Everyday Life

Tears for Somalia

2011-08-26T21:42:00.003-07:00

This morning I started crying over Somalia. Now, I really don't know much about the place. I know it's been going thorugh rough times, to say the least, but I'm not too aware of the details. I was listening to NPR this morning and they were playing a couple of stories about Somalia and the tears just started falling.
Part of this is most likely due to where I land in my Pill package this week. (The third week is always so emotional, right ladies?) But, I believe I've been consciouly and unconsciously affected by the state of the world. And the thought that this momma can't do too much about it.
I'm exhausted on an everyday basis. This is okay with me; i do it to myself and I thrive on it. I care for a daughter, a husband, a home, people at work, friends, family, cars, myself (sometimes), food, money.....the list goes on. My tears arise when i think about the little I do to help the big prooblems of the world and the little amount of time I feel I can devote to even helping the community I live in. Watching the news drives me crazy not because of the news in and of itself but because there is so much of it! It can make me feel small and helpless.
I can be extreemely selfish, yes, and this is 80% of the reason I choose to spend my Saturday off reading a book instead of taking care of the poor. However, I do want to be motivated by that other part of my heart plus I want to be an example for Amelie. I want her to see that caring for others should be a normal part of everyday life.
I truly feel that we help because we have been hurt and God has brought us hope. We spread that hope to others to show our gratitude for what He has done. (Blow out your breath. The preachy part is over.)
So how to make this change? How can my family help our own "Somalia" in Arizona? How do we make this a part of who we are every day? I'm almost afraid to ask for suggestions.....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Crying Over Somalia

Another Change

2011-08-08T21:28:00.001-07:00

Ami and I decided to have a Toy Story marathon today since it was our last day before some big changes in our lives. Here is what our couch looked like throughout the movies.

Amelie turns 4 tomorrow! We're playing it low-key; probably breakfast at Liberty Market and dinner at Joe's BBQ. Her presents center around Barbie and Disney of course. She's pretty excited.
Ami also starts a new year at Kids Club. She'll be a top dog now that she's 4. I can't believe it's just one more year and the. Kindergarten!
I start my new job at Jewish Family and Children's Services. Not sure how I'm feeling; everyone keeps asking. I guess since I didn't want to leave my last job so I'm not crazy excited to start a new one, I guess. I'll make the best of it. Obviously this is where God wants me for now so I'm going for it.
Wish me luck!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Gilbert, AZ

The Cut

2010-08-29T17:24:00.002-07:00

I did it! I made the big cut! Thank you honey for your scissor skills!

I loved the below picture but my hair sticking up is what convinced me to cut today.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

First Day

2010-08-23T22:00:00.001-07:00

This was quite a day for our little family! I started working at Southwest Behavioral Health and Amelie started full day care at Kids Club. She was so excited all weekend and I have to admit that did make it easier for Matthew and I.
The decision to go back to working full-time was, surprisingly, not a hard one. I have thoroughly loved the three years I was home with Amelie. These years were filled with moments I will forever treasure and experiences that I know have shaped qll of us. However, I had to finally admit to myself and Matt....I have been a bit bored at home. And, frankly, I'm pretty sure Amelie has been pretty bored of me.
The Martin girls are social spastics. Both of us love being on the go and thrive off of interactions with people. So, for both of us, this decision was almost a given. Now, I'm not sure if Matt knows what hit him, but I'm pretty sure he will like the extra income and he already said he likes having Ami to talk to on his commute now that he drops her off at daycare. Plus, now he gets to drive the better car everyday and I get the crappy Civic!
Amelie loved "klids club" as she calls it and can't wait to go back tomorrow. I asked if she missed me or thought of me at all today and she said no! I thought of her throughout the day and admittedly had a few tears this morning but, overall, I loved being back in the workplace. I had no guilt or remorse (though I'm sure those feelings will come and go over the years). I can honestly say I felt complete peace about it all.
So, we'll see how it goes, but for now I feel i was meant to be a "working mom" (though I feel I exerted less energy in 8 hours today than I do in one hour at the park with Amelie).

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

First Haircut

2010-07-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

Amelie gets her first haircut today. We plan on having the stylist cut it to shoulder length (if she's brave enough to approach it at all). Amelie is okay with the whole idea since she's been begging Matthew to cut off her hair so she doesn't have to deal with it anymore.
I'm having mixed feelings about the event. On one side, I will be happy to not have as much of a struggle brushing her hair. Everytime I or Matthew attempt to brush her hair, the neighbors must think we're actually beating her. She starts screaming the moment her eyes catch sight of the brush. This is why the girl only takes a bath twice a week. It might be gross but the event stresses me out too much.
On the other side is my love for her precious ringlets. I have been so delighted to watch them grow and spring to life. I have no idea how her hair will react to the scissors and I'm a bit scared.
So, just in case, in memory if the precious baby hair of Amelie Martin.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Good Hair Part Two

2010-05-17T05:58:00.003-07:00

I'm doing it!

I've decided to make the BIG TRANSITION from relaxed (permed) hair to my natural hair texture. For my white friends (as most of you are), this is a big deal for a black woman. This will mean months of having very, creative and sometimes, time-consuming hairstyles until my permed hair is eventually gone and only my natural locks remain.

I am excited. I feel very empowered in my natural state; like i'm taking back the reins in my life. It can also be frustrating because one can feel alone in this process. Since, as i stated above, most of my friends and family do not share my same heritage, there are not many people i can go to about my hair concerns and woes. This leads me to asking strangers on the street how they are handling their hair. Like the poor lady at the Bohemian Chic store that I bombarded with questions that i had been holding inside my head for the past month.

Also, I am basically going to have two textures of hair to deal with for quite a while (like maybe two years)! You can try to relate to my concern here by looking at weight gain. My relaxed hair was like all of those yummy desserts and venti frapps we have over the years that were fun but very, very damaging. Now i have to work with the results of all of that damage like we have to work with the left over cellulite and flab as we begin our vigorous workout regime until we are back in our size 10's (a part of this process is learning to be realistic so no size 6's for me, ladies).

The thing i have going for me this time around (i've tried this before and wasn't comfortable with the state of my hair a year later) is that I have a bit more knowledge about how to care for my hair. It takes a lot of conditioning and moisturizer. Plus, the realization that I can't just wash and go; Imhave to actually style it.

So, I will need your support, especially those of you that are in my close proximity. I will need encouragement along the road and kind honesty when a style i try is just not working for me. I will also need help keeping my eye on my goal - my beautiful crown of hair that my Lord intended me to have from the begining.

This will take a while, but wouldn't it be pretty?

iPad Cover

2010-05-13T12:50:00.002-07:00

Think I could go into business?

I had fun making this iPad cover for Matthew's Pad though I have to tweak some things about it at a later date. I think I'll make one for myself soon. It was fun trying to work with the concept Matthew had come up with. It was nice to do a project together with him. It's not everyday that you and your husband can mix hobbies together. Matthew made the apple label.
I'm in quite a sewing mood right now. I finsished a dress for Amelie and I'm working on a bag with my sewing group. I love the days I can just stay in and create.

Good Hair

2010-04-17T03:12:00.001-07:00

I'm watching the documentary Chris Rock made last year about the black hair phenomenon in America. It's called "Good Hair" which makes me laugh. Thankfully, growing up, I was always told that I had this 'good hair' and now I'm told (and admittedly have said myself) that Amelie has good hair as well. But watching this documentary, I have to think...."What the hell does that really mean to me?"
I spend $50 a month ($600 a year). This means that in my adult life, I've paid approx $5500 on my hair. Does this seem ridiculous to you? It does to me.
I like looking good. It's why I pay for my hair, eat (semi) right, and exercise when I can. I buy good-fitting clothes and look in the mirror at least three times a day. But, really, what's up with the hair. Why do I feel like I have to change it so much?
Several years ago, Matthew and I made the decision for me to go natural with my hair. We made this decision together because I knew he would have to look at me everyday. I liked the freedom of not having to make an appointment and sit in a chair a couple of hours every month. Matthew loved my natural hair. I think he thought it brought out my facial features more. I thought I looked like a boy.
So, one day I sat down with him, crying, letting him know how much I missed being able to do my hair. This was the truth. I feel like doing my hair is a part of being a girl. Many of the people interviewed in "Good Hair" say that it has to do with looking 'white'. Now I admit, there are ways that I feel I present myself as 'white' however I don't think my hair is one of those areas. I just like being able to move my hair around and dress it up or down depending on my mood.
Then there is the relationship with my hairdresser, Michelle. She is my monthly therapy session. I give so much to the others in my life but once a month for two hours, it is ALL ABOUT ME! I don't want to give this up. Michelle is my friend and my confidante. In a way, we rely on each other.
However, what am I teaching Amelie? For example, I fight her constantly to wash her hair during bathtime. However, when she tests the waters and asks to wash my hair in return, I have to say "No" because her clumsy washing could cost me another $50 for that month. She always looks so disappointed and I feel like a hypocrite.
Another reason I feel like a hypocrite is that I constantly try to promote a woman being herself and embracing what God has given her naturally. Then I go and tear up my crown, literally. I don't like this.
Plus, who am I trying to impress. As each year passes, I realize more and more that the cirlcle of people I actually need to or want to please, is really small. I will never be Halle Barry and my husband, friends, and family will think I am beautiful no matter what.
So why am I straightening my hair?
I have to give this more thought.
I might be giving Michelle a call real soon and see if we can just meet for lunch every month. It'd be cheaper.

Birthday Love

2010-02-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

I can't sleep (I know...surprise, surprise) but I think it's because I'm still reeling from the love Matthew and I received tonight from our friends and family. I had been stressing this past week on how to celebrate Matthew's 30th birthday at the last minute. He had said he didn't want t party and was planning on purchasing a rather expensive gift for himself at a later date so I didn't think about doing too much for him. Then I realized I wanted to be a sweet, cool wife so I threw out an email a week ago inviting some friends and family to join us for dinner.
Honestly, I didn't think we'd get much of a response. I mean, it was so last minute and I know first hand how much easier it is to just keep the kids at home and send my well wishes to the party host. I figured we'd see Matthew's parents and maybe two or three other families at the most. Which was fine. I just wanted to show Matthew that I had put in some effort.
Hardly anyone said no! I ended up baking three cakes and having to save four tables at Joe's BBQ. These tables quickly filled with our close ones shedding love (and even presents!) on us throughout the night. The kids played fairly happily and people from different areas inour lives mingled well around us. We had who were supposed to be out of town show up as well as friends from across Phoenix and even a few from Yuma! We were blessed with clothes, gift cards, a hotel stay, and even a possible room renovation. It was a fun night and I was so happy it all came together.
So right now I sit and realize that the best present I could've given Matthew as he moves into a new era in his life was the proof of how much he was loved and treasured. Well, maybe some nookie would've been nice. But, hey, I was tired. I made three cakes for him!

Writing

2010-02-07T02:59:00.000-07:00

Apparently, my workplace is my ideal writing setting. Perhaps its because I don't have a toddler asking me to "Ring 'round Rosy" every fifteen minutes. I have to say, it is quite peaceful here when I'm not having to handle a client's breakdown. Also, my brain seems to work better at 2 a.m. and I seem to flow better when I'm listening to the soothing sounds of punk music. I'm learning so much about myself!
I started typing out the novel that has been rolling around my head for months now. It was fun to let my fingers keep moving as my brain formed the scenes for me. I'm even being vulnerable and letting a friend read through what I've typed up. Eeeek!
I've loved writing ever since second grade. I still have the book that I wrote and illustrated in my mom's second grade classroom. It was about my doll Wendy Violet who I adored (I still love people with the name Wendy to this day. Interesting.) I told the story of how we met and the adventures we had recently been on together. My mom helped me "publish" my short story by binding it between two pieces of carboard covered in scapes of wallpaper. I treasure this masterpiece.
My writing love was crushed in college when I started taking courses toward a journalism degree. I had high hopes of writing for People magazine (which I saw at the time as having the most integrity out of all publications. Right). However, I had this awfully mean professor who informed me that I would be better in broadcast journalism because at the very least I was "attractive and ethnic". Now I'd like to kick this guy in the nuts but at the time I took his criticism to heart and stopped writing immediately.
It's taken me years to build up the courage to put pen to paper (or fingers to keypad) again. I remember going through a period of getting unjustifiabely angry at Matthew everytime he sat down to write. Now I understand that I was jealous of his risk-taking. Now I use him as encouragement to open up my heart to my lost love. This blog was a start to that reunion and the chapters I wrote tonight were like making-out for the first time.

The Mother-Loss Workbook

2010-01-24T03:12:00.001-07:00

Tonight I started working through this workbook that I've had on my shelf for a couple of years now. I'm a social worker. I know that people have to deal with their feelings - no matter how hard it may be. I actually think I've done pretty well with Mom's death over the past four years (Can you believe it's been four years! It seems like yesterday....). But I've felt stuck. I know that there is more that I want to work through; need to work through. I figured this could be a place that I put things I wanted to remember on this journey of healing. Maybe it'll help someone else; who knows?
Grief and mourning hit you at weird times. As I pointed out in my workbook tonight, I never put a timeline on "getting over" losing Mom because I'm still not over losing my dad and it's been twenty-seven years since he died. So right now, I want to work through stuff a little more and I was able to journal "why". I'll share it below:

I picked up this book because
- My mother died a long time ago, yet I still feel the pain of her loss
- I don't think I will ever get over her loss, but I'm picking up this book on the chance that it will help me somehow
- I want to find out more about my mother's life.
- I feel somehow I'm to blame for her leaving. (this is going to be a hard one to deal with - ooof)
- I want to celebrate my mother and myself.

This workbook will help me remember Mom. So much of what I remember now is centered around her sickness and death. I want to remember the good times; the twenty years before she got sick. I want to remember how she fit into my life. I want to remember HER as Jennie - as Mom. I want to be able to pass her on to Amelie.
I don't want her to slip away from me. I loved her too much for that.

rain boots

2010-01-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Typical - my daughter has been wearing her rainboots non-stop for the past two weeks in seventy degree sunny weather. The one day she wants to go out in the rain, we realize that we've left her boots at a friends house and now she's breaking in her brand-new white sneakers out in the storm.

And we're safe!

2009-12-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Your period being late can suck. I've had scattered months where I've been prepared to welcome Auntie Flow on a certain day and she decides to miss the train and come a couple of days later. Those 24-48 hours are filled with anxiety, wonder, fighting with hubby over "who wanted the nooky THAT badly to cause this", etc. But then Aunt F makes it around and I rest easy for another month.
Well, my nasty Aunt decided to wait TWELVE WHOLE DAYS to get here this last month. Talk about panic!!!! I've never had Matthew call me so much during the day to "see how I'm feeling" which really meant, "do you have blood in you underpants?" So sweet.
Thankfully, I wasn't panicking. I figured, even though we only wanted to stick with our Princess AJ, if God wants us to have another chicky then we're having one. No if, ands, or buts about it. So I spent the last two weeks dreaming, planning, laughing at our plans, and, well, okay I admit it, worrying just a bit (or alot).
We're safe for now. I'm currently sitting on top of my pad of glory and I'm okay with that. We're still going to be a family of three and I'm okay with that. And Matthew has an appointment on Monday to stop his flow (if you know what I mean) and I'm DEFINATELY okay with that.

Princess Amelie Jewell of Gilbert

2009-12-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

Um, did you just fall in love with this little princess? I did all over again when she put this outfit on to go see The Frog Princess. Moments like this are why I'm glad we have a little girl. Who can resist getting excited about dressing up?

The Frog Princess was Amelie's first movie going experience that was all for her. She did very well. We talkied about how big girls sit in their seats during movies and don't run around the theatre (like she's done in the past). Good thing the movie was great 'cuz she paid attention the whole time. I was very proud of her. See, the couch potatoe skills we have passed on to our offspring do pay off!

By the way, I got the matching dresses from Marshall's. I loved how she could go together with Baby Girl. The dress company is Cinderella if anyone is intersted in finding some.

Bad Ami

2009-12-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Is my kid becoming the "bad kid" at play areas? Today when I picked Amelie up from our gym's play area, a little boy informed me that Amelie was "mean" and had been hitting him. Now, I had been watching the play area from my exercise machine and did not see her being agressive at all. But this incident follows last weeks when I picked her up from the mall's child care center and the worker said Amelie had not been nice and had taken toys from other kids. She was in time out when I got there.
I know we are working on sharing and not hitting right now; I've seen her struggle in this area with my own two eyes. It's hard to admit that your kid isn't just sweet and kind and it's embaressing when people report your child's wrongs in front of other people. Plus, I just don't know what to say to those that report her bad behavior. I mean, she is only two-years-old and is just learning what is socially right and wrong. Being an only-child, she doesn't have to share all that much at home so it's even harder for her to understand sharing when she's around other kids.
So I guess I just want to say to these people, "Be patient; she'll learn" and "Stop being tattle-tales! It's annoying!"

Chipmunk Song

2009-12-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

I can forgive the Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas song when I hear Amelie singing along and giggling in the backseat.

Papa Hoy

2009-12-09T06:28:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, Amelie brought over the scrapbook I made of my mom's life and wanted to look at it with me. I had no problem with this. As we flipped through the pages I was able to point out people that were important to her life but she just didn't get to meet. One of these special people was her Papa Hoy, my daddy.
I told her about who he was and it was so amusing watching her crunch up her forhead trying to process the information. After a couple of pages and stories to go along with them she pointed to his picture and exclaimed proudly, "Papa Hoy"! Now, I never really knew my dad since he died before I was three and I only have a small memory of him in my head. But when she squeeled, "Papa Hoy" it brought tears to my eyes because I couldn't help thinking how much he would have loved hearing that sweet voice saying his name and that adorable face running up to give him a kiss.

I wish Amelie did have her Papa Hoy here to look at pictures with and hear the stories straight from the source but, you know, "that's life". I'm just so happy I can tell her about him and let her fall in love with him the same way I did - through long-ago photos in a scrapbook made with love.

Why Toddlers Should Not Have Markers

2009-09-17T13:48:00.001-07:00

I love these moments. I know I will now have to take the time to put AJ into the bathtub and scrub her down but walking into the room and seeing this mess still makes me smile. She's only a kid once, right?

Good new! I have a new job! I will be working at My Sister's Place, a homeless and domestic violence shelter. I received the call today and I'm really excited. I'm excited to start a job in social work but I'm mainly excited to have more nights at home where I'll be able to work on my crafts and clothing as well.

Funny thing, when she said my hourly pay, my new boss had to explain that they were on a salary reduction until November. Since my new salary will be almost double what I make now...I really had to fake my concern about that little "reduction". Inside I was thinking, "Sweet! More money for fewer hours".

So, now to say goodbye to Barnes & Noble. I just had my review last night and my boss went on and on about how much she enjoyed me. Crap. Oh well, you know I'll say I will be available for holiday help. I'm a sucker.

Taking a break

2009-09-12T16:04:00.008-07:00

Here's the pillow I made today. Sorry the pic is so bad; my camera was doing something funky. As you can see, it was made with love and not perfection. I totally messed up the seams somehow so the stitches are showing; not what I wanted. Plus it's all lumpy because the pillow inside doesn't fit right. Still, I like the colors and the concept so it'll make a sweet addition to our bed and stay there for no one else to examine closely.
I'm still waiting for My Sister's Place to call me back. I think the interview went alright; it definately wasn't my best. I looked hella cute in my red wrap sweater, white rounded collar button down, and calf-length black a-line skirt. It took awhile for me to decide whether or not to wear stockings and I opted to just in case. Oh I was so damn hot in those things! I think stockings should be banned in Phoenix due to public health concerns. Then, midway through the day I sniffed myself and realized my sweater stunk! It's a dry clean only number and, of course, I don't ever wnat to pay for dry cleaning, so my seater smelled like the BO I produced the last time I wore it. I had to stop by Target for some Febreeze on the way to the interview. Nice.
Despite all that, I answered questions the best I could and totally played up my skills learned at home and working with Mom. Thank God for that internship with Value Options or else my experience list would have looked even more pathetic than it did. I did get a call yesterday from one of the interviewers about not being able to reach someone on my reference list. That's good that they are calling my references, right?
Oh, I just can't wait to put in my last two weeks at B&N. Wednesday, my boss was explaining to me the excitement that came with our new scanning system and all I wanted to do was slap her and remind her that scanners are nothing to be passionate about. Scanners are LAME and BORING and there was no way she was going to rub her excitement on to me no matter how many times she said, "Isn't that neat!?!"
Well, I think I'll go work on a dress for Amelie. Matthew is finishing his tattoo and AJ is napping so I have some more blessed quiet time. See ya!

I'm Back

2009-09-06T22:22:00.002-07:00

So, I had to take a break from the blogging world. I think I got a little overwhelmed managing both facebook and my blog but I'm going to make a few changes so I think it'll be okay now.

My life is in a mode of change yet again! I love this part of life; I love change and new experiences - new people, new places, everything! So, this is a good time for me.

How did this start? Well, I realized I was bored at Barnes or as I told Matt "I'm too smart for this" I decided to put together my resume for a part-time social work job and see where things led. The resume alone was uplifting. I remembered how much I'm worth, you know? Granted I have soooo much to learn but still, you have to give yourself credit from where you've been. So, anyway, it felt good to list my qualities and strengths and then send them out to the scary real employment world A world, by the way, I haven't been in for, like, six years. Agghhh!

Surprisingly, within two days I had a phone interview and an appointment for a live interview. I was like, "really? You saw my resume and thought 'This girl may work!"? I'm glad they did! The live interview is the job I actually want so I'm PRAYING hard time (you may join in on this as well. I'd appreciate it".

THEN, I was getting my hair done and Michelle, my amazing hairdresser, said we should get serious about an entrepreneur opportunity that we've talked about for forever. We're having a meeting next week and I'm excited for this as well. What if it works out? How fun!

So.... it feels good to have prospects.

This new confidence and given birth to a new burst of creativity as well, which is great! I made a pillow today. I've realized that I really need to improve my sewing and I can't cut straight for shit BUT it did feel good to open my mind up and just create.

I spent an hour and a half looking for the perfect fabric in JoAnn's. I'm glad I did that though because I keep peeking at my sweet little pillow and smiling. it just brightens up our living room so much! Let's just see how many days it takes for Amelie to rip off that button. Oh well.

Hopefully we'll meet here more often now that my nights may free up a bit. Come see me again!

What a Way to Start the Day

2009-03-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

I got up early this morning, probably excited to start my birthday, and all I could think was "I have to do the dishes or I won't enjoy today". So at six o' clock the morning of my 30th birthday I was scrubbing dishes. Wow, have my priorities changed over the years. Of course now I'm headed off to get a birthday coffee treat so that makes things a lot brighter. And I have a clean kitchen to return to!

Bye, Bye 20s

2009-03-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the zoo and a place called "Hole in the Rock" today. I love Matthew's desire to see new things and to explore. It matches my curiosity quite well. Plus, Amelie is going to get a lot of great experiences before we send her out on her own someday.

Hole in the Rock was an easy climb and had a cool view of the valley. Those of you nearby you haven't checked it out definitely should. Amelie was able to do a lot of the climb and descent herself without us holding her. It was nice and cool up there as well. Good spot to remember as we warm up...today we were in the mid-80s already!

As I think reminisce on this last day of being 20-something, I feel like I turned out pretty well. I have grown more than I probably realized since my twentieth birthday but I still feel I have remained "ME". I have suffered tremendous loss, hurt, bitterness, and pain. I have also come out of those situations wiser, happier, stronger, and with more inner knowledge. I think I'm going into my thirties looking not half bad, if I do say so myself.

I think today I can be excused for bragging so I feel I can say, I am quite proud of myself. I thank God for what He has brought me through and for showing me the beautiful woman He wants me to be,. I enter my thirties with confidence and excitement. I am a little apprehensive knowing that I still have a lot to learn and there are many more experiences that I have to go through. But I have God. I have good, good friends. I have a loving, adoring husband and a strong marriage. I have a beautiful, funny daughter....

And I have the knowledge of knowing that it all turns out pretty damn great in the end.

Starting the Celebrating

2009-02-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have wonderful friends. I just want to throw that out there and let the world know. I always try to make sure I surround myself with wonderful, beautiful, priceless things (life's too short for crap) and I have to say, I did a good job when it comes to "My Girls".

Audrey and Wendy treated me to a delicious breakfast at The Farmhouse this morning. We had great conversation and yummy food - two of my favorite things in the world. We encouraged one another and laughed..what an awesome way to start my birthday weekend. We actually got kicked out of the restaurant because, apparently, we'd overstayed our welcome because we talked too long. Love it.

I started off my morning by purposefully getting up early and heading to Liberty Market for a mocha and some reading. Had a good chat with the barista and Joe (of Joe's BBQ); found out they made their own chocolate syrup which explains why I crave it, like, every morning. It was a treat to talk to new people, read a few chapters, and suck down a good treat - also some of my favorite things to do.

After breakfast, Wendy introduced me to an antique mall in Chandler...Hello! Why didn't anyone tell about this place before? I had to hold myself back because I was about to spend way too much money. If anyone wants a good place to browse and get ideas this is a great place to stop. I found a few items to add character to the house. I'm determined to get our home together this year. Wen's going to help with that - I'm excited!

All in all, this has been a great day and it's only 1pm! There are still so many hours to go!

Updates

2009-02-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

I have no new pics to put up quite yet but I thought I'd give a little bit of an update.

Life is going pretty well in the Martin household. Matthew and i have our birthday coming up on March 2nd and this is supposedly a big one for me; 30. I'm excited about my birthday because I love days that celebrate ME but the 30-thing is not a big deal. I'm just glad it's finally here. So many of my friends are already in their thirties and they are beautiful, strong, and happy so I've been looking forward to this next decade.

Amelie is a crack up right now. She is such a joy to be around. Even when she's being selfish her facial expressions crack me up so it's still not that bad. Here are a few things that she did today just so you get an idea of what I am talking about.

1) During story time at Barnes & Noble she decided the reader was not nearly entertaining enough so she got on the stage and started performing "Twinkle, Twinkle" (or in her sweet voice "Tinkle, Tinkle) for her audience.

2) In Payless, she decided her diaper was full enough so she (somehow) detached it from under her onesie and brought it to me to throw away. We had to finish our trip to the mall diaper-less.

3) She got very upset with her new Elmo doll for not singing along with her like he does in the morning on Sesame Street. She scolded him quite harshly for this.

4)After disciplining Elmo, she gave him a big hug and kiss to let him know she still loves him.

My days with Amelie keep getting better and better and i thank God that I've been able to stay home with her every day.

I had a surprisingly tearful moment at the mall today. Amelie wandered into Build-a-Bear. Apparently I have not been into one of their stores since I made a bear for Momma Taylor several years ago. The feeling of loss caught me off guard and we had to quickly leave the store. It just took me by surprise.

I will try to get updated pictures on later today or tomorrow.

Thanks for checking in on us!

Coffee Gene Passed On

2008-11-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is Amelie trying to drink coffee out of Momma's cup.

And yes, that is Amelie giving up and just licking it off of the floor.

First Zoo Trip

2008-11-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

Amelie and I went to the zoo this morning. This was her first trip and i think purchasing the year membership will be worth it. She loved being able to be outside and run ahead of mom. The animals were alright, too but not nearly as exciting as all of the rocks and dirt that she could play with. She did seem to like the monkeys though. We'll be back again soon and hopefully she'll stay still enough for me to take some better pictures.

Crazy Hair

2008-10-15T12:53:00.001-07:00

Amelie is going through a weird hair phase right now. A couple of weeks ago I noticed flakiness on the top of her head again. Last night I started treating it with a cradle cap ointment and this morning this is what I found. I just thought her hair was quite amusing and wanted to share.

Visiting Auntie Wendy

2008-10-14T04:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Amelie and I drove to Casa Grande to visit Wendy G and Rebecca at her in-laws house. After passing the house several times (man, it's sparse out there) we finally settled in for some girl-talk. It was so sweet to hear Becca-boo so excited to see her friend "Ami"! The girls chased each other around the house and talked to each other in their sweet little girl voices.

The girls also exchanged birthday presents, finally. They both got babydolls; Birthday Belle for Rebecca and a newborn Cabbage Patch for Amelie. Right away Amelie gave her new baby a big smooch which was so sweet. She loves giving love! For the rest of the afternoon she would talk to ber baby and snuggle it. She all girl!

Seattle

2008-10-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

(Names of places have been left out because I want to make sure to record them correctly but I also wanted to get pictures up for everyone to enjoy)

Vacations are a neccesity of life. I don't think anyone should go without them even if it's just going to the next town over or staying at Grandma's. It's just good to get away for awhile.

I have to admit, I was a bit nervous getting ready for this trip. I had no idea how Amelie was going to react to the plane ride and the wet, cool weather. I spent weeks before calling the hotel, making sure we had adequate transportation, driving my friends crazy with questions and neediness. Plus, on top of that, it was a destination for Matthew so that meant conversing with people in secret and hiding pamphlets and books in various places around the house.

It was all worth it though, Seattle was great!

We had to leave our house at 3:40 AM (!) Sunday since our flight let at 6 AM. I was surprised we got any sleep the night before but we did and the morning went fairly smoothly. Amelie got up without a fuss (I have such a wonderful Baby Girl) and we were on our way on time. While we waited for the plane, Amelie got a burst of energy. Oh no! People just didn't seem ready to face a one0year-old at 5 o'clock in the morning - not too many "Oh, how cute" smiles from the other people waiting. However, once we boarded the plane and let her play with our cell phone, she calmed down.

The second flight went just as smoothly though we did have to whip out the DVD player the Kohlmeiers so kindly let us borrow. Amelie refused to wear the headphones but she was content just watching the moving picture and Mommy was even able to take a quick nap. Plus, the man sitting across the aisle from us was greatly amused by our cutie so he seemed to have fun entertaining her for awhile.

We arrived in Seattle on time and our car was there waiting so we got to the hotel in record time. The three of us were surprisingly well energized so we headed out to downtown very soon after our arrival. Amelie had to wear a coat for the first time that she remembers and didn't take to it too well. It was hard to get all ten fingers through the arm holes.

Anyway, Sunday afternoon we spent walking around Pike Place and over to the Space Needle and EMP. I think Matthew just wanted to get a feel for Seattle, being it was his first time there. On our way from the water to the Needle we came upon ___________ which was neat because we had watched a special on PBS about it but had forgotten that it was in Seattle. it was a nice surprise.

Monday we went back downtown and actually went into the Space Needle. It wasn't too hazy so we got some good views from the top. Amelie loved running around up there. She looked so cute in her dress and leg warmers! We also visited the Experience Music Project which wasn't as exciting this time around because we have most of the instruments and recording equipment at home now.

After an afternoon nap we headed toward the University and walked down "The Ave". I loved the University Bookstore and Matthew was happy to get some good Thai food.

Tuesday was spent in Victoria BC. This was an impromptu trip that Matthew wanted to do. He had never been to Canada so we thought"why not"? Thankfully, we had our passports so it was easy to do. We caught the Victoria Clipper ferry over. It was quite a trip because we hit a storm on the way. It felt like a roller coaster ride and, if you know me even just a bit, you know I HATE roller coaster rides. So, that wasn't too fun plus it added an hour and a half of travel time.

Though we only had five hours in Victoria it was worth it to be in another country. Plus Victoria was beautiful even though it rained off and on the whole time we were there. Amelie loved running through the grass in front of the Legislative buildings. I think this was her favorite part of the trip because she was able to be out of the stroller fo a long time and was free to run around the flowers and fountains.

Wednesday we met up with our friend Kamille and her daughter, Veronica. It was so good to see them and so kind of Kamille to drive up from Bellingham to meet us. We had breakfast at a delicious little cafe in _____ then headed to the The ______ to watch the fishing boats move in and out of the docks. This is neat because they have to raise and lower the water in order to do this. I also learned a lot about the salmon life and we sat for awhile to let the girls watch the fish try to make it back upstream to their original homes.

After parting with Kamille, we rested then made our way towards Pioneer Square. Since it was nighttime, everything seemed closed so we just walked Pike Place again, got some hot drinks from the original Starbucks, then walked through downtown and ended up, of course, in a Barnes & Noble while we waited for the hotel shuttle.

All in all, it was a good trip to get Matthew accustomed to the Northwest. I already loved it up there so I wanted him to understand why.

We parked Amelie by the window in our hotel room and put the curtain around the crib to block out stimulation. This actually worked out well but when she would wake up she would "talk" to the people she saw entering and exiting the parking lot.

I just thought this picture was cute. She's trying to escape with some snacks.

The Big-One Birthday Party

2008-08-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

Amelie's first birthday party was a success! Our home was filled with loving family and friends and it seems that everyone had a good time. Amelie loved having the company; she a big fan of people. There was plenty of food and the decor went well. Overall, I was greatly satisfied with the event.

We had our cousins, Angela, Dave, and TaylerAnn over first. Because of allergies, they couldn't stay long but it was so great to have them in from Cali and for them to be able to spend some time with Amelie.

Amelie seemed to get a kick out of roaming from person to person throughout the party. She looked adorable in her pink halter dress. I didn't really plan much activity besides the traditional cake eating and opening presents. So our guests mainly chatted and watched the 2008 Olympics while the children removed all of Amelie's toys from her toy box and played around the house.

We were so happy that our friends Nate, Donna, and J.D. drove from Tucson to be with us on this special day!

Amelie got special one-of-a kind art from Peyton and Kylie plus a personal birthday song on the microphone that the Kohlmeier's gave her!

She also got an overnight suitcase from Grandma and Papa. That's a present for all of us, I think.

Mommy and Daddy's present was a riding toy. We have a few more months of leg growth in order to get full use of it, but it's still fun!

After many of our guests left we relaxed with Matt's co-worker and friend Sharon and her sister (and our friend, as well), Michelle. Amelie had fun playing with her balloons...until she got a little tangled in them!

We ended the day at dinner with the family. All in all, it was a day filled with joy and fun.

2008-08-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

Friday morning we went to the Gilbert Fire Station and had Amelie's car seat installed. It didn't take long at all (compared to the hour or so it took for the last one when we did it ourselves) and I felt assured that she would be secure in it. The volunteers there were so helpful and nice - I would definately recommend using them.

Amelie did not know what to do when we first put her in it. I think she was a little nervous about the gaping backseat hole beneath her feet now. But once we were driving and she realized she could watch me now, she was delighted. She would clap and clap and make noises to get me to turn around so she could smile at me. It was great!

The below picture is not show any of this joyfulness. She was getting ready for a nap at this point but it's when i remembered that I wanted to take a picture of her in it.

Saturday morning I was able to relax with a quick mani and pedi, thank you Matthew. I always love the feminine things in life so this was luxury to me. I was going to try a complimentary facial for the first time but I ran out of time. I got a call from my daughter wondering when I was coming home. (wonder who put her up to that?)

Yesterday afternoon we went to Addi K's birthday party. Since Steph and I have dedicated them to being best friends, this event was a must. I love watching the girls play and grow together. Addi even shared her birthday cake with Amelie. We'll see if AJ will return the act next week at her own birthday party.

Speaking of her birthday party, I am really trying hard not to worry too much about it. I have the decor and her present. I've decided to skip the big cake and do cupcakes instead and make Amelie a mini cake for herself. My biggest concerns are space and cat hair. I'll be trying my hardest to keep Sonny out of the house and to vacuum up all the hair I can find. Wish me luck!

Today should be pretty relaxing. It's Matthew's last day before the kids return to school so I'm letting him sleep. We've had a couple of really late nights with friends which probably wasn't too wise before such a energy-zapping week but I hate missing time with the people we love. I have been reading the new Twilight Saga book, Breaking Dawn, on and off since I bought it yesterday morning. I think I want to drag it out because I know it's the end of the series. Otherwise I would have stayed up last night to finish the whoule thing. I'm also going to try to seriously plan our meals and write out a budget we'll actually stick to. We'll see about that.

BTW, I'm trying to get video of Amelie walking on here but I'm having trouble with moving it from the memory card to the computer. Be assured I will have it on here as soon as I can for all of you that have been asking.

2008 Portrait Session

2008-07-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

Amelie had her one-year-old pictures taken today. It was a lot of fun and quite a workout for Mommy! She was all over the studio. She would not stay in one place but would either be crawling toward the camera or toward some prop along the side; even into to other kids photo sessions! She was all smiles, though, so it made for some great pictures.

Here are a few of my favorites:

I, of course, purchased more pictures than we'll ever be able to use or give away. As you can see from above, it was really, really hard to choose. Hopefully, someday she will treasure all of the different prints and will give them to her husband or children.

After the photo session, we had lunch with Matthew at Pei Wei then went to visit his classroom. It looks much more comfortable and developed than it did last year. I can tell he has made it his own. It is weird being in his other world that he leaves us to go to every day. I'm just happy he really likes his job and can come home feeling satisfied every day.

Amelie got a new car seat and stroller today. She has gotten way too big for her infant seat and the small stroller we had, well, it got old fairly quickle. I think she is going to love facing forward in the car so she can see Mommy and Daddy. I'll be going to the firestation on Friday to have the seat installed. Matthew wanted nothing to do with that process again.

I Need My Other Two Hands Back

2008-07-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

Matthew started back to work today after a long summer back and I miss him already. Not only his company but his hands and his presence. Now I have to go back to full-time watching Amelie and she's a handful!

This morning I was trying to get an errand list together and make a few phone calls so, since she seemed a bit tired, I put Amelie down in her crib. A few minutes later I hear her banging her hands up and down the railing of her crib and talking to her Pooh Bear so I take her out and figure she could just hang out with me in the office. This summer I would have taken her to wherever Matthew was at the time (in front of his laptop or the TV) and I wouldn't have to worry. Well, this is no longer an option.

Anyway, I put her on the floor in the office and start on my errand list. I get through one phone call and turn around...the office is a mess. She had gotten into any nook and cranny, a case that was snapped shut, a scrapbook project I was working on...it was all over the floor. This was seriously in a matter of two minutes.

I gave up on what I was doing and got us dressed to go out. Well, since I didn't prepare my list and I was already tired from the morning it was fruitless. Amelie was getting sleepy as well so we headed home after a lame trip to Cosco. It's only noon and I'm exhausted.

Is it summer break again yet?