Life As A Martin

Happy Halloween! Happy Birthday Matthew! Happy! Happy! Happy!

2011-11-03T21:23:00.015-05:00

Before I get any "well it's about time" comments, let me just say "I know, I know." The point is I'm blogging people. Let's move on. :)

I am just going to throw out some recent random happenings.

Leecie thought (well maybe I had a little bit to do with it.) that Halloween 2011 was her closest chance at being a part of the Oscars. What? Well, she had three, that's right THREE, costumes this year.

Costume #1 - Lolly the Clown

She wore this one to the Fall Festival we had at Church. Before the night was over it was ripped, had chili stains down the front and her headband was snapped in half. Hey, I guess she was just clowning around. Hehehe.

Costume #2 - The Pirate

Leecie was a Pirate for her Halloween festivities at "school". That costume had to walk the plank when she got home. Cupcake, Cheeto and Dirt stains for days. Argh!!!!

Costume #3 - Alex from Wizards of Waverly Place

This was my $1.64 costume from Dirt Cheap. Oh how I heart Dirt Cheap. Anyway, this was Leecie's Trick-or-Treating costume. It must have been magic because it made it all the way through the night without a single tear or stain. But I guess I should expect that from the cheapest costume huh?

Ainsley the MSU Cheerleader and Leecie the Clown having fun at the Fall Festival.

Love these girls. :)

Corbin the River Bandit.

This is NOT how he normally looks in this uniform. Normally, he is covered from head to toe in dirt.

Now this is Pigpen!

Corbin has not been hit by a baseball all year. The boy may be dirty, but he is fast. So fast in fact, that a car can't even hit him. That's right, a car, well a van to be exact. Corbin was running across the alley at Chruch the other night and didn't look before he crossed. He ran out in front of a van!!!!!!!!! As he ran out in front of the van he saw it, popped back and hit the side of the van. It took his breath away for a minute but as soon as he was able to, he took off running to me. Only Corbin could do that. I have no idea who hit him but I pray that they know he came away from it without a single bruise, scratch or broken bone. He was perfectly fine.

I just want everyone to know that I serve a MIGHTY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!

Ole'

Matthew may have been too big to dress up for Halloween this year, but you're never too big to wear the ole Sombrero at El Toro. Matthew turned 13 last week. I can't believe I have a teenager!!!!!!!!!! That does not make me old, just older. ;) ~ We are so proud of the young man he is shaping up to be.

We love you Matthew Earl Martin Jr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BODIES!

Matthew wanted to go to a Haunted House for his 13th Birthday so we loaded up and went to one of the biggest ones in the South, Arx Mortis. Spoooooky. These teenage boys cracked me up. The phrase that they came away repeating..."BODIES!!"

Josh, Wes, Brendan and Matthew

Potty Training & 4th of July

2010-07-06T17:20:00.000-05:00

Ann Elise has officially graduated from baby to BIG GIRL. We took advantage of the long weekend to start her potty training. We decided to go with the 3 Day Method and I am sooooo glad we did. We are on day four and she is doing great!! - I still have nightmares about the boys potty training. - The first couple of days were a little rocky, well, actually they were rock-less, if you get my drift. Hehehe. She woke up dry the past two nights and so far has had NO accidents today. I pray this success continues.
We spent the 4th of July with the Martins this year. We ate way more food than any humans should and then the kids (Matt, Daniel & Kerry included) had their annual water balloon fight. Colby and I were forced onto the battlefield due to the wee little ones wanting to play on the water slide. I got off lucky with only a minor blow to the arm. Colby on the other hand, was majorly injured when she got hit smack dab in the face by my husband. Bad Matt! Bad! Bad! Seriously, she wasn't injured, just a little more wet than she had bargained for. :) All in all it was a great time. I even got to sneak in a little nap. I love naps! I just wish my kids loved naps so I could sneak in more myself. :)
(Sorry there aren't any pictures from the 4th. My sister has my camera.)

I'm A Big Kid Now!

Your eyes do noteth decieveth...or something like that!

2010-06-27T20:45:00.001-05:00

I am actually posting on my blog for the first time in months. It's not as though I have had nothing to blog about, I just haven't been able to find the time (or energy) to do it. After all, I do have a husband, three kids and a house to take care of, oh, and a full time job.

Updates on the Fam!

Matthew - He has definitely developed the preteen teenager attitude. I have officially gone from knowing a little here and there to knowing absolutely nothing about anything. I fully expect him to start calling me Kelly any day now. So, there is lots of stomping, huffing & puffing, sighing, eye rolling and mumbling going on in the upper wing of the Martin estate. He is officially through with elementary school and will be moving on up to middle school this fall. I don't know if I am ready for all the middle school drama, but Matthew sure is excited about it. He is finally starting to fill out and out grow everything he owns. He is eating me out of house and home. If you were to have him over to your house for dinner one night you would swear that we haven't fed him in at least a week. All in all, he is coming in to the next phase of life and I am just going to have to admit that I am now just the co-pilot helping keep him on the right course.

Look at how he has grown up over the past few months. He is such a good kid.

Matthew & Corbin sporting their camo at the CAFB Air Show.

Corbin - What can I say about Corbin? He is predictably unpredictable. He can pull just about any stunt and yet somehow get away with it. (Much to Matthew's dismay.) He is Mr. Competitive! Mr. Must Have A Ball In Hand At All Times! Mr. It's Not Fair! But mostly, he is known around my house as Bo. In the last few months, Bo has managed to drop his cell phone in the Giraffe exhibit at the zoo AND he actually got it back. Yea, that is Bo for you. He somehow got to visit the book fair at school when he wasn't supposed to. Ask him how he managed that and he just gives you a little nod and a wink. He manages to end up with an after game snack when he isn't even on the team. Most recently he has chipped a tooth while eating pancakes. Yes he did and no I did not make them. :) He is catching for the 9 Year Old All-Star Baseball Team. My mom says that scares her to think about the bigger boys running over him. I have to remind her that we are talking about Corbin and that the bigger boys should be afraid of him running them over. That child is fearless, except when it comes to eating healthy foods and then he completely wigs out.

The traditional "pie-in-the-face" at El Toro for his 9th Birthday.

More birthday fun at home. From left: Matthew, Hunter, Corbin & Joe.

Ann Elise - She is growing up all too fast. She is wearing lipstick (ahem, orange highlighter), talking in full sentences, jumping off of everything she can climb onto, and, in true girl fashion, already gets frustrated with her hair. She has two BFFs, Lyla and Lilly Grace, and they are too funny together. They squeal, hold hands and boss each other around. I love it! She is such a little mama and to her daddy's delight she loves beesball, aka, baseball. She is quick to say 'bless you' and 'thank you much' and will give away kisses galore when the mood strikes her. She has ALL the men in my life wrapped tightly around her little finger. Her brothers are quick to her defense if we try to discipline her and even quicker to give her her way. (Well, except when it comes to any ball and Bo just doesn't give in to anything involving a ball. HA!)

Putting on her "lipstick".

Don't forget to rub it in.
Now smile for the camera.

Not that anyone really is interested in Matt and I, but we are doing good too. Staying busier than any two people should, running after three kids and keeping up with household chores. Okay, you got me, we really don't keep up with household chores, but it just sounds nice to me to say that we are. I really do need a maid if anyone wants to volunteer. :)

More fun time at the air show.
Baking in the sun.

Joe, Corbin & Me with Matthew & Hunter in the background.

Matt, the most handsome man at the air show.

I mean, check out that smile. It makes me melt.

If you see me running naked...

2010-02-04T21:01:00.001-06:00

...just smile, wave and move on or I might just have to take you with me to Crazy Town after a quick stop over at Mama-needs-a-nap-ville. In case you might be as tired as I am and slow to catch on, I have had a somewhat challenging week thus far.
I have been struggling through this week with a never ending headache, sick children, no coworker for the third week, no makeup most days, running late everyday, a nice loooong visit from my dear friend Mother Nature, a trip to the ER, a sweater that insisted on wearing my makeup, a house that refuses to clean itself, a toddler who thinks the world is her own personal jungle gym, beds being dropped onto children by certain other children, back talking, arguing, stomping, did I mention the dropping of beds?, and so on and so forth, etc. etc. etc. Sigh........
So, if you see me running naked just smile, wave and move on.

A lot of catching up to do!

2009-12-15T18:45:00.001-06:00

So, for all my blog followers (all five of you) I know I haven't updated my blog in quite some time so I thought it was about time. What do you think?

Here are a few highlights of what I have failed to blog about over the past six months or so:

Matthew:

-Went on not one but two beach vacations this past summer. Lucky!

-Played All-Star Baseball.

-Started FIFTH grade.

-Celebrated his 11th birthday.

-Swears he has facial hair.

-His hair has an attitude of it's own.

-Has officially started his preteen phase. Sigh...

Corbin:

-My darling baby boy decided he wanted to know what it was like to be the Energizer Bunny after he swallowed a watch battery that landed us at LeBonheur.

-Went on a mountain vacation with his Aunt Heddy and her family.

-Played All-Star Baseball.

-Playing D2 Soccer.

-Started THIRD grade.

-Started wearing deodorant and cologne.

Ann Elise (aka Leecie Bob):

-Is becoming more and more a girly girl every day.

-Turned 20 months old on Thanksgiving Day.

-Scaled my stairs while I was doing laundry.

-Learned to open up doors.

-Learned to play Hide-n-Seek.

-Decided she wanted to be acne free and consumed some of Mama's face wash.

The rest of the Martin Crew:

-My platelets are well under control as long as I take my medication. :)

-Went on a vacation to the beach.

-I turned THIRTY. Yikes! I feel old.

-Matt tore out our main downstairs bathroom back in August and put it all back together, well except for we have no toilet or sink, but other than that it is back together. LOL

-Our working downstairs toilet over flowed for 5 1/2 hours a few weeks ago and caused quite the mess in our room, bathroom and Leecie Bob's room.

-We finally got a tree up last week. All three of my kiddos helped decorate it and it looks awesome.

-We celebrated Papaw, Wes, Paw, Mimi, Mine, Matthew, Granny, Oyce, Josh, Kerry, Ainsley, Pop, Daniel and Heather's birthdays.

Wow! I have a lot of catching up to do.

Happy 60th Birthday Mimi!!!!!!

2009-08-17T08:33:00.000-05:00

Matt's mom, Sherron, turned 60 on Thursday and her lovely children (more so her daughter and fantabulous daughters-in-law) threw her a surprise party Saturday night. The look on her face when she walked in was priceless and apparently photo-less since none of us thought to snap her initial reaction.
So, here is a little recap for your entertainment...

We placed an ad in the local paper for all to see that Sherron was turning 60. This is the picture that we used. WOW!!! How on earth did Papaw land such a babe? She was a drum major in high school, but I imagine more people were staring at those legs marching than the marching band.
Fast forward 40+ years and she is still absolutely GORGEOUS! (Man! I should have gotten another leg shot...you know, for comparison sake.)

Holly's birthday was on Saturday and mine is coming up this Saturday so we each had our own mini cakes. Now, rewind 20+ years and see what Sherron looked like at 30 something. Holly looks so much like her mom and has the same big heart. Happy Birthday Holly!!!

Here is Sherron and her crew. Don't we look like a handful? Left to Right: front, Corbin, Kaylen; second row, Matthew, Earl, Sherron, Wes; third row, Ann Elise, Kelly (that's me), Holly, Ainsley, Colby; back row, Matt, Kerry, Daniel and Loyce

Okay. Please don't make me try to name everybody in this picture because I would soooo leave somebody out. Anyway, look at how many people came to show their love for this amazing woman. I'm glad Daniel and Colby have such a beautiful, open house for everyone to gather.

Sherron, you mean more to me than you could ever know. I know there is a stigma out there when it comes to mothers-in-law and their daughters-in-law, but we became fast friends when I joined this family many years ago and that friendship has grown into such a bond that I could never have imagined. You are truly an inspiration to us all.

Now, for my favorite picture and the one that is going to get me banned from the family...here is my funny, big hearted, giving, loving, understanding, crazy, kind, humble, one of a kind, beautiful, twice my age, mother-in-law.

I love you! Happy 60th Birthday!

Check-ups

2009-06-29T08:25:00.000-05:00

I had to go see the nurse at Dr. M's on Friday and have another CBC done and Ann Elise had her 15 month old check-up immediately following. Matthew went with me which was such a huge help keeping AE entertained.
My visit:
My platelets were down to 525,000 and my white blood count was up to 3,800, both of which is good news. I have to go back on Monday to repeat my CBC and see the nurse and as of now I am scheduled to see Dr. M again on the 17th. At my last visit with Dr. M he told me that is was looking as if I were going to have to be on medication from here on out. I guess that just means I will get to be visiting with Holly a little more often. :)
AE's visit:
Ann Elise had gotten sick a couple of times throughout the week with no other symptoms so I just chalked it up as drainage and didn't think much else about it until Friday morning when she decided to get sick twice at my doctor's appointment. As big of a help as Matthew can be, he does not do well with vomit. So he just handed me wipes and clothes and kept his distance until he was given the all clear sign. Ha! After Dr. G came in to check over little Miss Priss she ordered a strep test and a CBC just to rule out any infections before giving her any boosters. Well, AE did not like getting her finger stuck, then squeezed and wrapped in some foreign object - bandaid - so she screamed and pulled and screamed some more. She wanted nothing to do with me because I had to hold her down during this and therefore I was an enemy. Again, it was a good thing Matthew went with me because he loved on her for a while. She was mad at me up until I removed the bandaid and instantly the tears stopped and I was on her side again. Anyway, everything came back fine and Dr. G said she just has a summer cold so AE got three shots. :( She cried a little but nothing like from the finger stick. How funny is that?
She weighed 20 lbs. 3 oz. and was 30 1/4 inches tall so Dr. G said she could finally graduate from her infant carrier to a big girl carseat. Woo hoo! She loves being able to see where she is going, but I think she is going to have a difficult time adjusting to not being able to see what her big brothers are up to in the back seat.
(I haven't pulled out the old camera in a while, so no new picture to go with this one. How about a flashback photo instead?)

Matthew & Ann Elise

She was only three days old in this photo.

My...how both of them have changed sooo much.

Update

2009-05-26T15:45:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to give you an update on my "unique" medical situation. I went back to Dr. Morris this morning and my platelets have come down to 968,000. Yeah. I am so thankful to the Great Physician that they have continued to come down, but my earthly physician thinks still thinks they need to come on down a little quicker so he doubled my medication and added something he hopes will help with my headaches. I have to continue to go back weekly until we can get my platelets to a "comfortable" level (and to monitor my white and red blood counts as well, this medication can effect those) so that Dr. M can take me off of the medication, do the bone marrow biopsy, and put me back on the medication. Yes, that's right, at the moment the plan is still to go ahead with the bone marrow biopsy. He is putting it off for the time being until he can get my levels down enough to feel comfortable about taking me off the medication temporarily. Apparently you cannot get an accurate reading while on this medication. We are unsure of when the biopsy will take place because it all depends on how long it takes my levels to come down, could be a week, could be months. Who knows, maybe he will nix the whole biopsy thing. A girl can hope, can't she? Anyway, we already know that the prayers are working because my platelet levels have come down so please keep sending them up. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and encouragement.

While I'm Waiting

2009-05-21T06:34:00.003-05:00

Yesterday's visit with Dr. M went okay. We got to watch Dr. Phil and a little bit of Oprah while waiting and I only had to give the vampire lady one vial of blood this time. Yeah. Oh, and my platelet count was down to 1,170,000. Double Yeah.
Anyway, as if I weren't nervous enough about my visit, Dr. M comes into the room and the first thing he says is "So, do you want to have a bone marrow biopsy?" Well, duh, NO, but if I need one I guess so. He decided to go ahead and set me up for the biopsy on Friday, then start medication to get my platelets down to a safe level and see him back the first of the week to get the results. He then noticed that a couple of my tests that he had sent to Mayo hadn't come back yet so he left to see if he could call and get those. No such luck since it was after FIVE. However, when he came back into the room Matt asked him about how long I would have to stay on this medication, if it would be a permanent thing or just long enough to get my levels back to normal and come off or what. Well, I think Dr. M took his question wrong and thought Matt was asking if we could try the medication first instead of the biopsy so he put the biopsy on hold until we get the Mayo results and told me to go ahead with the medication. We think Dr. M's primary concern at this point is to get my platelets down and then move forward. So that is where we are, waiting once again. I go back on Tuesday at 9:30 and hopefully we will know more at that point. Until then we are PRAYING HARD that it is the Thrombocytosis Essential and that the medication (Hydrea) is doing it's thing and bringing my levels on down to normal. I take comfort in knowing that God does hear our prayers so please keeping sending them up. I know that God is soooo good and he will protect me and it is my prayer that I will PRAISE him no matter what.
This is one of my favorite songs.
John Waller - While I'm Waiting
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Peace

2009-05-14T12:21:00.003-05:00

My bestest friend Hope sent this to me today. Even though I say I am handling yesterday's news okay she knows that I am really just holding it together and might lose it at any minute. When she told me she was going to send me something and then I got this I have to admit I shed a few tears. Thanks Hope. Love Ya!
God has such perfect timing.
Do not look forward to what might happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father, who cares for you today, will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

Thrombocytosis

2009-05-13T20:28:00.005-05:00

Where to begin? I had intentions of posting about how much "fun" it is to go for your yearly checkup but after an interesting chain of events I have something on a more serious note to blog about.
God is AMAZING! I have been toying with the idea of changing from my doctor whom I love dearly to a doctor closer to home because of convenience and because he is A LOT cheaper, but as GOD would have it, I decided to go on to my regularly scheduled checkup on Monday. As I mentioned I had plans on writing about all the humorous things we women have to go through during these oh so pleasant visits so I had out my handy dandy notebook jotting down a few things to post when Dr. S walked in and everything changed. After all the usual "hands on" business he had me get dressed so we could discuss this platelet issue. According to his machine my levels were at 999,999 (which was the highest number his would read) and a normal level should range between 140,000 - 440,000. Dr. S was concerned. Dr. S is a very take it as the wind blows kind of person so for him to be concerned concerned me. So, after drawing more blood and rechecking there, just to be sure they sent the sample over to the hospital. A couple of hours later I received a phone call from Dr. M's office with an appointment for today. Then I received another phone call from Dr. S explaining that he was referring me to a Hematologist (Dr. M) for a more thorough workup.
I'll admit I was a little freaked out but surprisingly I haven't dwelled on it. I had really expected to be given some medication to correct it and move on...well, that is not how things went. So here's the rundown. After seven tubes of blood, three waiting rooms, two very long hours and one Dr. M later we know a lot and very little. My actual platelet count from Monday was 1.5 MILLION and today's was 1.3 million. Even though today's was a little lower Dr. M was quick to say that it is not unusual for it to fluctuate that much when levels are as high as mine. We know I have Thrombocytosis but we don't know what kind yet. There are two kinds of Thrombocytosis, reactive and essential. I will not presume to know exactly what that means but my understanding is that reactive is my body reacting to something (hopefully my IUD) or essential which means my body just produces too many platelets and they give me medication to help. Words such as chronic leukemia and bone marrow biopsy were thrown at me as well but only as possibilities and not likelys. I mentioned my IUD earlier because looking back over my levels since I had it put in until today (1 year today) they have steadily been increasing. So we are praying HARD that by having it removed my levels will begin to fall until they reach normal. I also had stated earlier that God is AMAZING because had I switched doctors the local doctor does not take blood samples during routine checkups. So I know that no matter what comes of this ordeal, GOD is already ALL over it watching over me.
I do ask that you pray for me during this difficult time and for my family.
Prayer Requests:
That the IUD removal WILL bring my platelet count down to normal.
That I make it through this week without losing my mind.
That I don't have a stroke. (Which is possible with levels this high)
That I won't have cancer. ( That word scares me.)
That I won't have to endure a bone marrow biopsy.
Praises:
Matt went with me to my appointments today.
I didn't change doctors.
Dr. S took prompt action.
I am so blessed to have such a supportive family.
That my IUD removal went well.
I leave you with this:
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrew 11:1

Happy Birthday Corbin!

2009-05-12T21:31:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was Corbin's EIGHTH birthday. Wow! Time has flown by in warp speed. Corbin is such a little charmer. He is always talking us into things. In true little boy fashion, he loves all things blue and all things sports and all things electronic and of course all things MAMA. :) I have to admit I love all things Corbin too. God has blessed us beyond belief.

Happy Birthday Corbin!

Me and my little Cornbread.

Matthew & Leecie Bob. Giddy up horsey.
Corbin & Daddy in a skeet ball battle.

He might NOT be a beautician but...

2009-05-04T06:36:00.006-05:00

I have to say I have a new love in my heart (and a good laugh) for my dear sweet husband. You see, I got the brilliant idea yesterday that I would recolor my hair MYSELF...yea, MISTAKE, especially since I have a very talented sister who is a beautician. Anyway, I put my too cute rubber gloves on and started coloring away. I carefully watched the time and at exactly 25 minutes I rinsed, conditioned, rinsed again and wrapped my hair tightly up in a towel. Everything was going just peachy until I took off the towel and the sun came out, and it was raining outside. Ahem. After my initial shock, and applying SPF 40, I thought well maybe it won't be so bad after I dry it. Then I thought maybe it won't be so bad after I fix it. Well maybe I was WRONG!

So, after the "I told you so" spill from my big sis I threw on a baseball cap and headed back to Wal-Mart for take two, only take two required not one but two more color kits. One for the desired color and one so I could have a cap to pull my hair through to help tame the sun with an eclipse. :) So I get back home, we eat supper by way of sun light, watch a movie and put the kids to bed so we could get started. Matt had agreed during my conversation with Amie that he would help with this process. So I pulled on my stylish new cap and gave my husband a bright and shiny and SHARP new hook to pull my hair through with and away we went. Well, after many bouts of throwing the hook down and something about a rat's nest (oh! and referring to my sister as CRAZY for her career choice) I knew something had to be done. So, with an aching scalp and a profound disgust the cap ended up back in the box only TWO HOURS after we had begun and a new ALL OVER color was applied. After examining my end result and deciding I could live with it I crawled into bed at 1 am.

All in all I think I have learned a few things:

* Never give your husband an excuse (and a weapon) to torture you.

* Light Blonde should really be named You Are My Sunshine Blonde.

* Pain is Beauty or Beauty is Pain...however that saying goes -- IT HURTS!!

* Next time I WILL be tortured, I mean pampered, by my sister instead.

* Finally. Matt might not be a beautician but the man loves me enough to try.

And here is the final result. What do you think?

State Bible Drill

2009-05-01T22:00:00.004-05:00

We had ten fabulous kids participate in the State Bible Drill from our church last week. I am so proud of each one of them. I would so lose to any one of these 4th-6th grade Bible Drillers on "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" I mean, could you recite and find 25 Bible verses just from hearing the first few words of the verse or the reference? Me neither. I feel so unsmart right now. Anyway, Matthew was so nervous but he did great. We must also say a special thank you to Mrs. Robyn Shelton and Mrs. Katherine Parham for working so hard in preparing these boys and girls with the word of God. You ladies are super!!!!!!

Matthew receiving his award.

Way Cool - Super Smart - God's Word Knowing - State Bible Drillers

She represents the Lollipop Guild...

2009-05-01T21:43:00.002-05:00

Well, we broke down and gave Leecie Bob her very first lollipop the other night, well actually it was a ring pop, and she L-O-V-E-D it!!!! It was like a watermelon flavored paci to her. She quickly whittled it down to almost nothing and Mommy was afraid that she would utilize her brand new razor sharp toofies so I took it away and the wailing immediately began. She cried for ten minutes. Almost long enough for Daddy to break down and give her another one. Thankfully Mommy shushed wailing Leecie Bob just in time. Vanilla Wafers anyone?

Leecie Bob's impression of a fish...

I mean lovin' a ring pop.

Coming Soon! to a screen near you.

2009-04-28T12:03:00.003-05:00

New posts and new pictures are coming soon...I PROMISE!!!!!!!!!
I just saw that my SIL Colby updated her blog with new family photos that are sooooo cute and I am soooooo jealous. I have tons of Ann Elise pictures because she is at that got-to-catch-every-moment stage. I have a few of the boys. But I have NONE of our whole family since Mother's Day 2008 or even one or the other parent with the kiddos. I am so terrible at that. It's not easy getting three kids and a husband to cooperate for a family photo but by gollie I am going to try to get at least one very, Very, VERY soon...maybe even this weekend. We'll see.

Happy Very First Birthday!

2009-03-26T18:26:00.010-05:00

Just to warn you, I may be a rambling, emotional, chatterbox throughout this looooong post, but it is my only daughter's VERY FIRST BIRTHDAY and I can blog if I want to. (Can't you just hear that last part to the tune of "It's My Party and I'll Cry if I want to"?) lol

Anywho -

Today, March 26, 2009, we celebrate the first birthday of our only daughter, Ann Elise Martin.

To My Daughter,

As I write this letter to you, you sleep in the highchair next to me with a purple paci in that sweet little toothless mouth of yours, your pink heart bib cocked sideways around your sweet little rolled neck, in your turquoise shirt with the cutest pink pants hiked up to your knees and those sweet, kissable, size three bare feet dangling just a few inches shy of the foot rest, oh how I love those sweet little toes, at this very moment your hair is glistening in the kitchen light from having wiped your cheese stained hands through your hair, your precious green eyes are hidden behind your beautiful, long eyelashes that are closed ever so lightly and fluttering from time to time as you dream. I wonder what you must be dreaming of. Prince Charming perhaps.

You, my darling daughter, were prayed for for many years before you were ever conceived. Our desire to have another child was slowly turning into heartache as the months turned to years without a baby. I prayed and cried and often felt angry at God for putting this desire in my heart but leaving my arms empty. Looking back I can now understand a little better. God was preparing my heart for more. I grew closer to God during our struggle to conceive you and even more during the months of carrying you. God had the perfect plan in place for when you would come into our family...His plan. As you were growing inside of me, so very close to my heart, you helped me not only survive some of the hardest moments of my life but gave me hope, strength, and peace about all the not-so-peaceful things going on around me. Again, God's perfect timing.

You light up a room when you smile and you smile most all the time. You especially love your two big brothers. Anytime they come within sight you get so ecstatic and so do they. You are such a beautiful combination of Matthew and Corbin. You have shown them that God does answer prayers for they prayed for a baby sister and here you are.

You are already such a girly-girl. You are instantly attracted to anything pink, purple, shiny or shoes. You love, love, love to wear Mommy's necklaces. You love, love, love to wear squeaky shoes. And you love, love, love to steal Daddy's night time yogurt snack. (And Daddy loves, loves, loves to share it you.)

You are so independent and determined in everything you do. You have such a little temper when you don't get your way, which isn't often because you most often get your way.

You, my darling daughter, are the final piece to make our family whole. Both Daddy and I love you so very, very much and we thank God for our family every single day. As we close the first chapter of your life we await with such excitement on what this next chapter will tell and the many more to follow.

All my love,
Mommy

Now, for your viewing pleasure....PICTURES! Yea. Don't you just love pictures?

It's hard to believe you went from this...

...to this...

...to this.

Our Little Princess

What I meant to say was...
Our Little Miss Piggy

I just got chills.

One day in the not so distant future Ann
Elise will be wearing a wedding veil.

Not Me! Monday!

2009-03-17T22:06:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This is my first time to participate in this so hang on, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

I did not post this Not Me! Monday! on Tuesday...I certainly did not.

I did not send my infant daughter to daycare without her paci today. How awful would that have been? I absolutely did not.

I have not spent all night piddling on the computer...nope, not me.

I did not spend way too much money at the ob-gyn just to find out that "it just goes along with your IUD". Not me again.

I did not just type the ob-gyn statement because that would be extremely personal and more information than you want to know....NOT ME, I swear.

My house most certainly does not look like a tornado came through...twice...No sir.

I did not clean out our refrigerator last week to find a bowl of salad left over from who knows when and it did not smell bad, no way.

I did not question the last time we had salad because we have salad so often...Eeek, no I am a good mama and I give my children salad all the time.

Wow, it's kind of fun to let out a few of those "Did I really do that?" Maybe I will get better at these posts and maybe I will remember to post it on Mondays and maybe you will join in on the fun.

Happy Tuesday...I mean Monday...Okay, Tuesday.

March Madness

2009-03-17T20:56:00.003-05:00

To help jump start Spring Break (and March Madness) we took to the boys to see the Harlem Globe Trotters last night. We had a blast! We even waited in the ever so not-short line to get Big Easy's autograph on our newly acquired second mortgage, I mean official Harlem Globe Trotters basketballs. We left Leecie to get spoiled with Pop & Granny. I don't really know what magic potion Granny mixed up for Leecie, but she sacked out before we made it home WITHOUT a bottle and slept all night. Anyway, the boys are going fishing tomorrow with Daddy and Papaw but unless Matthew remembers his camera there will be NO pictures. Guys, or at least my guy, is just not that into pictures. Maybe they will have a funny story or two to share with Mommy while I am stuck at work.

HGT entering the court.

Boy do they know how to put on a show.

The Martin Crew minus one Leecie-Bob.My two Globe Trotter wanna-bes. Oh, and they are sporting our second mortgage for your viewing pleasure. Leecie-Bob and Bandie (poor frightened Bandie)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T20:45:00.002-05:00

So, I know what you are thinking...how adorable my children are. You must be GREEN with envy I'm sure. :) Sorry I couldn't resist. Just thought I would share a little of the "holiday?" spirit. Hope you didn't get pinched today.

I want more and I want it now!

2009-03-14T21:46:00.005-05:00

Ann Elise got a little taste of Daddy's yogurt and that was all it took to make it her new favorite snack. She ate up all of Daddy's and screamed for more. If you didn't know better you would swear she had not had a bite to eat all day because our little girl showed her lady like manners and actually licked the container. Yikes! Now she is giving her Daddy all kinds of lovin' so he has promised her she can share his yogurt with him every night. Anybody know how much Yoplait stock is going for?

This is sooooo good.

What do you mean it's all gone? I told you there was more...

So I'm a little late...it still counts

2009-03-14T21:20:00.003-05:00

Sorry I'm a week late with this post but I have been feeling a little under the weather this week. Anyway, Matt and I celebrated 11 years of marriage last Saturday, March 7th. And what an 11 years it has been, some good, some not bad but not so good and some absolutely amazing. We have grown so much over the years and we are more in love today than the day we wed. Matt is such an amazing husband and father. He is most definitely the love of my life. I thank God daily for the wonderful blessing of Matt. My Love I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you here and throughout eternity. I love you.

Sweet Baby Girl Cora

2009-03-09T23:29:00.002-05:00

I happened upon a blog about a family who has just lost their sweet baby girl, Cora. I encourage you to check out their blog and read about their story of joy, heartache and faith. And for those of you who can bear it, watch The Cora Video, just be sure you have a box of tissues handy.
I pray that every time I feel frustration coming on from the boys fighting or AE crying for her paci for the umpteenth time I will think of Cora, smile, and be reminded of how very blessed I am to have my children surrounding me.

Baby it's cold outside!

2009-03-01T09:26:00.004-06:00

What better way to start your day than with snow everywhere? Isn't God amazing? I got the pleasure of attending a Women's Conference this weekend with Rita Sweatt as the guest speaker (love her!) and we ended the conference by focusing on how you can find shelter, refuge, joy, strength, peace and love under God's wing. So when I awoke to everything COVERED in snow this morning (in Mississippi), I was awe struck and reminded of how God can cover us with His wing just as He COVERED everything around us with this beautiful snow. It is so humbling to see how big God is. Only God, and not global warming Al Gore, could create such an environment. Anyway, I pray that you will find joy as you take in the beauty of this Lord's Day.

Happy Birthday Kaylen --- Since you got snow for your eighth birthday you won't be receiving any other presents. HA! Just kidding. We love you Katie-Bug and hope you have a great day!

Enough pictures Mom. We want to play! After all, we don't see snow every day...or even every year.

Eleven Months Old

2009-02-26T20:59:00.004-06:00

I am in shock as I am writing this. I can't believe our little girl is eleven months old today. The boys and I played photo shoot with Leecie on Saturday and we had a couple of keepers. She was wanting to eat and nap NOT sit and look pretty. We had a good time trying to get her to laugh though. She will walk circles around the house as long as it she is holding on to Mommy's or Daddy's hand or pushing her stroller. She will not let go for anything. Aunt Heddie says not to rush her and I know she is right but it's hard not to.
We are in party planning mode trying to get everything lined up for her big day. It is so much more for for Mommy to plan a party full of everything pink and princess rather than Power Rangers or Baukugan.

If you're PRETTY and you know it clap your hands.

Don't you want to visit our house?

2009-01-31T11:34:00.004-06:00

We have had a whole lot of interesting illnesses going round our house lately.
Here's a brief run down:
Corbin:
1. scratched finger that set up an infection in his lymph nodes
2. Roseola
Matthew:
1. Had surgery to have a cyst removed from inside his lower lip. Everything was good until early the next morning when he woke up with a high fever and severe swelling. After visiting two ERs he was finally sent home with steroids and antibiotics...which leads me to number two.
2. He broke out in a rash from head to toe. After Corbin just getting over Roseola we just knew he had the same thing. Wrong! He was having a delayed allergic reaction to his antibiotic.
Ann Elise:
1. Went to the doctor on Friday and was diagnosed with your average run of the mill ear infection.
2. Went back to the doctor on Saturday after running a high fever and was sent home with multiple diagnoses of ear infection, strep throat and the flu.
Oh, and during all of this Matt had the stomach bug and I had a mystery illness that involved a high white blood count, two doctor visits and a cat scan.
Don't you want to come on over to my house? No? I can't imagine why not. :)

Matthew with his Bubba Gump lip.

Ten Months Old

2009-01-26T22:12:00.003-06:00

Our Little Miss Leecie is ten months old today and to celebrate the occasion she decided to debut her latest trick...climbing! Matt & I were sitting in the living room and looked over to find AE standing on top of her superstar mirror. She was so proud she had to show us her new feat over and over and over again. I was hoping this was one trait she wouldn't inherit from her mama, yes her mama. I was such a climber when I was a young one so very long ago. Matthew and Corbin both inherited my keen ability to scale things in the blink of an eye and I was really hoping that Leecie would be a little more down to earth. :)
I am in disbelief that ten months has come around so quickly and then I realize that Matthew is ten years old and I think I had better start researching time travel so I can be sure to get the most out of the precious time I have with my husband and children. Why is it that the older we get the quicker the years go by?

Leecie reigning over all...

Out of the Box

2009-01-25T22:27:00.003-06:00

Leecie got a new kitchen set for Christmas and of course the best part was the BOX it came in...bet you didn't see that coming. My kids are such a cliche. They have played in and out of that box more than AE has played with her kitchen.

This girl will do anything to get to her pacie...even if that means going into a dark scary cave, I mean box.

Corbin trying his very best to fit in the box. I can still remember when he WAS small enough to fit.

Me & My Daddy

2009-01-20T20:41:00.005-06:00

Hi, Ann Elise here, just checking in. Have I told all you bloggers how much I love my daddy? My daddy is the bestes daddy in the whole wide world. He plays with me and rocks me to sleep every night. I love you daddy!!!!!!!!

Daddy is a little camera shy at times but trust me, he's holding my hands as we dance in the kitchen in my brand new Tinker Bell night gown. I saw this in the store with my mommy and I just had to have it.

Don't I look cute?

These next two pictures are of me curled up in my daddy's lap ready for beddy-by-land. My mommy was trying out a new feature on her camera. What do you think? I know already...you think I am just precious.

Everybody thinks that. :)

Random Pix

2009-01-20T19:57:00.006-06:00

My hot dog has a first name is O-S-C-A-R.
My hot dog has a second name it's M-A-Y-E-R.
We were driving through Tupelo a couple of weeks ago and to our surprise we found not one but two Oscar Mayer Wiener Mobiles parked behind a Mexican restaurant. I didn't know they served hot dog tacos. Ewe...could you imagine if that were true? Gross!

Me, Corbin & The Wiener Mobile

My kiddos with Nana from Thanksgiving.

Ann Elise with her lion just before getting her ear tubes.

She absolutely loves that lion. She will even roar on cue.

Munchin' with the Martins

2009-01-20T19:46:00.003-06:00

We were blessed enough this past Sunday to get to have lunch with Matt's family. It was especially nice to get to visit with Loyce.

2009-01-13T16:36:00.002-06:00

You scream.
I scream.
We all scream for ICE CREAM.
AE: I was visiting Mommy at work today and I decided to give her ice cream a try. WOWIE! Is that stuff good or what? I really just couldn't get enough of it.

Maybe I will just touch it first...

Lip-Smacking Good!

Santa Plus Three

2008-12-22T06:30:00.000-06:00

Ok. So I know it has been a while since my last post and I have a lot of catching up to do, but for now a small post about our visit with Santa will have to do.
After only an hour of waiting in line it was finally our turn to see Santa and the only one of us who was even remotely excited was Corbin (who just so happens to be the one Santa is most likely to leave coal in his stocking).
Corbin couldn't wait to jump on Santa's knee and start rattling off his list of X-Box 360, Playstations 1, 2 and 3, WII (which we already have), PSP, puzzles, a scooter and of course games to go with all his new gaming systems. In the words of Santa, " He only wants enough that a second mortgage would cover."
Leecie just stared at him with this look that said - if I weren't so tired of having to wait in line to see who ever you are then I might be tempted to pull off that white stuff that is stuck on your face because you just look weird.
Matthew was none to thrilled to see Santa this year. (insert tears filling Mama's eyes) He says that he is ten-years old and too big to sit on Santa's lap when he's not even the real Santa...just one of his helpers. (Shew! We are getting too close.) Anyway, I did manage to talk him in to standing next to Santa for a picture (so "Leecie wouldn't be scared", that girl is not scared of anything, but it worked none the less). When they were done with the picture Santa looked at Matthew and asked if he wanted to sit on his knee and Matthew started waving his hands and said "no thanks" so Santa asked what he wanted for Christmas and Matthew just said "not much" and walked off. Teenage years here we come!

Happy Birthday Matt!

2008-11-11T12:04:00.000-06:00

Today is Matt's 32nd birthday. How about a little bit of a back story...Matt and I have known each other since high school. Back then, my too shy hubby would barely utter a "Hey" when I spoke to him in passing, ah, but how quickly that changed. Matt and his roommate had a party one night and Belle and I decided to go. We were hanging out talking and then I noticed that the person sitting next to him had gotten up and I took the opening. I sat down next to him locked my arm through his and proudly declared that he was going to be my date for the night. Then, on his 21st birthday, Matt proposed to me in a photo booth, I very happily accepted and have absolutely no regrets. And ladies, let me just tell you what a find he truly is! He is truly my soul mate, my lover, the father of my children, my comforter, my hand holder, my body guard, and my very best friend. Geesh, I tear up just thinking about all the roles he does play in my life. WOW!
Matt, I just want you to know how very much I love you and that I thank God for you daily. You definitely make me smile, make me happy, make me whole. If I could go back back in time I wouldn't change a thing.
Happy Birthday My Love!

Matt with his proteges.

(I am in so much trouble with this crew.)

Daddy with his little girl.

My biggest kid at play.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-10T09:05:00.005-06:00

Ok. Ok. I know I'm late but things have been hectic. Corbin was sick followed by Ann Elise getting yet another ear infection. Yuck! Anyway, all was well on Halloween night and we were able to get in some trick-or-treating and a hayride.

Here are a few costume pics. (Sorry, I don't have everybody. Wes and Josh did not dress up, Eli wouldn't cooperate and I didn't see Kaylen but two seconds, it was dark and I knew my camera would have freaked out trying capture something in the dark. So, next year, I promise.)

Clone Trooper Matthew.

Corbin in his role as Bumble Bee from Transformers.

Fairy Princess Ann Elise with her magic wand.

Bumble Bee Ainsley with Mimi.

She was so cute waddling around in her costume.

Oyce (Matt's grandfather) with Ann Elise.

He turned 86 last Monday.

Happy Birthday Oyce. We love you!

(I must say that I really love the picture above with Oyce. AE was so sweet caressing his face. It made me want to cry. Oyce is definitely a person we admire.)

Mrs. Bacon (our old neighbor) with her self proclaimed grandchildren, C, AE & M.

Seven Months Old

2008-10-27T19:35:00.000-05:00

Ann Elise turned seven months old on Sunday and has changed so much over the past month. She is crawling, getting into a sitting position all by herself, and in the last couple of days has started pulling up. She is so sweet and is already showing us that "little girl" personality. She is drawn to anything pink or shiny. It is amazing how different girls and boys are right from the beginning. And she knows that she rules the roost already. She gets waited on hand and foot by everybody in our family. We are constantly getting "parenting advice" from Matthew and Corbin... it is too funny and so sweet that they love her so much.

Just hanging out at daycare.

My first time on the swings. More Mommy. More.

Mimi's floor is slippery so I'd better put on my bib cape so I can crawl faster.

I'm out of here.

Happy Birthday Matthew!

2008-10-27T18:42:00.000-05:00

Matthew turned ten on October 27th. He did not want a party this year, just a skateboard, a friend to sleep over and and for a family dinner. (How grown-up) Anyway, we have gotten it all covered except for the family dinner...it's coming later. We took Matthew and his friend Brendan out to dinner Friday night at the Kyoto Hibachi Grill, to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua and then to the Skate Park on Saturday and they had a blast.

Now for Mom's sentimental side note:

It is so hard for me to comprehend that our first born has now been a part of our lives for a whole decade. (Wow! Decade has a whole new meaning to me now.) And what a blessing these past ten years have been. God is truly amazing! I tear up as I stop to think about all the blessings He has given us and that we all too often take for granted.

Matthew is:

very intelligent

inquisitive

talkative

argumentative

sweet

kind hearted

out spoken

deep thinker
fast reader

blonde

blue eyed

hyperactive

prayer warrior

great big brother

stubborn

nostalgic

Matthew is such a wonderful person and a true blessing to be around. He knows how to push my buttons more often than not, but he also knows just what to say to make me rethink my attitude sometimes. I cannot imagine my life before him or without him. It has been such a short ten years and the next are sure to go even quicker. It's hard to believe that when the next ten years have come and gone my Matthew will no longer be living under my roof but out living his own life....without me knowing his every move. Oh how sad that makes me. But if he turns out to be half of the person he is now I know he will be fine and knowing that makes me feel a little more at ease....but I will still be checking in with him as often as he will answer my calls.- HA! :)

Matthew & Brendan showing off their boards.

Matthew getting a feel for things.

Of course Matt had to get his turn on the skate board.

He only busted it once...

but once was enough for a good laugh.

Happy Birthday Hunter!

2008-10-27T18:32:00.000-05:00

Hunter-man turned two a couple of weeks ago and he celebrated John Deere style at the community center.

Hunter was too busy to pose for the camera.

Corbin and Cassie taking over the bounce house.

Little Kids Beware!

Ann Elise, Aunt Heddie and Mommy

Accidents Happen

2008-10-20T10:15:00.001-05:00

We all know that God created us to be unique and that no two of us are exactly alike....well, I would have to say AMEN for that because if there were two of Corbin running around, well the world might be knocked off it's orbit. Corbin. Corbin. Corbin. My big brown eyed, mischievous grinning, stubborn middle child. What ever will we do with him is beyond me. Okay. So I go to his school on Wednesday to have his parent teacher conference and to pick up his progress report and as the teacher is going over his grades with me and telling me what a sweet child I have, I am thinking to myself, wow! I am really doing okay at this whole parenting thing. Well, just as I was patting myself on the back his teacher uttered these words to me, "I caught Corbin cheating on his spelling test on Friday." Needless to say my patting myself on the back feeling turned into I wish I had a place to hide. I was mortified! As stubborn as Corbin is he really is a smart child. Anyway, she explained to me that he had a piece of paper on his desk and was drawing on the back of it, as most of them do I was told, and then she noticed he kept flipping it over and then writing on his test paper. So she eased her way over to his desk and asked him, "What ya got there Corbin?" She said he looked up at her with this look on his face that just screamed "BUSTED!!!!" She said he had been trying to butter her up ever since so she wouldn't tell me. Later when we were talking to Corbin about it he said he "accidentally" cheated. Well, we "accidentally" grounded him through the weekend.
I guess accidents happen!

2008-10-20T09:34:00.001-05:00

Subject: Fwd: My Twelve Names
1. YOUR REAL NAME: Kelly
2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle.) Kelizzle
3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal plus hair) Green Gazellehair
4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name and street you live on/or neighborhood if it's a number) Ann Central-Grove
5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name) Marke
6. SUPERHERO/CRIMINAL NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) Blue Cranberry Sierra Mist
7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your last name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dads name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and a last letter of your moms first name) Ermoaae
8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (parents middle names) Dianne Excell
9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets) Black Fish Tails
10. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet's name and current street name) Ashes Central-Grove
11. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your mom's side, your favorite candy) Jimmie Sour Patch Kids
12. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your middle name) Kann
Now copy, paste, and send on to all your crazy friends including the one who sent it to you.

Six Months Old

2008-09-29T10:58:00.008-05:00

Happy half birthday to you.
Happy half birthday to you.
Happy half birthday dear Leecie.
Happy half birthday to you.

I can't believe that our little caboose is now six months and one week old. She went to the doctor today for her six-month check up and she got a great report. She is 14 pounds on the nose and is 25 inches long. Poor baby is short like her mama. She is backwards crawling, pulling up some and bouncing all the time. - I guess she is practicing her cheerleader moves. :)

We played photo shoot this past Sunday after church and I must admit that I am a darn good photographer. HA!!! Seriously, I just have the most beautiful little girl who knows how to work the camera.

Here are some of my favorites.

I'm Rollie Polie Olie.

Look Mommy! Now I am Tigger. Bouncing is fun.

Mommy you are so funny.

I am really shy. Yeah right!

This is my Daddy's favorite picture of me.
I really can be sweet when I want to be.Me and my bear can sit up.
Me and my bear can fall down.

Soccer Super Stars

2008-09-29T10:32:00.004-05:00

The boys have started back to school and back to playing soccer (hence the absence of posts). We average two to three nights a week at the soccer fields plus practices on the weekend, but the boys are having a great time. Corbin has gotten a lot more aggressive with his playing this year - if that is even possible - he is soooo not afraid to run over somebody or use his head to block the ball. Matthew led his team to victory last week scoring two goals. Way to go Matthew!

Ann Elise likes attending any sporting event, especially if it involves cheerleaders - she is so fascinated by cheerleaders. She even yells for her big brothers like we do.

Matthew running after the ball. (Sorry it is so blurry. My camera does not take very good pictures from far away.)

Corbin playing goalie.

Check out the determination on his face.

Ann Elise and Pop cheering from the side lines.

Leecy-Bob (aka Ann Elise) wants to play so bad.

I belong in 1957

2008-09-23T13:17:00.002-05:00

You Belong in 1957

You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!

What Year Do You Belong In?

Rubber Ducky

2008-08-30T09:58:00.002-05:00

Can't you just hear Ernie - or is it Bert?- (off Sesame Street) singing his Rubber Ducky song? Ann Elise is definitely fond of her Rubber Ducky. So much so that she tries to imitate it.

See the duck. Be the duck.

Five Months

2008-08-30T09:52:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that our baby girl is already five months old. Here she is in her pretty church dress that Mrs. Leigh gave her. She is eating fruits and just started vegetables (not so crazy about sweet peas yet) and she has started drinking from a sippy cup. She is wanting to play on the floor more and more and can get her Jenny Jump-Up to bouncing pretty high. She can light up the room when she smiles, just as her brothers do.

Jelly Beans Continued...

2008-08-26T16:37:00.004-05:00

I got yet another roll of film developed and these photos were definitely like finding good jelly beans. These pictures were from 2003. We had been to Florida on vacation and Matthew started preschool.

Corbin and Matthew in Florida.

Corbin and Matthew all dressed up and smiling.

Even at two-years old Corbin had the most mischievous grin. And my Matthew eating up the camera.

Matthew's first day of preschool.

It's a start anyway...

2008-08-21T15:24:00.002-05:00

I am trying to get back in the swing of things.
My cousin just had family photos made and I thought they turned out GREAT. As most of you know if can be rather tricky to get a young one to pose for pictures much less two but I think that Cassie and Hunter both did an excellent job....now, if only Heather could have gotten Waylon to cooperate. LOL

Heather, Waylon, Cassie and little Hunter-man

Updates coming soon.

2008-08-18T09:43:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the delay in Posts. We have been very busy with school starting back. I promise to have updates soon.

Four Months

2008-07-26T21:44:00.004-05:00

Ann Elise has had a lot of firsts this week, some good some not so good.
Monday:
Cold/Ear & Eye Infections (not so good)
Tuesday:
Reaching for things/people and rolled over (good)
Friday:
Held a boys hand (Jon Daly) (not so good - way too young for boys)
Saturday:
Big Girl Food a.k.a. Cereal and she turned
FOUR MONTHS OLD! (good)

Ann Elise having a little tummy time.

What is this? What have you done with my bottle?
I can do it myself. Why won't it fit?
Ah Ha! It goes in the mouth and not the nose. Got it!
Look mom. No hands.

Jelly Beans

2008-07-24T20:15:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I am a procrastinator...sue me. I have numerous rolls of undeveloped film (remember film) sitting in my drawer from way back when and I have been trying to take a roll here and there to get developed. I never know what I am going to get back. It's like eating jelly beans, some are good and some make you cringe. :)

Look at my sweet little boy.

Matthew was three here and completely obsessed with seeing the Pandas. He didn't get to see them on this trip...they arrived at the zoo two weeks after our trip. No worries though, his Aunt Heddie took lots of pictures for him when she went a few weeks later and he got to see them in person on our next trip.

Me, Heather and Amie looking ever so lovely at Heather's wedding shower six years ago. They are so going to kill me when they see this picture.

Before & After

2008-07-08T23:44:00.002-05:00

Matt and Papaw have been busy painting the outside of our house. It is amazing what a few gallons of Sherwin Williams paint can do. Good job men!

Before &

After

Before & After

Miracle Grow anyone?

2008-07-08T23:18:00.004-05:00

Okay. We admit it...we have been putting miracle grow in Ann Elise's bottle. -HA!
Have you ever seen the Saturday Night Live skit where they pretend to be babies at the playground? One was usually strapped to the jungle gym and another in the stroller? Anyway, I was reminded of those skits when we put Ann Elise in Kaylen's baby-doll stroller the other day. She looked like she was just pretending to be a baby.

I'm a big kid now.

Funny Faces

2008-07-08T22:54:00.005-05:00

I have no idea what was going on to cause these faces but I am pretty sure Matthew must have been making fun of me behind my back.

Corbin looks sneaky as usual and

Ann Elise seems to be in a state of shock.

I'm sure it won't be the last time her

brothers do something to shock her.

Hangin out at home

2008-07-08T22:29:00.003-05:00

Matthew, Corbin and Ann Elise had fun posing for Mommy tonight. It is so hard to get them all together in a picture taking mood.

Check out how different they are from one another.

(And YES, they all share the same parents.)

Boyfriends BEWARE, I have two big brothers

and my Daddy's not afraid to use them.

Working Gal

2008-07-02T22:40:00.006-05:00

Ann Elise got a taste of the working world this week as she came to the office with Mommy while daycare has been closed. Just like most of us her enthusiasm started out strong at the beginning of the week and by Wednesday afternoon she was just plain tired. Good thing this is a short work week for her.

Let's get to work Mommy!

Can we go home now?

Sleep Sack or Miracle Sack?

2008-07-02T22:01:00.005-05:00

When Ann Elise was just a couple of weeks old we received an unexpected surprise in the mailbox. My cousin Martha sent us a Halo SleepSack for Ann Elise. At first I thought it was going to end up getting taken back as one of those gifts that you get that you think you will never use, but by some miracle it was saved. (Thank you LORD!!!) When Ann Elise was about six weeks old I thought it would be funny to see how she looked in it so I zipped her up and laid her down and out she went and out she has gone every night since with this amazing little gem of a gift. (Again...Thank you LORD!!!) To check out our new found theory of the Miracle Sack we put her to bed without it one night and up she rose in the middle of the night. Needless to say this Miracle Sack has been our new best friend ever since.
Thanks Martha for such a wonderful gift of a good night's sleep...for ALL of us.

Our Little Miracle

dreaming sweet dreams in her

Little Miracle Sack.

If I could turn back time.....

2008-07-02T21:32:00.002-05:00

Ahhh...To be a week old again. :) --
Ann Elise got to reminisce about her yesterdays a little tonight as she got dressed for bed. It is hard to believe, but she can still wear an outfit Aunt Holly bought for her that she wore when she was only one week old.

One Week Old

Three Months Old

2008-06-27T20:44:00.003-05:00

My baby is three months old now. Don't you just love the hat? She looks like she is ready for tea and crumpets.

The Martin/Rye Cookout

2008-06-25T22:17:00.004-05:00

We had a few extra family members in town this past weekend. Sherron's twin brother Danny and his wife Shirley were in town. Also visiting was Danny's youngest son, Brad and his wife Gina, along with their two boys, Evan and Nathan.
Daniel and Colby were brave enough to have SEVEN extra kids running rampant in their new house for a family cookout. Thanks guys! I think I can speak for everyone when I say we all had a great time.

Our gracious hosts Daniel and Colby.

Me and my wonderful husband Matt.
Mimi and Ann Elise
Danny, Mamaw and Sherron
Papaw and Ainsley
Nate, Corbin, E and Matthew
Gina with Ann Elise & Shirley with Ainsley
Brad and Oyce
Kaylen, Wes, Kerry & Holly

Little 'Bow' Peep's new ride

2008-06-25T21:44:00.005-05:00

Ann Elise's walker finally came in (after only about a month on back order). Everything was going her way until Matthew and Corbin stopped pushing her around in her new ride. Her feet are far from touching the ground yet so she was stranded and not very happy about it. Check out the photo of the big fit she was pitching, it is too funny.

I DEMAND my servants play with me.

Look at my Little 'Bow' Peep.

Don't you just love the big bow? - Thanks Miss Autumn.

Things that go Bumpo in the night!

2008-06-25T21:33:00.005-05:00

Aunt Heddie loaned us Hunter-man's Bumpo and as you can see Ann Elise L-O-V-E-D it. She thought she was big stuff sitting up all by herself. Her brothers thought it was neat too.

Rattle me this

2008-06-22T22:27:00.006-05:00

Rattle me this.
Rattle me that.

Look at what I can do.
I can shake it up high;
And shake it down low.
From the top of head;
To the tip of my toe.
Look at what I can do.

Just Smile!

2008-06-21T00:36:00.003-05:00

Look at my happy, happy niece, Ainsley. Isn't she just the cutest? Daniel, Colby and Ainsley are our new neighbors so Ann Elise is really looking forward to lots of playdates with Ainsley.

Merrily we go round...

2008-06-20T23:28:00.003-05:00

I took the boys and Josh out for some fun at the park in between activities last week and as you can see they had a great time on the merry-go-round.

Two-Month Checkup / Chuck-E-Cheese

2008-06-14T14:22:00.008-05:00

Ann Elise had her two-month check up last week. She weighed 10 lbs. 12 oz. and was 22 in. long. Dr. G said she looked great! WOW!!!! What a blessing!

I'm all good as long as I don't get any shots this time.

She also got to take her first trip to Chuck-E-Cheese afterwards as a reward for being so good. Oh, and the boys got to tag along. HA!

Wow! Chuck-E-Cheese is soooo much fun.

Finally! We have caged the animals. :)

Oh how sweet....

2008-06-13T22:58:00.005-05:00

Look how much I've grown...

2008-05-29T19:05:00.005-05:00

Better late than never I guess. Here are photos of Ann Elise at one month and two months old. She has already changed so much.

Look at how pretty I am.

Girl Power!

Lifehouse Everything Video

2008-05-23T23:26:00.002-05:00

Have you ever logged on to www.Godtube.com?
It is an awesome site to see. :)

I was fortunate enough to have someone email me a link to the Lifehouse "Everything" video and I am so happy they did. I am a "music" person anyway, but this video brought tears to my eyes. (Scroll down to the bottom of our blog to check it out.)

I am a true believer that sometimes we might find ourselves at rock bottom as a reminder that we need to look up, look up to our beautiful savior, Jesus Christ.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity."-- Jeremiah 29:11-14

Funny Faces

2008-05-17T21:30:00.008-05:00

Everybody was Kung Fu fighting.

Decisions. Decisions.
What's a girl to do?

Ann Elise or Zoolander?

Birthday Celebrations

2008-05-17T20:59:00.004-05:00

We have been celebrating birthdays galore lately. Corbin celebrated his 7th birthday with his buddy Hunter at the local skate center. They had such a great time.
My nephew Eli just turned 4 years old. He is such a little character.
Ann Elise turned one month old. One month already? Wow!

My mom (aka Nana) just turned...yeah like I am really going to tell you.
I can't believe how quickly time passes now. When we were kids it seemed like we would never grow up. Now that we are grown up we wonder where our childhood went.

Corbin & Hunter

They're thinking...hurry up we want to open our presents. Ann Elise

Her bear is as big as she is.

Eli

How cute is he? Nana admiring the view.

Introducing Ann Elise Martin

2008-05-15T20:19:00.006-05:00

Finally Updates!
Well, as most everyone knows by now, little Miss Ann Elise Martin has made her debut. She was born March 26, 2008, at 9:31 a.m. weighing in at 7 pounds 12 ounces and was 17 3/4 inches long.
Both mom and baby came through the surgery well. I was kind of worried about Matt for a minute. Dr. Slocum made him stand up to watch as he pulled Ann Elise from my stomach and Matt didn't say a word as I asked him if it was in fact a girl and who she looked like. After what seemed like forever he finally was able to muster out that it was a girl and that she was slimy. HA! Once he sat back down he was fine.

If ever I saw your face....

Matthew admiring his new little sister.
Corbin is head over heels for her.
Ann Elise all snuggled up to daddy.

These are a few of my THANKFUL things....

2008-03-07T08:49:00.004-06:00

Can't you just hear the title of this entry to the tune of The Sound of Music's These are a Few of my Favorite Things? The news reported this morning that Spring is only weeks away yet we are expected to get snow this evening. I told my boys that this morning and Corbin told me I was wrong because we don't get snow around here. I sure wish it would snow just so they could see it. They would be so amazed.
Anyway, back to my THANKFUL things....
1) Matt - We have been married for ten wonderful years TODAY and I am so grateful for having such a loving, caring, compassionate man to call my husband. Thank you God for such a gift.
2) Matthew - My hyperactive, over achieving, reach for the stars son with a heart for God that is truly amazing. Thank you God for such a gift.
3) Corbin - My stubborn, rebellious son with the biggest brown eyes that when used just right can get him out of any trouble. Thank you God for such a gift.
4) Ann Elise - My unborn daughter that has touched my life in ways I never felt possible and I have not even laid eyes on yet. Thank you God for such a gift.
5) Our Parents - They are loving, compassionate, strong willed, protective and helped shape who we are today. Thank you God for such a gift.
6) Provisions - We have a house to call home, food to nourish our bodies, water to quench our thirst, clothes to keep us warm. Thank you God for such a gift.
7) Extended Family & Friends - They give me strength, love and encouragement. Thank you God for such a gift.
8) Career - My job provides me with coworkers I call friends, an outlet to the community and means to help support my family. Thank you God for such a gift.
9) Church Family - I have been blessed to find a Church Family that my family and I feel comfort, love and support from. Thank you God for such a gift.
10) Health - My family and I have been blessed with overall good health. Thank you God for such a gift.
My list of THANKFUL things could go on and on because there are just so many things in my life to be thankful for. I have been through a lot of things over the past year that I never would have thought I could survive, but God has pulled me through each and every one and has shown me that blessings sometimes come in ways we never would have expected.
We do need to remember that no matter how big the problems of this world seem that God has a plan for us and His will is going to shine through in the end.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

-- Romans 12:2

It's Shower Time!

2008-02-27T08:55:00.005-06:00

My two beautiful sisters-in-law, Holly and Colby, gave me a Baby Shower on Sunday. Ann Elise was definitely showered with tons of gifts and love. We had a great time and wonderful food.
Thanks again ladies!

Here we are posing in front of the food. (Of course)

Colby is on the left and Holly on the right.

Bet you can't guess who is in the middle. I know what you are thinking, but it's really not Shamu.

The lovely and delicious cake.
Me surrounded by all Ann Elise's gifts. Notice the cake in my hand. Hey, I am not going to pass up a perfectly good piece or pieces of cake pregnant or not.

As The World Turns

2008-02-27T08:44:00.004-06:00

No, I am not a huge soap opera fan. I am referring to Ann Elise's world. She has turned head down and I don't think she is liking her new digs very much. She is constantly pushing and kicking like she is trying to give herself more room. And in the process she is making my pelvic area extremely sore. Ouch!
As I was getting ready for bed last night my dear husband began to laugh. I gave him the 'glaring eye' and he proceeded to make matters worse by stating that I was probably as big around as I was tall. He then took it a step further and got out the measuring tape. I mean I know he is a carpenter but does he really have to measure EVERYTHING? Anyway, he measured my belly. Guys, I am almost FOUR FEET around. YIKES! Can you picture that? I am only 5' 3" so I really am almost as round as I am tall.
Matt says not to worry though...I'll end up equalling my height before she makes her debut.
Gee, thanks Honey!

And the Countdown begins......

2008-02-14T09:49:00.002-06:00

I went back to the doctor yesterday, had another ultrasound done and got a tentative c-section date scheduled. Drumroll please.........MARCH 26th! Wow! That is soon. Don't you think that is soon? I mean, that is only 40 days away. But I guess if Noah could withstand 40 days and 40 nights of rain I can prepare for one little baby in 40 days. Right? I mean, I'm definitely no Noah here.
Anyway, Ann Elise is currently weighing in at 4 lbs. 11 oz. She is getting so big. The ultrasound tech even pointed out to us that she has HAIR!!!!! What?! My child has hair? There must be some mistake. My boys only had a little peach fuzz. Now that I am all excited about her having hair she will probably lose it before she even gets here, but that is okay, I love bald-headed babies just as much. She is lying in an awkward position known as the transverse position, meaning she is lying sideways with her legs beneath her and her feet next to her face so Dr. Slocum said it was kind of odd. (From what I have read, most transverse babies are feet/face up not down.) Hopefully she will turn to a more normal position before too much longer.
We took the boys with us this time and they were just amazed. Corbin recognized the spine and told the ultrasound tech what it was and Matthew chimed in that it looked like an electric eel. So I guess I have a little eel squirmming around in there.

Maternity Photo Shoot

2008-01-29T09:21:00.000-06:00

My sister, being the budding photographer that she is, took some maternity photos for me this weekend. I think Amie did an AWESOME job.
Thanks Amie-Luler-Belle, this is something I definitely will never forget. Love you.
Here are just a few of my favorites.

WHOA MAMA!!!!!

2008-01-15T16:48:00.000-06:00

I am 29 weeks preggo now and there is definitely NO hiding the fact that I have a bun in the oven any longer. I had a customer tell me today that I looked like I was having twins. The customer was a man and what do they know any way? (Except for Matt. He knows better.)
I am very much NOT ready for Ann Elise to arrive yet. So unlike me I know, but let me explain. I cannot wait to have her here and hold her and kiss her but we are not prepared for her AT ALL. Her room is currently our catch all room. I would show you a before picture but I would be too embarrassed. Can you say disaster? We have storage boxes waist high, two computers, a desk, antique sewing machine and gun cabinet and let's not even get started on the closet....SCARY. We have ordered her bedding (turquoise, lime green and brown) but we have no idea what color we are going to be painting it yet or even how the room will be set up. All we do know is that my grandmother has so graciously offered us a bedroom suite for her room. Thanks Grandmother! So now all we need is EVERYTHING. Ha! :)
See what I mean, we are SO NOT READY!
Please continue to pray that I will stay off of bed rest and that Miss Ann Elise will stay put for a little while longer.

WHOA Mama! Look at that belly.

I feel like the fat man in Austin Powers.

Get in my belly!!!! :)

It's Christmas Time

2007-12-20T09:49:00.000-06:00

Bah Hum Bug Everyone!
Christmas is such a hectic time around my house. We always have too many places to be and usually at the same times. Every year we vow to be more prepared for next year and to skip a few stops along the holiday trail. Then next year turns into this year and here we are again. Christmas....it doesn't seem as merry when your all stressed out and broke.

Merry Christmas Everyone!
Christmas is such a hectic time around my house. We always have too many places to be and usually at the same times. Hallelujah for hecticness and too many places to be. We are very blessed to be able to run around and have all these places to be and with the ones we love to boot. God is good.
Have we forgotten what Christmas is all about? Or, do we remember and just feel as though all this other holiday stuff is more important?
I think we remember but push the real Reason aside to make time for shopping and getting ready for Santa and don't forget the complaining about too many places to be and being broke. (Guilty as charged on that one. - see first paragraph)
We all need to remember how very blessed we are. God is so good. He loves us and cares for us like no one else could possibly even fathom. His only Son, Jesus Christ, was born in a meager little manger in a stable. He allowed His only Son, Jesus Christ, to live amongst us heathens. Then God's only Son, Jesus Christ, was persecuted and crucified so that we heathens could be forgiven of our sins. I cannot even imagine how excruciating it must have been for Jesus to be nailed up on that cross. To have hammers pounding individual, blunt nails into His hands and feet. And then, He was whipped without any remorse and all for us heathens. So I ask you this, " Who are we to complain?"
GOD IS SO GOOD!
Please remember those less fortunate that ourselves. Please remember to cherish the ones you love. Please remember to hold on to your faith. Strong faith can get us through anything. And please remember Romans 11:36 - "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen."
I wish for you all to have a very Merry Christmas. I hope that during all this hustle and bustle we have going on that we all remember the real Reason for the Season, Jesus Christ.

Let the Gymnastics begin.

2007-12-06T08:57:00.000-06:00

We've done the whole t-ball, baseball, soccer, football and basketball stuff that all little boys just love to do but we are kind of scratching our heads with the thought of having to add gymnastics and dance and cheerleading to the mix. That is just WAY different from what we are used to in my household. :) And have I mentioned the PINK?
I had been having some regular contractions over the weekend and had to go in to the doctor on Monday to be checked out. I have an infection that we are hoping are causing the contractions and that once the infection is gone the contractions will go with it. I say hoping that is why because I had an irritable cervix when I was pregnant with Corbin that caused me to end up on bed rest for the last few months of my pregnancy and we definitely don't want that to happen again. So please pray for that specific need....NO BED REST!
They sent me over to the Women's Center yesterday for a couple of ultrasounds just to check on things and said that everything looked great. Yea!!!! (The whole gymnastic reference above stems from the ultrasound.) Ann Elise literally had her feet up over her head nearly the whole time. I guess she is already practicing her tumbles. She was so sweet and as the ultrasound technician was just finishing up with one last glimpse of her face Ann Elise started moving her little mouth as if to say "I love you". Talk about melting one's heart. God is so good!
Here are a few of her "Glamour Shots".
Sorry, no "It's a Girl!" shots this go round. Matt is really uncomfortable with showing those to everyone.

Ann Elise with her knee just about touching her nose. Her little leg curled up next to her forehead.

She is looking right at the camera as if to say,

"What? I meant to do that."
She is looking right at us.

Baby Ainsley has arrived!

2007-11-27T13:50:00.001-06:00

Ainsley Kathleen Martin

(Looking just as cute as a bug in a rug.)

Sorry about the quality of the picture. This was taken with a camera phone. But isn't she just the cutest thing. She looks so much like Colby. Congrats again guys. Love you all.

A New Martin to love...well, almost

2007-11-27T09:20:00.000-06:00

Daniel and Colby are at the Women's Center awaiting the birth of their daughter. Colby was admitted yesterday (today being one week AFTER her due date) and was administered Cervidil with the anticipation to begin Pitocin this morning. Well, Miss Ainsley had other plans. Colby started contracting early this morning and is now holding at nine centimeters. Hopefully, for Colby's sake, she will be here VERY soon. I'll keep you posted.

UPDATE!
She is about to start pushing. Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UPDATE!
She has pushed her down and is just waiting on the doctor to get out of surgery. She should be here very soon. (Oh, Dan says she has a head full of hair.)

UPDATE!
SHE IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's all I know for now. I will update as soon as I get another update.

UPDATE!
Ainsley Kathleen Martin was born at 11:01 am weighing in at 8 lbs. and was 19 in. long. Both mother and daughter are doing great. Oh, and dad is doing good too.
Congrats yall.

Matthew's 9th Birthday

2007-11-19T11:43:00.000-06:00

Matthew & Christopher

(Yes they were born on the same day and year.)

Matthew with pie on his face.
Corbin, Matthew & Mama
Pop caught playing with the sombrero.

We recently celebrated Matthew's 9th birthday. I really can't believe that my first born is already nine. He has a friend, Christopher, that was born on the same day in the same hospital. Christopher is my uncle's wife's nephew, so the boys refer to themselves as cousin-twins. They shared a party this year with a Halloween theme and had such a great time.

Matt's grandmother passed away the day before his birthday so Matthew had to spend his actual birthday at the funeral home. Needless to say, Matthew's birthday did not go as he had planned. Anyway, my dad took me and the boys away from the funeral home for a little while to get something to eat at the local Mexican restaurant. Matthew was very surprised that they came over and sang happy birthday in Spanish and slapped a pie in his face. Just something that simple made his day much, much better.

Happy Birthday Matthew!

Better late than never I suppose

2007-11-19T08:58:00.000-06:00

Happy 85th Birthday Oyce!!!!!!

Matthew, Corbin, Oyce, Kaylen & Wes

Matt's grandfather recently celebrated his 85th birthday. Wow, 85 years young and still running his own errands and mowing his own lawn. How awesome is that? We should all hope that the Lord would bless us in such a way. Thanks Oyce for sharing your amazing life with us.

Can't wait for 86.

A Little Comparison

2007-11-16T14:10:00.000-06:00

Let's do a quick little comparison. As I have mentioned, my sister-in-law, Colby, is having a baby girl too. Take a look below at our two bellies. How close would you say we are to having the same due date? Well, this picture of Colby (which I stole from her blog) is of her belly at 39 weeks. Mine....20 weeks. I was so hoping not to get HUGE this pregnancy, but I am afraid that I am already well on my way.

Me at 20 weeks.

Colby at 39 weeks.

House for sale

2007-11-13T12:22:00.000-06:00

I don't know that I have mentioned this before, but we are in the midst of trying to sell our house BEFORE Ann Elise arrives. Please pass this on to anyone and everyone you know that might be looking for a home in the Amory/Tupelo area.

Our house is located five minutes from Amory and 20 minutes from Aberdeen, Okolona or Tupelo. It is VERY secluded and sits on 56 acres of rolling hills. We have a 2150 sq. ft. home, four bedrooms, two and a half baths, with a den, eat-in kitchen and two car carport. There is a rustic barn out back. Anyone interested can leave a comment with their contact info or contact Joyce Leech at 662-369-1778.

Oh...Oh! We're half way there.

2007-11-13T08:35:00.000-06:00

I am officially 20 weeks preggo today. Yea! The half-way point is very nice. Not to be a glass half empty kind of person, but I am looking forward to this glass being empty and these arms being full. My doctor's visit went very good yesterday. She is measuring right on schedule and her heartbeat is strong. I won't divulge how much weight they say I have gained over this pregnancy thus far, but I will say that my scales don't agree with theirs. (I like mine MUCH better! - HA)
Matt's brother Daniel, and his wife, Colby, are expected to be adding a new little one to our family in only ONE week. Miss Ainsely Kathleen Martin is due to arrive on Nov. 20th and we can't wait for her to get here. (Your glass is almost empty Colby, hang in there.) This will be their first born and sure to be rotten as most all first borns are and I have to admit I plan on helping aid in that spoiling process.
On a more serious note...Our family has been going through a lot lately and we really appreciate all of your prayers and support. Those prayers ARE working so please keep them coming.

A change is coming...

2007-11-05T09:03:00.000-06:00

The Martin Household is a changin'. In approximately four and a half months we will be adding a LITTLE GIRL to our ever growing family. Our little girl....I don't believe I ever really thought that I would be saying that. God has been so good to our family. We have prayed for this little girl for so very long and He has just been so gracious to us with our new little blessing. It is by His grace that we have chosen her name, Ann Elise Martin. Ann means grace and Elise means God's promise.

The boys are so excited to be having a little sister. They hug her every night before bed. Matthew got a Wii for his birthday and they have created all these characters that are supposed to be people they know and last night Corbin declared that as soon as Ann Elise 'gets borned' he is going to create one for her too.

Her little face.

Notice how the tech put 'girl hair' for Corbin.

^ She was playing peek-a-boo with us.

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!^Her sweet little profile.

Grow Baby, Grow Baby, Grow!

2007-10-09T09:40:00.001-05:00

This is me and Baby Martin at only 12 weeks.

(Yes, I said 12 weeks. Look out 40!)

I am 15 weeks pregnant today and counting. Do you see how huge I am already? I mean, I still have 25 weeks to go. Can you imagine how round I will be by the end? Matt says that he'll probably be able to roll me around like that mean girl off Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Ompa, ompa, opma di do. :)
I did go back to the doctor yesterday and got a good report. The baby is measuring right on schedule. Of course little Baby Martin decided to hide from the doctor again. I hope that is not a sign that we will be calling out the baby's name in grocery stores all the time because it has decided to play hide-n-seek AGAIN. The boys are still praying for a baby sister, so please pray that they will be accepting no matter what the gender.

Funny story: Corbin wore his "Big Brother" t-shirt to school the other day and his teacher asked if he knew if he was having a baby brother or sister. To which Corbin replied, "We don't know. We can't see it's hair yet." I think I like the idea of basing it off the hair verses having to explain to him about how little girls' parts are different from little boys'.

Colby & Daniel's Baby Shower

2007-10-08T10:18:00.000-05:00

Daniel & Colby with Ainsley's first fishing pole & tackle box.

Me, Colby & Holly.

Last weekend my sister-in-law Holly and I gave Matt's brother and his wife a baby shower for their soon-to-be little girl. A lot of people got to come and celebrate the upcoming arrival of their first baby, Miss Ainsley Kathleen. We love ya'll and wish nothing but joy and happiness for your growing family.

Just a bunch of Rebels.

2007-10-08T10:02:00.000-05:00

The Whole Martin Crew The 'boys' enjoying the game.
Mom & Matthew
Mom & Corbin

A couple of weeks ago we were given tickets to the Ole Miss/Florida game in Oxford. (Thanks Larry & Michelle!) We had such a good time. This was the first college game that Corbin and I had been to. Corbin got hot and bored along the way but some how ended up leaving the game saying he had a GREAT time. Ahh...life as a six year old.

A Life Remembered

2007-09-24T09:11:00.000-05:00

Grandmother Johnson

My cousin Heather, Grandmother Johnson, Me & my sister Amie.
Not in order: Grandmother Johnson, Aunt Cindy, Grandmother, Mom, Aunt June, Uncle James, Uncle Frank, Rodney, Gaither, Amie, Heather and Me.

Evelyn Marie Johnson...what an inspiration.

How many people get to say they knew their great-grandmother when they were little? I am one of the lucky ones who not only got to have my great-grandmother around when I was little but through adulthood as well. She was a nurse by proxy and dedicated her life to serving others. She worked for Dr. Hollis helping to deliver many babies over the years including my sister and me. She also worked for the nursing home in Amory. She moved to Little Rock many years ago to live with my great-aunt Cindy. While in Little Rock she found herself visiting the "Old Folks Home" as she so eloquently put it, and helping them with activities. After several strokes and overcoming unbelievable odds with bouts of cancer she still was serving others. She fell and broke her hip in April and we went up to visit with her two days after her surgery and she was telling me that since the first of the year she had crocheted over 100 hats for the children's hospital and was shooting for 125. I mean, here is my 86-year old great-grandmother lying in her hospital bed recovering from a major operation and all she is focused on is getting well enough to reach that goal.

My great-grandmother passed away Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. Our family's Hero is now gone. We as humans grieve over such a tremendous loss but as Christians we rejoice because we KNOW that she lived a life of service to our Lord and Savior through her many years of dedicated love, support and service to all those around her. She was ready to go home and the Lord was waiting to receive her into His open arms.

You are loved. You are missed.

Doctor's Visit

2007-09-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

I went to the doctor yesterday for my checkup and everything went well. We could actually hear the baby's heartbeat. It was a really strong heartbeat in the 160s range.
The heartbeat of your child.... what a beautiful & glorious sound.
No weight gain as of yet, but my weight sure has shifted. Clothes I was in a few weeks ago no longer fit because my weight has shifted around to my belly. It is the funniest thing.
The baby is already showing signs of rebellion. When they put the Doppler on my belly to listen for the heartbeat the baby ran from it as if to say, "Don't mess with me! This is my personal space you are trying to invade."

Big News!!!!!!

2007-08-29T09:45:00.001-05:00

Big news in the Martin household. We are going to be adding a new little Martin to our family this spring. My actual due date is April 2nd, but with two prior c-sections, this one will be scheduled to arrive sometime late March. We are all very excited.

We got the boys 'Big Brother' t-shirts. You should have seen everybody trying to figure out exactly what they meant. It was too funny.

Please pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy and a healthy and beautiful little baby.

Oh, please pray for Matt and I specifically...three kids and two adults. Those are scary odds.

Matthew & Corbin showing off their Big Brother t-shirts.

Back to School

2007-08-28T08:55:00.000-05:00

Corbin & Matthew

Corbin & his Diego lunch box.
Matthew in his favorite shirt.

The boys started back to school a couple of weeks ago. Matthew is in third and Corbin is in first. So far they love school, only Corbin doesn't like homework so much. He talked a little girl at daycare into to doing his homework on the FIRST day they had it. I, of course, made him redo the whole thing plus a few extra lines. We may be in trouble. LOL

Happy Birthday Mimi!!!!!!!!!

2007-08-13T14:40:00.000-05:00

Today is Matt's mother's birthday. We wish her a very happy birthday with many more to come. Hope you liked your birthday present. :) We love you!

Don't Forget To Vote

2007-08-06T11:40:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that tomorrow, Tuesday, August 7, 2007, is Election Day. I cannot stress enough how important each and every ONE vote counts. When you come to the section for Monroe County Tax Collector be sure to mark KERRY COLBERT. Kerry is a good man and the best choice for our Tax Collector. Happy voting.

Wes' 10th Birthday

2007-08-06T10:52:00.000-05:00

Colby, Daniel & Baby Ainsley in the belly

(Colby's belly, not Dan's) Kaylen & buddy Anna Kate
Matthew

Corbin (Sorry, I couldn't get it to turn.)Wes

He had to re-stage blowing out the candles so I could get a picture.

He's such a sweet kid.

Daniel taking a picture of Matt taking his picture.
Kelly & Matt
I'm not sorry this one is so dark. -- HA!
Mimi & Papaw
Earl - Might want to suck in the gut a little.

Wes turned ten on the 28th of July. My, my, my how time flies. He had a swimming party at the Country Club and I have to admit that I was somewhat jealous that I couldn't get out there in my bikini. Everyone else is probably grateful that I didn't get out there in a bikini...not a pretty picture I assure you.

Earl's 60th Birthday

2007-08-06T09:48:00.000-05:00

Sherron & Earl (A.K.A. Mimi & Papaw)

Earl & Grandma Martin
Kaylen & HollyColby & Daniel (Baby Ainsley in the belly)
Matthew, Wes & Corbin

These are some photos from my father-in-law's 60th Birthday Party. We all surprized him by going out to eat at The Friendship House. We put up a banner, put confetti in his napkin and gave him lots of gag gifts. The staff even sang him Happy Birthday and made him turn bright red. We all had a lot of fun.

Happy August!

2007-08-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

Happy August Everyone. I am sorry about the lack of postings, I promise I will get better. We have been really busy lately and are definitely on the way to being even busier. The boys start back to school next week. I can't wait for them to meet their teachers and see if they know anybody in their class. I am afraid that Corbin's teacher is in for a rude awakening with him (that stubborn thing).

Matt's grandmother has been in the hospital in Branson this week so please say a prayer for her to recover and be home soon. Earl and June (her kids) are there with her now.

I hope to post photos from my father-in-law's and nephew's birthday parties very soon.

We Are The Martin Family

2007-07-20T12:25:00.000-05:00

We are the Martin Family, Matt, Kelly, Matthew & Corbin. Matthew is eight & Corbin is six. Boy do they grow up fast.
Matt thinks this whole web-site thing is silly, but I think this really might be the best way to keep in touch with our friends and family.