Wednesday, June 30, 2010

not quite wordless wednesday...

Could it be???
Is this proof that Michaela actually does know what a phone is for??

Is this truly a picture of her participating in the lost art of TALKING on a phone???

Did she finally learn that the buttons on the phone, when pressed in a sequence, will allow her to HEAR another human beings voice???

"Phones~~~they're not just for texting anymore!!!!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

the end...

Dances were danced...

awards were won...

and tears were shed as good byes to friends were said.

With the completion of Nationals in Tennessee, Michaela's place on the Spirit Dancers came to an end.

The experience allowed Michaela the opportunity to improve greatly as a dancer... and
was definitely interesting at times.

But the costumes are in the dress up box and the ribbons are tucked away..because life brings change.

Yet with change comes growth... and new adventure and experiences!!!!

Friday, June 25, 2010

friday frivolity...

Another week has come and gone...

Only 8 more weeks until school starts...

The summer is going by too quickly!
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Steve and I just finished spreading mulch in the front yard...

22 bags of smelly black shredded mess.

I dislike the process...

but I like the results....

for the day or two that the color is still there and there is no grass all in it!
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We have a showing this weekend...

and an Open House on Sunday.

So tomorrow morning we will be making sure everything is in its place...

that the beds are made...

and that there are no loose pieces of clothing lying about!

Because even though I do not know these people...

I would really rather them NOT see our unmentionables!!
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Along with getting ready for the Open House tomorrow...

I will be loading Michaela, Emma, and a friend into the van...

and heading to Sevierville, Tennessee.

There will be an abundance of fun in the waterpark...

great memories made with friends...

oh, and some ballet, tap and jazz will be taking place in between splashing in the pools and soaking in the sun.

Because after all, we are actually going down there for a dance competition!
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Steve still has not looked at the car to see the extent of the engine damage...

He priced out parts for the worst case.

Let's just say...I am hoping for the 'best case'!
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We went down and registered Michaela at OCHS on Wednesday...

She will be taking AP World Geography, Advanced English, Algebra 1, French 1, Practical Science, a mandatory Study skills and ILP class for half the year and an elective the second half, and PE/Health.

I think that should keep her busy enough!
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I am very proud of Mac this week...

she took a situation where she was not being treated right...

and chose to move on.

Luckily she was only slightly upset!

Because I am not ready for the broken heart yet!!
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Emma's friend invited her to attend VBS with her...

So she has been busy all week with Madeline.

She had a great time...

but was VERY tired this morning.

There was no jumping out of bed and getting ready in a few minutes like there was Monday morning!!!
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I am staying busy with tutoring...

I have 4 students now...

and just had info for 3 more sent to me.

Emma told me to quit tutoring...

She says I am always gone for AN HOUR!!!

What will she do when I am gone for 40 hours!!!
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Yesterday, I began working with a 16 year old that is autistic...

as he was reading to me about CPR out of his favorite book, a school Health textbook, he suddenly looks over at me and asks, "Do you think that victim is seeing a bright light right now or is he already in heaven?"

Yeah, never quite know where the discussions will take us!
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It is almost midnight...

so I should try to get some sleep.

Because I have a 4 hour drive tomorrow...

and it is not a good idea to fall asleep while driving!

Which I reaffirmed on my trip to Alabama last week!!

GOOD NIGHT!
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

one step forward...two steps back...

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!???!!!

SERIOUSLY!!!???!!!

REALLY!!!!!!????!!!!!!!!!
Steve's car blew up as he was driving into work this afternoon!

Maybe a head gasket...Maybe the transmission!

ARE WE EVER SUPPOSE TO GET AHEAD????????

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

drama queenking

When I was pregnant I desperately wanted a girl. When people would ask what we were hoping for, I would give the expected "We don't care. We just want a healthy baby." response. But deep down I was terrified that I would have a boy. I had no idea what I would do with a son that liked bugs and trucks and sports. I did not know how I would relate to wrestling and fighting and 'boys being boys."

Don't get me wrong, I would have loved my sons if that is what I had been blessed with. Scared out of my mind, but filled with love.

Thankfully God blessed us with two girls.

Some friends said that their boys were so much easier to raise than their girls. And others said that the opposite was true. There was no consistency in the experiences. Yet in all the conversations with parents of daughters, there was one word that was used incessantly~~DRAMA! "Girls were always mixed up in some drama." "Girls were drama queens!" "Drama. Drama. Drama." And while I am raising Mac and Emma, I certainly agree. Drama is a part of our daily life~~~ Drama about friends. Drama about clothes. Drama about boys. Drama about their mere existence. It is never clear when the drama will unfold, but there is surety that it WILL reveal itself. And often!

Many Academy Awards and Oscars could be awarded for performances in the Martin Household!

And Emma may actually have won more in her short 6 years than her 13 year old sister!

While the word drama was always used when discussing girls, I have recently learned that teenage boys are just as moody, just as temperamental, and can create just as much drama as any girl. I learned first hand that drama IS NOT limited to the female gender!

And can I just say, macho egos along with pouting is so not attractive!!

So watch out girls, you are in danger of losing your DQ crowns to the up and coming Drama Kings!

Friday, June 18, 2010

friday frivolity...alabama edition...

Steve decided to drive home tonight and surprise Emma Shea...
She is very excited to see him!!!!

Goobers wouldn't let me take a picture of them!
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They are in an intense game of Hangman
Not sure who is winning!!
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We had a great trip to Alabama...

It is always great to be able to spend time with friends...

remembering old memories...

and making new ones!!
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Memories of friends helping each other ride a two wheeler...

which Emma learned last year, but was too afraid to do it again until Carley helped her!!

Now she is a pro!
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Memories of friends going fishing together...

a first for Mac and Emma.

Can you tell how thrilled Emma was with her experience!!!

She lasted an entire 5 minutes!!!!

Mac lasted about 8!!!
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Memories of the 'big catch'...

a 'fish stick'!!!!

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Memories of Jake giving Michaela casting lessons....
I don't think she was a very good student!!!
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Memories of meeting a new friend...
but we didn't invite him home with us!
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Secrets whispered...
which with these two is S.C.A.R.Y.!!!!!!
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Swim lessons given...
and no one drowned!
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And a few games of 'chicken' played...
with LOTS of cheating!
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And then our time ended and good byes had to be said :(

I sure wish Kentucky and Alabama could be a few hours closer!!!!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

the journey...

It was a hot June evening; Flag Day, 1991. Steve stood at the front of the church with sweat forming on his forehead~ partly from the oppressive heat and partly from the nervousness he felt about the life changing step he was preparing to take. The seats of the auditorium were filling as the music played softly in the background. With each click of the clock hand, the anticipation of a life together grew. Finally the moment we both had waited for for 4 years had arrived. As the music crescendoed, my father lifted my veil, said "You did good." and then the doors opened. With my arm intertwined with my father's, I walked down the aisle towards my future.

And with vows repeated and " I Dos" said, our journey as husband and wife began.

While there have been many bumps (and some really deep potholes) along the way on our 19 year journey, the scenery has been beautiful, the adventures breathtaking, and the destination exquisite.

Thank you for loving me completely and for doing all that you do unselfishly.

I pray that this journey with you continues forever and a day.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

down south...

Headed down to the great hot state of Alabama to visit my dearest friend and her family.

Have had a great time...

but we have to head home in a few hours.

We will enter the land of our 'own kind' at about 2:30AM...

You know...the land of YANKEES:):):)

Friday, June 11, 2010

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

give me the toddler years any day....

As individuals, we go through various stages in our journey through life. Some stages, such as the beginning of our careers or marriage to our 'soul mate", we enter willingly; with anticipation and excitement. Other stages, like trading in our 'cool' car for the dreaded mini van, come with much opposition. We rationalize improbable options. We avoid the obvious at all cost. But eventually reality hits us, and we reluctantly give in to the inevitable.

And we don't like it! Not one little bit!!

I have pretended that it cannot possibly be happening. I have dug my heels in and fought the next stage with every ounce of strength I have. But my foothold is slipping and the fateful is unfolding in front of my eyes.

Denial is no longer an option!!!

So if you see me and my hair is a little grayer, the worry lines are taking over my face, and I have developed a nervous tic please don't run away from me! Please come hug and comfort me. Pray with me for the strength needed as I am forced to embark on this new stage of life. Please! Please! Please! help me as I become the mother of a daughter...

with a boyfriend!!

Saturday, June 05, 2010

reconnecting with the world...

This was all I saw after giving Michaela her texting privileges back...

With a thank you and a smile she was off to the backyard to reconnect with her 'electronic world'!

Anyone want to guess who she is texting???!!!!????

Friday, June 04, 2010

friday frivolity...

Just call me crazy...
I am off to Indiana...

with FIVE teenagers in my van...

3 giggly goofy girls and 2 pestering boys!!

Pray for me :)

Wednesday, June 02, 2010