tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60820476083317756272024-02-06T23:10:20.312-06:00with these handsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger369125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-74682080286304774252014-02-23T13:47:00.003-06:002014-02-23T14:05:31.281-06:00Bits: Scope for the ImaginationI love introducing the girls to things I loved as a child. It's like filling their buckets with little pieces of me, things that still hold strong and connect my young self with theirs. Things that are changed only by the expanse of time, things that can still captivate them and become a part of their childhood just like they were a part of mine.<br />
<br />
Anne of Green Gables is just such a thing. I can remember borrowing that thick collection of video tapes from the library every so often; my Mom and I spending the better part of a weekend curled up with, perhaps grilled cheeses and tomato soup and sweet teas, and being schooled in the art of puffed sleeves and bosom friends and all things to fuel our "scope for the imagination."<br />
<br />
Right now I can see my own little imagination-fueled girls outside this window as I type. Alysse is in her footie pajamas even though it is after noon, purple rain boots pulled over her white padded feet. Hope sports a feathered headdress leftover from her Peter Pan party, Maddie in a brown dress she felt looked most authentic. They have orange markered stripes, two in a row, under each eye. Hope is the woodcutter wielding two sticks she pressed together somehow, Alysse is grinding popcorn kernels and mud with a morter and pestle of sorts, and Maddie has the job of farming with a wishbone shaped stick scraping the ground. The tree near them blows free with blankets and pillow case teepees, favorite stuffed animal companions cheering from the top most branches.<br />
<br />
I could not love it any more.<br />
<br />
I am thinking this came from a recent trip to Williamsburg, VA where history came a little bit more alive for us all:<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014060_zps6d3faf36.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014060_zps6d3faf36.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014060_zps6d3faf36.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014040_zpseb7b24c1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014040_zpseb7b24c1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014040_zpseb7b24c1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014031_zps11ed1eed.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014031_zps11ed1eed.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014031_zps11ed1eed.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014044_zps4f0deedb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014044_zps4f0deedb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014044_zps4f0deedb.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014062_zps3645fd9c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014062_zps3645fd9c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014062_zps3645fd9c.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014053_zpse66da819.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014053_zpse66da819.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014053_zpse66da819.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014047_zps7e159f4e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014047_zps7e159f4e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014047_zps7e159f4e.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Their idea to pray inside the Jamestown settlement church. The cutest.
</i><a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014041_zps6992ff5b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014041_zps6992ff5b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014041_zps6992ff5b.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014050_zps02db0d0b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014050_zps02db0d0b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014050_zps02db0d0b.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
Quite often, however, imagination is not sparked by us tagging along on Daddy's business trip to some fantastic destination. It is in the every day, the play that happens around our house and in our yard and beyond. I know that many of the specifics they experience, Lord willing my memory holds up, will belong to my mind's eye and that for the girls it will be more of an overall feeling that they have about these growing-up years.<br />
<br />
May those memories gather in their hearts and minds to create a risk taking, joy saturated, warm feeling created by the loveliness and important work of play. May such recollections and God's good grace fill in any place that a mistake or so may try to occupy.<br />
<br />
More of those bits, should my mind's eye get blurry along the way.<br />
<br />
:: Always up before everyone else, reading on the couch mornings.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014002_zps616901f7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014002_zps616901f7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014002_zps616901f7.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Other sleepy heads that wake up to the smell of breakfast.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014004_zps65e53771.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014004_zps65e53771.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014004_zps65e53771.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Lots of real snowmen outside; melted snowmen inside.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014010_zpsa054896a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014010_zpsa054896a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014010_zpsa054896a.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
:: "Let It Go" ("Let it go-oooooooo!") dance parties in the kitchen.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014011_zps78fe49c9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014011_zps78fe49c9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014011_zps78fe49c9.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Self announced dress-alike days.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014018_zps4eb650b5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014018_zps4eb650b5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014018_zps4eb650b5.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014016_zps99807ef4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014016_zps99807ef4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014016_zps99807ef4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
:: U.S.S. Maddie and Beautician Alysse. Boxes and hair cuts (this time a pretend cutting- thank God!) have no limit to their imaginative qualities (two things which I am not always entirely patient about). :) <br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014013_zps392f0dde.jpg.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014013_zps392f0dde.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014013_zps392f0dde.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014014_zps867fc74e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014014_zps867fc74e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014014_zps867fc74e.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a><br />
:: Birthday mornings, complete with poetry and whipped cream. As long as I can help it.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014006_zpsc7a61303.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014006_zpsc7a61303.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014006_zpsc7a61303.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a><br />
:Superhero lions watching cartoons.Completely normal around here.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014008_zps03cc97c1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014008_zps03cc97c1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014008_zps03cc97c1.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a><br />
:: Valentine sweetness.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014019_zps601d494c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014019_zps601d494c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014019_zps601d494c.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014023_zpsd6b3ee06.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014023_zpsd6b3ee06.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014023_zpsd6b3ee06.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014025_zps39ba84e6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014025_zps39ba84e6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014025_zps39ba84e6.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Individual, mini bottles of maple syrup! Almost better than candy.</i><br />
<br />
:: An eccentric cast of Olympians take the ice.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014026_zps26ea3a21.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014026_zps26ea3a21.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014026_zps26ea3a21.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Stools and hankies turn tea party tables and table cloths. Bark turns into puddle capsized boats.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014009_zpsbd30d981.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014009_zpsbd30d981.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014009_zpsbd30d981.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Williamsburg/February2014030_zps3aa187d1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo February2014030_zps3aa187d1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Williamsburg/February2014030_zps3aa187d1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
So much scope left to tap. <br />
<br />
May we keep taking lessons from Anne (with an "e") every day we are gifted to see with childlike wonder.<br />
~KatrinaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-6272555177736455182014-01-28T13:10:00.001-06:002014-01-28T13:52:31.437-06:00Bits of SevenSEVEN.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday033_zps84dc8fd7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday033_zps84dc8fd7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday033_zps84dc8fd7.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a><br />
She's now seven, and I just love her at this age. Sure, she can still have her stubborn moments-- but I am seeing this quality pay dividends. Recently one of her sisters gave in to peer pressure which gave all of us a big, important teachable moment. But this happy dancing, snow loving girl on the far left.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday061-001_zps076037bd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday061-001_zps076037bd.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday061-001_zps076037bd.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
This girl knew what was right and stuck to her guns. Shot down the wrong and chose the good thing, the right thing. I am so very proud, even though I know that she and I are sure to have our teachable moments ahead.<br />
<br />
In addition to this quality (which happens to be, as I am sure it is no surprise, one that I also possess), she is persistent about the things that matter to her. She is also a giver, tender-hearted, a justice seeker. She was given art classes as her birthday gift from Daddy and I, which is so fitting for our creative eldest. She can create something out of just about anything, and we love to watch her go. She is almost always up for a good laugh, just like her Daddy (I mean, you should have seen him pretending not to be able to break the pinata at her party... the kids were dying!) She is a voracious reader and writer and has her own sense of style-- which, quite often, prefers function over form.<br />
<br />
While many girls her age are adorably enamored with princesses and the like, Hope continues to crave adventure and excitement and a well thought out plot. Sure she likes her share of wonderfully feminine things, but she has a diverse collection of interests. From astronauts to cartoon artists, watercolors to Razor scooters, soccer to ballet and tap, Mary Poppins to Peter Pan.<br />
<br />
Which brings us to her chosen birthday party theme. We had the best time in Never Land, probably one of my favorite friend parties she and I have ever thrown.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday013_zps9a5a3754.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday013_zps9a5a3754.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday013_zps9a5a3754.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>We followed a map from the dressing area...</i><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday001_zpse54901da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday001_zpse54901da.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday001_zpse54901da.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday008_zps8ddbcd1e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday008_zps8ddbcd1e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday008_zps8ddbcd1e.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday005_zpsfd60a6e9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday005_zpsfd60a6e9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday005_zpsfd60a6e9.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday010_zpsb57fdfee.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday010_zpsb57fdfee.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday010_zpsb57fdfee.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Through the Darling's Nursery...</i><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday018_zpsa42726f6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday018_zpsa42726f6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday018_zpsa42726f6.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday023_zps9d035e6b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday023_zps9d035e6b.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday023_zps9d035e6b.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday025_zps5d2b1bad.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday025_zps5d2b1bad.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday025_zps5d2b1bad.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday021_zpsd7b91c1d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday021_zpsd7b91c1d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday021_zpsd7b91c1d.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Up the pixie dust sprinkled stairs and into the Neverland Pizzeria, where a bunch of pizzas were found hiding in a big wicker chest. The "x" marked the spot, or in this case an "x" by way of positioned pepperonis!</i><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday032_zps1cc632b9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday032_zps1cc632b9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday032_zps1cc632b9.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday034_zps6adcadc7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday034_zps6adcadc7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday034_zps6adcadc7.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday037_zpsfb987877.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday037_zpsfb987877.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday037_zpsfb987877.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday039_zps04aee3a2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday039_zps04aee3a2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday039_zps04aee3a2.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
While the kiddos played in their costumes, watched "Peter Pan," and munched on pizza and carrots and Pirate's Booty-- with homemade cake and ice-cream eaten to the last drops-- the adults hung around the big crockpot of chili with fun fixins, a basket of corn muffins, and a few pots of steaming coffee. I loved the cheerful buzz and laughter coming from spots all over our home.<br />
<br />
It was a time full of happy thoughts indeed.<br />
*****<br />
<br />
<i>Dearest Hope Eliana,</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>On the day of your actual birth-- "Hope Day" as we like to call it-- you disappeared into your bedroom. Shortly after you came out all dressed for church in a new, gray sweater dress from Auntie Karen and crew. You had pulled a feather and rhinestone headband from Ms. Carol over your hair and placed Strawberry Shortcake lipgloss from Auntie Marcie on your lips. Some tights and your Christmas cowboy boots completed the look. In that moment, with thoughtful and shy pride on your face, you did indeed look seven.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You are still in love with your Kaya American Girl Doll, and I think she represents you too. She is full of courage, adventure, and love for family. She is always growing, learning from her mistakes and thinking about things deeply. Every night you ask me to bundle her in your owl fleece blanket right beside you. You ask for two "kissing hands" and a kiss upon each of your cheeks. You are seven, but you are also still my little girl.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This past year held a lot of big moments and many, many beautifully ordinary ones. I love teaching you and introducing you to others who inspire you to become the young lady I see you growing into. We are a lot alike you and I, which sometimes can drive us both a little batty, but mostly-- well mostly, it gives us this special connection that I love with all of my heart.</i><br />
<i><a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday052_zps9a357402.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopesSeventhBirthday052_zps9a357402.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hopes%20Seventh%20Birthday/HopesSeventhBirthday052_zps9a357402.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></i><br />
<i>You make us proud, big girl. We wouldn't wish for you to "never grow up," but how about we slow the next year down some-- okay?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>We love you so.</i><br />
<i>Mama for Daddy too </i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-2696074908988295402014-01-07T18:46:00.002-06:002014-01-07T18:54:58.842-06:00Bits: Christmas 2013It was a chilly Sunday morning at church when I saw that young girl come down the aisle. I imagined that she was in from school. Maybe no one even knew if she would roll out of bed and make it to the service. But she did.<br />
<br />
Eventually she made her way to them, her parents, and tapped Dad on the shoulder. He smiled a broad, deep grin at the sight of her face. They hugged. She squeezed past him and her Mom looked up, surprise giving way to the kind of joyful smile that only a Mama embracing her baby can truly give. They kissed one another's cheeks, and I could literally feel the peace radiating off their row. <br />
<br />
My eyes brimmed over.<br />
<br />
For suddenly and unexpectedly I saw them there too, three tall young women slightly recognizable from those chubby cheeked babes of yesterday. The coming home, the tapping, the seeing them there.<br />
<br />
My girls.<br />
<br />
Motherhood is so full of paradoxes. This one being my simultaneous feeling of sadness and excitement about such approaching days. Both were soon overcome by the elation that our three were, at that moment, worshiping and laughing with their Sunday school teachers and friends.<br />
<br />
Christmas can be a mixture of emotions too (and I don't just mean with all the family quirks!):) It is filled with bittersweet excitement. A baby born to die, a death that brought all of humankind the only promise of real and eternal life. Above all else, this is the beautiful pain of Christmas.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013097_zpsec91d767.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013097_zpsec91d767.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013097_zpsec91d767.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
The other Chistmasy bits are but supporting actors. So thankful for the good health and provisions that made them, in all of their small but significant roles, possible this year.<br />
***<br />
<br />
A few favorites caught on camera...<br />
<br />
:: Kids' tables<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013102_zps410b127a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013102_zps410b127a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013102_zps410b127a.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>The one where the awesome big cousins oblige their adoring younger counterparts.</i><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013100_zps2c68a4c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013100_zps2c68a4c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013100_zps2c68a4c0.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013093_zps13ad80c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013093_zps13ad80c0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013093_zps13ad80c0.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>And the one on Christmas night at our place with neighbor friends, who share our love of Italian food.</i><br />
<br />
::Those same big cousins building pyramids, which just about captures the excitement of Christmas with the Martins' crew. One of the brothers brought home his girlfriend, and I told her that if I had been on my game I would have gifted her some earplugs.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013109_zps337fbf19.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013109_zps337fbf19.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013109_zps337fbf19.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013107_zps1683235c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013107_zps1683235c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013107_zps1683235c.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Love every loud little bit.</i><br />
<br />
:: Thoughtful, too generous presents between NC and VA. A few of the girls' favorites: an exquisite pop up of Narnia, marionette puppets, Apples to Apples Junior, a warm bathrobe (M), art supplies, cowboy boots(H), ballerina clothes (A), American Girl dolls and books (thanks to some serious deals and some generous grandparents who helped us give them on Christmas morning!)<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/993826_622582433707_1917074067_n_zps392be28f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 993826_622582433707_1917074067_n_zps392be28f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/993826_622582433707_1917074067_n_zps392be28f.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/1466032_622581320937_1694507288_n_zps8ffa4f51.jpg.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
:: Adventures like first time ice skating, sorting and stringing together Great Grandma's buttons, Polar Express Day with Auntie Andrea, a live drive through Nativity, a twinkly wonderland of lights.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013118_zps81905937.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013118_zps81905937.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013118_zps81905937.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/1466032_622581320937_1694507288_n_zps8ffa4f51.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1466032_622581320937_1694507288_n_zps8ffa4f51.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/1466032_622581320937_1694507288_n_zps8ffa4f51.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Sweet Auntie Christmas fun, filled with too many favorites to count.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/1470146_10152146939613156_1444464185_n_zps76f77161.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1470146_10152146939613156_1444464185_n_zps76f77161.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/1470146_10152146939613156_1444464185_n_zps76f77161.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a>
<br />
::The joy of Christmas Eve and morning with just the five of us. Opening the first gift of Christmas, a little porcelin Baby Jesus and remembering it again. That beautiful pain that has set us free.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013091_zpsb366b4da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013091_zpsb366b4da.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013091_zpsb366b4da.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013085_zps95c96979.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013085_zps95c96979.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013085_zps95c96979.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013090_zpsfec2777d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013090_zpsfec2777d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013090_zpsfec2777d.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013088_zps4886c525.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013088_zps4886c525.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013088_zps4886c525.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013084_zps683a2f36.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013084_zps683a2f36.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013084_zps683a2f36.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013082_zpsff95925a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013082_zpsff95925a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013082_zpsff95925a.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Christmas2013081_zps3c59c121.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013081_zps3c59c121.jpg" border="0" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas2013081_zps3c59c121.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>In addition to the one gift we choose for our girls, I love some stocking stuffers. And the dearness of Sister Store, third year in a row where they do extra chores and "shop" for small gifts for one another.</i><br />
<br />
And, so it begins-- a new year. The beautiful and the messy will be waiting, of this I am sure.<br />
<br />
I am so very full of hope about it all.<br />
<br />
~KatrinaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-75732743980180172292013-12-17T00:40:00.000-06:002013-12-17T00:46:13.784-06:00Bits: Glorious & Messy<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Fall2013507_zpsf1512102.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013507_zpsf1512102.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Fall2013507_zpsf1512102.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013042_zps2b54529e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013042_zps2b54529e.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013042_zps2b54529e.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Glory, she is something else. </i><br />
<br />
Dusting off this little blog of mine tonight.<br />
<br />
It's late, too late, to be uploading and click-clacking my way through a post but I cannot help it. It's been a busy day, and I need to unwind.<br />
<br />
Pictures and words are the perfect cure.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013038_zpsf84c7d0b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013038_zpsf84c7d0b.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013038_zpsf84c7d0b.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<br />
***<br />
<br />
::Before all of the things merry and Decembery bright, there was an anniversary. A big one.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Fall2013536_zps39b0b7ae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013536_zps39b0b7ae.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Fall2013536_zps39b0b7ae.jpg" width="344" /></a><br />
Our idea of date night is typically to put the girls to bed, eat something yummy and watch a movie-- often while folding laundry. I love these simple nights. But for the celebration of ten years, Joe did it up right. He surprised me with two nights (!!) at the hotel where we were engaged while my Mom watched our girls. We slept in, we ate delicious food across downtown Asheville, we poured over books and lovely junk in my favorite old dives, we found the perfect handpainted Nativity for our girls and Pepsi in glass bottles and Wolverine's claws. We talked and laughed and marveled at God's grace to make it through ten years of love, laughter, arguments, forgiveness, little girls, big moves, and even bigger dreams.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Fall2013530_zps765ffa15.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013530_zps765ffa15.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Fall2013530_zps765ffa15.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013016_zps52a95643.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013016_zps52a95643.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013016_zps52a95643.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013018_zpseb235dbf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013018_zpseb235dbf.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013018_zpseb235dbf.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013017_zps8ddbb2bc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013017_zps8ddbb2bc.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013017_zps8ddbb2bc.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<b><i>Ten years of this glorious, messy life we've created... together.</i></b><br />
<br />
::And before the jingle bells, there was Thanksgiving. I love that Thanksgiving precedes the Christmas season. It just feels right to prepare our hearts with gratefulness for the lavish love we could neither buy nor earn, no matter how hard we could ever try. A free gift, though definitely not cheap-- our Savior and the price He willingly paid.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013023_zps2744db3b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013023_zps2744db3b.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013023_zps2744db3b.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013022_zps9242d03e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013022_zps9242d03e.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013022_zps9242d03e.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013021_zpsf0e5ea2d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013021_zpsf0e5ea2d.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013021_zpsf0e5ea2d.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013024_zpsecf3fa03.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013024_zpsecf3fa03.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013024_zpsecf3fa03.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013028_zps016e887a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013028_zps016e887a.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013028_zps016e887a.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013026_zpsc5ad265e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013026_zpsc5ad265e.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013026_zpsc5ad265e.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Bad weather had us leave NC early and miss our trip up North completely, but it was a pretty precious day at home. Sometimes the unexpected has its way like that-- its War and Pictionary playing, dancing, mantle decorating, making a meal of our favorite things way. Hope summed it up best when she said, "We may not have gotten to be with everyone we love today but this has been just about the greatest Thanksgiving ever."</i><br />
<br />
::December is here.There has been a recital about the meaning of Christmas and a trip to an authentic tea room with friends. There has been Nana in town for a week which meant gingerbread baking, ornament making, and visiting library Santa with Mexican food after. There have been Kindness Elves and advent readings and a daily stable full of friends. There have been too-tired evenings and memory making gone mad. There has been many a picture.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013068_zpsf71a375d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013068_zpsf71a375d.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013068_zpsf71a375d.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013077_zps33f6807e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013077_zps33f6807e.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013077_zps33f6807e.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013080_zpsa8f7a3d7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013080_zpsa8f7a3d7.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013080_zpsa8f7a3d7.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013064_zps2272d9c9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013064_zps2272d9c9.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013064_zps2272d9c9.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013067_zpsc396d7a1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013067_zpsc396d7a1.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013067_zpsc396d7a1.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013060_zps2ad31790.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013060_zps2ad31790.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013060_zps2ad31790.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013055_zps83a17663.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013055_zps83a17663.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013055_zps83a17663.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013045_zps2c2da7ac.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013045_zps2c2da7ac.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013045_zps2c2da7ac.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013033_zps813e1099.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013033_zps813e1099.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013033_zps813e1099.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013010_zpsf9246917.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013010_zpsf9246917.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013010_zpsf9246917.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<b><i>There has been, best of all, more of this glorious messy life... together.</i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
With Joy,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Katrina</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Winter%202013/Christmas2013037_zpsd457b0dc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Christmas2013037_zpsd457b0dc.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Christmas2013037_zpsd457b0dc.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-90244663286103960052013-11-16T12:27:00.003-06:002013-11-16T12:33:41.425-06:00Bits: Simple GiftsIn preparation for our annual <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/">Operation Christmas Child </a>packing party, <a href="http://video.samaritanspurse.org/">I loaded a video</a> from Samaritan's Purse that had the phrase "simple gifts" in the title. We watched as thrilled little boys and girls from so many different nations opened shoe boxes filled with small gifts, simple gifts. All with a simple, but profound message.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Jesus loves you.</b></i><br />
<br />
And, you know, I think that's how it is with the bits I record in this space. Each time I unwrap a small moment, simply captured I can hear the same profound whisper.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Jesus loves me.</b></i><br />
<br />
Now I've lived long enough and experienced enough life to know that Jesus isn't just in the happy, the ship shape, the perfect.<br />
<br />
His glory lives in smushed peanut butter and jelly between the van seats, heart wrenching doctor reports, teaching little girls that life really is better if we all just get along, and stretched bank accounts.<br />
<br />
Life will hold suffering.<br />
Life will hold triumph.<br />
<br />
Still.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Jesus loves us all. </b></i><br />
***<br />
Some simple gifts...<br />
<br />
:: I never tire of stumbling upon my girls engrossed in books.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013498_zpsaa0d4d49.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013498_zpsaa0d4d49.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013498_zpsaa0d4d49.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013494_zps26ec7dc1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013494_zps26ec7dc1.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013494_zps26ec7dc1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Sister has reached that stage where she is very into her wardrobe choices. Which explains why she is either naked or in yet another outfit approximately 3/4 of the day.</i><br />
<br />
:: Speaking of stories, this is our favorite reset button. Books on CD in the van as we drive around until we find a good and scenic place to park. If I can scrounge the change, we throw in a tall warm Butterscotch Toffee- a little bit of cream and sugar- and three tiny cups of free animal crackers from the local coffee drive-thru. We have cried and laughed our way through CD after CD checked out from the library down the street.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013501_zps0593f2a2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013501_zps0593f2a2.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013501_zps0593f2a2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: A refueling mid-afternoon treat that's healthy enough to serve for breakfast.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013493_zpsac93ace8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013493_zpsac93ace8.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013493_zpsac93ace8.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>2 ripe mashed bananas, 1 cup of oats (steel cut or regular), and 1/4 cup of peanut butter {raisins and/or chocolate chips never hurt either}mixed together and dropped by rounded spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet for about 12 minutes at 350. Note: Add a little flour if the batter is too runny.</i><br />
<br />
:: We took Daddy camping for his birthday. My camera petered out on me moments after we arrived, but I have so many fond memories to spill out. My girls playing "Little House on the Prairie" inside a small and rustic log home found at the campground park. Chilly s'mores, Apples to Apples, and songs by the campfire with friends who drove two hours round-trip just to help us celebrate. Alysse experiencing mild claustrophobia from her new mummy bag, so my finally tucking her in with me-- my other two, old pros, and barely moving once snuggled down. Mile and a half hikes up to some of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Whiny miniature hikers toward the end, optionally remembered.:) Sunday afternoon naps, traditional once-a-year Daddy birthday fare (marinated steaks, loaded baked potatoes, and green beans-- with cold root beers straight out of the bottles) and coconut vanilla cake with other good friends late in the evening. I think he had a happy weekend, and that makes me so... happy.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013488_zps429fb560.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013488_zps429fb560.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013488_zps429fb560.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013489_zps467496e1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013489_zps467496e1.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013489_zps467496e1.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013490_zpse3d63423.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013490_zpse3d63423.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013490_zpse3d63423.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Friday morning centers allowing me a hot shower before another full November weekend. Or at least allowing me the hot shower until someone accidentally rearranged Alysse's tangram butterfly creation.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013495_zpse73ea9ae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013495_zpse73ea9ae.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013495_zpse73ea9ae.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013499_zpsab6973b0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013499_zpsab6973b0.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013499_zpsab6973b0.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Everyone might learn better in a white fairy gown and some Minnie Mouse heels from time to time, I think.</i><br />
<br />
:: And that packing party that helped me to remember the gift of it all.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013491_zpse663ae1c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013491_zpse663ae1c.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013491_zpse663ae1c.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013492_zps896e9167.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013492_zps896e9167.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013492_zps896e9167.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Playing Christmas music and wearing last year's Christmas jammies, not optional whatsoever.</i><br />
<br />
~Katrina<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-48017058590267893892013-11-03T12:21:00.000-06:002013-11-03T13:09:11.492-06:00Bits: Sweet SpotsThis is quite possibly one of the greatest surprises of motherhood.<br />
<br />
These sweet spots. <br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013367_zps858b7d18.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013367_zps858b7d18.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013367_zps858b7d18.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
After mornings of spilled cheerios and incessant squabbles, my grumpiness growing-- it seems-- by the moment. After afternoons of chasing littles and their scooters up and down sidewalks, scraped knees abundant, my half contemplating putting them to bed at 3 pm. After the worn edges of evening, waiting on Daddy who's working late, and their picking at dinner like a blown out of proportion dagger to my heart. <br />
<br />
After these things, come sweet spots.<br />
<br />
Instant renewal found by the slip of a final chubby hand in mine, her two sisters having already stretched their fingers into the slender form of little girls. A shared book, everyone scrambling for my lap or the crook of my arm, and all of us lost in some other world for a good half hour or more. The shouting of, "It's Surprise Day!" {Code for, "I don't have a clue where we're going.") Meandering all over town, shouts from the backseat guessing our every destination. Shared Chicken Minis, hashbrowns, melon for breakfast. A trip to the Children's Museum on our annual membership and smoothies to refuel us. Last stop: The fun used bookstore up the road where we score practically the whole Laura Ingalls' collection for $12.50.<br />
<br />
The sweet murmurings and happy contentment found in lovely surprises and the beautiful mundane, all of us often gathered around the worn wood dining room table sharing life every single day. All of us spread between two bunks and a daybed whispering prayers, Alysse curled up next to me. Daddy taking turns rubbing Hope's feet, then Maddie's back. The quiet that follows in the house that has been bursting with life and energy the whole live long day.<br />
<br />
I am grateful for the sometimes struggle because it turns up the volume on sweet. And, I find, the more I get in tune with sweetness of this time together the less often we struggle. There is something so powerful in looking for good, even when it's hard.<br />
<br />
So thankful for the spots Fall, in particular, offers us.<br />
<br />
It really is something pretty special.<br />
***<br />
<br />
::"What does Alysse do when you homeschool?" I've been asked this a time or seven. She joins in, sometimes when I don't even realize it, evidenced by the fact that she told her Sunday School teacher that there were cumulus clouds in the sky last Sunday. Or that she told me her lunch was in her digestive system the other day. But often, she just slips off and I find her mulling over her collection of treasures-- leaves, rocks, flowers, and grasses. Sometimes I find her a little something like this.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013402_zps2af0529f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013402_zps2af0529f.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013402_zps2af0529f.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Occassionally she also gives her five year-old sister a hair <strike>massacre</strike> cut. Oy. At least I can boast that I offer career training around here.</i><br />
<br />
::I love when communities come together. We were very intentional about our neighborhood, wanting the chance to impact and be impacted. So when a church up the street opened its doors for a neighborhood fall festival, filled with so many different kinds of people each with their own stories-- we feel privileged to be there.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013363_zps6a5f97c4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013363_zps6a5f97c4.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013363_zps6a5f97c4.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013359_zpsb9b1c777.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013359_zpsb9b1c777.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013359_zpsb9b1c777.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013400_zps34c68f85.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013400_zps34c68f85.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013400_zps34c68f85.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Mary Poppins even carried her umbrella high above her head the whole way, much to the delight of passersby.</i><br />
<br />
:: One day I will be so sad when I do not find Noah's wife in my silverware drawer or a cowboy doll in my make up bag.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013399_zpsfc5ec7a5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013399_zpsfc5ec7a5.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013399_zpsfc5ec7a5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Halloween. I am not even trying to be politically correct anymore. I love this holiday. We aren't into scary, never have been. But what a sweet spot for building community, doors flung open wide. Introductions to neighbors we might not otherwise meet. Giggles and pretend, chili cook-offs at church and silly photo booths and bounce houses and face painting. Such a good, good day.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013418_zps0fd06cc0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013418_zps0fd06cc0.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013418_zps0fd06cc0.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013406_zps4f3277b0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013406_zps4f3277b0.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013406_zps4f3277b0.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013421_zps35254efd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013421_zps35254efd.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013421_zps35254efd.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013431_zps014c1231.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013431_zps014c1231.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013431_zps014c1231.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013435_zps0b3e2e69.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013435_zps0b3e2e69.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013435_zps0b3e2e69.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Watching our TN Volunteers lose again? Not so lovely. Save the snacks and being able to stream it live off Joe's computer (plus the girls' hollering, "Come on TN!!")-- football season being the only real time we wish we had cable.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013395_zps1ffdbf12.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013395_zps1ffdbf12.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013395_zps1ffdbf12.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Carnival stuffed animal prizes fueling a request for a lunch-time <strike>tea</strike> cold apple cider party.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013442_zpsd585b9dd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013442_zpsd585b9dd.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013442_zpsd585b9dd.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013441_zpsc10ba247.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013441_zpsc10ba247.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013441_zpsc10ba247.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013440_zps07869347.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013440_zps07869347.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013440_zps07869347.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
::How our mornings at home frequently begin, slowly, like a warm cup of coffee's embrace.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013365_zpse11cef95.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013365_zpse11cef95.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013365_zpse11cef95.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>You with us, Leesie? Almost. </i><br />
<br />
:: Mom and Pop farms? Good stuff and the perfect finale to the end of October.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013481_zps84253306.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013481_zps84253306.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013481_zps84253306.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013475_zps4392e4dc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013475_zps4392e4dc.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013475_zps4392e4dc.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013471_zps1ad81265.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013471_zps1ad81265.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013471_zps1ad81265.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013446_zps5f9011cf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013446_zps5f9011cf.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013446_zps5f9011cf.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013455_zps8c3e6912.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013455_zps8c3e6912.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013455_zps8c3e6912.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
::These afternoons, some of the best in my life.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013369_zpscc3b7a88.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013369_zpscc3b7a88.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013369_zpscc3b7a88.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
~Katrina
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-6644101510502782242013-10-18T11:21:00.002-05:002013-10-19T17:39:03.241-05:00Bits: WaitingAlysse waited two whole years before getting to attend her very own first ballet class, in her very own first pair of ballet slippers. Last year she was sure it was her year to show off "the moves" at our little ballet co-op, but classes start at three years-old.<br />
<br />
She was a sad girl.<br />
<br />
But I watched her when I gave her the welcome letter from her first teacher, Miss Abby. And again at the dance store, getting fitted for those pink leather shoes. And yet again the afternoon when I could finally say, "Which tutu would YOU like to wear?"<br />
<br />
You know, I noticed something.<br />
<br />
There is joy in the waiting. Sometimes, perhaps, the joy doesn't really feel in, but more like after, the waiting. Although, in order for that to be possible, there had to be fragments of joy there all along. The looking-forward-to slowly building to a beautiful crescendo.<br />
<br />
Something you can really dance to.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/84a899bf-7f39-4e57-89c1-9c5971948317_zpse918b355.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 84a899bf-7f39-4e57-89c1-9c5971948317_zpse918b355.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/84a899bf-7f39-4e57-89c1-9c5971948317_zpse918b355.jpg" width="266" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool061_zpsb4407e0f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool061_zpsb4407e0f.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool061_zpsb4407e0f.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Big sisters were totally stoked for her. Once we arrived I stood outside the door watching her quietly take it all in, with her Leesie ways. Tears silently falling, which must have looked a little strange next to my perma-grin.</i><br />
<br />
Joe and I have felt in a waiting period for some time now in certain ways, big ways, close to our heart ways. In the last weeks and months, we have seen some of that waiting begin to pay off.<br />
<br />
And, oh.<br />
<br />
There's joy that I'm figuring out was there. Something good to remember for all the inevitable waiting that we have in store.<br />
<br />
<br />
Some bits.<br />
<br />
And loads of pictures.<br />
<br />
A favorite combination. <br />
**** <br />
<br />
:: I love to throw a good shower, especially for someone I just love. <br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013069_zps83a4bfa4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013069_zps83a4bfa4.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013069_zps83a4bfa4.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013057_zpsce42c1ec.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013057_zpsce42c1ec.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013057_zpsce42c1ec.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013063_zpsf7dcde7c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013063_zpsf7dcde7c.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013063_zpsf7dcde7c.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013062_zps9701e3c8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013062_zps9701e3c8.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013062_zps9701e3c8.jpg" width="267" /></a> <a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013057_zpsce42c1ec.jpg.html" target="_blank"></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013066_zps241d1917.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013066_zps241d1917.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013066_zps241d1917.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013054_zpse0b80899.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013054_zpse0b80899.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013054_zpse0b80899.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013088_zps96b37970.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013088_zps96b37970.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013088_zps96b37970.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013075_zpsbef02fcf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013075_zpsbef02fcf.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013075_zpsbef02fcf.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>Topping the list of memories: My girls putting on a handmade puppet play behind the counter and ending with several songs including "Jesus Loves Me" and "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." Still makes my heart smile.</i><br />
<br />
:: That shower was for a beloved cousin who finally married her high school sweetheart a couple of weekends ago. Talk about a waiting crescendo... the tippity top of a mountain, in all the glory of fall. In no small feat all three of my girls dropped fist fulls of wildflowers, picked by the bride herself, as I looked on from down the line of sweet women who were asked to stand alongside her that day.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013205_zps89ea1300.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013205_zps89ea1300.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013205_zps89ea1300.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013197_zps8b8ccf82.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013197_zps8b8ccf82.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013197_zps8b8ccf82.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013211_zps74286104.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013211_zps74286104.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013211_zps74286104.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013206_zps4436ff41.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013206_zps4436ff41.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013206_zps4436ff41.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013239_zpse51e8f68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013239_zpse51e8f68.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013239_zpse51e8f68.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013235_zps082815e0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013235_zps082815e0.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013235_zps082815e0.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013185_zpsebd55685.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013185_zpsebd55685.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013185_zpsebd55685.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013183_zpsadc3f0ce.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013183_zpsadc3f0ce.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013183_zpsadc3f0ce.jpg" width="400" /></a> <a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013183_zpsadc3f0ce.jpg.html" target="_blank"></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013259_zps06b1235b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013259_zps06b1235b.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013259_zps06b1235b.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013261_zps3c1954c5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013261_zps3c1954c5.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013261_zps3c1954c5.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013265_zps03bf7cfb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013265_zps03bf7cfb.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013265_zps03bf7cfb.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013217_zps68688303.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013217_zps68688303.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013217_zps68688303.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Such a gorgeous bride. A woman after my own heart! All of the DIY, touched by her loving hands. </i><br />
<br />
:: And more autumnal glory because, my, it's already mid-October y'all.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013289_zps7209d275.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013289_zps7209d275.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013289_zps7209d275.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013337_zpscc8999b4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013337_zpscc8999b4.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013337_zpscc8999b4.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013333_zps35f00198.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013333_zps35f00198.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013333_zps35f00198.jpg" width="266" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013323_zps0e5705c6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013323_zps0e5705c6.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013323_zps0e5705c6.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013317_zps9d27430f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013317_zps9d27430f.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013317_zps9d27430f.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013308_zpsf5e082ae.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013308_zpsf5e082ae.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013308_zpsf5e082ae.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013325_zpsb2e08114.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013325_zpsb2e08114.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013325_zpsb2e08114.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>One of the many reasons a certain little miss will be putting on a monarch butterfly costume here in a few weeks. </i><br />
<br />
Waiting with Wonder, <br />
~Katrina <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-84734626608592335082013-09-22T23:59:00.001-05:002013-09-23T00:15:24.949-05:00Happy Nuggets<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/1157685_10101058453153748_1467079124_n_zps63a4875a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1157685_10101058453153748_1467079124_n_zps63a4875a.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/1157685_10101058453153748_1467079124_n_zps63a4875a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Hugs for my tuckered out girl.</i><br />
<br />
Nuggets, bits.<br />
<br />
Same diff.<br />
<br />
No big words tonight. Pulling out a synonym for my weekly (monthly, whenever-ly I can get to writing them) bits was enough of a challenge. I feel a little like Leesie in that above picture, her legs worn out from joyfully running and climbing. Around me sits a half emptied mop bucket, piles of laundry, lesson plans, phone lists, and more. Lots more.<br />
<br />
And it's after midnight.<br />
<br />
Naturally, I'm stopping to do this.<br />
<br />
All I want tonight are slices of happiness dropped in a row, smiling back at me as I cut and paste.<br />
<br />
In 3...<br />
<br />
2...<br />
<br />
1...<br />
<br />
Ahhh (exhale).<br />
***<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013012_zps20166142.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013012_zps20166142.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013012_zps20166142.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013022_zps19379376.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013022_zps19379376.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013022_zps19379376.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013017_zps87113d61.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013017_zps87113d61.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013017_zps87113d61.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/appleorchard_zps0c0ce405.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo appleorchard_zps0c0ce405.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/appleorchard_zps0c0ce405.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/1234988_10101058453867318_251481845_n_zps4c2d249a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1234988_10101058453867318_251481845_n_zps4c2d249a.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/1234988_10101058453867318_251481845_n_zps4c2d249a.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013033_zps3d612f4d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013033_zps3d612f4d.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013033_zps3d612f4d.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013035_zps51f26e82.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013035_zps51f26e82.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013035_zps51f26e82.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013010_zps3746ae3e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Fall2013010_zps3746ae3e.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013010_zps3746ae3e.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool033_zpsd5b21bf1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool033_zpsd5b21bf1.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool033_zpsd5b21bf1.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/Fall2013007_zps4cabb7b4.jpg.html" target="_blank">\<img alt=" photo Fall2013007_zps4cabb7b4.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/Fall2013007_zps4cabb7b4.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/1239529_10101058447794488_1655554151_n_zpsec74af3a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1239529_10101058447794488_1655554151_n_zpsec74af3a.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/1239529_10101058447794488_1655554151_n_zpsec74af3a.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/1236679_10101058448842388_678031228_n_zps814dc7fb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1236679_10101058448842388_678031228_n_zps814dc7fb.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/1236679_10101058448842388_678031228_n_zps814dc7fb.jpg" width="266" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/11212_10101058448787498_632992372_n_zps7b65b6d1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 11212_10101058448787498_632992372_n_zps7b65b6d1.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/11212_10101058448787498_632992372_n_zps7b65b6d1.jpg" width="266" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/1234204_10101058448577918_669785619_n_zps9c322745.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1234204_10101058448577918_669785619_n_zps9c322745.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/1234204_10101058448577918_669785619_n_zps9c322745.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/954822_10101058448208658_803620896_n_zpsa1ef7370.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 954822_10101058448208658_803620896_n_zpsa1ef7370.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/954822_10101058448208658_803620896_n_zpsa1ef7370.jpg" width="400" /></a> <a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/1234204_10101058448577918_669785619_n_zps9c322745.jpg.html" target="_blank"></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/943299_10101058450144778_1074237628_n_zps9fcbcad5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 943299_10101058450144778_1074237628_n_zps9fcbcad5.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/943299_10101058450144778_1074237628_n_zps9fcbcad5.jpg" width="266" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/73595_10101058448073928_568624645_n_zps21eac39c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 73595_10101058448073928_568624645_n_zps21eac39c.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/73595_10101058448073928_568624645_n_zps21eac39c.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/1239618_10101058448737598_572986482_n_zps3adf66f6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1239618_10101058448737598_572986482_n_zps3adf66f6.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/1239618_10101058448737598_572986482_n_zps3adf66f6.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>Apple orchard'ing. Play writing, directing, performing. Mama's shoes wearing. Soccer playing. Downtown festival going. Homeschooling. </i><br />
<br />
Something accomplished.<br />
<br />
Now, off to fold many piles of little unmentionables.<br />
<br />
With a smile on my face.<br />
~Katrina Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-64037739996499427062013-09-10T15:31:00.002-05:002013-09-10T15:46:48.539-05:00Bits: Finishing, BeginningSummer, despite today's 90 degree temps, is dwindling. The Bucket List coming down.<br />
<br />
We successfully put happy, thick lines through many of our little goals. We made s'mores, painted our nails fun colors, baked a fresh cherry pie. We read outside on blankets, watercolored nature scenes, and strolled our baby dolls to a nearby park. We did lots of things like this and there are several we never seemed to quite manage.<br />
<br />
I suppose that's just the way it goes with dreams, parts of them go so splendidly and fully realized. There isn't always room for it all, but there is room to celebrate what was.<br />
<br />
And the weekend before school was grand.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013109_zps2ddc14eb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013109_zps2ddc14eb.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013109_zps2ddc14eb.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013107_zpsd9303d30.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013107_zpsd9303d30.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013107_zpsd9303d30.jpg" width="400" /></a> <a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013107_zpsd9303d30.jpg.html" target="_blank"></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013111_zpsca069cf0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013111_zpsca069cf0.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013111_zpsca069cf0.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013112_zps70fe2c71.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013112_zps70fe2c71.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013112_zps70fe2c71.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013114_zpsb5db6bfc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013114_zpsb5db6bfc.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013114_zpsb5db6bfc.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013117_zps5ff7a9b8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013117_zps5ff7a9b8.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/SummerStyle2013117_zps5ff7a9b8.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>Hiking through a nearby island. Ice-cream truck pit stop. Buffet style dinner and a family movie. Swimming with friends and more.</i><br />
<br />
Summer is finishing, fall beginning. This means a slight change in direction for our family, but a purposeful one. <a href="http://teammartins.blogspot.com/2012/08/bits-first-days.html">In what we hope to be a continuing annual tradition, we held our "Back to School Feast" </a>to mark the hopeful direction we plan to travel.<br />
<br />
This year's theme a close one to my heart.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool040_zps0e6564fb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool040_zps0e6564fb.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool040_zps0e6564fb.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
SHINE.<br />
***<br />
<br />
:: More sparkly dinner touches.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool051_zpsc2d8c1bb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool051_zpsc2d8c1bb.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool051_zpsc2d8c1bb.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool039_zps7a2f1144.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool039_zps7a2f1144.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool039_zps7a2f1144.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool038_zps1ee7b138.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool038_zps1ee7b138.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool038_zps1ee7b138.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool047_zps34202947.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool047_zps34202947.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool047_zps34202947.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool043_zpsf61d4658.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool043_zpsf61d4658.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool043_zpsf61d4658.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool042_zpseca71f87.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool042_zpseca71f87.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool042_zpseca71f87.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool054_zpscca3bd65.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool054_zpscca3bd65.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool054_zpscca3bd65.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool053_zps8f81494a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool053_zps8f81494a.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool053_zps8f81494a.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Favorite traditions continue: New school supplies, one back to school outfit (all sparkly or star-like this year!) to be modeled directly after dinner, and new kicks for all those fall/winter adventures. This year's meal: butternut squash lasagna, Caesar salad, their oft-requested homemade bread, lemonade with strawberry puree. </i><br />
<br />
:: Followed by bright and shiny first-thing-in-the-morning details.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool002_zpscba587bf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool002_zpscba587bf.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool002_zpscba587bf.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool2_zps437af333.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool2_zps437af333.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool2_zps437af333.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool030_zps005adf61.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool030_zps005adf61.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool030_zps005adf61.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool055_zps74b541b8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo FirstDayofSchool055_zps74b541b8.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Fall%202013/FirstDayofSchool055_zps74b541b8.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Backyard donut breakfast with another family. Play time on scooters and bikes. Back inside for the fun and sometimes difficult task of figuring out the day's new tempo. Getting it, messing up, going again... always learning.</i><br />
<br />
Beyond the traditions and the glittery sheen, the endings and beginnings-- there is reality. A beautiful, hard-won reality that I have an awesome privilege and responsibility with these three and the others God puts in my path. Not only are there ABC's and 123's to be tucked inside little heads, not only are there fantastic creative opportunities to be seized-- there is the matter of serving, loving, giving, sharing, becoming all that God means for us to be. Our family needs to be in the business of shining, truly radiating, from the inside out.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to our new year and figuring out just what that means together, at home and in our community and beyond.<br />
<br />
Matthew 5:14-16, <br />
~Katrina
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-65811315989137766372013-08-28T17:14:00.000-05:002013-08-28T17:59:53.374-05:00Bits: Choosing JoyLast week, amidst all the clamor and van-time signing up and getting ready for a new school year-- we had some... moments.<br />
<br />
And I don't mean the frolicking through <strike>a paint splattered playroom</strike> a field of daisies kind.<br />
<br />
Friday night proved to be sweet, though, with a spur of the moment trip to our town's new (cheap! yummy!) Mexican restaurant. Queso, salsa, and jam packed tortillas make everything better, right? We came home hopeful. Crockpot oats simmered through the am hours and we woke up to first soccer practices on a perfectly beautiful 70 degree Saturday morning.<br />
<br />
One of my cherubs didn't get the memo on this sunshiny bliss and it was like pulling teeth to stay patient. Honestly, it made me grumpy. Grumppppppy.<br />
<br />
As I helped her get to the van, I decided to change tactics. Two grumps are NOT better than one. I reminded myself of the should-be obvious age difference and I remembered that it's a heart I'm cultivating here, not a perfectly behaved child. I slowed down, chose my words more carefully, and I talked to her.<br />
<br />
I talked to me.<br />
<br />
When things don't feel right and we sense ourselves nose diving into moments we are sure to regret later, what should we do? Give into the negative pull or, when at all possible, look up. Ask God for strength. Choose joy.<br />
<br />
In my experience, almost always, joy chooses me back.<br />
<br />
We talked through this and we prayed. Before long we arrived at the field, the van doors opened.<br />
<br />
The memo was delivered.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013070_zpsbb94ac2b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013070_zpsbb94ac2b.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013070_zpsbb94ac2b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i> My cheerleading section partner.
</i><br />
<br />
A beautiful Saturday turn around indeed. <br />
**** <br />
:: I love that my girls can go from superhero sirens...<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/1044934_10200885448472778_1560304796_n_zpsb7ad765a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1044934_10200885448472778_1560304796_n_zpsb7ad765a.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/1044934_10200885448472778_1560304796_n_zpsb7ad765a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>At a birthday party I was privileged to get to help plan and execute! One that made my girls all things sweaty, dirty, and action hero-like.</i><br />
<br />
::... to perfectly princessy.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/1231650_10201246101648882_336565577_n_zps6bd97d68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1231650_10201246101648882_336565577_n_zps6bd97d68.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/1231650_10201246101648882_336565577_n_zps6bd97d68.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<i> </i><br />
<i>Holla for $2 Goodwill princess digs. Ones that made my babes blush and girly squeal on their way to a perfectly royal affair.</i><br />
<br />
:: Daddy's helping coach soccer this year. He is such an encouraging trip, that man! Kids love it.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013067_zps39748056.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013067_zps39748056.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013067_zps39748056.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013064_zpsc71bcf9c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013064_zpsc71bcf9c.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013064_zpsc71bcf9c.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: When I think of the house we almost rented and how bummed I was when it, by our own choosing, fell through-- I cannot help but get the biggest smile. Our best is not God's best. His best is... THE best. It's nothing to be hanging with our new neighbors until dinner time comes calling and say, "Oh, I've got this" while they're all, "I've got that." We meet in the middle serving up whatever came out of those last minute plans with a side of memories to boot.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013082_zpsb5dddc30.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013082_zpsb5dddc30.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013082_zpsb5dddc30.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Keep in mind: six kids six and under between us. A recent visitor who came to see us both said that we could have our own reality TV show.</i><br />
<br />
:: A pretty cute reality TV show, I think.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013083_zps910cc5ff.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013083_zps910cc5ff.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013083_zps910cc5ff.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Friends who make you coffee and personalize it should be kept.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013081_zps03dc3ef5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013081_zps03dc3ef5.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013081_zps03dc3ef5.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>I've found Choose Joy Rule #1: Make someone else's day!</i><br />
<br />
:: After a couple weeks of travel, when all of us were back in our hometown and under one roof, Joe and I decided that we needed some adventure to be shared between just the five of us.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013030_zpsd90284c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013030_zpsd90284c3.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013030_zpsd90284c3.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013043_zps4bb13082.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013043_zps4bb13082.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013043_zps4bb13082.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013040_zpsc590b978.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013040_zpsc590b978.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013040_zpsc590b978.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013039_zps70c24165.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013039_zps70c24165.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013039_zps70c24165.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013048_zps980dd75d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013048_zps980dd75d.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013048_zps980dd75d.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013054_zps05f19afc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013054_zps05f19afc.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013054_zps05f19afc.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013055_zpsa5e5d951.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013055_zpsa5e5d951.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013055_zpsa5e5d951.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Yeah, this pretty much fit the bill.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
This week marks the last of "summer" and we still have some items to get crossed off our Bucket List. Who knows if we'll make it but I do know that in the middle of <strike>Desitin rubbed into my freshly cleaned couch </strike>whatever comes, I'm focusing in on something pretty powerful. Even if I don't get it right the first time and have to go for it time and again.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013085_zps8a56d583.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013085_zps8a56d583.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013085_zps8a56d583.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013087_zps99e0a419.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013087_zps99e0a419.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013087_zps99e0a419.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Spray Park? Check! Find a tiny caterpillar (Alysse's latest quest in life)? Double check!</i><br />
<br />
Choosing Joy,<br />
KatrinaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-27922049101771329572013-08-23T15:36:00.002-05:002013-08-23T21:39:02.845-05:00Summer Bits and PiecesHow about some {hopefully} regularly scheduled bit-writing?<br />
<br />
Before I can get back into my weekly'ish swing, though, I gotta get some summer out of my system.<br />
<br />
Lazy, busy, sunny, rainy, organizy, bucket-listy, travely, celebratory, ordinary, this-and-thaty.<br />
<br />
Bits and pieces of summer.<br />
***<br />
<br />
:: HUGE... My precious big girls were baptized on a bright, Sunday afternoon! Hope's courage to share her testimony, with Joe's help, about knocked me over. Filled-up Maddie shared too and afterwards there was swimming. Plus a cake, a la Nana, and many good tears.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013002_zps2782d6ff.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013002_zps2782d6ff.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013002_zps2782d6ff.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013004_zps8ce52104.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013004_zps8ce52104.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013004_zps8ce52104.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013005_zps3d9933f4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013005_zps3d9933f4.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013005_zps3d9933f4.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013007_zps1b35d196.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013007_zps1b35d196.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013007_zps1b35d196.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013011_zps2ba82b90.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013011_zps2ba82b90.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013011_zps2ba82b90.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Butterflies for new life! Sweet monogrammed towels from PopPop and Nana to remember always.</i><br />
<br />
:: Smaller bits like... a little jam making.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013015_zps84239567.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013015_zps84239567.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013015_zps84239567.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Corn shucking.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013020_zpsdb81e312.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013020_zpsdb81e312.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013020_zpsdb81e312.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Crown and bracelet adorning.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013019_zps0e3ee9e5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013019_zps0e3ee9e5.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013019_zps0e3ee9e5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Littlest artist has finally been bit by the art-project-bug in this house.</i><br />
<br />
:: Reyonolds Rockets meeting via Coach and Uncle Billy.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013017_zpsb687576d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013017_zpsb687576d.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013017_zpsb687576d.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013016_zps1afbb5b4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013016_zps1afbb5b4.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013016_zps1afbb5b4.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013018_zpsc42a623d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013018_zpsc42a623d.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013018_zpsc42a623d.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Surreal to have the girls at my old high school. On the way, without a single bit of prompting, they busted out countless rounds of "R-O-C-K-E-T-S!" Must be in their blood.</i><br />
<br />
:: Puppet play performing- the product of mostly unstructured, find-something-to-do days.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013021_zpsbefe8877.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013021_zpsbefe8877.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013021_zpsbefe8877.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013023_zpsf14493c0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013023_zpsf14493c0.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013023_zpsf14493c0.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Firework watching from our new house's side porch.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013026_zpsdb5e3ad1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013026_zpsdb5e3ad1.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013026_zpsdb5e3ad1.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/SummerStyle2013027_zps7ea14feb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013027_zps7ea14feb.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/SummerStyle2013027_zps7ea14feb.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Minor league baseball stadium is just a few streets away. Coolest thing ever on home games, especially the grand finale!</i><br />
<br />
:: Self pedicuring.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday031_zps636606f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday031_zps636606f3.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday031_zps636606f3.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>A favorite shot from Maddie's party I just found.</i><br />
<br />
:: Magazine reading and snacking to beat the heat.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013024_zps5eb6c79c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013024_zps5eb6c79c.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013024_zps5eb6c79c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Um, a little too grown up my dear?</i><br />
<br />
:: From the new kitchen window-spying.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013025_zpsfe0b2f70.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013025_zpsfe0b2f70.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013025_zpsfe0b2f70.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Climbing a front yard tree named Belle, which is neat bit in and of itself. </i><br />
<br />
:: Edible Arrangement receiving on a hot, hot afternoon.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013012_zps5c1c5d0f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013012_zps5c1c5d0f.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/SummerStyle2013012_zps5c1c5d0f.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Thanks, sweet friend, for this treat!</i><br />
<br />
:: All around summer'ing.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/SummerStyle2013028-001_zpsa19cd3c9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013028-001_zpsa19cd3c9.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/SummerStyle2013028-001_zpsa19cd3c9.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/SummerStyle2013029-001_zpsc8b6f51e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo SummerStyle2013029-001_zpsc8b6f51e.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/SummerStyle2013029-001_zpsc8b6f51e.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I know lots of folks are anxious to move onto all things pumpkin and cinnamon and crispy cool, but I've got to give summer its final due. I love me some fall, yes I do.<br />
<br />
But I also love here.<br />
<br />
Now.<br />
<br />
And the chance I have to look back, tally up, and savor every single little bit.<br />
<br />
Needed this today in the worst way. <br />
~KatrinaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-72712801864928279582013-08-13T19:22:00.003-05:002013-08-13T19:38:27.705-05:00Bits of FIVEShe.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday002_zpscb540f68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday002_zpscb540f68.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday002_zpscb540f68.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Always spotting and gathering flowers, even in the most unlikely of places. A talent now passed onto her younger sister.</i><br />
<br />
She cannot be five.<br />
<br />
Kindergartener. <br />
<br />
When she moved up to Hope's Sunday School class earlier this summer it took me so off guard, I sat in worship with fresh hot tears.<br />
<br />
I am ready, but not.<br />
<br />
I suppose that's the way it will always be.<br />
<br />
The theme of mamahood can almost be encapsulated in one word: <i><b>bittersweet</b></i>.<br />
<br />
But she?<br />
<br />
Way more sweet than any bitterness can stand.<br />
<br />
Even if I can hardly believe she's now a whole handful.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://teammartins.blogspot.com/2012/07/bits-of-four.html">For "Maddie Day" this year</a>, we had just returned home from a whirlwind vacation up North and honestly I was a little bit sick and a whole lot pooped. She made a little list of things she wanted to do, per the usual, but I couldn't even really keep up with her simple requests. Daddy saved me by whipping up birthday pancakes. We read out of our birthday poetry book, which only comes down on July 18th and January 16th and May 10th. <a href="http://teammartins.blogspot.com/2010/02/fear-and-birth-story.html">We reminisced about a kissable, new, chubby little girl who stole our hearts five years ago to the day</a>. And then we went nowhere.<br />
<br />
You know?<br />
<br />
Sweet girl that she is, she didn't care one bit. Instead she pulled out some of her new "Fancy Nancy" books until she found her favorite one about a spa. She had just one final request.<br />
<br />
"Can I spa you, Mommy?"<br />
<br />
Why not?<br />
<br />
They lathered my face in honey mixed with squished banana, stuck my feet and half my bedroom floor into a foot bath, painted my nails (and fingertips and knuckles), used half a bottle of lotion, and made me a sloppy beautiful yogurt parfait- extra blueberries and granola. Afterwards we broke out some princess crowns and watched "Tangled." Always fast-forwarding or closing eyes when the "old woman" falls out of the window at the end. Then our sweet backyard neighbors met us outside for last minute brownie cake and ice-cream sundaes.<br />
<br />
Good stuff.<br />
<br />
As it was with the necessary catching up, we rescheduled her birthday party in the NC mountains. I was bummed and thought she would be too, but our girl understood. So when we were all feeling better and ready to travel, I was especially excited to give her the shindig she had wanted for a full year going strong.<br />
<br />
A princess party.<br />
<br />
It was a royal ball.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday018_zpsb563a956.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday018_zpsb563a956.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday018_zpsb563a956.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday007_zps4ad27960.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday007_zps4ad27960.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday007_zps4ad27960.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday017_zps35e01cb4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday017_zps35e01cb4.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday017_zps35e01cb4.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday056_zps783c46d9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday056_zps783c46d9.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday056_zps783c46d9.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday081_zpsaac33627.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday081_zpsaac33627.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday081_zpsaac33627.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday060_zps6a64427f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday060_zps6a64427f.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday060_zps6a64427f.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday069_zpsf8f8cb03.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday069_zpsf8f8cb03.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday069_zpsf8f8cb03.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday068_zpsa7be629e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday068_zpsa7be629e.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday068_zpsa7be629e.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday061_zps215d5388.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday061_zps215d5388.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday061_zps215d5388.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday059_zps08a3029d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday059_zps08a3029d.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday059_zps08a3029d.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday011_zps424e8008.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday011_zps424e8008.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday011_zps424e8008.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday016_zpscc25ade2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo MaddiesFifthBirthday016_zpscc25ade2.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/MaddiesFifthBirthday016_zpscc25ade2.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
***<br />
<i>Dearest Madison Elise,</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Happy birthday, sweet girl! Really, truly this past year seems to have flown by so fast. You have blossomed into a such a little girl over the past 365 days. I could never begin to paint a detailed enough picture of the wonder that you are, but I can give you a snapshot of you at the fresh new age of five.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You are such a student of all things beautiful. A ceramic angel (you love those!), a sparkly decoration, a sunset, a butterfly or flower. "Oh, isn't it so beautiful?" you can often be heard murmuring. If I come out of the bedroom in- say- a dress or skirt, you are the first to cover me in compliments and hugs. Because not only do you notice pretty things, but you are affectionate to match.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Your biggest sister will say, "Maddie, don't hug me SO hard!" And you oft reply, "But I just love you SO much." Never mind her because one day she will especially recount all of those hugs with such fondness and nostalgia. I guarantee it.:)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You love to use fancy, big words and create fancy, big (and little!) creations. You are into "Fancy Nancy," princesses, Cynthia Rylant's "Brownie and Pearl" series, Daddy Dates, swinging (so proud to pump your own legs for height and speed!), and all kinds of old movies. You are sure to be the one with a quivering chin if the movie has a sad part because of your tender heart. You love to sing and twirl; this fall you are excited to take on soccer too. Your feelings can be hurt easily and you can get downright grumpy if you're hungry or tired. You enjoy snacking on frozen mango or blueberries, quesadillas, pancakes, fruit leathers, and cooked carrots. You can eat a whole crockpot of cooked carrots. A sweet tooth? Oh, yes! Especially if you get to wear the apron and help make the treats.</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>If I had to freeze frame one memory of you, our five year old Maddie Girl, it would be your rendition of "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" in that tiny soprano voice you've got going. You are in a lovely dress and twirling.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Always twirling.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I know God handpicked you for our family, and I will be forever grateful.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This year we will take on kindergarten together, and I expect fabulous.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You are the queen of fabulous, after all.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Love you so.</i><br />
<i>Mama and Daddy too </i><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-46500467212758722892013-08-02T22:33:00.003-05:002013-08-02T22:43:31.336-05:00Thirty-Five ThingsToday is my birthday, and I'm giving myself a present.<br />
<br />
Some {kind of} {okay, not really} uninterrupted writing time. It has been so long.<br />
<br />
Too long.<br />
<br />
Lots of deep thoughts begging to be strung together from the click of these keys.<br />
<br />
But today?<br />
<a href="http://www.teammartins.blogspot.com/2012/08/bits-many-things-thirty-four-things.html"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.teammartins.blogspot.com/2012/08/bits-many-things-thirty-four-things.html">Today is for my second annual list of blessings</a>, thirty-five things I am loving right now at this very minute.<br />
<br />
One for each year I've been blessed to breathe in a new 365 days of life. <br />
***<br />
<br />
1. My camera. We are finally reunited after she took a vacation out west with my brother. There is something about capturing life through a lens, forever keepsakes of moments that pass too quickly. Been this way for me ever since I was a young girl covering my bright yellow wallpaper with images I could barely afford to get out of the one-hour photo center. <br />
<br />
2. Learning alongside my girls. For all the times I thought I'd never do this and for any of the challenging moments that sneak in, this togetherness is a truly precious business. So amazing to watch Hope create her end-of-the-year portfolio and relive all she's learned.<br />
<br />
3. Surprises. Especially surprising those I love. Latest favorites? Nana's birthday back in May. Not only did we shock her with a totally unexpected arrival, but also a couple of aunts who have never met all three of my girls. So many happy tears! More happy tears this past month for Mom and Dad Martins' surprise 50th wedding anniversary party during our annual RI vacation.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Sleepovers. Sleepovers with aunties. Sleepovers with aunties, donuts and coffee for breakfast.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/DonutswithAuntieBrooke_zps05ed3cff.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DonutswithAuntieBrooke_zps05ed3cff.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/DonutswithAuntieBrooke_zps05ed3cff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
5. Friends who knew you when you were young and pick right back up no matter how much time has elapsed. My kids hanging out with her kids, totally a beautiful bonus. <br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/photo2_zps3bb70339.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo photo2_zps3bb70339.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/photo2_zps3bb70339.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
6. Pottery painting, park playing kinds of afternoons. Just because.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013086_zps39e3f95e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013086_zps39e3f95e.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013086_zps39e3f95e.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013088_zpsa4b98797.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013088_zpsa4b98797.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013088_zpsa4b98797.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013089_zpsb19e1d28.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013089_zpsb19e1d28.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013089_zpsb19e1d28.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
7. The aspiring doctors/astronauts/waitresses/artists/mommies/beauticians/authors/gymnasts/performers/princesses/chefs in my home. I love watching them dream.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013091_zps8a157b97.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013091_zps8a157b97.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013091_zps8a157b97.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
8. Seeing these dreamers with strong, able bodies. Proudly watching as they finish first t-ball seasons and cheer one another on.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013084_zpsddc3fe09.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013084_zpsddc3fe09.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013084_zpsddc3fe09.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013085_zps490d33f8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013085_zps490d33f8.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013085_zps490d33f8.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
9. People who show up. When we went to move out of our old home in mostly 24-hours just a few weeks ago, we threw out a hail mary e-mail for help. At 2 am. The next day, boy did it come, and it just wouldn't stop. Humbling stuff, right there.<br />
<br />
10. Long awaited answers to prayer. Been reluctant landlords the past few years waiting on a better market for two properties we owned. Not only has God truly provided during this season, but He also sold them both this summer. So very grateful!<br />
<br />
11. People who make the saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" ring true. Totally blessed with two short, but sweet Tennessee visits in the last couple of months. Love these friends.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/1011924_10201455011840309_1050781200_n_zps2cb193e2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 1011924_10201455011840309_1050781200_n_zps2cb193e2.jpg" border="0" height="221" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/1011924_10201455011840309_1050781200_n_zps2cb193e2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
12. Summer bucket list going strong.<br />
<br />
13. A new waterfall picnic spot that just so happens to attract bundles of butterflies. A retreat only a few minutes down the road from our new-to-us 1930's cottage.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/July%202013/5709d8ad-5e03-42ba-b478-7309d6a04328_zps830b267f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 5709d8ad-5e03-42ba-b478-7309d6a04328_zps830b267f.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/July%202013/5709d8ad-5e03-42ba-b478-7309d6a04328_zps830b267f.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
14. Sweet neighbors. Ms. Ruth across the street, a precious widow, who saves the Sunday funnies for Hope while we bake her a weekly mac-n-cheese. Good friends behind us who share in backyards and almost daily playdates. Those we have yet to meet dotted along these new streets.<br />
<br />
15. Sushi. Extra wasabi because, goodness, it hurts so good.<br />
<br />
16. Hot gluing something to my heart's delight, especially when it turns out pretty.<br />
<br />
17. Joseph James. The dear things he tells me almost every night before we fall asleep. They give me strength to forgive myself if necessary, celebrate if due, and-- above all-- hear truth and beauty no matter what the day held. My greatest encourager, he and my wonderful Mom.<br />
<br />
18. Full recoveries from Lyme disease. All the herbs, advice, modern medicine, and prayer that got us there.<br />
<br />
19. Community Bible Study. Looking so forward to this new year ahead and ministering to women of all ages and stages.<br />
<br />
20. A little extra cash with a note attached to get myself a new dress. Makes me want to do a little-girl twirl, like I've seen perfected three times over by now.<br />
<br />
21. Crepes at the Farmer's Market on a Saturday morning.<br />
<br />
22. Walking along the beach with a tiny hand in mine searching for the perfect rocks and shells. Stopping every now and then to jump waves because when you're three, five, or six you just cannot help yourself.<br />
<br />
23. Seeds Family Worship CD's. His word is alive!<br />
<br />
24. Joe Bean's coffee flavor of the month, especially when someone just randomly drops one off on the doorstep.<br />
<br />
25. Digging in the dirt to grow something. Maybe this house will allow us to plant a small garden again?<br />
<br />
26. The weeks when my Mom comes to visit. They always hold some of the very best memories.<br />
<br />
27. Essential oils.<br />
<br />
28. Wildflower bouquets. Picked for me almost everywhere we go.<br />
<br />
29. Books with pretty titles, solid old covers all over my house.<br />
<br />
30. The Lord's unfailing patience with me. His redeeming grace.<br />
<br />
31. Martins' family birthday pancakes, quite unacceptable without a big dollop of whipped cream.<br />
<br />
32. People who make me laugh. Truly a remarkable blessing if those people can also make me good cry.<br />
<br />
33. Mary Poppins on repeat many summer afternoons. A spoonful of sugar really does make the medicine go down.<br />
<br />
34. Vintage sheets, dish towels. Milk glass, funky old patterns. Especially when I find them hidden for me way back on an unsuspecting Goodwill/thrift store shelf.<br />
<br />
35. Good memories. The strength that comes after hard ones. A chance to make new ones every day that I'm given.<br />
<br />
<br />
Earlier today when my dear Dad called to wish me a happy one he jokingly opened with, "Happy 40th!"<br />
<br />
Stinker.<br />
<br />
There will be no wishing away these last five years of my thirties.<br />
<br />
In fact, I have high expectations for them.<br />
<br />
Here's to you, thirty-five.<br />
<br />
Let's see what we will we accomplish together.<br />
~Katrina<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-42005877387108100932013-06-17T22:15:00.001-05:002013-06-17T23:04:11.784-05:00Bits: Starting With ThreeBeen a while.<br />
<br />
Where to begin?<br />
<br />
So many bits dancing around in my head.<br />
<br />
Some big, some small.<br />
<br />
Probably best to start simply, but importantly.<br />
<br />
Our baby girl turned three.<br />
<br />
Three?<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6414_zpseccdfd1b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6414_zpseccdfd1b.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6414_zpseccdfd1b.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Yes, three.<br />
<br />
An easy morning at a nearby pick-your-own patch.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6268_zpsfe78fdd1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6268_zpsfe78fdd1.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6268_zpsfe78fdd1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>The knee high view of us girls from l to r: Leesie, me, Madds, Hopey, and Nana. </i><br />
<br />
Strawberry cupcakes in pink pin stripe, chocolate in red and white polka-dot.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6138_zpsadcd3276.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6138_zpsadcd3276.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6138_zpsadcd3276.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Homemade vanilla ice-cream in just about any kind of cone imaginable.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6258_zpsb821fae6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6258_zpsb821fae6.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6258_zpsb821fae6.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
Shared with a sweet birthday buddy, born just three days before our growing girl. <br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6418_zpscff46132.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6418_zpscff46132.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6418_zpscff46132.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6514_zps240c8070.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6514_zps240c8070.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6514_zps240c8070.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Alysse telling me, "I wanna hold your hand, Mama!" all throughout the party.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6190-001_zpsec8396d8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6190-001_zpsec8396d8.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6190-001_zpsec8396d8.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
A ride by the cows on the tractor-train, a dollar a pop.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6387_zps2cf5146e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6387_zps2cf5146e.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6387_zps2cf5146e.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Worth a million bucks to see their smiles, tickets in hand<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/975687_10100876889144478_913694867_n_zps02fcb332.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 975687_10100876889144478_913694867_n_zps02fcb332.jpg" border="0" height="239" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/975687_10100876889144478_913694867_n_zps02fcb332.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Sandbox, swings, bean bag tossing, meandering, and bubble blowing for those waiting their turn.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6216_zps0205deaf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6216_zps0205deaf.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6216_zps0205deaf.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The grand finale coming by way of pint sized baskets each tied with twine to say, "Thank you berry much!" on their way to being filled by small hands.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6788_zps2328f9be.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6788_zps2328f9be.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6788_zps2328f9be.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>How much do you love a photo attempt of little people?</i> <br />
<br />
Nana hearing over and again, "Follow the birf-day girl! I'll show you the bestest ones."<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/IMG_6800_zpsd4178465.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6800_zpsd4178465.jpg" border="0" height="300" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/IMG_6800_zpsd4178465.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Precious memories of a lovely day, tucked close to our hearts.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/974012_10100876994857628_1657683443_n_zps5abf77eb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 974012_10100876994857628_1657683443_n_zps5abf77eb.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/974012_10100876994857628_1657683443_n_zps5abf77eb.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
Hardly believing it can be true.<br />
<br />
Three?<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6819_zps95370b45.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_6819_zps95370b45.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Alysses%20Third%20Birthday/IMG_6819_zps95370b45.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
Yes, three.<br />
******<br />
<i>Alysse Maribeth,</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>How do I describe the joy you are to Daddy, your sisters, and I?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>At three you still love one object above any other, your beloved "Baby." And still you love to pull your paci out of its daytime hiding spot beside your bed, announce it by color, and tuck it in your mouth as you drift off to sleep. You have moved to the bottom bunk underneath your big sister Maddie and you are ready to start seriously using the potty (Now if Mama could only get her act together!) You love to eat frozen blueberries, dried apricots, corn on the cob, homemade bread, and just about any kind of pasta or sauce. Pretty sure you have never met a cookie you didn't like to help bake (best egg cracker ever!) and sample.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>At three you still have the best grin and an awesome laugh. You can be sensitive and crazy thoughtful, like an old soul in that little body with cascading brown hair. You love for us to read books and will sit for a long time curled into mine or Daddy's side. To see you dance, particularly your "ballet moves"... why, it's a wonder dear girl how we do not simply kiss you to your death.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Your heart is big, your tantrums typically few and usually short-lived; you spend the majority of your day happily playing on your own or with your sisters. You take great delight in a "boo-tiful" dress or a twirly gown and you are not a fan of spiders or "scawy" snakes. You are so much fun to be around and every single one of us beams with pride in you at one point or another each day. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Three years ago you came to join our family.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>We are ever so glad God made that happen.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Love you, as you say, "BIG much! Not little much. Biiiiiig much! Like to Pluto and back."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>At Least,</i><br />
<i>Mama and Daddy too</i><br />
*Thanks to some good friends for these photos!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-81475068366687860512013-04-23T23:27:00.000-05:002013-04-24T08:45:05.297-05:00Bits: Accidentally On PurposeI'm in a mood, to bang out a post, to count up the bits.<br />
<br />
Hadn't really planned on much computer time tonight, so I'm sort of on here accidentally-- yet the recollecting and counting and savoring...<br />
<br />
That's totally on purpose.<br />
***<br />
<br />
From here to there over the last few weeks:<br />
<br />
:: Ballet recital. Oh my, my, my. Tutus and twirling. Maddie's face alone while doing the "pony walk" move! Getting to wear the faintest hint of make-up for the first time, bobby pinning buns, sharing the love of Jesus through dance. I was totally meant to be a Mama to this, even when I'm sweating like a you-know-what in the tiny bathroom before the performance trying to tame the twirlers for all of the above. FYI: Alysse's turn comes next year, Lord willing, and she is all but driving herself to get her own leotard.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013009_zps975a0567.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013009_zps975a0567.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013009_zps975a0567.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013025_zps73a6970a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013025_zps73a6970a.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013025_zps73a6970a.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013012_zps82d91f3c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013012_zps82d91f3c.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013012_zps82d91f3c.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013023_zpsb94206f3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013023_zpsb94206f3.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013023_zpsb94206f3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: In reference to the ballet, I am also thankful for sunflowers on manager's special. They are my girls' favorite flower and it felt too splurgey to get some when Joe had already bought a beautiful rainbow of roses, but for a dollar? A little kiss from God.<br />
<br />
:: The past weeks have held some accidental field trips. Afternoons where it was much too pretty to just sit inside (our messy, half packed, driving me a little batty) house so off I go to google and minutes (give or take) later, we're in the van. My favorite, with no pics to show for it, was an hour venture to a mountaintop zoo. Seriously, a zoo up on top of a mountain? Who knew? And it was just small enough, but just large enough that I could handle my troops and we learned a lot. A memory tucked right in there with the really good ones.<br />
<br />
:: After that accident, we had another on purpose. Spending Earth Day with my female brood of superheroes at some hide-a-way botanical gardens. Met two wonderful women that day who surprised me with their generosity and warmth. The first gave us free reign to catch tadpole after tadpole and to climb high in her magnolias.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013049_zpsef25eedc.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013049_zpsef25eedc.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013049_zpsef25eedc.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013033_zps52e582bd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013033_zps52e582bd.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013033_zps52e582bd.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013061_zps34452fd1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013061_zps34452fd1.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013061_zps34452fd1.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013059_zpsae78eb10.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013059_zpsae78eb10.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013059_zpsae78eb10.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
The second allowed me to spend my only $10 bill on homegrown tomatoes (it is my ethical duty to never pass up a homegrown tomato) and honey, but couldn't stand me leaving without us sampling the homemade garlic pickles, pickled okra, and still warm fried apple pie. For free. I felt that second kiss, and it was sweet. Makes me want to be the surprise to someone who needs to be a wee bit shocked at some extra generosity or warmth.<br />
<br />
:: And now I pause to welcome back warm days. Picnics! Parks! Kites! Airplanes toward the sky! The creek! <strike>Meltdowns over the right color bicycle or bubble wand</strike>! You have {almost} all been sorely missed.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013063_zps120386c8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013063_zps120386c8.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013063_zps120386c8.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013067_zpsc15223eb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013067_zpsc15223eb.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013067_zpsc15223eb.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013077_zps547ccbe7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013077_zps547ccbe7.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013077_zps547ccbe7.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: When a good bit of life kind of seems unpredictable, I find that if I take captive that nervous energy and take comfort in the things that make me smile at my core-- I can <strike>not fly off the handle so easily</strike> regain perspective and peace more quickly. First attempts at homemade ice-cream. Shoving aside boxes to find room for a tablecloth and flowers, a simple nourishing meal before us. Reading so many chapters of a favorite book that we practically forget we're not actually right alongside Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Grace on the prairie. These make me tick, both encountered as an accident and as the product of on purpose.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013030_zpsf3f55f36.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013030_zpsf3f55f36.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013030_zpsf3f55f36.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013027_zps130fe720.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013027_zps130fe720.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013027_zps130fe720.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Children, acting grown, with their sayings. Just a sampling.<br />
<br />
Hope: Puh-leeze, be more pacific. (specific) <br />
Maddie: These tights are so con-stra-ickting! (constricting)<br />
Alysse: That is ca-wrecked! (correct)<br />
<br />
I could do a lot more banging on this keyboard, but the momentum has dwindled. As it is with most good natured accidents, though, I feel a greater pull toward my purpose. Counting blessings has a way of doing that.<br />
<br />
I go to bed with my head full of them, on purpose.<br />
~Katrina<br />
<br />
PS... <br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Summer%202013/Summer2013007_zpsc6b92d4f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Summer2013007_zpsc6b92d4f.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Summer%202013/Summer2013007_zpsc6b92d4f.jpg" width="400" /> </a><br />
<i>The "Pony Walk" face. You're welcome! </i><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-16879063200947953882013-04-20T17:00:00.002-05:002013-04-20T17:03:43.722-05:00Authored by HopeSo much good, happy, busy going on.<br />
<br />
A little, or maybe a decent bit, of the other stuff too.<br />
<br />
All of it trusted to work out for our good.<br />
<br />
The other day Hope out-of-the-blue brought me a story that led to happy tears, true to her anticipated ending. I didn't edit a thing except for some spelling and minor punctuation.<br />
<br />
And so, my girl's voice captured here.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Adventures That We Have</i></b><br />
By Hope Eliana Martins <br />
<br />
When I came out of your tummy, I was as cute as cute could be!<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/hopeybirth_zps025006bf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo hopeybirth_zps025006bf.jpg" border="0" height="299" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/hopeybirth_zps025006bf.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Then you brought me home. I learned about the world.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/hopey_zps7dc56127.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo hopey_zps7dc56127.jpg" border="0" height="319" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/hopey_zps7dc56127.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I soon grew up to laugh and play. But there was something missing.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/IMG_1163_zps4ba4b026.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_1163_zps4ba4b026.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/IMG_1163_zps4ba4b026.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
<i><b>Maddie.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/maddiesbirthday_zpsb4dff480.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo maddiesbirthday_zpsb4dff480.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/maddiesbirthday_zpsb4dff480.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
We brought her home.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/IMG_2171_zpsbb5d06f4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_2171_zpsbb5d06f4.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/IMG_2171_zpsbb5d06f4.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
We grew up and laughed and played. But there was still something missing.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/handa4_zpsbd3bc566.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo handa4_zpsbd3bc566.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/handa4_zpsbd3bc566.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/handa5_zps4810cbd7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo handa5_zps4810cbd7.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/handa5_zps4810cbd7.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i><b>Alysse.</b></i><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/alyssebirthday_zps47623c1b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo alyssebirthday_zps47623c1b.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/alyssebirthday_zps47623c1b.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/AlysseandHope_zps0d64ab34.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo AlysseandHope_zps0d64ab34.jpg" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/AlysseandHope_zps0d64ab34.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/allgirls_zpsbcaf9a56.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo allgirls_zpsbcaf9a56.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/allgirls_zpsbcaf9a56.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
We are bigger now, but we will always remember.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring2013026_zps55c1386f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013026_zps55c1386f.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring2013026_zps55c1386f.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I hope this story brought tears to your eyes, but if it did not, I love you Mama!<br />
***********<br />
<br />
Sweet child of mine. <br />
<br />
She's pretty good at capturing the bits. <br />
~KatrinaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-61460541421264955302013-04-04T12:16:00.001-05:002013-04-05T09:46:53.118-05:00Bits: Hosanna in RewindIt's almost Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday. One of my favorite holidays {holy-days} in all the year.<br />
<br />
So many reasons to shout Hosanna!<br />
***<br />
<br />
:: <a href="http://www.dltk-kids.com/recipes/resurrection_rolls.htm">Resurrection Rolls</a>. A new tradition; such a great visual and so easy. <br />
<br />
:: We thought this was our last snow.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/WinterII2013005_zps9ce93676.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013005_zps9ce93676.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/WinterII2013005_zps9ce93676.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<img alt=" photo WinterII2013006_zps2fefc5ec.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/WinterII2013006_zps2fefc5ec.jpg" width="400" />
<br />
:: Yet, Palm Sunday brought this. A lot of this.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013018_zps2da4f27c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013018_zps2da4f27c.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013018_zps2da4f27c.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013021_zpsbe6c5c4b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013021_zpsbe6c5c4b.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013021_zpsbe6c5c4b.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: New life. Bunnies, butterflies, eggs. The cross.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013003_zps1b768404.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013003_zps1b768404.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013003_zps1b768404.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Made by the girls to share with our small group. </i><br />
<br />
:: Officially front tooth-less. So excited. First t-ball practice. So very excited!<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/HopeT-Ball002_zps9fb60d15.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo HopeT-Ball002_zps9fb60d15.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/HopeT-Ball002_zps9fb60d15.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: The day before Palm Sunday, sunny and beautiful. Perfect for egg decorating and hunting, plus sharing in a Resurrection Egg retelling that a sweet family hosts every year.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013006_zps6593f8a5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013006_zps6593f8a5.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013006_zps6593f8a5.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013012_zpsa0387edb.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013012_zpsa0387edb.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013012_zpsa0387edb.jpg" width="266" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013015_zpsbb6078c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013015_zpsbb6078c3.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013015_zpsbb6078c3.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013017_zps6e1ffcc4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013017_zps6e1ffcc4.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013017_zps6e1ffcc4.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>The girls remembering on the way home how much they all love hard boiled eggs. Not quite as precious, but pretty hysterical (once I got over all the egg shells).</i><br />
<br />
:: Making up worship songs and dances atop the picnic table. Having no idea I'm spying out of the kitchen widow.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013002_zps2304c90c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013002_zps2304c90c.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013002_zps2304c90c.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: Fancy Nancy reading in Hope's tent she got for her birthday. The thing stayed up for two days and saw lots of pretend camp outs, books, and a movie night. Grand finale: A real living room camp out complete with very late bedtimes.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013005_zpsc109a92e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013005_zpsc109a92e.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013005_zpsc109a92e.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Hosanna! He is risen.<br />
<br />
So much more glorious than any other story this earth could tell. This story amazes me, most especially, because it doesn't speak to the kind of Savior the world would create.<br />
<br />
I want to see Him, His goodness in everything this week.<br />
<br />
Here's to hoping for wide-eyed living and unashamed praises all along the way.<br />
****<br />
<br />
Life gets so busy sometimes, the good and the not-so-good. Even still, Easter weekend left many more reasons for hosanna. Best to just go on and attach 'em here, rewind-and-picture-drop style. I love this beautiful Sunday-- remembering His glorious sacrifice, dying eggs on Nana's special plates, singing next to my family on the pew in the church where we were married, creative baking, lovely lunching, throwing with uncles, recycled scavenger hunt for finding baskets in the barn, egg hunting among first and second cousins and great aunts and uncles.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013028_zpse5bb8f55.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013028_zpse5bb8f55.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013028_zpse5bb8f55.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013031_zpsc5c509da.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013031_zpsc5c509da.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013031_zpsc5c509da.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013039_zpsef7a08d9.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013039_zpsef7a08d9.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013039_zpsef7a08d9.jpg" width="266" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013042_zps18a4901b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013042_zps18a4901b.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013042_zps18a4901b.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013043_zpsc753f8ec.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013043_zpsc753f8ec.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013043_zpsc753f8ec.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013050_zps8a0ef5e7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013050_zps8a0ef5e7.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013050_zps8a0ef5e7.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013045_zps262ad1bf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013045_zps262ad1bf.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013045_zps262ad1bf.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013032_zps2b6a48ad.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013032_zps2b6a48ad.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013032_zps2b6a48ad.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013060_zpsfb7426c8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013060_zpsfb7426c8.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013060_zpsfb7426c8.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013056_zps7d5d5224.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013056_zps7d5d5224.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013056_zps7d5d5224.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
Yes, hosanna in the highest.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Spring%202013/Spring2013038_zpsa7311898.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Spring2013038_zpsa7311898.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Spring%202013/Spring2013038_zpsa7311898.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
~Katrina Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-39398958709803035692013-03-18T23:30:00.001-05:002013-03-18T23:46:37.096-05:00Bits: Spring Break Staycation<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013088_zpsf3809aa0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013088_zpsf3809aa0.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013088_zpsf3809aa0.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Frozen yogurt run in jammies.</i><br />
****<br />
<br />
Before I go any further, I have three sweet words-- Daddy Daughter Dance.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/DaddyDaughterDance016_zps7ea6d4fd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo DaddyDaughterDance016_zps7ea6d4fd.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/DaddyDaughterDance016_zps7ea6d4fd.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013013_zps3dde149b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013013_zps3dde149b.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013013_zps3dde149b.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
The girls were so precious getting dolled up for their Daddy. We took long showers, used my special lotions, slowly dried and did hair, painted toes and fingers. Watched as first corsages were slipped onto their wrists and pure joy covered their faces. They had so much fun at our church, among other daddies and their little (or big) girls. Came home bubbling over, and I loved it all so very much.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013014_zps1337d008.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013014_zps1337d008.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013014_zps1337d008.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Why are store-bought corsages so costly? Me and my hot glue gun had a date instead. </i><br />
<br />
Our littlest miss and I had some fun of our own. I dressed her up in the Easter dress she picked out when I let the other girls choose their dresses (<i>Once Upon a Child</i>-- love them!). I gave her a similar beauty session before we headed out to Panera and then to the bookstore where she enthusiastically chose a Strawberry Shortcake book, plus two fun workbooks for sisters. Alysse is so much fun to be around and such a sweetheart. She is the best surprise that ever happened to me, a gift directly from above.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013016_zps7f0c3fed.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013016_zps7f0c3fed.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013016_zps7f0c3fed.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
That weekend left me so full of love for my family, for Joe as a daddy and for the beauty of these three daughters. For any or all of our little missteps along the way, this being together is a truly precious business.<br />
<br />
Similarly I don't know who thought up Spring Break or who coined the term <i>staycation</i>, but I'd like to hug 'em both right now. Last week was Joe's break and we decided to go big by mostly staying put right inside our city limits.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/3dac603a-fc35-4d4f-a7d4-bab519021cb1_zps681f10dd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 3dac603a-fc35-4d4f-a7d4-bab519021cb1_zps681f10dd.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/3dac603a-fc35-4d4f-a7d4-bab519021cb1_zps681f10dd.jpg" width="281" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013083_zps793d2772.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013083_zps793d2772.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013083_zps793d2772.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013087_zpse84970e6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013087_zpse84970e6.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013087_zpse84970e6.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013078_zps8be8802c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013078_zps8be8802c.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013078_zps8be8802c.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I think it was the right move.<br />
<br />
We did ordinary things like the catching up of projects and the settling of squabbles. We did out of the ordinary splurges like going out to lunch and day trips filled with breaking in a new t-ball glove, hiking trails, and peanut butter cup s'mores before the park closed. We did lots of things in between.<br />
<br />
The very last days of the week we filled with grandparents, Grandma's corned beef and cabbage, and one last stitch of adventure. <br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013098_zps766c098a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013098_zps766c098a.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013098_zps766c098a.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013101_zps40bee844.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013101_zps40bee844.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013101_zps40bee844.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013110_zps26ff4faf.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013110_zps26ff4faf.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013110_zps26ff4faf.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013107_zpsaae81ab2.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013107_zpsaae81ab2.jpg" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013107_zpsaae81ab2.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013095_zpse5b5efd3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013095_zpse5b5efd3.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013095_zpse5b5efd3.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013103_zps11a6d806.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013103_zps11a6d806.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013103_zps11a6d806.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
It was so good to have Daddy home, to have this time of renewal and togetherness. There's a lot to be done in the coming weeks, and I may need to come back for this fuel should I get tuckered out along the way.<br />
<br />
So, thanks Staycation.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013076_zpsc2e49ef7.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013076_zpsc2e49ef7.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013076_zpsc2e49ef7.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/user/teammartins_2009/media/Uploads/WinterII2013021_zpsa419d05a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo WinterII2013021_zpsa419d05a.jpg" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Uploads/WinterII2013021_zpsa419d05a.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>We will overcome. </i><br />
<br />
I'm bottling up you and every one of your bits.<br />
~KatrinaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-75401062787053869152013-03-05T12:32:00.003-06:002013-03-05T12:51:41.129-06:00Bits: Straight UpI may not be a drinking girl, but I do know how like my bits this week.<br />
<br />
Straight up.<br />
<br />
And good to the last drop.<br />
***<br />
<br />
:: Bunked in with the girls until they fell asleep and Joe ran an errand. Came back with milkshakes.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013088_zps07c9aa40.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013088_zps07c9aa40.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>True love and my kind of buzz.</i><br />
<br />
:: On the subject of milkshakes, our favorite of Hope's family night dance party variety.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013104_zps9a3112ae.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013104_zps9a3112ae.jpg" width="267" /></a>
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<i>Blend 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup half and half, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 tsp sugar. Sometimes I do half this recipe again to make enough for all five of us.</i><br />
<br />
:: The state of our mailbox recently. If you've sent us love, know that it has been savored to b-i-t-s.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013065_zps5f23b6e2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013065_zps5f23b6e2.jpg" width="266" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013066_zpsb744f7ae.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013066_zpsb744f7ae.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: The one bonafide morning person in our family. Seriously wakes herself right up, decides to do a book report for fun, and makes a diorama while she's at it. All before I've had my coffee.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013089_zps7dd8eeb3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013089_zps7dd8eeb3.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Where did she learn the word "diorama" anyway?</i><br />
<br />
:: Alysse, you dressing yourself is good stuff. Very good stuff.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013090_zps64f97805.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013090_zps64f97805.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: A friend who offers to come along to the library while her girls are in school. And picnic with us at the park.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013092_zps848c3cb4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013092_zps848c3cb4.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Sweet.</i><br />
<br />
:: On the subject of sweet, one morning the girls had a couple of not-listening episodes. While I was upstairs dealing with things, Hope and Maddie quietly unloaded the dishwasher and put the dirty dishes inside. Then straightened up the living room all on their own.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013087_zps42316c2f.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013087_zps42316c2f.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Some precarious stacking going on there, but-- hello-- awesome. Learning to make amends.</i><br />
<br />
:: Little girls speaking in rhymy, sing-songy Seussical style all morning plus lots and lots of stopping to read. TGIF and happy birthday to the Dr.!<br />
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013095_zps4bf642e5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013095_zps4bf642e5.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: Sometimes on a Saturday.<br />
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<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013077_zpsaec16400.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013077_zpsaec16400.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Muffin tin pancakes fueling a day trip. </i><br />
<br />
:: Almost always on a Sunday.<br />
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<i>Shenanigans before church.</i><br />
<br />
:: Forever in my heart.<br />
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~KatrinaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-89174429606429269682013-02-26T14:28:00.002-06:002013-02-27T10:52:37.190-06:00Bits: By and ByAngry is not a word I throw around very often. In fact, usually when I'm talking with the girls we use words like frustrated, hurt, grumpy, upset, disappointed, sad. And usually those are far more accurate than angry, because every one of us can be sensitive given a particular issue.<br />
<br />
But I wasn't kidding last Monday.<br />
<br />
I was angry. Yes, throw in hurt and disappointed, but the truth remains. I just could not believe-- among several unfortunate incidents-- that two different sets of people straight up did whatever they wanted, with no regard to decency or to their word. To clarify, these are not folks we know very well; just ones we have found ourselves having to do business with. Sadly, I've found that people's compassion is often tied to their own convenience or purse strings. No exception to this last week.<br />
<br />
But I can also tell you this.<br />
<br />
I don't like feeling angry, which is probably why I usually stop myself before it escalates to that place. Righteous anger can be a good thing if carefully considered (starving children, the state of adoption or foster care, the killing of innocent babies because they are girls, trafficking, and more). Stewing anger is a different bad story.<br />
<br />
So I took the day it hit and I sorted through it, I prayed, and I asked God to take it away. To give me clear eyes to see, to not waste my precious energy and time dwelling on such uselessness. To help me remember that such behaviors can be signs of brokenness and hurt in the lives of others.<br />
<br />
And you know what?<br />
<br />
The next day, it was gone.<br />
<br />
The Lord asks me to pray for those who caused us grief, and though it sounds ridiculous to some, there is such freedom in this. Bitterness and resentment, anger and revenge are not my job. Those emotions take hold of me; they hurt me... they do nothing to solve the problem; they simply make the problem worse.<br />
<br />
What freedom there is in Christ! He knew by telling us to forgive those who hurt us, to pray for those who persecute that we would allow Him to be in control. It is His job to judge and mine to obey. I am off the hook except to do what is right in His sight as much as is within me.<br />
<br />
Oh, what freedom! Especially when I get over myself.<br />
<br />
This past week for "Serve Someone Sunday" the girls wanted to take donuts to the fire department. There have been a couple of big fires around town lately and the girls noted that they have probably been working pretty hard. <br />
<br />
At the end of the trip, with new Junior Firefighter badges proudly displayed, we talked about the equipment and clothing the firefighters use to protect themselves while they serve. We also talked about how they are like Jesus because they go into the flames for us and they risk their lives to save us.<br />
<br />
Truly there are so many metaphors here.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A10-18&version=NIV">Every day, as believers, we're asked to suit up</a>. In fact, without suiting up we can almost guarantee to be hit by firey darts. Darts that will only sting at best or knock us completely down at worst. Yet when the fire gets really hot, when it threatens to overtake us and do us in-- we will NOT be burned. We have one who willingly stepped in to take the heat, to be bruised for our transgressions. By whose stripes we are healed.<br />
<br />
He promises to carry us, lead us, guide us, never forsake us.<br />
<br />
Oh, what a Savoir!<br />
<br />
Sunday, we went to church, and I passed Joe a note in the middle of a really good sermon. "Want to get out of Lynchburg for the afternoon? Go do something fun?"<br />
<br />
Um, yes.<br />
<br />
So we downed bowls of spaghetti, threw on hiking clothes, and took advantage of a little sunshine. We hit up a new trail, one that was a bit more challenging than the usual. The girls were pumped, checking out hollowed logs and spying smooth stones to toss in the cold creek beds. Calling it an adventure each step of the way.<br />
<br />
At one point we were traipsing across this long footbridge, feeling mile-high with the cool wind whipping our hair. Maddie asked me to walk along the nail pathway with her, counting each one that held the bridge's planks in place. Though my anger had long subsided, there still remained some lingering notes of anxiety because honestly-- I'm a person who often wants things solved and done with yesterday. I hate confrontation and drama. I want to believe that the best in people will win out every time.<br />
<br />
As I held my girl's hand, though, and as I put one foot in front of the other I was reminded. This is life. There are seasons for skipping down the bridges with hardly but a care in the world, the wind whipping carefree hair. Then, honestly, there are days of taking it one step at a time. When the wind feels a little colder and leaves unwanted tangles in its wake. <br />
<br />
In those times, it's important to remember life is truly an adventure with lessons at every turn. <br />
<br />
<i>Give strongholds over to God before they have time to take root.</i><br />
<i>Suit up. Let Him deal with the flames.</i><br />
<i>Follow the path, one step at a time, lovingly marked by the nails of the cross.</i><br />
<br />
Because, oh, what beauty is missed when we purposefully remain blind to the God of the Universe shining down on each of us! Telling us He's there. He sees. He's working.<br />
<br />
The journey will be worth it.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013067_zpsa4c3ef00.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="640" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013067_zpsa4c3ef00.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
Step by step, lesson by lesson, bit by bit by bit.<br />
~Katrina<br />
<br />
<br />
*****<br />
ps: Dr. Seuss Day is a favorite around here (March 2nd). <a href="http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2013/02/the-ultimate-list-of-dr-seuss-activities/">Here's a super fun list</a> if you too want to celebrate! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-86959982466891702812013-02-19T11:54:00.003-06:002013-02-26T15:05:27.827-06:00Bits: Take Heart<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013047_zpsd847bf84.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013047_zpsd847bf84.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
<i>My Heart Day girls decked out and headed to Bible Study </i><br />
<br />
Honestly.<br />
<br />
If today had been yesterday, I wouldn't have felt like writing a thing. What I did feel like was pulling the blankets up around my head and calling uncle. <br />
<br />
But is that a true cross-section of life? If I want my girls to come back and read these words some day, I want them to know it's not all roses and sunshine. In fact, sometimes much of it feels not at all like roses and sunshine if you want to live and do right in a world that has a whole lot going wrong.<br />
<br />
I want them to be comforted that their Mama struggled sometimes, but that I know the Comforter. That this verse means what it says:<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="text John-16-33" id="en-NIV-26760"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">John 16:33 </sup>“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”</span></span></i></b><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-16-33" id="en-NIV-26760"><span class="woj">Peace, take heart, overcome.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-16-33" id="en-NIV-26760"><span class="woj">Yes. </span></span><br />
<span class="text John-16-33" id="en-NIV-26760"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text John-16-33" id="en-NIV-26760"><span class="woj">Probably among some of the most important things I can possibly teach my daughters.</span></span><br />
<br />
I have lots of reasons to be stressed right now. Kind of a when-it-rains-it-pours type of time. It came on suddenly, with one frustration and broken promise upon another. People's choices to be dishonest or to not keep their word flooring me in a way that has bubbled up all sorts of emotions. Topped off by some food poisoning for me this past weekend, and I was weak and angry yesterday.<br />
<br />
It takes a lot, I think, to get me to such a place and poor Joe-- my best friend-- took the brunt of it last night after all the girls were in bed. I spent my night restless and frustrated and in prayer.<br />
<br />
Then with the morning came fresh eyes. Joe's hugs and words of forgiveness popping up everywhere. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" meaning more than a sports motto. It means I can love unlovable people. I can stand up for what's right with integrity. I can believe God will work things out even when I don't see it happening.<br />
<br />
I can take heart. <br />
<br />
That's all I've got today.<br />
<br />
Well, that and my bits.<br />
******<br />
<br />
:: February 14th, such a super sweet day.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013046_zps302344bb.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013046_zps302344bb.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013044_zps88ec8f45.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013044_zps88ec8f45.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013050_zpsbee616b2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013050_zpsbee616b2.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: Family Night Pictionary, such a fun game with the girls. A new favorite for sure.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013060_zpsd2898919.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013060_zpsd2898919.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013061_zpsb102e916.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013061_zpsb102e916.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: Warm afternoons for quiet, then messy, learning. Hope saying (of Valentine's Day), "I thought yesterday was the best day ever! But then there's today. Actually every day is the best day when I get to be with you, Mom." <br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013051_zps2b2b297f.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013051_zps2b2b297f.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013052_zps37d5f37b.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013052_zps37d5f37b.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013053_zps0ba9a992.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013053_zps0ba9a992.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013057_zps683e3a32.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013057_zps683e3a32.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: Babysitting my "grandchildren" who have very specific schedules, quickly scrawled out for me as an afterthought that I might need it in lead and white. Three great mamas-in-training.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013062_zps4c45bdd0.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013062_zps4c45bdd0.jpg" width="266" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013063_zpsfd4a42c1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013063_zpsfd4a42c1.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: Alysse consoling me when I was sick with gentle rubs and, "Don't worry Mama, I'll go to the Goodwill and get you some coffee."<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013058_zpsa11111f5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013058_zpsa11111f5.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Donating/thrifting + coffee makes it all better, right baby girl? </i><br />
<br />
:: Precious puzzle lovers giving me a break.
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013043_zps4d9af2fd.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013043_zps4d9af2fd.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
The bits may be short and sweet this week, but I am ever so glad they're mine.<br />
<br />
Taking Heart, <br />
~Katrina <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-70059888540742955632013-02-12T15:03:00.003-06:002013-02-13T20:24:47.336-06:00Bits: Laughing GoodOnce when my brother was a wee thing, he told a joke. Jokes that I totally get now that I'm a thirty-four year old mother who often has to fake-laugh to the likes of:<br />
<br />
<i>Knock, knock!</i><br />
<i>Who's there?</i><br />
<i>Duck.</i><br />
<i>Duck Who?</i><br />
<i>Duck, who's gonna quack on you!!!!!</i><br />
<br />
My Dad, being not so good at the fakey kinds of stuff, responded with a literal <i>hardy har har har</i>. Kind of kidding, but still-- not good.<br />
<br />
My brother, usually a pretty laid back fella, was mad and hurt rolled into one. The rest of us poorly attempted stifled laughter, and to this day we joke about it from time to time. I still don't believe he thinks it's funny.<br />
<br />
Well, that's the way of comparing Friday before last to this past one. Last Friday being all "Homeschool-yay! TGIF, e-v-e-r-y body!" and this one being all, "Where'd you come from cold? My head's going to explode. Alysse had a twenty four hour bug and I literally had to sit up all night with her in the upright position 'cause girlfriend was so out of it she almost choked every few minutes. Thank you, movie collection, for the awesome job you and our box full of art supplies did babysitting. Jesus help me; is it bedtime yet?"<br />
<br />
In the matter of a week, I guess the week told me:<br />
<br />
<i>Hardy har har har</i>.<br />
<br />
That's alright. I'm not going to be bitter, largely due to the fact that God's been answering prayers around here. More on that later, but I am grateful.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013031_zpsc81a6a84.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013031_zpsc81a6a84.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Long story short: patience IS a virtue. </i><br />
<br />
And grateful, even when I've had my moments of sick and grumpy and all, is what the bits are all about.<br />
****<br />
<br />
:: Add cartoon artist to her list of dream jobs. She creates in a flurry of passion and thick strokes and bold colors. And loves heroes, adventure, and comic strip style.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013024_zps5d6917f3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013024_zps5d6917f3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Maddie, on the other hand, is slow and careful with most of her creations. They are soft and detailed. She likes romance and sparkly, happy endings.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013028_zps367023a8.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013028_zps367023a8.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>This is totally a Katrina-face. People, you should see my kindergarten photo.</i><br />
<br />
:: Alysse just likes to have a paint brush or marker in her hand. Can be deadly with some scissors, though.<br />
<br />
{Photo replaced by your mental image of my carefully chasing her and the scissors down.}<br />
<br />
:: So glad folks love new recipes! I too need some new inspiration every now and then. Here's a no fuss, much lighter option that we make some variation of almost every week.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013027_zpscec4c9d8.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013027_zpscec4c9d8.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Did you know Joe's family is Mediterranean? That's not really why we make this salad, but anywho-- it is an easy, peasey meal.
Chop favorite lettuce; romaine works great but mostly spinach is pictured since that's what we had on hand. Then add any or all sorts of Mediterranean-like toppings; tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, onions, peppers, etc. Toast some pita bread and serve on the side with your favorite hummus (roasted red pepper is delish!) Dress with your favorite balsamic or greek vinaigrette.<br />
<br />
Note: I don't make different meals for our family; generally everyone eats (or at least tries) the same thing. Sometimes, though, I serve it up in different ways-- like for this I would serve the girls pita and hummus, while breaking up the toppings on the side. Since we really dig salads, I do this often with lots of different combinations (Another fave: romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges and/or apples, cranberries, feta, walnuts or almonds, and a raspberry vinaigrette).<br />
<br />
:: It's Valentine making season. Feeling the love, especially while we try to understand <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13&version=NIV">the best explanation of love there is</a>.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013033_zpse309715a.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013033_zpse309715a.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013036_zps9dde73bb.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013036_zps9dde73bb.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013039_zpsc78732cb.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013039_zpsc78732cb.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Our little family love note station. <a href="http://lifemadelovely-blog.com/post/42462040423">Adorable, free printables here</a>.</i><br />
<br />
:: When we have sick days or catch-up days and the girls get some extra dvd/video time, I've learned not to be too concerned. It fuels plays, reenactments, new plots, pausing the show to try and draw the characters, a desire to understand cartooning, newspaper or book spin-offs, and more. Of course, I love them to read and play outside and tap into their own originality-- but I also love that they see potential for creativity everywhere. Plus, who doesn't need to vege out from time to time?<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013029_zpsa75df217.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013029_zpsa75df217.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Toy Story aftermath; First thing in the morning and they have gathered every toy or object in the house that could serve as a character. Alysse is barely awake and already jumping into some terrific story lines. Hope was probably off finding or creating the rest of what they needed.</i><br />
<br />
:: My baby loving one of her babies. Sometimes I so badly wish I could have my Leesie pint sized again and in a carrier right over my heart. I smile just remembering her as a chubby little ball of love.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013040_zpseee7efc1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013040_zpseee7efc1.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013041_zpsfbae8244.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013041_zpsfbae8244.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
Oh. <br />
<br />
Laughing Good,<br />
Katrina<br />
xo<br />
<br />
ps... <a href="http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2013/02/conversation-heart-graphing/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ICanTeachMyChild+%28I+can+teach+my+child!%29">Valentine's Day math, no</a>?<br />
<a href="http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/printables/bargraph.pdf">Free bar graph printable here</a>. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-63072156695724783652013-02-05T13:52:00.002-06:002013-02-05T19:28:06.248-06:00Bits: Just Another Hair Raising DaySo, if you choose a word like peace to mark your new year-- it is quite likely you're going to get a lot of practice straight away in showing that you mean it. Especially if you seem to be a slow learner like, oh I don't know, me. Don't get me wrong; there have been times in recent years that amazing peace has taken over, and I've dwelt in that precious place to weather some of this life's bigger storms.<br />
<br />
Simply put: it's usually the more every day of annoyances that evict me from my peaceful residence to it's evil next door neighbor's joint. <i>Madwoman Manor.</i> Ever been there?<br />
<br />
It's not pretty in those try-hard, own-strength rooms. The ones where you hide because you think the Landlord Upstairs might have forgotten to have your best interests at heart. It's up to you to work and work to put pieces together, to constantly straighten up around you-- in essence-- to wear yourself kind of out over silly details. All the while right there in your lease, Section Matthew Chapter Six, it reads:<br />
<br />
<b><span class="text Matt-6-25"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>“Therefore I tell you, do not worry
about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what
you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than
clothes?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-26" id="en-NIV-23309"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-27" id="en-NIV-23310"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life</span></span><span class="text Matt-6-28" id="en-NIV-23311"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> 28 </sup>“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-29" id="en-NIV-23312"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-30" id="en-NIV-23313"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>If
that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and
tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you
of little faith?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-31" id="en-NIV-23314"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-32" id="en-NIV-23315"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup>For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-33" id="en-NIV-23316"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">33 </sup>But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">34 </sup>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Own it. <u><b>Own it.</b></u> This message is for all who believe.</span></span><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"> Tell God your desires, ask Him for what you need. Then lay it down.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><b><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Lay it down, Katrina. </span></span></b></i><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"></span><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">{Like you don't talk to yourself.}</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Then hear Him whisper, "<b>Peace be still</b>."</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">*****</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">The best homeschooling days are the ones where we are simply present. A loose framework, fueled by a little energy and coffee and desire to learn. I have been reminded of this, even in the verses above, to live in the now-- the day that has been given. Stopping that useless waiting until this or that happens to do what we really love. Yes, sometimes life gets in the way and things have to be scrapped or altered from the original plan; but, more than likely, there is plenty of good to be done with exactly what I have and exactly in the moments I have been given.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://simplehomeschool.net/your-turn/"><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></a>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><a href="http://simplehomeschool.net/your-turn/">That's why I love reading this series </a>and since we started a new semester, the new year bringing in a fresh wind of beginning again, I thought I'd pop back in with another "day in the life." These are so helpful to me as we grow and fun to read as the years skip along.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Without further adieu, another hair raising day in the Martins' House-- Madwoman Manor boarded up, with fresh nails nearby in the event of a break out.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013021_zps31aefa27.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013021_zps31aefa27.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">It's a Friday which, when at all possible, is an extension of the week-end in some ways. The biggest being that it's a slow going kind of day and, as I usually try to do, we have nowhere specific we have to be. The girls trickle into my bed one by one and soon a pet show takes place under the blankets.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013001_zps76016be7.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013001_zps76016be7.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"> </span></span><br />
<i><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">The leftover mound of stuffed animals as evidence.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">We all come downstairs and Hope announces, "Let's celebrate! It's the first day of February." So comes the chocolate chip pancakes (with extras made so I can be lazier the next morning), the smoothies left by Joe for the girls, a cup of coffee for me. </span></span><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013002_zpse5e4e388.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013002_zpse5e4e388.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Girls head upstairs for morning chores-- beds made, clothes on, teeth brushed while I set out things for "Circle Time." This is our new way to begin our official learning time, and I really dig how it starts us all off </span></span>together.<br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"> <a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013005_zps84af5781.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013005_zps84af5781.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</span></span><br />
<i><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Weather graph, calendar math, memory verse, devotion, and a second hand book I picked up that I wanted to share with the girls</span></span></i><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">After Circle Time the girls head upstairs while I cut up cantaloupe for a snack tray of that and some pretzels. Also throw some pizza dough ingredients in the bread maker, Maddie's choice, since Family Night is to come later on. I crank up the "JJ Heller" station on Pandora. <i> Fill my soul, Lord.</i></span></span><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013006_zps00b23927.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013006_zps00b23927.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">By the time I get upstairs I let the girls finish playing "family birthday parties" and then we snack as we do, what I call, our "Literacy Block." Word work for Hope, sight words for Maddie, coloring this week's letter for Alysse. Leesie soon skips off to play for a long time in their bedroom with Polly Pockets and (shhhh!) Maddie's new mini Rapunzel Doll. Maddie is really into what we're doing so she sticks around for the rest of the time.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013007_zps6a2d8881.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013007_zps6a2d8881.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Then "Reader's Workshop," which is just a fun way of saying that we read self-selected books and learn how to do readerly things. Typically this is followed up by "Writer's Workshop," but Hope and Maddie got so into the "Henry and Mudge" series that they read through that and through our Math/Science time. Far be it from me to stop voluntary, happy reading. So, I don't.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013009_zps65955f74.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013009_zps65955f74.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013008_zpseb8d02a1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013008_zpseb8d02a1.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Instead, I grab some simple things to make lunch and the girls eventually all make it downstairs to eat. I read aloud as they munch and Alysse steals all my kiwi. As the sun shines through the back door and the continuous soft music plays, I can feel it heavy... blessed.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013011_zpsaf0502a8.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013011_zpsaf0502a8.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Next is a "Fun Friday" activity... sometimes we bake, sometimes we do an experiment, sometimes we answer the question, "What do we want to learn more about today?," sometimes I sit on the couch while they spin circles around me. This day we play a math game about time since that's what Hope is currently learning.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013014_zps2c37b505.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013014_zps2c37b505.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Rest time! New policy: each girl in a room of her own for the hour. This is, pardon me, but brilliant. Since all my girls share a room, this plan is a good break for them... and me.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Since I did not get up extra early I use this time to do my CBS study (LOVE!) and have a date with Billy Blanks. I throw in some healthier oatmeal cranberry cookies for snack and to have as dessert for after dinner. (Typical oatmeal cookie recipe-- just sub applesauce for the oil, throw in a couple TBSP ground flax seed, and use just about 2 TBSP butter instead of a whole stick as many recipes call for).</span></span><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013015_zpsc20d0610.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013015_zpsc20d0610.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013016_zpsafcf896d.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013016_zpsafcf896d.jpg" width="267" /></a> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Two of the three are asleep so I pass Hope the new <i>National Geographic Kids</i> that came in the mail as she builds with Legoes. I use the added time to, thank God, grab a shower. And a much-needed load of laundry. And check out some of my favorite blogs and check e-mail. You know, all that jazz.</span></span><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013017_zps6e36c066.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013017_zps6e36c066.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"> </span></span><br />
<i><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Sweet Angel Cakes</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Afterwards I wake up the only remaining sleeping beauty and all three play: some draw, some build with blocks, some look at books, some argue and drive me crazy, etc. I get the stack of dishes that have been progressively piling all day into the dishwasher. Finally I call to come help with the pizzas and girlies about break their necks to get there.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Throw some veggies on two rounds of dough for Joe and I; make a Caesar Salad for us all. Eat dinner, do the always anticipated "Mad Libs" from the <i>NG</i> magazine, watch Maddie's selected family movie (while Joe and I fold a few rounds of laundry), a family story and prayers, and try to get everyone to bed. Gonna pay for those long naps, but hey-- at least I got a shower. And in Maddie's words, "My favorite part of Family Night is being together!"</span></span><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013018_zps4f32e8be.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013018_zps4f32e8be.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Agreed 100%; now <strike>just go to bed already</strike> let's look forward to more time together tomorrow.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Sometimes I think of the other jobs I could be doing, the great life-changing work that I could be investing in, the big dreams that lay just a closed eyelid or two away. Then I remember, this season is short. Much too short, even if the days sometimes feel a bit long. My heart is here, in the two and four and six year-old now. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Then my soul lies at peace</span></span> in this gift. This <span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">hair-raising, memory-making, patience building, peace-seeking gift of NOW. </span></span><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2013004_zps53113073.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2013004_zps53113073.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Tomorrow can worry about itself.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">~Katrina</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Other Days in the Life: <a href="http://teammartins.blogspot.com/2010/02/gift-of-ordinary-day.html">Here </a>and <a href="http://teammartins.blogspot.com/2012/01/bits-of-wednesday.html">Here </a>and <a href="http://teammartins.blogspot.com/2012/08/learning-as-we-go.html">Here</a></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-90395803140483710282013-01-29T13:24:00.000-06:002013-02-02T21:36:55.157-06:00Bits: Roger ThatOn birthday weekend after we had thanked and hugged the last guest, I came back home to my family-- my people.<br />
<br />
All eight of us kicked off shoes, some donned pajamas, and we talked and laughed and ate chicken fajitas with guacamole among the happy mess of party decor and too-generous presents. At one point I asked Maddie to do something to which she agreebly responded with a, "Roger that, Mom!"<br />
<br />
Talk about hilarious.<br />
<br />
Now our long string of celebrating -- pretty much since Joe's November birthday-- draws to a close. It's time to embrace cold days at home and the lost groove of routine again.<br />
<br />
It's time to find wonder instead in the glory of every day bits. I need these this week-- like double do, roger that need 'em.<br />
****<br />
<br />
:: Book authoring mornings over mushy, brown bananas turned mini muffins.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012362.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012362.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: "Guess Who" Saturday marathons, the only lazy of an unwelcomingly busy weekend.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012368.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012368.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Homey things. Approximately 142 times cuter than Comet.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>5 ingredients and 89 cents at Target</i><br />
<br />
:: More homey things. Savory wintertime comfort foods. Maddie-Girl can stuff this lasagna in by the fistful, like I hardly ever see her eat. In fact, it's a pretty big hit with us all and had my Mom threatening to lick the bowl. <a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/pasta/butternut-squash-lasagna/">This recipe is awfully close</a>. Notes: Skip the whipping cream at the end, stir a little parmesan cheese once the milk is heated through if you like creamy sauce, dry rosemary (or none at all) is fine, season with a dash or two of pepper in the sauce, and use an Italian blend cheese between layers.
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012359.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012359.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012360.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012360.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>The thumb's up, sign language equivalent to a "Roger That!"</i><br />
<br />
:: If you're missing the meat, then this savory soup will do it. Joe does the happy dance if he comes home to it on the stove. <a href="http://restaurant.food.com/recipe/olive-garden-copycat-zuppa-toscana-38298">Again, here's a close recipe</a>. Notes: You can cook it all in one pot. Use half and half instead of heavy whipping cream to cut the fat, <b>for the love</b> use real sliced bacon (so much for the fat cutting), and spinach is pictured though kale is really yummy.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012361.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012361.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: And one more recipe for good measure-- our best-loved and easiest snow cream.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday074.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/HopesSixthBirthday074.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Mix 8 cups of snow, 1-14 oz. container of sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla to taste.</i><br />
<br />
:: Perfect for a couple more rounds of this:<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012365.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012365.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012366.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012366.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
:: Joe broke the rules again for our cheap stocking stuffers only at Christmas. Oh but I love it! "Little Women" is such a treasure reread at this stage in my life. <a href="http://simplehomeschool.net/little-women/">Then, this post</a>. So very good.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012224.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012224.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Think I'm raising a Jo (definitely!), Meg (wouldn't doubt it), and Amy (pretty much)-- maybe with a touch of Beth thrown in there</i>.<i> Most of all, I hope I'm raising myself to be a Marmee.</i><br />
<br />
:: Remembering <strike>friends</strike> family who gladly take over bedtime stories.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday132.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/HopesSixthBirthday132.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
:: Packages in the mail!!!!! The extra exclamation points are literal, should you ever be near our doorstep when the girls discover one. A sweet, old friend sends the girls new jammies every year. This year she included a note to get in them, eat a Twizzler, and watch a movie.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012369.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012369.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Who are we to argue with logic like that?</i><br />
<br />
:: The final few party decorations that I just can't seem to take down.<i> </i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=Winter2012357.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/Winter2012357.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday084.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Winter%202013/HopesSixthBirthday084.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<br />
Somehow having them up reminds me to bring a little shimmer and celebration to the math problems, laundry, and sisterly spats.<br />
<br />
<i>Lord, help me to bring it to the sisterly spats.</i><br />
<br />
It's like when I use the vacuum these days and it smells of pine from all those lost needles; it instantly takes me back to the twinkling lights and anticipation of Christmas. Running that machine is infinitely more enjoyable thanks to that small treat.<br />
<br />
I want-- no I need-- to find joy in the nooks and crannies of every day life.<br />
<br />
Roger that?<br />
<br />
Yep, I do.<br />
~KatrinaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082047608331775627.post-41560545460239102232013-01-21T21:31:00.002-06:002013-01-21T23:40:51.338-06:00Bits: At Six<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday002.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday002.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hope%20Sixth%20Birthday/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday003.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Hope%20Sixth%20Birthday/HopesSixthBirthday003.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
Hope Eliana, at six you are full of life. Passionate, loud, often initially shy when performing beyond your immediate family, otherwise crazy daring and social, loving, talkative, analytical with a good dose of compassionate, beyond creative, smart, sometimes pretty stubborn, stunning, and cheerfully giving. A justice lover. You continue to amaze us with your observations of the world, with your capacity to learn and connect. I told you in the note you awoke to on your birthday morning that six years ago was one of the best days of our lives. No doubt, the angels sang when you came into this world.<br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>At six, you are so deeply loved. </b></i> <br />
<br />
The day before your birthday, we looked out to find grass carpeted in shiny white. This was quite a gift to you as you love playing in the elements, particularly water and snow. Sissies didn't think it was half bad either.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday070.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday070.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday073.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday073.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday071.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday071.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Our baseball playing, beret wearing snowman. God pretty much trumps us all in the gift giving department.</i><br />
**** <br />
<br />
Thankfully the snow allowed for fun, but then mostly vanished by party day. Since <a href="http://teammartins.blogspot.com/2010/01/hope-day-in-mostly-pics.html">"Hope Day"</a> and party day fell on the same this year, we mixed in a bit of both. Sometime before sunrise you eased into bed with us and waited, semi-patiently, to open two small gifts. You requested pancakes for breakfast, and I added a few sprinkles alongside some yogurt for good measure. The only other thing you really wanted to do was finally go back to the sweet used bookstore down the street and choose a new title with your birthday money from PopPop and Nana. Off you went, and Daddy even took you girls out for lunch so Nana and I could finish transforming our place into this:<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday093.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday093.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday099.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday099.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday104.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday104.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday087.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday087.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday089.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday089.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday017.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday017.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday008.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday008.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday105.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday105.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday077.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday077.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday078.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday078.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday079.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday079.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>A colorful, sock monkey wonderland for our colorful, monkey-loving little {big} girl.</i><br />
<br />
The huge hit was Nana and her <i><b>fabulous</b></i> rainbow cake, which tasted as good as it was beautiful! Then the huge hit got huge-er with the surprise arrival of Auntie Brooke and Ms. Susan. Throw in some favorite girlfriends and neighbors, Mama directing the singing of "Five Little Monkeys," and Daddy leading one awesome game of "Monkey See/Monkey Do" (a.k.a. "Simon Says").<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday018.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday018.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday031.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday031.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday030.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday030.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday036.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday036.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday098.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday098.jpg" width="266" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday115.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday115.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
<i>Should have seen when that first slice was cut... gorgeous!</i><br />
<br />
Oh and let me not forget you littles making necklaces and hamming it up in a photo booth, after you drank down some hot cocoa (or ate up all the toppings anyway).<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday080.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday080.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday086.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday086.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday052.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday052.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
And there you have it. Good stuff, that turning six. To say you were amped up or excited barely scratches the surface. Honey you were s.t.o.k.e.d., from dawn till long past dusk.<br />
<br />
The best part was having those we love with us, plus the new friends we're making. Some of my other favorite memories were the reactions when you girls first saw all the decorations and food...<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday083.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday083.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday090.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="400" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday090.jpg" width="267" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday107.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday107.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
You clambering to get to me while they sang you "Happy Birthday" and the hugs and kisses you planted and squeezed...<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday045.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday045.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
And the delicious giggles when you and your friends reviewed your photo booth shots on my digital screen.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday119-001.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="266" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday119-001.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday128-001.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday128-001.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday123-001.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday123-001.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday121-001.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday121-001.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday117-001.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday117-001.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Man. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://teammartins.blogspot.com/2012/01/bits-five.html">So, didn't you just turn five?</a> No matter how fast it goes I hope that in life you bottle up all the joy, learn from the parts that seem hard, and continue to bring great hope to this world.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday047.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/HopesSixthBirthday047.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
You certainly bring so much love, life, and meaning to ours.<br />
<a href="http://s650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/?action=view&current=HopesSixthBirthday025.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="267" src="http://i650.photobucket.com/albums/uu226/teammartins_2009/Christmas%202012/HopesSixthBirthday025.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Always,<br />
Mama for Daddy tooUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3