No Time for the Pumpkin Patch

With us trying to get our house on the market, I new that we didn't have anytime to take the kids to the pumpkin patch or apple picking this year.  So sad to me because it is one of my favorite things.  I've already told myself that all the holidays this year will just be different.  It doesn't mean they won't be special, but they will definitely be different.  

So insert GRANDPARENTS!  Don't you just love them?  My parents came to the rescue and took the kids for the weekend so I could get some stuff done.  And they took them to the pumpkin patch!  And they even took pictures for me so I could document it.  I love them!  Although, they aren't in the "cute" clothes and Haleigh's hat is on wrong, I am thankful for these pictures and they way they love my kids.

 And for the memories...

2010

2010

2010

2009 - Days before Haleigh arrived

A New Chapter

We have some new exciting things going on with the Martins these days.  The short story is that we are moving into our next ministry adventure.  My husband has served as youth pastor at Grace Community Baptist for almost 6 years now.  We have loved this ministry, the people, and specifically the youth.  God has done a lot in 6 years and we are so grateful for it.  But now God is moving us on to our next ministry being church planting.  We are going to be a part of a Church Planting Residency Program for one year where we will be trained and equipped to plant a church.  After that year, we launch out with a team to begin a new church body.  


Even as I type these words, I haven't quite gotten used to it.  For some reason, church planting just seems to be what those other people do.  You know the ones who I think are more qualified.  God has made it very apparent these last couple of months that although we are not qualified, He is going to use us anyway.  Because apparently, He's in the business of using unqualified people.  So here we are closing this chapter at Grace, and entering a new one.


We have shared with our church, family, and close friends, and are now telling the world.  The program is at North Wake Church, the church we attended in seminary.  So we will be moving down to Wake Forest sometime around the New Year to begin the program in January.  We are excited to be back in NC and around some dear friends, but we are sad to leave family and friends here too.


I will share how it all came about in a series of posts.  Its just too long of a story for now.  Thank you to those of you that have been praying for us!  We have felt so loved and cared for these past couple of months!

Thursday Thoughts

Fall has arrived!  Don't you love it?  It was so nice this morning putting on some jeans, a cardigan, some new shoes, and a COAT!  The crispness in the air is invigorating.  My husband even took us out to breakfast this morning!  


My oldest son has always loved clothes.  It a weird obsession really.  However he joyfully put on some "new to him" clothes this morning.  Ten minutes later...I want hot weather.  That didn't last long.


I have been in a battle recently with the middle child.  He can be so strong willed.  He has the craziest ability to make me second guess everything.  What is that?  I am the Mother after all.  We've somewhat successfully potty trained him.  He wears underwear at all times except bed.  However, he will only go when I ask him.  He has a strong willed bladder too it seems, as he will hold it ALL.DAY.LONG.   So it is a battle every time he goes.  He wants me to help him, and he doesn't need it.  And he won't go number 2 in the potty.  He has figured out that he can just wait until the pull-up at nap and bedtime.  So frustrating!  We had a stand off yesterday that last ALL DAY.  I prevailed and he finally pooped in the potty!  I won.  Now I am bound and determined to turn this ship around.


Recently, Homeschooling my children has not been my favorite.  Don't get me wrong, I know that we are supposed to do it this year.  The kids enjoy it, and for the most part, we like it.  I've just been discouraged with it and sometimes I want to put all three on the big yellow school bus as it drives by our house.  Haha, I'm just kidding...actually I don't really know if I am.  Anyway, Ed snuck out of the house with Micah one morning and came home with these.  And a little note from Micah.

Made taco soup last night.  We love anything mexican around here, but this is one of our favorites.  Its a mexican twist on chili.  We eat it with tortilla chips, but it is also good with the traditional cornbread.  


Here's the recipe in case it is new to you...


Taco Soup


1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 can kidney beans (drained)
1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 can whole corn (drained)
1 can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
2 cans tomato sauce (16oz)
2 pkg taco seasoning
2 pkg ranch dressing mix
2 cans green chilies (4oz)
1 1/2 cups of water
onion powder


1.  Cook ground meat with onion powder, drain.
2.  Mix meat and all other ingredients in large pot.  Simmer 30 min.
3.  Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread.  Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and whatever other mexican toppings you like.  Enjoy!


Happy fall!

Feeling Kinda Crafty

I've had so much fun on Pinterest recently.  Its just all of my favorite things blended into one thing!  I really can spend way too much time on there too!  Anyway, I pinned some really cute fall ideas and I've been tackling them since we got home.  Here is my first project.  I think it turned out pretty good.

Some More Beach Pics

One of our friends is really gifted with the camera, so we asked bribed begged him to take pictures of our families.  With three young kids, my expectations weren't very high.  But with crazy friends to make our kids smile, and Ryan behind the camera, we got some pretty good pictures!

Where We've Been

Well we're wrapping up a glorious week at Holden Beach.  We learned that October is such a good time to go to the beach especially when every day is 75-80 full sunshine.  We didn't have one day of rain or clouds.  It was so perfect.  We were able to spend some time with college friends and watch our kids play together.

Here's a couple of pics to hold you over until the full post.

Random Thoughts

So I know I have neglected the ole blog recently.  It's just one of those seasons, where it falls to the bottom of my list.  But I felt like I needed to get a little post up before October hit.


We are headed to the beach this week.  Friends of our from college had a little hook-up for us all to stay at this week.  Yes, I said week.  This vacation has come at the perfect time for us.  We need some rest, relaxation, and fun.


It is a lot of work to go away.  Every time we leave for a week, I get stressed.  Why does a good thing like vacation always start out bad because of my stress.  You'd think by now, things would be different.  


We felt the need for a tv fast this week.  When your kids ask to watch tv every time they have free time, its time for a break.  I didn't realize how much I relied on it as a babysitter.  Kids, let me introduce you to your toys!  The lesson has been great, however, when this mommy just needs to pack the bags or prepare some food for our trip, it would be nice to sit the children down in front of the old idiot box.  (that's an Ed Martinism)  


Fall is here and I'm in love...again!  I love everything about fall.  The food, football, leaves changing, cooler weather, etc etc.  I'm excited to clean out the closets when we get back.  


Well back to packing...