martin family

2011-09-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Heritage Festival here in Fair Grove was today! We had a lot of fun and it's like the BIGGEST thing to hit our town every year!

Kenny just became a tiger cub and we are so proud. We can't wait to see him grow through the scouting program. If you ask me, I think it's better than any sport he could ever play. Gaining skills to become a useful, respectful young man are invaluable!

Matt turned the big 34!...ughhhh we are getting old;) He took the day off from work, which he has NEVER done, he's always worked on his birthday. However, our sump pump stopped working that very morning and so he spent his birthday and the next few after that fixing our little problem. That didn't stop us from having cake though and opening presents!

I recently made a trip to Topeka (my hometown) all by myself, but regretfully it was to be with Shannon after the passing of her sweet daddy. John passed away in his home with his daughters and wife by his side after a battle with skin cancer that eventually consumed his mortal body. My heart aches for Shannon. I know as the days, weeks and months pass she will miss him more and more. She was strong and steady the few days I was with her and I pray that the Lord will continue to sustain her in her loss. Here we are with a couple of Shannon's closest friends whom I am so so grateful for. I am thankful they are near to take care of her and lift her up.

Grandma Miller moved to Idaho:( We are all a little sad about it. It's been so much fun having her here and spending time with her. She is 85 and plays dominos as ruthless as a gambling man in a Vegas casino! Very hilarious! We will love and miss you Grandma!

One of my favorite relatives, which there aren't many whom I even claim, but this one I definitely do, came to see me! Travis, my cousin and his adorable family Kate, Aiden and Elijah stopped by on their way back home to Texas after making a trip to Topeka. It was so good to see his face and to just hang out. We could talk and talk for hours. We are sooooo much the same in so many respects. I love him love him love him! He is the ONLY person that could make me miss my childhood. The craziness we endured together as children will forever bond us as adults. Thank you Travi for coming to see me:)

Lastly, which is old news, but I haven't blogged about it...we are having a BOY! We had a gender reveal party and it was so much fun! Matt and I went to our ultrasound appointment, had the tech write the gender on a paper and seal it in an envelope. I then delivered it to one of my besties Mandy and she had a cake made for us. We had a party, invited friends and family and cut into the cake AND waaaaalaaaa! It was exciting and couldn't have been pulled off without Char...another bestie (yes I have lots and I love them). Seriously best way to find out the gender of your baby, surrounded by those you love!

First Day Of School!!!

2011-08-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

Our BIG Kindergartner!!!

The First child up and out of bed this morning...dressed, fixed his own hair...and on to breakfast. Matthew wasted NO time. He told me he would miss me over and over and then hugged me really tight when it was time to go.

Bubbs, fixing his own hair for the first day of school!

Matthew is so predictable for me, such a solid part of my day. I know the way he feels, when he will react and what his responses will be in almost any situation. His heart is so so so sweet, but he likes to be tough. I hope his teacher will love him, teach him and most importantly understand him. He is smart, like quick smart and hilarious too. I've always felt the need to protect him and those instincts are kicking in high gear right now. I just want to go sit with him in class, right next to him and make sure he is ok, that he is happy and safe. Oh how I love this little man. This boy who is so much like his father...

Kenny

1st Grader!

Belle

Pre-Schooler

My Babies!

Life changes, did you know that?

2011-07-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

Oh how we've longed for some normalcy, but it just NEVER comes...maybe that is part of life?...still trying to figure that one out, we'll get back to ya.

I do believe we've experienced so much in such a short period of time that we are still trying to catch up with all that is going on!

However, no complaints no complaints...we've been so blessed and are so very grateful for the crazy in our lives. Here's a little (long) peek...

THE MARTIN'S HAVE MOVED!!!

Shocking right? For real I think out of all of our friends we lived in our house the longest and felt at any moment we would burst through the doors and windows of our home with all that we had accumulated through the years...including our three children! We sold our home in just over a month, all on our own mind you, and feel so blessed to have done so in such a horrible market. We even felt like the lady who bought our home got robbed, which is better than the alternative! We will miss Rogersville, but just knew it was time to move on.

Fair Grove, MO is where we took up camp, at least for the next, oh I don't know 20 years;) Our new home has 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, full finished basement and a little bit of land to boot! It's full of trees and rocks and not a flat space in sight (Matt desperately wants a tractor to fix that little problem)...but I say it'll give him something to do over the years! We are excited to be here, still unpacking and adjusting to all the newness and trying to make it home, but we love it!

IN OTHER NEWS...

We are expecting baby number 4!!!

I'm tearing up just typing that...yes I'm emotional and crabby, tired tired tired and occasionally sick, but other than that it's WONDERFUL! However, I must say, very loudly too... I HATE MATERNITY CLOTHES! There, it's out! I hate them! For real I don't want ruffles and plaid anywhere on my clothes!...ever, especially when I'm pregnant. I'm just three months along but you know, since it's my fourth child I felt like I started showing at two weeks! There goes my skinny jeans and all my trendy clothes:( I know the important things right? Trust me, THAT is important.

Matt and the kids are super excited. They all call the baby, baby baby bean bean (story that goes with that which I won't bore you with) but it's adorable! I am due December 31st...I will be induced on the 30th so that this child will have a 30th birthday just like the rest of us in the family (except for Matt) and to keep with tradition...and too, so we can make SURE to have that tax deduction! I mean I don't know about you, but that's basically why we have children.

CELEBRATIONS!!!

Kenny turned 7! Oh truly it feels like He was just a baby:( He is gonna be a first grader! I can't believe it! I love how big he is, and smart, and kind and wonderful!

Happy Birthday Kenny!

Matthew will start Kindergarten in the Fall, and yes this is a celebration! He is so great with me at home but will just be AMAZING in school! Love you Bubbs, but thank goodness for the education system to ~~take him off my hands~~ help his never ending excitement in life to grow!

To those of you who home school, bless you.

Of course I must put Belle in here somewhere, and we just basically are celebrating her because she is awesome! She is great, and three and full of her own ideas...which is exhausting, but at least we know she has a brain! Yipee!

We will be married 9 years this week! Wahoo, and there were those of you with doubts?!?! I mean of course through the years we have driven one another absolutely ~~CRAZY, INSANE~~, ~~to the EDGE~~...but at the end of the day, he is still the ONE...hahaha corny corny, but for real, through it all, I ~~probably~~ most definately... and he too, would have changed some things, but NEVER would I have changed my decision to marry him!

He has my heart for eternity.

I love that man!

To our future adventures together Matt Martin...

Until next time...

Family Football!!!

2011-01-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

lucky me....i get to take a picture with the quarterback;)

The BEST fun we have is together!

Holidays...

2011-01-01T18:13:00.000-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving (at uncle petes). Christmas Eve was spent at Gma Martins. Matthew was sick so that was sad, but we played games and ate lots of yummy food!

Christmas day was WONDERFUL! I actually made our Christmas pajamas (well the bottoms anyway). Blood, sweat and tears went into them (because I'm not a sewer), it literally took me hours and hours! BUT they turned out cute and everyone fit into them!

And we brought in the New Year like a couple of old foggies! I sat on the couch and read a great new book on my Nook that "Santa" brought me. Matt played Wii hunting, which "Santa" brought for him. Two minutes till Midnight we turned on the countdown, popped a piece of gum and gave each other a great big KISS:)

2011-01-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

Belle is 3!!!

I took Belle and Ellie to get their hair and nails done and then we went to Build A Bear! Had alot of fun, but Belle, for some reason decided she wanted NOTHING to do with a princess dress (which they got to wear while getting their hair done) AND she decided she would make a "kung fu panda" instead of a "girl" bear at Build A Bear! Fine with me. I mean afterall she does have two big brothers;)

Halloween

2010-10-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

So since this is my very own personal blog and I can say anything I want on it.....here you go...

Ok so what is the big deal around these parts (missouri....rogersville). Halloween just happened to fall on a Sunday this year and it seemed to be a huge deal to everyone. I don't get it. It actually was very annoying. Uh are we not allowed to trick or treat the neighborhood on Sunday? I mean I get that it's Sunday, but really? Anyway I could go on, but I'm guessing you can tell where I stand on this.

So in true Halloween fashion the Martins did what we do, Sunday or not, on Halloween:) We had lots of trick or treaters, some small and cute and some big and even a little too big! haha But hey I am just fine with a 60 year old lady dressed up as an M&M holding her treat bag out for some candy (although, I gave away play-doh this year, I'm sure she'll have fun with that). Here are some pictures of our fun costumes!

So I didn't mean...

2010-10-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

for that last post to last all year!!! haha

I've been busying myself with a new blog I've created with some girlfriends and putting alot of thought and time into it. You can find it at realitiesofasahm.blogspot.com or click the link on the side of the page. I think it's pretty entertaining and even at times, inspirational:)

As far as the Martin's...This is what WE have been doing lately

Matthew started his first day of PRESCHOOL and of course he loves it! He is so so so SMART! I have to be very careful around him. He picks up on EVERYTHING!

Kenny is just proving to be an amazing Kindergartener! He is learning how to read, really really well AND he is quite the ladies man, which I'm not too excited about, however I can see why the girls adore him:) He also started playing basketball. He was "scouted" out basically, and I was so flattered I agreed to let him join.

Belle is just enjoying time with Mommy during the day while the boys are away, AND she is potty trained! Wahoo! Still a couple of accidents here and there but doing really well! She will be 3 in about one month! Ugh I can't believe it!

I took my FIRST ever cab ride! In Chicago no doubt! A little nerve racking and not something I could ever get use to, but it was fun while it lasted!

AND DADDY turned 33! So fun to celebrate him! He is working super hard for Turblex which is now called Siemens, and is amazing at everything he does...except for picking up his socks and putting them in the laundry basket;)jkjk. Really proud of this guy! I know he'll do great things no matter where life leads us!

Post of the YEAR....at least for me.

2010-08-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

The day has finally come. The day he has been waiting for and the day I have been dreading. First day of Kindergarten.

I held his hand as we walked to the bus stop, for me not for him. I kissed his cheek a million times, and he wiped it off. I hugged him tight, told him to be nice and then I let him go. He walked so proudly onto that bus, sat down and smiled out of the window as we waved him goodbye.

I'm jealous of the woman he will be spending all of his day with. Jealous that she gets to see his smiles, know exactly what he is doing, hug him if he is sad and see his eyes light up as she teaches him so many new things. The mommy in me wants so much to hold on. Hold on to his innocence and never let the world hurt him in any way. But the mommy in me also wants to share this amazing gift I've been given, with the world.

I love this boy. This boy who has blessed my life in so many ways. This boy who will some day grow to be a man. This boy, I will forever call my son.

North Carolina!

2010-07-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

Somehow

me getting restless

always translates into me

doing something totally random and spontaneous. I've always wanted to just get on a plane and go somewhere, and so that's what I did. I have so many friends I want to see but most of them Matt would kill me if I went and he didn't get to come too! For weeks Matt has had this scheduled business trip to Canada and I decided it was the perfect time for me to go see my Jaz....and just for the record Matt did say "I wanna come". It was a whirlwind of a trip. I left on Monday and came home on Thursday. I felt like I was there forever though. Jaz took me to the beach, we went on a ferry, walked out on a pier, ate at Bojangles, talked, cried, met all of Jaz's family AND I got to see Kody, Allie and Ron (Amanda's children and dad)! All of THAT in just two and a half days! An adventure is what I was going for and an adventure is what I got! When I got home I was completly exhausted and it's taken me days to come out of it but it was worth EVERY minute!

Happenings:

2010-07-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

I've been sitting at the computer for over an hour looking at everyone else's blogs and decided I should probably update my own:) The end of June through the first week of July is always so busy for us...Fathers Day, Kenny's Bday, Our Anniversary and 4th of July and then more Bdays after that...We really tried to keep everything low key this year, and that is so hard for me to do! So in honor of my new simplistic attitude, which by the way I am so over by the end of this post, here is just a little bit of the fun we've been having:

"Happy Days" we went to this cute little cafe here in Rogersville with GPa Martin and GMa Miller.

Pretty yummy! And so fun to be in their company!

Very casual 4th...as you can tell by my lack of concern in the hair and wardrobe department, and Belles SB pj pants and festive top! Perfect night

If I were a good wife this picture would have it's own post, however I never get wrapped up in the details of anything and so here it is! Our 8 year anniversary picture! Wahoo! Seriously he is taking me somewhere amazing for 10 years! Either that, or a huge diamond would be fine too;) In all honesty I'm sure we will just head to Branson again! LOL

Kennys bday party pic! But look at the excitement in Bubbies face. You would have thought it was his birthday. I love it!

2010-06-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

Kind of a funny pic, but he is trying to show off his amazing muscles! He was so brave the day he got his 5yr shots...not a tear at all! My new hero! Kenny will be 6 this next Wednesday!

I could look into Bubbie's eyes ALL day long!

Doll Face

I love that he proudly wears his "my wife is hot" t shirt!....it's the best gift I've ever given him;) A little dirty in this pic (just the way I like him) from doing "man" things out in the garage:)

My friend Mandy had the kids over today and did face paintings and made snow cones! They LOVED it! What a fun fun idea!

Life...

2010-06-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

has changed just a little bit:) I finished my first semester of nursing school and was just begining to really enjoy the first part of my three week break, however I was hit by a sweep of emotion and couldn't help but feel that "this" (being home with the kids) is where I should be. The last five months have been filled with intense stress coupled with large amounts of guilt....with not a whole lot of reward for any of us. So I made the difficult decision to put school off. Difficult because I've worked so extremely hard to get where I am. At the same time I've learned great lessons of appreciation for my family. I am so grateful for my three beautiful babes and their amazing father, who isn't just a baby daddy, but my best friend too;) So here's to stepping back into motherhood!!!

Rebellion:)

2010-04-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a little bit of a rebellious spirit. Not intentionally, in fact I try really hard to be good, but sometimes I just can't help myself. I always want to be a "lady" and say the right things and do the right things but I think I just get board...and before I know it I've done something "off colored" again;) So below are some pictures of me sabotaging poor Amy. We were supposed to be at an activity for RS (church) in Branson for the night. We made it to the hotel but we just couldn't "make" it to the meetings. Branson is so full of shopping and food, our inner bad girls came out. We did have great excuses overall for not attending our meetings. Like when we got to the hotel NO one was around and we just didn't know where to go. Also we were NOT told that we were to wear Sunday dress. AND on Sat morning there was NOT a DROP of hot water (which is a whole other story that I have major biff with). There was NO way we were taking freezing cold showers just to go to the meeting in t-shirt and jeans while everyone else was dressed up! AND not showering.....ewww....was not an option. So we shopped, ate AND slept in! So for all of you who went and were uplifted by the meetings...just know that Amy and I enjoyed ourselves too:)

TICK TOCK

2010-02-13T23:55:00.000-08:00

It's 1:30 AM. It's been awhile since I've stayed up this late. I'm completely exhausted and feel so beat up from life that I can't sleep. The house is a disaster and today is Sunday. I hate having a messy home on Sundays. It puts me and everyone else in a terrible mood and then no one wants to go to church. I started to clean and then I found myself having thoughts of wishing I were a child again, wishing I could just go to bed and know that my mom would take care of everything, wishing I weren't the only one who cared about the physical and emotional state of our home...(ok actually Matt does care about that, however he stops caring after a certain time of night :). I feel like I keep running out of time. Time to spend with my kids, time to hold my husband, time to study and prepare for class, time to pray, time hang out with my girlfriends. I keep watching the clock begging for it to stop for a little bit. It mocks me and keeps on ticking...............Now that I've complained and had a pitty party for myself I guess I'll go clean. The only time we have is the time we use. Annoying. Ughhhhh

Matthew Lee...we call him Bubbie

2010-02-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

Matthew and I share the same birthday! He was born on my 25th birthday and turned the big 4 this year! We had so much fun celebrating him!

I also had fun celebrating this years birthday with great friends and good food! My girlfriends showered me with the most amazing gifts and I talked to every one of my best girlfriends on the phone that day, and that in and of itself was so much fun! I love you all!

No worries the tears in my eyes are because of Amy. She made me 3 journals made from the material of Amanda's prom dresses. It really caught me off guard and it took me a little bit to contain myself. After a few minutes I was geeking it up again..

Groundhog Day!!!

2010-02-06T20:37:00.000-08:00

So Mr. Groundhog saw his shadow and now we will have a dreaded 6 more weeks of winter? Whatever...I am so over it. I'm ready for the sunshine, picnic, park playing, throw the kids outside kind of weather! For real. We've had a stressful couple of months but we've been able to find some fun in that stress too...Thank goodness:)

Matt and Belle with the flu the week of Christmas

Matt's broken leg:(

Our good ol swimming pool from last summer has now been turned into an ice skating adventure!

I couldn't stop laughing when all three of them came out of the play room dressed like little girls!

Polar Bear PJ's with Grandpa!

A girl with a gun...always a good sign.

Happy 2nd Birthday to Belle!!!

2009-11-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

Here are few photos from the big party;) Actually I'm rather proud of myself...I didn't go too overboard on the whole thing. However, she is the third child. For Kenny's 2nd birthday we had a huge party and at Matthew's 2nd birthday we at least had balloons and streamers. I guess thats what happens when you come third in line. My fourth child will be lucky to get a cake at their 2nd birthday! haha (p.s. to answer your question....no I'm not):)

Every girl....

2009-11-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

needs a day like I had yesterday!!! I literally shopped until I could shop no more! It was so much fun! I went all by myself, because afterall that is when I do my BEST shopping. I was gone for nine hours and hadn't a care in the world. I went to Branson and became a huge fan of TJ Maxx! I found some really great deals there. I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed this place. If you know me well, you know I HATE searching through clothes to find a bargain. I would so much rather pay full price and get on with my life than dig and dig and dig. However, it was totally enjoyable. Maybe because I didn't have three little monsters running up and down aisles or jumping up and down in the basket. I was just able to take it all in. It was wonderful. I then headed to the Landing. I love love this place. Being able to walk outside in the beautiful weather and go into any store my little heart desired was once again....fun! I had no time constraints, no cell phone and no feeling of any responsibility:) About 5pm I headed back home, but stopped for a pedicure, manicure and dinner. Pretty fingers, pretty toes and a full belly! I was ready to jump back into the game of LIFE after a day like that! It's no secret that I adore my husband, but yesterday is a perfect example of why. I obviously couldn't have gone without his willingness to be so selfless. He was genuinely excited for me to have some time all to myself....but then again....maybe his excitement was driven by the fact that he will be off on a hunting trip for several DAYS while I stay home and "selflessly" serve?!

I'm gonna miss them :(

2009-11-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

Awhile ago I was able to have Kody and Alli for the day. I played with Alli's hair and painted her toes. She was such a sweetie. I gave Kody hugs throughout the day and he would say "Sunny, I love you". I can't believe how much Allison looks like her mommy. So beautiful. I'm certain that Kody inherited some of his clumsiness from Amanda:) He is such an amazing little boy. They will soon be moving away. I'm not sure when we will see them again. I hope they will always know how much their mommy loved them. And if they ever forget I hope I am able to remind them. Even if it's through a birthday card or a Christmas package. Amanda had a fierce love for the two of them. Nothing could or would keep her away from them, even her leaving this mortal stage of life. I know she watches over them and I hope they will always always feel her near. I miss her too much for words. She was so much more than a bestfriend to me. She was a part of my everyday. Even after she passed I still waited for the phone to ring, hoping she would be on the other end. Because I loved her so much I naturally love her babies. I feel like this is another ending...them leaving. Another good bye I never wanted to say. Life will never be the same.

Shoes, Shoes...everywhere!

2009-10-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Some days our shoes consume our home. You can not walk through our front door w/o stepping on shoes. You can not walk through our garage door w/o stepping on shoes. We do have a "no shoe policy" in our home and so of course we dump them right outside or inside the first door we can. However when our shoes become like a piece of furniture or decoration...it's time to do something. We have a shoe box right inside of the front door and yet somehow shoes do not make it into the basket. We have a coat closet where we place our "once a week" shoes and yet we fail to put them there after our one use. We have a rack in the garage for our "outside" shoes (the ones that can get really dirty and it doesn't matter) and then I have a closet shoe hanger to put additional shoes...and yet they rarely make it back to their spot when I'm finished. Until of course I have a day like today and decide to once again take control of our shoes. This may seem like a small task and very unimportant, but for today it's been an accomplishment and one "step" closer to a more beautiful home:)

Summer is coming to a close...

2009-09-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure that only like two people actually read my blog...even so I feel like I should update:) I can't beat the Hawaii post, however much has happened since then! It's hard to believe fall is in the air, we've past Labor Day and school is in full swing for both me and Kenny! We had a fun summer. Filled with camping (actually we only did that once), boating and just being together as a family. We spent a lot of time in our backyard pool and outside just playing in the yard. Matt's parents have officially moved to Rogersville Missouri and live just a few blocks from us. It's so nice to have Grandparents around. Kenny turned the BIG 5! Do I really have a five year old child?! Matthew has the sweetest little angel voice, but honestly has horns on the top of his head at times. I'm slowly learning how to be a different mom for him than I am for Kenny. I didn't realize that was all part of being a mom...sometimes one child requires a whole other set of rules or an extra amount of love in all situations. It can be quite exhausting. Nevertheless, he is my most cuddly, sweet, sensitive child:) Both of the Boys started soccer last week and totally love it! Belle is just something and has her prefrences about everything and everyone. She loves Grandama Nana (Matt's mom) but doesn't much take to Gpa Jetti (Matts dad) and she loves my dad but doesn't really take to my mom. It's really funny! Anyway I feel like I just wrote our summer Christmas letter!haha Welp that's what we've been up to. Maybe I'll post again in six months:)

Hawaii!!

2009-05-23T19:26:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Matt's job we were able to take a nice trip to Hawaii! We had an amazing time and enjoyed every minute. We were able to go to Maui and Oahu. We went snorkeling, horse back riding, had a long spa session (well that was for me while Matt "worked")we also went to the visitors center next to the Temple and visited the Polynesian Cultural Center. In all we were gone eight days. Thanks to my wonderful parents and awesome bestest friend Shannon, the kids had a good time in Topeka. I don't think I realized what I had while I had it! I am still smiling looking back on our week of pure heaven! I can't wait to go back...but I doubt we will EVER get another practically paid trip to Hawaii again!

What we have been up to......

2009-03-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

Well it seems like forever since my last post although it's only been a month. A bunch can happen in a short amount of time! I watched Kody and Alli this week. It was so fun playing with them and holding them. Of course it made me miss Amanda all the more:( It was nice just having a little of her around through the kids.

Other than that we've been keeping busy. We took a trip to Nauvoo with our friends J and J Winter. We switched off kids so each of us could go to the Temple. We celebrated Amy's birthday, became FOZ (friends of the zoo), got new furniture and spent time with Gpa and Gma Trusty! Good Times! Hope you enjoy!

2009-03-12T20:07:00.000-07:00

2009-03-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to AMY!!! AMY, J and Me at Outback!

Amy trying her luck at gambling.....she won $18.00 a little less than we had hoped for but hey 18 bucks is 18 bucks!

J being crazy!

2009-03-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

Belle loves to play with her big brothers!

2009-03-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

Daddy loves to snuggle his little girl!

We love our new furniture!

Belle discovers the INSIDE of the dryer!

Grandma and Grandpa visited!

Happy Presidents Day!!

2009-02-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

To celebrate our GREAT NATION and our AMAZING PRESIDENTS....the kids and I made patriotic torches(with not so patriotic colors!)...that have since turned into swords and horns! We may not be able to get dressed by 10am but dang it we CAN make a craft or two!

Twice the Birthday, Twice the FUN!!

2009-02-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

SNOW....... FINALLY!!!!!

2009-01-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

Ok so it's actually ICE mixed with snow, but hey we will take what we can get! The snow hasn't fallen like this since our very first year of being married. That is like 6 years! After a really really LOOOOOONG day indoors we had to get outside even for a few minutes as soon as Matt got home from work!

LASIK

2009-01-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

Matt got Lasik surgery today!! He was totally excited and also a bit nervous but all went well. He has to wear these funny goggles all day and night the first day and then for five nights after to bed only. He will have about 90% of his vision by tomorrow morning and the other 10% after several weeks. His eyes are a little red in some areas but the stinging and tears have subsided. This is truly a blessing for him considering he use to be legally blind without corrective lenses or eye glasses. It will be really fun to see him enjoy this new outlook on life!

Aliens have attacked me!!!

2009-01-20T20:45:00.000-08:00

So it was really cold out last week and the boys wanted to ride their bikes. So I decided that if we were going out we would have to totally bundle up. Well their stocking caps wouldn't fit under their helmets. Sooooo I put them over their helmets. I did Matthews first and after I put it on I looked at him and just laughed and laughed. I then tried to do Kenny's and he pushed me away and said "I don't want you to laugh at me." I told him if he didn't wear his stocking cap over his helmet he couldn't ride his bike. He agreed, let me place it over his helmet and then I looked at him and laughed even harder. These are the moments that make it ALL worth it!!

That Belle!!

2009-01-20T20:35:00.000-08:00

So I have been in a state of shock for a few days....Belle has decided she LOVES to climb. I'm a bit surprised because the boys NEVER did this! On Sunday morning while Matt and I were getting ready for church I came out of our bedroom to find Belle on top of the kitchen table in her Sunday dress covered in that mornings breakfast. Which consisted of oatmeal, cheerios, chocolate milk and something with syrup. I asked Kenny and Matthew how Belle got on the table and they both told me "she did it". I couldn't help but giggle, but I'm not laughing anymore.....she keeps climbing non-stop! This picture is her on our little craft table (gma's and gpa's) trying to get to the playdough!! I guess I will have to start stacking the chairs ON the table!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T14:44:00.001-08:00

We had fun bringing in the New Year with the best of friends! 8 adults, 16 children and a ton of food!

2009-01-01T14:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so fun this year! Both boys got bicycles and Superhero capes and really enjoyed waking up to the presents everywhere! We were so glad they were feeling better. The day before Christmas Eve they were both on the couch and couldn't keep a thing down all day. Belle was such a sweetie Christmas morning and enjoyed the wrapping paper! We made sugar cookies and had lots of fun just being together!

2009-01-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

My moment to brag....

2008-12-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

Our little Matthew (the one we call Bubbie) is so amazing! Tonight after I put him and Kenny to bed he got back up. He does this on a regular basis, usually coming out of his room with a blanket over his head acting like a ghost. Matt is so patient with the boys at bed time, and as usual let Bubbie come out of his room to sit on daddy's lap for a little bit. Matt told Bubbie to go into our room and get the scriptures. I smiled to myself, knowing the state of our room (a total disaster), and thought "he will never find them" and believing that he didn't know what Matt was asking for I waited for him to come out with some random item. Well once again my two year old shocked me. I heard him stepping over boxes in our room and moving bags and a few minutes later he comes out with the scriptures in hand gives them to Matt, climbs up on his lap and listens while Matt read to him. A precious moment for sure!

Belle Belle's 1st Birthday

2008-12-01T20:17:00.001-08:00

THANKSGIVING

2008-12-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

Well I have no pics from Thanksgiving b/c we lost the battery to our camera ( we think Belle ate it). We purchased a new one but waited until we could wait no longer to open it just in case we found the old one. Anyway we did have a ton of fun visiting my brother and his family in Kansas City. The turkey was delicious and the company was ummm......alright. "I'm only here for the food" that is my favorite saying and like the Hoemanns would say....."It's funny b/c it's true!" My mom kept the kids overnight for two nights while Matt and I came back home and spent time just the two of us. We got up early on Friday morning (black friday) 3am and headed to Kohls then to Sears, Toys R Us, JC Penny, Kohls, ate breakfast and then Kohls again! It was soooooo much fun! We shopped until 10:30am and we were totally exhausted so we came home and crashed! No crying baby, toddler or big boy to wake us! I think I could get use to sending my kids away. Are they still too young for boarding school??

Update!!!!

2008-11-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

Belle has been walking for just over a week now! I can't believe the progress she has made. Everytime I turn around Belle is right there, standing and putting one foot in front of the other! It's amazing what a week will do for someone so tiny. She pushes herself up off of the floor and just takes off. We all enjoy watching her walk sooooo much. It's exciting for the whole family! The only problem we have had so far is that she walks up to the t.v. and is just the right height for all the buttons, so of course she pushes them and gets a major reaction out of the boys! It's hilarious to hear them say "Belle Belle, no no! Momma, Belle pushed buttons!" So funny

Belle took her first steps!!!

2008-10-30T09:31:00.001-07:00

Good Times!!

2008-10-30T08:29:00.001-07:00

This is the HUGE spider Amy and I saw as we were driving down the road! That's right people.....it was so big we could see it crawling on the road. So we did what any sensible person would do....stop, back up, get out and snap a picture!

We have fun no matter what we are doing! This is us at Super Saturday "hanging out" and roasting dogs!

Back On The Farm

2008-10-27T08:50:00.001-07:00

2008-10-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

So I guess this is a tag game and you're it!

I am...totally awesome (I think?)
I think... I have the best friends ever
I want…happiness and peace for my parents
I have...more than I deserve
I miss... my childhood ( I really do!)
I fear...death
I feel... satisfied
I hear...my playlist and the voices in my head
I smell…pumpkin spice candle
I crave...fried pickles
I cry...when others cry
I search...for my keys all the time!
I wonder...what it will be like to be 35??!!
I regret... not taking education more serious
I wish...I loved to exercise!
I love...good food and toddlers
I care...what Matt thinks of me
I always...brush my teeth
I worry... about my babies
I am not... a "natural" at anything
I remember…. Amanda everyday
I believe... in love at first sight
I sing... in my car
I don't always...floss
I argue...when it’s worth arguing about
I write... in my journal all the time
I lose...sight of eternity way too often
I listen...when you need me to
I can usually be found...next to those I love the most
I need...hugs and to be fed
I forget...that not everyone thinks like me
I am happy...when I finish something I start

2008-10-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Well this is the new and improved blog! Not many pictures or much to it yet but hopefully I will be able to keep up with it and share our crazy adventurous lives with all of you. We love you, come back soon!

2008-10-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

A few of my favorite people.......Kenny, Matthew and Belle