life elsewhere

Recipe Binder-Finally!

2012-02-04T21:09:00.007-05:00

After much, much, much too long, I finally started a recipe binder. This was my goal for Project of the Week this week. I needed to at least build the back bones of this puppy. So here's what I've done so far.

Cover- cute little (free) printable from prudentbaby.com

Dividers- just had some of those lame yellow dividers with colored tabs laying around, so that's what I used!

Page protectors- also had those on hand. They're perfect because you can slide anything in there! Esp. all those annoying scraps I've torn out of magazines and shoved into a folder over the years. Yikes!

This project was pretty straight forward. I took some pics of what I've done so far, which was organize any printed recipes or magazine pages. It will take a while to print the recipes from various online sources. But this was a GOOD start. Oh, and I'll tell ya, once I got the page protectors in, they stuck out longer than the dividers with the tabs. So my tabs are basically obsolete right now. I'll probably try using a page protector as a divider and stick a tab on there.

Also, here's how I categorized the dividers:

Appetizers/Party Food

Soups and Stews

Main Dishes (within this I'm trying to keep meats first, then pastas, then veg, etc...)

Salads and Sides

Breakfast Food (totally deserves a category of its own in my opinion!)

Snacks

Sweets

Drinks

Anyone have any handy tips they've heard or used for recipe binders? I'd love to know!

Craft Night Successes

2012-01-28T14:35:00.007-05:00

Shout out to my Life Group ladies and our AWESOME craft night last night. Crafty juices were flowing. I have the pictures to prove it:

Both the crayon-art hearts and garland were Martha Stewart crafts. See this post for links to the projects on Martha's website. And then I decided to use the leftover cut-out hearts from the garland to spice up this window pane I found in someone's trash a couple of years ago. (I know- who throws this kind of stuff out?!)

It was hard to get a good pic because of the glare, but I used a needle and thread to string the hearts from top to bottom. Now the house is all cutesy and cheerful. As Ben said, "Sure are a lot of hearts around here..." He loves it ;)

Baked Goods

2012-01-26T13:39:00.007-05:00

Asher and I baked up some muffins during Millie's nap the other morning. They had good reviews on allrecipies.com and used mostly wholesome ingredients that I had on hand. Well, we are making them again today. They were that good. Perfect for snack time! Or any other time really. You can find the recipe here. It makes exactly 12 standard-sized muffins which is kind of nice. We pretty much followed the recipe except we used whole wheat flour. Have fun altering it to your liking!

Now, even though I get really excited about my "healthy" baked goods, I don't think my sweet-toothed husband always has the same appreciation. Which I get. I enjoy a nice buttery cookie every now and then too! Especially hot out of the oven. Mmmmmm. But, I would rather not have 2 dozen buttery cookies hanging around the house for days after I make them. Ya feel me? Well, thanks to the toaster oven, that is no longer an issue. I will occasionally pick up a pack of "break 'n bakes" and the Ben can throw one or two in the toaster oven as he pleases. Typically we'll do this after the kids are in bed and we can actually enjoy them. If you don't have a toaster oven, you might want to think about getting one...

Cranberry walnut cookies.

Baked to perfection in less than 5 mins in the toaster oven.

Hello love.

This Week's Projects

2012-01-24T14:58:00.006-05:00

Well, here goes. My first "Project of the Week". And call me feisty, but it will actually be 2, potentially 3 projects. I'm having a lil' craft night with the Life Group gals, so that makes for some extra time :) I'd like to create some V-day decor to spruce up the house a bit. I haven't been huge on Valentine's Day in the past, but I just can resist all the cute pinks and reds! Perfect for the bleakness of winter right now. Two of the projects are Martha Stewart inspired: here and here. The third is just something I saw in a gift shop. A vase filled with some red hots (you know, those tiny little red heart candies). The trick is that the vase still had live flowers in it. There was simply a smaller vase within in vase, and the candies filled in the space between. Something like this:

I just need to decide which candies to use. Conversation hearts, Vday M&M's, jelly benas, the red hots... Lots of possibilities! Hopefully I'll have some good pics of the finished products for you. Anyone else working on a little something this week?

Project of the Week

2012-01-20T13:35:00.002-05:00

So I have about a dozen (or more) projects that I really want to do. Some are crafty, some are practical, some are for gifts and others are to beautify my home. I am really GOOD at deciding what I want to do, but really BAD at setting the time aside to do it. I get so caught up in the everyday survival mode. But what I've found is that once you make the time, it doesn't take as long as you imagined it would. Usually. I know there have to be others who feel me on this one. Especially if you're on Pinterest. So, I am setting out to do one project a week, starting next week. Big or small, doesn't matter, but just setting the goal of a specific project to work on in attempts to make these aspirations floating in my head a reality.

Each week I will post what the "Project of the Week" is and if I'm really lucky, I'll even be able to post the finished product. It's an attempt at least. Anyone wanna venture with me???

Oh the cheeks!

2012-01-16T11:41:00.007-05:00

Seriously. Is there anything cuter than a little one's face in a hood or hat? Not to mention a snow suit! I'm hard pressed to think of something more adorable at the moment...

Millie and I took a day trip to Cleveland Saturday. Asher stayed behind with Ben and they shoveled after our first good snow. Ben said that a man walked by and Asher (in his normal, extroverted fashion) pronounced, "Hi! I shev-el like Papa". I love to see this little man have pride in helping out and wanting to be like his father. So powerful.

And as for Ben, I am so thankful to have a husband that I can leave one or both kids with for the entire day. That I don't have to worry or think twice, or even write down their schedules and what they should eat because he knows. He's involved. He's engaged. I'm thankful that when he walks in through the door after a long day of work, he jumps right in to play, or get the kids ready for dinner, or whatever needs to happen. And the best part is bedtime. Papa is that bath-man, the story-time guy and the one who leads them into the word and prayer as each day ends. Where would we be without our faithful Papa?

Words for Mothers

2012-01-13T20:55:00.001-05:00

I was just writing out a card to another friend who is about to have a baby. In it, I included a poem that I put in a blog post a while back. When I did a Google search for the author, I came across another poem of the same nature. May I heed its warning.

My hands were busy through the day.
I didn’t have much time to play.
The little games you asked to do,
I didn’t have much time for you.
I’d wash your clothes. I’d sew and cook.
You’d ask and I’d read from your book.
I’d tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers; turn out the light.

Then tiptoe softly by your door,
I wish I’d stayed a minute more.
For life was short, the years rushed past,
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at my side,
His precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away.
There are no longer games to play.

No Teddy Bears or misplaced toys
No sleepovers with lots of boys.
No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear.
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to do.

Anonymous

Greek Yogurt: 2 Ways to Mix-Up Mundane Munchies

2012-01-11T15:28:00.008-05:00

I hate to admit it. I'm disappointed. Even slightly embarrassed to say: my child is a picky eater. At least one of them is anyway. Was it something I did, or did not do? Am I responsible for this? Or, is it just the very nature of a 2 year-old? Probably a combination of both... Regardless, I want to get more variety in my little guy's diet. I feel like I serve the same thing over and over! Dinner is an exception because the kids get whatever it is we eat, with a side of applesauce or the like. But breakfast and lunch have become mundane.

To get out of the oatmeal/pb toast/Cheerios rut that we are in for breakfast, I started investigating smoothies. I wanted to find a way to incorporate Greek yogurt since it's packed with protein. Here's what I came up with:

1 cup of plain Greek yogurt and 1 cup of

Bolthouse Farm's Berry Boost Friut Smoothie.

Combine both ingredients until smooth.

I found both items at Aldi. And because the berries are already pureed, you can simply mix with a hand mixer or whisk. It has a really great, smooth texture. And no cleaning the blender required :)

1 cup of this Greek yogurt has 23 grams of protein and the Berry Boost is simply pureed berries (and some apple and banana). There is no added sugar or preservatives. I was surprised that I didn't need to add honey or banana or anything to sweeten the smoothie since plain yogurt can be a touch bitter, but it was really good tasting as it was. And the kids loved it! I make it in advance and store it in a jar or even right in their cups with a lid. So now we've got smoothies and some dry cereal in the bfast rotation 2 mornings a week. Usually the mornings we need to get out the door to the sitter's. (Don't know about your kids, but mine can make a piece of toast last for 20 minutes!) Now the down-side to this smoothie- the ingredients are not organic, which I tend to buy for our fruit and yogurt. And because the berries are already pureed and bottled, we're missing out on the full nutritional value of the fruit. But, for the price and time, it's working for me right now.

For lunch time, I've taken to the ever-loved muffin tin. It's funny to see people blog and post this idea on Pintrest because my mom did this very same thing when I was a kid! Nevertheless, I love to use a 6 cup muffin tin because you can use yogurt or other "spoonable" foods as well finger foods, all-in-one! In efforts to get my guy to consume more veg, I wanted to use some sort of dip, but I also wanted it to pack a healthy punch. Insert: Hummus Yogurt Dipping Sauce.

1 can garbanzo beans, 1-2 cloves of garlic (crushed), 1 Tbs lemon juice,

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp cumin.

Drain and rinse beans and then combine all ingredients in a food processor.

I would recommend buying organic beans. Most canned beans are loaded with all kinds of extra crap from preservatives to high fructose corn syrup. Especially kidney beans, for whatever reason. Read the label and be appalled. Anyway, this hummus was easy, came out fabulous and Asher ate it right up, veggies and all :) Ahhh.... the small successes in the day of the life of a mother.

2011 at at Glance

2012-01-01T12:49:00.002-05:00

Happy 2012 everyone! Sounds kind of futuristic, doesn't it?

Anywho, Ben and I composed a year-in-review on the blog we made for the kiddos. Check it out here if you wish. Enjoy your New Year's Day!

Christmas Cutie

2011-12-30T19:59:00.006-05:00

I was a bit disappointed there was no snow on Christmas. Not even close. But, because of the delightful sunshine, I got some great pics of the little miss in natural light. And because this was while her brother was napping, he is absent from these pictures. Millie got to ham it up.

Had to give you a view of the cute little Christmas booty.

Everything she has on is a hand-me-down.

The dress is a 3-6 month which fit well except for

the length. I like to call it: adorably short.

Doubt I'll be saying that in 15 years!

Ashey Cry

2011-12-06T13:43:00.004-05:00

The day after Millie's 1st Bday party, Asher got his 1st haircut. Lots of milestones these days... If you ask him about it, tell him you like it, or just plain mention the word "haircut", he will tell you "Ashey cry". Yes, he cried. I strapped him in his high chair, pulled Barney up on YouTube (oh what a mother will do to distract her child...) and went for it. A snip here. A snip there. Little by little those wisps and locks fell to the floor. Tears were induced as if I were cutting into his very soul. BUT, as you can see from the before and after pics, it was much needed and turned out kinda cute actually.

(love the awkward toddler smiles)

Peek a Boo

2011-11-28T15:55:00.001-05:00

It's been far too long since I posted a video... Girl could do this all day long.

Untitled from Sara Martin on Vimeo.

Bday pics

2011-11-27T21:31:00.006-05:00

November has been brimming with birthdays. What a great way to kick off the holiday season. Excellent practice for best birthday celebration of all.

Here are some snapshots of Millie's 1st bday party. Thanks to Matt Lochtefeld for letting us borrow his awesome camera!

Bday girl rockin' the party poof- as I called it

Cupcakes compliments of Little Miss Cupcakes

at the Woodland Mall. (I know, what?!)

They looked great, tasted better and cost me $9

thanks to Groupon.

Gotcha nose, Grandpa Dietz!

Not walking yet, but getting there!

Happy 1st Birthday to my sweet, 16 lb peanut. As I often pray, may you supernaturally know God's great love for you and have a deep love for Him in return.

1st Bday

2011-11-18T12:38:00.005-05:00

Amelia Grace's first birthday was yesterday. The weather was very similar to what it was on November 17th, 2010: Sunny but cold. I remember waking up that Wednesday morning thinking, Okay little lady, we have 2 days til you'll be forced out. (an induction was scheduled for Friday morning as she was nearly 2 weeks late) Let's get walking... And off we went, Asher in his bright yellow stroller and me with my ready-to-burst belly feeling like a freak of nature as we walked up to Panera. I had a free bagel waiting for me on my Panera card, yet I could not eat it. What was wrong with me? Asher and I sat and chatted with Zachari and Kelli for a while and then walked back home. I thought that baby might fall out of me she was felt so low!

It will all I could do to feed Asher some lunch and then get him down for a nap so I could lay down too. I just did NOT feel good. And then as I laid down and tried to rest, I knew it was happening. Finally. I called Ben who was supposed to come home for lunch and told him to let his boss know he wouldn't be back.

Things stared to get pretty intense pretty quick and luckily Asher took a brief nap. We dropped him off at the Alt's and came back home. Both of our mom's were on the way since they were invited to be a part of the birth. We tried to wait, but I felt like we should head to the hospital and get checked in. I didn't want to be going through all the nonsense when I was really laboring.

We got into our room around 3:30 pm. By 6 I was ready to push. At 6:09, our girl was here. Still time to eat some dinner :)

Oh good times... But I must say I'm enjoying not being pregnant right now. I like being able to keep up with my 1 and 2 year-old without constant fatigue and a giant belly.

Pics of the 1st Bday party to come...

Fall Pics and Projects

2011-11-08T13:26:00.012-05:00

Here is a picture update of some things we've been up to this fall!

Uncle Joe and Aunt Lucy came stay to with us one weekend in October.

Here we are taking A&M on a horse-drawn hayride out at a fall festival

at the Wood Co. Historical Center.

Joe and Lu :)

In Asher's words: Tigey. Rooooar!

Pumpkin croquet (of sorts)

She's a giraffe, btw.

The verdict is still out of our official stance on Halloween in the Martin household. No, I don't like the idea of celebrating evil. But at the same time, it's nothing but fun for the kiddos to play pretend in their costumes... But the candy, oh the candy. I def. do not like the idea of all that sugar. I could list a million reasons, but mainly is just excessive and I don't like what it is teaching children who already have horrendous eating habits. (no fault of their own) I understand my kids will eat candy some day. Just not sure of how to commuincate that yes it tastes good, but no, it's not a good choice. I want to find the balance.

Nevertheless, on Halloween day, Asher and I did our own jack-o-latern project since we didn't get around to carving pumpkins.

We started with a jar and the supplies seen here.

Cut masking tape into pieces for the face.

Then I let Asher go-to-town with the paint.

There's really no way to screw it up since there were no

lines to stay in or boundaires of any kind. Just paint and get messy.

After the paint dried I pulled off the tape and voila!

We used a votive inside, but you could use a flameless candle too.

The Martin Fam passing out mini bags of pretzels (and M&M's since Ben thought

we'd get egged if all we gave out were pretzels) to trick-or-treaters.

Peace

2011-10-29T19:47:00.002-04:00

I've been trying to make it. Peace that is. These past 2 weeks or so I've been trying to create peace in my heart. Something to calm the swirling in my head. I've tried clean counter tops. A de-cluttered home. Even dinner being prepared as Ben walks in the door so hungry kiddos and parents can fill their bellies before the fuss starts in. And I have found peace in these things, don't get me wrong. But it's not long before it fades away. It's not the kind of peace that transcends through me. It's the quick, fleeting, artificial kind.

It's funny because while I am trying to create this peace by doing things and accomplishing tasks, I know the whole time what I really need is to SIT DOWN. It may seem ironic, but the more things I have to get done, the more I need to sit down. I need to give it (whatever "it" may be) up to God. He is the only true source of peace in my life and I believe He has plans for my days, should I be open to following them...

So as I walked around feeling like the walls of my mind were caving in, I tried to squeeze in a bit of reading for our women's group.

Okay, here we go. Where did we leave off? Chapter 8. "Not as the World Gives-Peace Part I". Hmmmm....

I only got through the first few pages of this chapter before our group met, but our discussion resounded in my heart. The conviction of my disobedience of not-sitting grew. And grew. I finished chapter 8 and then 9, "A Soul at Rest- Peace Part 2" the next day during nap time. It was almost painful to not "do" anything during this quiet, uninterrupted hour. But God has used the words of the author and how she expounds on the Scriptures to further open my eyes.

Some things that have stuck with me:

(from "The Fitting Room-Putting on the Character of Christ" by Kelly Minter)

-The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means "completeness, wholeness, health, peace, rest, harmony, and the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom is meant to bring us peace with God, with ourselves and with others..."

-"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives" John 14:27. (emphasis mine)

-God wants to speak deeply to what is troubling us and desires to give us a peace that is different from the paper-thin comforts of the world.

-He gives not as the world does. (LOVE this! So true! God's peace is everlasting. Unlike dazzling countertops that seem to be a magnetic force for drips and crumbs...)

-Biblical peace is far more than everything being in its place. ...my truest peace has to do with God's presence and what He says is true about me, not so much with everything holding together just so.

-"Earthly possessions dazzle our eyes and delude us into thinking that they can provide security and freedom from anxiety. Yet all the time they are the very source of all anxiety." Quoted from Dietrich Bonhoeffer in The Cost of Discipleship

- ... peace is a broad term that encompasses more than just an internal sense of well-being, but this inner rest is an unmatched gift we receive when we choose to live the way God prescribes.

-The beauty of peace is that it can be restored when we take the chisel of repentance to the stone of disobedience, and though this doesn't sound especially thrilling, it is much better if we hurry up and use our own chisel so that God doesn't have to use His-so I've found.

-It is God's kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4), the act of turning around from the sin we have served and toward the presence of God through choosing obedience. God is quick to forgive, slow to wrath, and full of compassion for those who forsake their sin and seek His forgiveness. He is eager to restore peace to our troubled hearts, because it is the way He designed us to live when we came into relationship with Him in the first place: He Himself is our peace.

And just as I wrapped up those two poignant chapters, I moved on to a Bible study that I had been working on with a student who I meet with on a regular basis. We left off right as the school year ended last year and are trying to pick it up again to finish together. The topic of this week? Experiencing God's Peace.

Okay. I get it. Working on it...

Wedding Pics!!!

2011-10-19T13:05:00.007-04:00

Here are a few pics from Joe and Lucy's wedding Labor Day weekend. What a day, what a couple! Love you guys!

Hello, Gorgeous Bride!

Never have I seen the guy smile like this!

The ring bearer

And flower girl

Mother of the groom, Sister of the groom, niece of the groom!

Couldn't even make it down the aisle w/o another kiss!

Off for a cruise in the '70 Skylark Joe brought from my Grandpa.

Rev'ed it up and off they went. Awesome.

Project Let's-Get-Some-Stuff-DONE

2011-10-07T13:10:00.011-04:00

Last weekend Asher went to Nana and Grandpa Bill's (or Gampa Bol as Asher would say). We've got some before and after shots of projects that we worked on and finished! How lovely it was to be able to start something and see it through to a final product!

Here is a shelving unit I picked up at a garage sale for $8.

(Thank you purple house ladies)

After sanding it down and a few coats of paint, it makes a perfect shelf for Asher's room!

I added this cute fabric over the peg board backing for a personal touch. I'd like

to make valances out of this same fabric. Asher loves his doggies :)

While I worked on the shelf a few other things out in the garage, Ben was busy adding some color to Millie's room. I wanted to do a deep teal to contrast with her white furniture and pink bedding and valances. We kept two of the walls a neutral since the teal was really bold and I think it would have been a little too much to have the entire room done in that color. Will post more pics once we get her wall hangings up.

Before:

Hi! I LOVE having my own room.

After:

And quite possibly my favorite part of the weekend, Sunday afternoon my girl and I walked downtown to run some errands. Just mother, daughter and Moby wrap.

10 Months

2011-09-23T11:29:00.001-04:00

Poor, neglected second child. We've completely lacked in taking 8 and 9 month photos. :( And to be honest, I can't believe the stars aligned for me to take pics for her 10th month. (By stars aligning, I mean me remembering to take them at some point when Asher is napping. He's kind of a camera hog theses days...) Anyway, here are pics from Millie's 10 month photo shoot. She is missing the "10 Months" sticker because it wouldn't stick since there's a bow on her shirt and you couldn't really see it anyway.

Fun facts:

-Weighed in at a whopping 14 lbs 10 oz at her 9 month appt.

-She is sweet, smiley, relational and very cuddly and affectionate!

-Loves to be with and imitate her brother.

-Has no teeth yet.

-Can climb up our entire staircase. (thank God for safety gates)

-Likes to go to bed at 6:30 theses days and sleeps for 12-14 hours. Plus 2 naps. Yep. Kinda great.

Gossip

2011-09-22T13:19:00.007-04:00

It's true. I've been gossiping about my son lately. Daily. Particularly at meal times.

Millie, do you think that Asher can take a big bite of his egg? It would be really cool if he did...

Out of the corner of my eye I see Asher look up and take a big ol' bite out of the egg he was refusing to eat.

Wow Millie! Did you see that? Asher took a HUGE bite. I'm really impressed.

Why this works I do not know, but I gossip during most every meal these days. It works well with praise too.

Papa, did you know that Asher shared really well with Sissy today? Yep, he sets such a good example for her...

Of course I speak directly to my child as well, but this is a nice way of mixing things up. Who doesn't like to hear good things being spoken about them?

I'm a Mother

2011-08-30T22:26:00.002-04:00

What do you do?

Any of you other stay-at-home (or mostly stay-at-home) Mamas struggle with this from time to time? The question of: "What do you do?" You know, for like, a living? Lately as I've been meeting new neighbors in the hood, I've found myself shying away from this. One time I even found myself answering, "Well, I taught high school for 5 years. Special education... Taught a ninth grade English class for students with learning disabilities. And after I had our son I decided..." What?! First of all, the question was, what DO you do. Currently. Present tense. Not did. Do. If I asked someone that question and they started giving me their resume, I'd raise a brow.

So I think I need to practice it more: I'm a Mother. I'm a Mother. I'm a MOTHER and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. Sure I work part-time for Brookside, but I am first and foremost a Mother. Around about 90% of the time, want-to-miss-out-on-as-little-as-humanly-possible-in-my-precious-babies'-lives-Mother. God created this desire in me and put the gifts there too (thank you Jesus for access to your unending patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, whatever I need, when I need it, through your Spirit). I was made for this and I embrace it with all that I have. I'm a Mother. And I'm proud of that. Dammit.

The Big Move

2011-08-26T14:12:00.009-04:00

Still praisin' God for this one folks...

So. The big move. The long awaited move. The move that happened in God's perfect timing and provided more than we could have ever hoped for. Yes I'm an optimist. But I am not exaggerating here. We scored big. In every way. Selling and buying a home all in a week's time may seem maddening, but it wasn't. Hectic yes. Stressful at times, very. But it was amazing to see it all come together, so very smoothly, like it was meant to be this way. In this timing. In HIS timing. 3 summers of having our home on the market was long for us. But I would do it all over again before I would ever consider taking matters into our own hands, like it was tempting to do (taking a huge loss for a sale, renting it out, etc). Sometimes you just gotta sit tight and keep the faith. And keep praying. Over, and over, and over... Draw near to Him, and he will draw near to you.

I wanted to share some moving advice for anyone who might need it, now or in the future. I think these things were helpful. They might have taken a little bit of time during the packing process, but they paid off tremendously in the long run. Here we go:

1. Gather supplies (obvious, but I'll explain a few of the items suggested below)

Boxes (ask friends who recently moved, hit up the dumpster area behind stores, call grocery stores in advance and see what they have, search Craigslist and then re-post them when you're done!), packaging tape, black permanent markers, construction paper, red duct tape, Scotch tape, pens, a mini notebook and whatever else you might fancy.

2. Have a landing place for your supplies

There's nothing more annoying than searching for the packaging tape every 5 minutes.

Where's the packaging tape? I thought you had it. No, you had it last. Didn't you? I dunno. It's gotta be here somewhere...

We chose the top of a bookshelf in the most central part of the house to keep putting all of our supplies back onto. A basket that you can carry every thing from room to room in is a good idea too.

3. Color code

This was the single most helpful thing I did. It was helpful to the folks who helped us move-in and it was helpful to us because each box was placed in the room it needed to be in.

Think through the rooms in your new home. Try to get an idea of what you want to go where. Then, choose a color for each room. As you pack boxes, pack them according to the room they go in. For example, every time I packed a decorative time (except the ones in bedrooms) I made sure the box was labeled brown, for living room. Simply cut or tear off a square of colored construction paper and tape it to the appropriate box. Voila.

This is the poster I made on foam board that sat outside the door as movers carried boxes into the house. If there was a pink swatch of paper on the box, they knew they were headed to Millie's room. Red, playroom and so on.

4. Number and list. List and number.

Keep a small notebook handy to list each item that goes into the box. I reserved a few pages in the notebook for each room. Then I would give each box a number, beginning with 101. Here's what a page in my notebook would look like:

Kitchen-yellow

101- utensils, measuring cups, measuring spoons, cutting boards

102- glass bakeware

103- kiddie cups, bowls, etc.; plastic cups, straws, water bottles

Then on another page:

Guest room- purple

101- scrap fabric, card making supplies, pens and markers

102- bed linens and pillows

103- books (You can really get specific and put certain genres together. We didn't...)

Get the idea? Each box had the color square on top and was also labeled with a number on top and then the number on the side as well. This makes finding items a breeze. Just find it on the list and that will lead you to the exact box it's in. No guesswork required.

5. The red duct tape

Think through what you'll want to unpack first. Tape these boxes in red duct tape. That way when you see a pile of boxes, you just go for those first. It's especially nice if someone is helping you unpack, then they know where to start without a question. *Hint- many of the things you pack last (toiletries and the like) are going to be the boxes you want to open first.

6. Recruit and Reward

I think emailed just about anyone we knew who lived in the area and asked for their help. Friends, co-workers, neighbors, you name it. I just gave them a time and a place and asked for any amount of time they could contribute. A little over 20 people showed up throughout the evening. The girls and I headed to the new house to clean while the guys loaded up. This was my favorite part of the whole thing-just watching the masses descent upon us. It was so fun to see which face would pop up next and grab a box. The new neighbors all commented on how many people helped us and how fast it went. Yeah, we know some amazing people. Couldn't do without them.

And as it was nearing the end of the hottest spell of the summer, we had plenty of bottles of water and Gatorade on ice available. And some granola bars too. We would have provided a meal afterward, but we moved from about 6:00pm-8:30pm. Instead, at a later date, we invited everyone out to a local ice cream joint for treats on us.

Special shout-out to all of our moving buddies. You guys were AMAZING. We loved having you be the ones to grace our home for the first time. Sweaty bodies and all. And love to the Alts who housed us for the night when we were in transition. Extra love to Nana and Mimi for doing the hardest work of all and caring for the kiddos. 3 words: Peace Of Mind.

And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the date for our House Warming Open House... We've got a lot to celebrate!

Birthday Redeemed

2011-08-19T22:31:00.002-04:00

In the last post, you heard that Asher's big bday numero dos started out pretty shaky. Well, after the marathon nap he took, he was a new man. Got that icky stuff out of his system, got some good rest, and the bday boy was in full force. Ben had taken the afternoon off and we originally planned to do the Zoo, but it got too late for that. Sooooooo, I heard about this hot air balloon festival in Findlay and we decided to give it a try. We packed some dinner and headed out. Turns out the festival was held at a park with this pretty sweet playground. Fort Findlay anyone? The evening wasn't too hot and the timing was just right. We got there, walked down the fair-like strip, fed the kids dinner in the stroller and made our way to the playground amidst hot air baloons slowly inflating. We wrapped things up giving us enough time to hit up the famous Dietch's for ice cream before bedtime melt downs set in. Then, the coolest part was when we left the ice cream place. All of the hot air balloons that were inflating when we were at the park had finished blowing up and were floating above us when we came outside. We just stood there in awe. Have you ever seen a hot air balloon floating just a few hundred feet above you? It is SO cool! And there were like, I dunno, 20 or 30 balloons at once. It was beautiful! I snapped some pics but I don't think they do justice. It's one of those things that I would love to do, but would be terrified to do at the same time. I mean, just floating through the air in a basket? What? So so cool. Definitley would do this again.

AJM- 2 Years and Counting...

2011-08-12T09:36:00.005-04:00

2009

2010

2011

The arrival of August 12th, 2011 means that Asher is 2 years old. Ben and I couldn't wait to celebrate this day with him now that he is more aware of special occasions, gifts and the like. We stayed up late assembling the car table I found on clearance at Meijer. I hung the Birthday banner and topped off the arrangement with some boons. When Asher awoke we explained to him about this very special day.

There's a special surprise for you downstairs buddy.

Sa prize? Down stairs?

Yep, do you wanna go see it?

Yes.

Ben had a the video camera ready. I couldn't wait to see his expression. What would he say? Would he give a WOW or a Coooool ? Or how about just whining and a mini-tantrum when I put him down? Didn't see that one coming.

Turns out the little man has the birthday barfies. Yep. He barfed. What an ugly word to say and read now that I look at it... Anyway, our best guess is its the rain water he guzzled out of the water table the other night. He had a few, GOOD swigs of the standing water that's probably infested with all kinds of yuckies. I remember thinking to myself, Well, if he gets sick, we know why... Gross. Poor kiddo.

Nevertheless, here's the Bday scene that was waiting for him this morning:

On the up-side, Asher wanted to go back to bed and Millie's down for her morning nap which is why I am sitting here blogging. I'll need to make a post about the big move and share some helpful hints about the moving process. Check back soon!

Kinda Cute...

2011-07-21T13:33:00.003-04:00

To capture Asher and Millie at the precious, I won't-be-this-small-for-much-longer stage that they are in, we called upon Sandy Haas. Sandy photographed our wedding (almost 6 years ago!) when she was just beginning her journey in photography. She tirelessly hiked around Oak Openings with us on a HOT Saturday in July and the result is this. (scroll down after you click the link to see our slideshow) We were really just hoping to get a few shots of the kids, but we got way more than we bargained for! :)

Soon-to-be-sold

2011-07-20T16:04:00.003-04:00

Just got a call that our house the new house are both cleared to close. Looks like next Thursday will be the big day. I am ELATED. Can't help but get choked up every time I think about it. A better answer to prayer than I could have ever hoped for. I will miss this sweet little place. I'm not gonna know WHAT to do with myself in our new home. And I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Little Helper

2011-07-19T14:08:00.006-04:00

So many things to do... So little time... Wah, wah, wah... I don't think life will ever be rid of things to do. And nor do I naively await a time in which things will "slow down". There is always something and that's just life. Moms and homemakers especially cannot easily escape their jobs. They dwell in the places they work and kids always need to be cared for no matter what their age. So, as I have come to this awakening, I've been trying to incorporate Asher in some of the things I'd typically wait until nap, bedtime or the early morning to get done. I've even captured some sweet shots of this hands-on little guy.

Our neighbor gave him his very own,

Asher-sized watering can.

His first attempt at unloading the silverware.

Not sure if he liked standing at the top of the step stool

or getting to handle adult-sized utensils more. It's a toss up.

Bagel Date

2011-07-10T21:55:00.004-04:00

While Millie snuggled in bed with Papa this morning, I took Asher out on the back patio. He drank his milk and I sipped my coffee. It was a beautiful morning. Sunny and bright yet cool. Lots of birds and squirrels to watch. I'll miss this backyard.

I had the urge to go for a walk, but also knew the clock would tick quickly before church and both Mama and little man would need to eat before then. Or else.

Insert Panera. Walkable and edible. Love, love, love. Love the friendly old man who never ceases to be there each morning to greet you with a smile and open doors for the mamas and their strollers. (Bravo to you, kind sir!) I really must ask this man his name sometime. It seems ridculous that I have not. But anyway, what a perfect morning for a Mama/Asher date. I had the french toast bagel toasted with butter while he munched on an untoasted blueberry bagel. (He says bagel quite well you know. And pronounces coffee without flaw :) We watched the cars, the trucks, the motorcycles and many folks out riding their bikes. Main Street is a perfect form of entertainment and conversation for a young boy. Doggies, birdies, flowers. The sun reaching up over the buildings behind us while we hid in the shade. Let's just say it was a good morning.

5 Ways That Simple, Frugal Living Benefits Kids

2011-07-08T13:40:00.004-04:00

A dear family friend who had a good deal to do with my up-bringing wrote an article that encapsulates so much of what I desire for my family and children. More and more I find myself leaning toward this idea of slow, intentional, frugal living and parenting. Not there yet, but I'm steering in this direction. Find the fabulous article here.

7 Months- Swimsuit Edition

2011-07-07T13:01:00.010-04:00

Each month I am falling more and more behind on these pics! Nevertheless, here is sweet Millie in the midst of her 7th month. She just HAD to show off her darling swimsuit. A great borrow thanks to the Gawron girls!

And a little bonus video for ya. Fuzzy cuz I took it with

the digital and not our actual video camera...

Lucy's Shower

2011-06-29T22:04:00.003-04:00

I wanted to post some pics from my sister-to-be's shower a few weeks ago. It was a one-shot, blow-out of a shower! (meaning it was her one and only shower and she and Joe were blown-out with gifts!) Counting down 'til September 3rd...

The beautiful bride-to-be by a most amazing cake

So excited to be getting a sister!

The bridesmaids

Handsome groom with adorable niece

Four generations!

Life on ???

2011-06-24T10:29:00.002-04:00

That's right folks. It's looking like we might have to rename this blog because we accepted an offer on our house this week!!!! I'm fighting back tears as I write those words. Feeling SO SO blessed, relieved, elated, stressed, you name it! If all goes well, the Martins will need to be out this sweet little home on July 29th. So the house hunt is on.

Thanks to all of you who have been prayer warriors about this and shared with us in the ups and downs. It's been a process and it seems as though this is the Lord's timing for us. Praise Him! Praise Him for this new chapter in our life, but even more so for what he has done in our lives through this: drawn us to our knees, refined our hearts, built up patience and contentment. These gifts are far greater than any house built of brick and mortar. To Him be the glory!

Everyday and 6 Months

2011-05-31T21:48:00.008-04:00

Here are some pics of every day life moments along with Millie's 6 month debut. (I didn't realize that I made her look like she's straight out of an 80's exercise video until after I took the pictures...)

Asher cozying up to his sis in the Bumbo

My whispy-haired man

Strawberry sweetheart

Stories with Papa

Slobbery kiss for you!

'Tis the Season

2011-05-23T14:42:00.004-04:00

... for weddings that is! Now that I'm at the stage of life where I'm attending more baby showers than bridal showers, I have a renewed zest for weddings and all that comes with them! This is especially true for my little bro who is having his very own wedding Labor Day weekend. Yaaaay! And his awesome bride, Lucy, has so kindly asked me to be her matron of honor. All the more fun. :)

The bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom are hosting a shower next month. Yours truly made the invites. Check it:

As I put these together, I forgot how much I truly love making things. Particularly paper crafts. I get such a sense of accomplishment and I couldn't wait to see what Lucy would think of them. There's just something significant when someone creates something, especially for another person. What an honor it is to be a matron of honor!

Powersauce

2011-05-20T22:38:00.007-04:00

Have you ever eaten something thinking it's healthy and then later read the label or somehow found out it really wasn't? Don't you hate that? Like the Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds I had for breakfast. Yep, high fructose corn syrup in it. For real? I try to not let that wretched stuff in my cabinets! Grrrrrrrr....

I've even had that kind of an experience with applesauce lately. I always feel so good and proud when serving it to my toddler. We always buy unsweetened and sometimes even organic. Oh how health savvy we are, right? In my eyes, the fewer ingredients, the better. So when the label reads: apples and water, I'm happy. It's not like applesauce is bad by any means, but I was hoping that there was more good stuff in it. You know, apples are high in fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. So that's good stuff. Except that the label isn't showing that those things are present. Hmmmm.... I guess that's what happens when you take the skins off and boil and process the crap out of it. Bummer!

I've come to find that food in its purest form, how it was created to be (you're a smart one God!), is simply the best.

So does that mean out with applesauce in the Martin household? Not by any means! We'll just tweak it a little. Here's what I did to give our boring old sauce a power boost:

Dumped one large jar (50 oz) of boring, unsweetened applesauce in a mixing bowl

Took 1 bag of frozen organic blueberries and pureed them in a food processor

Measured out 4 tablespoons of ground flax seed

Add them all together and you've got some Powersauce, baby.

The blueberries add a boost of antioxidants and the flax seed adds some serious fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids. That's more like it!

I was afraid it might be a bit tart, but it tasted really good. Most importantly, the little man gobbled it up! We may never eat plain applesauce again!

Not Just for Babies

2011-05-11T19:40:00.004-04:00

So Asher caught a bug or some type of sickness or is getting more teeth- who knows... But this drippy nosed, low-grade fever man wants "Up Mama" on the regular the past 2 days. This evening I really wanted to be able to serve dinner at a decent hour so I broke out the trusty sling that was Millie's BFF the first few months and still is on occasion. I remembered seeing a YouTube on how to do a hip and back carry with older babies and toddlers. Here is the result:

Mama's Day

2011-05-09T12:29:00.004-04:00

Asher said it as well as he could, "Happy. Mama. Day.". Oh how I've enjoyed being celebrated these past two Mother's Days. And not just being celebrated, but celebrating all of the other, incredible mamas I'm surrounded by, of all ages. I can think of nothing else I'd rather do than be a mama. I truly think I was created for this. Of course I have other purposes in life too, but this takes the cake. A big, fat piece of the most amazing cake you've ever eaten. And sometimes it leaves you feeling stuffed, or exhausted or disgusted even. But most of the time, it leaves you brimming with joy, laughing, smiling, wanting more...

A gift Asher made at the sitter's. Def teared up when he handed this to me.

The best mama example a girl could have right here. I hope and pray that Millie and I will have a relationship like my mom and I do.

5 Month Pics

2011-05-04T13:55:00.004-04:00

WAY overdue, but here they are. This sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet girl is rolling all over the place and really making the effort to crawl. What?! Big bro didn't do that 'til he was 10 months, but this chick is a mover and a shaker. A little peanut gymnast.

Sweet Moments

2011-04-29T21:43:00.008-04:00

Asher has a friend named Penelope. She lives across the street and is at the sitter's house with him twice a week. Penelope is 3 and was wearing a green Tinkerbell costume with a bright pink long sleeved shirt and bright pink tights like a princess today, in honor of the royal wedding of course. Love it. Asher has a special affection for this little princess. One morning when Ben was getting him up for the day they went through their normal morning dialouge:

"Good morning buddy. Did you sleep good?"

"Yes."

"Did you have any dreams?"

"Yes."

"What did you dream about?"

"PP."

PP is Asher's way of saying Penelope. How cute is that?

This evening while I was making dinner PP knocked on the door. "Can Asher come out to play?". Her dad was with her of course. Even though dinner was just about ready, we couldn't say no to this endearing invitation. So out the door goes our little guy. Holding hands with PP and her dad. Out to play. Over at the neighbors. Our little boy was across the street and we'd soon need to call him home for dinner. Strange and sweet all at the same time. And of course he loved every minute of it, resisting coming back inside with flailing limbs and all.

Once we all sat down at the table I was focused on getting Asher to eat the 2 food choices before him: applesauce and rice and beans. He chose to start with applesauce, but before he began eating he looked at Ben and I, "Pay?" he said and folded his hands. Right buddy, we need to pray. Insert melting heart. Oozing and gooing that our 1 1/2 year just asked to pray. Puddle of mush for this eat-your-heart-out moment. Goo.

So here are some pics that I thought I'd share to catch up on the past few weeks we've missed. Hope you enjoy!

4 month photo shoot

Cousin Colleen reading to Millie Easter weekend.

Asher about to crash in "Aunt" Maureen's arms. We traveled

to Cleveland last weekend and he was wiped from our ventures.

Asher shows off his Martin & Co. tee along with new

work boots from Grandpa Dietz.

This was today. Asher had his friend Zachari over for one

last play date before she moves out of BG tomorrow.

In BG This Weekend

2011-04-28T20:29:00.003-04:00

Hi! I've missed you all. I have a plethora of pictures to share; Millie's 4 and 5 month shots and much more. I'll get to that later though. I just wanted to share some fun info. for you BGers, or anyone who might be near by and looking for something fun to do Saturday. It's BG's 19th Annual Art Walk. I've never been, but it sounds great! Be sure to check out the site and click on Visit the Show at the bottom. It will give you a PDF of all the events going on. There's a lot going on! I love this kind of stuff. I think the Martin fam will make an appearance at some point. Hope to see you there!

Fasting

2011-03-16T11:29:00.003-04:00

Onto some things going on in my spiritual life. It's been a while since I've posted such, but God's been doing much work nonetheless.

The Lenten season began last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. It always sneaks up on me. Don't know why... But I've been desiring to become more reflective and observant during this season. I want Christmas and Easter to be more than mere holidays. More than a day or a weekend, a reason to see family and to give gifts. I want to find a balance for my kids. A harmony of fun and exciting Christmas and Eastery things, but also a weightiness and a value. A seriousness even. (suggestions welcome!)

So as Ash Wednesday came and went, I began praying about what I might give up, sacrifice, fast from (better late than never?). I have to admit, I've never had a great understanding of fasting. First of all, I dread it. I mean, who LIKES to go hungry? But I knew that it was more than that. I read what I could in the Scriptures about fasting. I listened to different thoughts/views on it. Then I came across some super helpful things in this book: Living the Christian Year: Time to Inhabit the Story of God by Bobby Gross. Here is what has really helped me wrap my mind around fasting: " 'Christian fasting is the voluntary denial of something for a specific period of time for a spiritual purpose.' (the author quotes of Lynne Baab) In this respect, fasting is much like sabbath-keeping: a restriction that creates space for God." That was the light bulb for me. A restriction that creates space for God.

The author goes on to described different kinds of fasting: partial, traditional, complete and variations of these. Obviously being a nursing mama, I need to be careful if I would give up any type or kind of meal. Not really the greatest option right now. Last year I gave up warm beverages, which was tough this time of year. But back to that idea that hit me, I want to create space for God. Then the author also listed different examples of things that he or others have given up for Lent in the past:

Eating desserts and sweets

Buyings expensive coffee drinks

Drinking alcoholic beverages

Purchasing books

Watching television

Reading books and magazines

Wearing colorful jewelry or using make-up

Listening to music or watching movies

Shopping

Using Facebook

After reading "using Facebook" I immediately thought, Well that is so not an issue for me. I'm not on Facebook! Ha. Then I felt the Lord remind me of one thing I do spend much time on the Internet doing. Yes, the blog. This blog, the blog we started for the kiddos, everyone else's blog and from there the blogs that are linked to their blogs and so on. Wow. Yep. That's a lot of time out of my day and night. That would definitely create some space for God.

Well, you can probably tell where I'm going with this. You won't be seeing any blog posts from me for a while. I won't be reading your blog posts either. So, I guess I'll just have to call or email you, actually talk to you to share my life and catch up on yours. Imagine that. So stone age right?

Trust me. I've already tried to talk myself out of it. Gave myself reasons and justified what this was not a good idea. But in the end, I know that pit I felt in my stomach when the thought came into my head was knowing this would be a sacrifice (as pathetic as that may be). This would create space for Him. This would make time to reflect on what He has gone through so I might live a life with Hope. Forgiveness. A purpose. And end to look forward to.

See you on April 24th or shortly thereafter!

Time is Running Out

2011-03-15T14:41:00.001-04:00

I've seen it on Amy's blog. I've seen it on Colleen's blog. Without Words looks like it's going to be an AWESOME production to stir hearts and raise awareness about the sex trade. My mom and I are for sure going, but the production won't happen if they don't meet their goal of raising $7500 by April 1st. If you want to come with me and my ma, you're invited! And if you make a pledge of $100, a ticket is already included. Just a suggestion....

Music

2011-03-11T19:45:00.003-05:00

We do a lot of dancing here at the Martin household. It's part of our daily living for sure. Asher's got some sweet moves and Millie (as usual) comes along for the ride. Here is one of our favorite tunes to dance to. It's good and bouncy. We caught wind of Katie Herzig through our pal Matthew Perryman Jones. MPJ and us go back, reference July 2007 :) Anywho, enjoy Katie's music video. I love the randomness and I have to admit, she and I share a lot of the same dance moves. But only me and my bedroom mirror know that....

Who's That Girl?

2011-03-09T17:57:00.007-05:00

My mom texted me one night: I have photo proof that Millie is your clone. Then she brought this Polaroid with her when she visited. Whatdaya think? Any resemblance?

Hot off the Press

2011-03-04T14:22:00.001-05:00

Millie Martin rolls over for the first time. I caught the second roll on video (as well as some drama from Asher...). Check it out:

Rolling Millie from Sara Martin on Vimeo.

A New Blog!

2011-03-01T22:11:00.002-05:00

A while back I had the idea of starting a blog that would allow Ben and I to jot down stories or tidbits from the day to day sweetness we experience with the kids. It's hard to keep up with baby books and although I caught up on them recently, there are still so many precious moments that I want to cling to and for our kiddos to read about one day. So, here is our attempt. Mind you, it's very bare bones at the moment. There' s a lot I want to do with it, but it's a work in progress. You can check it out so far if you want though. Or maybe even start one for your own kiddos!

Blog for our Babes

Out and About

2011-02-25T19:14:00.003-05:00

Like many folks in NW Ohio today, Ben ended up getting the day off. Yes, BGSU closed! But by noon the sun was a'shining and calling my name! Oh how I wanted to go for a walk. I didn't think the double stroller could handle the slush, the wagon was all the way back in the shed, but with Ben being home, I thought of a way we could make it work. He took Asher in the back pack, all bundled up and ready for a ride. And I put Millie in the good 'ol sling and covered her head with my coat. We trudged up to the library and then made our way to Panera to finish off a gift card and grab some dinner. It was SO nice to be out and about. I love being able to walk downtown from home. It was a great family adventure and something I'll remember when those snowy days come each year.

3 Months

2011-02-23T17:34:00.005-05:00

Time for Millie's 3 month pics! About a week late, but here they are nonetheless :)

Words, Thoughts, Phrases

2011-02-21T13:33:00.001-05:00

Just a few things that were floating through my head as I nursed my daughter...

tiny hands
feather finger tips
float across my arm, my chest, my breast
lavender eye lids
flawless skin
not yet scorched by the sun
nor cracked by the wind
the world stops for a moment
just a moment or two
to breathe my baby in

hear gulps of satisfaction
see utter bliss
my body gives her nourishment
she gives me peace

Inventory

2011-02-11T06:40:00.002-05:00

2 pairs of boots
6 pairs of shoes
4 belts
9 sweaters
12 pairs of pants
4 pj bottoms
5 skirts
19 tops

That's 62 items of clothing that will be escorting themselves out of my home this Sunday. Yup, we're doing the Great Clothes Swap again this year. And this time I ain't holdin' nothing back. There's one less bin in the attic and more space under the bed. Less crap cluttering my head. Seriously, what did I have that many clothes for? My closet is still full. I'm not running around in the buck here. I am flabbergasted at myself. And not in a good way...

Firsts

2011-02-10T12:26:00.003-05:00

So, both of these firsts were from about a month ago, but I need to post them nonetheless. I'm hoping what I lack in scrapbooking I'll make up for in blogging. In fact, I've been toying with the idea of starting a blog unto the kiddos. A blog for my babes. I like it...

Anyway, here is a video of Millie's first few times smiling (and some comic relief from her brother).

Smiley Millie from Sara Martin on Vimeo.

And whatdaya think of Asher's crayola skills?

2 Months

2011-01-17T10:44:00.004-05:00

Happy 2 month Birthday Millie! This little lady started smiling a few weeks ago and just hasn't stopped! She's long and lean and just about out of those newborn clothes... She is gaining weight nicely though, per the lactation consultant. We'll get the full set of stats at our doc. appt. Thursday. We are loving this sweet, smiley, contented little girl whose eyelashes are starting to pop out around those shiny blue-grey eyes.

Babywearing

2011-01-12T21:24:00.008-05:00

It may sound silly, but one of my favorite things about having babies has been being able "wear" them around with me. The house, the store, the office, for a walk, etc. It all started with the Moby Wrap. A little complicated to put on, but not too bad once you get the hang of it, and totally worth it once baby is in. I also have a Snugli that someone gave me, similar to the Bjorn, but these things kill my shoulders, even though they are quicker and easier to put on than the Moby. Now with #2, babywearing is essential to get through my day. Don't know how esle I'd get Asher (or myself) some lunch, change his diaper, yada yada. I mean, I could do it without holding the baby if the timing is right and she's napping. Or if I don't mind listeneing to screaming in the background. Don't get my wrong, Mills does have some great quiet, alert time when she just hangs out, but babies like to and need to be held! And not to mention that mommies (and daddies) need to get things done sometimes. Insert babywearing.

My love for babywearing grew this Monday when my dear friend Kelli offered me her sling. I've seen them in magazines and read about them (and their recalls), but I'd never seen anyone wear one. I was surprised how easy it was to put on and get baby into. And the comfort- for her and me! Both arms were free, but my right arm had complete freedom as there was not a strap or anything wrapped to it at all. I've been in love ever since. I did read up on slings and the big recall that happened this past summer. Babies have suffocated in them apparently. But really I think it's just one of those things that was used improperly in those cases or the parents wasn't as aware as they should have been. On the plus side, one study I read said slings were the best type of carriers because they put the least amount of stress on a baby's spine and lower back. Carriers in which baby's legs hang out tend to not support the baby's lower back and spine very well. At least that's what they say. At any rate, I think baby carrying in any fashion is an awesome and convenient way to stay connected to your child and practial for everyday life. Mama's who stared this movement thousands of years ago had the right idea! Love it. Love it. Love it.

Here we are now:

Super cute isn't it? She's pretty zonked cuz it's bedtime, but she does spend some awake time in here too, taking it all in from a front row seat. Millie even got to walk up to Panera today tucked under Mama's coat while Amy pulled Robby and Asher in a wagon through the snowy streets. What an adventure girl!

Got Christmas Cards?

2010-12-23T13:36:00.005-05:00

I hate the idea of hundreds of thousands of Christmas cards just being tossed in the trash. And while most of them can be recycled, I came up with an even better thing to do with those greetings that are just too beautiful to be read and forgotten about. For a while now I've been a greeting card "pirate" if you will. I save them and file them under different categories: Congratulations, Baby, Wedding, Birthday, etc. Many of them can be cut or torn apart and pieced together to make a perfectly new and adorable card. Here are a couple of Christmas cards that I gave new life to this year:

Nothing fancy or too complex, but they work! I found the cards and envelops at Hollo's for CHEAP. When we bought card stock for our wedding invites it was $1 a pound. Granted, that was 5 years ago, but this place is a scrapbooker's/cardmaker's dream. Definitely worth the trip out there to stock up every now and again.

This year I used some old cards to make ornaments. I got the idea from a women's Christmas gathering we had for church last year, only we used scrapbook paper. So I found a bucket of cookie cutters (at none other than the famous, incredible, never-know-what-you're-gonna-find, Aldi). Then I sorted through some old Christmas cards and traced whatever cutter looked best on the front of the card. Using clear glue, I outlined the cutter with the glue and stuck on the cut-out shape. I did leave just a little cut in the top of the shape for room to stick the ribbon or string through. And here's what I got:

A Christmas Song

2010-12-20T21:08:00.004-05:00

Here's a Christmas Song that pierces my soul each time I hear it. Thought I'd share with you. Check it out on iTunes so you can hear its beauty in full.

Eternal Gifts
-Leigh Nash

Santa knows what I want for Christmas
but Jesus knows what I need
it can't be purchased wrapped up and placed
under an eight foot tree

I need patience, kindness - virtues like these
to bend on my knee at the manger

Santa may bring things that last for a year
but eternal gifts come from the Savior

Some days come where I'm just plain selfish
I can't think of no one but me
then I think of all that I'm blessed with
and that's always best to give than to receive

I need faithfulness, love, generosity
to open my home to a stranger

Santa may bring things that last for a year
but eternal gifts come from the Savior

I need patience, kindness, generosity
to bend on my knee at the manger

Santa may bring things that last for a year
but eternal gifts come from the Savior

Santa knows what I want for Christmas
but Jesus knows what I need

1 Month

2010-12-17T12:28:00.003-05:00

Yes, we are back to our monthly stickers. (Thanks Marisa!) There's lots I could say about this wonderful baby girl, but I can only type so much with one hand and her brother in between my legs. TTFN!

3 Weeks

2010-12-10T13:14:00.003-05:00

Mills turned 3 weeks new on Wednesday. It's taken me some getting used to the newborn scene again. I forgot how much they need to be held. This requires some creative maneuvering in order to be able to play with Asher or eat. Or do anything. But I do appreciate how babies force you to slow down. Their need to be touched and fed says, Hey, why don't cha take it easy? Enjoy me and my tininess. I won't be utterly dependent on you forever! You might even miss that some day... It's the art of letting go. Hard for a "doer" such as myself, but a lesson I want to learn well and carry with me throughout life. Particularly during the Christmas season I want to let go of the needless distractions and think of the birth of Jesus himself. Emmanuel. God with us. What a concept.

Mama Time

2010-12-05T14:19:00.004-05:00

Asher had it pretty rough once we got back from the hospital. A combination of a cold and low-grade fever, getting molars and experiencing emotions that he's never had and very few ways to express them can make for one unhappy little guy. Thanksgiving Day and the few days before it were the worst. But once all of the out-of-town family left and we got back to our normal routine, we started to get our sweet little man back. And he's back to giving open mouth kisses to his sissy.

Here's Asher getting some much deserved cuddle time when he was feeling sick. (I enjoyed every minute of that little, drippy-nosed head glued to my chest)

Then after his 15 month check-up, while Grammy stayed with Millie, I took him to BG's one and only "small" for a train ride. Boy did we get our $3 worth, but that's a whole other story... :)

Brotherly Kisses

2010-11-20T18:42:00.001-05:00

Check out this guy love on his sis. Too sweet!

Kisses from Asher from Sara Martin on Vimeo.

And Here She Is!

2010-11-19T15:05:00.006-05:00

Making her way into the world on Wed., November 17th, here is Amelia Grace Martin:

In the Lord's ideal timing, contractions stared coming around noon, we were admitted to the hospital around 3:30, worked through some more contractions and then after about 10 minutes of pushing, we greeted our little Millie at 6:09 pm, 7 lbs 4 oz 19 and 3/4 inches long. Minus a cord wrapped around her neck there were no complications and I barely had time to thing about pain meds. We are so thankful for your prayers and amazed at our God, Creator of life.

So far Asher seems to love his sister calling her baby and giving her sweet kisses on her forehead. (We'll see how long that lasts...) He had a great time staying with the Alts and the grandmas while we were in the hospital and didn't seem phased by Mama and Papa being gone.

So there's the update! More to come as the adventure begins!

Coming This Friday?

2010-11-16T20:51:00.004-05:00

Most of you have already heard, but the wait for this little lady will be over sometime this Friday, Nov. 19th if she decides not to show up before then! While the doc. was ready to delivery her on Monday, I just really felt lead to give some more time to see if she'll make an appearance on her own. Had an ultrasound today, at 41 weeks and 2 days and things are all good. (I think my doc. needed the convincing more than I did) There's plenty of fluid in there sustaining her and they are estimating her to be around 7 lbs 14 oz at the moment. I gotta say, from what I could see from the 3D ultrasound, she is lookin' like her brother, in the eyes and nose at least. I wanna see that face in person though!!!

So, unless something happens before 6 am on Friday morning, looks like we'll be meeting and greeting her sometime soon after that.... Yippee!

Crazy Love

2010-11-08T15:05:00.011-05:00

First, let's get the obvious out of the way. Yes, it's my due date and yes I'm still pregnant. No signs of nothin' right now so this little lady could be making us wait it out a little while. We shall see...

What I really wanted to write about is a book that I just finished: Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Let me preface this by saying that if you're not one to be down with the idea of a faith that revolves around Jesus, this probably isn't the book for you. Basically, this book is a swift kick in the behind for folks who call themselves Christians. It would be really hard to summarize or tidy it up into a neat little package for you, but let me attempt to share some ideas that struck me personally. Here are some tidbits that have had me pondering and praying for change and sometimes even taking offense to as I recognize the truth to them...

The best things in life are gifts from the One who steadfastly loves us. But an important question to ask ourselves is this: Are we in love with God of just His stuff? ... Do you love this God who is everything, or do you just love everything He gives you?

Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.... The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God.

The fact is, I need God to help me love God. And if I need His help to love Him, a perfect being, I definitely need His help to love other, fault-filled humans.

God is the only true Giver, and He needs nothing from us. But still He wants us. He gave us life so that we might seek Him and know Him.

What are you doing right now that requires faith?

Do you grasp the beauty and deep joy of walking in genuine intimacy with God, our Holy Father and Friend? Do you want to see God more than you desire security?

At the end of the book there is an interview with the author and he is asked the question, In one chapter you state, "Dare to imagine what it would mean for you to take the words of Jesus seriously." What does this mean? Why do you think so many Christians would turn down this dare?

Here's part of his response: "We've conditioned ourselves to hear messages without responding. Sermons have become Christian entertainment. We go to church to hear a well-developed sermon and a convicting thought. We've trained ourselves to believe that if we're convicted, our job is done. If you're just hearing the Word and not actually doing something with it, you're deceiving yourself." (emphasis mine) He goes on to say, "I remember preaching on Luke 6, and I brought up the passage that says, "Do good to those who hate you." I told the congregation to think of someone who hated them, and I asked "Are you willing to go do something good for them? Will you do that? Yes or no?" I said, "Tell God right now, "No I will not do that." We're not willing to make that statement because we don't want to say that to God, but we're doing that every day." (emphasis mine)

That last part really resonated with me. There are many things that I would not say to God, but I would do (or not do) them anyway. And that speaks much louder than anything. There's so much more and I am thankful for this book and the women I've been discussing it with as we strive to live out our faith. It's a journey for sure.

1 Week to go... ! :)

2010-11-01T12:31:00.004-04:00

Really? Is my due date really a week from today? Hooray! I can hardly stand the anticipation. How will it happen this time? What are the odds that my water will break at midnight on the due date again? Will this labor be even "better, easier, faster" than the last? Will nursing be like no big deal? Will she look like her brother? How will Asher react? I cannot wait to announce her name to the world:
________ ________ Martin. Our sweet little girl.

Here I am at 39 weeks with that beach ball belly. Feeling and sleeping wonderfully, trying to stay active. Praise the Lord for such an enjoyable pregnancy!

Around the House

2010-10-28T16:22:00.006-04:00

There have been little changes made around here lately. Baby swings popping up, furniture being rearranged... But I also made time for a tiny fall project. I just love fall colors: oranges, yellows, browns, reds and needed a change for the little ledge shelf that sits in our bathroom. (You know this preg-lady is in and out of that room all-day-long noticing these, right!) So with a little bit of fabric I had sitting around and some pins, I bought small pieces or cork board and simply pinned the different fabrics and whatever else to them. Take a look!

Simple enough and cheap enough for sure! We also put the finishing touches on the "nursery". Baby girl get here and fill this space soon! It feels empty without you.

He Provides

2010-10-25T07:34:00.008-04:00

What is one word you would use to describe God? It's kind of a loaded question. Maybe you have many words you might use. Maybe you do have one word but it's not a very friendly or flattering adjective. Maybe it changes from day to day, from season to season. For me, in the past several months, I have personally rejoiced in naming him Provider. It's easy for me to say that when every day I have food in the cabinets, gas in my car, a computer in my lap. It's not so easy when I'm out of my comfort zone or when things are not easily in my grasp, my control.

Ben and I are involved with a great organization called Global Connections. GC puts on these wonderful events (among other things) for international students at BGSU to help them become more familiar with our culture, customs and traditions all the while making friendships so these students can have a family of sorts away from home. For each of these events different churches or ministries bring different food items or provide volunteers for various roles. Being the GC representative for Brookside, it is my responsibility to make sure we get the volunteers that we are expected to provide as a church. While there are a handful of people who always seem to arise to the occasion, there's also always an uncertainty that lingers in the back of my mind. Are we really going to be able to provide these 10 salads, or should I just make them all myself to be sure... For one instance we really didn't have enough people bringing food and showed up at the event with less than we were hoping for (quite a bit less, actually). But you know what, there were leftovers. He provides.

The last time our church was responsible for providing drivers for a shopping trip, it was looking like we weren't going to pull it off. Then the day before, I was contacted by just the amount of people that were needed. He provides.

Yesterday I was helping to organize a Friends and Family Fun Night for Brookside. I was in a bit of a tizzy that afternoon making sure I had all the things we needed. At one point I realized that I was going to need another person to help me carry and load some things from the church office, but kept running into dead ends when looking for help. I really didn't know what I was going to do other than induce labor lugging coffee pots up and down those dreaded stairs, but just when I needed it, I got help. It wasn't the planned-out-knew-for-sure-and-in-advance help that I would have liked to have, but He provides.

Then there was the food. How many hot dogs does one buy for an event that requires no RSVPing but has been announced to a church in which there's about 300 people there on any given Sunday? I went with 100 dogs, second guessing myself the whole time. At the end of the night there were 6 hot dogs left. I don't consider myself a good estimator, I consider my God a GREAT PROVIDER.

Praise the LORD.
I will extol the LORD with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are steadfast for ever and ever,
done in faithfulness and uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever—
holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.
-Psalm 111

Now and Then

2010-10-23T21:25:00.006-04:00

Some of my most loyal blog readers may remember last year when two friends and I took our new babies to the apple orchard. See that post here. Well, almost exactly one year later, we headed back. Mary Beth could not come, but Laura and little Joshua came along with Ali and myself. It's so amazing to see how the boys have grown. And who would have guessed that Ali would have her second and third babies already and my second would be almost here!

Here's Asher and Grant on our way to the orchard last year.

Now check our guys out! (L to R- Asher, Joshua, Grant)

Grant's new sisters: Riley and Madison.

Mama and Asher last year

Mama and Asher (and sissy) this year

Waiting in line for some apple dumplings. YUM.

Girlfriends and the Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-17T13:59:00.006-04:00

There are few things that are more special than the bond that women share just by simply being women. Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends. While our fathers, sons, husbands, brothers and male companions provide rich and irreplaceable relationships as well, there's just something about being with the girls. A few of my closest girlfriends decided to honor and celebrate our little girl-to-be this weekend. How sweet it was to sit around some steaming soup and my favorite treats just talking about motherhood, birth stories, whatever the topic, all unfiltered. I am already praying for our sweet girl to be as richly blessed as I have been with the women in my life. What a precious, precious gift. These women love well.

The second half of our Saturday was spent at a nearby pumpkin patch. Just had to grab the opportunity to snap some sweet fall pics. Hope you enjoy!

Our little pumpkin has been standing on his own and taking more and more steps each day.

Looks like Mama is hiding her own pumpkin under her shirt. Asher's favorite seat!

The Moment

2010-10-14T13:12:00.003-04:00

I was reading a blog post today about living in the moment. The author was expressing how so often, we as adults, are living in the future or the past, oftentimes focused on worry or regret. Very true in itself, and then she contrasted that to our little ones who experience intense joy or deep pain in all of these little moments, little things. A flower. A big truck. Ice cream. Bubbles. Here's a quote from the post: "...the more we live outside of The Moment, the less we connect with our children. We hurry them. We ignore them. We put them off." I guess my heart was pierced because I so deeply desire to share in these moments with my kiddos. They are already slipping away so fast. Lord, would you help me to enjoy, to savor, to pay attention to these moments with my child and soon to be children...

Making the Most Out of Small Spaces

2010-10-09T13:37:00.005-04:00

As I've been getting things ready around the house for baby girl, I've been challenged to find a place for this and that. To me, it's not simply enough to just find a place to shove everything, but also for these places to be functional, easily accessible and even clutter-free if possible. It's really been a fun challenge for me actually and I find myself amazed and thankful for the space that I didn't even know was there!

For instance, at first glance our bedroom looks like it is filled to capacity. But with the removal of one simple table that displayed a picture frame and the scrapbook, plenty of space appears for a bassinet. The next step is to take Ben's tall dresser and place it at the end of our hallway so we can sneak a glider into the room for around-the-clock nursings. Sure his old-school dresser isn't as cute as the Pier 1 drawers that are currently at the end of the hall, but it's functional nonetheless. I also scored a changing table pad from a neighbor who was getting rid of it. I thought it'd be nice to have something set up when we can't get to the changing table in Asher's room. (Lord knows I am NOT messing with his naps or night time sleep.) I keep a sparce (nearly bare, really) dresser-top anyway so there was plenty of room for the changing pad and a small diaper caddy. Check it out:

In one of the drawers just below I cleared out some tee-shirts that I rarely wear and replaced them with newborn clothes and sleepers. Plenty of room for a wardobe of teeny-tiny clothes! Now we just need that little girl to put inside of them :)

BGSU Homecoming

2010-10-05T21:39:00.003-04:00

Hi dear readers and blog followers! So sorry for my fickleness in blogging these days. I've been hitting the hay around 9pm pretty much on the daily (which used to be prime blogging time) so there you go. The fall and changing seasons (particularly the change in temperature!) has been lovely and we get closer to meeting our little girl every day! I've been feeling and sleeping great, have a good amount of energy for Asher during the day and am enjoying giving him my full attention while I can. My sweet little buddy... He's been taking about 5 or 6 steps back and forth between Ben and I, but other than that, seems content with crawling or cruising to get to a fro.

This past weekend Asher attended his first football game. Too bad it was cold, rainy and windy, but he was a toasty muffin in his "bubble" or rain shield that protected him from the elements. Nonetheless, we had a fun time mingling with Ben's colleagues at the College of Ed. tent before the game and caught the first 1/2 hour of the football game before Asher and I headed home leaving Papa to enjoy the rest on his own, die hard football fan that he is. Here's the fam. in orange and brown.

Another New Family Member!

2010-09-20T21:22:00.003-04:00

No, we're not having twins... My brother got engaged! Now we can officially call Lucy, Aunt Lucy! I'm so excited to have a sister! Joe has done very well in choosing his bride and we looking forward to their wedding and celebrating their awesome decision to step into marriage. VERY exciting! Love you both Joe and Luc!

The Art of Mooching

2010-09-16T12:57:00.003-04:00

I think I'm becoming quite good at it. Mooching, borrowing, whatever you want to call it. It's good, useful, anti-consumeristic (is that a word?) as well as frugal. I have definitely taken people up on offers to borrow things in the past, but now I seek it out. I've got no shame in asking. The latest has been clothing for me and my kiddos. I was in need of some fall maternity clothes and after a quick email-BAM- practially new wardrobe. I'm not even kidding. Thanks ladies for your long sleeved items and even pants! I think of you as I put on a little Laura here, some Kelli there, a touch of Ali and Trinity... Then Asher needed some 12 month PJ's. Another email and before we knew it we were leaving the Alt's with a platic bin of fall/winter outfits (PJ's incuded) and even some BGSU wear we were hoping to have for Asher this football season. Baby girl is borrowing clothes already and she's not even out of the womb yet. Love it. So beware to those who live around me, you may just recieve an email sometime, The fan in Asher's room just died... anyone have another we could use temporiarly??? The asking options are quite vast.

So what fabulous item(s) have you mooched lately??? And PS- mooching is a two-way street so feel free to take our stuff too!

Life Update

2010-09-06T13:44:00.004-04:00

Since Asher's big birthday month we've just been rolling along enjoying the final days of summer. Here are some tidbits for ya:

-Baby girl is 31 weeks and doing just fine. I am measuring about 2 weeks ahead of where I "should" be so it's possible we'll have a bigger gal or she may come a little early??? Who really knows, that's just what they say... I feel great and have had a lot of energy. Getting very excited for another birthing experience and to meet our little lady.

-Our house comes off the market in 10 days. It's been 6 month so we will take the winter to think about pray about what may or may not be ahead. Add on? Put her back up for sale in the spring? We are very much at peace and are thankful for our home and neighbors. We have everything we need here and I'm ready to start making some space for baby girl in the back corner of our bedroom. Just a little space, but hers nonetheless until she gets the sleeping thing down and is ready to move in with big brother :)

-We have found a double stroller on Craigslist and are getting it this Thursday. Very excited about this versatile stroller after reading reviews and evaluating our needs. Next up is a convertible car seat for Asher since we'll put the baby in the infant seat he's in now.

-Asher continues to be a joy and we are just having a blast with him. Got to spend a day last weekend in Columbus with Grandpa Tom and Grandma Debbie at the Cbus Zoo which was just too much fun. He's saying "Hi" to anyone and everyone and loves to rough house with Papa. He's going to be a great big brother. A little, big brother that is :)

Some shots from our day at the Columbus Zoo:

The Party

2010-08-18T19:45:00.007-04:00

Carrying on with the occasion of the first b-day, I thought I'd include a few of the pics we just got back from Asher's party this past Saturday. We asked another extremely talented friend, Matt, if he'd take some candid shots throughout the afternoon. Well, we got more than we bargained for because they turned out amazing!!! How blessed are we to have such gifted friends??? Thank you, thank you, thank you! To check out all the pics, click here.

Talent

2010-08-16T20:46:00.002-04:00

My so very talented friend Erin agreed to take some 1 year pics of Asher for us. They came out just how I wanted: simple, black and white, nude :) I'll spare you the butt cheeks, but here are just a few of the great shots she got. Thanks so much Erin!!!

One.

2010-08-12T06:43:00.004-04:00

Happy 1st Birthday to our boy! It's been a year of immeasurable blessing that we will treasure forever. We pray the Lord will bless Asher James with many more sweet years and that our family life will bring Him glory!

More on the Bday to come...

Play Time

2010-08-10T23:01:00.002-04:00

Asher has these wonderful times of independent play here and there throughout the day. It's a perfect opportunity for me to sneak away to the kitchen or other things that need attending to, but sometimes, oftentimes, I find myself watching him from around a corner. I'm just fascinated with the things he says and does. And it always brings a smile to myself. While this 2 minute video may seem long to you, I could watch this guy for hours...

Play Time from Sara Martin on Vimeo.

5 Years, 1 1/2 kids and a Week Away

2010-08-03T21:26:00.013-04:00

This past Saturday, July 31st, Ben and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. We always thought that 5 years would be an ideal amount of time to be married before having kiddos. I love that we are so often wrong about what we think is best; that God's will always trumphs our own "perfect" plans.

Ben took a week's worth of vacation time last week as we toured the great state of Ohio. We started things off in Cleveland visiting family and friends and using the tickets that Ben got to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for Christmas last year.

Then we headed out to Pymatuning Lake with Grandpa Dietz for 4 fun filled, relaxed days of camping.

Finally, we spent this past weekend in Columbus visiting Grandpa and Grandma Martin who took care of the little man while Mama and Papa spent an evening celebrating and reflecting on the 5 years that have come and gone...

New Favorite Blog Alert

2010-07-15T21:15:00.003-04:00

I found 101 Cookbooks while searching for a recipe for choc. zuchinni muffins. Scrumptios whole, natural cooking. Check it out next time you need a recipe or if natural foods strick your fancy.

Caged In?!

2010-07-13T16:33:00.005-04:00

I could see the large box on the doorstep as we approached the house.
Buddy... Mama's special package is here. Get excited...
I had ordered the Superyard XT after several different strategic placements of chairs and ottomans failed to dissuade Asher from climbing the bookcase, the floor lamp, eating cords. You know how the story goes.

So, while a part of me feels badly for "caging" my son, a bigger part of me feels happy with the idea of him being able to play safely and still have some room to crawl around while I'm in the bathroom or cooking dinner. Not to mention that the time is coming when I'll have my hands full with a newborn who needs nursing!

Maybe someday we'll spend our house budget money on something fun like a new kitchen floor. Maybe. Someday. But for now,
I'll take a peace of mind over new pieces of tile on the floor :)

A Great Way to Cook Zucchini

2010-07-12T21:47:00.004-04:00

Asher turned 11 months old today, but instead I'm blogging about zucchini. Updates and pics of the little man to come, promise. Sooooooo, if you're anything like me and have small mountains of zucchini and squash piling up over the summer time, you may appreciate this post. It's probably just my lack of creativity with food, but I continue to do the same thing with my abundant zuchinni: cut it up and saute it in olive oil... add it to pasta sauce... yada yada. (On a strange and random side note, I had a dream recently that I married Curtis Stone (celebrity chef, he's on the Biggest Loser a lot) and all of my mealtime woes were solved. It's okay, I mentioned it to Ben when we both saw a Curtis Stone look-a-like walking down Wooster St. and it triggered the memory). So anyway, if you want to reignite your love for squash, try this: Simply cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices, sprinkle with desired seasoning (I used Creole) add some shredded cheese on top and throw it in the broiler for 5 minutues. The zuchinni is still crispy and the cheese and seasoning add some amazing flavor. I used sharp cheddar tonight (tasted like a Cheez-It!) and I think I'll try fresh parm. next time. Enjoy!

Freedom

2010-07-05T13:20:00.008-04:00

With the 4th of July just yesterday, I keep thinking of how thankful I am for freedom. Our everyday freedoms here in America, yes, so thankful. Freedom from the weight of my everyday sins and struggles, thank you Lord. But most of all, at least most recently anyway, the freedom that I have in my mothering and every day life. Freedom to spend these summer days at the beach, at the pool, on walks around town, over at friends' homes, to travel. Freedom to just be. Just be with my baby boy who is so quickly growing up (closing in on a year...). I came across this quote on a blog I often read and thought of how lately I've felt so free from the every day to-do's and how I want that to continue. This quote makes me teary-eyed.

Babies Don't Keep
Cleaning and scrubbing will wait ’till tomorrow, but children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs! Dust go to sleep! I’m rocking my baby. Babies don’t keep. – Ruth Hamilton

Little Camper

2010-06-30T13:37:00.003-04:00

Every summer of our childhood, Joe and I went camping with our family on Pymatuning Lake which gives a fabulous view of the Pennsylvania shoreline. In the early years we tent camped. Then we progressed to a pop-up camper and finally a hard-sided trailer with bunk beds! My dad still keeps the tradition alive, but now with a most impressive camper with all of the luxeries of home. That's my kinda camping. Asher and I decided to join him for a short trip last week and the little guy impressed us with his natural camping abilities. (Mainly he slept well in his Pack 'n Play and loved being outside all day long) Here's some video footage of our camping adventure. We can't wait to go back!

Asher's First Camping Trip from Sara Martin on Vimeo.

20 Weeks Today

2010-06-21T16:01:00.003-04:00

Here's a pic of me and my girl, halfway through our prenatal adventure. I've always heard fuss about super bad morning sickness and yada yada when you're pregnant with a girl, but I've gotta say, I've never felt better! What a blessing to be able to enjoy this pregnancy and still be in full effect for my 10 month old buddy. Thanks Lord for taking care of us. Yet again...

10 Months

2010-06-17T19:14:00.004-04:00

June 12th officially began 10 months for this little guy!

Intuitive Blog Readers

2010-06-15T19:23:00.003-04:00

Well my dear blog-reading friends, seems like many of you (18 or 64% of you) were right on the money! We are having a GIRL! I am shocked and THRILLED. I was really thinking there was another little man in there. So thanks for your fun votes and speculations, accurate or not. We can't wait for our little girl. I'm gonna have a daughter.... :) :) :)

Time for a little fun

2010-06-14T09:47:00.008-04:00

Okay, sorry, this just cracks me up...

Purposeful Motherhood

2010-06-09T20:23:00.004-04:00

Some time ago I came across a wonderfully stirring blog: Inspired to Action. It's another one of those blogs by a mom who has the amazing ability to mother full time and come up with awe inspiring blog posts like everyday. What... Even though this mom seems to have it all together which is kind of obnoxious (I know a lot of people appear to be that way but then are really just messes, but this lady might be the real deal), she has some very, well, inspiring messages. One of them being about purposeful motherhood. I really needed to read this. Trust me, never have I enjoyed a job more than being a full time mama. But it's easy to lose that vision, purpose, whatever you want to call it amidst the everyday mundane. So I took "Kat's" advice and came up with a mission statement to keep coming back to monthly, weekly, daily even. Here's what I came up with. And friends, please feel free to hold me to this!

To give love and patience continually, to not just teach the Lord’s ways but also to live them, to foster a healthy lifestyle both physically and emotionally, to encourage my children to be sensitive to others, the earth and people around the world.

This is just one statement that's a part of a bigger mission statement in conjunction with other roles in my life: Christ follower, wife, homemaker. Here are the steps I followed if you're interested in gaining focus in all/any areas or your life through a mission statement. Please share if you decide to take the plunge!

Finding out

2010-06-05T13:14:00.004-04:00

Everyone has their opinions about finding out or not finding out the sex of an unborn baby. With Asher we chose to keep it a surprise (even though most people thought he was gonna be a boy) and loved that experience. However, this time around we are going to find out. June 15th is the ultra sound. I've got my hunch as to what the peanut is. You've got 10 days to make your vote! (see above)

And it's not even officially summer yet!

2010-05-27T11:45:00.002-04:00

Couldn't resist putting together some clips of the great times we've had recently...

Fun in the Sun from Sara Martin on Vimeo.

Baby Pool-Time!

2010-05-26T20:13:00.005-04:00

What could be better than to share a sunny day in the pool with friends?

Love the sun!

2010-05-24T16:06:00.004-04:00

What seemed to be an average day turned out to extra sweet and fun. Babies are amazingly calmed by the outdoors- even fussy, teething ones :) Therefore, Asher and I headed to the back yard and found a shady spot under a tree. There is a crazy cottonwood tree somewhere around us and literally looked as if it were snowing while we laid there, rolling around and reading books. After a while Asher just quietly lay on his tummy, staring at God's creation. After a long while he eventually dozed off for his afternoon nap and I got some great reading time in! The only problem was that the sun crept up our blanket invading our shade, but an average umbrella was big enough to give the guy his shade back.

After he woke and we both ate, we transitioned to the pool which had heated up quiet nicely! Asher just loved splashing around and clapping in the water. Only problem is that he wants to crawl in the too-deep water.

It's interesting to think that this time last year I was doing similar things: sitting in the yard and reading, wading in the pool, but now these things are all better! I can't help but be amazed at how the Lord has blessed us with such a wonderful boy and simple pleasures. Thank you Jesus.

9 Months

2010-05-21T21:13:00.003-04:00

May 12th brought about 9 official months of life outside the womb for this guy!

Daddy's Day Off

2010-05-19T14:31:00.003-04:00

Ben surprised Asher and I by taking the day off yesterday since he has to work all day Saturday. For what seemed to be like the 14th day in a row, it was crappy and rainy outside. I was so thankful for Ben to be around as Asher and I were starting to feel a bit cooped up, depressed, unmotivated- you know, all of the things the lack of sun and vitamin D can do to ya. We decided to take a mini road trip to Jeffery's in Findlay. Ben and I were so blessed as LG (little guy) quietly sat in his stroller and took in the sights as we made our way around Ohio's largest antique store. No need to buy anything; just fun to see the well-loved, unique pieces of furniture, dishes, war paraphernalia, etc. Asher took his last nap of the day in the car on the way home and since we didn't have the heart to wake him once we got back, Ben just stayed in the car and napped (or tried to) until he woke up. It really was a great day of getting out and then just hanging out reading books, playing drums on the couch, dancing around and being silly, whatever stuck LG's fancy and made him smile. Made me kinda like rainy days...

He waved!

2010-05-11T22:34:00.002-04:00

It was the sweetest thing as we sat at the dinner table and Asher waved back at us. We were able to get him to do it a couple more times for the camera, although he looks a bit unsure of what he's doing. Probably because of our ridiculous enthusiasm.

Waving from Sara Martin on Vimeo.

One Mommy's Diaper Woes

2010-05-10T21:07:00.004-04:00

So I got this email from a friend, who shall remain nameless, and I got her permission to post it because it just needed to be shared with more people. Whether you cloth diaper or not, it makes for a good story. Prepare for a laugh or two!

WARNING: This email contains severe venting and semi-mild inappropriate language.

So, I've always been a big fan of our cloth diapers. I rave about them to new moms and try to convert others to the green side, the economical side, the oh-so-easy side of cloth diapers. Well, today I found my first real negative side to cloth.

The load of laundry started like any other. I emptied my full, stinky diaper pail liner with all its contents into the washer-pressed the rinse cycle, set them temp on cold and walked away to be productive during the last nap of the day. 45 minutes later I walked back downstairs, flipped all the switches on the machine to wash the diapers on hot and then opened the lid.

"hmmmmm...that's funny...the water has usually drained out by now," I thought as I stared into a full washer of diapers, liners and dirty water. So I put the lid back down and flipped the switches a dozen more times realizing that the machine had literally died right after all the water had filled the machine. Calmly (no, seriously I still was at this point) my mom and I pull out the manual, trouble shoot what to do and realize the two sentences the manual gives us just don't quite fix the problem.

Still no problem I think-we have our old washer in the basement and we'll just hook it up down there. This was after my mom suggested that I take sopping wet urine and poop filled diapers in my car to the laundry mat. (Better luck next time with that suggestion, mom.)

Now the mental breakdowns start to happen. As I stand above the machine looking into a full load of literal shit, I begin to wonder how the technician is going to fix the washer and man do I pity that guy for having to reach his hands into that mess. Again, my mom suggests that we take out all the diapers and see if any of them wrapped themselves around the middle of the machine. So, I proceed to stick my hands into the shit water to fish out all the diapers and liners. Surprise of all surprises-no wrap arounds-all of the diapers are as free as salmon swimming upstream to mate.

But the kicker is that I ask for a PLASTIC TRASH BAG to put the wet dripping diapers in. My mom and dear husband convince me that putting about 28 diapers into a laundry basket lined with only a trash bag on the bottom sitting in a sink will work just as well. As my lung fill with the fresh (well, really old) smell of raw sewage again-I cave into their demands just to get my hands out of the shit hole-(I mean washer). Later to my husband's credit-he did empty the whole washer using a plastic cup and dumped the water into the yard.

Mission of semi cleaned out washer for tech=achieved.

Also to his credit, he hooks up our old washer after he has to clear out half of our boxes in order to get to it in the very back of all our storage. :)

And here is where I literally thought I was going to lose my mind. I spend a freaking eternity in the basement trying to get the washer water temp correct. I think I've got it. So, once my son is asleep (or so I think) I make my way to the laundry basket, lined with a trash bag, holding 28 freaking disgusting diapers. I try to drain as much water out of them as I could and make a mad dash for it.

I grab to basket (which is really heavy) and start to make my way across the kitchen to the basement steps. But, oh looky here-the laundry basket has freaking holes all over it and the water/urine/shit start to slop all over the floor, all over my pants, my shirt, my slippers, the stairs-basically everywhere. I let out the most primevil scream and the first slew of swear words that enter my mind before I race the rest of the way to the machine and dump them in as fast as I can.

But, of course I'm not off the hook. As I stand there covered in crap from the waist down my washer decides it only wants to run on hot water even though I have clearly programmed it only for cold. Again and again I stop and restart the machine and only scalding hot-burn my hand off-water comes out. At this point, I am so pissed, so tired, and stink so bad that I don't even care if it ruins all my diapers. And since they are all still in the scalding hot rinse cycle I'll let you know tomorrow if they are ruined.

If you made it this far-I sincerely commend you for reading all this and letting me vent. And please pray that your washer never decides to break when it is full of shit.

Homemade Creamsicles

2010-05-04T13:19:00.007-04:00

Warm weather is equated with frozen treats in my mind. It's just part of the fun of summer. I broke out these popsicle molds that I got sometime ago and made a sort of creamsicle with orange juice and plain yogurt. Yum! Reminds me of being a kid. Remember the clear molds with red handles, Ma? Yeah, loved 'em. I think I'll do some sort of flavored yogurt next, minus the OJ. The opportunities are endless!

EWG at it again

2010-04-28T13:15:00.008-04:00

You might already be familiar with Environmental Working Group's "Clean 15" and "Dirty Dozen". It's a great way for those of us who can't buy all of our fruits and veggies organically to be able to focus on the more highly contaminated items we consume on a regular basis. I know I could easily go crazy buying every organic product on the market, but I'd also go broke, and I don't have to do that to minimize my and my family's exposure to toxins in foods. I just got an email from EWG today about their release of an updated Dirty Dozen and Clean 15. Click here for a printable guide and watch the video for more info.

#2

2010-04-21T09:27:00.004-04:00

Again?
Yes.
Already?
Yes.

We thought it was time that we shared with you, if we have not already, that on or near November 8th Baby Martin number 2 will make his or her appearance. So yes, at 15 months of age, Asher will be a big brother! And Mama and Papa will be blessed parents of 2. (and then I might be done with maternity clothes for a while :) )

Taking Cloth Diapering a Step Further

2010-04-21T08:39:00.003-04:00

I love cloth diapering. Sure it was a chunk of change to hand over upfront, but it has paid off tenfold. And knowing that each diaper is being reused and not needlessly thrown away makes my green spirit sing. However, when I read about cloth wipes, I was a bit skeptical. It just sounded extreme (and nasty). But when I really thought about it, it made perfect sense. I'm already doing the laundry and it's actually more convenient to throw the dirty wipes into the diaper pail where things are already dirty, than it is to throw them in an open, lidless trash can that doesn't prevent odors from emanating.

So, I took some used receiving blankets made from organic cotton and cut them into 8X8 squares. Then I folded them in half and stuck them an old Huggies container. Instead of pouring a soap solution directly onto the wipes (I feared that the ones on bottom might get a bit mildewy) I filled a squirt bottle with filtered water, a few slices of all natural, organic lavender bar soap and a touch of pure olive oil for some lubrication. So each time I go to use a wipe, a few squirts help to moisten it up. They've worked wonderfully so far, cost nothing to make, and will continue to save money and some lush, green Earth.