Wow, Bryce turned 10 months this week! Where in the world has time gone??? Bryce is really starting to develop his personality. He's so sweet and laid back most of the time, but he does have a bit of a temper when I don't feed him fast enough! ;) He gave me the best Mother's Day gift I could ask for: He said "Mama" for the first time on Mother's Day! Twice! Granted it happened because I wasn't feeding him fast enough and he was mad...but it still happened! Then he wouldn't say it anymore until today!
Also, he's learning what he likes and dislikes to eat. He loves pizza crust! And french fries. And noodles. And of course most baby food, except for peas and anything with whole grains of rice. He doesn't seem to like the texture right now. And he doesn't really like Puffs or Cheerios anymore. He'd rather have the Gerber cheeto-like chips. And he likes Mum-Mums. (Rice wafers)
We're still breastfeeding. That's one thing he loves! He's mostly sleeping all night. He will go down at about 8:30 and maybe wake up at midnight or 1 and then he's out til about 8. Then I nurse him and he goes back down til about 9:30 or 10.
He's a very good baby, I hardly know he's there sometimes! He's got a pleasant personality and he's just an all-around joy to be around!
His Mimi (my mom) has taught him to show his muscles! It is the cutest thing! He will flex his arms and make this funny face! I'm going to try and video him doing it!
Well, I guess that's it for now. I can't believe I'm gonna have to start planning a 1 year old's birthday party soon!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Update on Cayson
Yeah, I've become a lousy blogger. I have no idea what my problem is. But I figured I'd give my many readers some updates. I know y'all have been on the edge of your seat waiting for the next chapter in the life of the Martins. (Did you notice the extreme sarcasm?)
Cayson
Cayson is growing up WAY too fast! We're still potty training. Ugh...it feels like he'll still be in pull-ups when he's in college!!! He's doing fairly well...there are still obstacles though. He does the best when he's in regular underwear, but I haven't gotten brave enough to try that when we're not at home. However, when he gets busy playing, he just doesn't make it. Also, I still put him in a pull-up when he's asleep or napping. He will actually stay dry about half the time. But he thinks when he wakes up dry that he's done his job. He doesn't want to try to go potty then because he says "I'm still dry!" Any ideas, moms? Also, we briefly tried the "let him stand up and shoot at fruit loops" trick. He did it twice and won't do it anymore! And he gets a sticker every time he goes in the toilet. That's actually working the best, but we still have accidents.
Funny things he's said:
"You have guitars on your pull-up, your underwear?"-when I had put on a pair of Shaun's guitar hero boxers because I couldn't find any other shorts!
"I cute, Mama"-just about every time he gets ready to go somewhere.
"Mama, I wanna talk"-the other day when he was trying to use every excuse he could think of to not take a nap.
"Miss Kenzie"-what he calls our student pastor's daughter Mckenzie, who is about 20 months or so.
"Miss Carriet"-referring to Miss Kenzie's mom, Carrie.
"Roll the window up, Daddy!"-when we were heading to church and Cayson didn't want the wind to mess his hair up!
"Go slow Daddy!"- we live on a mountain and Shaun likes to drive down a little faster than we are comfortable with! ha ha
There are tons more, but I'm already afraid that these might be "You had to be there" type phrases!
He still loves his sports. Any time there is a sport on TV, he has to go get the corresponding equipment for the sport and play along! No matter if it's football, baseball, or bowling! And he's getting quite good at throwing and catching the football!
He's also getting a little jealous of Bryce. As Bryce gets older and is playing with more toys, Cayson doesn't want to share! We're working on it, though.
He knows his ABC's, but won't sing the traditional ABC song. It has to be the one from "Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve" on Disney.
He can also sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and a number of other songs by himself. Including "Love the Lord your God"! (I'm really not sure if that's the name of it or not)
I just realized that this post has gotten long and it's just Cayson, so I think I'll start a new post and talk about Bryce!
Cayson
Cayson is growing up WAY too fast! We're still potty training. Ugh...it feels like he'll still be in pull-ups when he's in college!!! He's doing fairly well...there are still obstacles though. He does the best when he's in regular underwear, but I haven't gotten brave enough to try that when we're not at home. However, when he gets busy playing, he just doesn't make it. Also, I still put him in a pull-up when he's asleep or napping. He will actually stay dry about half the time. But he thinks when he wakes up dry that he's done his job. He doesn't want to try to go potty then because he says "I'm still dry!" Any ideas, moms? Also, we briefly tried the "let him stand up and shoot at fruit loops" trick. He did it twice and won't do it anymore! And he gets a sticker every time he goes in the toilet. That's actually working the best, but we still have accidents.
Funny things he's said:
"You have guitars on your pull-up, your underwear?"-when I had put on a pair of Shaun's guitar hero boxers because I couldn't find any other shorts!
"I cute, Mama"-just about every time he gets ready to go somewhere.
"Mama, I wanna talk"-the other day when he was trying to use every excuse he could think of to not take a nap.
"Miss Kenzie"-what he calls our student pastor's daughter Mckenzie, who is about 20 months or so.
"Miss Carriet"-referring to Miss Kenzie's mom, Carrie.
"Roll the window up, Daddy!"-when we were heading to church and Cayson didn't want the wind to mess his hair up!
"Go slow Daddy!"- we live on a mountain and Shaun likes to drive down a little faster than we are comfortable with! ha ha
There are tons more, but I'm already afraid that these might be "You had to be there" type phrases!
He still loves his sports. Any time there is a sport on TV, he has to go get the corresponding equipment for the sport and play along! No matter if it's football, baseball, or bowling! And he's getting quite good at throwing and catching the football!
He's also getting a little jealous of Bryce. As Bryce gets older and is playing with more toys, Cayson doesn't want to share! We're working on it, though.
He knows his ABC's, but won't sing the traditional ABC song. It has to be the one from "Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve" on Disney.
He can also sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and a number of other songs by himself. Including "Love the Lord your God"! (I'm really not sure if that's the name of it or not)
I just realized that this post has gotten long and it's just Cayson, so I think I'll start a new post and talk about Bryce!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
He Loves Me
It's been awhile, I know. A lot has happened in the past 3 months or so. We've moved. We moved again. Easter preparation for the choir (which means working super hard to get a musical ready in about 6 weeks or so). And my grandpa passed away. On Monday, March 23 he was heading home from work and pulled over and had a heart attack. He was 68.
It was a pretty big shock. But what I wanted to write about is how God showed me just how much He loves me through all of this. Ok, don't get me wrong. I knew God loved me. But the things He did for me in the events surrounding my Grandpa's death just made it feel even more real. The big thing was he made it to where my husband would be home instead of in Mexico.
See, when we moved to Heber, he agreed to go with the students on a spring break mission trip to Mexico to lead worship for them. However, some events took place that made it difficult for him to go. First of all, we didn't get to move into the house we were supposed to, way back in February. So when we finally got to move into our current house, it was right before spring break. And he didn't feel right about leaving me to take care of the boys and having to unpack too. Plus, the week before we moved to this house, we both got a terrible stomach virus. Shaun was supposed to go that week and get his CDL so he could help drive the students. However that didn't happen. Also, the kids didn't go to Mexico. I don't know if you've been keeping up with the situation down there, but it was just a little too dangerous to take them so they went to Oklahoma City instead. Put all that together and he ended up being home when I needed him most. He was incredible that week. He was strong for me and my family. He even sang at the funeral and did an AWESOME job. God knew I needed my husband with me and He made it happen. Even though there was important work to be done in OKC. That just means so much to me that He loves me that much to care about the little details.
Here's another one: remember that stomach virus? Because of that, I called my mom to come and get Cayson because we were too sick to take care of him properly. So he spent Thursday through Monday with my family. And he got to see my Grandpa exactly one week before he died.
Also, speaking of spring break trips, both my mom and my brother had considered being gone that week as well, with the students from their church. But it didn't happen.
There's so many more little things, but my message is this: I've learned to have joy in all circumstances because only God can see the big picture. I will be forever thankful for that stomach virus because it meant my papaw got to see his peanut one more time. I know Shaun was disappointed that he didn't get to go on the trip, but God knew what He was doing. He loves us! He cares about us! A God like that deserves our complete devotion. He's worthy of worship and praise!
It was a pretty big shock. But what I wanted to write about is how God showed me just how much He loves me through all of this. Ok, don't get me wrong. I knew God loved me. But the things He did for me in the events surrounding my Grandpa's death just made it feel even more real. The big thing was he made it to where my husband would be home instead of in Mexico.
See, when we moved to Heber, he agreed to go with the students on a spring break mission trip to Mexico to lead worship for them. However, some events took place that made it difficult for him to go. First of all, we didn't get to move into the house we were supposed to, way back in February. So when we finally got to move into our current house, it was right before spring break. And he didn't feel right about leaving me to take care of the boys and having to unpack too. Plus, the week before we moved to this house, we both got a terrible stomach virus. Shaun was supposed to go that week and get his CDL so he could help drive the students. However that didn't happen. Also, the kids didn't go to Mexico. I don't know if you've been keeping up with the situation down there, but it was just a little too dangerous to take them so they went to Oklahoma City instead. Put all that together and he ended up being home when I needed him most. He was incredible that week. He was strong for me and my family. He even sang at the funeral and did an AWESOME job. God knew I needed my husband with me and He made it happen. Even though there was important work to be done in OKC. That just means so much to me that He loves me that much to care about the little details.
Here's another one: remember that stomach virus? Because of that, I called my mom to come and get Cayson because we were too sick to take care of him properly. So he spent Thursday through Monday with my family. And he got to see my Grandpa exactly one week before he died.
Also, speaking of spring break trips, both my mom and my brother had considered being gone that week as well, with the students from their church. But it didn't happen.
There's so many more little things, but my message is this: I've learned to have joy in all circumstances because only God can see the big picture. I will be forever thankful for that stomach virus because it meant my papaw got to see his peanut one more time. I know Shaun was disappointed that he didn't get to go on the trip, but God knew what He was doing. He loves us! He cares about us! A God like that deserves our complete devotion. He's worthy of worship and praise!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
WE HAVE A HOUSE!!!
God is so good! Yes, we have a house. It's a 2000 sq. ft., 2 story, 4 bedroom, 2 bath house! And it's on a mountain! The view is breathtaking! Oh, and it has a jacuzzi bath tub! And a deck that extends from the upstairs master bedroom and another deck on the back of the house. GOD IS SO GOOD! Oh and for only $500 a month rent. This house could have easily rented for at least double that, but the man that's renting it to us is a church member and he felt led to give us a deal. I knew that God would provide for us. Isn't it amazing when God goes above and beyond your expectations? Thank you so much for your prayers! We get to move in the week of March 8-14.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The House Situation
Well, our house fell through. Before we had our "interview" the lady called last Friday to tell us that she gave it to the first people to fill out an application. However, we were told we didn't have to fill one out. So we're back at square one. I'm not worried, though. I know that God has a house for us. We moved here on faith and I'm trusting Him to provide for us. I'm just thankful that we have somewhere to stay in the meantime. Right now it looks like our options are leaning toward buying. There just isn't very much rental property here. And what little there is, is very small. For our price range anyway. We could pay $1900 a month and have a house today, but that's not likely to happen!!! And that's not for a huge house either. We could buy it for much cheaper! Anyway, we've never bought a house before and we really don't have a down payment so God is going to have to pave the way. Plus, it's kind of scary buying a house right now in this time of economic recession. Especially with the nature of my husband's job. We're not planning on moving anytime soon, but who knows what God has in store for us. So please keep us in your prayers!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Just Catchin' Everyone Up
I know my blogging has been sporadic, but like I've explained in the past few posts, my internet time is sporadic. Now that we're in Heber Springs, we're still in a transition time and our desktop computer is in storage. So I depend on my hubby's laptop (and my phone) for internet access. And by the time I get the laptop, I usually just want to check a few things and spend the rest of the time before bed with him. Tonight he's playing Guitar Hero on the Wii so I figured I'd share what's been going on in our world.
The House Situation
We are still waiting for a house. When we moved, one of our new church members had found us a house to rent that seemed like a Godsend. It was bigger than our house in Barling and it was less money. A lot less. And it has a lake view. The only hitch was that there was a family still living in it. But they were sure that we could get in it after a couple weeks or so. So some gracious friends of ours from Warren just happened to have a vacation house in HS that they are letting us stay in until our house is ready for us to move in. Well, it's going on a month and we're not moved yet. The owners of the house had been overseas and the other tenets are still in the house. So Shaun finally talked to the landlord today and they want to meet with us on Sunday. So now we're a little nervous because this feels like an interview or something and we thought this was a done deal. Please pray for us in this situation! Pray that either this house will come through or that God has something even better waiting for us. Regardless, I'm getting a little tired of being "homeless", so to speak. If it was just Shaun and me, it would be different. But it has been really hard on our kids.
The Church
This church has been great so far! They are really spoiling us! Our first Sunday they gave us a huge reception and a pounding. Shaun has a secretary that brings him coffee every morning! And where in the past he's pretty much had to where more hats than just worship minister, he is able to focus on the worship and education ministries. And he's gotten healthier, believe it or not. Ever since I've known him, he's struggled with high blood pressure. He checked his blood pressure the other day and it was 3 points from beng normal! That's the lowest I've ever seen it. We started home groups this past week and Shaun is leading one. I think it's going to be a great time of getting to know some new people in the church. Aside from us, there's 5 other couples which is the maximum amount allowed in each home group. We're going through the study "Contagious Community". I'm really excited about the things God has in store for our ministry.
Me
I haven't really found my niche yet. I've always been the one to help Shaun with whatever he needed done...copying music, etc. But now he has secretaries that take care of all that. So I'm trying to figure out what my place is. I think I'm going to take over the library when we finally get settled. They don't have anybody to do it for now, except for the secretaries. And since I love to read so much Shaun figured I'd enjoy taking care of it. I've already read 6 books since I got here. Let's see...I've already been invited to participate in a women's Bible study on Wednesday mornings. I'm coming in a week late, but I've already caught up in the book they're studying..."Created to be a Help Meet" by Debi Pearl. And I've already gotten to be pretty good friends with the student pastor's wife Carrie.
The Kids
The kids are adjusting fairly well. Sleeping is still a problem sometimes, especially for Bryce. Cayson has mostly little girls in his Sunday school class, which is an adjustment for him. At our last church it was all boys! There is one little boy who is about 3 months younger than Cayson. The little boy was upset last week during Sunday school and they said Cayson wiped his tears and said, "It's okay, baby. It'll be okay." How sweet is that??? He has learned that he enjoys chasing the girls and being chased. So I think he'll be okay. ;) Bryce has charmed everyone. At our reception he got passed around so much! Everytime I looked for him someone else had him!
The Dog
Not much to report except for the fact that she had puppies! Again! However, they all died except for one. And I think we've already got it placed in a good home when it gets old enough.
I guess that's the jist of it. Please remember us in your prayers. We need a house! And soon!
The House Situation
We are still waiting for a house. When we moved, one of our new church members had found us a house to rent that seemed like a Godsend. It was bigger than our house in Barling and it was less money. A lot less. And it has a lake view. The only hitch was that there was a family still living in it. But they were sure that we could get in it after a couple weeks or so. So some gracious friends of ours from Warren just happened to have a vacation house in HS that they are letting us stay in until our house is ready for us to move in. Well, it's going on a month and we're not moved yet. The owners of the house had been overseas and the other tenets are still in the house. So Shaun finally talked to the landlord today and they want to meet with us on Sunday. So now we're a little nervous because this feels like an interview or something and we thought this was a done deal. Please pray for us in this situation! Pray that either this house will come through or that God has something even better waiting for us. Regardless, I'm getting a little tired of being "homeless", so to speak. If it was just Shaun and me, it would be different. But it has been really hard on our kids.
The Church
This church has been great so far! They are really spoiling us! Our first Sunday they gave us a huge reception and a pounding. Shaun has a secretary that brings him coffee every morning! And where in the past he's pretty much had to where more hats than just worship minister, he is able to focus on the worship and education ministries. And he's gotten healthier, believe it or not. Ever since I've known him, he's struggled with high blood pressure. He checked his blood pressure the other day and it was 3 points from beng normal! That's the lowest I've ever seen it. We started home groups this past week and Shaun is leading one. I think it's going to be a great time of getting to know some new people in the church. Aside from us, there's 5 other couples which is the maximum amount allowed in each home group. We're going through the study "Contagious Community". I'm really excited about the things God has in store for our ministry.
Me
I haven't really found my niche yet. I've always been the one to help Shaun with whatever he needed done...copying music, etc. But now he has secretaries that take care of all that. So I'm trying to figure out what my place is. I think I'm going to take over the library when we finally get settled. They don't have anybody to do it for now, except for the secretaries. And since I love to read so much Shaun figured I'd enjoy taking care of it. I've already read 6 books since I got here. Let's see...I've already been invited to participate in a women's Bible study on Wednesday mornings. I'm coming in a week late, but I've already caught up in the book they're studying..."Created to be a Help Meet" by Debi Pearl. And I've already gotten to be pretty good friends with the student pastor's wife Carrie.
The Kids
The kids are adjusting fairly well. Sleeping is still a problem sometimes, especially for Bryce. Cayson has mostly little girls in his Sunday school class, which is an adjustment for him. At our last church it was all boys! There is one little boy who is about 3 months younger than Cayson. The little boy was upset last week during Sunday school and they said Cayson wiped his tears and said, "It's okay, baby. It'll be okay." How sweet is that??? He has learned that he enjoys chasing the girls and being chased. So I think he'll be okay. ;) Bryce has charmed everyone. At our reception he got passed around so much! Everytime I looked for him someone else had him!
The Dog
Not much to report except for the fact that she had puppies! Again! However, they all died except for one. And I think we've already got it placed in a good home when it gets old enough.
I guess that's the jist of it. Please remember us in your prayers. We need a house! And soon!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
I'm still here!
I know I've been a bad blogger. There are several factors. Mainly, as I've explained before, my internet access has been limited. We tether Shaun's phone to the laptop to get the internet at home right now and I just haven't been online very much. I just use my blackberry to keep updated with facebook, email, and bloglines. I know I can blog via email, but it's just too much use of my thumbs for me! Anyway, another factor is the fact that God's been doing a work in our lives that I just couldn't blog about, until it came to fruition. And since I really, really wanted to blog about it, I just stayed about from blogger! But I can talk about it now....
We're moving. To another city and another church. There's so much to tell about the whole story that I just don't want to go into it all for the time being. For now, just being able to tell that God is moving us is enough. This is going to be a hard move for us. First Southern has been home to us for almost 3 years. We love these people. They've been incredibly good to us. We've dedicated 2 precious boys here. We've seen so much growth during our time here. I'm especially going to miss my kids I teach in Sunday school. I LOVE those kiddos. I've had the priviledge of seeing 4 of them accept Christ and be baptized.
And then there's the little boys that Cayson has made friends with. His first friends. I know he'll make more, but...we'll miss them all the same.
So, where are we moving? To Heber Springs, AR. Greers Ferry Lake. Boy this is tough. ;) It is incredibly beautiful there. We are excited about the ministry opportunities there. But that's for another post. I just wanted to finally reveal what's going on in our lives. Our last Sunday is this upcoming Sunday, so keep us, First Southern, and Heber Springs Baptist Church in your prayers during this transition time.
We're moving. To another city and another church. There's so much to tell about the whole story that I just don't want to go into it all for the time being. For now, just being able to tell that God is moving us is enough. This is going to be a hard move for us. First Southern has been home to us for almost 3 years. We love these people. They've been incredibly good to us. We've dedicated 2 precious boys here. We've seen so much growth during our time here. I'm especially going to miss my kids I teach in Sunday school. I LOVE those kiddos. I've had the priviledge of seeing 4 of them accept Christ and be baptized.
And then there's the little boys that Cayson has made friends with. His first friends. I know he'll make more, but...we'll miss them all the same.
So, where are we moving? To Heber Springs, AR. Greers Ferry Lake. Boy this is tough. ;) It is incredibly beautiful there. We are excited about the ministry opportunities there. But that's for another post. I just wanted to finally reveal what's going on in our lives. Our last Sunday is this upcoming Sunday, so keep us, First Southern, and Heber Springs Baptist Church in your prayers during this transition time.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wii Fit
Mandy asked me about our Wii Fit, so I thought I'd share our experience with it so far.
We've had it about a month or so and we really like it. The "games" are divided up into 4 categories: yoga, strength training, aerobics, and balance games. The yoga and strength training is pretty much self explanatory. I've never done yoga before, but I really enjoy the stretches. And the Wii Fit helps to make sure you do them correctly. (To a certain point, there are ways of "cheating", but that would defeat the purpose.) I hate working out, but the strength training exercises aren't bad. I get more motivated because I'm wanting to get a higher score. And to add minutes to my fit time bank.
The aerobics has a hula hoop, advanced hula hoop, basic step aerobics, advanced step aerobics, a long aerobics that you can actually change the channel and watch tv and just rely on the sound from your Wiimote to let you know when to step, a short run, long run, 2 player run, and rhythm boxing. I love doing the advanced step aerobics. It's pretty fun and takes a little bit of coordination. The rhythm boxing is pretty fun, too. You have to follow your instructor and perform the same moves as he does. And at the end you get about 10 seconds for a free-for-all, which is great for getting out stress!
The balance games are the most "game-like". There's a soccer game where you have to shift your body weight to the left, right, and center to hit the soccer balls with your head. But you also have to dodge cleats and panda heads! There's also a ski slalom, a ski jump, snowboard slalom, a tightrope game, and some others that are pretty fun.
I left out the body test part. At the beginning you can take a body test which measures your bmi and weight. Then you do a couple of balance exercises. Then the Wii takes your real age, bmi, weight, and your results on the balance exercises to determine your "Wii Fit age". This really doesn't mean much to me because from what I've seen, the major factor is your results on the balance games. It is nice being told I have a Wii Fit age of 20, though!
I haven't lost much weight yet; it seems to fluctuate. But I haven't really cut back on my calories and I haven't been very disciplined to consistantly work out everyday. But that's a goal. If you want to know more about the Wii Fit, just google it and I'm sure you can find a better review than this. But my opinion is it's a great way to get active and I'm sure weight loss can be achieved, but you have to do a lot of the "hard" stuff! You're not gonna lose weight by playing balance games for an hour!
By the way, Cayson absolutely LOVES it! Everyday he asks to "pay da wii". Or to "soboard". And most of the time he's content to stand on the floor and copy whatever I'm doing. As long as he has a wiimote in his hands! (We take the batteries out of his...shhh, don't tell!) He even likes to do "goga" (yoga). It's just so cute! He tries his best to do exactly like I'm doing! Even when I put my wiimote down to do strength training or whatever, he has to do the same.
So, if you have about $100 to spare, and can find one, I'd definitely recommend the Wii Fit!
We've had it about a month or so and we really like it. The "games" are divided up into 4 categories: yoga, strength training, aerobics, and balance games. The yoga and strength training is pretty much self explanatory. I've never done yoga before, but I really enjoy the stretches. And the Wii Fit helps to make sure you do them correctly. (To a certain point, there are ways of "cheating", but that would defeat the purpose.) I hate working out, but the strength training exercises aren't bad. I get more motivated because I'm wanting to get a higher score. And to add minutes to my fit time bank.
The aerobics has a hula hoop, advanced hula hoop, basic step aerobics, advanced step aerobics, a long aerobics that you can actually change the channel and watch tv and just rely on the sound from your Wiimote to let you know when to step, a short run, long run, 2 player run, and rhythm boxing. I love doing the advanced step aerobics. It's pretty fun and takes a little bit of coordination. The rhythm boxing is pretty fun, too. You have to follow your instructor and perform the same moves as he does. And at the end you get about 10 seconds for a free-for-all, which is great for getting out stress!
The balance games are the most "game-like". There's a soccer game where you have to shift your body weight to the left, right, and center to hit the soccer balls with your head. But you also have to dodge cleats and panda heads! There's also a ski slalom, a ski jump, snowboard slalom, a tightrope game, and some others that are pretty fun.
I left out the body test part. At the beginning you can take a body test which measures your bmi and weight. Then you do a couple of balance exercises. Then the Wii takes your real age, bmi, weight, and your results on the balance exercises to determine your "Wii Fit age". This really doesn't mean much to me because from what I've seen, the major factor is your results on the balance games. It is nice being told I have a Wii Fit age of 20, though!
I haven't lost much weight yet; it seems to fluctuate. But I haven't really cut back on my calories and I haven't been very disciplined to consistantly work out everyday. But that's a goal. If you want to know more about the Wii Fit, just google it and I'm sure you can find a better review than this. But my opinion is it's a great way to get active and I'm sure weight loss can be achieved, but you have to do a lot of the "hard" stuff! You're not gonna lose weight by playing balance games for an hour!
By the way, Cayson absolutely LOVES it! Everyday he asks to "pay da wii". Or to "soboard". And most of the time he's content to stand on the floor and copy whatever I'm doing. As long as he has a wiimote in his hands! (We take the batteries out of his...shhh, don't tell!) He even likes to do "goga" (yoga). It's just so cute! He tries his best to do exactly like I'm doing! Even when I put my wiimote down to do strength training or whatever, he has to do the same.
So, if you have about $100 to spare, and can find one, I'd definitely recommend the Wii Fit!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
What I've Been Up To
I know it's been a while, but our internet situation is kind of limited right now. Long story. We still have internet, we're just getting it via tethering Shaun's HTC Touch to the laptop. Which means I don't get much internet time. Other than checking my email and reading bloglines. So here's a brief update on the Martin clan:
We got new phones. Like I said, Shaun got an HTC Touch and I got a Blackberry Pearl 8130. That's how I've been checking my email and such. We like them pretty well. I've gone through a love/hate/love/hate/LOVE relationship with mine. Basically, after I got it I found out that it didn't do Picture Messaging. Boy was I mad! It's my fault that I didn't research it enough before buying it though. However, tonight Shaun was able to FINALLY download the newest OS for my phone and it fixed the pic messaging problem. Yay! So I LOVE my phone now! he he
We've been racking our brains trying to come up with costumes for our family for fall festival without spending an arm and a leg. I think we've finally come up with something, but I don't want to reveal it until we know for sure.
My whole family came up last weekend (minus my dad). We spent that Saturday in Rogers shopping. It was so much fun!
I've been focusing on really cleaning my house. Taking one room at a time. I'm not finished, but it's getting there. (Although right now it's a train wreck from spending this weekend doing just about nothing!) Oh well, back to work tomorrow!
We got a Wii Fit and we love it!
I guess that's it for now. I have to go help my husband change the sheets on the bed so we can go to bed. Have a great week!
We got new phones. Like I said, Shaun got an HTC Touch and I got a Blackberry Pearl 8130. That's how I've been checking my email and such. We like them pretty well. I've gone through a love/hate/love/hate/LOVE relationship with mine. Basically, after I got it I found out that it didn't do Picture Messaging. Boy was I mad! It's my fault that I didn't research it enough before buying it though. However, tonight Shaun was able to FINALLY download the newest OS for my phone and it fixed the pic messaging problem. Yay! So I LOVE my phone now! he he
We've been racking our brains trying to come up with costumes for our family for fall festival without spending an arm and a leg. I think we've finally come up with something, but I don't want to reveal it until we know for sure.
My whole family came up last weekend (minus my dad). We spent that Saturday in Rogers shopping. It was so much fun!
I've been focusing on really cleaning my house. Taking one room at a time. I'm not finished, but it's getting there. (Although right now it's a train wreck from spending this weekend doing just about nothing!) Oh well, back to work tomorrow!
We got a Wii Fit and we love it!
I guess that's it for now. I have to go help my husband change the sheets on the bed so we can go to bed. Have a great week!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Fireproof your marriage
My husband and I had a real date last night. A double date, in fact. With no kids! I don't remember the last time we did that! We went to eat and then to see the movie Fireproof. What an amazing movie! It's from the makers of "Facing the Giants" and "Flywheel". Cinematography-wise, it's a much better quality than the previous films. And the acting has improved. I think everyone could identify with this movie, regardless of their marital state. It deals with issues such as internet pornography and emotional affairs. If you are married, it will challenge you to examine your marriage and see where you need to work on things. Everyone should go see this movie, but be sure and bring some tissues!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Updates on the Boys
I haven't given any updates in a while so here ya go!
Bryce
Bryce is such a delight! I have been blessed with such a good baby. I always thought Cayson was pretty easy, and he was, but Bryce is easier. Which is good because Cayson has hit the terrible twos! More on that in a little bit.
Anyway, Bryce is totally content to just sit and watch. He loves to smile and to get attention from his mommy and daddy. His eyes just light up. He will fall asleep on his own; I hardly ever have to put him to sleep. He loves to rock, which means we need a new rocking chair. Ours is broken and Cayson never cared to be rocked anyway. He also SLEEPS ALL NIGHT! I am so glad that Cayson was born first because he didn't do this until he was 8 months old. And I didn't care because I was told that breastfed babies would take longer to sleep all night. If Bryce had been first, I would have been very frustrated by Cayson! But God knew what He was doing!
He loves being in his sling, most of the time anyway. In fact, that's the only way I can get him to take a bottle. It's weird because usually breastfed babies won't take a bottle from their mom. But he won't take one in the church nursery at all. (And in case you're wondering why I need to give him a bottle when I'm the one that has him in the sling, well it's usually when we're shopping at Walmart!)
He's already started teething. Usually every night at about 7 or so he starts getting a little fussy and majorly drooling and chewing on whatever he can find (usually his fist or mine or Shaun's finger).
He's just such a good baby. I love him more everyday, if that's possible!
Cayson
Like I said, Cayson has hit the "terrible twos". He's not terrible though, just really high-spirited! He's curious about everything! He gets into whatever he can, but he's so quick to say "sorry" if he messes up. Potty training is going pretty well. I let him run around bare-bottomed right now and he goes just fine. But put some pull-ups or training underwear on him and he won't pull them down. He just goes and sits on the potty and goes in his pants. I'm not too worried about it right now. I know it'll come. I'm just working with him on learning how to pull his pants down and back up. And he started telling me last night at church that he needed to go potty, but he didn't like sitting on the grown-up toilet.
He can count to 18 and he's learning his colors and shapes. He knows a triangle and circle and the names of the other shapes. And he knows the names of the colors, but has a hard associating what color goes with what. Sometimes he gets it right and sometimes he doesn't. He loves to count, though. And he's really developed a love of reading. His favorite show is Mickey's Clubhouse and his favorite movie is Cars. He loves to sing and dance and pretend to play "air instruments". He can spot a guitar, trumpet, piano, saxophone, flute, and drums a mile away! At choir practice at church he will get a book just like everyone else and sit and sing with us! He knows that God made him for His glory and will tell you that too! He also loves to pray. And now he insists on praying at mealtimes. Once, I was feeding Bryce when it was time to pray so Cayson made Shaun come over to the couch so we could all hold hands and pray together! (Tearful moment!) He loves airplanes. And, boy, can he play ball! If he doesn't have a ball in his hands, he's not happy! And it doesn't matter what kind of ball, either. But he's really into football right now. He loves to throw it to someone and then after they catch it, he runs at them to tackle them! And he can stiff arm, too. He also likes to drop-kick the ball.
Behavior-wise, he's a typical two-year-old. He has meltdowns when things aren't done exactly like he's used too. He's very independent as well. Still taking naps, but on weekends he doesn't like to because his daddy's home and he doesn't want to miss a minute!
As for me and Shaun, not much has changed. Life is good!
Bryce
Bryce is such a delight! I have been blessed with such a good baby. I always thought Cayson was pretty easy, and he was, but Bryce is easier. Which is good because Cayson has hit the terrible twos! More on that in a little bit.
Anyway, Bryce is totally content to just sit and watch. He loves to smile and to get attention from his mommy and daddy. His eyes just light up. He will fall asleep on his own; I hardly ever have to put him to sleep. He loves to rock, which means we need a new rocking chair. Ours is broken and Cayson never cared to be rocked anyway. He also SLEEPS ALL NIGHT! I am so glad that Cayson was born first because he didn't do this until he was 8 months old. And I didn't care because I was told that breastfed babies would take longer to sleep all night. If Bryce had been first, I would have been very frustrated by Cayson! But God knew what He was doing!
He loves being in his sling, most of the time anyway. In fact, that's the only way I can get him to take a bottle. It's weird because usually breastfed babies won't take a bottle from their mom. But he won't take one in the church nursery at all. (And in case you're wondering why I need to give him a bottle when I'm the one that has him in the sling, well it's usually when we're shopping at Walmart!)
He's already started teething. Usually every night at about 7 or so he starts getting a little fussy and majorly drooling and chewing on whatever he can find (usually his fist or mine or Shaun's finger).
He's just such a good baby. I love him more everyday, if that's possible!
Cayson
Like I said, Cayson has hit the "terrible twos". He's not terrible though, just really high-spirited! He's curious about everything! He gets into whatever he can, but he's so quick to say "sorry" if he messes up. Potty training is going pretty well. I let him run around bare-bottomed right now and he goes just fine. But put some pull-ups or training underwear on him and he won't pull them down. He just goes and sits on the potty and goes in his pants. I'm not too worried about it right now. I know it'll come. I'm just working with him on learning how to pull his pants down and back up. And he started telling me last night at church that he needed to go potty, but he didn't like sitting on the grown-up toilet.
He can count to 18 and he's learning his colors and shapes. He knows a triangle and circle and the names of the other shapes. And he knows the names of the colors, but has a hard associating what color goes with what. Sometimes he gets it right and sometimes he doesn't. He loves to count, though. And he's really developed a love of reading. His favorite show is Mickey's Clubhouse and his favorite movie is Cars. He loves to sing and dance and pretend to play "air instruments". He can spot a guitar, trumpet, piano, saxophone, flute, and drums a mile away! At choir practice at church he will get a book just like everyone else and sit and sing with us! He knows that God made him for His glory and will tell you that too! He also loves to pray. And now he insists on praying at mealtimes. Once, I was feeding Bryce when it was time to pray so Cayson made Shaun come over to the couch so we could all hold hands and pray together! (Tearful moment!) He loves airplanes. And, boy, can he play ball! If he doesn't have a ball in his hands, he's not happy! And it doesn't matter what kind of ball, either. But he's really into football right now. He loves to throw it to someone and then after they catch it, he runs at them to tackle them! And he can stiff arm, too. He also likes to drop-kick the ball.
Behavior-wise, he's a typical two-year-old. He has meltdowns when things aren't done exactly like he's used too. He's very independent as well. Still taking naps, but on weekends he doesn't like to because his daddy's home and he doesn't want to miss a minute!
As for me and Shaun, not much has changed. Life is good!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Seizing Divine Moments
On Sunday nights at First Southern we have several different small groups spread throughout Lavaca, Central City, and Fort Smith. We are all (except the students) going through a study called Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus. It's a 10 week study on the life of Jonathan. We just finished chapter 2 last night, but this study is already getting to me. It's all about seizing divine moments and not living a passive life. The life of a christian should be full and exciting, not safe and boring. And that's where I am. Well, I guess life's not boring (it can't be with Shaun for a husband! ha ha) But it's certainly safe. In the book, Erwin talks about a time that he was at the beach with his 10 year old son and they saw a double amputee struggling with walking. He had crutches, but he kept falling. Erwin made the decision to just steer his son the other way. But his son stopped him, saying that he had to help that man. And because his son tried to help him, several other peope noticed and began to help, too. How many times am I faced with similar situations and I just decide to be neutral and not get involved?
This quote from the book really summed up things I had been feeling for a couple of years and didn't even realize it:
Time is ticking by faster than ever, it seems, and I don't want to look back and see that I never seized those divine moments. Jesus said that he came so that we could have life, and life more abundant. He's not talking about money or material things, either. I want that abundant life. I know that this book has the potential to be a turning point in my life, I just have to make the decision to let it.
This quote from the book really summed up things I had been feeling for a couple of years and didn't even realize it:
"The more you move with God-given urgency, the more God seems to bless your life. The more God blesses your life, the more you have to lose. The more you have to lose, the more you have to risk. The more you have to risk, the higher the price of following God. In some twisted way, God's blessings to us can become our greatest hindrances to seizing divine moments." --Erwin McManus, Chasing DaylightWhen Shaun and I first married, we didn't have any money or kids or even any stuff that was worth anything. We dreamed about doing all kinds of things. Then he started making more money and then we had kids. Now life all too often gets bogged down with the mundane. I tend to be safe so that my kids are safe.
Time is ticking by faster than ever, it seems, and I don't want to look back and see that I never seized those divine moments. Jesus said that he came so that we could have life, and life more abundant. He's not talking about money or material things, either. I want that abundant life. I know that this book has the potential to be a turning point in my life, I just have to make the decision to let it.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Some pictures we took in August
His first smile! I didn't mean to cut his eye out, but I was trying to hurry and capture the moment!
Precious little foot
Brothers
Welcome to the Blogging World!
Cheryl, our pastor's wife, has started a blog! If you get a chance, stop by and say hello!
What a Day!
For some reason, blogger is showing that I wrote this September 19 but I really wrote it September 20
Yesterday was one of those days that is horrible to go through, but in about 10 years will be hilarious. It'll be one of those stories that we tell Cayson's future wife about. One of those days. The morning was fine. We had scheduled him an appointment to get his hair cut at 3:45 so I made sure he went down for his nap at a good time. Usually he fights us at naptime when his daddy's home, but not yesterday. He went down without a fuss and went right to sleep. Little did I know, that was the calm before the storm! My first clue should have been that I had to wake him up from his nap. He's always a little fussy when he doesn't get his complete nap. The second clue would have been his response when I asked him if he was ready to get his haircut. He said a quick "No". However, I paid no attention to these clues!
Once we got to the salon, Shaun got his haircut first. Cayson was fine throughout that. He even sat still in the waiting chairs. But when time came for his turn...he didn't like it ONE bit! Shaun had to hold him and everytime the hair stylist, Donna, got near him with the clippers, he jerked. We fought with him for an hour! We would have left and come back later, but we have FAMILY PICTURES today!!! So that was out of the question. So we fought with him long enough to get it fairly even and we left. I wanted to cry! His hair was so cute before, it was just a little too long.
Once we got home, chaos ensued. Cayson was bouncing off the walls! It was Shaun's turn to cook supper, so while he was working on that, I was tending to Cayson and Bryce, too. My nerves were already to a breaking point, but the kicker came when Cayson pooped in the floor! Yes, he pooped in the floor. He didn't mean to. We're in the beginning stages of potty training. And I had been letting him run around bare bottomed while it's just us at home so he gets used to going in the potty. Then I'll add the training pants. It's working too. Except for poop, apparently.
Anyway, after that I told him to sit on the potty and finish, but he wanted to help clean up, bless his heart. That's something that normally wouldn't faze me, but after the day I'd had, I just went in the bathroom and made myself calm down.
It's a good thing, too. Because after supper Shaun wanted to try his hand at hair styling. Armed with a pair of kitchen scissors (all we could find, I think I left my good scissors at the church) and a beard and moustache trimmer, Shaun began. Oh boy. Let me just say that Shaun doesn't have much patience! What's really funny is I decided to see if I could do any better and I ended up taking off a longish piece of hair and Shaun had a cow. Even though you couldn't tell it was even gone. So I handed the trimmer back to him and he proceeded to get a big clump of hair, right behind Cayson's ear. At that point I didn't know whether to laugh or cry--in fact, I did both!
Long story shorter, we fixed it enough so that it's presentable, except for a bare spot behind his ear. This family picture will serve as a reminder to NEVER get haircuts for young kiddos the day before pictures!
(Oh, and I tried to get an "after" picture, but he wouldn't be still long enough! That gives me much confidence about pictures today!)
Yesterday was one of those days that is horrible to go through, but in about 10 years will be hilarious. It'll be one of those stories that we tell Cayson's future wife about. One of those days. The morning was fine. We had scheduled him an appointment to get his hair cut at 3:45 so I made sure he went down for his nap at a good time. Usually he fights us at naptime when his daddy's home, but not yesterday. He went down without a fuss and went right to sleep. Little did I know, that was the calm before the storm! My first clue should have been that I had to wake him up from his nap. He's always a little fussy when he doesn't get his complete nap. The second clue would have been his response when I asked him if he was ready to get his haircut. He said a quick "No". However, I paid no attention to these clues!
Once we got to the salon, Shaun got his haircut first. Cayson was fine throughout that. He even sat still in the waiting chairs. But when time came for his turn...he didn't like it ONE bit! Shaun had to hold him and everytime the hair stylist, Donna, got near him with the clippers, he jerked. We fought with him for an hour! We would have left and come back later, but we have FAMILY PICTURES today!!! So that was out of the question. So we fought with him long enough to get it fairly even and we left. I wanted to cry! His hair was so cute before, it was just a little too long.
Once we got home, chaos ensued. Cayson was bouncing off the walls! It was Shaun's turn to cook supper, so while he was working on that, I was tending to Cayson and Bryce, too. My nerves were already to a breaking point, but the kicker came when Cayson pooped in the floor! Yes, he pooped in the floor. He didn't mean to. We're in the beginning stages of potty training. And I had been letting him run around bare bottomed while it's just us at home so he gets used to going in the potty. Then I'll add the training pants. It's working too. Except for poop, apparently.
Anyway, after that I told him to sit on the potty and finish, but he wanted to help clean up, bless his heart. That's something that normally wouldn't faze me, but after the day I'd had, I just went in the bathroom and made myself calm down.
It's a good thing, too. Because after supper Shaun wanted to try his hand at hair styling. Armed with a pair of kitchen scissors (all we could find, I think I left my good scissors at the church) and a beard and moustache trimmer, Shaun began. Oh boy. Let me just say that Shaun doesn't have much patience! What's really funny is I decided to see if I could do any better and I ended up taking off a longish piece of hair and Shaun had a cow. Even though you couldn't tell it was even gone. So I handed the trimmer back to him and he proceeded to get a big clump of hair, right behind Cayson's ear. At that point I didn't know whether to laugh or cry--in fact, I did both!
Long story shorter, we fixed it enough so that it's presentable, except for a bare spot behind his ear. This family picture will serve as a reminder to NEVER get haircuts for young kiddos the day before pictures!
(Oh, and I tried to get an "after" picture, but he wouldn't be still long enough! That gives me much confidence about pictures today!)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Potty Chronicles: Day 4
The Potty Chronicles series
Potty Training Starts Today
He Did It!
Day 4
Well, today was a no go...but tonight was great! He went in the potty 4 times! And no accidents! He was so excited, too. It's very encouraging. But I know that it's a long process and we're just taking one day at a time!
Potty Training Starts Today
He Did It!
Day 4
Well, today was a no go...but tonight was great! He went in the potty 4 times! And no accidents! He was so excited, too. It's very encouraging. But I know that it's a long process and we're just taking one day at a time!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Potty Chronicles: He did It!
The Potty Chronicles series
Potty Training Starts Today
He Did It!
Day 2 of Potty Training
I won't go into all the details, but Cayson went in the potty on his own for the first time! He didn't even tell me he needed to go. He just sat down and went. There was one hitch, however. He didn't pull his big boy training pants down! (Not pull-ups, really thick underwear.) But it's a start!
Potty Training Starts Today
He Did It!
Day 2 of Potty Training
I won't go into all the details, but Cayson went in the potty on his own for the first time! He didn't even tell me he needed to go. He just sat down and went. There was one hitch, however. He didn't pull his big boy training pants down! (Not pull-ups, really thick underwear.) But it's a start!
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Potty Chronicles: Potty Training Starts Today!
The Potty Chronicles series
Potty Training Starts Today!
He Did It!
Day One of Potty Training
Yep, he's had enough time, hopefully, adjusting to Bryce. It didn't actually take long for him to get used to having him around. So now we've decided to start potty training actively. We'll see how it goes. And today he actually told us he needed to potty, we just didn't realize it. Usually he tells us after he's gone, but today he told us before. And by the time Shaun began changing his diaper, he'd already gone a little. And he finished the job a little later. I think this is the milestone that I've been both dreading and looking forward to the most. It will be great to not have to change a double dose of diapers and even better not to have to buy double the diapers. But I'm dreading the process. I have my own ideas of how I'm going to proceed for now, but I'd love to hear ideas from other experienced moms on what worked for you!
Potty Training Starts Today!
He Did It!
Day One of Potty Training
Yep, he's had enough time, hopefully, adjusting to Bryce. It didn't actually take long for him to get used to having him around. So now we've decided to start potty training actively. We'll see how it goes. And today he actually told us he needed to potty, we just didn't realize it. Usually he tells us after he's gone, but today he told us before. And by the time Shaun began changing his diaper, he'd already gone a little. And he finished the job a little later. I think this is the milestone that I've been both dreading and looking forward to the most. It will be great to not have to change a double dose of diapers and even better not to have to buy double the diapers. But I'm dreading the process. I have my own ideas of how I'm going to proceed for now, but I'd love to hear ideas from other experienced moms on what worked for you!
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