Thanksgiving 2012

Lily making her adorable snorting face with evidence of dinner on her face.

Jethro being a cutie with the remnants of some marker work he did on his own.

cousin time building towers

Awww, siblings CAN share!

 

Camryn doing her new smile... CHEESE!!!

So, I understand that the author of this blog is a total slacker when it comes to updating frequently. In the last two years, I... I mean SHE has promised to do a better job. The author will make the same promise this time in hopes that she fulfills the promise.

(I will update the blog at least once a month. I will update the blog at least once a month. I will update the blog once a month.) ;)

Okay, onto the interesting details...
Camryn is growing like crazy. So are her cousins!! This Thanksgiving we went to Nan's for her delicious feast. Like years past, she did not disappoint. Sadly, I didn't take any pictures. I was too busy eating, talking, and enjoying the family. We were able to spend time with Nan, Aunt Mary, Shelby, Randy, Zack, Corvin, and Jake.
After making a pit stop at our house to make a few side items, we headed to the Martin abode for another yummy meal. This time I had the camera out... as you can tell from the pictures in this post.

The year 2012 has brought sad times and happy times. It was weird to eat a holiday meal without my grandpap. I imagine it always will be a little weird for me in that regard. Sadly, Camryn doesn't notice the difference. On the flip side, I enjoy telling stories that involve Pap, Mom, and other beloved members of our family and friends. Of course, the happier times are seeing our beautiful girl grow a little more everyday. It is even more exciting seeing her grasp the fact the she is a big sister to a little brother in her mommy's belly. 

This Thanksgiving, Ed and I were humbled by how blessed our lives our thanks to God. Hopefully, you see your many blessings as well.

Until next time...

peace & love     

Family Friday Fun

We were able to enjoy a low key evening together on Friday. One thing we decided to do was get pizza for dinner and stop at the park in town before picking up our dinner. Luckily, we grabbed the camera and took a few pictures.

"duckies and geese"

walking to see the squirrels

giggling girl

love this shot!

and this one, too!!

Enjoy your weekend!

Peace & love.

2 Year Old in the Houusssse!! (Insert crazy voice there)

Excited for cake

Corvin, CK, and Jake with Zack

My most recent favorite picture of me capturing a normal scene with these 2.

I am amazed at the love God pours down on us. Yeah, I know Eddie and I work hard, but folks- it is by the grace of God that things have turned out the way they have. As one of the Veggie Tales songs says, "Because a thankful heart is a happy heart", I hope that whatever your situation may be that you are able to be thankful for the "things" in your life.

We are super thankful for an independent, talkative, active, and sometimes demanding (like her mother) two year old. Life has been forever changed since that little bundle of joy entered our lives and we are thankful each day for the blessing she brings. Here's hoping we can continue to guide her in life while showing her unconditional love like God shows us.

I hope you are enjoying the things in your life!!!

Peace & love

A slice of AZ sunshine in OH

Eddie's paternal grandfather, Paul Martin, is in town for a little over a week. In the 9 years we have been together, this is only my second time seeing Grandpa Paul. As you can imagine, Grandpa Paul is excited to see his family including his great grandchildren. Here are a few pictures we captured on Sunday:

Group Shot

Another One

Eddie, Paul, Ed, Linda, Lisa, and Heather

Eddie, Christina, Jerimiah, Lisa, Travis, Heather

Ahhhhh, Clarksburg Sunset

 Peace & Love

Eventful Day at the Martin's

Sunday proved to be an eventful day. Luckily, I had the camera out for some good pictures. I figured it was about time I created a new post.

Our girl becoming Chef Mommy's new Sous Chef

CK talking while mixing

Eating our creation

 Lately, Camryn wants my attention when I am cooking. I figured she is old enough, so we pulled up a chair and went to work. She LOVED helping me cook. So much in fact she was upset when I took her scrambled eggs away so they could be cooked.

Shortly after we ate dinner, a crazy thunderstorm came through. Check this out:

Hail from the first round of storms that came though Sunday night.

Next round rolling in

Batten down the hatches, me laddies! (Pirate accent!)

 After the storm, this was our sunset:

I pray that everyone that reads this has not had to suffer too much due to the heat or these storms.

peace & love

Birthday Party!!

Our nephews, Corvin and Jacob, share a birthday month. Last Sunday was their birthday party. It was fun and HOT!!! Thankfully, our grandparents had fans and someone bought a kiddie pool for the boys.

Here are some pictures from the party:

"boons!!"

Corvin cheesing and Jake giving the cold shoulder ;)

Blowing out the candles

Shark swimming gear!

More presents

Rob, Zack, and Jake

Corvin loved the red power ranger!!

So did Jake!!

Thanks for inviting us to celebrate turning 6 and 4 with you boys!! Love you bunches.

peace & love

mixed emotions

With mother's day just around the corner, I am experiencing mixed emotions. Most of me feels awesome and elated to be the wife of such an amazing guy and the mother of such a beautiful, smart, and strong willed girl. The other part of me misses my mom. Sadly, I didn't get to experience many things with my mom in her last years on earth due to her depression, addiction and my difficulty seeing her that way. Today makes 5 years since she died. It feels like years ago and like yesterday at the same time.

My love for friends, family, students, and even people who don't know me, comes from the love God has shown me. Through the troubling times, his love is just as strong for me as any other time. The same is true for you.

Janie L. Oliver  10-16-63 to 5-6-07

Father, thank you for everything you give us. Thank you for the difficult times so we can lean on you and for the beautiful times so we can just be amazed by your wonderfulness.

Lastly, this blog is used for a variety reasons. One way I choose to use it is in a therapeutic way. I don't share my sorrows to gain pity, but to help others know I have the capacity to cry with you during your hard times. I love that when there are rough times, we can have hope in God's promise of better tomorrows.

peace & love

Park time!

Yesterday, CK and I met up with Nanny & Aunt Shelby at the Yoctangee Park. A fun time was had by all. :)

Aunt Shelby showing CK how fun the slide can be.

the big slide with momma

Here CK is watching the squirrels with Nan.

just a swingin'

All smiles as we are headed home after the park & lunch at Chipotle.

Life can get busy!! Luckily, we remember time with family is a priority. Don't worry family from the south, we'll be visiting soon!

peace & love

Prayer

Hello all. Our family is in need of prayer. Camryn has a cold. Though she is still a pretty happy girl most of the time, we hate seeing her with a cough, fever, and runny nose. Please pray for healing.

Daddy's girl modeling Mommy' new creation.

Poor girl just wanted to cuddle with Daddy.

Our family also needs prayer for my grandfather. My mother's father suffered from depression and alcoholism. When he would seek treatment, sadly he wouldn't stay healthy for long. In the evening yesterday, he committed suicide. We need prayer for his soul and for peace and comfort from our loving Father. We already feel His presence in this time. I know it might be a bit much for me to put on a blog, but I feel it helps me cope.

Nan & Pap at Niagara Falls

Pap on my rocking horse (haha)

5 year old Christina with Pap

CK & Pap Christmas Eve 2010

Pap, I am sorry you felt pain. I am even more sorry that you couldn't appreciate life and know God's beautiful love. I love you and I will pray for you each day.


Mental illness is an ugly disease that isn't seen by physical markings. If you are suffering or you know someone who is, please seek help. It is okay to be sick and receive treatment.

Until next time...

peace & love

President's Day Weekend

I am sure we all enjoy a three day weekend, especially when it entails sunshine!

As a teacher, I speak for every staff member in the education field... we NEED three day weekends. I am currently writing a letter to Governor Kasich to request more Mondays off. ;)

Eddie was off Saturday and Sunday, leaving us to enjoy family time. Sunday, one of our favorite OU alums came into town to visit some of her favorite Chillicothe folks. Here she is with CK:

CK with Erika

Then Monday CK and I ran some errands before we went to visit Nan and walk the dogs. Here are a few pictures from Monday:

Happy girl Monday morning

After the walk treat time (Our dog is the black & white collie by CK.)

Sweet girl loved her first walk with Nan.

Thanks for stopping by and reading our post.

Peace & love

CK is all smiles

Sweet Camryn Kay

We have been beyond blessed to have such an active and healthy girl. It is my goal to upload more pictures of this little one to share with our family and friends.