The Martin Family

32 week update

2012-02-09T07:02:00.000-08:00

32 Weeks Pregnant with Zane and the doctor says he is measuring a little on the big side currently. I will get to see him on the ultrasound in 2 weeks to see how he is positioned as he has been breach the past few visits. Mama is feeling good.

Of course, I can't pull the camera out without this little girl wanting to pose. The expression in this photo is one I see alot.

And then there is always the BIG smile!

I bought this hat for Zane to wear in a couple of years but Summer had to test it out first. It is camo and says "Daddy's fishing partner."

Thank You Pinterest

2012-01-30T18:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Pinterest,
I was hesitant to invite you into my life as I already have a busy schedule. You started out with a snooty attitude by not letting me join but I understand now that you are like that with everyone. I have really grown to love you and see a future together. It's as if I forgot who Facebook is. You inspire me in new directions and spur me to actually CREATE the cool things I find. Thanks for the encouragement.
Your friend,
Jana

Here are my Pinterest creations this week:

Zane's cribskirt (actually the entire room)

I saw a DIY cribskirt pin last night and it looked easy enough. I created this during Summer's naptime today without a stitch of sewing. Whoever invinted liquid stitch is a genius!

Rainbow Pinwheel Sugar Cookies (thanks to Jen for pinning)

Separate your sugar cookie dough and add food coloring, roll into grape size balls. Combine one of each color into a beach ball look, roll like a snake and twist in a circle. Finally dip the sides in sprinkles. These could be cute for all holidays with coordinating food coloring!

Turns out this recipe calls for ALOT of Mama involvement as a two year old cannot roll dough without flattening it like a pancake; hence she got shifted to sprinkle girl!

This picture doesn't do them justice...they actually came out cute!

Thanks Pinterest for keeping me excited to celebrate all of the holidays.

Our Valentines tree of love

Our playdate last week, where the girls painted each other's nails then blew them dry with the battery operated hair dryer! Too cute.

Zane's Baby Lodge (in progress)

2012-01-21T16:44:00.000-08:00

I LOVE creating things! It is my passion. After making the barn door I realized that just the wood alone wasn't going to be enough yet I was stumped as to what to put on it. After some searching on Pinterest (and consulting with my creative mother) I decided to write out his name in rope, create some mason jar lanterns and finish it off with a rope of toys (to be added-lodge themed of course). I loved doing all of these things for pennies and it only spurred my creative thougths to other projects I can make using these same items.

The bedding will be a chocolate brown cribskirt and bumper pad with a navy blue gingham cribsheet.

Zane, we're getting ready for you buddy!

All in a Day's Time

2012-01-17T17:10:00.000-08:00

We want to say Happy Birthday to Aunt Jen this past weekend! It wasn't half way through the day that I remembered that she and Sissy, our dog, share the same birthday. Therefore, Sissy got apple slices hand fed to her by her sweet big sis!

Thanks to our sweet and crafty friend who made Summer this scarf. Today when we were going outside and I said I was going to grab a scarf she immediately ran to get hers too! This scarf is actually made out of a pair of knee socks (pinterest probably).

Speaking of Pinterest...Summer and I made strawberry cupcakes with the box of strawberry cake mix and 12 oz of Diet 7-Up. Summer has assisted me while using the hand blender a few times now and I thought it was time to let her have the full reigns! Great job with no splatter! PS-had the cupcakes not stuck to the silicone pans they would have been called a Grand Success, however it is still to be determined.

ZANE'S Nursery Update:

Ordinary drapes have been transformed by adding ribbon to the bottom.

Barn door has been assembled, stained and installed in the room.

Animal Silhouette artwork has been crafted, frame and hung.

We are making progress!

Remember this is a Baby Lodge, hence the deer

Moose

The barn door is not complete. It still needs some decor but I don't have a vision right now...so I wait...and search Pinterest:)

Fun Times

2012-01-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

Summer was lucky enough to receive an after Christmas present...a Pink Bike. For the record she always refers to it as her "pink bike." She had the helmet already so we were off. In minutes she was racing down the street with pregnant mama trying to keep up.

Summer in race mode...she knows how to slump her shoulders and really get into it!

We have enjoyed a couple family outings where Daddy throws the ball for Sissy and Summer chases after them to make sure Sissy gets it...as if Sissy wouldn't get the ball!

This past week we met up with our friends after not seeing them for a while during the holidays. We went to the Mountain Playlodge and had a great time. Summer was hugging Addie while trying to get this dog to drive them somewhere. In this photo, Summer has on a tutu and a magic wand in her hand...lots of dress up clothes at the Playlodge.

And doesn't this look like fun! Wish parents were allowed to play:(

Queen of the castle...with an apron on from the "grocery store."

23 weeks 27 weeks

Zane is riding low. He makes it very difficult for me to keep my maternity pants up as the waistband wants to CONSTANTLY fall below my belly...which in turn pulls them down in the back. I am VERY close to wearing dresses only. If only it was a little warmer out.

Baby's got a name

2012-01-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

After looking through thousands of baby boy names we finally came up with 6 that we put up on the fridge to think about. Well and wouldn't you know it, we decided on one New Year's Eve and it wasn't one of the final 6. It came to us in a random flip through of the baby book and we loved it.

Baby Martin is now, Charles "Zane" Martin.

I am so happy to have a name for him and to start thinking of him in a more personal way.

Now that we have Summer all setup in her big girl room I am in full gear to get Zane's "baby lodge" complete. I was inspired by this picture I found on Pinterest.

And these lodge-type animal silhouettes...which I plan on recreating in a different way.

In order to get this look I had to find me a barn door. Well that would cost a bundle (in the city) so I decided to make one.

Step 1:

Step 2:

Testing my stain - this came out so good I will have to incorporate it in some way.

I realize that I am incapable of just buying a pre-made room. I have the need to handmake just about all elements involved...maybe not the easiest method but one I enjoy. I will keep you updated as the "baby lodge" progresses.

To Summer, From Santa

2011-12-29T12:10:00.000-08:00

Santa's Elves gave Summer a wonderful Christmas! Mr. & Mrs. Claus was in charge of transforming the masculine guest bedroom into Summer's Big Girl Room. She created handmade tissue flowers to brighten up the walls and spray painted the lamp bases along with new bedding and drapes to complete the girlie transformation.

Summer's reaction was WOW!

Christmas Decorations, Santa's helper and workshop

2011-12-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas is five days away and we are in the spirit! Summer fully understands that Santa Claus is going to fill her stocking...and she knows which one is hers. She wants hot dog buns and lollipops!

She made this Santa Claus at the library Christmas party. We have it on the tree along with her letter to Santa and any Christmas cards that have Santa's picture on them. All things Santa belong in the tree.

This year I am highlighting my crafty skills. At the front door I have made hanging ornaments as well as signs that were inspired from the Pottery Barn Kids magazine.

Summer has been quite the little helper! She is on the NICE list. In this photo, she was helping me do laundry, putting each piece one-by-one in the washing machine.

She even helped me grate cheese for taco night. Advanced for a two year old, I know:)

She is happy to teach her baby how to stir.

Santa Claus is decorating Summer's Big Girl Room for Christmas. Who knew Santa was so crafty! What IS he planning to do with all of these flower pom poms?

We've Got Tubes

2011-12-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

After a year and a half of ear infections, Summer is getting TUBES. We are thrilled. She is such an excellent patient. Look at this happy smile. We were in the waiting room at the outpatient surgery center at 6:30am

Arg! I can't seem to get these to upload correctly and I hate that. Sorry you have to turn your head.

Anyways, here Summer is in the pre-op room and she changed into the cute hospital fish pajamas. At this point she had received 5 stickers from the nurse and that was pretty cool.

This picture is after she had her "giggly juice." The doctor said this would be a good indicator of how her first year of college would go. I am proud to say, Summer was a mellow drunk. The doctor said that some kids get wild and even take their clothes off (those kids have to live at home during college). I was asking her to point to different body parts and she was getting them a little off...her "nose" was between her eyes. Funny!

The surgery went great and it was over faster than I could have a cup of coffee and text everybody. At this point Summer was a little camera shy. We came home and watched Toy Story 3, ate alot and drank alot and she has been enjoying a long nap (3 hr 45 min so far).

Doctor says she should be ready to do normal activities tomorrow.

Thanksgiving and more

2011-12-07T14:03:00.000-08:00

This year we had a great Thanksgiving at the Martin's new home here in Asheville. It was great to have them so close. Chad's uncle and cousins came up and there was a house full of fun!

Summer loved playing with Brooke and getting to be the BIG cousin to Kate.

She got some love from Jonas, who is just a few months younger than her.

But nothing was more satisfying than loving, helping, talking gently to baby Kate.

Great memories and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year, if not sooner!

Today we went to a playdate with our MOPS group to see a police officer and a K-9 officer. Summer didn't see what the big fuss was about...we have one of these at home (minus the training).

What was more fun was to hold Madelyn while her big sister pet the dog and her mom took pics. Little brother better get used to being "handled" quickly because she is ready for one of these "babies" to have all to herself.

I am totally jumping around here topic-wise...but here is my first wrapped gift. I have always wanted to wrap in brown craft paper and go simple. This is the year!

2 year old logic: if your chicken and rice soup is hot put some frozen strawberries in it!

Summer showing off her Cheerios tower...she can build them high!

Measuring and stirring Cheerios, while wearing her apron, is her new kitchen task. It really helps me cook dinner to have her hard at work.

Pregancy Update_22 weeks

2011-12-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Time is flying by with pregnancy #2. Possibly because I am very busy with #1 and don't have the luxury of sitting around daydreaming about what he will be like. I have been feeling pretty well. I have back pain if I stand too long and need a nap every couple of days, otherwise I am normal. My only cravings have been for fruit, mainly oranges (just like with Summer). In the mirror I feel huge but people keep saying I am not showing that much. Here is a recent picture I took to show baby's growth.

We still don't have a name yet for this little boy. Feel free to make a suggestion in the comments.

Cookie Decorating, Giving Thanks and Birthdays

2011-12-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

Are these the cutest Gingerbread girls (and boy) ever!

Mid-November, Summer and I hosted a Cookie Decorating Party for her group of friends. We gave each of the girls these cute gingerbread aprons (thanks Mimi) and they loved them. They all took turns adding ingredients to the bowl, stirring and passing it to the next person. They rolled out the cookies and cut them with gingerbread men, Christmas tree and gingerbread house shaped cookie cutters. Then they iced them and decorated with M&Ms.

These are Summer's cookies...you can tell whose mother was taking pictures and not "providing guidance" in the decorating process. They were still yummy! By the way, they are sugar cookies as I couldn't find an easy box of gingerbread mix (maybe they come out closer to Christmas).

Before Thanksgiving we got this yummy recipe for pumpkin muffins (a can of pumpkin and spice cake mix-powder only). We baked them and sprinkled with powdered sugar and delivered with a cute "hand"made note of appreciation to our neighbors.

Also before Thanksgiving were a couple of birthdays (I am still behind on-woops)! Happy Birthday to Aunt Bebe and to Nana. We went with Granddad and Nana to dinner to celebrate. I'm not quite sure if Summer thought the dessert and singing was for her or Nana?

Christmas Tree, Parade and Race

2011-11-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

This past week I put up our Christmas decorations, tree and all! I do love Thanksgiving but I just couldn't wait until the following weekend to decorate. In addition, Summer and I went out and about in town to see the Christmas tree lighting at Biltmore Park and to the Holiday Parade in downtown (busy busy while daddy was out of town).

It was a really cold night so Mama opted for dinner for two at a restaurant nearby instead of standing and waiting for the tree to turn on. Never fear, we saw it!

Since Summer behaved so well on our dinner date I treated her to Pink Icecream!

While we waited for the parade to begin, Summer danced in the street with her baby.

Waiving with both hands!

Yall, I had NO IDEA how much my little girl liked to DANCE! Hope to get some video uploaded soon.

The next day my brother ran his first HALF MARATHON in Birmingham. I am SO proud of him for setting this goal and training to meet it. Here he is at the 8 mile mark giving Mimi and Brody a high five as he passes by.

ALL THE WAY! ALL THE WAY! I can hear my mom chanting that from the sidelines. So happy for you Bud! I hope to run it with you next year.

I'm on a roll...

2011-11-16T18:54:00.000-08:00

So far I am having a great week getting back in the swing of updating this blog!
Although my camera is off for repairs (actually they are replacing it for free) I have managed to take some pictures on my phone.
Today was our MOPS meeting which is always fun and encouraging and I get tons of creative ideas from the other moms. I came home inspired and went to town on some potatoes! I tackled 15 pounds of potatoes which at the time felt like overkill but they were on sale for 2.99 for 10# (plus I already had some) and I know that down the road, when I don't have to bake a potato, I will be a happy girl.

Per,http://www.momonamission.me/, I washed them, pierced them once, rubbed them with vegetable oil and sprinkled with salt then baked them for 1 hr at 400.

The smaller potatoes I sliced into rounds and will use those for scalloped potatoes or french fries in the future. I made twice baked potatoes with one tray and with the third tray I sliced and left in halves to later top with cheese, bacon and chives. I flash froze them for 2 hours by laying them flat in the freezer. Then I bagged them.

While the potatoes were cooking, and after Summer woke up from naptime, we made dinner-Spinach and Cheese Manicotti (another momonamission recipe). We doubled the recipe so that we could eat some tonight (and lunch tomorrow) as well as have another meal in the freezer. She was very meticulous about getting the cheese into the plastic bag (which we used to pipe the filling into the shells). Oh and by the way, smiling AND keeping your eyes open at 2.5 yrs old is practically impossible.

Summer is becoming quite the little kitchen helper. Just last week we got together for a baking playdate with her friends and made some delicious Fleischman's bread. Pictured (Addyson, Addie, Levi and Summer)

I thought I would share with you what a sweet little girl Summer is. Every night we give her a breathing treatment as an asthma prevention method. At first the mask was not fun but now she can hold it by herself like a big girl. It helps that she gets to watch cartoons at the same time!

Cooking and Playing

2011-11-15T02:49:00.000-08:00

The past few months I have been so inspired by a friend of mine who is a cooking queen! She has four kids and manages to cook smart, frugal and healthy. Not to mention she feeds the women and children in our community at the homeless shelter weekly. Anytime I need a recipe I go to her blog to see what she is up to.
This week potatoes are on a big discount at the local grocery and I am going to take advantage by making some of her twice baked potatoes as well as freezing some for grilled cheesy potato skins later. Check out the link below and explore her blog to find more great recipes and cooking ideas.
I have made her Chicken Parmesan and froze it for later and it came out great! I also love the breakfast burritos.
Grilled Cheesy Potato Skins

Yesterday Summer and I went to the Mountain Playlodge with our neighbors for the first time. I had heard rave reviews but didn't know what to expect. Summer went crazy! She got in there and just started running. She couldn't climb on each dog, turtle, boat, car fast enough. It was so much fun to watch her. They had inflatables and to my surprise she got in the BIG ones and actually climbed to the top and slid down (with me encouraging her to be like Dora)!
Sorry no pictures...as you remember Summer dropped my camera and I have sent it off for warranty repair.

PS - This year I am going to be one of those people who put up their Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving. I hope to get them up this week!

Crafty

2011-11-09T19:30:00.000-08:00

When looking through the Pottery Barn Kids Holiday Magazine I thought that I could recreate some of the cute Christmas decorations that they had. Here are some stake signs that they have listed for $44 each (ridiculous).

Here is my version for no out of pocket costs...had everything under my roof. I plan on attaching them to paint sticks and sticking them in my metal planters that are on both sides of the front door...then tying a red bow around each of the metal planters.

Here is another cute Pottery Barn Christmas decoration, oversized ball ornaments hung at your entryway.

My version, still under construction (many more coats of white paint). Mine will actually end up cuter because they are made of red burlap and I will glue or stitch two pieces together, and stuff them, to make them 3-D. The Christmas trees were a cookie cutter I had that I used as a stencil.

This was the last photo taken on this camera, by Summer, before she dropped it face down on the lens. Since then I have spent my evening googling "lens error." After no solutions, I finally called customer service and it appears that if I ship it to them then they will repair it under warranty (of course not mentioning the 2 year old dropping it with the lens extended).

Miss Mischief herself outside church today. I told her she could go touch the bus, as you know BUSES are her favorite...and since this one does have a yellow top she might as well consider it a yellow bus.

Bright Eyes

2011-11-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

My bright eyed girl painting again...
She woke up at 5am and repelled out of her crib (a trend the past 2 days). I woke up seeing that the kitchen light was on and went to see what she was up to. She didn't see me, but I saw that she was playing at her table and chairs...so I went back to bed. Chad and I just laid there listening and guessing "what that noise was?" Amazingly she never came to get me. After 1 hour and 20 minutes I got up and peeked in the kitchen to find her picking up crackers she had spilled on the floor. She had opened the pantry and climbed up the shelves to get what she wanted! Oh, for the record, Summer can open any child-proof door knob and she is an excellent problem solver...so nothing is out of her reach. There weren't any major messes and she had removed her diaper and placed it in the trash just like Mama does.
This is the begininning of her not needing us!

Painting and Halloween

2011-11-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

This week, once I received the Pottery Barn Kids holiday magazine in the mail, I got a creative itch. I saw some cute Christmas signs and decided that I could paint something similar. Well, as you can imagine, when I paint my mini-me wants to paint also. And so we did!

This Halloween Summer dressed up as a fairy. It was cold so this fairy had to keep warm under her tutu. Thanks to Mimi for making her tutu, magic wand and hair bow. She got the hang of knocking on doors and saying "Please" and "Thank You." The phrase, "trick or treat" was a stretch for her vocabulary.

I guess it was the costumes that threw them off. But here is Summer with her buddy, Nicholas aka Superman.

Thanks to Nana for staying at our house to pass out candy so that Mama, Daddy and Granddad could walk the neighborhood.

Baby Update: I am 18 weeks pregnant now and feeling well. This past week I haven't had much of an appetite for dinner (and my family has suffered) but otherwise I crave citrus and typically eat an orange every night. Chad and I haven't yet agreed on a name...sigh. However, we were able to name Summer so I have faith that we can do it again. Talk to you soon.

Its a BOY

2011-10-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

This week, on the day of our 8 year wedding anniversary, we went to the doctor to find out the sex of Baby Martin. Of course, the legs were at my belly button making it hard to see...but with a little maneuvering the doctor was able to determine that we are expecting a BOY! I am excited but Chad is over the moon! He is already envisioning all the boy things they are going to do together. Summer is in denial and still keeps thinking she is having a girl...I think asking her if she wanted a "Emma" or a "Reece" (cousins we just visited) made her think she actually determines the outcome...she keeps saying "no Em" everytime I say we are having a boy. She'll come around.

I am going to blame it on pregnancy brain for not remembering my camera charger on our recent Florida trip but I hope to get some pics from family soon so I can post.

Next challenge - agreeing with Chad on a name. I had my heart set on 1 or 2 and of course he doesn't like them.

Summer update
Currently she is being treated for yet another double ear infection (9th I believe). She has also been diagnosed with asthma and we are doing daily breathing treatments throughout the winter season to prevent a major breathing issue. She has adjusted well to wearing the mask and watching cartoons before bedtime.
She has learned how to climb out of her crib and I have setup a big girl twin mattress on the floor in her room. I was all prepared to go Super Nanny on her and make sure she stayed in her room however when it was time to sleep she said she wanted to be in her crib. Oh well, whatever works is fine for me. I then found out, at a later nap, that she is climbing out of her crib and sleeping in her big girl bed...once again, I don't care as long as she stays in her room.

Visit with Gigi

2011-10-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Chad's Grandmother, Gigi, came to visit last week and Summer loved spending time with her. Gigi was a great sport and agreed to play "spa" with Summer.
Sidenote: I LOVE that Summer enjoys playing "spa" and I reap the benefits everytime I get out of the shower and she massages lotion on my back and legs...and occasionally my hair which defeats the purpose of the shower.

Step one: Get your client comfortable and gather your supplies

Step two (of a pedicure): get in-between their toes:)

Step three: massage thoroughly with lotion (Gigi hadn't intended on this being a full leg rub down but Summer insisted)

Step four: paint with an attractive color...in this case, blue!

Step five: thank your client for playing with you

It was a blessing to get to spend some time with Gigi here in North Carolina.

Whisper in the Darkness

2011-10-04T03:31:00.000-07:00

I am involved in a women's Bible study on Wednesday evenings at my church and we are studying 1 Kings. Last week it was on 1 Kings 19 and how that relates to discouragement and depression. I feel so strongly about this that I wanted to share it with you.

Key Point: No believer is immune to discouragement. We must listen to the voice of God to know the truth and feel His love in our darkest hours. We must look to the people of God to surround us with purpose, hope and joy.

We can't walk in faith when we are running in fear (of loss, pain). vs 2
When we are discouraged we tend to isolate ourselves from our support (run from the reality that we don't like). vs 3
Our focus can be on ourselves and not on our mission when we feel down (must shift our focus from looking at pain to looking at God's grace). vs 4
Exhaustion and poor self-care can magnify the crisis (skipping meals, not enough sleep). vs 6
Our bodies and minds can affect our spiritual health (making that little thing the straw that broke the camel's back). vs 7
We must be certain we are putting our energies into the right tasks. vs 8
We must evaluate what choices led to our low point (don't try to run someone else's race). vs 9
When we are empty, our view of reality is skewed (pain is like blinders). vs 10
We must filter out the chaos to hear the voice of God (God will get our attention with a BIG thing then gently tell us). vs 12
God will tend your soul through relationships centered on truth (God has people in place to support you and me). vs 18

When dealing with discouragement/depression:

Don't isolate yourself.
Be open about your feelings.
Don't try to fake it.
Don't neglect washing your mind with the truth and aligning your feelings with worship.
Ask for help.

Check out these encouraging Bible verses: 1 Peter 5:7, Zeph 3:17, Isaiah 30:18
Ecclesiastes 4:10 - If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
I am often over-scheduled and too exhausted to be the Godly friend that I should be BUT I am here for you if you need me.

Hello Fall or Winter?

2011-10-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

Read Read Read...Summer definitely wants to be read to these days. We typically start the day with about 5 books while Mama sits and drinks her coffee. And most we then reread. We are focusing on colors and counting. The colors Summer is doing well at but the counting is still in her own language. Here she is this weekend on the computer and Mimi is reading her a book on Skype while we get ready to go to Waffle House (yum!).

Winter decided to stop by for the weekend and the temperature on Saturday was in the 40's the entire day. Chad built a fire over at his parents house to keep warm.

Since Summer began her antibiotics for her ear infection a couple weeks ago we have had issues with you know...poo pooing. I think it is a domino effect where it was painful once and since then she tries to hold it when the urge comes. I have resulted to bribery. If she poo poos in the potty then she gets a lollipop. Let me tell you, she will pick out the color she wants and carry it in her pocket all day knowing that once she goes she can eat it. I am impressed with her restraint. Here she is reading a book to her babies while enjoying her lollipop.

My pregnancy is going well. I am feeling good minus being more tired than usual (which was already tired). We will find out the sex of the baby in 3 weeks on our 8 year anniversary, October 25. That is very exciting and we will be thrilled, genuinely, with either a boy or a girl.

Things Summer Loves

2011-09-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have said it before but Summer loves taking her medicine. Because we don't do it often she thinks it is special and a treat. Here is a video of how she does it.

Ok, so Summer also loves the "Yellow Bus." When we are in the car she is always asking me for a yellow bus. Earlier this week we passed one on the main road and it only peaked her interest to see more. As we turned into the neighborhood it was a dream come true...a broken down yellow bus! We got home and hopped in the wagon as fast as possible to get a closer look.

This is quite possibly the happiest photo I have ever taken of Summer to date!

Well as we got closer to the yellow bus you can see her excitement turned into a little nervousness. She reacted the same way when we saw the train up close.

That's right, this mama hung out with the bus driver and waited for a second yellow bus to arrive to move the kids...pure joy for Summer.

This was a magical day because with the 2 yellow buses still parked wouldn't you know it but a red fire truck drove down the same street!

Last night was a wonderful event at church called The Gathering (Pink Pajama Party). It was a women's event and I was the hostess for my table. There were 1000 women there and we got to spend some time refocusing on what our priorities should be, how we should value friendships and having a good time. I am going to make an effort to commit myself less to events outside of the home so that I have time and energy to see that my quiet time, family time and maintenance of my home are taken care of first (Chad said that sounded like music to his ears).

Papa and Grammy's visit

2011-09-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Papa and Grammy came up for a quick visit...and they came bearing gifts. Summer absolutely loved her new desk/easel and has since put her laptop on it and types really fast and really hard.

Summer and Grammy (aka Mammy) posing

There is nothing better than grandparents coming to visit. Summer took full advantage of the play time and welcomed Papa into her playhouse.

Welcome fall! Overnight the high dropped from 78 when they arrived to a high of 58 the next day. We bundled up and went to Skytop apple orchard and indulged in their famous apple cider donuts, delicious!

A baby chick had escaped its pin and Summer got to pet it before Papa reunited it with his family.

Wow sheep and goats!

What you can't see is the goose with a really long neck sticking his head far outside the fence. Summer was momentarily stunned.

A walk with Grammy and Papa through the bamboo forest.

Papa asked her if she wanted to go outside and play and she got ready real fast.

This was Grammy's favorite part of the trip!

We had a fun time. The day after they left I took Summer to the doctor to see if her persistent cough was anything of concern and sure enough it was diagnosed as her 9th double ear infection. She sure is a pleasant sick child. In fact, she loves her medicine. She askes for "mo" and I have to tell her that if she is "good" she can have it twice a day...after she finishes her meal. Do I get a great parent award for that?

Summer Pics

2011-09-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

This September has turned out to be very busy for me so as you can see I don't have much time for blogging but I do want to share some of Summer's personality through photos.

She loves her baby dolls. Here she is taking them all for a ride on her horse.

My daughter loves putting on lipstick. Usually I have a practically empty small container of lipgloss that she carries around and applies when needed. However, it has gone missing and she helps herself to my purse at any moment it is accessible (or she pulls a chair across the house to stand on to make it accessible). She did manage to keep it mostly in the lip region though!

A child with lipstick is a happy child!

Oh yeah Summer, very pretty!

Summer pushing baby Ella while wearing her very first ballcap that we got her in Crested Butte.

Roll Tide

2011-09-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

Annual Colorado Trip

2011-09-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

We always look forward to our first taste of fall (and sometimes winter) during our trip to Crested Butte, CO. It is so nice to spend time outdoors and actually have to put on extra layers to stay warm.

We stay in Mt. Crested Butte and always do a walk down to the town. It is beautiful and great exercise.

We do a LOT of eating out!

We hiked some waterfalls and they were gorgeous.

It was nice to get away but even better to come home to this sweet little girl...I mean BIG girl! She will correct you if you don't say BIG.

Hello Friends

2011-08-26T17:22:00.000-07:00

As it turns out, being pregnant with an active two-year old leaves very little time for blogging. I have been taking naps when Summer sleeps which leaves little time on the computer. So...here is a two week recap in pictures.

Most Monday's and Tuesday's you can catch us outside playing with our neighbor. Summer is pretending to be a firefighter while walking her catapilar and abandoning her bike in the road.

We love meeting with friends for playdates at the park! Summer and Addie

We are starting our own designer play-doh jewelry line.

More fun picnics at the park with friends! Summer and Greer

And on occasion, Summer will eat a big dinner! Spaghettios we love you.

Big Smile!

Sweet Sweet Girl

Guess What?

2011-08-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Last week, the day before we left to go to Alabama to see cousin Brody for the first time, I found out I am PREGNANT! I told Summer that everyone was going to love her shirt. And they did!

Baby Brody couldn't be cuter or a more easy baby. He just slept in my arms.

Summer loved swimming in Grammy and Papa's pool, as did the rest of us.

She even put on goggles and I dunked her under water to let her see...then I realized I was holding my child under water!!! Whoops, she was ok though. She went down the water slide about 30 times and absolutely loved it.

Summer posing with cousin Brody and Grammy. I asked her if she would share her toys with Brody and she immediately started pulling all of them out...I meant in the years to come.

We celebrated Chad's birthday at our favorite BBQ spot, Jim 'n Nick's.

Summer getting some sweet lovin' from Bubba and Jen.

Friend Outing

2011-08-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today we went to our favorite place to beat the heat, Splashville. We rode together with our neighbor, Nicholas, and his mom. This was Summer's first time in a car with another child. Summer talked the ENTIRE time and poor Nicholas didn't say a word...a prelude to the future.

They both played well in the water.

And as usual, Summer got drenched

Ahhh, right in the face!

Summer wanted to provide Nicholas with alot of "unsolicited direction." He was not a fan.

Fun day with our sweet neighbors.

Happy Sunday

2011-07-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends!

Summer has had a great week playing with her new outdoor toys at Gramma and Grandad's house.

She got a slide, a water table and a riding toy. If you look close you will see that Summer is actually sitting in the water table...not its primary purpose, but if your hot I guess it is a smart idea.

These days, Summer takes her suitcase with her everywhere. It doesn't matter if we are going to the grocery store or a playdate she has to pack some toys and lovies. She even took it in the stroller with her on our run once this week...yes I pushed the stroller with Summer and a suitcase in it!

We went on a family hike to see some waterfalls. Summer walked up this huge rocky hill all by herself. I kept telling her to say "up" when she needed help and she never did. We stopped and had a picnic at this pavillion overlooking the waterfall. It was a fun time outdoors.

Summer smiling for the camera...actually I forgot the camera so these are cell phone pics.

Catching Up

2011-07-25T03:26:00.000-07:00

Oops, I am behind on my blogging...here is what we have been up to in the past week.

Summer went to a big girl birthday party for our sweet friend, Greer who turned 3 (Summer far left, Greer 3rd from left)! Her parents were so smart to have the party at an ice cream shop that supplied everything, face painting, balloon art and even a coloring station. We were thrilled to be invited.

Summer picked a butterfly to be painted on her cheek and she sat very still while the lady painted.

Mimi and Grando came to visit and we had a fun evening at Biltmore Park.

Summer has a new best friend, Ella. As you can see, Summer is teaching her to walk. Named after her cousin Ella, she got this doll from Gramma's house. It was one of her Aunt Kiki's dolls when she was a little girl. There is also a second doll named "Mo Ella" similar to our second pig lovie named "Mo Piggy." And now all four of them have to sleep with her...her crib is getting crowded!

Summer and Grando being silly!

Mimi and Summer riding the cars in front of the toy store.

Summer had to get off so she could help push Mimi faster.

We enjoyed a great dinner with the Martins as well (Chad was out of town).

Help Me, Help You

2011-07-15T03:34:00.000-07:00

I don't have too much rhym or reason as to what books of the Bible I read, but this week I decided to read through 2 Corinthians and pray that I learn some valuable lessons that I can apply in my life (duh, as if there aren't valuable lessons on every page). This verse jumped out at me and I wanted to share it with you.
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
I always thought that God comforted me because I believed in him...but now I see he comforted me so that I could use that as a tool to help others. I think I will try and use my gift today.

Splashville

2011-07-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Our MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) group got together for a playdate at Splashville, downtown in front of the court house. At first Summer was a bit hesitant about the shoots of water.

But after she saw her friends playing she took interest.

Even still, she just couldn't get wet...she pulled her hair out in distress.

It wasn't until she realized that she, herself, could pretend like a fountain by spitting water out of her mouth, that she decided to take the risk and go for it!

Oh yeah, it was worth it!

Giddy with excitement

What a fun way to beat the heat.

We'll be back soon, Splashville!

Asheville is a great city!

I love that downtown is such a vibrant yet safe place to be for not only dining and shopping but also picnics and playdates.

Sunday Notes

2011-07-11T03:57:00.000-07:00

Too Blessed Not To Share!

I feel too blessed by the message I get from our church each Sunday not to pass it on. We go to Biltmore Baptist Church and you can actually watch the services online each Sunday (live) on the website, http://www.biltmorebaptist.org/ . I'll give you the quick version and hopefully won't lose anybody before the end.

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES (Matthew 5:43-48)

Who are your enemies? You may think, I don't have any...and I am not an enemy to anyone. Think of enemies as anyone who seeks your failure, whether it be at work or in your social circles. If you dig deep you might even find that you might be holding some ill feelings toward others..seeking their failure.

How do they get us? By causing our hearts to be filled with anger and revenge. By making us bitter. God warns us not to get bitter in Hebrews 12:14-15. He also tells us not to take revenge in Romans 12:19, "leave room for God's wrath." So next time you feel like getting someone back...back off and know that God will take care of it.
Our pastor mentioned that bitterness was like a jail cell. No one would walk in and say this is a great place to live, shut the door and call me happy. However, we sometimes back ourselves into that cell of bitterness and although the door is still open we stomp our foot and say we're not coming out! Personally, I did it this week, I backed right into that cell over an issue and I knew it wasn't where I wanted to be and I could see the exit...yet I just said I am going to stay in this miserable place for a day. Seriously Jana, seriously, poor decision.

Love your enemies (biblically). Doesn't mean you have to be BFF with them. Matthew 5:38-42 spells it out. Verse 39 says if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also...think of "strike" as "insults," it goes back to the whole don't take revenge passage in Romans 12. Verse 40 doesn't mean lay down and let someone take all you have...rather pay those who you owe money. Verse 41 relates to do more than the bare minimum.

7 DAY CHALLENGE

NO: Insults or Put Downs

GO: the second mile, do something to bless others

(why? because you're a Christian! And it glorifies God.)

LOW: Pray for your enemies for God to do something great in their life

My Nephew Brody

2011-07-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world, Brody Jacob Savage!

Brody was born on July 1, 2011 at 1:09am (his great grandmother's birthday). He weighed 8 lb 1 oz. and was 21 inches long. He is a happy baby boy!

The Savage Family! What a blessing from God!

Future Alabama football player

Mama and Brody back at home. Jen, you look beautiful!

I can't wait to get my hands on Brody later this month. Until then I will uhh and ahh over pictures.

Sweet Time

2011-06-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

This morning has been such a sweet time with Summer. The moment I walked into her room she showed such excitement just to be in my presence. The way she immediately started tossing, one by one, every blanket and stuffed animal over the rail of her crib to impress me. The way she says mmm as she eats the green, unripe tomato that she picked. The fact that she is sitting at the table eating tomatoes while I type this and not yelling Mama a million times.

Thank you God for this morning!

Taco Night

2011-06-28T03:32:00.000-07:00

Taco Night is a big hit at the Martin house!

Who doesn't love body painting with sour cream?

This week I have been encouraged to read the book of Philippians. It is silly how surprisingly inspired I get when I read the Bible. I am memorizing Philippians 4:6-7, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

It is amazing how relevant those verses are today in every person's situation. I think the "thanksgiving" part is vital to the "peace." Have a great day...and those of you waiting on babies to arrive try not to be anxious!

Mystery!

2011-06-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Recently I have woken up a few mornings to our guest bedroom looking like it had been slept in. I asked Chad if he had been in there but he said he hadn't. Yet the bed was unmade, who could it be?

One day this week, Summer and I were sitting in the playroom to read a book and I heard some rustling in Summer's playhouse...Sissy, is that you?

Sure enough I peeked through the playhouse window and there was Sissy taking a nap inside. Mystery solved, it was Sissy who has also making herself oh-so-comfortable in the guest bed at night. If only my Flip had night vision I would video it and send it to America's Funniest Videos.

We ventured downtown this week for a luncheon with an old co-worker. Summer had to stop and climb up on this bench.

Of course, this is the chair you sit in when the trash men come and it is raining outside.

Hopefully I will be an aunt by my next post! Waiting for baby Brody to make his grand entrance!

Preparing for Father's Day

2011-06-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

This year Summer is old enough to help color Daddy's Father's Day Card.

My little lefty, however, had a difficult time keeping the color on the card and off of the table.

Summer showing me how she smiles at Dada!

Oh wow, what a sweet-ish smile...you little 2 year old, you.

Mama is beginning to worry if this smile is going to turn into a growl!

Happy Father's Day Dada...

Dad (Papa)

Doug (Grandad)

Larry (Grando)

Bud (Uncle Bud) who by the way may see his son for the first time on Father's Day(hope-hope-wish)

and to all of the rest of you Dad's - I appreciate you!

Annual Florida Trip

2011-06-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts about living closer to family is getting to visit with my Florida cousins in the summer. Summer loved playing with her big girl cousins!

This trip she quickly got attached to sweet Ella Katherine.

She wanted to GO and DO whatever Ella was doing.

Playing in the sun wears a girl out! Interestingly, she decided to sleep horizontal in the crib.

I'm proud to say that I come from a crafty family. One of the stars below costs $40 and one of them was made for about $4. Can you guess which one? You can place your orders in the comment box.

Mimi, Summer and I spend lots of quality time together. We love our girls' trip.

However this pumpkin sure was happy to see her Daddy and give him a big hug.

Summer's second year of life has come with a fair share of double ear infections (7 or 8 to be exact). So I was actually relieved that she was diagnosed with an ear infection before our big birthday/Florida road trip. That way she was on antibiotics and surely I wouldn't have to worry about her getting sick. Ummmm, not the case...she developed a rash the day we left for Florida (more like the first 45 minutes of the drive) and we turned around to go to a Dr. in B'ham. You see, last year's Florida trip was cut short because of Summer's first ear infection and we didn't want to go down there with a risk of sickness. After getting a second dose of antibiotics and a good nights rest we were back on the road early the next morning. The weekend passes and about the time that she saw Daddy (in the picture above) she started to cough. The cough was more of a hack than a congested one and that night she was having labored breathing. We have a nebulizer from when she had RSV 3 months ago and I had it with me. We were up multiple times in the night with a fever and more breathing treatments. The next morning I called the Dr. and we drove straight there from Chad's parents house (2 hrs away). Turns out she was having asthma-like symptoms. It has been a draining week but I think I have kept an upbeat attitude and not lost it (thanks to afternoon coffee).

In this photo, Summer is about to go to the Dr. for a check-up. Just because you feel crummy doesn't mean you have to look it!

Summer's 2nd Birthday Party

2011-05-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Summer's 2nd Birthday Party at Grammy and Papa's pool in Birmingham, AL. The birthday girl indulged in ice cream sundaes with a variety of toppings and cake.

Gramma and Grandad drove from North Carolina for the party.

Aunt Bebe wouldn't miss it...even with a temporary handicap foot!

The pool was packed with Summer's family and friends.

Marley Rose came to celebrate and they had a great time swimming together.

Summer loved acting big like Marley.

Mimi, Gramma, Mama with the Birthday Girl

Aunt Mary Ashley, Grammy and Bebe enjoying the pool

Marley called Grando, "Uncle Larry." Too cute

Daddy and Summer swimming

I am always so happy to spend time with my Nicole!

Uncle Bud playing the newest pool game called...throw the ball! Amazing how funny it can be when someone misses the ball. Good times.

Aunt Jen and Nicole

Papa and me

Summer opened her presents and absolutely loved each one of them.

In addition to her birthday weekend, I also cut her hair for the first time! She had quite the shhh "rat tail" going on and it was just time. The other hairs were obviously not going to "catch up" anytime soon.

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

Summer's hair flips out now and no longer is weighed down by that ONE curl. My little girl is 2 now and a haircut just solidifies it (sniff sniff).

Party Week

2011-05-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

Summer and I have been in full PARTY mode all week while Daddy is away. It all started with an awesome fever followed by a diagnosis of a double ear infection-hooray!

My little pumpkin was so patient as I got my hair done...and she got lots of special attention from the ladies. She has a winter glove in her hand...obviously I need to clean out my purse.

Oh and we painted! Summer can paint up high...

She can paint her hand

Summer loves painting!

I also want to share some pictures of my great visit from Rachel from Reno!

I was a little excited that Rachel was in town...Chad was wondering how many cups of coffee I had??

I gave Rachel a quick tour of downtown Asheville. We went to our favorite breakfast spot and took her on a heavenly shopping spree at the JCREW warehouse. She is ready to move here...JCREW sealed the deal.

Thanks Rachel for making the trip to Asheville while you were out East. Summer plays with her Rachel dress up doll every day.

Summer is TWO

2011-05-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

We aren't having Summer's birthday party until next weekend but I had to make today extra special. Her day began by being woken up by Daddy and Mama in order to take Daddy to the airport. It ALWAYS makes me thankful when I see her sleeping, such a precious time. Later in the morning we went to the Little Gym. They sang Happy Birthday to Summer and her teacher, Ms. Sue, gave her extra special attention.

Teachers out there...you have such an influence on children. When Ms. Sue compliments Summer on her skills, she lights up and strives to continue to do her best!

Summer on the balance beam

Once the bubbles start, Summer keeps her shirt lifted so Ms. Sue will blow bubbles on her belly!

After a delicious Chick-fil-A lunch, a much needed nap and a picnic dinner with Mama in the backyard we headed down to Biltmore Park for ice cream and play. Summer got stawberry ice cream with sprinkles as well as a brownie pop covered in sprinkles.

She was ademant that she should sit on the pavers and not the grass. She was also ademant that she eat her ice cream by herself and mama wasn't allowed to have any (my plan went crash and burn).

Playing outside at the toy store.

She was having a blast!

Thank you God for blessing Summer and I with a fun, easy, drama-free day!

Summer's Birth-day

2011-05-20T04:32:00.000-07:00

Folks let me just tell you that I am going to relive this series of days back in 2009 every May 18-20th for the rest of my life. It is part of my DNA as my mother has done the same to me. I mean, it was literally a life-changing day and not just for Summer but for Chad and I as well. And that is my disclaimer.

The short story...yesterday morning the Dr. told me I was having a baby. Chad and I both called our families and our moms hopped on planes to come to Reno. We went to the hospital in the afternoon but the contractions weren't as consistent as they needed to be to keep me so they let me go. Before I walked out of the room the new shift nurse asked to draw blood. They gave me an ambien and sent me home. Once I was knocked into ambien heaven the phone rang and Chad woke me up to say we needed to go back to the hospital. I can remember walking through the ER hallway and feeling so out of it from the ambien that I think I might have even hit a wall once. Turns out I had H.E.L.P. and they were going to induce me. We slept through the night and the next morning they broke my water at 7am. Summer Marie Martin was born at 8:29am, May 20, 2009 weighing 5lb 9oz and 18 inches long.

Proud Mama and Daddy

Honestly, this is exactly how I remember feeling...like I couldn't see! Looking back I can tell it was because my eyes weren't open! Just kidding, I was on magnesium and it really affected my vision. I kept asking the nurses "When can you take me off this mercury?" Of course, they would always look at me puzzled and tell me it was magnesium and I had to be on it for 24 hours which felt like a lifetime.

On a sidenote, we laugh that Summer has her hand reached out because I always sleep with my hand stretched out too.

Chad and I had no idea how wonderful our lives would be as Summer's parents. She has brought so many smiles to our faces. We love her beyond measure. Her birthday party will be next weekend with family.

A Look Back...

2011-05-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

It is wild to think that two short years ago, on this very day, I was feeling deflated (ironic since I was super inflated) because I wasn't seeing any progress in my hopes of an early arrival of the oh-so-anticipated baby Summer. A few days prior I had begun video taping myself before bedtime in hopes that my water would break during the night (yes I still had 4 weeks to go but my Dr. had told me she would be healthy if born and that was all of the encouragement I needed)! Without further ado, the video I will always remember.

Mom's Birthday Lake Weekend

2011-05-12T05:33:00.000-07:00

All Mom wanted for her 60th Birthday was to spend some quality time with family at the lake. Luckily, Jay and Jen have a lake house and we could do just that. We missed Chad as he was on the beaches of Mexico for business. The weather was wonderful and the company was fun!

Mother / Son fishing time - ironically these two are the only ones who caught anything the entire weekend.

Mimi and Summer relaxing...Sadie on stand by in case Summer wants to share her snack.

Mimi and Summer spent a lot of time swinging in the shade.

We went out on the lake in Jay's boat, but Mom's craft of choice was the paddle boat.

We ALL enjoyed it...even Sissy swimming behind us - GO HOME SISSY!

Summer loved it too! The movement of the water, sound of the swoosh and the warmth of the sun put her to sleep in minutes. I would look to my side and under those lime green sunglasses would be gently closed eyes and her head balancing on the sturdiness of her life vest. Moments to remember!

Spencer and Julie came down from Nashville and it was great spending time with them.

Sissy's sweet cousin, Sadie May, who played and swam her heart out.

Love my Mom and Bud!

Happy 60th Birthday Mom!

2011-05-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

Happy 60th Birthday Mom! I know, no way the cute girl beside me is 60, right? Yes, and she is my mother and best friend. I took her to Sips 'n Strokes to celebrate with a little creative painting.

Looking good!

Base layer finished

Starting the flowers

Interestingly when painting the flowers we started differently.

We love our artwork. Everytime we look at it hanging in our houses we will reminisce about our fun night.

Baby Shower

2011-05-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we came to Birmingham, after the terrible tornado devastation, to celebrate a Baby Shower for my sister-in-law, Jennifer. She is expecting a boy named Brody! I can't wait to be an aunt in July (or sooner).

Brody's Grandmamas: Gigi, Grammy, Mama, Mimi

Summer and Grammy greeting guests as they arrive.

Summer and Papa sneaking a few M&Ms off the table!

Beautiful Nicole and Me

Summer giving Luke a hug

Dad, Me and Bud - by the way, let me brag on my brother for a second. Since February, he has participated in the state-wide "shape up" program and lost over 44 pounds! He won the contest for his company and looks great. Not to mention that he had surgery during that timeframe for a separated bicep. Way to go Bud! And Dad looks fit too.

Easter / Birthday Weekend

2011-04-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Everybody!

The Martins were in town and we went to an Easter Festival that my friend's church was hosting at this beautiful park. Summer liked the Easter Bunny as long as Mama was with her.

This is her first Easter Egg Hunt.

And um...the learning curve is quite steep when the eggs are filled with candy!

Summer can't take the candy out of her mouth even for a picture with Gramma.

Daddy, let me down! I have got to go get "mo" eggs!

She never quite figured out how to get the wrapper off of the Smarties candy!

Jump house

Summer and Daddy

Summer and Mama

Summer getting a bunny rabbit painted on her arm. As soon as it was complete she pointed to her other arm and asked for "mo."

What a joyful day to have my Birthday on. I am now 32! Thanks Mom and Dad for giving me life.

Birthday celebration with a special dinner, dessert and even a pointed hat to wear!

I got the funniest card from Sissy, the dog. You're so funny Sissy, you shouldn't have!

After Summer's reaction to the egg hunt at the Easter Festival I knew that she was going to love her hunt on Easter morning at home. I had eggs hidden all over the house...except our eggs did NOT contain candy...rather stickers and panties! As you can tell by her expression, she was not dissappointed!

She was so proud of her sidewalk chalk...holding all 20 pieces at once while covered in stickers.

All of the excitement that I talked about above has kind of left our little bunny under the weather. She was not in Easter photo condition after church and she actually had a tee tee accident on her smocked Easter dress and had to wear something different at the last minute. Maybe a good snuggle with Daddy will make it all better.

Neighborhood Boys

2011-04-20T17:51:00.000-07:00

Introducing Summer's neighborhood friend, Nicholas...a younger man.

I am proud that Summer is so willing to share! She was quick to offer Nicholas an animal cracker.

She just turned to me and giggled...sharing is so much fun. Next she offered him one of her favorite raisins.

Maybe it is because he is younger or maybe it is just a gender thing...but he didn't even try to take the food with his hand...he just ate the raisin from her hand. Summer really thought this was funny!

The feeding continued.

We have another boy, an older man-5yr, next door who is also catching Summer's attention. Tonight as we were getting out of the car, about to go take a bath, he said "Hi Summer." She grabbed her 3-wheeler and headed out to meet him immediately. He came out on his 3-wheeler and showed her how fast he could go! One thing led to another and he was inviting her over to play at his house...and the saga begins.

Hey There!

2011-04-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

Peek-a-Boo...Where's Summer been?

PS - This is Miss Piggy, Summer's #1 lovie

Here she is! Summer loves her playhouse but she insists on privacy! She always lowers the windows and keeps the doors closed.

Friday morning, milk and raisins in hand, sitting, waiting and watching for the trash men to drive down our street. Last week they noticed Summer was watching and all 3 trash men looked and waived at her. This week they were looking for her too!

Since they drive by our house twice we came outside to get a closer look and waive at them a second time. Big.Time.Excitement.

We did other fun stuff this week but I didn't get photos...and I know a bunch of text without a picture is boring to read. I'll do better this week.

Blessed Sunday

2011-04-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was surely the Lord's day! I have just recently realized that in order for us to get in the car to drive to church and not have steam coming out of our ears, Mama needs to get in the shower earlier. All you moms know that you have to get ready early so that you can take the time to chase down your little one who is running away from getting dressed, convince her to try to potty before we get in the car, pack a snack, and oh yes don't forget your Bible. Summer heard me say that to Chad and she nearly lost it when Daddy only grabbed our Bibles and not hers! In this photo, I am running around turning off the lights (and grabbing the camera to take a pic of how cute she looks) when Summer gets frantic because she just heard Daddy start the car...thinking he might leave without us.

Summer savoring her very FIRST POPSICLE (as you can see she has been playing in the soil from planting our herbs...then I squirted her with the hose, he he)

Seriously folks, this was the first moment that she realized she was "dirty."

The joy of being a kid. Sidenote: no Sissy did not lick her clean.

Our very FIRST TOMATO/HERB GARDEN! We are growing Husky Red Tomatoes, Sweet Basil, Cilantro and Mint. Can't wait to eat my own produce! Thanks Gramma for the upside-down planter.

Our neighbor gave Summer a pink garden tool set and together they planted this mint. It requires less sun so I placed it next to the fence for some afternoon shade.

Welcome Back Spring

2011-04-08T04:50:00.000-07:00

We are SO happy to welcome Spring back to North Carolina!

Summer and I spent time in the back yard picking my most successfull flower, the dandilion.

Summer playing with Sissy

Summer's pedicure

Mama's pedicure

Sissy's pedicure

Big Step

2011-04-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

I am so proud to see my baby girl in this outfit...

Because...this is the outfit I dressed her in this morning when she took her FIRST outing in big girl panties. We went to MOPS and Summer told her teachers when she had to go potty and DID NOT have an accident. I was fully prepared to come get her and see her in another outfit but she did soo great. The teacher told me that she told them 3 times, "ooh ooh tee tee" and that she clapped for herself after going potty. First outing (4 hours) in panties and no accident = proud mama!

Silly Summer wearing Daddy's hat.

I know I am stretching it here BUT I can see a little curl action in a few hairs in back.

My Little Big-Girl

2011-04-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

My Little Big-Girl is such a trooper! Once we got in the swing of taking the 4 medications daily she sucked them down and actually asked for "mo," resulting in a much happier baby pumpkin.

Although she doesn't have a fever anymore she has been sleeping and napping so hard that her scalp sweats and wakes up with wet hair. I seriously thought her hair was h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s! She was kind of amused too after I made it stand straight up.

I have been getting a lot of lovie time! We snuggle together in the morning, mid-morning, afternoon...pretty much all day...in between potty breaks. Speaking of potty, Summer has continued to do great at using the potty. She still wears a diaper out of the house but she tells me when she needs to go and can hold it until we get to the bathroom. In fact, last night she woke up at 3am going "ooh ooh ooh, tee tee" (I have the monitor on since she has been sick) and I debated whether or not to get up and take her to the potty or let her go in her diaper. I decided to take her to the potty but was a bit late. Then I went back to bed wondering if the next step in this whole training was to give her freedom in a Big-Girl bed??!!

What makes Summer a Big-Girl:

She flushes her little potty with her foot.
At night I have started taking her into my bathroom to blow dry her hair. While I am trying to make curls out of sticks she unties her robe and wipes deodorant on her underarms.
Today we were going to sign our taxes and I mentioned to Chad "grab your wallet in case they need your id." She immediately went to her playroom and walked out with her shiny purple wallet!

Sick Summer and Potty Training

2011-03-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

As I write this blog I have a sick baby girl laying on my chest. What I thought was allergies for the past week came to a head Monday and I took her to the doctor. It turned out she was diagnosis with a double ear infection. Plus, she has some labored breathing that we are treating with a bronchial dilator syrup.

Monday - Summer and Mommy

My typical morning playful daughter has been in my arms for 2 hours (with 2 backpacks on).

Here is the amazing part...Summer potty trained all last week while she had this junk! She successfully filled her potty chart with 70 stars in 6 days. I did document her first #2 but don't worry I won't post it. She has even told me she needed to potty in public twice (and we made it in time).

Tuesday - Summer and Mommy

After our second trip to the Dr., Summer was diagnosed with RSV. She received 2 additional breathing treatments and the doctor was seriously considering admiting her into the hospital. Lucky for us, he thought she would be ok with taking home a nebulizer and me administering breathing treatments. She also got a steriod prescription and that really helped.

After our third Dr. appt this week, she has shown great improvement in breathing and her fever is gone. However, she is still a sick little girl.

Wednesday - Summer and Mommy

Pray for us to have a great night's rest.

This Week in the Martin House

2011-03-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

This week has been wild and entertaining

yet very sweet and memorable

Summer has worn bandaids (5 at one time) to doctor our face plant that wasn't healing from a month ago (due to constant picking at it). I am pleased to say that both the nose and finger wounds are healed.

We made Spring cookies for Summer's nursery workers who are always so sweet and happy to see her. The animal is supposed to be a Bunny not a Pig...my creative skills don't transfer to icing very well.

Summer realized she loves spaghetti-o's minus the noodles...she just drinks the tomato soup.

Summer is potty training! Gramma got this potty and I was just going to ease her into it. Decided to go full force on Wednesday and she has 20 stars on her potty chart with only 2 accidents (both times she was on the way to the potty). She has taken a 1.5 hr nap without a diaper on and gone for a 30 min. run in the stroller without an accident! I am so surprised because I would not have thought she was ready but she is proving me wrong.

Ohhhh, and her secret is...as you can see the potty is in the bathroom by the tub. She sits on the potty and pulls the shower curtain over her face like no one can see...then she goes! Works every time!

And she could (and has) washed her hands for hours

A scripture I read this week in my Women's Bible Study that really jumped out at me was this:
Hebrews 10:24 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Phillipians 2:3-5 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
I think this is great inspiration to keep in the front of my mind on a daily basis.
I hope you are all having great week!

Happy Spring!

2011-03-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

We packed up and headed out of Alabama

But not without stopping by Paul Mitchell and saying bye to Aunt Bethany

Then we were on the road

We stopped at Gramma and Grandad's house

And took Hershey on a walk

Now back at home, I setup my Summer's new playhouse and she loves it

She was so giddy inside

I also setup her new kitchenette and she immediately was microwaving her imaginary food

She pulled Daddy into her playroom to eat some of her "food" she cooked

On a different topic, I am so excited to start my collection of Fiesta ware. Thanks Mom for my early birthday present.

I am loving the warm spring weather! We spent alot of time outside today and it felt so good to my soul. I compare this spring to last year and it is so much easier as a parent. Summer can walk and play with her toys while I sit and relax or work in the yard. I literally thought this day would never come...it feels great!

Spring Break...Continued

2011-03-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Celebrating with my friend Kim at her baby shower.

Summer loves her new playhouse...an early birthday present from Mimi.

Oh the fun we are going to have playing in this house.

Here I tricked Summer into looking at the direction of the camera.

Summer, Mimi and the Easter Bunny

A day with the girls!

You don't think I would let my baby eat yogurt do you?

Spring Break 2011

2011-03-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody, we are catching up with you from Alabama this week.

Summer and I are in Birmingham visiting family for Spring Break.

Summer loves to walk the dog, Henry.

Taking a break to eat a snack.

Look at us in the big girl swings!

Uhhmmm...this slide was not meant for Mommies

Grammy and Summer discovering nature.

Stella's 1st Birthday Party!

Cute McLaughlin Family

Summer's first birthday party and first cake since she turned 1 last year.

Summer with pretty Aunt Coco

Meal Plan Update

2011-03-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

I am happy to share that I have successfully been eating per the Bootcamp Meal Plan for the past 11 days and I have lost 4 pounds! Actually, I didn't lose them...I know exactly where I left them...that extra snack before dinner, the buffet line at MOPS, the additional cheese sandwich that Summer never ate. Since my intervention these have been my newfound staples...

Breakfast: Hodgson Mill Bran Muffin with 2 eggs (served anyway-this is microwaved scrabled).

This muffin is seriously tasty and I calculated the ingredients and it is 128 calories.

Lunch: Salad with Grilled Chicken and a small scoop of cottage cheese. I burned 500 calories at the gym today so I let myself have an extra piece of toast (normally only 1).

Mid-Morning and Afternoon Snack: Apple and 2 tbsp Peanut Butter (I wouldn't make it without this snack)

Dinner: Taco Salad! Shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, jalapenos, 93% lean ground beef, lowfat sour cream, salsa and shredded cheese (I don't feel like I am missing out on anything when I eat this).

That's what I ate today if you are looking for some suggestions.

Remember, I am just a normal person and not a trained dietician. This is a LOW calorie diet only intended for 1 month to jumpstart your weight loss. I am running 4 days a week and I can feel the lack of calories...so be carefull if you are doing this and working out hard (in that case eat more of the healthy foods).

Summer Marie_21 Months

2011-02-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

Summer is now 21 Months old and this has got to be the most fun we have had with her!

As of this weekend she has fully developed independent play (sound the trumphets)! She can communicate with us and tell us what she wants...even if it is in her own language.

One of her favorite thing to do is bring all of her toys outside on the deck...chairs, legos, diapers and all!

She always has been slow to wake up after her naps. She is perfecting her still face...a close second to her Mama.

She loves going to church and doesn't look back when I drop her off. I am so proud of my little girl!

The Little Gym

2011-02-26T05:03:00.000-08:00

This week Gramma went to the Little Gym with us for Summer's class. She captured on camera some of our fun times.

Walking on the Big Red Mat

Galloping on the Big Red Mat

Laying with our scarf on our belly

Free time - walking on the balance beam

Practicing last week's skill - backwards flip over the bar (she can hang by herself)

Uneven bars? All the kids loved having a party in the hot tub (the big circle)

Ms. Sue showing Summer this week's new skill - stepping over the butterflies on the balance beam

We love the Little Gym! Summer has a fun time and has developed muscle strength in the process.

Step 1: Eat Right

2011-02-23T17:23:00.000-08:00

For all of you who might be on the edge...who want to make a healthy change in your food choices but don't know what to eat...this is for you! Here are the sample meals that my Bootcamp manual recommends:

For The Next 4 Weeks

NO Alcohol

NO Regular Soda

NO Fried Food

NO White Rice, Pasta, Bread, Cakes, Pies, Cookies or Candy

NO Food 4 hours prior to bedtime

Drink 1 Gallon of H2O Each Day

Breakfast (select one)

2 Hardboiled Eggs and 1 pc Light Wheat Bread

1 cup cottage cheese and 1 (6 oz) light yogurt

4 scrambled egg whites, 1 slice low fat american cheese on 1 slice light wheat bread

1/2 cup plain oatmeal, 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese

Midmorning Snack (select one)

12 almonds

1 (6 oz) light yogurt

apple with 2 tsp peanut butter

1 oz low fat cheese or string cheese

Lunch (select one)

1 pc light wheat bread with 3-4 oz chicken or turkey, salad with balsamic vinigarette

large salad with grilled chicken breast, balsamic vinigarette, 1 pc fruit

...you get the idea

Midafternoon Snack

same as midmorning snack options

Dinner (select one)

4 oz grilled chicken breast with large salad, 2 tbsp light dressing

4 oz lean meat (shrimp, fish, pork, lean beef) with veggies only-NO Carbs

I have lost 2 pounds in 2 days so far. The hardest part for me is the no carbs for dinner. I just eat extra veggies and don't necessarily limit my meat to just 4 oz. Drinking alot of water helps too!

Don't.Fall.Off

2011-02-21T14:12:00.000-08:00

When I turned 31 last year I made the commitment to myself that I would get in shape for good. I was going to be healthy; eat right and exercise. So far so good until January 15, 2011. After I completed my major achievement of running a 1/2 marathon, I kind of...fell off the wagon.

Well actually I haven't hit the ground yet...I am still hanging on by my fingernails but I can feel the rocks below me as I gradually "soften" up in the middle area! Today is the Day. I am back on the bootcamp meal plan (hungry as I write). This means no more cleaning Summer's plate when she boycotts meal #1. And no more carbs at dinner (ouch).

Reality check Jana! You can't eat whatever you want and expect to be slim and trim.

Wait one second...excuse me Jana, aren't you making this decision on your own will? And didn't you have enough will-power to train for 6 months to reach your goal? And how did it feel when you hit that goal?

You can do this! Case closed...

Anyone want to hop back on the wagon with me?

First Pedicure

2011-02-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

I always thought that the first time I painted Summer's toenails it would be this sweet pale pink color. Well, the opportunity arose as I was painting my toes in the beautiful weather yesterday and my little sweet shadow removed her shoes and socks and gave me her feet. Walla, Rasberry toes it is!

Since we were having such a good time eating snacks and throwing the ball for Lucy (the World's Best and Fastest Retriever), Summer thought it would be a good idea to bring all of her dolls outside as well.

The above photo was taken by me, the stalker photographer who has to take photos through the window in order to not halt ALL play. Because THIS is the reaction I get when I ask Summer to look at Mama and smile!

AMR Art

2011-02-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

I was THRILLED when I realized that I won a FREE Sketch by Amanda Roberson, based in Montgomery, AL. She had a contest on Facebook and I entered and won. Winning was easy. The hard part came when I had to pick a picture for her to base the sketch off of. It was right around the time when we first put pigtails in Summer's hair and I thought it was only fitting to capture the moment and use that photo. And here is the final product!

And it fit perfectly in a pink frame I had just waiting for the right thing to do with it! You can check out more of Amanda's artwork at her website, http://www.amrart.com/. Her artwork can also be purchased at the Blue Willow in Birmingham. She does some beautiful paintings of children on the beach that I would love to have in the future.

Thank you Amanda!

The Fall

2011-02-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

Whoops, I guess I let a week slide by without a blog post. In the past week, Summer has played dress up in Mommy's blazer and scarf!

She received some Valentine's gifts in the mail (and they went straight to her head)!

Summer has her first friend! Awww, there is a girl at church whose mom came up to me on Sunday to tell me that her daughter talks about Summer all during the week. They are in the same class at church on Sundays but not on Wednesdays. The best part about this is that Summer's friend, Addie, talks very well and is potty training already! At least I can tell that Summer is running with the right crowd!!

Summer shed blood on my watch! We were leaving church today after our MOPS class and Summer was walking independently with her hands in her pockets carrying her backpack on her shoulders. She made it definetely clear that I was not to assist her. When I directed her to turn right to cross the road to our car she went on a standoff and dropped to her knees. The weather was beautiful and I was in a Godly state of mind so I just smiled and was willing to stand there for as long as need be. Summer decided to stand up and walk but maybe it was her hands being in her pockets that threw her balance off because she did a faceplant into the pavement with no hands to catch her fall. I felt like I saw it in slow motion and my hands were full with a casserole dish and 2 bags that made me feel like I as well was moving in slow motion not picking her up fast enough! When I picked her up off the ground we hugged first. I could tell there was scrapped skin but my first priority was to calm the emotions before checking the physical wounds. Then I doctored her bleeding mouth with baby wipes and luckily I had neosporin in her backpack. Wow, I am really going to be in for it when she starts skinning up her knees because I just felt terrible. After her afternoon nap we went outside to gently wake up with some fresh air.

The bright lighting makes it look better than it actually is in real life.

Summer's Post

2011-02-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Summer and I am very conservative.

I am often shy and not at all full of myself.

In fact, when I do talk I keep it to a whisper.

I love when my mama spends time fixing my hair. I leave it alone all day long.

My parents make me work from home...thinking of telling some authorities about this.

Word of the Day

2011-02-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

I realize it has been a while since my last post. I have been overwhelmed with my to-do list and therefore not really accomplishing much of anything. In perfect timing, our church lesson yesterday really made me realize that I needed to ask God for the energy and focus to complete my everyday tasks. And of course, God delivers. I was able to get more checked off my list yesterday than 3 days combined. Therefore, now I have time to blog!
Here is a video from this morning when I was playing with our new camera, Canon Powershot SD1400. (Turns out I might have to read some instructions in order to get the video to upload-sorry for the teaser)Instead of the video, here Summer was today playing dress up with my ear warmer.

Chad came up with a brilliant idea to have a "word of the day" for Summer to practice. The first word is "Chair." When she successfully said it we added a second word, "Bible." Each morning during breakfast/coffee we will introduce a new word to focus on. I wrote the words and taped them on the door in her playroom but that quickly got ripped down...oh well, its a start.

Bye Bye January

2011-01-31T07:34:00.000-08:00

R-A-I-S-I-N-S, that's how we say that word...because (shhh) "raisins" are Summer's favorite food. I call them her HAPPY food. They have the magical power to turn any pouty situation into happyland. I always have a mini box on hand for emergencies. In true Mimi fashion, she has the Jumbo box and is allowing Summer to free eat as many as she wants! (ps - If you know Mimi you will also know that she doesn't feel a bit guilty about it! That's why I love you Mom)

Grammy is learning to play the piano and allowed Summer to practice on her keyboard. Summer started off banging but once I told her to be gentle she touched the keys softly...then I had to tell her gentle again 3 seconds later.

Wow! Grammy and Papa's pool went in super fast. We will be ready to swim this spring.

Summer was glad to see her Daddy. And Daddy was glad to have his pumpkin in his arms.

Gramma put Summer's hair in pigtails...it was too adorable!

Lots of travel in 2011 so far. One month down already! It was great seeing family. Now its time to get on my 2011 to-do list. Oh, I have a new camera on its way to my house, thanks Grammy and Papa. All pics above were taken with Gramma's camera, thanks for lending it to me.

Our Big Buddy Sampson

2011-01-28T19:09:00.000-08:00

Sadly, Sampson has experienced seizures for over a year. We have been combating the illness with medication however he still had monthly occurrences. This past week, January 25, 2011, we had to say goodbye to our big boy, Sampson. Anybody that knows Chad and I knows that we have had Sampson since we were married. He was a 175lb Great Dane with a soft sweet heart, a goofy personality and a shiny smooth black coat.

Remembering Sampson also is a walk down memory lane and all of the great places Chad and I have explored in the past 7 years. Here we took him to Lake Tahoe and enjoyed sunbathing on a boulder in the water. He never was a swimmer. Lucky for him he had really long legs!

Chad and I were lucky enough to work for a great company that was very flexible in its office policies...allowing us to bring our BIG boy to work on occasion.

Although, to most people Sampson might appear to be an intimidating giant...

To me he was an oversized mannequin that was a challenge to dress up...

He was a loving big brother to his little sissy, Lucy. From the very first day we brought Lucy home he loved her like his own.

He grew into a handsome, stoic Great Dane.

He was loved by his Daddy and Mama.

And he loved Summer from the day we brought her home from the hospital.

In fact, he was so sweet that there were moments we knew that HE was the biggest baby in the house!

We love our Big Buddy and are so sad to not get to spend each day with him and to see Summer love him for more of her life. Just last week I took these pictures of Summer hugging/riding Sampson.

In his usual ways, he sat still letting her crawl all over him.

We are blessed to have received so much love from one of God's animals.

On the Road Again

2011-01-24T20:28:00.000-08:00

I was trying to come up with some funny statement about Summer being a good road trip companion...until I realized that I have to drive back home with her and I don't want to jinx myself. So for now, I will just leave you with this photo of us in the car.

We are in Birmingham! Ready, Set, Go - first night in we went to dinner with Mimi, Uncle Bud and Aunt Jen. As you can see Summer was using every ounce of cuteness in her to distract us from putting her back in her highchair. She rolled her eyes (and her entire head) at us OVER and OVER...it was hilarious and so she kept doing it to keep us laughing.

Dinner with Grammy and Papa was another successful public outing in the evening (2 for 2 so far)

Mimi and Summer playing around.

This girl is ready for some coloring...stickering...markering...staining...

We checked out the park and Summer took it all in. She did quite a few firsts (see saw and tire swing). I think next park trip will be more fun since she will know what to expect.

Summer got a rocking horse for Christmas so she felt right at home on Grammy's rocking horse.

Meanwhile, while we are hanging out in Alabama, Chad is doing "Business" in these exotic locations - Costa Rica

And Nicaragua...we love you Daddy!

Big Girl

2011-01-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

HELLO!

This is the image of a Big Girl who is too cool for her high chair. There seems to be nothing more fun than to sit across the table from me just like an adult.

Here is a little video from this morning before we hit the road to see family while Daddy is out of town.

Charleston 1/2 Marathon

2011-01-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

Today I achieved a goal that I set out for 6 months ago - I finished my first 1/2 marathon!

I ran with Nicole Hendrick (whose birthday was today) and Chad served as our driver and encourager. Traffic was backed up so we decided to hop out of the car and he then met us at the 3 mile marker to take some of our warmer clothes that we shed at that time. The first 3 miles were so pretty in downtown Charleston running along the water and Rainbow Row. Nicole and I both climbed the stairs to run on the seawall. I even saw a dolphin swimming around...I tried to soak it all in. I was thrilled to see Chad at mile 3 in downtown along all of the trendy shops.

He was so encouraging and even started running with me as I unzipped my vest and took off my gloves so I didn't have to slow down. However, as the video shows he forgot that he was filming me and as a result we get some asphault.

I was very surprised with how calm I was in the run and how fast the time went by. I never felt the urge to use the bathroom, amazing! In addition, I never had to dig deep within. It turns out that my 6 months of training prepared me for the task at hand, go figure that is what preparation can get you! I knew that I had passed the 2:30 pace runner around the 3rd mile and at about the 5th mile I could see the 2:15 pace runner. I had told myself that I didn't care about time but mentally I wanted to finish between 2:15 and 2:30. At mile 10 I was part of the 2:15 pace runner's pack. It was neat feeling like I belonged to an exclusive group running around this one girl...but once I got to mile 11 and I realized I only had 20 more minutes to finish I realized that I could go faster and I took off on my own. The last mile took us back along the water and I ran tall till the last turn when I saw the FINISH LINE sign with balloons. At that moment I smiled and soaked in the satisfaction of all the hard work. I finished...I actually did it. The day was here, I ran 13.1 miles and I was about to cross the finish line, ahhh!

My final time was 2:12 and I couldn't have been more pleased for my first 1/2 marathon. I missed seeing Team Jana on the way in but found them shortly after coming out of the baracade. Nicole was a little bit behind me so I decided to run back and encourage her in the last 1/2 mile. This was a wonderful day that I will always remember with a smile.

On a side note, hours after the race I can say that my legs feel like lead sticks and if they stay bent for too many minutes they start to feel like broken lead sticks. A massage is definitely in order for Monday!

In addition, my sister-in-law, Jen's birthday is also today. Happy Birthday Jen!

I am a Winner already

2011-01-12T17:43:00.000-08:00

It is just days before the race I have been training for since August and I feel like a Winner already!

I have found a passion for an exercise regimine that I can easily do anywhere.
I have lost 25 lbs. to date.
I have proved to myself that I can set a long-term goal, show will-power to consistently train and maintain focus and confidence that I CAN DO IT!

If it sounds like I am bragging I kind of am.
I am proud of myself and no matter how fast I run this race on Saturday I will be happy with my success.
Yay me...

Oh and my camera is beyond help and therefore I haven't been able to take pictures in the new year. I will use the FLIP for the race and hopefully put togther an exciting movie of the experience.

Christmas Continues

2011-01-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

The Sun finally came out making for a beautiful morning over the river. Time for Summer and I to travel to Birmingham.

In Birmingham, my Grandmama, Aunts and Cousins gathered for the annual Christmas get-together.

Summer and I also had a play date with my best friends, Nicole and Ashlei. Ashlei lives in China and I haven't seen her since she was in Alabama to give birth to Grady (now 2 1/2). It was great to hang out with these girls...haven't changed a bit.

Little Jana, Little Nicole (x2), Little Ashlei

Summer loved playing with Emma. Here they were playing Ring around the Rosie, but stopped for a photo.

It warms my heart to see my SOO Sweet Loving Family!

The guys in plaid. Little Reece is the happiest child! You would have to drop a heavy silver platter on this child's foot to get him to cry...

Summer loved acting big like cousin Ella Katherine.

With all of this activity, she slept the majority of the way home (with her hands behind her head, at that). Luckily, I didn't wreck while taking this photo.

We rang in the New Year back at Gramma and Grandad's house. Summer wore her new official Alabama Cheerleading uniform (2 piece) for the bowl game on New Year's Day. She definitely brought the Tide good luck!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-03T17:42:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas at Chad's parents house in Hayesville, NC. Mom and Larry joined us and we all got snowed in for the weekend. Chad was very surprised to get an inflatable boat... we can already imagine the three of us relaxing on the water... catching a tan and making memories!

We really enjoyed spending time with Kiersten and Tony as well. We all gathered around the dining table and played Mexican Train dominos. I was apprehensive at first but it turned out to be a REALLY fun game that we couldn't stop playing.

These women all think alike. Each of them, secretly got matching pajamas for us to wear. Kiersten got the guys matching pjs. Susan got the girls matching pjs and Mom got us monogrammed pjs (Mama, Mimi, Aunt Kiki and Gramma).

Mom and Larry got out of town in the small break in the storm. After they left the snow returned and we went outside to build a snowman. Grandad and Gramma loved on little Miss Summer.

The crew in action, building Java the fat snowman.

The girls with Java the snowman.

The boys & dogs with Java the snowman.

Gramma then started a fierce snowball fight! In this photo she is getting a taste of her own medicine. Susan had just nailed Doug with a snowball only to be receiving one in the back from Chad... and poor, innocent Summer is caught in the crossfire.

Merry Christmas Adventure

2010-12-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas at the Martin house is always an adventure. Chad got a Sea Eagle boat and had to test it out down the river on Christmas day even though we were covered in snow!

Let the Race Begin

2010-12-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

In less that 1 month, January 15, 2011, I will be running my first 1/2 marathon in Charleston, SC!

I have been training for about 6 months and I know I will be mentally and physically prepared. My goal is to run 20 miles a week for this last month...1 week down. I love to let my mind wander while I am running. Some of the things I think about are:

Will I have to stop to use the restroom?
Will I feel the need to stop and walk...major mental training against this. This is my biggest fear.
I wonder what will I wear? I want to keep my run as close to my training as possible so I won't be altering things too much. I am that person at the gym that wears the same 2 outfits ALWAYS. I have thought about decorating my current t-shirt. Maybe have my name monogrammed on it, or even spell it with neon duck tape...yes that is what I am thinking about when it looks like I am staring into oblivion. Ideas?
Currently I train at the gym. When a song comes on that gets me pumped I have to restrain myself from dancing on the treadmill. That's right, I would be that person with arms swinging. Come race day I can't wait to do a big fist pump whenever I feel like it...then of course I worry about wasting energy.
I think about some of the cute girls who have ran 1/2 marathons and how their finish line photo is so non sweaty...and how I might have to change into a second race outfit to look as if it didn't nearly kill me to run 13.1 miles...but that would be ridiculous, right???
I wonder what if I sweat so much that my earplugs short circuit and then I am left to run the race without music! Should I bring a second pair just in case...
I get excited thinking about crossing the 13 mile marker knowing I only have 1/10 of a mile left to go and how I will straighten up and finish strong!
I want to finish smiling and hope to not tinkle my pants once I stop.

Any suggestions?

Snow Day

2010-12-14T17:22:00.000-08:00

We have had snow, ice and temperatures in the teens the past few days and as a result we have remained inside for the most part. However, in combination with our indoors play, Summer has decided not to take an afternoon nap. This has resulted in a Mommy that will find a way to get out of the house! I wrapped my little snowflake in her snowsuit and we were off to the gym.

Summer made her first craft, a snowman. Her contribution to the snowman are a few abstract lines on his body. Here she is admiring her work of art on the fridge.

I told her to hug the Snowman...

Early Christmas

2010-12-12T17:05:00.000-08:00

We celebrated an early Christmas this weekend with Papa and Grammy. Summer thought the wrapped boxed were interesting but mostly for climbing on.

One of her gifts was a Weeble Treehouse that makes music. Summer quickly figured out how to press the music button and dance!

Merry Christmas from Papa, Summer and Grammy

We ended the early Christmas with a little snow. The storm came a few hours earlier than expected but everyone got out safely.

Out the Door

2010-12-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

Snow Day in AshevilleGetting a 1.5 year old ready and out the door can take a long time...these days we typically always bring a toy with us to the car. In this photo Summer is walking her caterpillar.

And here she is bringing the flower remote to her My Little Pony motorcycle.

Carolina Mountain Christmas Spectacular

2010-12-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

We went to the Carolina Mountain Christmas Spectacular at our church this weekend with Chad's parents, Gramma and Grandad, and it was amazing!

Summer absolutely loved the first few minutes. She was dancing, swaying left and right, jumping in the air and even shimmying her shoulders like we do in the car when Flo Rida comes on!

Unfortunately the show was 2.5 hours long and she was spent after 15. I took her out in the lobby and you wouldn't believe who was sitting on the sofa...SANTA CLAUS! I think I was more excited than she was. In fact, I'm sure I was...

We hung out with Santa for about 20 minutes until our babysitter walked by and asked if she could watch her while we enjoyed the show (she was a performer). What a blessing! Sweet Emily took Summer to the teen area and played with her for the next 2 hours.

We also saw the Grinch in the lobby and he played with Summer. Strangely enough she seemed to like the Grinch more than Santa...forgive her, she's young.

December Already

2010-12-04T07:51:00.000-08:00

It is hard to think that just a week ago we were celebrating an amazing first half. PERIOD end of commentsAnd had such a great breakfast with Jay and Jen (even though my camera doesn't show it well)
But that is all behind us now. We are pressing on towards Christmas!The tree is up and half decorated...literally, Summer would quickly identify what ornaments were hanging too low and hand them to me.(I know, we have some lights out)

Although Summer struggled with conjunctivitus in both eyes, she has now recovered. I am preparing for another issue of my Junior League magazine to go to print and trying to squeeze all of my creative juices into it...sorry, not much creativity left for the blog these days.

We are going to the Carolina Mountain Christmas Spectacular today (at Biltmore Baptist Church)...but unfortunately just found out that they aren't offering childcare...hopefully that is a dirty rumor. Can't wait to let you know how it goes.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T06:14:00.001-08:00

This Thanksgiving I am so thankful for my family and sweet little girl (with a BIG personality)! I am not thankful for this camera that takes grainy photos...Summer showed off her 4-wheeling skills in front of Aunt Jen and Uncle Bud. Look at me ride standing up!Enough with the messing around...time to get serious and ride fast!When Summer got tired, Uncle Bud soothed her with some milk then off for a nap.

Summer Marie_18 months

2010-11-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

Summer Marie is 18 months old!Oh my, I can't believe I am a year and a half today! Does this mean I get to start wearing mascara?Now that Summer is 18 months she can do SO many things:

Pull off anything on counters within 6 inches of the edge (aka, Daddy's toothbrush and toothpaste)
Unzip zippers that contain tubes of lotion or sample size toothpaste
Unscrew lids of lotion bottles
Apply lotion to her legs, regardless of whether she has pants on or not
Reach into the dog food container and pull out a few snack pieces for Lucy

She has 16 teeth
She naps from 1-3pm (mostly)
A funny medical issue has popped up recently. It seems that she has reattached the umbilical cord and cannot separate from me. Especially when I am in the kitchen! (whole lot of frustration regarding this!)
She is a daredevil and will climb anything without fear

Funny conversation last night:

Me: Summer, do you want to go take a bath?

Summer: no

Me: Summer, do you want to go night night?

Summer: no

Me: (a commercial was on tv) Summer, do you want lip injections?

Summer: ah huh

Happy Birthday Bethany

2010-11-18T18:20:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Bethany's 21st Birthday last weekend at Dreamland BBQ in Birmingham. It was a great time with family and of course the food was De-licious!Happy Birthday Bethany!
You KNOW you are in a fine establishment when they have "NO FARTING" posted in neon!
A big THANK YOU to the Martins for watching and loving our furry children, Sampson and Lucy! They always have a blast getting to roam free and swim in the river.

Family Time

2010-11-17T16:33:00.000-08:00

While in Birmingham we visited Papa and Grammy. Summer actually learned how to say "Bapa" with a B instead of a P. We had a fun day checking out lake property.Summer is pointing to a boat with some fisherman.Hanging out on a log.Grammy, Summer and I went to check out the new outlet mall!Of course, with most shopping excursions we have to stop and have a play break.

Fun times with family.

A Day at the Zoo

2010-11-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

We kicked off the holidays with a visit to my family in Birmingham. Mom had Veteran's Day off and so we headed to the zoo.It was unseasonably warm on this day!
Daddy and Summer danced to the carousel musicSummer and Mimi are both saying "Choo Choo!" as the train passed.Summer's eyes lit up as she saw the monkeys in the play area above us!
However, one of her favorite parts was standing on the ledge and leaning against the glass.

We had a great day with Mimi...more to come