HAPPY NEW YEAR

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's Eve. I plan on sitting here in my warm cozy house, stuffing my face with all of the finger foods I made today, playing Wii with the hubby and kids, making smores when it's dark, drinking Sparkling Grape Juice, and watching the ball drop! What a GREAT evening! God Bless!

....and a Happy New Year!

It really saddens me how you spend so much time to prepare for Christmas, and then it's over so quickly! Even though I feel a little bit of relief to have it out of the way, I really don't want to put my decorations away just yet. It always feels so bare when they are gone. Guess I'll have to go shopping to find decor to replace the Christmas stuff ; )! Christmas was great in the Martin house this year. We woke up, had coffee and hot chocolate, then watched Addy open a few of her gifts. The other kids weren't here for Christmas morning, so we decided to let her open the rest when they were here. We got dressed and went to my MIL house for some food, then drove to Lubbock to pick up the kiddos and came back! It was a little different this year since we spent most of the day in the car, but I wouldn't of had it any other way. We had tons of fun singing Christmas songs and just enjoying being with one another. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures. My silly camera has been pooping out on me, and Santa forgot to bring me a new one this year! Guess I'll have to treat myself in the next few weeks...hehe. I am normally not one to make New Years Resolutions but this year is a little different. Since I've had Addy I have been a few pound heavier than I am used to, and it's really bothering me. I am going to get back into the gym, eat healthier, and start taking more time for ME. I never do anything for myself anymore (get a mani/pedi, hair done, shop, tan, etc.) I just can't seem to ever find the time or I feel like the kids need something that's more important. Well for the new year I am going to start doing more things for ME and I am going to enjoy it and not try to feel guilty. I think it's important for a mom and wife to take this time to relax and feel pretty! I also plan on spending more time with God and growing more with him. I have been so blessed with the life I have and everyone in it, and I am so not deserving of it, so it's important to me that I take time everyday to thank him and talk to him! This bible verse really touched me and it's wonderful for the New Year...
Philippians 3:13-14
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.

Merry Christmas!

Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. (19) And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. (20) But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. (21) She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (22) All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: (23) “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (24) When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, (25) but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.


I wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and many blessings!

Getting to know me...Christmas Style!

I saw this on another blog and I thought it would be fun to do this! I can't believe Christmas is two days away!!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
I prefer to use gift bags but I also love to see the kids rip open their presents, so I will be using both this year!
2. Real tree or artificial?
Artificial this year. I have two up. One in my den, and one in Addy's room. Next year I will be purchasing a real one for the den, and keep the artificial ones for other rooms!
3. When do you put up the tree?
I like to put it up the day after Thanksgiving.
4. Do you like eggnog?
Yes, but I can only drink it once or twice during the holiday season.
5. Favorite gift received as a child?
oh gosh.....I honestly have no clue. Probably matching baby dolls that my sister and I got.
6. Do you have a nativity scene?
No, unfortunately. I plan on getting one after Christmas.
7. Hardest person to buy for?
Probably Bobby. He is so picky!
8. Easiest person to buy for?
Probably my girls. They love all the girly stuff...dolls, makeup, jewelry, etc.
9. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail!! I LOVE getting cards in the mail!!
10. Favorite Christmas movie?
I love A Charlie Brown Christmas
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Every year I say I am going to start in August or Sept, but always end up starting around Dec 15-20....terrible, I know!
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
I love all of the treats everyone makes, especially my neighbor!
13. Clear lights or colored lights on the tree?
I like clear
14. Favorite Christmas song?
Little Drummer Boy
15. Travel or stay home at Christmas?
I like to stay home on Christmas...if we go anywhere, it's to my inlaws house to eat, which is down the street
16. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
I sure can! Rudolph is my favorite!
17. Angel on tree top or star?
I just have a red bow on the main tree this year. Next year I am going to make my own topper.
18. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Morning?
We open one on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning!
19. The most annoying thing about this time of year?
It annoys me that so many people worry so much about gifts and forget the real reason of Christmas.
20. What I love most about Christmas?
I love EVERYTHING! The lights, decorations, cookies, JESUS, holiday parties, Christmas songs, Church service, being with family, giving, stockings, tinsel, snowman, hot chocolate, baking, SANTA, shopping...I could go on and on...

Can't think of a title....

This has been a terrible past few days. My stomach starting hurting real bad to the point to where I can't even walk. I go to the ER because I can't take it anymore and they run all kinds of blood work, take a urine sample, and do a Cat Scan. The Cat Scan shows that my small intestine is inflamed, but they can't tell me why. The dr. (who is the rudest man alive, might I add) prescribes me Tylenol/Codeine for the pain and recommends following up with my regular dr. So until I can see a regualr dr. I am going to have to sit here in excruciating pain, and not know what's causing it. GGRRRRR As you can imagine, I'm a bit frustrated and with Christmas quickly approaching, I want to feel well and enjoy it. I hope the rest of you are having a wonderful week. Please keep me in your prayers!

Verse

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1.17

I thought this verse was perfect with Christmas right around the corner!

Christmas Tour....

I've seen this post on other bloggers pages and thought I would participate. Here are some pictures of the Christmas decor I put up this year...(if you can't tell, I am obsessed with snowman)










I finally got around to my Christmas shopping and the kids are just about done. I just have Bailey left, and Bobby and I are going to go this weekend to finish up! I also treated myself to a few pairs of new boots, a few dresses, leggings, jeans, and some shirts! Merry Christmas to ME! Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!

More Pictures!

We recently got a Wii and are loving it! It's something fun for us to do as a family and spend more time together! Believe it or not, I still haven't started my Christmas shopping. I'm a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to getting stuff done. Hopefully next week I will tackle it and have it all done!
God Bless!

Pictures!

Addy's very own PINK Christmas tree in her bedroom!

Close up! See all of the lime green and pink? Perfect for her!

The next pictures are kind of random but Bobby and I have been repainting several rooms in our house and getting it ready to put back on the market! Our house has 3 bedrooms and two baths, but we need 4 or 5 bedrooms. We just feel so cramped and out of room. The Dining room was red and a gray color and we painted it Classic Khaki and Sauteed Mushroom. I think it looks way better! The den was black. I don't know why anyone would want that color for a family room, but it looks so much better now. We decided to go with Sauteed Mushroom (my new favorite color if you can't tell) on the walls, and Khaki on the fireplace mantles and door frames. The room looks way bigger now!




Hope everyone is having a great week! God Bless!

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas!

Yesterday morning we woke up to snow on the ground, which made me very happy! I live in Odessa, TX and that doesn't happen too often around here! Addy has never seen snow so I got her out to play in it, and she had a blast! Of course the snow is just about melted now, but it really put me in the Holiday mood! I went to Walmart yesterday and got Addy her very own PINK Christmas tree for her bedroom! It's absolutely adorable! I put lime green and pink decor on it, added some pretty ribbon, and made a little Topper to go on top! I am so proud of her little Christmas tree! For some reason it won't let me upload pictures so I'll add them later! Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL weekend!

Random...

Use one word to answer questions....





1. Where is your cell phone? kitchen

2. Your Hair? messy

3. Your Mother? selfless

4. Your Father? amazing

5. Your favorite food? italian

6. Your dream last night? strange

7. Your favorite drink? limeade

8. Your dream/goal? nursing

9. What room are you in? den

10. Your hobby? shopping

11. Your fear? loss

12. Where do you want to be in six years? home

13. Where were you last night? Roadhouse

14. Something you aren't? perfect

15. Favorite Muffin? blueberry

16. Wish List Item? clothes

17. Where did you grow up? Lubbock

18. Last thing you did? dishes

19. What are you wearing? pajamas

20. Your TV? sucks

21. Your Pets? lovable

22. Friends? wonderful

23. Your Life? blessed

24. Your Mood? happy

25. Missing Someone? family

26. Vehicle? Expedition

27. Something your not wearing? socks

28. Your favorite store? Target

29. Your favorite color? fall (brown.orange.red.for those you wondering)

30. When was the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? week

32. Your best friend(s)? strong

33. One place I could go over and over? Mountains

34. Favorite place to eat? Carinos




Very Random, I know. I just can't help myself! On another note, things have been totally crazy around here. We ran into some problems that kept me away from internet for a while, but I am back now!! YAY. For those of you wondering, my hubby and I have deleted our Facebook and Myspace accounts. We've decided to take time to work on US, and didn't need any distractions. The kids are doing great! Ethan has decided that he wants to live with his dad. I struggled with the thought of this for a very long time, and knew the day would come eventually. My decision was based on his happiness and felt that it was something I should let him do. He has always been very close to his dad and although I am a little sad not seeing his sweet face everyday, I know he is happy and I will still see him all the time! Addy is getting so big. She is almost 18 months old now (oh how time flies), and has literally hit TERRIBLE TWOS! She is so head strong for such a little girl, lol. It's her way or no way. And the girl is FEARLESS! Every mother's nightmare I'm sure. She climbs and jumps off of everything, does front flips off of the couch (literally), will touch any animal, etc. As you can imagine, my days are crazy, but so worth it! There's not much to report on the others except they are very ready for Christmas! Thanksgiving was great this year. Addy, Hubby, Bailey, and I all went to my wonderful MIL's house for a great lunch! I made my famous cheeseballs for an appetizer, my pink stuff, and a pumpkin spice cake. We also had the best turkey ever, dressing, deviled eggs, potatoes, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, yams, rolls...you get the picture! It was such a great day and I have so much to be thankful for! I have not started Christmas shopping just yet, but have so many ideas in mind. I was going to get out today but it's SNOWING...yes SNOWING (YAYAYAYAYAY) and COLD! I just might brave it anyway. I love love love this weather. It really gets me in the mood for Christmas! That's all I have to report today.....God Bless!

30 days of Thankful...

I saw this on Facebook and thought I would participate since Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I have so many things to be thankful for.

Day 1 (missed posting yesterday)

I am thankful for God. I have been through so many ups and downs my entire life, and no matter what God has never left my side. He has blessed my life in so many ways and it's so wonderful knowing that he will always love me and always be there. I love God with my whole heart and can't express enough how thankful I am to have him in every aspect of my life.


Day 2

I am thankful for my children. My kids mean everything to me. They know how to make me laugh when I am sad, and melt my heart every single day. I never thought in a million years that I could love someone so much until I had each one of them. They are perfect in every way and I thank God that they are healthy, happy kids. They are my world and could never imagine my life without them!

Crazy 8's

Crazy 8's...took this from another blog!
I tag everyone who reads this to do it!!

8 things I am looking forward to...
1. Going Shopping tomorrow for some fall clothes
2. Girl's Night Out Friday evening
3. Halloween
4. My birthday November 1st..although I am not looking forward to getting older
5. The cooler weather
6. getting our plumbing fixed
7. Taking the kids to Fiddlesticks Farm
8. Carving pumpkins and making our Halloween Cookies!

8 things I did yesterday...
1. Took Addy to Mother's Day Out
2. Went to Target and got the kids some cute shirts
3. Picked up the house
4. Ordered Pizza
5. played on Facebook and read blogs
6. folded laundry
7. went to the bank
8. picked the kids up from school

8 things I wish I could do.....
1. go to a beach (never been to one)
2. Own a lake house
3. learn to play the piano again
4. go to Vegas with a bunch of friends one weekend
5. buy all new furniture for the whole house
6. buy a bigger house (have to sell this one first)
7. Have an unlimited amount of money shopping spree for just one weekend
8. visit St. Judes hospital and donate a bunch of money to them

8 shows I watch.....
1. Sons of Anarchy
2. Home Extreme Makeover
3. Dancing with the Stars
4. What I Like About You
5. The City...so silly
6. Reba
7. Man vs Wild
8. The Hills...so stupid

Busy Bee.....

I have been so busy these past few weeks, I haven't really had a chance to sit down and update about our life! The kids started school in August and are both doing so great. I absolutely love their teachers, as do the kids, and I think it's going to be a fantastic school year. I'm a little worried about miss Trinity though. She started 5th grade and is now noticing boys. She has her first crush, Justin, the new kid in class. She thinks he "likes" her to. I really don't think I am ready for this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! She also started shaving her legs last week. She told me the other girls shaved and were calling her "hairy", so I called up my mom freaking out and wondering what to do. She said to let her shave. AAHHHHHH!!! My sweet little niece is growing up way too fast! Addy also started Mother's Day Out at a church by our house. She goes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-3! It's so great for her, and she has a blast, but it still kills mommy to leave her. I won't lie, it's wonderful having two full days to myself to do whatever I want, but I'm still not used to it and I find myself checking the mirror in the car for her throughout the day! Ethan and Bailey are both doing great. There's really nothing new to report with them. Ethan didn't want to play any sports this year, so I am having a little trouble with that, but I want to support his decision and want he wants to do. Maybe he'll change his mind soon.
Our house is still on the market, and has been for about a year now, if not longer. I know the market is terrible right now, but I just want out of this house! Bobby purchased it before we married, and it's just not our "home". I'm not happy in it and we are completely out of room! I know God has something wonderful in store for us, and I am trying to be patient...but sooner would be better!!
The FLU....yes I said the terrible, disgusting word. It has taken over our house and I am about sick of the smell of lysol and Clorox wipes! It started with Ethan. He ran fever for two days and was just miserable. I never took him to the dr. because he got over it fairly quickly. Well then come Sunday morning (last Sunday to be exact) I wake up achey, running fever, and literally not able to get out of bed. I stay sick until around Thursday morning. I went to the ER Tues or Weds night because I couldn't take it anymore. They tell me I have an Upper Respiratory Infection and there's nothing you can do but rest and drink plenty of fluids. Well poor Addy is suffering right along with me, and has the same symptoms so I figured I spare her the pain of the ER and let it pass. She get WORSE and won't even move, so I book it to the ER and she has the FLU. My poor, sweet Addy had never been so sick. The dr prescribed Tamiflu and she is feeling much better today, thank goodness. Now I am praying to my sweet Jesus that Bobby and Trinity don't catch the crud!
That's what's been going on at the Martin Household.....God bless and WASH YOUR HANDS!!! lol

Fun Friday

I will probably say this every Friday, but I LOVE Fridays!! hehe. The kids and hubby are going to a Rockhounds Game (baseball for those of you that don't have a clue what that is) with our Church tonight. They are having a family picnic beforehand with all you can eat hot dogs, cookies, chips, etc. Should be a fun night for the kids! I decided to opt out because a one year old + about 5 hours of sitting+ bedtime at 8pm= grumpy baby and parents! I'm fine with not going because that means I get to spend special cuddle time with my baby girl, and have time all to myself when she goes to sleep! Tomorrow should be a fun day as well. Our friend's Robbie and Heather are having a BBQ and poker night for Robbie's 30Th birthday! Unfortunately, hubby isn't going since he will be at the MMA fights at the coliseum, but I will be there and I look forward to seeing a few of my best girlfriends! YAY for great food and wonderful company!
The kids start school Monday!! We went to "meet the teacher" night yesterday and I am very pleased with the teacher's the kids got. Ethan's is about my age and was very sweet! Trinity's was a bit older but extremely cheerful and happy! I think it's going to be a great school year! I still can't believe summer break is already over. It went by so fast. I actually look forward to fall coming! My favorite months are October and November! We always have so much planned during those months and have a blast! I can't wait. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!! God Bless!

Baby Reese...

I just want to say THANK YOU LORD. Thank you for all of the blessings in my life. One of them being my healthy, beautiful children. I was reading a blog today about a mother who lost her baby girl a few nights ago. She was only 2 days old (I believe). Being a mother myself, I could not imagine the pain and heartache she is going through right now and she is going to need all of our prayers to lift her up during this difficult time. When Addison was born she had problems breathing and had to go to NICU for two weeks. Those were the longest two weeks of my life. We didn't know what was going to happen for a few days and I was so afraid of losing her. I just couldn't imagine what life would be like right now without her. God is so good all the time and I know he has a reason and meaning for everything. I will never question that, EVER. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Please keep Baby Reese's family on your thoughts and prayers this weekend. God bless.


My baby girl a year later!!



Addy just two days old...

TGIF!

I just love Fridays! It's the day the weekend starts and I get to spend time with my Hubby and kids! YAY! Anyway, what a long and boring week this has been. We haven't really been up to a whole lot due to me feeling poopy. I think I have a sinus infection. YUCK! I get about a million of these a year so you'd think I'd be used to them by now. If anyone has any remedies for these suckers please let me know! We did get Ethan's school shoes on Wednesday. That was our outing for the week, and what an adventure it was. My baby boy now wears MEN shoes. HE'S 9!!! (tear) It really makes me sad that he is getting so BIG! We started at Rack Room Shoes but didn't find a thing in his size that wasn't over 100.00 dollars. I refuse to spend that much on shoes that he'll only wear for a few months. So we decided to skip the mall (where the other shoe stores are) and drive to Midland to Academy. After trying on about 10 pairs of shoes and us butting heads about what he should get, we found some gray and black Nike's! Thank goodness. They weren't the ones I really wanted for him, but he didn't like the Under Armor or Adidas I picked out. Both Trinity and Ethan are to the age that "mom" can't pick out their things anymore. I guess I'm just not cool enough! At least Addy is still little and I have a few years of dressing her cute!!! So that was the highlight of my week. I'm really looking forward to this weekend! Our Church is having a Back to School Party to reach out to the neighborhood, and hand out school supplies to those who can't afford them. They are going to serve hot dogs and treats, have jumpers, and a karate instructor is going to do a demonstration for the kids! It's such a great thing they are doing and I hope it will help many people! God has blessed my family and I in so many ways, and I am so happy that I might can make a difference in someone Else's life! I was asked if I could help at the event and hand out supplies to people, and I am so glad to be able to do so. God is so good all the time! I hope everyone has a great and safe weekend! GOD BLESS!!!!

Busy Summer

I cannot believe how fast this summer has gone by! In just two short weeks, the kids will be going back to school! It's almost bittersweet though. I love having them home and spending time with them, but I also love being able to go do what I want, and workout when I want! Of course I will have miss Addy here, but it'll be so much fun spending time with her! Anyway...back to our busy Summer! We had a blast! We made two lake trips. One was to Lake Nasworthy with our friends Chad and Angie, and the other was to Lake Ivie with our friends Ryan and Erica. I LOVE the lake. Someday Bobby and I are going to own a lake house and retire there! Seriously! Of course we did the normal summer things like swim, swim, and swim! I bought the kids one of those 30.00 blowup pools and it was so not worth the money! I'm glad I didn't spend the 200.00-400.00 that I was going to! They swam maybe 4 times total. However, the did swim at the Y every single day while I worked out, and at the pool by our house. Well more like a mini water park..so fun! We BBQ'd ALOT, hung out with friends and at grandmas house, and played outside! I guess if I look back, it doesn't seem like we did a whole lot, but it sure felt like it! We also celebrated Addison's FIRST birthday June 8th! She is growing up way too fast. I'm not having anymore children, so I want her to stay little and sweet! She is walking, climbing, talking, and throwing temper tantrums now! She is the cutest thing ever though! Ethan had a birthday as well. My baby boy is now 9 years old and is going to start the 4th grade! He is a young man now. He talks like he is so grown up and is so big! He can wear my shoes and is almost as tall as I am! It's sad how time just flies by. Before I know it they will be grown! Here are a few pictures to show what we've been up to...God Bless