First Haircut

Olivia had her first haircut today! It's not too much different from before. We just had the stylist trim all sides about 1/2 inch and keep the style it's grown into. She didn't like it when the stylist spritzed her hair or the hairdryer. Luckily, Ethan was with us, so he could take pictures while Olivia held on TIGHT to mommy. Thankfully, we had a good coupon for Cool Cuts 4 Kids, because the regular price was $18.95! And no, we didn't save her hair.

 Watching "Barney" on the tv.

 A tight grip on mommy.

Encouragement

I really should not be blogging right now, since I have way too much on my mind, but I thought maybe someone else out there needs some encouragement too.

Jesus said, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me."

- John 14:1

We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up.

- Galatians 6:9 

----------------

I am loving all of the Christmas cards, pictures and letters we've received! We enjoy seeing all of the growth and changes in families from a year ago. And we are blessed to have made so many new friends to keep up with as well. It makes me feel bad that I didn't order enough to mail out to everyone. So, for those of you who didn't get one from us, please know that we are sending you some Martin-love through our thoughts and prayers.

Things that would rock - vol. 2

Things that would rock - vol. 2...

- Longer weekends alone with my two besties:

 Are you impressed? I've had the frames for almost 6 months, and then this project only took an afternoon to finish. I learned that 4x6's and even 8x10's look really small on a wall. Gotta go bigger next time. I usually don't let Olivia stand up on the couch, but I really really wanted this picture for the blog. Two seconds later, she bounced forward off the couch and landed on her face. Sorry, Olivia.

Our church is decorated so pretty for Christmas.

Wonderful Birthday

It seems like I start all of my blogs off with "I had a wonderful weekend." But, I truly do! It's the best time of the week, good times spent with friends and family at home and at church. This past weekend was extra special though - I turned 31 years young on Sunday!

My good, good friend took me out to Gringo's for a birthday lunch, yummy! We always have a good time. Then, Ethan and I celebrated that night with dinner at one of my favorite places, Churrasco's. Afterwards, we headed to Second Baptist Woodway to volunteer for Angels of Light. The church buses in inner-city and economically disadvantaged children and their parents to church, serve them a meal and put on a show with the gospel and invitation. When they return to their bus seats, each child is surprised with a wrapped gift chosen specifically for them, a Goodwill clothing certificate and a bag of groceries for the family. Ethan and I were the "elves" and prepared the buses with presents. My heart has always been in helping out charities big and small, and I am so proud of our church for having collected SO many toys that the "leftovers" filled up a 30-foot box truck from top to bottom, end to end! After 5 nights of welcoming these angels into our church, over 500 of them accepted Christ into their lives! This was our first experience with Angels of Light and will definitely do it again next year.

Saturday morning, the three of us headed down to the Kemah boardwalk for Ethan's company Christmas party. I missed not having a night out to get dressed up for a normal company party, but I actually did enjoy spending time with his co-workers and their families. We had a good picnic lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon entertaining ourselves on fairway games and unlimited rides. The Boardwalk Bullet was fun....not scary, but VERY rough and rickety.

 Along the water at the Kemah Boardwalk

Family train ride at the Kemah Boardwalk

Sunday, Ethan and I shared and advent reading with the congregation at church. I was super nervous, but Ethan really helped me calm down. When we got home, Ethan surprised me with a new camera tripod, house slippers and new tupperware for my birthday. Haha, it was funny. We ended the evening having dinner with my family to celebrate my grandmother's birthday too at a Shanghai restaurant down on Bellaire Blvd in Chinatown.

I missed all of the random birthday wishes from long lost friends through facebook, but I did hear from my friends that I care about the most....thanks friends & family for lifting me up :-)

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:16

A birthday present made by my sister-in-law

Things that would rock - vol. 1

1. Celine Dion and Taylor Swift in concert together - a show for moms and daughters

2. A weekly Sprinkles cupcake - red velvet would be just fine, thank you...

So then I could, #3..... get back into a running routine, like these girls below:

Giving Thanks

Ethan, Olivia and I had a wonderful trip visiting my mother-in-law’s family in Oklahoma City during Thanksgiving week. The drive wasn’t too bad and having DVDs ready to play was a must! During our trip, we visited with Ethan’s grandmother, uncle, aunt and cousins, most of whom had not met Olivia before. Ethan is a Sooner, so he had friends in the area that he was able to catch up with too. In between meals with family, we tried to find activities that would entertain Olivia. With the Children’s Museum membership that we have in Houston, we were able to get into the OKC Science Museum (formerly known as the Omniplex) for free. That was nice, and we actually went there twice. We also found a great “tot lot” and went a couple times to for Olivia to play. We were thankful to have been able to spend time with family and to have had the chance to take a family vacation, since we hardly have any alone time. We plan to go up every other year.

We survived the 7-hour drive with movies, purple bear and baby.

 Bubble area at the Science Museum

Having fun at the Greens Tot Lot real close to our hotel. 

Dinner at PF Changs, where Olivia taught GG how to use chopsticks!

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the beginning of November, Ethan and I decided to start our own “25 Days of Thanks Giving” lists. I stole the idea from a friend on Facebook, and it really has opened up our eyes and hearts to see all that is worthy of thanks not just this month, but throughout the year. I wanted to share with you my list. They are not in any particular order.

1.       Ethan – Ethan and I have been through thick and thin and I am so lucky to call him my husband of 6 years. He is really the coolest dad EVER too! Olivia loves having him push her on the swing. I just can’t say enough about him – he’s forgiving, kind, sweet, gentle, funny and open-hearted. He’s just the best.

 Hyatt Lost Pines

2.       Olivia – This little kid is growing too fast and I just do not have enough smiles, hugs and kisses for this child. I can’t handle how cute and smart she is. Just last week she started answering questions with a question of her own – palms up, shoulders shrugged and saying “hmmm?” Cutest thing ever! I just wonder what’s going through her mind. Probably “purple bear,” “shoes,” “Elmo” and “fruit.”

Olivia's first birthday photo shoot at our wedding venue.

3.       Hot water and heater (cold water and a/c) – The other night, I slept with two layers of clothing, our sheet, comforter and a 5 lb. chenille blanket on. I am convinced that we have loose heating ducts into the master bed and bath and Olivia’s room. But, yes I am still thankful for warmth and the a/c for the other 11 months of the year.

4.       Ethan’s job – I love that Ethan loves his job and the people there, but mostly I love being able to stay home with Olivia.

5.       Girlfriends – Whether you are down the road, in San Antonio or across the country in New Jersey or Washington DC, I love you all. What I am thankful for the most is that even if it’s been 2 weeks or 2 months since we last spoke, we are able to pick up right where we left off.

Our engagement party - 2004

6.       Cameras – More so, of the digital kind.

7.       Places for Olivia to play – We love places here, there and everywhere: parks, story time, Chick Fil A, McDonald’s, Houston Arboretum, Children’s Museum, the Zoo, and other people’s houses.

8.       Quiet days at home – Especially on rainy days when we stay in our PJs.

9.       Olivia’s naps – We usually work our schedule around her nap, because they are MUCH needed for her and the adults! Olivia’s thankful most for naps too, because that’s when she has her poopies, ha!

10.   Maomi being in College – A year ago this time, I wasn’t even sure if she was serious about being collegiate at all. But, I am thankful that she’s at University of North Texas and that’s she’s taking this seriously. She just declared herself a kinesiology major.

11.   Olivia’s babysitters – Grammy, Paw Paw and Grandma rock.

12.   Quiet time – It’s a necessity to read God’s word, listen to and speak to God daily.

13.   “Just the 3 of us” time – As most of you know, my mom lives with us (and my sister when she’s home from college), so whenever I am able to spend time alone with my two favorite people, I savor it like there’s no tomorrow.

14.   Food – I am thankful that we can afford to have warm meals every day.  

15.  My aunt’s team of doctors, nurses, techs, etc. – My aunt was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer back in March. She’s taken every single form of treatment that the doctors have allowed. She is hanging in there! I hope to have a good report from her next doctor’s appointment!

16.   Going around the block with Olivia – We like to wait for daddy to get home to go around in either the stroller or radio flyer wagon. I am thankful for having the energy sometimes to even go jogging with Olivia in the stroller.

17.   Playgroup – It’s been a great way to get to know other mommies from our church and to explore fun places in and around Houston.

18.   Alone time with Ethan – Again, we don’t get much, so I am thankful when Ethan plans date nights.

19.   Church – I just love our church family. I am thankful each Sunday for the helpers in the nursery in Olivia’s room.

20.   Family vacations – Again, we don’t get much time alone, so I enjoy getting away and dream to be on the Amazing Race one day. Ethan and I traveled quite a bit before Olivia, but now I am excited to make trips a tradition with Olivia. I am itching for another cruise.

2008

2009

21.   Clothing – I am thankful that we have warm clothes to wear when it’s cold outside.

22.   Ethan’s sense of humor – I am thankful that his sense of humor rubs off on me too. I have been known to take things too personally, but he has taught me to be better about it.

23.   Trip to OKC

24.   Our home – I am thankful that we live in a safe area for Olivia to grow

25.   Christmas – None of these things would be possible without our heavenly Father and Jesus’ birth day. I am so undeserving of everything, but He is such a good and gracious God. This is our first year to cut down our own Christmas tree.

 My mountain man

Another Fun Weekend

 Fun playgroup at Telge Park.

On our way to the Santa party down the street.

From Santa's Naughty and Nice List: "Olivia you've been good helping clean up your toys and using polite words, but mommy and daddy would like you to eat your vegetables."

We ended the weekend with Olivia's best friend's 3rd birthday party

Thanks-mas

I am so excited! The guys are here to install our Christmas lights on the house and in the yard! I don't feel bad for taking down our Thanksgiving decor early because we actually will be in Oklahoma City next week (Please pray for a safe and sane 8+ hour drive up there!) And Ethan and I have been making our list for "25 Days of Thanksgiving" together. Ethan has already gotten all of our Christmas boxes down from the attic and we're actually going to a Santa party this weekend down the street.

A Surprisingly Great Weekend

Ethan and I had opposite plans for the weekend. He planned a trip up to Dallas to spend time with college friends, while I spent Friday and Saturday at our church's ladies retreat in Brenham. These were things we both wanted to do this year, and it just happened to be on the same weekend. Luckily, we have some awesome babysitters in the family, so my in-laws kept Olivia for a couple of days.

 While I can’t speak for Ethan about how his weekend with the guys went, I can hardly keep to myself how wonderful the ladies retreat was! The retreat took place at Miracle Farm in Brenham, which is a house for troubled teenage boys, that helps them get back on track while providing the gospel. Next door to the house is a retreat center where these boys are taught responsibilities by being care-takers of the property.  Turns out Miracle Farm is a part of the Children at Heart Ministries that Ethan and I have helped out before.

 The Farm was the perfect setting for a quick night “getaway” from the lights and sound of the big city (while being only 10 minutes away from the Blue Bell factory…yum!) During the retreat we had wonderful speakers, lessons, worship, yummy food; we chatted on the porch by the fireplace underneath the stars and my favorite….an ENTIRE hour of quiet time early Saturday morning. At first, I was wondering how on earth I was going to be able to sit still for an entire hour. But I found myself underneath this tree and it turns out that I needed all of that time, and maybe more, because God REALLY had a lot to tell to me, both praises and convictions, ha!

  Our theme for the weekend was “Birds of a Feather Flock Together,” and I learned that no matter what kind of bird we are, or where we’re headed in any season, we are all under God’s wings and we find refuge there. I left the retreat feeling spiritually refilled!

On our way out of town I got a call from Ethan telling me that he decided to skip out of Dallas early and was on his way home too! I was already having a great weekend, but the news that both Olivia and I was going to see him that night made it all perfect! After we tucked Olivia into bed and since my mom was home, Ethan and I had a date at Chili’s, ha! It was nice to be able to share with him how the retreat went.

Sunday morning, Olivia woke up with a gunky nose. We decided we’d do a favor to the other kids in Sunday school and stayed home from church. But, that was short-lived. We decided last minute to pack a picnic lunch and make a trip to the zoo with Olivia. It was so fun! We went up to the giraffe habitat and were able to feed the giraffes from lettuce! Olivia, to my surprise, was not shy or scared at all! Then, it started raining and we were on our way home to watch the Texans beat the Bucs. I have faith that THIS is our year!

Prayer request: I am taking my aunt to get her body scanned early in the morning tomorrow. Please pray that the scans will show that her cancer has disappeared and that she is on the road to recovery after months of chemotherapy. Thanks. 

Growing Fast and Slowing Down

Olivia is at the age where she will mimic and repeat every word you say. What's even better is when she uses those words in the perfect context! For example, this month she's moved on from signing to saying the words "please" and "thank you" at the appropriate times. But, what really tickles me the most is when she on her own says "amen" after our prayers and "bless you" after I sneeze! Ah so cute!!! She is growing up way too fast!

Which made staying at home all day yesterday the perfect prescription for slowing down. We both stayed in our PJs, read books, cuddled, played princess and watched a little bit of Toy Story 3 and Sesame Street. I got some chores done while she took a great nap (they are usually pretty good when it's raining). The perfect end to the day was the pecan pie slice that Ethan brought home from Taste of Texas for us to share. Yummy!

Princess feeding Purple Bear

Fast forward to today, and our day is just another reminder of how quickly Olivia is growing. We left my Wednesday morning bible study early to take a tour of a pre-school just down the road from where we live. I knew this place has a lengthy wait list, and once you visit, you'll understand! The facility is just gorgeous and the rooms are so spacious for the kids! They have a separate kids-in-motion room, library and an awesome playground with swings that Olivia loves! Since there are only 24 spots available in the 2-year old rooms, I am pretty sure that we won't get in the Fall, but honestly, that would be so nice! But, I obviously need to visit other schools and just trust fully in God and where He wants Olivia to be.

Time Change and Field Trips

Did you enjoy the extra hour of sleep starting on Sunday? Well, I don't think the parents of any young ones really cared for it. Olivia has a pretty good body clock and never relies on us to put her to sleep, so when 6am (7am according to her) rolled around the last two mornings, she was ready to start her day! I really tried to let her fall back asleep, but we got up, had breakfast and this morning we were home from the grocery store BEFORE 830am! How is that humanly possible?!?!

We are so blessed for me to be able to stay at home with Olivia. I thank God every day for His provisions and the opportunity to be energized by this little one, even though by the end of the day I am running on empty! I love taking Olivia out to explore new places in our area with friends. Recent outings have taken us to the Houston Zoo, Oil Ranch and today, the Houston Arboretum with our church's playgroup.

Today's lesson at the Arboretum was on armadillos! I know, this isn't a picture of one, but we learned that they dig for insects in the dirt with their snouts and tongues. Did you know that mommy armadillos always give birth to quadruplets?!?! At the end of storytime and the nature walk, the kids were able to dig for their own "insects". Olivia found two butterflies. One is for her friend Abigail and the other is for, who else...Elmo.

After the tyke hike at the Aroboretum, we had a picnic lunch at Memorial Park. The playground was built to accomodate children who are hearing-impaired and blind.

Halloween Fun

I've always liked Halloween, but never really got into dressing up in costumes as a kid or adult. Last year, we didn't go around the neighborhood, instead we sat out on our lawn and handed out candy. We dressed Olivia up as a bubble-gum, pumpkin astronaut! (I will explain her pink helmet in another post...)

2010

 But, I have to say that Halloween is so much more fun with a toddler! We went trick-or-treating with our good friends the Finks this year, and the girls got the hang of it pretty easily!

2011

Bumble-bee and Little Red Riding Hood.

These girls are the best of friends.

Enjoying Fall

2011

We enjoyed visiting the Cypress United Methodist pumpkin patch a few weeks ago with our good friends, the Finks. This visit went MUCH better than last year's, meaning Olivia did not scream and cry the entire time.

2010

This year, we got some good pictures and also let her run around and explore. See how much these girls have grown!

2011

Olive did prove to be a clever magician and made her matching hairclip disappear during the car ride over. First you see it....

...now you don't!

Trying this out...

Ethan and I are transitioning from Facebook to blogging. I just find myself wasting too much time on Facebook, especially since we got smartphones last year, so I am going to take a little break. I hope to learn how to communicate better with my friends by phone and email.

Here we go!