Friday, October 17, 2008
Come join us again
This is an official invitation for everyone to join us on Thanksgiving. If you can make it, let us know! If not, we love you and will miss you!!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Gideon's gimpy foot
I took Gideon into PCMC to see his orthopedic doctor. His therapists think he is ready to get his own walker, and also perhaps crutches. He has grown out of his Denis-Browne bar (that brace thingie he wears at night), and also his DAFOs (the plastic braces he wears during the day). So we needed a bunch of prescriptions and advice from his doctor.
I was expecting a low-key (if ultimately expensive) visit. I wasn't expecting Dr. Stotts to immediately zero in on Gideon's left foot--that's the one that had the cast for so long 18 months ago. His foot continues to turn in, and his ankle is tight and not moving as it should. And that means surgery.
Bummer. It is usually an outpatient surgery, although there is a possiblity that he will have to stay overnight. He has to go all the way under, too. But as Bradley reminded me, Gideon's an old pro at anesthesia--this will be his third time! (Which, frankly, is three more times than I have. So there you go.) He'll be in a cast for eight weeks following the operation (two four-week casts, more casts for me to decorate, a silver lining). This will put a little crimp on his walking, because of the cast, but long-term it will help him a ton with stability and mobility. Hopefully.
We've scheduled the operation for Wednesday, October 22--the soonest availability for the doctor. (Yes, just three weeks before Baby Awesome is due. Better before than after, right?) I'm not looking forward to it--our first real surgery since Gideon was three weeks old--but it is very much par for the course, and pretty darn low-key, too.
Oh, and we got our prescriptions for the crutches and walker, but not the other things, because we have to wait until after the cast is off to get new braces.
I was expecting a low-key (if ultimately expensive) visit. I wasn't expecting Dr. Stotts to immediately zero in on Gideon's left foot--that's the one that had the cast for so long 18 months ago. His foot continues to turn in, and his ankle is tight and not moving as it should. And that means surgery.
Bummer. It is usually an outpatient surgery, although there is a possiblity that he will have to stay overnight. He has to go all the way under, too. But as Bradley reminded me, Gideon's an old pro at anesthesia--this will be his third time! (Which, frankly, is three more times than I have. So there you go.) He'll be in a cast for eight weeks following the operation (two four-week casts, more casts for me to decorate, a silver lining). This will put a little crimp on his walking, because of the cast, but long-term it will help him a ton with stability and mobility. Hopefully.
We've scheduled the operation for Wednesday, October 22--the soonest availability for the doctor. (Yes, just three weeks before Baby Awesome is due. Better before than after, right?) I'm not looking forward to it--our first real surgery since Gideon was three weeks old--but it is very much par for the course, and pretty darn low-key, too.
Oh, and we got our prescriptions for the crutches and walker, but not the other things, because we have to wait until after the cast is off to get new braces.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Gabe's turning 12
Gabe is turning 12 on the 10th this month. He will be receiving the Aaronic Priesthood on the next Sunday (that is the 12th). We would like to invite any or all of you to come for this great day! :)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
One Year Older Than He Was Before
Happy Birthday DAD!!!!! Can't wait to hear about your move! Love you!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tough break
I was reporting to my co-workers that Eric had broken his RIGHT hand at his football game on Saturday. He was tackling someone on defense when he landed on it. When they learned that Eric plays QB and D-line, one man asked, "What kind of a coach puts his QB on the defensive line?" I was laughing so hard, I almost couldn't answer. (Steve, Eric's coach, is this man's boss.)
His entire palm is black & blue and the top of his hand is swollen making his hand look "cartoon like" and puffy. Eric's break is very minor, and doesn't require surgery. He should be out of his cast in about 5 weeks. He can still play defense (with padding on his cast, so he can't use it as a weapon) but his pass throwing days are over.
When Lauren broke her hand we didn't even take her to the Dr. for 3 days. She didn't swell and was only a little bruised. After surgery to put in 9 screws, she was back to top form.
I guess that just proves girls are tougher than boys. ;)
His entire palm is black & blue and the top of his hand is swollen making his hand look "cartoon like" and puffy. Eric's break is very minor, and doesn't require surgery. He should be out of his cast in about 5 weeks. He can still play defense (with padding on his cast, so he can't use it as a weapon) but his pass throwing days are over.
When Lauren broke her hand we didn't even take her to the Dr. for 3 days. She didn't swell and was only a little bruised. After surgery to put in 9 screws, she was back to top form.
I guess that just proves girls are tougher than boys. ;)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Good Luck!
Good Luck to Mom and Dad as they head to Tobago today! We hope you LOVE it! We can't wait to hear and see all about it! You are in our prayers.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Fall Sports
We are in the thick of our fall season sports. Theo is back to coaching cross-country at the high school, so he is gone every weekend from now through mid-November. Drake is running cross-country at the middle school with Mark Lomeland (it is great as Drake had known him since infancy). Drake was not super excited to join the team, but has actually been having a really good time. We are still waiting for that competitive fire to ignite within him once he realizes he has some serious genetic wheels! At the very least he is learning about pushing himself and about working hard. He has had one meet in Kayenta just over a week ago. He was at the back of the pack, but he ran the whole two miles without stopping. He has set a goal to improve each race.
Corbin is playing soccer again this year and has moved up to the next age group. He is liking his coach who is actually a kid in our ward that plays for the high school team. They look like they will be pretty competitive. Bowen and Rex are being spectators for their big brothers for now as I can only be in so many places at once. We still have scouts and young women and all kinds of life stuff to work around. I am just glad that my kids have the chance to participate in some great sports. I learned a lot in the sports that I participated in as a kid. It is such a great way to build work ethic and a sense of sportsmanship.
Modern Conveniences
With the latest stage of our addition completed all I can say is...HALLELUJAH! Over the Labor day weekend we made a trip to St. George to purchase cabinets and a sink for our laundry room. Theo spent that Monday putting them in with the help of a very generous neighbor. The following week we had a plummer come and hook up all the pipes. I now have a functional laundry room for the first time in 9 months! I can honestly say I will not be missing the laundermat. Thank goodness for modern conveniences!!!
Thanks, thanks!
I loved the video conference! It was fun to see everyone's face. I can't believe how much older some of our grand children look. It make my birthday one to remember! Thanks so very much. We love all of you and you are always in our prayers.
Love,
Grandma
Love,
Grandma
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Video Conference
Plug in your webcam and microphone and join us for the video call today at 4:00pm MST. To join the call, visit the link below (my profile page) and click the button to call me. I will join everyone together into a single video conference call as you ring in.
http://www.tokbox.com/Bradley3
You don't need a webcam to participate, but you will need at least a microphone. Keeping the microphone away from the speakers is important to avoid feedback. :)
Talk to and see you soon!
http://www.tokbox.com/Bradley3
You don't need a webcam to participate, but you will need at least a microphone. Keeping the microphone away from the speakers is important to avoid feedback. :)
Talk to and see you soon!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Eric is back!
After a five year break, Eric has decided to try football again. He is playing QB and defensive tackle. (Football fans will know those positions don't usually match up... Eric is one tough lineman!)
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Turn Into a Bagel
Our children pray for Grandma and Grandpa each night. However, we hope that Mercy doesn't have strong voodoo powers, because each night she prays something that sounds like, "Bless Gramma and Granpa on their mission to turn into a bagel." Ezra is slightly more successful in pronouncing "Trinidad and Tobago," but I'll admit it is cuter when Mercy says it. :)
A Change in the Wind
We will be going to Tobago on September 24 by ferry with our car and our belongings. We hope to make it in one trip. We have to take a large box full of our water filter and supplies for the filter, blender, toaster, dishes, brooms, etc. for our new apartment. When President Robison heard about the standing Wednesday night potluck at the Tobago branch, he had me book him a flight to attend this past Wednesday. Check out his trip on westindiesmission.blogspot.com. Sister Robison took some cool pictures.
Another big change
The Stake President called a meeting with 2 wards in our stake after church today. We started off with the hymn - I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go and closed with Lord, I Will Follow Thee.
2 wards are now 3. (Call us for the boundaries if you are interested Mom & Dad) Unfortunately, that means Mom & Dad are no longer in our ward. Fortunately, they get to have more opportunities to serve in their newly created, smaller ward once they return from their mission. We (the 6th Ward) are now meeting at the church next to the Temple. M & D will still be at the Stake Center and are now in the 9th Ward.
Everyone asked me how I felt about having my parents in my ward. Well, I loved it! We still miss seeing them each Sunday. We are so busy sometimes that would be the only time we would bump into each other. Change always brings new opportunities and adventures!
2 wards are now 3. (Call us for the boundaries if you are interested Mom & Dad) Unfortunately, that means Mom & Dad are no longer in our ward. Fortunately, they get to have more opportunities to serve in their newly created, smaller ward once they return from their mission. We (the 6th Ward) are now meeting at the church next to the Temple. M & D will still be at the Stake Center and are now in the 9th Ward.
Everyone asked me how I felt about having my parents in my ward. Well, I loved it! We still miss seeing them each Sunday. We are so busy sometimes that would be the only time we would bump into each other. Change always brings new opportunities and adventures!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Milestones
Lauren is now an official Provo resident! She is all moved into Raintree Apartments just up the street from the BYU football stadium. Much to the delight of her new boyfriend Devin, who is a season ticket holder. (Devin is an RM from our ward. They have been dating 4-5-6 times a week this summer and having a blast. He is living here in So. Jo. attending the U.)
I am so excited for Lauren in this new phase of her life! She says everyone keeps telling her that, and recounting their fond memories of their college years... she doesn't see it. She wants to live at home, go to the community college and work (and date Devin). I told her this is her "mission". (I think she will be married before she is 21 and I want her to live on her own before that time.)
A good friend of mine (coincidentally, Devin's mom) once told me, "The Lord sends our boys on missions to give them experiences we, as Moms, wouldn't let them have." What a wise woman! She knows we are too protective of our kids to let them live and tract in dangerous neighborhoods, talk to strangers, and eat top ramen (or worse).
When Lauren first started to walk, she fell. I could have carried her around and saved her the bumps and bruises. Now she runs, jumps, and flips. When she was in 2nd grade she couldn't fix her own hair. I could have styled her hair through high school. Now she fixes mine. When she was in 6th grade she had the hardest teacher in the school. I could have transfered her to the "fun" teacher. Now she has excellent study skills and a love for history. (Mrs. Long's passion.) When she was a sophomore she didn't play any varsity time. Many of her friends in the same situation, quit the volleyball team. I could have encouraged her to quit and have more free time. Now she has an MVP and 1st team All-region awards on her shelf. Lauren doesn't want to move into an apartment, ride the bus to school, and work on the school computers. (All her friends have cars & laptops.) I hope when we look back we will have a happy ending to this growth experience.
I see so many Moms sheltering, protecting, and pampering their kids. Then they throw them to into the world unprepared to handle life standing on their own feet. Some of her roommates have never done laundry, cleaned a bathroom, cooked a meal, or handled their own finances. Looking back, I guess my advice to all you younger moms.... LET THEM STRUGGLE. Maybe that is why we are supposed to have lots of kids, we are so protective of the first, then we learn to let go, stand back, and relax a bit.
Just like weight lifting strengthens muscles, trials strengthen us. That is the Lord's plan.
I am so excited for Lauren in this new phase of her life! She says everyone keeps telling her that, and recounting their fond memories of their college years... she doesn't see it. She wants to live at home, go to the community college and work (and date Devin). I told her this is her "mission". (I think she will be married before she is 21 and I want her to live on her own before that time.)
A good friend of mine (coincidentally, Devin's mom) once told me, "The Lord sends our boys on missions to give them experiences we, as Moms, wouldn't let them have." What a wise woman! She knows we are too protective of our kids to let them live and tract in dangerous neighborhoods, talk to strangers, and eat top ramen (or worse).
When Lauren first started to walk, she fell. I could have carried her around and saved her the bumps and bruises. Now she runs, jumps, and flips. When she was in 2nd grade she couldn't fix her own hair. I could have styled her hair through high school. Now she fixes mine. When she was in 6th grade she had the hardest teacher in the school. I could have transfered her to the "fun" teacher. Now she has excellent study skills and a love for history. (Mrs. Long's passion.) When she was a sophomore she didn't play any varsity time. Many of her friends in the same situation, quit the volleyball team. I could have encouraged her to quit and have more free time. Now she has an MVP and 1st team All-region awards on her shelf. Lauren doesn't want to move into an apartment, ride the bus to school, and work on the school computers. (All her friends have cars & laptops.) I hope when we look back we will have a happy ending to this growth experience.
I see so many Moms sheltering, protecting, and pampering their kids. Then they throw them to into the world unprepared to handle life standing on their own feet. Some of her roommates have never done laundry, cleaned a bathroom, cooked a meal, or handled their own finances. Looking back, I guess my advice to all you younger moms.... LET THEM STRUGGLE. Maybe that is why we are supposed to have lots of kids, we are so protective of the first, then we learn to let go, stand back, and relax a bit.
Just like weight lifting strengthens muscles, trials strengthen us. That is the Lord's plan.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Bishop Skagg's Quilt
Many of you know our bishop that was just released a few weeks ago, Mike Skaggs. He served in the Page 5th Ward as bishop for almost 7 years. I had the privilege of working closely with him first as the primary president for three years and then for the last year and a half as the young women's president. He is a humble and faithful man who is very loved by our ward. When the word spread that he was to be released, some of my friends and I were talking about what we could do to show our appreciation for him. I told them about the project that Michelle had spearheaded in her ward when her bishop was released to become their stake president which was a quilt made of blocks contributed by ward members. We moved on the idea quickly, and I am so pleased to say that we ended up having 47 blocks contributed to include in our quilt. I rounded out the number to 48 by including a block on mom and dad's behalf (bishop will LOVE it!). I pieced it together and hand quilted it. A friend of mine did the binding. I selfishly gleaned so much joy in this small act of appreciation. We plan to present it to him next week in our combined relief society/priesthood meeting for the fifth Sunday. The picture doesn't do it justice. It turned out beautifully if I do say so myself. If you happen to talk with former bishop Mike Skaggs in the next week, keep it a secret. This is a surprise! Hee hee.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Way Old
Happy Birthday Skip!
Wikipedia says:The number 40 is significant in Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and other Middle Eastern traditions; it can also represent a rough calculation, a huge sum of units, or simply put, a lot of something
The planet Venus forms a pentagram in the night sky every eight years with it returning to its original point every 40 years with a 40 day regression (some scholars believe that this ancient information was the basis for the #40 becoming sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims)
The Roman numeral for 40 is XL
Wikipedia has other fun stuff to say about why 40 is the new 38
HeeHee! Hope you have a great day since they are now numbered....just kidding! You aren't that old-Kim is older. Haha OK I'll stop. I really do hope you have a good day and that everyone shows you the respect someone of your age... oh never mind-I can't stop myself! :)
Have a Happy Birthday!!!
Wikipedia says:The number 40 is significant in Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and other Middle Eastern traditions; it can also represent a rough calculation, a huge sum of units, or simply put, a lot of something
The planet Venus forms a pentagram in the night sky every eight years with it returning to its original point every 40 years with a 40 day regression (some scholars believe that this ancient information was the basis for the #40 becoming sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims)
The Roman numeral for 40 is XL
Wikipedia has other fun stuff to say about why 40 is the new 38
HeeHee! Hope you have a great day since they are now numbered....just kidding! You aren't that old-Kim is older. Haha OK I'll stop. I really do hope you have a good day and that everyone shows you the respect someone of your age... oh never mind-I can't stop myself! :)
Have a Happy Birthday!!!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Flying to Tobago
Wow! Ty, what an opportunity that is going to be for you!
It is amazing that many of the kids are back in school or will be soon. Bowen looked like he has shot up a few inches in the first day of school picture. All of the boys looked a little taller. I can't believe we have 3 6th graders. We would love to hear how school is going for each of you.
We are flying to Tobago on Tuesday, Deb's birthday, and returning on Friday, the day after Skip's birthday. We need to find an apartment so we can move over there as soon as the Collins are able to come to Trinidad and take our place. We weren't supposed to go until mid October but as with things here, that has changed and could change again. Change is the only constant. Our tentative target date is Sept 24th. Once we get a place to stay, we will roll with it. We will take lots of pictures. We know it is very hilly with beaches around the edges. It is where the Trinis go on vacation.
We miss all of you!
Love,
Grandma and Grandpa
Friday, August 15, 2008
Mark you calendars
September 5, 2009
Last night at the pre-season parents meeting, the Bingham coach announced that next year the Bingham football team has been invited to play the #1 ranked high school team in the US. The game will be in the Dallas Cowboys stadium and broadcast on national television!
What an opportunity for Ty his senior year! He will hopefully lead his team to a big upset and become the #1 high school team in the USA!
Last night at the pre-season parents meeting, the Bingham coach announced that next year the Bingham football team has been invited to play the #1 ranked high school team in the US. The game will be in the Dallas Cowboys stadium and broadcast on national television!
What an opportunity for Ty his senior year! He will hopefully lead his team to a big upset and become the #1 high school team in the USA!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Back to School
This morning I dropped off all 4 of my boys at school! This is a somewhat momentous year in the Martin boys' education as there are some changes and milestones. Drake is off to the big wide world of middle school complete with lockers and schedules and sports and all that good stuff. They let the kids come up and look around anytime during the week last week. Drake rode his bike over every day. He was able to find all of his classes and he can open his locker on the first try. Success! He was a little nervous about getting lost, but I know he will do great!
Corbin is now the oldest Martin kid in elementary school and he gets to take over the responsibility of looking out for the little guys. He is so ready for that. This morning when I took the kids in, he didn't want me to walk him to his classroom. He was in a hurry to get to the playground and reunite with his friends. He gave his brothers some last minute encouragement and instructions and dashed off. SO independent!
Bowen made the move over to Lake View from Desert View this year. Theo and I vacillated on this decision because he had such a great teacher at DV lined up for 2nd grade. However, with Theo at the high school now I looked into which teachers were available at LV and we decided this would be the year to get them all under one roof (at least for the elementary kids). Bo is really excited to explore a new school and didn't seem nervous at all this morning. In fact, shortly after Corbin's departure, he asked if he could go to the playground to. When I said yes, he took off with nary a look back. Mr. Easygoing is not phased by much.
Rex is now in kindergarten! There is a woman in our ward who is one of the kinder teachers, and this year she has 7 kids from our ward in her class! That has to be a record. Among them is Rex's best friend, Stuart. When we arrived in the class, I asked Rex if he wanted me to stay for a minute. He said just a for a little bit. Once Stu arrived, he told me, "You can go now, Mom." He did give me a hug and a kiss and said he would see me after school and that he loves me. Sigh....the eyes got a little blurry there for a moment. My baby, off to school! They grow so fast!
I am so grateful for the wonderful teachers that look out for my kids! I am so glad to have such great choices for them in the schools they attend. Most of all I am so glad to watch them blossom! Like any parent, I worry that things will be hard for them. That they will get scared. That they will struggle. The first day of school is hard every year! But, they continually impress me with their strength and courage! They are great kids. I am so glad they are mine!
Corbin is now the oldest Martin kid in elementary school and he gets to take over the responsibility of looking out for the little guys. He is so ready for that. This morning when I took the kids in, he didn't want me to walk him to his classroom. He was in a hurry to get to the playground and reunite with his friends. He gave his brothers some last minute encouragement and instructions and dashed off. SO independent!
Bowen made the move over to Lake View from Desert View this year. Theo and I vacillated on this decision because he had such a great teacher at DV lined up for 2nd grade. However, with Theo at the high school now I looked into which teachers were available at LV and we decided this would be the year to get them all under one roof (at least for the elementary kids). Bo is really excited to explore a new school and didn't seem nervous at all this morning. In fact, shortly after Corbin's departure, he asked if he could go to the playground to. When I said yes, he took off with nary a look back. Mr. Easygoing is not phased by much.
Rex is now in kindergarten! There is a woman in our ward who is one of the kinder teachers, and this year she has 7 kids from our ward in her class! That has to be a record. Among them is Rex's best friend, Stuart. When we arrived in the class, I asked Rex if he wanted me to stay for a minute. He said just a for a little bit. Once Stu arrived, he told me, "You can go now, Mom." He did give me a hug and a kiss and said he would see me after school and that he loves me. Sigh....the eyes got a little blurry there for a moment. My baby, off to school! They grow so fast!
I am so grateful for the wonderful teachers that look out for my kids! I am so glad to have such great choices for them in the schools they attend. Most of all I am so glad to watch them blossom! Like any parent, I worry that things will be hard for them. That they will get scared. That they will struggle. The first day of school is hard every year! But, they continually impress me with their strength and courage! They are great kids. I am so glad they are mine!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
A Scary Threat
Kim Hannay. I know you are checking this blog so here it is: My scary threat to you...
I have been checking your blog and have yet to see any new posts. So here it is, if you don't start telling about your fabulous fam, I am SERIOUSLY going to THINK ABOUT taking your blog off of "Links I Like" on my blogsite. There-was that enough to scare your cuteypants off?! How are Lauren's college prep activities coming? How is football season shaping up for Ty? Is Eric doing his B-Ball practicing? Has Nate composed his Opus yet? Has Steve tried any fun home remedies lately? Is Blooming Stitches going global? UPDATE ME OR FEEL (maybe) MY DIGITAL WRATH!!! Don't make me delete Kimmie-don't push me like that girlie!!!!!
I have been checking your blog and have yet to see any new posts. So here it is, if you don't start telling about your fabulous fam, I am SERIOUSLY going to THINK ABOUT taking your blog off of "Links I Like" on my blogsite. There-was that enough to scare your cuteypants off?! How are Lauren's college prep activities coming? How is football season shaping up for Ty? Is Eric doing his B-Ball practicing? Has Nate composed his Opus yet? Has Steve tried any fun home remedies lately? Is Blooming Stitches going global? UPDATE ME OR FEEL (maybe) MY DIGITAL WRATH!!! Don't make me delete Kimmie-don't push me like that girlie!!!!!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Come join us!!
The Gillelands are visiting the Martins this weekend! The only thing that would make it better is to have even MORE of all of us here!! :) Don't hesitate-get in your cars NOW! What fun we will have! See you soon! :)
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