Summer Highlights

It doesn't seem possible that summer is almost over, but the MN State Fair starts tomorrow and Labor Day is just around the corner. The girls and I spent much of the summer swimming, going to garage sales and playing.

The big outing in June was strawberry picking at Berry Hill Farm. The girls had a blast, and I'm afraid Madisen ate more than she put in her bucket! I tried my hand at making strawberry jam, and it actually went better than expected so we will be "enjoying" jam for many months to come.


In July, we went camping over the 4th of July weekend at our friends' property near Backus. This was my fourth time sleeping in a tent, and I can't say that I liked it any better than the three previous times :) The girls had a blast, though, and we were able to ride on the 4-wheeler, go for boat rides on the pontoon, swim in the lake and make smores in the evenings. The weather turned out to be beautiful-not too hot and no rain, so I was very thankful for that! We were also able to visit the Claypool's, and it was great seeing them again. The girls fell in love with Megan, especially after she took them for a ride on her horse-Cochise. (We had a hard time convincing Morgan when we got home that we would not be able to keep a horse in our backyard, too.)

Morgan, Megan & Cochise


Madisen waiting for her turn on Cochise


Since David's teacher in service began August 15th, he took Monday and Tuesday off for one more family outing. We were able to go to Duluth for an overnight and even stay at the Sheraton, a new hotel in downtown Duluth. Thank-you, priceline : ) Most of the time there was spent at Canal Park, where the girls fed the sea gulls, "skipped" rocks into Superior, and watched some big ships go under the lift bridge.



Morgan climbed this big anchor and that couldn't get down!


After Duluth, we took the girls to the Children's Museum, which I highly recommend. There is so much to do there, and they are always chaging around the exhibits. Morgan's favorite part was getting to mop the porch in the outdoor play area, and Madisen's was catching rubber fish in her net.

Having fun at the sand table.


We are looking forward to going to the State Fair this Friday; it is always one of the highlights of the summer for us. I may even do a blog about our fair experience, but I'm not making any promises : )

Look Who's Two!

Today, our "baby" Madisen turned two! I hope you don't mind if I reiminsce a little about the day she was born. On Saturday (the 14th), I had felt off all day, but it wasn't until that evening that I knew that Madisen was on the way. We dropped Morgan off at my parent's and then walked around Target for a while. The walking didn't speed things along any, so we went back home where David thought he would grab a couple hours of sleep and I tried watching a Lamaze class on video since I had never taken any classes. Finally about 1 am, we checked into the hospital, and I requested an epidural. Madisen was born around noon on Sunday, and my dad was actually the first visitor to see her. We are so thankful for the girls God has blessed us with. Happy Birthday, Madisen; we love you!

Junior-Senior Banquet

Last Friday night, David and I had the opportunity to attend the WBA Junior-Senior Banquet at Majestic Oaks golf course. (David was asked to be the speaker) This year's seniors hold a special place for David as they were his first seventh grade class when he started teaching at Woodcrest. It has been great seeing them grow and mature these past six years, and we are praying for God's blessings as they graduate in two weeks.

Attending the banquet brought back many memories! I even looked for my Senior will but it was nowhere to be found. I did find some old pictures, which I hope you enjoy!

1989 Junior/Senior girls (front row: Breanna, Marcy, Heidi, Andrea, Michelle, Amy, Sheila, Jenny. back row: Shannon, me, Natasha)


1990 Junior/Senior girls (Nikki, me, Teresa, Michelle, Andrea, Dana, Amy, Kim, Dawn, Becky, Kelly, Stephanie)

Our Resident Artists

Lately, the girls have really started to enjoy coloring. It is nice to be able to leave them at the kitchen counter with crayons and coloring books and go do other things like the laundry! Here are their two latest "creations". The first one is a collaborative effort. Madisen "drew/colored" the body, and Morgan did the head and green "top". Can you guess who it is? Morgan's favorite Disney character, Ariel! (I think the green top is supposed to represent the seashells Ariel wears.)



The second picture is one Morgan colored in Eager Beavers.

Easter Activities

Despite the cold weather this weekend, we managed to have a wonderful Easter weekend. On Saturday, the girls and I headed up to Rainbow Foods for a very early candy hunt. The grocery store even provided juice and donuts after the hunt was over! Then we headed back home to pick up David and head for our second hunt for the day at the local middle school. This is the second year we have gone on this hunt, and the church that hosts it does a very nice job. The girls had their face painted, a picture taken with the Easter bunny, a skit about the servants and the talents and the egg hunt itself. Saturday evening, we dyed Easter eggs-I was too busy making sure there were no spills to take pictures :) Sunday morning before church, the girls looked for Easter eggs around the living room. Although everything was fun, we look forward to when the girls realize the sacrifice Christ made for each of us and trust Him as their Saviour!

Visiting with Family & Friends

Last weekend, we had the opportunity to visit David's sister Kristi and her family (a big thanks to Steve's parents for opening their home up to us). It was a full house, too! There was Steve and Kristi with their 2 boys; David and I with our 2 girls; Steve's sister and her 3 kids; Steve's brother and, of course, his parents. It was great catching up with everyone and getting to know our nephews, Jacob and Isaac. Saturday, we took a tour of Maranatha's campus; it certainly has changed since David went to school there! The girls had a blast playing outside and playing with all the "boy" toys. It certainly is great being able to spend time with family.

This weekend, David's childhood friend Jim and his family came up for a visit. Friday night, they had fun looking through old pictures and swapping stories. We spent Saturday at the Mall of America, where the kids enjoyed playing at LegoLand, David played a few holes of mini golf and the adults managed to sneak in a little shopping along the way. Good friends are a blessing!

Since we are on the topic of visiting, are any of you fellow bloggers going to Maranatha the weekend of April 20th? If so, we hope to see you there!

March Mayhem

Two posts in one day-can you believe it? Well, March definitely came in like a lion! The first of March started with 14" of snow, and David got his first snow day of the school year on Friday. The girls had a blast with daddy home, and we spent part of the day playing around in all the snow.

Morgan doesn't look too happy here


Baby, it's cold outside!



March 8th was a long awaited day in our house. After going 3 1/2 months without a working oven, we finally bought a new range. It has been fun to once again be able to bake treats, rolls and casseroles. The interesting thing through this whole process is how much you can actually make without an oven!

Madisen gave us some excitement Monday night. While running through the living room, she tripped and fell headlong into the computer desk. An immediate goose egg appeared on her forehead. I sure am thankful about how resilient kids are, because she has had no side effects (other than probably a big headache!) and is back to trying to keep up with her sister.



Will try to better job and keeping things current, and thanks to all of you who do!

February Reflections

What can I say? A couple of weeks went by and we didn't post anything. A couple weeks turned into several weeks and now it is almost the middle of March! Thinking back on the month of February, the following events stand out:
*WBA basketball games, including the MACS tournament where the boys took 3rd and the girls took 2nd;
*the church Sweetheart Banquet, where David and I were able to enjoy spending time with some of the newlyweds and to enjoy some Famous Dave's BBQ
*my grandfather's triple bypass heart surgery and subsequent surgery to install a pacemaker (he is doing very well considering and is currently undergoing physical therapy 2 days a week)
*Sunday, the 25th-the first time I can remember that the Sunday morning service was cancelled due to snow!
*Morgan's 4th birthday on the 28th. I was actually induced on the 27th, but she was not in any hurry to arrive. Around 2:30 on the 28th, the doctor decided to deliver her via c-section. Our lives were definetly changed from that moment onward, and we cannot imagine our family without her in it! We had planned her party for March 1st so that the extended family could be there. Well, of course, the biggest snowstorm of the season swept through dumping approximately 14" on us before it was over. It was very difficult trying to explain to a four year old why we had to reschedule the party, but she took it pretty well. The following Monday brought grandma and grandpa, great-grandma and grandpa and Uncle Chris and Aunt Angie over to celebrate a "Little Mermaid" themed birthday party.

Where has January gone?

Wow, I can't believe that January is almost over! I'm just now including video of Morgan opening her present from grandma and grandpa Martens-sorry it to so long to figure out how to do it!

There is not much exciting going on around here right now. Basketball season is in full swing, so David is usually gone at least 2 nights a week. The girls (me included) miss him alot. I took the girls by school so they would at least get to see daddy for a little bit today. As we pulled into the parking lot, Madisen exclaimed from the back seat "daddy's home!" I'm not sure what she meant by that but I will be very thankful when basketball is over and he can be home more in the evenings.

Also wanted to say "thank-you" to those of how who have posted inspirational blogs in the past couple of weeks, they have been a big blessing!


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First Snowfall of the Season

On Thursday afternoon, we had our first snowfall of the season. It was beautiful with big snowflakes, the perfect kind of snow for building snowmen! So while I was out rushing around with last minute shopping, David and the girls built a snowman in the front yard. We didn't have any carrots, so "Frosty" ended up with a celery nose instead. David also built a tiny snowhill and pulled the girls around in the yard and over the hill. It was all fun and games until Madisen got hurt. (I will let David relay the rest of the story...)

I was pulling the girls up the driveway, which was very slick, on their plastic tobbagon and then whipping them around at the top. This worked very well and they loved it, until something terrible happened. I did not judge the distance from the back of the car to the back of Madisen's head. Of course, this is not a usual occurrence as usually I have perfect timing in all areas of life, especially when it comes to my silver tongue. Well, it was too late. I was going at a pretty good pace and came to the top of the drive to fling them around and "bam" Madisen bonked her head on my priceless 93 Olds Cutlass Ciera. I picked her up quickly and held her. Mommy was convinced that I gave her the shiner on her forehead, but I think that happened the time she did a face plant on the driveway. She was not used to being bundled up in all her snow gear so walking was a challenge for her as it is for her mother. Just ask Carla about her relationship with stairs, especially while in college! They are pretty "close" (if you know what I mean). The kids had fun, and mommy came home just before frostbite had settled in the girls' fingers. That is right, mommy had left all of the mittens in the car, and I did not care if they wore them or not. I was sure they needed to get outside right away, before the snow melted. It was a fun experience for us all. Oh, Morgan and I also got in a snowball fight and managed to get each other pretty good. We are so thankful to have a white Christmas after all!

Visit to Mary Poppins

Visit to see Mary Poppins

Today the girls, Grandma and I went to see "Up, Up & Away, The Magic of Mary Poppins" at the downtown Minneapolis Macy's store (formerly Marshall Field's and before that Dayton's). I must admit that I'm still partial to the original Dayton's department store! Anyway, it has become a yearly tradition for us ever since Morgan was born, and both girls thoroughly enjoyed it this year. In fact, I had a hard time getting Madisen to turn around for any pictures (as you can tell from the slide show), because she was so enthralled looking at the different scenes. Afterwards, we met up with Uncle Chris for lunch at Macy's Skyroom restaurant and then back to 8th floor for gingerbread cookies. The best part for me was watching the girls go through the exhibit and seeing their wonder and excitement. We are so blessed!

Christmas is Near

What fun this Christmas season is. Our daughters are absolutely estatic about the different aspects of Christmas. As soon as Carla put up the tree and lights, our oldest daughter, Morgan, has been asking when she can open the presents. We have a musical Christmas item that the girls love to get going. It plays several songs and has snowmen that dance around. It is fun in spurts. A great early gift this Christmas was that Carla found my ring under the recliner downstairs. We were so glad to not have to spend anymore money on the thing. I am so glad to have MY ring back. We are planning on having Christmas at mom and dad Ree's house as well as our own.

The colds have been going around the house as well. Right now it is my turn. My students are hoping that I become deathly ill or something, so they can have a substitute. If I need a substitute I will try to get the worst one possible so I can come back as a hero. Carla, is the only one that has not gotten sick, yet. Knock on wood.

I had fun changing out the tires yesterday. I was wrenching on the lug nut and it gave way. I hit my head on the side of the car. It did not feel too swell. I did break two ratchets trying to get the nuts off of one side. I think the aluminum rims reacted with the steel. It caused for some sympathy from my daughters at least.

Morgan got into bed with me last night and got very nervous. I asked her what the problem was and she said, "I heard a crab moving around the house." I wonder if it wasn't myself snoring or something.

Morgan has a part in the church program. She and her class will say, "Bells are ringing on the earth, bringing news of Jesus birth. " She will then sing happy birthday to Jesus.

Madisen is talking away. Whenever I come to a stop sign, she hollers out "Go, go go!!! I reply with a resounding "No!" She sure is doing a bit more talking. She is a little sweetheart.

Well, I hope that all of you have a blessed Christmas. We love all of you and will be missing you during this season.

Update on the Lost Wedding Band

Early in October I had posted that I lost my wedding band. Since it has been over a month since the ring disappeared, we decided to price what my $100 band would cost to replace. The prices we were quoted floored us~apparently gold prices have tripled since we got married back in 1998. Instead of $100, it was going to cost about $300! Fortunately, Carla remembered we had some store credit at a jewelry store, which has offset the price significantly.

A few photos

Here are a few photos of us and the girls. If you notice Madisen's picture, she is displaying one of the many looks she has.

We went to the orchard on Saturday and had a great time. Morgan(man child) was jumping off some hay mound. She launched herself from about five feet of the ground into some soft hay at the bottom. It was fun to watch her.

Do Things Only Come in Threes?!

This past week has been a challenging one. On Tuesday, I lost my wedding band. The following day I was in a fender-bender. Sunday, I locked the keys in the car. I trust that will be all that comes my way for a little while at least.

I did not think that losing my wedding ring would be that big of a deal. It is only a 60 or 70 dollar ring. It really does mean a tremendous amount to me. I have torn apart the couch. I did have a knife out ready to cut the bottom of the couch to retrieve the lost ring, but pulled a few staples instead. Carla got excited about me finding a little figurine that goes with some sweet street play house. It is NOT her toy; it is the girls toy?! I have yet to find that illusive ring. I have searched high and low for the thing.

Wednesday, my following someone closely during a heavy traffic time for many years took its toll. I did not do much damage to the other vehicle and they are willing to let me pay for the repairs out of my own pockets which are very deep. They called on Saturday to tell me that it would only be $250. A message was cut short on our answering machine from Myron about his repairs. It does not sound like good news. I have not called back, yet.

Sunday morning, I was praying at the beginning of Sunday School and had my hand in my pocket when I realized there was only the set of church keys. I called my wife out of class to see if they were in the car. Yes!!! They were in the ignition. A man at church has AAA and called and got the keys out for free. PTL.

On top of all this, I still have three motorcycles. One will get no attention until I sell another one. The one I have been monkeying with is running worse that when I got the thing. I am not too happy about it right now. Don't tell Carla, but I just emailed a man about a fourth motorcycle. It is only $25. If I can get my hands on this one, I can part it out and then have no problem taking the shotgun to the motorcycle that is not cooperating with me!!! :)

One last thing. Is it me or am I really out number in my home? I am attempting to make Morgan my man-child, but that is not working out as I planned. She is quite emotional at times. The youngest has already learned "the look" from her mother. Sunday morning while I was giving her sustanence, I did something that did not bode well with her and was pierced through with the look. I have seen the look a few times before, but was not sure if it were the look or maybe something else. I had always hoped that it was something else. I was sorely mistaken. She works every angle of being a girl. She cries at the drop of a hat. She can give you that look which causes a father to give pause and reconsider if I really want to chasten this poor little thing.

Three is a good number. Let us all hope that it is sufficient for my little world. Think good and happy thoughts!!! I can not get my post to check my spelling or grammar. You do need to know that Carla had not part in writing this.

LIFE CHANGES

You can tell that Carla and I do not take pictures with the girls very often. It is usually the girls that get all the action. I am adding a picture that was taken a year ago. I will have to warn you that the outfit Morgan is wearing is not my doing. Grandma Ree is trying to ruin my oldest daughter by putting a wretched cheerleader outfit on her. She will not be allowed to be a cheerleader while she is living at home. If she decides to get in the way of fans attempting to watching a game while at college, that is her prerogative. We do need to get an updated picture.

Oh, we did have one taken a few weeks ago. I was doing my Silly Sid character (a.k.a. Jerry Lewis) for a Sunday School Bus promotion. I kept the families that came to church for the picture entertained while they waited for their pics. After everyone was through, the photographer asked if we wanted ours taken. The picture revealed that my girls, all three, are possessed and I am a recovering drug addicted. Their eyes are glowing orange and I am definitely on some kind of downers or something. It is really bad.

Another reason I attempt to avoid the camera is that I am showing way too much forehead. Yes, I am admitting the fact that I am going bald. Hopefully completely bald by the time that I am forty so I can walk around with a sucker in my mouth all day and noone would even dare say a word about it. What?! Yes, my hair is chasing my back these days. I rarely wear a winter coat anymore. I don't really need one. I do frighten small children at the pool and few men will even pat me on the back when I hit a ball well at softball games.

I am loosing some hearing, but I still hear those softly spoken comments like Big Foot's brother, or Co Co has a relative. My students love me asking several times for an answer to be repeated. Dare they say even the softest of comments to one another and I nip it in the bud.

I am still recovering from a fall while playing flag football for p.e. two weeks ago. The elbow is still quite tender. I don't seem to move quite as quickly as I remember.

Things like food now get me quite excited and a nap is a cherished Sunday treat.

Life is grand. I see the new vigor of my girls and get excited to see what they will become. Hopefully a little bit more like their mother. I am tired. I might have to retire soon!

Good night.

First Entry

All is going well in the Martens' home. We have to very spirited girls. I am learning very quickly that neither of the girls are like their mother. The girls will cry at the drop of a hat and will become emotional very easily when tired. I asked Carla what has happened and she had no answers. I will definitely attempt to work at keeping their crying over "nothing" to a minimum. We are very thankful for our girls. Our oldest is being an example to our youngest, sometimes a good one and other times a not so good one. Madisen is talking like crazy. She is apparently filled with the Spirit, because she speaks in tongues quite often.

I now am a proud owner of a motorcycle or two or three. I have one that works and two that don't. I being the great entrpenuer have decided to buy a couple of bikes and turn around and make money on them. Ha! Ha! I should have listened to my father-in-law. I have enjoyed riding the one bike. The weather this summer has allowed me to put over 2000 miles on the one bike. I have yet to just go riding with my Harley group. :)

Carla has spent the summer buying clothes to look at. She intended to have Morgan's wardrobe taken care for the next year, but Morgan is pushing a size 5 already. She is only supposed to be in a size 3/4. She grew a 1/2 in. from June to September. WOW! She loves to be read to and has learned how to ride a bike that has training wheels. She believes she is going to marry Jackson Schoonover. I am keeping my eye on that boy. We are teaching her that all boys are yucky except daddy and grandpa.

Madisen has learned how to walk down the stairs, sometimes faster than she planned. She is learning to be more adventurous. I now am able to throw her in the air and she loves it. A month or two ago she would get worried when I would throw her up.

I am teaching several classes in school. I teach 6th grade Math, 7th grade Math and Health, 7/8th Science, 9/10 Science, and jr. hi. and sr. hi. p.e. I am busy, but I am enjoying working with young people.

Well, I better sign off. Thank you for reading my first blog.