enjoy :)

#1

She has really blossomed in phonics!

And now a reader!

What!

the nino's

that's my boy!

I caught him totally jamming out to his music video! LOVE BOYS!

ok. I made something new! It's called Turkey and Phyllo Pie. so yummy, it's like your eating a huge crescent role! it came out just like the picture! See! the other day i came down the hallway to find #4 in a time out

just like this...

I couldn't keep a straight face either!

On to our little ballerina girl....

We lost one of the slipper Aunt Jacqui got her, but she refused to take photos with out it! Don't worry, we finally just bought her real ballet slippers. She even went so far as to pick out the "perfect" color of pink ribbon for her hair. She is going to try it all on together tonight for the big reveal. LOVE GIRLS!

to be continued......

just thoughts

So we have been back in the swing of things. J is working a lot again. And I have come to realize; it's been 4 years since we, ok I, have been "single mom" mode. You can give it as many excuses as you want....new town, new church, now we're schooling with 4, plus schooling over the summer because we took 2 months of to move... But when 5:30 comes around I am out of steam. the kids don't get to bed on time and I am too tired to take some time alone after they do go down. the kids are snipping at each other. the only one that seems to have a gentle spirit is J when he is home. it's like total reverse. Last Sunday he went to church with us in the morning, then back to work till 7, then back home in time for a movie on the football field at our church. We were a mess and he was the one smoothing all our nerves so we could enjoy the evening! I could see it on his face,"have I entered the Twilight Zone!"
Then it comes to a head. Yesterday we had a bible time and scriptures. Well, remember how you don't move on to a new daily verse until everyone can say it? (You say a weekly and a monthly too so you're not just bored with one every morning) Anywho- Little E was only missing one word in Colossians 3:12. we started that one in TX. He could say, " Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness humility, .........., and patience." So we all say it together then we would give him a chance to say it by himself at his request and no matter how many visuals we gave, he couldn't get it. We would all sit on the edge of our seats, as it has become a real team effort at this point. Even mommy was ready to move on for sanity's sake. we have never lost patience with him because it's just so cute hearing him try and we all giggle when he says it so boldly and big eyed. Well... Yesterday he got it! All that was missing was "gentleness" He said the whole thing. And we all rejoiced when he said...kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." I thought FINALLY! he got it! He finally remembered GENTLENESS! .................have you ever heard the Lord cough under his breathe? You know; clear his throat and nudge your side. Well I did. He was letting me know ever so gently, that was my problem. I was lacking gentleness in all matters. Now this is not something I can manufacture. This is a real need for Him to fill. What was my verse to pray for today? I'm glad you asked. John 15:16 it's Jesus talking about whatever you need ask in his name and He will gladly give it to you so you can bear spiritual fruit that will last!
Ha ha. I don't even think I asked for it gently. I was like a desperate woman at the end of her rope!
Do I believe He is going to begin this transformation?
Absolutely.
Is it gonna include a lot of work and surrender on my part?
Absolutely.
Will it be worth it at the end of it all?
Absolutely.

I leave you with this incredible verse Psalm 145:18

"It's Friday! Field-trip Day"

OK Here are the pics from Joshua Tree National Park. Some from our field trip, others from a day with daddy. It is so wonderful to have this park 10 minutes away! I was worried about having nature walks we would really enjoy. Not anymore! They could climb all day! God is Good!

Announcing our first Junior Ranger in the Martinez Family! You have to fill out a guide book and go on a guided tour and then pledge to take care of the park to the best of her ability. Very Serious stuff. Then she had a little fun and added a few perks for mom. Like Always obey my parents, get along with my brothers, always finish my schoolwork.... She is so excited she wears her badge even on her pj's! So proud of our Junior Ranger!

From the mouths of babes

OK. we were just getting ready for the day and #4 asks me to tie his shoes.

it's field trip day so we're all excited.

as I'm helping him he says,"mom, do you know another way to say I love you?"

I'm guessing he's going to sign it to me with his fingers, but to my surprise he says...

"Grace."

Now I dig deeper, "who taught you that?"

"Jesus"

Enough said.

Go tell somebody you love them!

Our New Home

Here we are in California!

As you can probably guess the backyard was the selling point for the kids.

Here is a view of J's work in the "field".... it's beautiful!

E helping daddy, and boys being boys...

A warrior by day,

Bubble bear by night!

The younger 2's room
This is our room and master bath.

Here is me and Oliver. He melts my heart...and as promised, the cups that made me giggle. (still do) I call the green floral one "testify" because it's still alive and kickin after all these years. The orange one I call a cup o' sunshine. If anyone should come over needing a cup of cheer, I feel totally prepared! Cups in a thrift shop:79c .....giggles for a lonely friend in a new town: priceless

A New Beginning:part 2

Ok. We are officially "moved in." I apologize ahead of time for the lack of photos for this post. Our main computer is not accepting our wireless connection so I can't download any new pics for you. I amusing the fun little notebook my dad got me for an early b-day present. 32........I am about to be 32.......sorry I'm back.



SO, summary of the last couple weeks goes something like this: I went to the library yesterday thinking we had until 8 because they are open till 8 on Tuesday's....unfortunately,it was Friday. That was a humbling conversation with the librarian closing the doors promptly at 5. J comes home for a few hours at night then leaves for couple days only to leave the very next morning for another few days. I can hardly remember what day it is. Went out for a sanity check for the first time this morning. Itwas so hard to leave becasue he was only home untill 3. but I'mreading this book for mom's. And we decided if I didn't make myself take one I'd get to the breaking point againwhen I am crying and HAVE to get out. I guess we'll call it "mommy maintenance". I had a great time slowly shopping at the thrift shops. purchased 2 coffee cups older than me by 15 years because they made me laugh(pics to follow soon) Tried on some CA clothes. Only to find out their size 3 is not I repeat not a Tx 3. None he less i learned if a pair of Capri's are hard to get on, the are way harder to get off! Pretty sure you're not supposed to break a sweat trying on clothes. 32.......

When I got home 2 hours later he had the kids down for a nap and we got our home time: it was wonderful. Then we dropped him off and i had to try and not cry! ???? I feel so wimpy. I miss him terribly (he just says that's a good thing).

Anywho. Some of our favorite quotes our our trip to CA was one at a Denny's. We were thinking about fun places we should go and see on the way in CA and Alex shout's excitedly "I know, let's go to the Holy Land!" Without skipping a beat, Eric replies confidently,"No. We can't go there, that's in Florida."



I can n hardly type I'm still laughing that one through.



Since then they have both held 2 snakes, plenty of mice at the local desert pet store down the street. They are saving desperately for their first lizard. We adopted a little kitten they named Oliver. We are all smitten. one meow,and we all come a running. he is such a blessing. the kids are smiling and laughing with a freedom and sincerity I have enjoyed. the house we found is just lovely. tile floors(important for me), carpeted bedrooms(important for J), the bonus room doubles as school room and guest room(important for you) the backyard is divide in the middle with plenty of space for our new gator mobile,(important for #3 and 4) the other side has an in ground pool, "complete with a water slide"( important for all of us!) A large covered patio set up with a misting system. God was so good and gracious to us. We knew j would be gone a lot and we needed to find a home we enjoyed while we were apart. CHECK! Don't even get me started on the kitchen. love it.
#1 has learned how to make coffee for us. He even knows how cream and sugar! I am so spoiled!!!


We did make it to the library on time today, every one got books and a movie, which gives this mom a quiet dinner and a chance to blog. I have had the blues the last 2 days. so getting out today was important to prepare me for another week. I am so grateful to be here. With my loving husband, under the care of a loving Father. We know His great love brought us here, and His great love will keep us here. Every morning I wake up and see this big mountain out my window reminding me God does BIG things. I am ready for Him to work in my heart and home.

We miss and love you all. I pray and hope you know God is in the business of doing Big things. So if you're weary and slow of heart to believe He is there and willing to do something...He is