Arizona Vacation

We are enjoying our visit to Arizona. Time of course is going fast but we are enjoying it all the same. Tomorrow we pack up to head home; but here are some fun pics from the day we arrived.






Here is one of my favorites. Fist of all it is precious and 2nd I got Uncle Milt in a picture.

Special Guest

My sister is here. Yeah!

My excited son.

Last night Jerod's team played one of their big rivals. This is the second time we have played them this year and the first time Jerod played awesome had 20 points and helped win the game. So he was pretty excited for last night's game.

Our big 6'3" guy had to leave at half time cause the game times got pushed back an hour so the boys were a little upset. They battled it out. Jerod hit a 3 to give us a 1 point lead. We stole the ball back and went into a stall game. There was about 40 some seconds left and they stole the ball back. They went down and we got a shooting foul with 23 second left. They nailed both free throws to take a 1 point lead. Time out. The plan is made. Jerod has the ball and drives and nails a 2 pointer with 6.3 seconds left. Then he plays awesome defense and steals the ball but his knee is on the out of bounds line; but now they only have 3 seconds left. (Which is alot but with Jr. High not as much). They pass it in and don't make it over the half court line and we win by 1 point. I had a very excited son. So fun but so nerve wracking.

1st Place

Jerod team played in another tournament this weekend, and they took first place again. We had an incredible game tonight. We beat 2 of our top rivals in this tournament to win.

The boys played awesome even with a couple of sicklies who each missed one game a piece; but then both made the final game.

Jerod also received the All-tournament Team award which was very exciting. He is playing well.

Koen was cracking me up saying "cheese" and wanting his picture taken.

Football Banquet

We had a wonderful evening last night at Jerod's football awards night. Jerod had a great season and we looked forward to this night to honor the players. It turned out to be even more special than we imagined.

The coaches honored each player one by one. They said words of encouragement and praise. Two of our coaches were young college men. They all had wonderful things to say about Jerod's leadership both on and off the field, as well as, his hard work and smart play on the field. The defensive coach praised Jerod for his leadership and field smarts. He said there were times that Jerod challenged him as a coach.

Later they gave some individual awards. I knew Jerod was a bit anxious to see how he would be recognized this year. He won the award called the Heart Award. It was given to the player that lead on and off the field, helped clean up, worked hard always, and was a good example to his teammates. For this recognition, he received a football signed by all of his fellow players, including himself, since they wanted them to think it was for the coach.

I felt very humbled and honored as a parent to hear so many wonderful words of praise and encouragement about my oldest son.




The football is so cool and something Jerod will cherish for years to come.

TEAM program

We are finished with this semester with our coop group. It was alot of fun for each of the kids. We finished this semester with a Family Night. It was great to watch the kids perform the parts they have been working so hard on.

Thanks so much Papa and Grandma for coming up to watch.


Elizabeth had a fun Pooh class. She got to be Tigger.


Jerod was Grampa in "The Chase", a play based on the book The Bee Tree.


Andrew did a great job learning the recorder. He practiced hard.


Here is the herd of goats that also played in "The Chase".

Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of Joshua doing his Pilgrim presentation. I was busy dressing goats at the time. Rod did get it recorded so I will get to watch it later.

Busy Week

This week was another busy one. The beginning of the week was a little slow so we were able to do a little school. Wednesday, we had a funeral for a friend who had fought a long battle with cancer. It was a great reunion and celebration, as we know she went to be with her Lord and Savior. Yet sorrowful as we know life without her will be hard for so many.

The rest of the week included a b-ball tourney for Jerod. They won all three games. Jerod had an incredible game Friday night. He was all over it both offensively and defensively. He was pretty pumped. They ended up taking first place.

Plus Josh and Andrew had their first win today as well. They both played a good game and were so excited. Andrew took a couple of good shots that just didn't fall and he did a great job on defense and getting some assists and offensive boards. Josh had 2 steals and did a good job of not getting rattled when he was guarded. It was a good day.

I will post some game pics later.

Getting Pastorized

This past Sunday October 18 Rod and three other elders at our church were ordained into the ministry. Each of these men have felt God's call on their lives and this was a celebration to recognize that calling. It was amazing to have some of our wonderful friends come and join in this celebration. Thanks each of you for joining in our celebration.




In addition our wonderful friends the Bernings blessed us with lunch at their house. They made 2 of Rod's absolute favorite things: kabobs and banana pudding.
I love you Rod and I pray the Lord's blessing as you continue in your service to him.

Flag Football Celebration

Tonight we had the party for Josh and Andrew's flag football team. We had it at Applebee's. It was 99 cent kid meal night. Can't beat that. Most of the kids were able to make it and they had a great time. It was really awesome watching the team improve. The boys had a really great year learning the game and making new friends.

Cool Video

For all the Jesus and sports fans out there, this is a cool video by a couple of college atheletes. You can follow the link and listen. The Martins love Tim Tebow from Florida; but it was nice to see other atheletes talking about their walks with the Lord. Reminds me to lift up my special college kiddos up in prayer.

http://iamsecond.com/#/seconds/Colt_Sam/

Football Weather?

This week we had a game added to our football schedule. Which worked good because this Saturday we have a bye. We played the Belle Plaine Bulldogs. It was a lovely 44 degrees. The winds were gusty out of the north and for a good half of the game it was misting. However, they won 20-8 which made it a little warmer.

Plus we were very blessed by the neighbors keeping the 3 younger ones and not making them go out in the yuck. Jerod had quite a few tackles and had a couple of great runs including one for a 2 point conversion. The other fun thing about this game was that they annouce it over the loud speaker and it is always cool to hear your son's name and what he did. Unless, it is a penalty. Fortunately Jerod didn't have any of those. Sorry no pictures, I was not taking my camera in the rain. Plus that way I could keep my hands all tucked in.

Jerod's Exciting Day

It is a rare occasion when Jerod actually asks me to post something; but this one he wants you all to see. Jerod had his first interception on Saturday. It was very exciting. He had a good game and his grandparents and his 5th and 6th grade coach were there.




P.S. By the way Rod was the one who took the really cool shot. Neither he or I can believe that he got it. He was actually trying to take a picture to correct Jerod's stance and low and behold Jerod got an interception. Needless to say he forgot exactly what Jerod was doing wrong.

Apple Orchard Fun

This morning we took a trip to Regier Apple Orchard with our wonderful friends the Hinzman's. We picked 65 lbs of apples. It was really fun. The kids love being together and running around picking and eating apples was just up their alley. Although some of the apples are a little small they are very yummy. We will have apples for a while to come. Here is a very of the fun shots we captured as we worked.

Crazy, Fun Week

The Week in Review. We had a crazy fun week.

Monday we started our TEAM coop group. It was a really good time. The boys and Liz really enjoyed it. Andrew is learning to play the recorder, make some crazy art and learn about natural disaters. Jerod is in a play, making some crazy art and learning about inventors. Joshua is learning about Pilgrims, Life on a Pond and Europe. Elizabeth gets to make messy colors, play with her new friends and learn about Pooh Bear. After TEAM we headed to the fair for a few hours.

Tuesday: School and Jerod's first football game. A win at that.

Wednesday: School and cleaning up for Foundations Groups at our house. A great time of fellowship with our small group.

Thursday: School and practice.

Friday: School and Stuck in the Middle Youth Conference for Rod, Jerod, Bethany, and Pam. Papa came to hang out with the others.

Saturday: Stuck in the Middle and a football game for Jerod. Hang with Papa and a football game for Josh and Andrew. Thanks Papa so much for hanging with the kids.

I have a slide show of Stuck in the Middle. We had a really great time. The leaders and coordinators did a great job. Dutton led us in some cool worship. R O, our speaker, did a great job sharing the word with us. Rod and Jerod had to miss the main comedy show; but Bethany and I laughed enough for all of us. Plus, there is one of Jerod's football pics in as well.

Hope everyone else enjoyed their week.

Dentist Visit $2,000-$3200

So today I took Elizabeth to the Children's Dentist. She did some work on Joshua and is absolutely wonderful with the kids. However, not wonderful on mom and dad nerves and pocketbook. We went in knowing we had 2 cavities. Found out we had 8 cavities. The two we knew and the two teeth next to them. Then the 4 front top teeth each have a little cavity as well. No we have not brushed as well as we should but I don't think we did with the boys either. Plus they are basically those inbetween spots and on the front teeth they are in the back of the teeth. The cost variance above depends on how many crowns we decide on.

Good news: they are all on baby teeth so we have a chance to get it together; before the permanment ones come in. However, it surely does not make you feel like the mother of the year with that kind of visit. Plus due to the nature of the work they said she needs to be sedated. So pray for the Martins and tiny girl.

Elizabeth

I guess with football under way Liz's felt she needed to look like a football player even though she doesn't get to play. While chasing Snowball she tripped and hit her head on our wood burning stove. It was the thud sound no mama or daddy likes to hear. Here is the lovely shiner she got as a result. Good news: She is all better and back to chasing Snowball.

Football

We started football practices a few weeks ago. Last weekend it was the beginning of game time. Josh and Andrew had their first game. Andrew just missed a catch and both him and Josh got to get in on the defense action.



Jerod had a scrimmage as well. Wow, he looks so big out there. He did a good job at quarterback, and got some pretty good hits on defense.

Church Friends, Sprinklers, and Softball

It was a fun, but hot afternoon at Osage Park. The kids did have the sprinklers to cool off and play in and the men and young men played a little softball. Our friends the Chases came as well. It was great to send time with them. Then we called in the young recruits and played a few more rounds of softball. I admit I didn't really want to go; but it sure was fun playing with the little ones. All the Martins had a great time, and I am sure we will all sleep well tonight. What a fun time with our church family.

Weekend and then some

This weekend was a busy one. Jerod played in the MAYB National Tourney this weekend. Remember last weekend when we beat everyone not so much this weekend. The competition was incredible. Those boys/men (some actually had small beards and well defined muscles) were very good. These are guys going into 8th grade. We got rocked every game and Jerod struggled cause he hates to lose. I think it was hard to realize that someone your age could be so incredible as well. The high was definitely getting to play with his cousin Trey from St. Louis. They really played well together and we are all plotting how to get him here for the regular b-ball season.

On Saturday, we headed to OKC after our morning loss to watch our niece play in the MAYB Nationals 9/10th grade girls tourney. They lost out as well. So we went back to the hotel. The kids swam in the pool and then we headed down on the river walk. We had dinner at Abuelos and the kids all got to go for a carriage ride. Thanks Papa and Grandma. Rod took pics with this phone but I don't have them yet. We got home at around 1:45 am Sunday morning.

We headed to NWCC for the youth service. It was great to see the kids and to see old friends.

Yesterday was back to school and Jerod's end of the year baseball party. I think I know why now I feel tired. Great few days though.

MAYB tournament

Jerod played in a MAYB tournament this weekend. His team went undefeated. The championship game was a nail biter with a 41-39 victory. It was a lot of fun. He played very good. It is cool to watch him mature in his life and sports. The boys had a great time. Rod had a lot of fun coaching as well. It is a great bunch of guys to have Jerod hang with. Plus Jerod had special fans for every day. Papa and Grandma on Friday, Aunt Jen, Uncle Tracy, and Brook on Saturday and Ted, Shelley, Noah and Bethany on Sunday. Thanks for all the support.

Organizing

Yes, we all need to be organized. Obviously, God is a God of order. But we need to make sure all our organizing doesn't remove the joy of just living each day for God. I got this in my weekly Homeschooling Minute email. Todd Wilson is a writer each week for the email and always reminds me to relax and enjoy my life.

So here it is: The Familyman's Guide to Home Organization.

1. If you haven't worn it since high school, throw it out.

2. If an undergarment has more than 6 holes in it, throw it out . . . unless it's your husband's, which is good for up to 20 holes.

3. If you pick it up and don't know what it is, toss it.

4. Do not purchase or accept a game or craft with the word "pieces" on it.

5. To help in the organization process, consider giving up your children for adoption.

6. Flypaper strategically hung around the house works like hangers for those hard-to-store items.

7. The space under the bed is meant to conceal things. In fact, if you place one concrete block under the foot of each leg on a king-sized bed, it increases that space by 60 cubic feet, virtually eliminating all bedroom clutter.

8. By frosting the door of a shower stall, it can double as a food pantry.

9. Forget those 25 10-gallon plastic containers, which will end up empty in about six days anyway . . . instead get one big 250-gallon plastic container.

10. By placing TWO concrete blocks under the foot of each leg on a king-sized bed, you can store most of the contents of your garage, including a riding lawnmower and industrial-strength snow blower.

And above all . . .

Be Real,

Todd

Family and Friends

We had a great early weekend so to speak. Wednesday we headed to Eudora, Ks. We visited an old college friend of mine and her family. We don't see each other very often so it was nice to catch up. The kids had a blast. Their basement is a boy's dream. A big screen with a Wii, a ping pong table, a pool table, and a air hockey table. Then Liz's found all kinds of really cool toys as well. It was very fun.


After being there we headed into KC because our niece Jordynn was playing in a basketball tournament. It was so great. We got to see most of the family there. It was such a good time. It was wonderful to have a close tournament and a free weekend so to speak for us. We really don't get to see them often enough. The boys of course love seeing Trey. Liz just loves all of them. Jordynn is an amazing b-ball player so that was great to get to watch her.

Basketball Camp

We had basketball camp last week. I am a little late in posting. The boys had a great time and they learned some great skills. Josh was complimented by his coach, who was a strong leader, that he was very coachable, most improved on his shot, a hard worker and very polite. It was great to hear and even more wonderful to share those words with Joshua. It was amazing to see how much Jerod is improving and how big he is getting. Andrew worked hard and lost the the block shooting contest twice by just one point. Very fun stuff. Plus we had the blessing of watching the coaches pray with the boys. Of course Liz loved just hanging out in the gym.

Curls Galore

Saturday night I decided to do some twists in Liz's hair and see what happens. It was so cute and curly and it lasted all day. Lots of people at church told her how pretty she was and it was not even very hard.