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 

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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: