What a rough past couple weeks. I hate to say this, but it seems that loss always comes in bundles. I'm not going to elaborate on that at this point but there are probably lots of people who already know at least one of the things I'm talking about. Selfishly I am stunned that for once it feels like I am not the one who is being put into the Potter's fire, although I feel it very strongly for my friends who are hurting.
So here is a real Martin family update: I made a killing at the Tapps Island garage sale a couple weekends ago. I sold a bunch of stuff we never wanted to look at again. However, in doing so we have also made a new isssue for ourselves. I sold a set of bookshelves and some bar stools leaving us no where to sit when we eat and no where to put our many books. The idea is to get rid of the old to make way for the new, but um.... The upside is I used the procedes of the event to FINALLY get a washer and dryer, my mom doesn't have to do my laundry anymore (wierd/sad laugh here). We also got a new dining room table (which we haven't had in years) at a garage sale for $30, and it looks pretty sweet, just need some darn chairs. Oh well, the main reason we haven't sprung for some seats yet is all our money is on hold to go on vacation in August. I'm soooooo excited to go to N.Y., I'm really excited to be going anywhere.
Last week a nasty stomach flu swept through our family. So bad. I almost had Bryan take me to the hospital, I was so dehydrated.
Aiden graduated kindergarden. We are so proud of all the hard work he put in this year. He has really made a lot of progress. Unfortunatly the switch to summer routine has had a pretty negtive effect on him. We are working through it.
I'm going to be working at our church VBS in a couple weeks as the 6th grade tour guide. It will be fun to hang out with some older kids, and my kids will have a great time in there own groups.
Bryan is going to New York on Sunday. I don't like it when he's gone, but it is a good time for me to watch lots of Masterpiece Theater and do some reading.
Lucy sprouted a tooth a few days ago, I can't believe she is getting so big.
Jack is getting taller and smarter everyday.
There ya have it. Happy Summer!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Missed you my blogger friends
There are a lot of things I could be writing about in this blog but I'm going to stick with something light and maybe fairly entertaining.
I'M BACK TO MY PREPREGNANCY WEIGHT!!!!
I haven't eaten a piece of bread in... I don't even remember. My whole family has been eating pretty healthy consequently. We have been having salmon twice a week and wheat is pretty much out, except Bryan and the boys do sometimes have wraps.
I have been working out pretty hard too. I have been doing a lot of Jillian Michaels work outs. I started out with the ever so popular 30 Day Shred and then started doing similar ones like No More Trouble Spots. I really like the circuit method that she uses. I was just doing cardio before and adding the resistance and strength with cardio has made a huge difference.
10 lbs to go before my vacation goal. Woo-hoo!
I'M BACK TO MY PREPREGNANCY WEIGHT!!!!
I haven't eaten a piece of bread in... I don't even remember. My whole family has been eating pretty healthy consequently. We have been having salmon twice a week and wheat is pretty much out, except Bryan and the boys do sometimes have wraps.
I have been working out pretty hard too. I have been doing a lot of Jillian Michaels work outs. I started out with the ever so popular 30 Day Shred and then started doing similar ones like No More Trouble Spots. I really like the circuit method that she uses. I was just doing cardio before and adding the resistance and strength with cardio has made a huge difference.
10 lbs to go before my vacation goal. Woo-hoo!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The skinny
So I'm "back on the bandwagon", so to speak. I lost several pounds by staying away from carbs a few months ago. I have been at a stand-still pretty much since we moved into our house. I could give all kinds of reasons/excuses, but the important thing is that I am moving forward now. So far I have lost 7 lbs since Monday. I have really been enjoying it and it has felt pretty easy so far. I'm not exercising other than walking around the neighborhood, because I couldn't hardly stand the cravings I would get after working out.
I don't feel deprived at this point. I have been enjoying big yummy salads, meats from the grill, and plenty of dairy. Also, I don't eat anything after 6pm.
The best part is every morning I get up and get on the scale to see my progress continue; that's what keeps me going.
My goal is to loose 13 more pounds before my trip in August. When I hit my plateau I will start exercising again.
Maybe there will be a bathing suit in my future somewhere.
I don't feel deprived at this point. I have been enjoying big yummy salads, meats from the grill, and plenty of dairy. Also, I don't eat anything after 6pm.
The best part is every morning I get up and get on the scale to see my progress continue; that's what keeps me going.
My goal is to loose 13 more pounds before my trip in August. When I hit my plateau I will start exercising again.
Maybe there will be a bathing suit in my future somewhere.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Updates and Plans (loooong post)
So here is a (not)brief update on what we've been up to this spring.
Aiden: Kindergarten is almost over. Only month left before Aiden is experiences his first "summer break". This year AIden has made huge strides in catching up to the neuro-typical kids. He is a different guy than he was last fall. The tantrums are few and far between. He used to get so trapped in his own world. Now he recalls people's names, uses scissors (sort-of), and is learning to ride a bike. Those are just a few of the mile stones he has reached. I also feel like our ability to parent him has come a long way. We were so exhausted and lost when we started.
At school he is part of a SPLASH group that meets once a week for lunch were he spend time with other kids on the spectrum, he is by far the most verbal and the youngest. He has PT once a week. And he attends a group designed to help kids with their social skills and responses. This summer we are planning to keep up the pace as much as possible. We will be going to day camp for a week, vacation bible school for a week, and gymnastics (good for those motor skills). And hopefully swim lessons as well
Jack: He is getting so big. He has just entered that preschool phase where he says the funniest things. He's pretty rotten too. But really he's so easy going. He loves to play outside, especially anything when there is a ball involved. At his last doctor visit he was in the 75% for his weight and height, that is so huge compared to Aiden. He just finished his second year in MOPPETs. I'm planning to put him in gymnastics and swim for the summer as well.
Lucy: "Little Clover" as we like to call her is getting so big. She is now eating baby cereal and still sleeping through the night. She recently discovered her feet and is constantly putting them in her mouth and over her head. She loves sundresses and looking at herself in the mirror (girl!!) She still has a ton of crazy hair and I have to use a clip to keep it out of her face. She just stayed in the nursery during Sunday school for the first time today! Big girl! She also likes to fake cough and stick out her tongue.
Bryan: He leaves tomorrow for 5 days in Puerto Rico to deliver a boat. The forecast is thunderstorms all week, a tropical depression is developing there. He has had several weeks since the last time he had to travel. He has taken some vacation days to stay home and hang out with us, and finish some projects around the house. His plans for the summer mostly include travel, but we also hope to start working on a back patio and putting up a fence. Hopefully we'll get that done in time to enjoy it.
Mandi: Things have really calmed down for the summer, I hate it. So I've been trying to plan some fun things to do and I am ready to do lots of fun things with the kids. I just finished landscaping the front yard. I have been trying to figure out where I am going to be going to school in the fall before summer really gets in to gear, and I am busy again. There is a seminary in Tacoma that I am considering, but I'm not making any decisions until I speak with my pastor first. I am also hoping that there will be a major ministry opportunity ready for me in our church so I can start getting some experience. So mostly I have been just waiting for God to reveal Himself in those areas. As far as summer goes I am going to the smooth Jazz festival at Chateau St Michelle, No Doubt at the WhiteRiver Ampthr., and I'M GOING TO NEW YORK IN AUGUST!!! Bryan and I are going to be one for about 5 days to the Jersey Shore and Manhattan in August. The fist part of the vacation will be spent at a beach resort on the Jersey Shore, and the other part will be in the city. I'm so excited I can't wrap my brain around it. I have waited 7 1/2 years for a honeymoon!
That's that!
Aiden: Kindergarten is almost over. Only month left before Aiden is experiences his first "summer break". This year AIden has made huge strides in catching up to the neuro-typical kids. He is a different guy than he was last fall. The tantrums are few and far between. He used to get so trapped in his own world. Now he recalls people's names, uses scissors (sort-of), and is learning to ride a bike. Those are just a few of the mile stones he has reached. I also feel like our ability to parent him has come a long way. We were so exhausted and lost when we started.
At school he is part of a SPLASH group that meets once a week for lunch were he spend time with other kids on the spectrum, he is by far the most verbal and the youngest. He has PT once a week. And he attends a group designed to help kids with their social skills and responses. This summer we are planning to keep up the pace as much as possible. We will be going to day camp for a week, vacation bible school for a week, and gymnastics (good for those motor skills). And hopefully swim lessons as well
Jack: He is getting so big. He has just entered that preschool phase where he says the funniest things. He's pretty rotten too. But really he's so easy going. He loves to play outside, especially anything when there is a ball involved. At his last doctor visit he was in the 75% for his weight and height, that is so huge compared to Aiden. He just finished his second year in MOPPETs. I'm planning to put him in gymnastics and swim for the summer as well.
Lucy: "Little Clover" as we like to call her is getting so big. She is now eating baby cereal and still sleeping through the night. She recently discovered her feet and is constantly putting them in her mouth and over her head. She loves sundresses and looking at herself in the mirror (girl!!) She still has a ton of crazy hair and I have to use a clip to keep it out of her face. She just stayed in the nursery during Sunday school for the first time today! Big girl! She also likes to fake cough and stick out her tongue.
Bryan: He leaves tomorrow for 5 days in Puerto Rico to deliver a boat. The forecast is thunderstorms all week, a tropical depression is developing there. He has had several weeks since the last time he had to travel. He has taken some vacation days to stay home and hang out with us, and finish some projects around the house. His plans for the summer mostly include travel, but we also hope to start working on a back patio and putting up a fence. Hopefully we'll get that done in time to enjoy it.
Mandi: Things have really calmed down for the summer, I hate it. So I've been trying to plan some fun things to do and I am ready to do lots of fun things with the kids. I just finished landscaping the front yard. I have been trying to figure out where I am going to be going to school in the fall before summer really gets in to gear, and I am busy again. There is a seminary in Tacoma that I am considering, but I'm not making any decisions until I speak with my pastor first. I am also hoping that there will be a major ministry opportunity ready for me in our church so I can start getting some experience. So mostly I have been just waiting for God to reveal Himself in those areas. As far as summer goes I am going to the smooth Jazz festival at Chateau St Michelle, No Doubt at the WhiteRiver Ampthr., and I'M GOING TO NEW YORK IN AUGUST!!! Bryan and I are going to be one for about 5 days to the Jersey Shore and Manhattan in August. The fist part of the vacation will be spent at a beach resort on the Jersey Shore, and the other part will be in the city. I'm so excited I can't wrap my brain around it. I have waited 7 1/2 years for a honeymoon!
That's that!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
HEAVY LOAD: THIS END UP
Every once in a long while I have a "close encounter" with the holy spirit. He's always working and moving in my life in ways seen and unseen, but these experiences are different. I was up early one morning before the kids, washing bottles and drinking coffee. Then it hit me. Clear as day. I want to go to seminary. Immediately I went and told Bryan, who looked at me like I was from mars, and got on the internet to search schools in our area. I found a couple but I still need to visit them. I would love input from anyone who has had experience with any of the local bible seminaries.
So, in the typical fashion of someone who has been called to a purpose beyond my own abilities, the next day I woke up not feeling well. I don't know what is going on with me but I can't shake it off. It's not depression on anything like that, this time it's physical. Extreme fatigue (sometimes I can hardly go upstairs), my legs are swell, and I pretty much gained ten pounds overnight. I'd been trying to keep up my healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise, but nothing is helping. I have a doctor appointment ina few weeks.
So I have been struggling to stay focused, it is hard to imagine going to school and taking care of my home when I feel like this. I am moving forward trusting that if this really is God's plan then everything will work out. So, needless to say I really need prayer.
The question my family asked when I started talking about this idea has been "why bible seminary, what do you plan to do?" The answer is I really want to start by writing. I want to write books and bible studies for women. I also want to teach. I think the two go hand in hand.
This has all been a little scary, but also really exciting. I have the feeling there is something specific that I am to write about, but I won't know what it is until I have taken all the right steps. So you are reading it first here. I am hoping to find a school in the next month or so. I am really wanting to start with most of my classes online and only going to school a couple days or evenings a week. I am still waiting on God's direction about where I can serve and what my ministry should be in the meantime.
Whoa.
On a completely seperate note, we are selling our Suburban, and still trying to sell the piano. Pretty much considering all offers.
"Things are looking up for 'ol Liz Lemon." -Liz Lemon
So, in the typical fashion of someone who has been called to a purpose beyond my own abilities, the next day I woke up not feeling well. I don't know what is going on with me but I can't shake it off. It's not depression on anything like that, this time it's physical. Extreme fatigue (sometimes I can hardly go upstairs), my legs are swell, and I pretty much gained ten pounds overnight. I'd been trying to keep up my healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise, but nothing is helping. I have a doctor appointment ina few weeks.
So I have been struggling to stay focused, it is hard to imagine going to school and taking care of my home when I feel like this. I am moving forward trusting that if this really is God's plan then everything will work out. So, needless to say I really need prayer.
The question my family asked when I started talking about this idea has been "why bible seminary, what do you plan to do?" The answer is I really want to start by writing. I want to write books and bible studies for women. I also want to teach. I think the two go hand in hand.
This has all been a little scary, but also really exciting. I have the feeling there is something specific that I am to write about, but I won't know what it is until I have taken all the right steps. So you are reading it first here. I am hoping to find a school in the next month or so. I am really wanting to start with most of my classes online and only going to school a couple days or evenings a week. I am still waiting on God's direction about where I can serve and what my ministry should be in the meantime.
Whoa.
On a completely seperate note, we are selling our Suburban, and still trying to sell the piano. Pretty much considering all offers.
"Things are looking up for 'ol Liz Lemon." -Liz Lemon
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Lighten up?
I really do like my hair. But lately I've been wondering if I have been letting my dark hair affect my personality. I'm always a little cynical and dark, but that doesn't mean I should be that way all the time. So I was thinking, if I were blond would I be more cheerful? I don't mean to say that I think I would be happier if my hair were different, but I think I let myself get a little too melodramatic when my hair is dark. And we all know I couldn't do something subtle, oh no. Hmm. I'm a little too attached to the darkness, maybe a change would be a good thing?
Anyway, I'm just going to leave you with a little anecdote courtesy of Jackson Cash:
"Momma, Lucy's mouth spilled."
Anyway, I'm just going to leave you with a little anecdote courtesy of Jackson Cash:
"Momma, Lucy's mouth spilled."
Monday, April 20, 2009
woman seeking geek
I saw this add today when I was on myspace:
"Potter fans - dating
A Geek You Can Love is Nearby Meet & date on Geek 2 Geek
geek2geek.com"
HA! If I wasn't already taken.
Anyway, I'm selling several things on craigslist. It's hard to do right now because it is so flooded. I am selling my piano from my parents house. They are moving and won't have room for it. I'm starting to wonder if it's going to sell
in time or if it might have to come live at my house for a while. I also have a set of living room tables I'm trying to get rid of because we want to use our living room for something other than setting things down.
This week is our last bible study... UNTIL NEXT FALL!! What? Do people not need spiritual nourishment in the summertime?! That has always confused me.
"Potter fans - dating
A Geek You Can Love is Nearby Meet & date on Geek 2 Geek
geek2geek.com"
HA! If I wasn't already taken.
Anyway, I'm selling several things on craigslist. It's hard to do right now because it is so flooded. I am selling my piano from my parents house. They are moving and won't have room for it. I'm starting to wonder if it's going to sell
in time or if it might have to come live at my house for a while. I also have a set of living room tables I'm trying to get rid of because we want to use our living room for something other than setting things down.
This week is our last bible study... UNTIL NEXT FALL!! What? Do people not need spiritual nourishment in the summertime?! That has always confused me.
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