Penny

Yesterday was a really tough day for the Martin household. You see for almost the past 13 years every time we came home or walked down the hall way or worked in the kitchen we had an extra companion to come do those things with us. Her name was Penny.

We found her at the animal shelter in April 2001. Rod and I prayed that he would bring us a dog that would be gentle with our children. She was beyond anything we could have ever imagined. She honestly was such a sweet, gentle, funny and wonderful dog. She wasn't perfect. As a puppy she chewed shoes, motorcycle helmets, bike helmets and a few stuffed animals; but she did so many more wonderful things than that she was easy to forgive. She often told on herself when she was naughty by putting her tail between her legs when she saw you coming. She made many miles up and down the road with me when I was still running. She was truly a great companion. It is funny I don't know how many times I have tripped over her in the middle of the night because she loved to lay in the doorways and hall. Oh to do that one more time. She will be so very missed in our family. Yes, she was a dog; but for 13 years she was also our family.

Over a year

Wow! I can't believe that it has been over a year since I last blogged. Life is good filled with church, school, basketball, and football this fall. We had a great summer doing fun family stuff.

Football is going great. Joshua's team has only lost one game, and Andrew's team is undefeated. They are both playing center and Josh pretty much doesn't leave the field. Andrew is excited because he is getting in on defense more. Today he actually got the onside kick in his game. Jerod is a junior now and taking his first college class. It is going great. He is busy taking lessons and playing a little fall ball. Basketball practice has officially started. Liz is taking swim lessons and having so much fun with it. We ended up in a class with some friends. So that is totally awesome.

Rod is busy helping coach football and doing all the devo times. He is also assisting is basketball again this year and has been doing a little running at those fun 6 am practices. Work is good and he is doing a great job taking care of us. He is still leading our youth group and helping with our children's ministry.

I am excited to be coaching the Defenders high school girls basketball team. We have been doing some skill days with the girls that are not in volleyball. It is a great group of young ladies and I am excited about our year. I am also helping with children's ministry, youth group and schooling the kiddos. Life is good because we serve an amazing God who blesses us often.


I will try to get some pictures up here soon.

Happy Fall!

A bonfire with the family

What a beautiful night! We are burning down our giant pile of brush and junk. No really it is giant. Our chicken, Brownie is still out bug hunting; but the rest of the girls and Gordon have gone to bed. I am sitting by the fire typing on my computer, oh the joys of modern technology. What a nice evening to just be home with the family.

It was a busy Friday and Saturday though. Yesterday, for my long run 17 miles it was 75 degrees wish I could have enjoyed the 55 degrees. Was not well hydrated and got dehydrated around mile 7. That did not make for a very fun run. It was warmer than I expected and sunny. I went home to see some of the signs of dehydration. 1. Thristy feeling (knew that one) 2. not sweating as much, noticed that too. 3. Stomach cramps and a few other symptoms. Funny thing is I am always preaching to people about heat and humidity being a problem with this. I guess I should listen to my own speech.

I managed to finish 17 of the 18 scheduled but would not want to do that again. Knee did good that was the one of the pluses of the run. Also, Rod came along but we didn't hook up until mile 4 cause he had a flat tire and he went a different way than me.

The van battery died and I had a root canal. I managed to get a jump from someone and snuck in just in time.

Saturday: Andrew and Josh had morning football games and that was fun. We all had our sweats and sweatshirts on cheering on the Knights. Hard to believe it was 20 degrees cooler from yesterday. Andrew did well; but their team lost 14-24. Joshua team spanked the other team 36-6. Then we came out to a dead battery on the car. Off to Walmart for a new battery. Then we ran a few errand and came home for a great afternoon and evening.

Tomorrow is Jerod's first Hoop Mountain Basketball game. So we are off and running again. So I will enjoy sitting here doing a little school prep with my family by the fire. I will try to get some pictures posted of football and basketball when I actually take them.

Hope your weekend is wonderful.

Happy Anniversary!

It is hard to believe that Rod and I have been married for 21 years. I don't always do a good job of telling him how much I appreciate him as a husband, father and friend. He has been an amazing blessing in my life that God brought to me not long before I lost my dad and when I was even in rebellion to my Savior. I look back and reflect on the road that we have walked and say Thank you Jesus for giving me a man that would "hug the porcupine", laugh with me and at me, cry with me and for me and love me whereever I happened to be in life.

I love you Rod Martin. Thanks for a wonderful marriage.

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My Oldest's Gift

I never cease to be amazed by what a blessing my children can be. Even in all the craziness of life God reminds me of how blessed I am as a wife and mother. He does it in so many unique ways dishes washed, laundry done, funny jokes, hugs and kisses; but today I received something extra special from my oldest son.

He made me a very special card. Seeing these words upon the page was amazing.

"Mom, I'm talking to the Lord today asking Him to bless you in every way.
Your birthday is a heart felt day for me, because you'll own my heart eternally.
Lord, please care for my sweet loving mother, who gives us so much she's unlike any other.
Lord, please give her happiness and more; love her; my mother, whom I adore.

Love you lots,
Happy Birthday,
Jerod"

May God bless each of you in a special way like He did for me today.

Birthday Blessings

My birthday was so full of wonderful things. I had great cinnamon rolls, being spoiled while shopping with my mom-in-law, yummy lunch with my hubby and mom-in-law. Great birthday greetings from each of my children. Being sung Happy Birthday by a great 9-10 year old baseball team. Tons of facebook wishes and texts from my friends and family. A special phone call from my sister. It was just a great day. Thanks to everyone who made me feel so special.