November already???

Not sure where the time has gone. It seems as though my posts are few and far between these days. Nicole is staying busy with school and working very hard. We are so proud of her! She had a decent Fall season with soccer and is now playing indoor soccer and doing a soccer training class once a week. This weekend she is doing ODP soccer training. She has become a pre-teen and we are all adjusting to the changes that come with that age:)

Ashley has adjusted to school this year although it always takes her a little longer to emotionally get ready for a new routine. She has struggled with the losses our family experienced
this fall. We have been working hard at helping her adjust and this week I think she is back to herself. Please continue to pray for her. She is still enjoying piano class and loves soccer as well. She chose to play indoor soccer over basketball this year. We had our first snowfall 2 days ago and her excitement was priceless!

Chad is gearing up for Hunting season and couldn't be more excited! I think he needs a break from running kids to and from activities and hope this hunting season he enjoys relaxing in the woods.

I am trying to keep up with all of them which can be a challenge. I am now volunteering at Church twice a month and love working with the children.


This is me attempting to play jarts.


Chad posing for a picture.


Chad and his Dad.


We enjoyed Halloween with my Brother's family. Carter was a robot, Ashley..Cruella Devil from 101 Dalamtions, and Nicole was an injured soccer player.

The Love of Family

Last Saturday, September 17th, 2011 Chad's Mother left this earth and went to her forever home in Heaven. We all know that she is living it up in Heaven but it does not take away the pain and sorrow in our hearts.

I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I actually liked my mother-in-law. Sure from time to time we disagreed but that is part of life. Sally devoted her life to her husband and boys. Once I entered the picture I always felt that she loved me like one of her own. Their is now a hole in my heart that will not heal until I see her again. I will miss our talks and her support the most.

Thanks to all our friends and family for your support during this difficult time. We appreciate all the kind words, cards and prayers that have come our way. Please continue to pray for our family as we adjust to life without Sally.

Our Dog Miley

Genesis 1:24

And God said, Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds---livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds. And it was so.

Because God chose to create dogs, our family was blessed to nurture and love our Chocolate Labrador "Miley". Even though we feel our time spent with her on this earth was too short we know she was chosen for us. She had such a tender heart and loved to snuggle. Some people saw her as a dog with a lot of energy and a bit too hyper at times. Our family had the honor of her unconditional love.

One of my favorite dog quotes "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole".

Miley...We will miss your funny rabbit face, watching you run through the snow or in the field at a speed none of us could come close to, running around in circles in the yard, snuggling up with Ashley for a story, catching grasshoppers, running with you, "big lips" when you hold your Frisbee, your wet nose nudging us when you were looking for attention, and most of all your love.

We love you Miley and will miss you every day. Rest in peace.

Back to School...Hooray!!!

The girls went back to school this week and we all are getting adjusted to a new schedule. With Nicole in Middle School this year she has to be to school much earlier. Ashley is also at a new school. She is attending the intermediate which is 3-5 grade. I am taking them both to school in the morning. Ashley attends the morning program prior to school starting. We are all glad tomorrow is Friday!

Both girls were in a pre-season soccer tournament last weekend. Nicole played hard and scored 4 goals in three games and had many other shots on goal. Ashley did well and is learning positions out on the field.

July and August

I realized I have not posted anything in a while. We have been busy enjoying the Summer! We had a great 4th of July weekend with friends. Ashley ran a 1/2 mile race and did great! She ran the entire way without stopping. We had a cookout, went to the parade and enjoyed fireworks at home compliments of Chad and Jeff. The girls have been staying up too late most days hanging out with friends in the neighborhood and enjoying sleepovers. We have enjoyed many fish Fry's thanks to Chad and Jeff who love to fish. The girls spend a few days at Grandma and Grandpa Martin's and had a great time!

We went to see Selena Gomez in concert a couple weeks ago and really enjoyed it! It was the first time the girls went to a concert. It brought back memories of going to see Madonna in concert when I was young. It was supposed to be a surprise but I guessed what it was without any hints! Mom and Jim must have been so disappointed. For those of you who do not know, Madonna was my idle growing up:)

Some sad news that we have been dealing with is that Miley, our dog had another surgery to remove a tumor on the inside of her mouth. Unfortunately we found out that she has cancer. Due to the location of the cancer and the type/stage there is not much we can do for her but keep her comfortable. Surprisingly she does well with the medication and most days you would not know she was sick. Please pray for our family as we go through this tough time.

We are now busy getting ready to go back to school. I have gone through closets and started school shopping. We spent a day at the outlet mall with friends and got a lot of it done. One more week until school starts. Although we have enjoyed the summer I am ready for the kids to go back to school. Soccer is already in full swing for both girls. They both are attending practices every week and have a tournament Labor Day weekend. Ashley started piano lessons last Monday and is enjoying it so far.

Here are a few pictures from the past couple months.

4th of July pics






Watching fireworks at our house

Ashley's 1/2 mile run.

Soccer camp

Mr. and Mrs. Martin

Our family had the honor attending my brother's wedding. I couldn't be happier for him! To be honest, I am just as excited for myself as I am for him. I now have a new sister in law who I think the world of and a new nephew whom I adore! Welcome to the family! Thank you for allowing us to spend this special day with you.