I just got home from bible study.  It never fails that the moment I begin to think about skipping bible study that God puts a plan into motion to get me to the church.  Today was nothing different.  I was in the middle of grading papers, fully intending to sit and continue grading when my good friend text me and asked if I wanted to go to BJ's to get some dinner before heading to bible study.  I apparently cannot turn down food :) I quickly finished up my grading and drove quickly to meet her for a quick dinner.  After dinner, we drove to bible study and I was NOT feeling it.  I didn't want to be there.  I have this feeling generally when God is going to reveal something to me.

I am not one to say,"the devil is getting to me" or anything to that effect, but I know the feeling when I get it.   It is this feeling of nothingness.  A feeling of pure awkwardness came over me as I sunk down in my seat.  It was weird, but a feeling that I have had before.

As I worshiped through music and scripture, I felt my heart open a little bit more than when I sat down.  I started to feel better as I listened to my sweet friend, Heidi, talk about Ruth and Boaz.  Through out the whole night, all I heard was a small whisper saying, "Let HIM go"  Although I do not wish to fully disclose on a public blog what HIM is all about, it was what I needed to hear... and I finally am ready to do that...no matter how late it is.

Dear Eli,
My, what a whirlwind you have led our family on.


From coming home sooner than we thought to going to your first Astros game, you have become the center of our world!


Grumps and Honey light up when someone asks about you and all of my 4th graders know who you are! They always ask, "did you see Eli this weekend?" it is fun to show you off. Everyone thinks you are adorable at my school.

I am having so much fun watching you grow, and grow! Christmas is coming soon and I can't wait to share our family traditions with you, especially watching you open your gifts and learning about the true meaning of Christmas.

Keep growing sweet boy and remember that I love you and will always be on your side!
I am so glad that God chose you to be a Martin :)

Aunt Manda

Jeremiah 29:11

I am trying to sail...

Due to our family getting so big and being all over the place, we decided to not have a normal family reunion weekend and those that were able went to a barbecue at my Uncle Neal's house on Saturday. It was so much fun! Between the kayak racing and the turtle hunting, we found time to eat BBQ, play with the babies and play some Martin style games. We enjoyed the windy weather and all got a little sun!

Neal and I trying to sail

Russell and Derrick decided to play underwater washers while the girls just lounged in the pool. Then we decided to play boys vs girls water volleyball but had a hard time keeping the ball in the water. Luckily, the ball was possessed and would generally come back into the pool when asked. It was actually quite freaky :) In the evening, we sat around the pond and hunted turtles. I was not successful but russell and meagan caught a little one. We enjoyed the windy evening and relaxing surroundings.

It was nice to sit around and enjoy each others company.

Russell and Meagan kayaking around the pond

Russell is trying to get a picture of some fish. The light from the pond made a cool green glow around him...

One Sunday, our immediate family went to the Astro's game. Russell had been wanting to take Eli to his first game, and of course Grumps, Honey and Aunt Mir had to tag along! The 'Stros lost, but we had great seats and enjoyed being there together. Eli was most enthralled with all of the lights. He did really good and did not fuss too much. I, on the other hand, enjoyed being with my brother and sister, my parents and the little guy. Russell took this picture of me during the 7th inning stretch- my favorite part of the game :)

The Stars at Night, are big and Bright..... clap, clap, clap...

After a feast of crab at Joe's and some cake covered in smores (yum :)) The family went to say hi to Grandpa who is still in rehab. He was happy to see everyone and immediately told Russell to give him Eli. That man is so proud of his great-grandchild!

All in all, it was a great weekend and I am so sad to see it go.

I will post more about how my school is going at a later time...gotta go write lesson plans and grade some papers :)



What did you do this weekend?