Blogaroo

So, I promised more blogging and then life happened and I chose the wrong way in the fork in the road. The one that headed towards illness, stress, and busy-ness (how do you spell that without spelling business...like a workplace)? Wow, I blog again and that's what you get!

I'm working hard on my Esther Bible Study and LOVING IT! It's main theme is that It's Tough Being a Woman...do I need to say anything more? I tried to cheat on some of the answers and went to www.esther.com but, I suggest you not do that unless you want to see a very scantily clad woman of maybe asian or hawaiian descent? Yep, I know how to find porn without really looking for it!

Work is good. The working for Scott is super good. I'm loving learning about what he does (not the nerdy part...don't get me wrong) and I'm having tons of fun working on some marketing ideas to build up our little office here in this part of the world.

Spending more of the day with Scott and being able to talk about more things we've suddenly been talking a lot about this life and the meaning to it...the everyday meanings and recently up came the word "Integrity" - shoot...I can't even spell it so we obviously haven't gotten all that far. These days nobody has manners anymore. People chew with their mouths open and cut in front of you in line...and most recently I found out that someone very close to me is telling people that I'm a terrible mother. Who does that? Is that what life is about? Hurting others to build yourself up? Scott and I want to be that couple, that family, those Christians that SCREAM "we are who we say we are and we'll do what we'll say we're gonna do and darn it we love you"....now I'm starting to sound a little Stuart Small-y. I'm just saying that why don't we make a point every day to do something nice for someone? Why don't we remember our manners and etiquette and if someone's hurting...get your butt over there and help instead of kicking them even harder?

I've challenged the kids to pick one point during the day to find a way to help another kid out at school. It can be picking something up for them that they've dropped, help them if they fall or are struggling with school work...anything that shows another child that they love them because that's what we're here for. Man, if I could share the excited stories I get every afternoon about ways that they've found to help.....I'm getting goosebumps right now.

So, no, I'm not the perfect mother...and, yes, sometimes I forget to say thank you when I should. But, you better believe that my heart is brimming, no, overfilled with love for my kids and the people they're loving all over every single day. And, that....to me....is worth any negative thing any person has to say about me.

It's tough being a woman in a mean, mean world...but, it's easy to get through it when you have a Super Man on your side!

"O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy grace, Lord like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it.
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above."

Wild Weekend

We had a GREAT weekend and I just now finally got the pictures uploaded. I think there were over 100!
Friday night I overcame my co-dependancy and went to the Beth Moore simulcast by myself. I haven't really met anyone at our new church, yet, but I really, really wanted to go to the simulcast...so I put my big-girl britches on and went. There is nothing else like a Beth Moore Bible Study or Simulcast and if you ever want to be totally refreshed and reenergized by the Word of God you MUST do one of her studies! I could not have gotten through the last year without them!
On Satuday I had to miss the final day of the simulcast because the little mister had his first soccer game and I really didn't want to miss it. It was so cute...right before the game he looked at Scott and I and said "I'm scared...What if nobody remembers me?" I assured him that since they had just seen him 3 days before at practice I was certain that they would be able to remember him. I was really proud of him...he got out there and played his little heart out! (And, didn't even ask once what the snack was going to be!)












After the game we headed back to Topeka to spend the night. Scott had his fantasy football draft in Manhattan the next day (which he's won the last 3 years!) and I wanted to take the kids to our old church's carnival. We had SO much fun! They had all kinds of great things to do and we spent almost 4 hours there.







That's Papa in the dunk tank. The kids couldn't wait to dunk him! :)











We surprised Darby with a fun visit from two of her friends from Randolph! They had a GREAT time!








I showed off my muscles!











Scott and our friend, Matt, in the inflatable jousting ring!








I'm not sure who this guy is!?!










We had a fabulous time with all of our friends and family! A big shout-out to Anna and all the people who worked their butts off for the carnival! You guys did an amazing job and we were so grateful to be able to go! This weekend is looking promising for another busy few days. Someday soon, we're hoping to take a weekend off and relax...although I'm thinking it may be awhile! :)

Random thoughts...

I had a big happy blog all thought out in my head over the weekend and then everything just went to crap.
Two deaths, sick kiddo, laundry piled up...welcome to my life!
We're getting adjusted to the "real" life again. Working, school, PTA, homework...it's all rushing back to me now. But, I can't complain too much. Things are going as smoothly as they possibly can. Aidan has a really bad cold and stayed home from school today. I'm thinking one good day of rest will help him get back on his feet again. But, at least there's no puking involved. And, it gives me a day to catch up a little (in between watching cartoons and waiting on a whiny 7 year old hand and foot).
One of my dearest and oldest friends' dad passed away unexpectedly and my great-uncle Leo also passed away this week. It's so good to know that they are both healthy and whole again in heaven...but, it's still so sad for those that are left here mourning. We've just about had enough deaths this summer. I'm hoping that, like everything else, this too shall pass...
I wish I had some pictures to post...but, I just don't. I'm hoping to get a little mini "tour" of our new house put together for those that haven't seen it, yet. But, I'm guessing the house will need to be clean for that...which may take awhile. :)
I just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm not taking another blogging sabbatical or had gone crazy from all of the insanity here. This weekend will be very busy and full of some exciting things so I should have a great post for next week.
Until then, know that I'm praying for each and everyone of you. This life is way too short to waste not telling everyone that you love just how much you love them or how often you think of them. I just love you all to bits and pieces and in no way, shape or form could have gotten through this last year without each and everyone of you! Big Hugs.....

Back to Work!

Today was my first day back to work. I am working part-time at Scott's firm doing some admin stuff, small tax returns, and mostly payrolls for clients. I'm actually kind of excited to get back into an office environment, at least for a little while! The firm takes such good care of us and offered me the job until I figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. Scott will be my "boss" so I'm excited to work with him throughout the week. We worked together the first 4 years of our dating/marriage which I thought would not work out (the working part, not the marriage part. okay, maybe sometimes both!) :), but, we do really well working together! Plus, he needs a chance to be in charge every once in awhile! It was so easy because I already know everyone and what the firm is about. It felt very comfortable going in today! The getting up at 6 a.m. - not so much. But, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

I forgot how girly and pretty you feel when you get dressed up professionally. Thanks to some of my favorite people I was able to put together a brand new gorgeous outfit for my first day. Darby saw me this morning and said "Oh Mom, you look soo beautiful. Come over here...we need to take pictures of your first day!" So, I'm including the pictures of the fashion show. Don't pay any attention to the red face...it's normal thanks to these wonderful things called hot flashes!















Tonight Aidan has his first soccer clinic. He's actually sitting here in his gear already. I'm thinking he might be excited? I can't wait to see how it goes. Although, if I hear "Is it time to go, yet?" one more time, I may have to kill him...

Welcome Back

Okay, so I know I took a break from blogging...obviously.
But, with my health and moving and everything else in our life it just seemed best if I spent my time focusing on the things that were in our face.
Now that we're getting back into the routine and making a new life here in KC, I thought it was high time I came back and did the thing...
We are moved. The kids are in school and I go to work TOMORROW!! It's been so awesome to see all of the prayers we begged for just covering our home, life, and everyday activities. So, thanks, for those that have been praying through our journey!
Obviously, things will not get less hectic, but, it will be nice to share thoughts, stories, prayer requests, and of course lots of pics as we get situated here.
Thanks for those of you still checking in on us. If you gave up, I don't blame you. But, if you're still here...welcome back. It's good to see you friend!

Changes, okay, revamping...

if you're still checking...bless your heart! but, i'm working on getting this back up again!! check back later!

Good Start (No, not the baby formula...)

You know it's going to be a good year when you start it off with the stomach flu! Everyone's writing about how this year is going to be a year of change....oh, yes, it is - change the sheets, change the p.j.'s, change the hand sanitizer 'cause it smells funny......

We had a really good holiday, as you can tell by my lack of posting. It was busy and crazy and just a little sad. So many new things coming our way this year. Where will we be next Christmas? I have no clue, but I DO know The One who does. He has it planned out for us and so I'll rest assured in His arms.

The kids really enjoyed the holidays, as always. I'm so amazed by their maturity this year. Things are tight....with everyone, and unfortunately we're living in a time where our kids actually know the meaning of "economy" and "market" - but, it's provided many a good lesson on the meaning of "gratefulness" and "contentment". What the enemy intends for harm, our God uses for good.

Scott was able to take several days off over the holidays and we used them to our advantage, because, as you know.....we won't see much of him until the end of April. We were talking about something going on this weekend when I remembered he starts working Saturdays this Saturday. It always comes too fast. He'll be traveling back and forth to K.C. every day starting next week. Pray for his safety and my sanity as we enter this time.

I've become obsessed with some books about Amish life and if you haven't heard me tell this before....When I read a book, I am literally transformed into the book. It takes me a good couple of days to adjust back to the real world. I think that's why I love reading so much. So, I had to put the books down when I'd stop myself in the middle of the "Oh, I should go get started on the milking and after that I think I'll whip up some homemade jams and jellies" thoughts. Yes, it gets that bad!

I'm having surgery in about 10 days. I'm on my knees that this is what will turn my health around. It gets old when people ask "How are you?" and, you just have to smile and say "Fine." or else they'll get the whole chapter book on periods and ovulation and other socially inappropriate topics. It's good we're all friends here and I can type these things unabashedly.

It's at this time that I would love to share wonderful pictures of our family celebrating the joy of Christmas with you all, but, then there's the problem of getting the pictures out of my camera that I never took! So, this is what you get, doesn't it kind of remind you of those "Christmas Letters" that a family member sends you every year? Except, they probably don't talk about vomiting and woman problems in those. Nope, pretty sure they don't......

All Done...Until Next Time!

I'm done.

I passed! And, even better, I got a 92%. Oh yeah, no crying was involved either.

So, that's it until I take my practical boards when I graduate. Which, at the rate I'm going, will be in another year.......hopefully not.

Thank you so much for your encouragement and prayers. I seriously couldn't have gotten through this time without you all. So, be prepared, when the practical comes up I'll be sure to enlist your help again!

Nerves of Steel.....

I don't got 'em....

Today is the big day. 4:30 to be exact....I will be sitting in a teeny tiny cubicle testing my life away. I feel like I know the information, but at the same time, what if I don't know enough, or what if what I know isn't on the test - it'll be some obscure thing I forgot to look up or study? Is this test anxiety or what? I've heard of girls going in there and as soon as the door shuts, they start crying. Oh Lord, I hope that's not me.

Plus, my mama-mode is in high gear because Aidan is sick with a nasty cold and Darby is at the doctor's office as I speak having a strep test done. She spent most of the weekend with 103-104 degree temperatures and a sore throat. Thankfully, I have a good husband who is taking the day off to help me out.

So, there I am. Nerves a-dancin' like butterflies and the Luttjohann curse of "tummy nerves". I'll post tonight with my score......if it's worthy of sharing. If I don't, for some reason, pass - I will have to wait until I'm completely graduated and take it ON THE SAME DAY as the practical exam (the actual doing of hair and such, in front of proctors). You're talking an 8 hour process. SO, I'm really hoping that I won't even have to go there. Really, really hoping.....

Love you all - thanks so much for the prayers. They are more than appreciated!

New "Aidan-isms" and Life As We Know It

The kiddos were sitting at the table the other day and of course Darby was torturing him with something terrible about the food he was eating. I corrected her and he looked at her and said "Guess I won't be listening to your advice anymore!"

We introduced the kids to Bobo's Drive-In last week and Scott's mom, Terri, went with us. She let each of us try one of her onion rings and Aidan shook his head up and down and said "Mmmmm...that's impressive."

Darby had to sleep with Aidan the other night because her bed was, um, incapacitated? and needed some airing out. After about 10 minutes of giggling and whispering I was just getting up to tell them to calm down and get to sleep....Aidan walked out and asked us if we could please make her leave his room because she was "distractin'" him.

He's really into using big words and big phrases these days and, miraculously, picked up reading practically overnight. We were still able to spell words around him without him picking up on what we were talking about. Those days are over.

I'm trying really hard to keep this blog up. I know it doesn't look much like it. But, with my exam, and a possible major surgery, and moving and what-not, it's not leaving me much time for anything else. Pray for my focus to stay on God and not the things that are happening around me. I read a really neat article the other day about Endometriosis and how the pain can become your idol because it ends up being all you think about. I can so relate. You pick the lesser of two evils - stay in pain and unable to live your life, or go on pain meds and float through your life. December 9th I will go in for a consult to just have the whole shebang taken out. Pray for the ability to work this out as I have so much packing and cleaning and "fixing up" to do. It's a bit overwhelming.

I'm off to watch ESPN. I know that sounds ridiculous coming out of my mouth, er, keyboard. But, Scott scored an awesome ticket to the tournament (i.e. KU game - two rows up) and the kids and I've been watching him the whole game. I called him a little while ago to tell him to quit biting his nails. Even on a boys night out I can keep my eye on him. How awesome is that? ;)

Beauty 101...

If I start throwing out big words like anode and cathode, or orbicularis oculi, and maybe even immiscible substances - it's not because I suddenly turned genius and started medical school. It's because these are actual things I have to know to become a liscensed cosmetologist. Hey, I just signed up to do hair!

I will be taking my state boards in approximately 3 weeks and I am a studying fool. I'm taking practice tests (and failing miserably) and making notecards and reading a TEXTBOOK. I know, you envy my life.

Please pray that I can stay focused (how am I supposed to do that when Jon and Kate are about to renew their vows, and the Real Housewives of Atlanta are in such a tizzy, not to mention Meredith and McDreamy are finally together!?!?). My priorities are SO in line! I'm not a good test taker, that is why I'm a cosmetologist. But, unfortunately the state of Kansas thinks that in order for me to roll a great perm or turn people blonde/red/brunette/gorgeous requires me to have the knowledge of chemistry, electricity, and anatomy/physiology. So, I guess I have to follow the law. Speaking of, there are exactly 10 law questions on the test, too - mental note...study law.

If you don't hear how I did on this test, I'm sure it's because I only failed by one point......

It's Days Like These.......

Yesterday was the kids' last annual visit to Dr. Cooley's office......Sigh.

Nurse Ellie and I shared a few laughs and a lot of tears as we reminisced over the last 8 years. The middle of the night phone calls for 103 degree fevers and Saturday visits. Oh, and the week Aidan had to go in EVERY SINGLE DAY for Rocephin injections in his teeny little one-year-old booty for a very persistant ear infection - he would cry as soon as he saw Ellie's face for the next year - he just knew she was going to hurt him again. And when Darby had her first seizure 5 years ago? Ellie and Dr. Cooley were there. They were there to take care of my kiddos, they were there to comfort me as a mommy, they were always there when we needed them. I know we'll find a good doctor in KC, but he/she won't be Dr. Cooley. And, the new doctor's nurse won't be any Ellie. They won't remember my babies when they were actual babies. Or, my brothers and me, as little kids. I know it's silly to be so emotional over a doctor's office, but, they were our security when we were facing RSV when Aidan was a baby and when we faced epilepsy with Darby as a toddler. That means a lot to me.

These are the days that are going to be hard as we face our next chapter. But, they also remind us what we have to look forward to when we get there.....new memories, new places, and new friends. Sure, we'll miss all of these things here, but they won't really be all that far away......about 60 miles to be exact! :)

p.s. The kids are super great! They are both very healthy and they had to endure their flu shots. But, we have a rule that when someone gets shots they get to pinch mommy's arm as hard as they want. I think I made out the worst in the whole process!

Oh, Yes, I Did.....

cut

one of these

today!







It was basically the greatest day ever.

And, then, I signed up to take my State Boards, had as close to a panic attack as there can be because I haven't studied in, like, a year, and ruined the moment.

I have to tell you - I did that haircut on a 63 year old lady and I kept snipping off the ends and she'd say "Um, shorter." And, then, I'd snip off a little more and she'd say "Probably a little shorter". And, then, I got brave and cut the whole darn front off. That's a hair cut "first" that I swore I would never do. Never say never, I guess.

Sneak Preview......

of the Martin Family Photo Shoot 2008 (these are just a few of my faves - out of the 293 taken)





















These haven't even been cropped, edited, or nuthin'! Our photographer is a genius! And, so's her assistant!

Happy Birthday Doodlebug!

Happy Birthday Gorgeous Girl!
Eight years ago today, you came into our lives, and we couldn't have been more excited! Your moods have always been contagious (yes, the good ones and the bad ones)! You're so smart and you've always used it to your advantage, like the time you weren't even 2 and I let you put lotion on in the morning and later that evening you came into the kitchen to tell me you could still smell your lotion. (If you hadn't forgotten to put the chair back, I would have never known you had snuck in for more!) You've always entertained us - when you were little with "The Look" and now your Mary Katherine Galligher-esque antics. Your teachers tell us every quarter how fabulous you are - helpful, courteous, caring and well-behaved. (We always wonder if we're talking about the right child when we leave there!) :) But, at the end of every day, I can always count on a hug and a kiss no matter what!
We know that some day you will be something great - once you get past the point of basing what you want to be when you grow up on what requires the least amount of schooling! We love you, little miss sunshine! You are the music in us!

Highs and Lows

I hinted, well actually lamented, a few weeks ago that we had some very exciting, and scary, things going on in our life and I'm so excited to say that I can FINALLY open my big mouth about everything! Wahoo!
Scott has been promoted to Manager at his firm that he's been with for the last four years. This would normally be very exciting news but the hard part is that with this promotion comes the fact that he'll actually be the manager of the Overland Park office. In a season of layoffs and economic uncertainty, this has been a really huge blessing and a very scary transition all at the same time. The possibilities are enormous, however, the losses will be also.
I'm a family kinda girl. I've lived in the same town my whole life. My kids were born at the hospital I was born in and their pediatrician was my pediatrician. So, you see, even though it's ONLY 60 miles away.....it's still 60 MILES AWAY! But, deep in our hearts we always kind of knew this would be where we'd end up. I keep reminding myself it could be a city away or a state like my friend, Sarah, who's entire family lives in Colorado! (Sarah, you keep me humble about complaining!) :)
Fortunately, through this entire process we've chosen to not focus on any one thing, except for God. There were so many pros and so many cons and we knew we couldn't make a decision without Him. So, once we left it up to Him, He showed us where to go. I can't count how many times we thought it wouldn't happen because of this, or that, or another thing. And, the next day that door would swing wide open.
SO, although it's going to be hard, and there are days that I'm going to be homesick and my kids will be homesick and Scott's going to be working very hard...we've chosen to do this together as a family.
I actually had questioned keeping this blog, since OBVIOUSLY, I'm not very good at keeping it up. One night, I was thinking about maybe the next day just taking it down and for some reason I thought - "No, I'm going to need it." And, here we are! You'll probably get to see how frustrating it is to pack up and move to another city for a control freak like myself. And, once we're there, it will be a great way to keep connected with our friends and family here day to day (or month to month since we all know how my blogging skills go).
So, there it is. We have a to-do list that's a mile long and many things to finish up here, but I know we'll get it done. And, according to the kids, once we get there "WOOHOO, Worlds of Fun EVERYDAY!"
Thanks for supporting us and for those of you who've had to listen to me blubber, thanks also. And, for everyone in Topeka, don't worry - I've already had Scott work gas money to drive back and forth every weekend into the budget! :)

Little Boys...

Their purpose in life is to create as MUCH havoc as they can on their mother's lives. The following is a true story and is in no way to be performed in your own home without supervision:

I'm talking to my friend, Jolene, on the phone and my mother's instinct perks up. Or, maybe it was the sound of the buttons on the microwave...Anyway, I jump up to go check out the situation just in time to see blue sparks emitting from my microwave. Of course, I shriek, right into the ear of poor Jolene and run to open the microwave and remove the offending piece.

Which, happens to be Aidan's METAL THERMOS for his lunch box. And, to think, I stopped it with only 52 minutes and 5 seconds to go. LORD HAVE MERCY!

I explained to my giggling tyrants that under no circumstance should metal ever be placed in the microwave EVER again....all the while, Jolene is giggling at me in the background....And, from now on all items being placed in the microwave must be approved by me. Darby looks at me and says "But, is Aidan's THERMOSTAT ruined?"

Nope, but I think the microwave's is.........

If You Happen To Be Home Watching T.V.

The Titanic is on TNT. Watch for my Aunt Nikki. I think she went by the name "Rose" back in those days.

Darn her for throwing that necklace in the water!

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School

Every Thursday (like clockwork) we climb into the van to go to school and Darby screams "My library books!" And, every Thursday I shut the van off, go inside, dig around the laundry and retrieve the library books. Well, today was no different, as you can guess.
I bring the books out and hand them to Darby and Aidan says "Oh, the boat book. I really, really love that boat book." Darby informs him that it is NOT a boat book, it's a very important book about the Titanic and he does not know what he's talking about. She then goes into the story of the Titanic, because she actually read her library books this week, and I'm having to help her with Aidan's questions (like "What the heck's an iceberg?").
She gets to the part about people dying from drowning and freezing and that some people still lived even though they had to swim in the very coldest water you could ever imagine. And, she informs Aidan that it was a long, long, long time ago "even before Grandma Keri's mother was born". Aidan asked her who WAS alive when it happened and Darby tells him "Um, God."

Aidan says "Ooh, Ooh, I know who was......Aunt Nikki!"

So, Nikki, was the water really that cold?

Did You See My Face on the Side of a Milk Carton?

Hello all. It's been awhile. My mother has resorted to checking my friends' blogs to see what's going on in our lives. Or at least pictures of her grandkids.

I'm recovering from a little surgery I had 12 days ago. (But, who's counting....) Slowly, very slowly, I'm starting to feel a little normal again...whatever that means. :)

I'm hoping that tomorrow I can get some pictures up on here. My camera is such a piece of junk and, oh yeah, so's the computer. So, the effort just hasn't been worth it but I feel bad for my children's grandparents so I'll put some on here to ease my guilt!

I just wanted to share these two funny little stories because they are so typical of every day here at the Martin house...

Story #1 - Darby and I were going through her closet on Monday weeding out all of the shirts that fit like they were glued to her body and pants that were screaming "We're waiting for the flood, y'all!" It's been a LOOOOONG time since I've done this and my kids' closets were not equipped to deal with fall weather. So, I'm digging through the closet and Darby's trying things on and I hear her say behind me "You know, Mom, I really don't like these turtle-lips. They're not very comfortable." As soon as I turn around she looks me dead straight in the eye and says "I said turtlenecks, I did, I really did. Turtlenecks." Yeah, uh huh.

Story #2 - Aidan is REALLY, and I mean REALLY, into sounding out words, asking us to spell stuff, spelling things to us. He's a never-ending walking dictionary these days. Today, he comes running into the living room and says "Mom, guess what!! I can spell something all on my OWN!" Of course, I'm waiting with baited breath, ready to be so proud of all the hard work I've put into making him a little genius and he says "I can spell ok. O---K! Woo Hoo!!" I'm so proud. Can anyone say "gifted"!?