tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35563754969838545492012-01-14T13:48:08.622-06:00Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.comBlogger5451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-22850025569741807762011-12-23T12:40:00.003-06:002011-12-23T12:57:35.415-06:00

Life has been busy here. We are getting ready for Christmas; and Zak officially started his Christmas break this afternoon! We don't have a lot of plans - but are looking forward to enjoying time together as a family.Things have been going well for us here. I feel badly that I have not posted more; but just have not found the time to go and get it done. It is different not having the Internet at

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10547489465386183189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-52594041409852601612011-11-01T11:34:00.003-05:002011-11-01T11:38:32.627-05:00

I am posting this at the library. So, there will be no picture. Sorry. Here is our menu for the week:Monday: MeatloafTuesday: Pork Roast ( I have a recipe from my Fix it and Forget It book - not sure the page number)Wednesday: Curry Chicken (never tried this before - so we will see how it goes)Thursday: Swiss Steak (I will use my crock pot)Friday: Homemade Pizza and SaladI am going shopping on

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-87902091745899376662011-10-25T15:19:00.003-05:002011-10-25T15:23:22.263-05:00

This week’s menu will look quite similar to last weeks. That is because last week was ‘one of those weeks’. I went to sit down and plan the menu this week and realized I had not stuck to last weeks menu. I still had all the ingredients for the menu plan; so if figured instead of reinventing the wheel – I would just do the menu plan for last week this week.It will be redundant; but here is this

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-40357806291169855522011-10-20T13:34:00.000-05:002011-10-20T13:34:00.254-05:00

Tonight it was his bedtime prayer. Simple.To the point.Sincerely spoken.Heard by the Almighty God who created the universe.“Please God, help me to learn to read. Amen”And in my heart I whispered, “Let it be Lord. Amen and amen”Thanks for stopping by. I am glad you did.Blessings,~Martie

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-49066962914517139462011-10-19T13:22:00.000-05:002011-10-19T13:22:00.434-05:00

I decided to take the little kids out on a walk. Their energy levels were in need of some outlet and I wanted to take in the sights of a town decked out in fall colors. We checked the temperature and decided against a jacket and headed down our street. Now, the Mom in me seems to think that if we are walking anywhere, down the street or into the store it is always best to hold hands. I love

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-90197208281135019222011-10-18T13:00:00.000-05:002011-10-18T13:03:31.446-05:00

We have always tried to have a date night. It was easy when we were first married. Every night was date night. Then we added the kids (perhaps because of the frequent date nights); and then the date nights were a bit more sporadic. We would do things that were inventive. Get the kids to bed, watch a movie and have a special night all by ourselves. The time after the baby went to bed was our time

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-14035116186848825902011-10-17T13:11:00.001-05:002011-10-17T13:13:48.323-05:00

I wanted to post my menu for the week. I have been diligently planning a menu and I like not having to figure out what is for dinner; but rather just look on the fridge and see what is on the menu. So, here’s what’s for dinner at the Spurgeon’s this week:Monday: Pot Roast (this was on the menu for Sunday; but since we weren’t at church as a family – I moved it to Monday)Tuesday: Chicken Lasagna (

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-73383982363086897782011-10-06T11:02:00.004-05:002011-10-06T11:18:13.821-05:00

Our little Zak has been in school now for a little over a month. Most of his days have been half days; but we have been transitioning into full school days. He is loving school. One of the reasons he has been in school for the half days is so that a team of professionals can test and evaluate him. Because of his unique and special needs it is mandatory for the state to run an evaluation if we so

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-88555840382089292832011-09-30T17:11:00.001-05:002011-09-30T17:11:00.544-05:00

I am trying my best to post more on my blog. It has been a chore trying to get it done. I told my husband, "I want to be blogging about the life I live or want to live; but I'm finding I don't have the time because I am too busy living the life I live."The school year is underway and the motor is running. Finally the schedule is in order, has been being run pretty well now for a couple of weeks

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-53460635626382095602011-09-29T16:59:00.002-05:002011-09-29T17:07:34.730-05:00

Timing in music has not been my strong point through the years. My piano teachers would work and work with me to get the rhythm and beat correct as I sat through endless lessons. My husband spent years leading music in church, timing is not an issue for him. It comes to him as natural as breathing. We have had more than a few conversations on how my timing was off as he was trying to lead the

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-74168300114957261352011-09-21T15:13:00.001-05:002011-09-21T15:17:51.249-05:00

We did not get to celebrate his first birthday. Paperwork was not ‘quite’ done and ready; but we had met him. We had held him and kissed him and had thanked God for him. I thought about him on that first birthday. I wondered what the foster home was doing to celebrate his big day. I thought about what we would do to celebrate his birthday in years to come. I thought and I prayed. Prayed that he

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-27184322766921544432011-09-01T15:20:00.006-05:002011-09-01T15:40:54.515-05:00

Zak was asked to choose a picture for his incentive chart. He has decided to have quite the fascination with T-Rex dinosaurs. When this particular breed of dinosaurs comes up he inevitably asks the questions, "Why do they eat meat?" and "What do you think the meat they eat tastes like? The day his chart was made was no exceptions. The dinosaurs of choice was made and the questions asked. Then he

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-62683929307661603302011-08-17T12:59:00.003-05:002011-08-17T13:16:40.050-05:00

Is changing course ever easy? We are finding it difficult - but not impossible. Shoring up areas where we see there to be deficiency. Habits that have come in almost unnoticed; but now a part of everyday family life. Harsh, bitty words. Frustration. Delayed obedience. Bad attitudes. Lack of attention to detail. We notice it with the kids; and it hurts us when we do. Not so much because the

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-82626453051077175462011-08-08T10:32:00.003-05:002011-08-08T10:49:30.162-05:00

I have not posted my weekly menu for some time. With having surgery and having meals brought in - I have not needed to plan out a lot. Then, we had the heat wave through here and to be honest dinner was more pick up and go. Yeah for yogurt and fruit, cold cut sandwiches and veggies with dip! Well, I am feeling better and ready to be back in the swing of things. We also are in full swing of

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-66478528179124034002011-07-30T10:08:00.003-05:002011-07-30T10:38:48.117-05:00

Life is different when you have a child with special needs. Seasons of life that come and pass for the 'average' family stay longer than can be enjoyed. Issues that most parents are able to identify and deal with are issues that seem to stay and be dealt with over and over again. Sometimes, years at a time. It gets long. It requires patience and in most cases it can drain patience over and over

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-22334518436887062122011-07-18T11:55:00.002-05:002011-07-18T12:04:41.214-05:00

On Saturday evening I finally made it over to the garden. With the surgeries and recovery time I have not been there for about a month. The day before my first surgery I went out and got everything ready for being gone for a few days. I did not anticipate having two major surgeries and recovery time longer than I had originally planned. So, besides one short visit to the garden after my first

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-20549618066645775352011-07-06T09:47:00.000-05:002011-07-06T09:47:00.628-05:00

With recovery looming ahead, Rob was a good Dad and husband and went to the library to find some kid friendly movies for the two little ones. This has been a lifesaver for me. He was able to bring home some Bible story movies. Zak and Anna love these movies. I got a kick out of Zak telling me about which movie he wanted to watch one afternoon.Me: “Which movie do you want to watch, Zak?”Zak: (

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-87590568994193392862011-07-05T09:36:00.000-05:002011-07-05T09:36:00.540-05:00

Things have been slow moving here. Literally. I am still struggling to walk upright and with my back straight. I have given birth four times – all naturally and without drugs. I have had several different surgeries in my life time – 5 to be exact. However, I have NEVER been in as much pain as I have been experienced in the past 4 days! On June 9th I had a preplanned surgery done that needed to be

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-42500915316868598152011-07-04T15:07:00.002-05:002011-07-04T15:12:54.620-05:00

July 4, 1997 I brought our third daughter home from the hospital. She was just a tiny little thing; but perfect in every way. We celebrated her homecoming listening to fireworks and the neighbors celebrate the holiday. She was with us for just a few short months. She laughed early, loved to snuggle and had the biggest bluest eyes I have ever seen. She was loved every day she was here. There was

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-8828283054197169512011-06-21T07:01:00.000-05:002011-06-21T07:01:01.035-05:00

It is official: Our home now houses THREE teenagers!This all has happened so fast. The invasion has begun. The old people are being outnumbered - but not overtaken - - YET! (Rachel takes her driving test next week - so anything could happen then. LOL)Happy Birthday, James! We Love you.

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-14007758015796266562011-06-17T16:51:00.003-05:002011-06-17T17:01:59.423-05:00

I am still recovering from surgery. I had my one week checkup yesterday. Everything went well and the doctor told me that several tumors and multiple cysts were found when I had surgery. We did not know any of this before the surgery. All of the lab reports have shown that there was no cancer; but I am thankful that they were all able to be removed. God is so good to us to give us peace to go

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-77583792005323816762011-06-13T12:02:00.004-05:002011-06-13T12:33:58.224-05:00

Surgery went well. It took a bit longer than they had planned; but I am home and thankful for my own bed!God is so good. I was a little nervous before the surgery. On the way to the hospital that morning I was unusually quiet. I was trying to not be uptight about it all; but in the back of my mind I was a bit afraid. Not really afraid to die, but afraid of the pain, of how long I would be down -

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-63386873339473950412011-06-07T07:46:00.000-05:002011-06-07T07:46:00.238-05:00

This past Monday I took the kids on a nature walk through the marsh close to our house. The sun was full overhead and we have the sunburns to show that there was no escaping it's rays! The map was read incorrectly and the wrong path chosen. What was supposed to be a little over one mile walk turned into close to three miles. It was a little long for Anna - but it was fun!We heard the birds. Saw

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-56455449791061020292011-06-06T07:10:00.000-05:002011-06-06T07:10:00.548-05:00

The garden is almost planted. I have always wanted a big garden. This year we were able to obtain a plot of land set aside specifically for gardeners. The community garden allows residents to plant in a 40x40 plot. So, James and I have made it our summer project. We spent hours out there all ready; but we are starting to see rewards to our labor already popping out through the soil. It is

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-68376490251401049122011-06-05T14:20:00.004-05:002011-06-05T14:46:31.910-05:00

We are out of town this weekend, up north, where my husband is preaching. Grandparents are close by by and the kids have been spilt between the the grandparent's house and the hotel. The older kids are with Nana and Papa and the younger ones are with us. Just the four of us. Quite a rarity to have only two kids with us. With motel being our abode for the night, and only two kids for which to prep

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-87399717624311376862011-05-17T15:33:00.009-05:002011-05-17T16:24:27.291-05:00

Spring is here. The sun is shining and we are enjoying every. single. minute. of it! Life has been busy here. Good busy. School work is getting finished up for the year. The close of year activities are surrounding us. There are more this year. Rachel is done with high school. Pictures to be taken. Announcements to be sent. Decisions to be made - open house or a family outing? And I am here. Busy

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-37586084616698465922011-05-10T15:15:00.004-05:002011-05-10T15:19:59.522-05:00

So thankful for the gift of children. Thankful that Rachel's health is doing so much better. Thankful that we are a family. God is so good! Happy Spring everyone!Blessings,~Martie

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-72271132847480829062011-05-04T09:19:00.000-05:002011-05-04T09:19:00.614-05:00

From Elisabeth Elliot's book The Path of Loneliness:"It is possible both to accept and to endure loneliness without bitterness when there is a vision of glory beyond."In circumstances for which there is not final answers in the world, we have two choices: accept them as God's wise and loving choice for our blessings (this is called faith), or resent then as proof of His indifference, His

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-67374302014143153332011-05-03T08:08:00.003-05:002011-05-03T08:19:18.357-05:00

I have been reading and enjoying one of Elisabeth Elliot's books. The Path of Loneliness. What wisdom envelopes this book! For the next few posts I will be quoting from her book. Trust it is a blessing to you. It sure was to me!!Elliot was talking about how she desired to know Christ deeply. Having ready Pilgrim's Progress and other missionary stores she was sure of the fact that the quest of

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-38736067767050899362011-04-17T22:51:00.001-05:002011-04-17T22:53:41.913-05:00

One of my favorite pics from Colorado. Hope you enjoy. Thanks for stopping by - I trust you have a great week. ~Martie

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-84590751614172894162011-04-13T09:15:00.013-05:002011-04-13T10:09:43.048-05:00

Meeting Mimi and Pa for the very first time at the airport!Going with Mimi to her work to meet her friends Tea Party Graces Tea with Pa and Max Painting Mimi's toes Anna has Pa wrapped around her little finger. Only a Grandpa would let a little girl do this to his toes! Getting Mimi ready for tea Meeting Aunt Mendy for the very first time. Meeting Uncle John A tired Mimi and even more

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-17413279973266773732011-04-11T21:24:00.004-05:002011-04-11T22:34:49.347-05:00

It has been a wonderful weekend. I was able to fly to Colorado to see my parents and brother and sister out there. I was able to attend my sister in law's baby shower and see her growing bump. I also was able to take Anna along for the trip. It was indeed special because this was the first time anyone in my family was able to meet Anna. She loved being at Grandma's house. (More to come on that -

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-14064085525468729672011-03-26T12:47:00.003-05:002011-03-26T13:40:20.644-05:00

I look back on the last 3 months and I am amazed how far we have come! Rachel's health is continuing to improve. If fact, I think we have back a healthy teenage girl. It has been wonderful to see her get stronger and healthier in the past few weeks. We have had her working with a physical therapist to help her regain what a year of sickness had taken away. This last week has been wonderful. In

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-65559578197604458622011-03-21T14:14:00.003-05:002011-03-21T14:35:13.096-05:00

We are all on the mend here. Still left with sniffles and coughs; but up and running. Praise the Lord. A whole week with five kids sick is not any fun! It was amazing to me. I realized how much I depend upon the kids to help me with things around the house. When they are all sick - there is no help; and added work to top it off! I am glad that they are feeling better. We hit the ground running

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-90113422910624242532011-03-17T09:53:00.004-05:002011-03-17T10:01:16.686-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! My Dad's side of the family is Irish. I love the story behind St. Patrick.Trust you have a wonderful day.~Martie

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-37255356679106262422011-03-15T22:38:00.002-05:002011-03-15T22:56:11.779-05:00

We have been hit hard here with a bug. It happened in the early morning hours on Monday. It was about 1 am when the first one came down saying, "Mom, I don't feel good." Then about every two hours another one came down and repeated the phrase. By morning, Rob was on the couch with two, I was in bed with two, and one was up in her bed moaning.It has made for an interesting few days. We are not

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-40715451982160278632011-03-04T14:02:00.004-06:002011-03-04T14:16:15.763-06:00

It has been a long week. Special meetings at church make for long days - and long nights. The two little ones seem to show the first signs of the schedule 'getting to them'. They cry more easily and fight more readily.Such was the case on this particular morning that I took these photos. I had heard enough bickering to last me a week long! I finally separated them. One on the couch in the front

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-26805923183199003152011-02-27T22:24:00.004-06:002011-02-27T22:58:47.946-06:00

We were together at church tonight. The whole family! It has been months since this has happened; and it was wonderful! What a week we have had. It was a week ago on Monday since Rachel had her surgery. Tuesday she came down with pneumonia; but the rest of the week has been uneventful. Or, perhaps, it has been very eventful - but in the right direction. On Thursday both Rob and I noticed that she

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-78520750428280349052011-02-24T13:47:00.004-06:002011-02-24T14:17:45.160-06:00

Yesterday was quite a day. On Tuesday evening Rachel began feeling tightness in the chest and had heavy breathing. I was concerned; but did not want to overreact. By the time she went to bed (on the couch by our room) she was sounding much more congested and had a pretty nasty cough. She also had trouble coughing due to the pain in her throat. My concern was growing. I also kept trying to

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-71588581737642595302011-02-23T12:03:00.003-06:002011-02-23T12:07:55.683-06:00

Rachel has contracted pneumonia. It seems to be quite aggressive. We are tying to be just as aggressive in treatment - (an antibiotic shot, neb treatments and steroids). Pray that the treatment will stop the pneumonia from getting worse. If it gets worse we will be having another hospital stay. Thanks for your prayers.~Martie

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-66979776476432758632011-02-21T13:57:00.003-06:002011-02-21T14:04:27.522-06:00

Rachel had her surgery this morning. A pretty bad snow storm yesterday and through the night last night threatened that we would be able to make it to the appointment. We left 2 hours before we were due there - and made it there thirty minutes early.The surgery went well. She now has an incredibly sore throat and does not feel well at all. We have stocked up on ice cream and Popsicles. Hopefully

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-18563564768025662912011-02-18T23:32:00.003-06:002011-02-18T23:54:05.515-06:00

I was in the kitchen this morning getting things around for breakfast. Zak came down. Dressed. In yesterday's clothes. Now, I have nothing against wearing clothes more than once before laundering; but the shirt he had on showed definite signs of needed washing - and it was only 6:30 in the morning!I showed him the problem areas and told him it would be best if he would put that shirt into the

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-3207594976867535622011-02-16T21:03:00.004-06:002011-02-16T21:33:27.946-06:00

We have been so busy around here. Wanted to put an update on life as we know it.Rachel's lip biopsy came back the first part of this week. Everything looked pretty good. There was signs of acute inflammation - but no cancer. Praise the Lord. In the past day it looks better than it has. She saw the ENT on Friday. The decision has been made to take the tonsils out. Surgery is scheduled for Monday

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-43102614514177574652011-02-12T22:11:00.015-06:002011-02-13T02:54:04.470-06:00

Twenty-one years ago he asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Our love story began that day. Just the two of us. So much of life ahead of us. So young. So ready to start on the journey together.I did not know it was going to go by so fast. It seems twenty years has come and gone by in a blink of an eye. I have thought about that a lot lately. How fast time goes. Twenty one years ago it

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-55195581604577256002011-02-11T08:12:00.000-06:002011-02-11T08:12:00.425-06:00

The other day while Rachel was sitting on the couch - she decided to snap a few pics of Anna. Can I be honest with you and tell you the truth? We are smitten with her! I can't believe she is three already. Where does the time go?Thanks for stopping by. I am so glad you did! Blessings,~Martie

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-24337493442677557722011-02-10T08:13:00.000-06:002011-02-10T08:13:00.758-06:00

We believe very strongly that the dating philosophy is not a biblical view; and often is a very dangerous and emotionally crippling practice of our American culture. We have chosen to believe and teach our children the principle of courtship. There are many different parts of the courtship principles; but one of the main ones is that the Father and Mother of both the boy and the girl play a

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-72241326702392726292011-02-09T09:08:00.002-06:002011-02-09T09:08:00.525-06:00

Another devotional blessing. The devotional was talking about being still. I like this quote: "I do not believe that we have begun to understand the marvelous power there is in stillness. We are in such a hurry - we must be doing - so that we are in danger of not giving God a chance to work. You may depend upon it: God never says to us, "Stand still", or "Sit still," or "Be still," unless HE is

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-78860041347108373522011-02-08T07:40:00.006-06:002011-02-08T08:29:45.812-06:00

I enjoy visiting other blogs when I have the time. Several of the blogs that I visit post their weekly menu on Monday's. I do try to plan a menu to be able to have some semblance of normal when it comes to kitchen duties. My plan is to post my menu each week - not as much for you all to see (which I don't mind if you do) :) - but more for me to have a day set aside that I have to have the menu

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-53972684208418703472011-02-08T07:16:00.000-06:002011-02-08T07:16:00.430-06:00

My brother who is younger than I am; (and was still in Jr High when I left for college) - is having a birthday. I wish we lived closer and that we were able to spend more time with him and his wife. His wife is expecting a baby this June - and I am SOOOOO excited to be an aunt. John, I love you so much. I am so happy for you and Ruthie. We are praying that everything goes well with the baby and

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-4715356525249181442011-02-07T19:06:00.003-06:002011-02-07T19:15:04.662-06:00

Just a quick update on Rachel. We finally got the results back from her Tcell test. (This was the one to test if there was something seriously wrong with her immune system.) The test came back normal - and everything looks good in regards to her immune system. This was wonderful news! We were so thankful that something so serious was officially ruled out!They are looking into two different things

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-82489453306417448652011-02-06T12:22:00.000-06:002011-02-06T23:12:15.377-06:00

A dear friend gave me a devotional book entitled: Streams in the Desert. To say this book has been a huge blessing to me would be an understatement. Every day there has been yet another blessing to my heart. I thought from time to time I would share these little thoughts with you. Hopefully they can be an encouragement to you like they were to me. This was a little poem that just encouraged me. I

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-81928042788908904542011-02-01T08:40:00.000-06:002011-02-01T08:40:00.260-06:00

It was the day for his six month checkup. I had to make the trip to the doctor. It was in the early afternoon we would leave. Zak and me. Dad is always at work in the early afternoon hours. He knows what time Dad gets home. He can tell it by where the sun is located. He asks every morning when Dad is getting off work. Most days the answer is the same. He listens to the time, and then tells me his

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-12086266486100574032011-01-30T22:39:00.003-06:002011-01-31T00:21:38.979-06:00

I don't even know where to begin. So many thoughts running around in this brain of mine! Many of which, I am unable to even be able to articulate into words. One thing I know, that God is doing a work in my heart. A deep work. A work that I am confident that when it is completed will change me - forever. I have been absolutely amazed at how much God has ministered to me. So many have ministered

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-17562515743187681332011-01-28T09:32:00.002-06:002011-01-28T09:53:03.992-06:00

We are still waiting for one last test to come back for Rachel from the immune deficiency clinic. There is only one test pending; however, it is the one that we need to compare with the other tests. So we continue to wait. We have found a natural product that is supposed to help with the immune system. (We have tried a lot of them!) This one has seemed to help! She did come down with a virus last

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-86277159205506124922011-01-25T12:31:00.002-06:002011-01-25T12:49:10.942-06:00

Found Anna in the bathroom brushing her teeth. What I loved was the shoes that she was wearing. She received these for Christmas. She LOVES these boots! She wears them all the time. She wears them out when she plays. She wears them when she is playing with her kitchen up in her room. We even have found her sleeping in bed with them on. She told me that she was wearing them to help her be

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-29502534619316225822011-01-21T12:51:00.002-06:002011-01-21T13:22:37.666-06:00

I was sitting the other day, waiting for two of the kids to get done with music lessons. In the distance I could see a van entering into a driveway. Someone was coming home from a day at work. I noticed that the house seemed shut up, dark and when he approached the door, he fidgeted for his key to unlock the door. I thought of how different it is for my husband when he comes home from a day at

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-10617384200059721662011-01-20T08:50:00.000-06:002011-01-20T08:50:00.219-06:00

Mom: Zak, stop picking your nose.Zak: (Quickly taking his finger out of his nose) Yes, Ma'am.Mom: (quite taken aback by his great obedient response-- says nothing)Mom: (Looking over at Zak's younger sister) Anna, stop picking your nose! (Quickly giving Zak a look that said, "see what you taught your sister to do!")Anna: But, Momma. I need to get the rocks out of my nose!Mom: (To Abbey sitting

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-67101663410948846072011-01-18T01:13:00.000-06:002011-01-19T14:48:42.819-06:00

Zak came to me the other day and said, "Mom your not mad are you?"I was taken aback by his question. Of course I was not mad! I was humming and cleaning the bathroom. The day had been a good one - and I was enjoying it. "Uh, no. I am not mad.""I knew it!" he smiled one of his big toothy grins! "I knew you wern't mad! I could see your teeth! If I see your teeth - I know you are not mad!"I sat

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-20818873265561346112011-01-12T09:04:00.002-06:002011-01-12T09:47:11.178-06:00

It seems like we have spent a long time waiting. Longer than I would have wanted to wait - had I been the one to choose. No matter how cozy the accommodations of a waiting room, after spending enough time in one, a person can start to feel boxed in. When life becomes a waiting room, the same thing happens. It has been a year since Rachel got sick. We have a clear understanding of this concept of

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-30759188928756743772011-01-11T12:25:00.003-06:002011-01-11T12:41:00.261-06:00

We have been in and out of doctor's offices since I last posted. Rachel continues to battle with several infections. She is also having some peripheral nerve issues surfacing again. Her vision has changed in the last couple days. These things happened this summer when she was in the hospital for the Gullian-Barre syndrome. We made a trip down to Children's last night because her doctor here felt

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-31182968115809538522011-01-05T23:49:00.005-06:002011-01-06T00:24:28.901-06:00

Pictures of Rachel before she was sick... Rachel continues to be sick. The skin on her arm is healing in some parts - other parts of the arm continue to be open sores. This causes a problem if the sores get caught on something or rub on her sheets wrong. They have opened up and bled more than once.This week she has been very sick. The anti-viral medication makes her ill. The doctors have

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-2263093315185608162011-01-01T19:29:00.003-06:002011-01-02T20:53:21.098-06:00

What an eventful week we have had here! When Rachel went into the wound clinic they felt that they were looking at a staph infection moving up her arm toward the lymph system. They told me if it did hit the lymph system it would be a matter of life or death. (Not the most pleasant thing to hear as a Mom!) From the moment we walked into the clinic to the time when they were putting the IV into her

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-31200928362518531902010-12-29T01:17:00.004-06:002010-12-29T01:23:42.343-06:00

We are in the hosptial with Rachel. They have admitted her because of this mysterious rash moving up her arm. They are unsure exactly what it is. The have two theories. One that it is a case of shingles. The other theory is that we are dealing with an agressive staph infection.They are treating her for both. She currently is recieving rounds of anti-viral IV fluids and anti-biotic IV fluids.The

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-39525520745017031892010-12-28T11:14:00.002-06:002010-12-28T11:25:51.888-06:00

We had planned a small vacation for the few days after the holidays. Our plans changed for several different reasons - one of the main ones was Rachel. She has developed a burn like rash on her hand. On Monday morning, I was awakened by a phone call. Her doctor telling me the test results of the throat culture she had before Christmas. They were positive for strep. I told her about the burn - she

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-89006265933861903772010-12-28T00:36:00.003-06:002010-12-28T01:09:22.478-06:00

I am amazed at how God has encouraged my heart this Christmas season. It has been a difficult time with Rachel being sick - and we continue to battle things, it seems, on a daily basis. Yet, God has been there to help and encourage us even during this difficult time.God many times uses people to encourage. He has done that again.For all of you readers who know what I am talking about - because

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-76233466977015444402010-12-18T09:34:00.002-06:002010-12-18T09:50:43.130-06:00

It seems we have been so busy lately with everything. However, with Christmas break right around the corner I can feel things slowing down a bit. I am looking forward to some family time in the upcoming days.The snow seems to complete the holiday ensemble quite nicely. I enjoy looking at all the trees still heavy with snow even a week after the storm. The county landscape is beautiful on our way

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-41113480209317696682010-12-15T08:56:00.000-06:002010-12-15T08:56:00.328-06:00

Ready for snow... and ready to be three. Just a few more weeks and we will have a birthday girl!

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-90346649509313332112010-12-14T08:34:00.000-06:002010-12-14T08:34:00.587-06:00

(A Cardinal was sitting outside our window this morning as we were getting ready for the day) We heard the weather reports and knew it was going to be a doosy! Grandma and Grandpa were visiting and cut their trip short - needed to get on the road before it hit. Groceries were purchased ( by Grandma - thanks Mom!), coats and hats were made ready in the mudroom.It started out as rain. It turned to

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-5748273242513667482010-12-12T18:41:00.007-06:002010-12-12T19:11:44.192-06:00

One of the happiest days of my life: July 1, 1997~By far - one of the saddest days of my life: Dec 13, 1997 I have thought a lot about this event in the past six months. Rachel being sick has caused my mind to reflect on Ally's home going a bit more than I normally do on an everyday basis.~I remember:~the joy of her birth...the anxiety of being a mom to three so young...the news that I was

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-58689575557691585572010-12-09T16:26:00.004-06:002010-12-09T16:41:31.233-06:00

We have returned from yet another doctor visit with Rachel. This has been a bad week. She has an inner ear infection, tonsillitis and the flu. We do have blood work pending and will get the results tomorrow. Please continue to pray for her. We have had to put her physical therapy on hold this week, as she has not the energy to be able to work with her therapist. The doctor said this particular

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-23243309538664513192010-12-07T08:46:00.000-06:002010-12-07T08:46:00.766-06:00

If it is pink - - she will wear it! If it is not pink - - she will take it off and find something pink to replace it! (That is how this dress came to be worn this day!) She is our girly girl. I don't seem to mind a bit!

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-68106807711145546102010-12-06T21:30:00.002-06:002010-12-06T21:33:06.857-06:00

Please pray for Rachel. She has had some serious changes in her health. She needs our prayers at this time; and we need wisdom in handling the situation. Thanks,~Martie

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-83427319510806113772010-12-06T08:26:00.000-06:002010-12-06T08:26:00.950-06:00

This past weekend Rob and I were able to enjoy a night to ourselves. We called it our 'date' night. The evening included a 45 minute drive through the country. We were able to attend a special night set aside to celebrate the season. The retreat center was offering dinner and a concert to follow. We arrived in plenty of time; Rob took advantage of the extra time to take in some reading.

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-66846209937181156052010-12-05T08:00:00.000-06:002010-12-05T08:00:00.913-06:00

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with they might..."Ecclesiastes 9:10

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-37026309050699155432010-12-04T07:55:00.000-06:002010-12-04T07:55:00.122-06:00

This past week we had an appointment on the calendar. An appointment we did not want to miss. A night set aside to set up the Christmas tree. Together. As a family. We enjoyed a simple dinner of p&j sandwiches, popcorn, and apple slices. All prepared by James while Rachel and I were at her physical therapy appointment. We enjoyed our dinner talking about Christmas memories of the past; and

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-71392387347242545852010-12-03T08:47:00.000-06:002010-12-03T08:47:00.347-06:00

I heard her little fingers playing. Notes here and there. They I heard an exasperated sigh and a frustrated grunt. The fingers played again. I continued working. Notes here and there; and exasperated sigh and the frustrated grunt followed. Then I heard a little voice say, "I can't get it to come out!"Again, more notes. This time the sigh was louder and the grunt that followed showed clearly that

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-39611193924181715532010-12-02T08:31:00.000-06:002010-12-02T08:31:00.415-06:00

I think sometimes we as parents make it so much harder than it really is. We want to do big things with our children - we want to build in their minds memories that they will carry with them long after they leave our house. Our minds seem to tell us that memories are made with grand schemes, or lots of money, and often require gobs of time.How untrue that is most of the time. I remember a lot of

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-54845585221302324062010-12-01T08:25:00.000-06:002010-12-01T08:25:00.274-06:00

I love watching my kids do something productive! To watch their imaginations grow and the hands lean fine motor skills does something to this mother's heart! These two have found play dough to be a source of real enjoyment. Mom likes it because I have them close by playing while I am busy in the kitchen. What more can a mother ask for? Yes, I will take this over TV any day! In our house, a play

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-12629719793431627282010-11-29T22:35:00.007-06:002010-11-29T23:16:24.785-06:00

It amazes me how God has a way of putting it all into perspective. Life seems to constantly drive us. Forward. Backward. From side to side. Direction is irrelevant. Constant motion is the objective. Anything and everything coming at us to keep us moving. Constantly busy. Void from the thought that perhaps there is something else.The bustle of life can make us loose perspective. On what is

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-5124515575529570092010-11-29T08:20:00.000-06:002010-11-29T08:20:00.549-06:00

Big sister wanted to take some photos of little sister. Little sister was glad to oblige the request. She can never turn down a trip to the park. This time she took a little friend. With a smile like that, how could I ever be depressed! How she brightens my days! Thanks for stopping by, I am so glad you did. Blessings,~Martie

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-15387733559890377542010-11-28T08:15:00.000-06:002010-11-28T08:15:00.989-06:00

Zak is quite excited that winter is here. He asked me if he could get his warm clothes on and go out to play. This is how I found him dressed outside with the cold wind blowing. He was also quite upset the he was so cold - even in his warm clothes. OK, so we have a bit more teaching to do on deductive reasoning. Until the lessons are finished, I think I will be helping him get dressed for

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-27785518059925711642010-11-27T08:02:00.000-06:002010-11-27T10:06:20.215-06:00

The past few weeks have been interesting in regards to our vehicle situation. It seemed that every time we turned around something was going wrong with one of our two vehicles. The last such instance came on a Sunday night as we were heading home from church. The van started to act funny and we all knew of something was not right. (You get that idea when you see your husband carrying a bucket of

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-18795027055297421212010-11-25T23:43:00.004-06:002010-11-25T23:53:37.789-06:00

This fall we celebrated Zak's birthday. I just can not believe how old he is getting! It also seems he gets taller each and every day. I am almost sure that he will be the tallest child in our family - we will wait and see. I wanted to share pictures of the birthday boy. Zak with a plate full of food - he special ordered a cookout. He had been asking for a balloon each time we passed the

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-91603621353774774932010-11-24T21:05:00.000-06:002010-11-24T21:05:00.151-06:00

This Thanksgiving seems to be taking on a different feel than most. So much has happened in the past year - and to be honest, so much continues to happen. This summer has been one of the most difficult we have had; and forever it will be lodged within our memories. Difficult times have a way of changing someone; and I have found that to be true in this situation.I am thankful for so many

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-27659111055383684522010-11-24T13:41:00.008-06:002010-11-24T14:04:21.988-06:00

Several weeks ago - (yes, I am just now getting the pictures off my camera and into the computer!) we were all home for a Friday night. We decided that we would have a family night. Rob did not want to just do an ordinary family night - and surprised the kids with s'mores. The weather was too cold for the marshmallow roasting to be done outdoors, so we improvised and had a cookout in the

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-32221029921010929422010-11-17T17:11:00.003-06:002010-11-17T17:19:01.375-06:00

We had yet another trip to the hospital with Rachel. Pain has been the biggest issue. She has missed a week of school; and is anxious to get back. They have run more tests and are looking into an autoimmune issue. We spent eight hours in the emergency room before they made the decision to admit her to the hospital. She was discharged from the hospital last night and we are trying to get rested up

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-20027541163051514802010-11-16T08:25:00.000-06:002010-11-16T08:25:00.454-06:00

Recently, James had a friend over for the weekend. I am amazed at how much they look alike. What do you think?I can not tell you how many times I have been sitting in church and thought that Chandler was James! I think the boys had a wonderful time together. Thanks for stopping by. I am so glad you did.~Martie

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-46166261919743870182010-11-15T08:34:00.000-06:002010-11-15T08:34:00.582-06:00

Our morning routine starts pretty early. Everyone has their assigned tasks, timed bathroom visits and their own dishes to wash. I spend my mornings assembling lunch boxes, putting dinner into the crock pot and hurrying everyone out the door at the appointed time. No time for dawdling. The arrival at school is filled with same intensity as everyone gathers their book bags, lunch boxes, instruments

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-19999214583821468062010-11-14T08:43:00.000-06:002010-11-14T08:43:00.508-06:00

Having a child with autism mean that you have a child who feels pain in different ways than most other children. At first glance, Zak would appear to have very developed social and communication skills. Yet, there are so many things that he does not understand; and so many levels that he does not communicate normally. This past week he has been acting differently. I kept thinking something was

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-62322303543568511562010-11-13T21:28:00.003-06:002010-11-13T22:12:41.503-06:00

I have become very aware of time here lately. I think about it often. The time it takes to get to school - everyday.The time spent waiting for school to end - everyday.The time I need for housework now crammed into just a day - Saturday. I spend a lot of time thinking about the lack of time; or the amount of time spent doing things on a weekly or daily basis. However, lately I have been thinking

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-6894452754761640742010-11-06T11:51:00.002-05:002010-11-06T11:58:57.831-05:00

I feel the need to apologize for my delay in posting. The proverbial, “ I’ve been busy,” is the only reason I can give. The school schedule seems to be keeping us quite busy and I am finding my blogging time, and my accessibility to a computer to hamper my efforts here. We also have had some set backs with Rachel and her health. This has caused my time to be even more limited as I try to find

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-84935325706348028972010-09-22T09:08:00.001-05:002010-09-22T09:08:00.225-05:00

I am a firm believer that kids need to do work around the house. My husband fervently believes that and is constantly evaluating if the kids are doing enough around the house. One of the reasons it is so important for kids to do work around the house is that it helps them to feel connected and part of the family. There are books on foster care and adoption that tell the new family to get the

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-7376047606736589442010-09-20T21:29:00.004-05:002010-09-21T05:45:48.230-05:00

Happy Birthday to Zak today! I can not imagine our lives without him! He has taught me so much about life and love. Truly he is a gift from God. Happy Birthday, Zak. We love you. ~Mom

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-16288252377666154982010-09-20T20:24:00.003-05:002010-09-20T21:07:35.057-05:00

Our afternoon routine does not start until about an hour after school has let out because of the long drive home. Last year we would try to cram in study time in the van on the way home. That did not work out too well. For one thing, some of the children get sick reading in the car. Also, we found that they would like to talk about their day and the noise of conversation in such close quarters

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-62481731523016126482010-09-17T13:20:00.003-05:002010-09-17T13:39:49.926-05:00

This is our morning schedule. Three weeks into the school year and it has been a great blessing to us!4:45- Mom - Up/ Shower /Ready for Day Kids- Sleeping5:15 - Mom - God and I Time Kids - Still sleeping :)5:45- Mom - Supervise Zak doing sunshine chores James- set food out on table Girls - ready for day ( Abbey gets Anna around for her day)6:00- Mom - Pack lunch boxes Zak and Anna - help Mom

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-55807523284293763112010-09-15T09:24:00.001-05:002010-09-17T05:56:29.700-05:00

We are in the midst of the third week of school. A school year with a lot of difference than school years we have had before. For one thing, Zak is starting school this year - that is extremely different. Secondly, Rachel has been sick and we are uncertain as to how she is going to do with the new school schedule. There have been some bumps along the way. Rob and I have spent more than one

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-32243290227857205212010-09-14T08:15:00.000-05:002010-09-14T08:24:51.726-05:00

These eyes melt my heart... and take my resolve and ability to say no to a lower level...Alas, this one has Momma wrapped tightly around her little finger!

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-34691908514140250322010-09-13T09:35:00.000-05:002010-09-13T09:35:00.126-05:00

Today, I begin my last year being in my thirties. The very last one. The last part of the hill just before me.I wonder where the time has gone. Too fast that is for sure. I guess I am surprised at just how different I feel this year. Birthdays usually come upon me and leave me a bit introspective. Thinking about the things I accomplished in the last year; but mostly thinking about what I want to

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-57304995711205574212010-09-12T23:28:00.002-05:002010-09-13T22:15:29.788-05:00

On the weekends - she is pretty excited to be able to spend some time with her best friend. Playing. Together. This weekend, they each found a hat to wear. Found their most comfortable play clothes; and headed to the park.To play. Together. He in a beret. She - in a stocking cap. It did not matter what they looked like. They were able to play. Together. As it should be on weekends!Trust you had

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3556375496983854549.post-17020981994230377262010-09-09T15:48:00.001-05:002010-09-09T15:49:53.064-05:00

This was his smile the first day of school. Almost two weeks into the new year - still the same smile! I asked him last night if he would rather not go to school. His reply, "Why would you say that Mom? That is like the funnest thing I get to do all day!" A little help needed on the grammar; but with a love that deep for school - it should be able to be remedied. :)Thanks for stopping by, I am

Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.com1