengthy. Please continue to pray for her that her recovery will continue to go as well as it has already.

Here is my new request... We received a call this morning that Matt's grandmother had to be taken to the hospital. Apparently, she has an infection and congestive heart problems. There is fluid around her heart and on her lungs. She is also having trouble swallowing. She is 92, but continues to be very healthy. Please remember her when you pray.

Prayer Request Update

Mom's surgery was this morning. They started about 8 am. Both knees are now completed. I talked with my sister several times throughout the morning. She said the doctor said everything went really well. Last I talked with my sister (about 1:30) mom was in recovery sleeping. They were just waiting on a room to put her in. I obviously have not talked with my mom yet, but it seems like the surgery went as planned. Thanks for all of the prayers.

Please continue to pray for her recovery. I know that it can be very painful and very lengthy. Also, please continue to pray for no complications.

I appreciate all of the prayers.

Not Me Monday!

It's time again for another round of Not Me Monday!

Let's see...I am not excited that I only have one more day of teaching this week. Why would I be excited? I love teaching! I especially love spending every day with my students who don't seem to care what I have to say.

I did not spend the weekend sleeping. Seriously. I did not take a 2 hour nap on Saturday and Sunday.

I am not procrastinating my school work. I am not supposed to be reading right now. I don't have a test on Wednesday.

My husband did not buy me roses today...for no reason...not at all... He wouldn't do that.

That what I did not not do. Now, what have you not done?

Prayer Request

Hello Friends & Family!

Some of you may know, but most of you probably do not know, but my mom will be having double knee replacement next week. I am soliciting as many prayers for her as possible. It's a very common surgery these days, but there is always a risk of complication especially with blood clots. So, please pray for her and the doctors attending to the surgery. Pray for all to go well with no complications and for a very quick recovery. She is currently trying to decide if she wants to do rehab at home or at a rehab facility. I am encouraging the rehab facility because she can be monitored easier and if there are any complications it will be more convenient. Again, just pray for her. The surgery will occur on Thursday, November 13. Thanks for the prayers!

Ode to School

Well, I wanted to let everyone know that the school week did get better. Thanks for listening to my rantings on Tuesday. I still am amazed at some of my children, but the good news is that only one child got sent home this week. (FYI - That's an improvement from weeks past. I usually send 4-5 kids to the office on a regular, almost daily, basis.)

So, here is what I am looking forward to in November...

Next week, we have a shortened week at school. Apparently in Arkansas they have 2 days with the kids out of school yearly for Arkansas Educators Association Conference. That means, I still have to work, but no kiddos. YEA! That will occur on Thurs & Fri. To top the week off I will have a sub on Wed because I have to be out for another professional development day. The good news is that I am still going to be at the school, so my kids should not be near as disruptive since I will be just across the hall from them.

The next week is a full week of school, but I actually have to attend 2 different trainings that week as well. So, I will only be at school MWF for the week.

Then, Thanksgiving! YEA!!! Mon & Tues and no more for the week. We get to take a trip home to Texas to visit with family and some friends. I wish there was more time to take a trip back to Clifton & Waco so that I could visit all of my friends, but I'll take what I can get.

BTW, if you are starting to question my return to teaching, I want to reassure you that I do absolutely LOVE teaching. I just have a very "behaviorally challenged" & "academically challenged" class. It makes for a harder school year in which I enjoy regular breaks, but still love the little successes I get to be a part of with my kiddos.

Anyways...enjoy your upcoming weeks as I know I will!

The Joys of Teaching

Here is why I love teaching...

So, I went back to school today. Still not feeling that well. My ear hurts. It's very stuffy and muffled, so I can't hear that well. Anyways... I walk back into my classroom this morning (feeling the way I described) only to see that my room is a DISASTER. No joke. Absolute disaster! Why, you ask.

Well...

I had a sub yesterday. Not just any sub, but the WORST sub on earth. Ok, that may be an extreme statement, but I did tell the office staff that the sub should NEVER sub for anyone at our school again. As some of you know, I have a difficult class. They are what I like to call "behaviorally challenged." What I mean by that is that they don't know how to behave. I spend a lot of my day trying to teach them how to behave...along with reading, math, etc. What did my sub do yesterday? She let them act however they wanted. No joke. I was told by several people how out of control they were. Several other teachers tried to help by getting onto them. The assistant principal and principal were both in my room at some point yesterday. My principal said that she had the kids clean up. There were crayons all over the floor. They got out my box of snap cubes and were throwing them all over the floor. Absolute chaos! Needless to say, I was very upset and I sure made sure my class knew it this morning.

So, there was no grace or tolerance in my classroom this morning...

Tomorrow will be a better day.

Not Me Monday!

I have seen the Not Me Monday! on several sites, so I have NOT decided to join in the fun today.

I also have not been stealing my children's Halloween candy. I would never do that, especially since I am trying to watch what I eat and lose a few pounds before the holidays.

I also did not take the day off of work because I was sick. I did not go to the doctor and find out I have another ear infection. I would not have an ear infection because I am an adult. I was supposed to grow out of those a long time ago.

I am not writing on my blog instead of reading for my test on Wednesday. Why would I procrastinate? I would not do that!

Well, I am new at this, so here is my Not Me Monday! post. What have you not done?

First Day of School

Here are the long awaited pictures from Brayden's first day of Kindergarten.

getting ready to go...

in the car, on the way...

out of the car, ready to enter the school...


Here he is in his classroom! What a big boy!

Hit by the Hurricane

This weekend was quite a whirlwind...good, but quick. I attend the ladies retreat this weekend. It was quite a blessed time to get away with Christian women and just spend time with God. What a wonderful way to spend a weekend. We talked a lot about love and loving people. It was something I really needed to be reminded of...especially to remind me of how I need to love my difficult students.

Oh the other hand though, the hurricane made for an interesting weekend. We watched the news during the breaks throughout the weekend because the hurricane was heading right toward Little Rock. Our retreat center was about two hours away in the middle of no where, but it looked like the hurricane was basically going to hit the entire state (Arkansas is just not that big). I was on the phone off and on all day yesterday with Matt making sure they were ok. It hit last night. No big problems, just a lot of power outages. Of course, with the wind there are broken trees and other damage, but everyone is good. I woke up this morning to the power being out at the retreat center. So, we ate breakfast and worshipped without electricity. I had talked with Matt this morning as well, who said the power was out at our apartment. So, I got to come home to a house without power. Hopefully, it will be up and running again by tonight or tomorrow...

Thanks be to God for all of His blessings and protection this weekend.

It's Raining...It's Pouring...

Well, it's raining...again. I feel like it has rained the entire time we have been here. That is probably because it almost has. Yesterday, though, we started getting the effects of the hurricane. So, the rain began...and continues...and continues... While Texas gets a nice cool breeze, Arkansas gets rain... No wonder it is so green here. It is definitely beautiful, though.

Well, I promised pictures and I continue to plan on providing those, but they will have to wait. I am having some internet difficulties at the moment and can not upload any pics. So, the anticipation of the first day of school pictures will have to continue...

For now, enjoy your weather, while I enjoy the rain...

One Week Down, Way Too Many To Go

The first week of school is finished. I am so glad. It was quite the long week. I will have quite the challenge with the students in my room, but it will be a good year -- just a lot of work. I also know now why they liked me so much in the interview. My 3 1/2 years working with foster children will really come in handy... :-)

On another note, Brayden had a GREAT first week in Kindergarten. He loves his teachers, loves his school, and is just enjoying Little Rock. Mason also had a great week at his day school. The director sent an email to my sis-in-law saying how great Mason had adjusted to school. She said he acts like he has been there the entire time and that they are enjoying him so much. I am so glad. I was worried about the move with the boys and how they would adjust, but they have done beautifully so far. The only bad thing is that is has rained all week. I had promised Brayden all week we could go swimming, but it seemed like every time we were going to go it would be raining AGAIN. Maybe next week will be better. We were able to get in the pool a little Friday, but only for a short period (& it was really cold because of all of the rain).

I will be posting pictures of Brayden's first day of Kindergarten soon. There are not very many because his dad took him to school. Matt doesn't take as many pictures as I do... :-)

The Boys Are Back In Town

The boys arrived today. YEA! I haven't seen my babies since Sunday. We are all very excited to be back together. We have quite the busy weekend ahead. We should be moving into our apartment tomorrow. (I say should because we still need to sign the paperwork and get the keys, but we should be able to do that when they open tomorrow.) I have to take Brayden school supply & uniform shopping. And, I need to finalize what I am teaching next week. I did getting my classroom finished decorating today. I am very happy about that. Therefore, I can focus my weekend on my boys instead of worrying about my classroom. I got to meet Brayden's teacher tonight. They had a meet & greet for the Kindergartners. His teacher seems to be super nice. I am so excited about him going there. I really feel good about the choice we made for his school. Oh, and Paige and Bert bought the boys a "Welcome to Arkansas" gift that consisted of Arkansas Razorback t-shirts. Apparently that is the thing to wear in Arkansas. :-)

Little Rock

I have arrived! Ok, actually I arrived on Sunday evening, but... I am here none the less. Little Rock, our new home away from home. So, this week has been quite crazy for me. I started Inservice on Monday. (BTW, I have come to appreciate more and more the previous schools I have worked for as the week has progressed.) This week has consisted of me being is meetings all day and looking for a place to live in the evenings. Oh, and figuring out where Brayden is going to school. Yes, I am sure most of you are thinking "Surely she would have had all of this figured out before she moved," but you all would be wrong. :-)

Basically, we were trying to hold out on getting an apartment because we were hoping the buying a house thing would go through quicker than it has. So, an apartment it is for six months. The boys will have fun, though. The apartment complex has a playground (which is conveniently located across from our building), two swimming pools, a workout facility (so I can work out my "stress" eating from the last couple of weeks), and...are you ready for this?...free tanning. Yes, you read that right...free tanning. I haven't quite seen that amentity before.

Oh, and the school thing... I had always planned on bringing Brayden to school where I am teaching, but this changed this week. As I was sitting through Inservice listening about school improvement, I found out more and more how low my school is in test scores. I did not realize how low we were until I started seeing the numbers on paper. I knew it was a low income school, but I was balancing that with Brayden having the security of knowing I was there in the building, so I thought it would be fine. But, as I heard more and more, I started to really think that Brayden would just be bored in class. It seems that he would be way ahead of the other kids and would not really be learning anything new. I also talked with the GT teacher at our school who recommended that I not bring Brayden there for the same reasons. So, Monday started the search for the new school. I tried to get a transfer to a couple of the newer, nicer schools, but they were already full. Therefore, we found an apartment in an area where Brayden can go to a better school. He will now attend a Magnet school that focuses in Technology and Communications. Sounds pretty cool, huh? I am so excited about him being there. Although, I am quite sad that I will not be at the same school. Maybe next year? Who knows!

Hope you enjoy my ramblings today... maybe there will be more later.

Ring Bearer, reporting for duty

On Saturday, August 2, Brayden & Matt were in a wedding. The groom was Matt's best friend (John)'s little brother. So, he had asked Matt to be a groomsman and Brayden to be the ring bearer. This was Brayden's first time in a wedding. Here are some of the pictures...

dressed & ready for the pictures

My Handsome Little Man

Picture time

waiting patiently for more pictures

after the wedding pictures

Brayden did such a great job. He was so still and well behaved throughout the entire time. I'm so proud. You almost would have thought it wasn't him... :-)

Brayden made a new friend this weekend. The other little boy in the picture is Addison. He is John & Kevin (groom)'s nephew. They had the best time. Addison actually even spent the night after the rehearsal dinner because they were having so much fun together.

Brayden & Addison at the reception

The Big News

We are moving to Little Rock, AR.

Just thought everyone should know. We have a location. No house still, but at least it's a start, right?

My Turn

Mason has been back and forth with his potty training. When I first quit my job and started staying home he decided he was ready to go in the big potty. He was very successful with #2 in the potty, but not so much with #1. Then, he just decided he did not want to go in the potty anymore. So, I dropped it for a little while with him. Now, we are back with me trying to ask him and him telling my no. I think this morning was a turning point for him. He was sitting in his high chair eating breakfast. Brayden told me that he had to go to the bathroom. So, Brayden went and came back. When he was back, Mason said "my turn." I said "your turn?" He said "my turn go potty." So, we went. And he went. #1 & #2! Yea!! Therefore, he is wearing "big boy" underwear today.

Little successes in parenthood...so exciting!

Counting Down

25 days and counting...

That's how many days we have left until our last Sunday.

Where are we moving? Still unknown...

Could I be stressing a little? Yes.

Please pray for me. It's so hard waiting on God... Why can't He just be on my timeline?

Six Quirks Meme

Here are the rules:

-Link the person(s) who tagged you
-Mention the rules on your blog
-Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
-Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them
-Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

One of my long time friends (since 6th grade) Stephanie over at http://homeschoolingmythreesons.blogspot.com/ tagged me for this fun little mid-week activity! Let's see how I do. Let me start by saying I'm not sure I have six quirks,but I'll try...

1. I am addicted to Dr. Pepper. Always have been. I'm afraid I always will be. It is such an addiction that I actually gave it up for the Lenten season this year. Quite the sacrifice. Seriously.

2. Ok, I know this stems from #1, but I consider it a second quirk. Not only am I addicted to Dr.Pepper, but I am addicted to Sonic Dr. Peppers. That's right. Not only do I need a Dr. Pepper, but I must drive to Sonic to get this Dr. Pepper. Luckily for me, Clifton's Sonic has two times during the day that they discount their drinks. Morning drink stop where Larges are $.99 until 11 am and Half Price drinks from 2 - 4 pm. This occurs daily. In turn, I am there daily, sometimes twice a day... You get the point. In fact, I have even transferred this addiction to my son. That's why when we told him about us moving he asked "What about Sonic?"

3. I've been known to talk in my sleep. Actually, I've been known to have full conversations in my sleep without remembering in the morning. This does not occur as frequently as it used to, but still happens at times. Most of the time now I will vaguely remember parts of the conversation. Also, I breathe loudly when I sleep. I do not normally snore (unless I am congested), but I do breathe loudly.

4. I hate shoes. Seriously, I would rather go without, but it's just not allowed. So, in the summer, I live in flip flops. It makes it a lot easier to slip them off as quickly as possible. (BTW, Mason has this same quirk.)

5. I rarely cry. Ok, let me qualify this. I rarely cry in real life situations (except when I was pregnant). I will cry at the drop of a hat when I am watching a movie, but in real life...nothing. Crazy, I know.

6. I hate to cook. Really, hate it. I know we have to eat. I like to eat. I would just rather someone else do the cooking.

Okay, so I don't think I do this enough to tag 6 people, but here are a couple... Jessica at http://www.remretsupdate.blogspot.com/ and Rose at http://www.growingcolin.blogspot.com/

~ Mason's 2 ~

On December 14 Mason turned two years old. We wanted to do some fun activities just for him on his actual birthday. We had a combination party for Mason and Brayden several days later since their birthdays are so close together. Here are some pictures from his actual birthday.

Happy Birthday Mason!

First, we went to the doctor for his two year old check up. I scheduled it thinking he would not get a shot. Unfortunately, he did get a shot, but did great! The nurse was so sweet to him and gave him a sucker. He loves suckers.

Then, it was off to the Jumping Party. We love the fact that they opened one in Waco. How exciting! This was also the location of their birthday party, but we had to try it out on Mason's birthday.

Doesn't Brayden look so excited?

Mason and Daddy in the train.

Mason climbing up the big slide by himself!

Then, it was off to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner. Mason loved the "puppy."

Mason stealing my drink.
After Chuck E. Cheese, we went to Wal-Mart to let Brayden pick out a birthday present for Mason. During our time in the store, Mason decided to have a fall. Therefore, we ended up at the emergency room on Mason's birthday. It's hard to see, but there is a line of purple on the side of his face. He was fine, but it was scary for us.

Since we spent several hours at the ER the night of Mason's birthday, we decided to wait until the next morning for him to open his birthday presents.

Thanks, brother!

Happy Birthday Mason!