Welcome to the World sweet Beau

I've been reflecting on your birth recently, after having McCoy. So I penned this letter to you to remind myself just how precious you are to me!

My precious Beau entered the world early morning with the sun shining in through the window of our room surrounded by his brother's and his sister.

After losing a baby last April there was nothing my heart desired more than to fill that space with a precious little one.  I had set my heart on that precious soul that awaits us in heaven and I longed to see God's creation in completion again.

Beau YOU are the answer to my every prayer in those days.  Carrying you in my womb anticipating your arrival with joy.  I was tired and weary running after those brothers and your sister but I longed to hold you.

As one by one our little ones came down with the 24 hour flu, mamma got hit hard.  I was friends with the porcelain goddess (I'm not fond of her) and wretching in a way I hadn't experienced in a long while.  This, my love, sent me into contractions.

9 days prior to your predicted arrival I felt you shift down and the power of giving you your first breath took over.  That evening after laying everyone down in our room for the night with their sick tummy's and sweaty brows, I knew you were coming.

I spent that night on the couch with my headphones on and the audio I had created to keep my mind focused on Christ whispering in my ears.  I knew the road could be long and I wanted to rest.  God granted me that prayer and through many portions of the night I rested and fell asleep between contractions.  No children rose, no one threw up, my sickness faded and when the morning broke at 6:00am I told your daddy it was the day.

I called my friends we had invited into your birth space and texted the midwife letting her know you were coming today.

As soon as the children were up the bustle began and daddy spent the earliest morning preparing the room/bed. My parents arrived to help with the older kiddos and I labored around the house moving from spot to spot finding comfort and ease in the contractions.

It felt like a breeze miraculously.  I was overjoyed to be home and to have everyone there.  As things progressed, within a short 5 hours you had made your way down we prepared for your entrance.  All your siblings gathered round and the pressure intensified.

Carol moved that cervical lip I always have, it's as painful as it can get, but once it was moved you were barreling into the world.

It was just the most perfect and precious experience for me to be home and to bring you up into my arms.  With all the children gathered around to see you take your first breath, we instantly fell in love. I praise the Lord for your most precious and perfect birth and I am blessed beyond measure.

I hold you close sweet boy. I treasure you. You are a gift to me and I'm so thankful to be your mommy. I would repeat that experience a thousand fold for the joy of holding a little one again!

Camping and Beau Turns 2

Beau turned 2 while we spent the weekend and Easter up in Stoneman Lake Camping with the Morton's and Pappa.

A little weekend getaway with the motorhome and the kiddos was a nice treat.  At one point a couple came through with some horses and gave the kids that wanted to a ride.  It was a nice little gift.  

My little one is now 2 and I can't believe it.  He's just the most precious little guy.  Still nursing but as independent as ever.  

It was VERY chilly, bone cold at times.  I can't believe we made it through the weekend. At one point I thought we would freeze and head home.  But, the sun came out and it was much better.  We did an easter egg hunt up there for the kids.  I love these little camping trips with the family. 

It is a lot of work but the memories we make mean everything to me!

3rd Grade Field Trip to San Diego

The third grade at NCS takes an annual optional field trip to SD to participate in the Floating Lab. Its a boat that goes out and grabs things from the bottom of the bay and then the kids get to inspect them under microscopes as well as feel and touch them.  It's pretty neat. 

So, Justin took the three boys over to SD for the floating lab trip.  They had a blast. They spent time at the beach, did the boat, went to the Aquarium, and then the last day the Zoo.  Since they had to return that day early, the didn't get much time at the zoo, but they had fun none-the-less.  

When it's just the 3 of them they get along and play nicely together.  Its a nice break from the small kids and time with dad.  

It's a nice tradition to begin since they will all eventually go through 3rd grade! 

Look how cute they are!

Father Daughter Dance

This year Brynn got to go with Daddy on her first Father Daughter Dance with Branches Homeschool Co-op.  She was adorable.  All dressed up and looking like a lady (since she's a tomb boy it is rare) and ready to hit the town.  

They had a great time dancing and snacking and I'm so thankful for a husband that doesn't ever complain about outings with the kids.  This was special being his only girl and it was so precious.  I hope they have many more of these special nights. 

Pretty Girl, you are the light of our family. Our only daughter. Perfectly placed by God right in the middle, surrounded by boys. What a special life God intended for you to live.  We love and cherish you!

Mommy

Martin Kids to NCS 2015

It's that time of year again where we are graciously asking for tax credit donations to be made to lighten the

cost of sending the kids to Northwest Christian. It is a win-win for everyone.

This year we are also raising funds to send Brynn to NCS next year as well.  This will make 4! Whew...they grow so fast.

The program is a tax CREDIT program, which means you will receive a dollar-for-dollar credit back on your taxes when you give.  Everyone has tax liability to the state, this is a way to tell your funds exactly where you want them to go. It makes it easier and for many, possible, to attend a private school such as NCS.  We are so thankful for this ability here in Arizona.

It is very simple.  Once you begin filing your taxes you will see how much AZ State Tax Liability you have for the 2014 year.  You can then pause, momentarily, go online to www.azto.org and make a tax credit donation in our family's name. You just need Cole, Brody, Trace and Brynn's names and the school they attend (Northwest Christian School).

You then make a donation online.  If you happen to have more tax liability than the maximum amount for the standard credit, you can give in the PLUS credit option up to the amount you have in State Tax Liability.

You then finish your taxes noting your donation in order to receive your credit. If you have a tax accountant, well, they should know exactly what to do! :)

Here is the link to the form in case someone wanted to mail in their donation. And, our family letter!

2015/2016 Family Letter and Donation Form

Trace's Broken Arm

Well, it's our first broken bone.  Trace was simply playing in the backyard with a friend of theirs (Josiah) and he fell into the grass just right and broke his bone right above the elbow.  It's been a rough few days of sleeping for him since he can't get comfy and finally he was able to get his cast on.  I think he will have a lot of relief with it stabilized now.  He's been very tough and the worst part was setting the bone for the cast since it moved a hair when it hit the ground.  

With 5 boys, I'm sure we are bound to a few broken bones along the way but we've had a good track record so far. 

I've been applying Comfrey leaf oil and giving him tea. It's called the bone healer and I'm praying it speeds the healing for him. I can't quite get to the elbow with the oil so we are just doing our best! 

Sorry you hurt sweet boy. But, I guess getting out of your 2nd grade school work isn't so bad!

Christmas with my Kiddos

Christmas this year was great.  The kids were precious as usual. We did a limited amount of gifts this year and they were more than blessed.  Their adorable jammies from Grandma and Grandpa Martin were a hit. They always enjoy Christmas Jammies.  

We spent the day with my parents and my sister and Nik.  It was a calm day with lots of love!

We also celebrated Hanukkah this year.  This was our second year participating in the Hanukkah tradition. I LOVE Hanukkah even more than Christmas.  Christmas has been largely commercialized. It's all about the gifts no matter how much we read and talk about Jesus.  

But, Hanukkah is a chance to celebrate something that really happened with the Jewish people that showed God's grace, provision, mercy and commitment to them.  I love talking with the kids about the true light, Jesus, and how through the OT we see the holiday of Hanukkah differently.  It's such an awesome piece of history. 

Another Christmas has come and gone and Cole is now 9 turning 10 in 2015.  Time flies and they grow and a piece of me each year goes with them! Love you darling babies. 

Mommy