BLORA

The Martin Girls went on another adventure tonight. We stayed home and played all day long and managed to get about three hours outside. It was a relaxing day for us and one we needed since Rich leaving to go back to Iraq. We did get to talk to daddy today and he is in Kuwait now and should be there for another day or so before making his trip back to Camp Taji. It is pouring down rain over there and is delaying his trip. But, he sounded good and it was nice to hear his voice!

The girls and I headed to BLORA (Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area) this evening. Every year we go that we are stationed in Texas and they host "A Nature in Lights." There are over a 100 light displays and goes on for about 5 miles. They also have a Santa's Workshop along the way. The girls did great in the car and I was amazed at how well Lydia liked it- you know she doesn't like the car. But, not one peep! We rolled the windows down and off we went to look at all the lights of Christmas! It was gorgeous!

We even had time to stop at Santa's Workshop for hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookies. YUMMY! Lillian ran into Santa while we were there too and got to say hello one more time. She was excited and wanted to know if Santa had a workshop everywhere! Too cute!

Tonight really made me smile and feel the Christmas spirit! Lillian said she loves feeling Christmas in her heart. That made my whole night! But, every minute I thought of Rich and how I wish he was home again. I miss that man dearly!

Love you all!
Julie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today started off a little hard for the Martin girls. Daddy had to say good bye to his little girls last night at bedtime. He left this morning at 5:30am. So, this morning was a little hard for us and trying to be strong for one another. I know we are counting down until this deployment is over, but 5 months sure seems like a long time now! This is the hardest part about R&R- saying good bye AGAIN after so many wonderful days!

Today wasn't the same without Rich home, but I still wanted to make it special for the girls. They deserve that and more from me right now. I know my heart aches after Rich leaving and I am an adult- I can't imagine what their little hearts feel right now. So, we put our best foot forward today! :)

The girls were great today and really played so well together this morning. We just stayed home and played outside for the most part of this morning. It was a gorgeous day and we were blessed to be able to play outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. It made us all feel better!

After nap time, we went over to Jessica's house. We had thanksgiving dinner with her family this year. Jessica's husband just got home last night from Afghanistan from his year deployment. So, it was a special Thanksgiving for them! He looked wonderful and it was so great to see Jessica and her whole family so happy! I am thrilled this time is over for them and I wish them many good times ahead! I know there will be lots of laughter, smiles and hugs for months to come!

And thanks to Lisa, Eric's mother, who cooked the whole day for the family! She is an awesome cook and I enjoyed every bite! Especially the apple pie I am eating now! Lisa really out did herself and I am so thankful that we had a special place to go this evening. Thank you Jessica, Eric, Lily, Jack and Lisa for opening up your home to us on such a special day for you. We are so lucky to have you in our lives and thank you for making us smile today!

And it made me smile this afternoon watching the children play in the backyard and running around. It made my heart feel better watching Lillian play with her friends today and smile. I am so thankful for my friends who always look out for me and my family! What would I do without you guys?

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Love you all!

Love,

Julie

Happy Early Thanksgiving!

Happy Early Thanksgiving Everyone! This morning was filled with good food, laughs and watching children playing around the house! Nikki, a great friend of mine, decided to have an early Thanksgiving dinner with Rich and I. Nikki did all the cooking and what a great cook she is!

Since Rich has to leave around 5:30am tomorrow morning, we won't be able to have Thanksgiving with him. So, it was such a blessing to be able to share this holiday with him and with friends. Lillian had a great time playing with Bella and Marissa and Dad even helped in the kitchen when he could. I entertained Lydia and tried to keep her out of trouble!

Nikki had such a wonderful meal prepared for us with turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, asparagus, green beans and bread. It all looked so yummy and it was! Even Lydia loved the mashed potatoes! As for Lillian, she stuck with mac n cheese and a turkey HOT DOG! hee hee She makes me smile!

So, what am I thankful for? THESE PAST 14 DAYS and GREAT FRIENDS! Thank you Nikki for thinking of me and my family during this holiday and thank you for a wonderful meal. You out did yourself and you are a great person and friend. And thank you Rich for being who you are and spending so much time with us and the kiddos during these past two weeks even when you wanted to just lay down and go to sleep! :) And thank you to Lillian and Lydia who make me smile everyday! How lucky am I to be their mom?

Good bye honey! This will be our last big event as a family until Rich is home at the end of April. It has been wonderful and more than we could have imagined. Only if I could make time stand still and he could stay longer. But, I know this day will end and he will be gone in the morning. So, now looking ahead until he is home again for good!

Happy Thanksgiving and we love you all! Enjoy tomorrow with your family and friends no matter where you are!

Love,

Julie

Decorating the Tree!

So, we thought we could squeeze one more thing into this weekend. We decorated the house and Christmas tree for the holiday season. The girls really enjoyed decorating their little tree for their playroom. Lillian wanted to do it all by herself this year and she did a great job. Lydia did a great job taking all the ornaments off after sissy put them on! I guess that will be her new job this year and mine- redecorating the Christmas tree!

Lydia enjoyed all the singing Santa's we have around the house and all the cute little items just her size. She also seemed to take to all the breakables which are now all up higher than her little reach! Lillian always enjoys this season and putting out the decorations for at least 5 minutes. Then, she rest is up to mom and dad! But, the place does look nice now! And the best part was doing it all with dad!

Enjoy the pictures and love you all!

Julie

Grinch on Ice!!

Grinch on Ice!!

What can I say.... IT WAS A BLAST!!!! For those of you who wanted to know if it was worth the drive and money, all I can say is YES!!! We arrived at the Gaylord Texas Hotel in Grapevine, Texas yesterday afternoon. The place looked amazing on the outside and inside! It was all decorated for Christmas and the theme this year was "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." It looked like Winter Wonderland with Christmas trees, wreaths, lights, poinsettias, trains, and more.

We first just walked around and took in all their was to see. We did manage to get balloons made for the girls...Lydia loves balloons. Lillian got a penguin and Lydia got a candy cane balloon. Then, it was time for Lydia's nap. She was tired from the road trip and you all know my little one doesn't sleep more than 20 minutes in the car, but she surprised us with a 30 minute nap! YEAH!!! So, off to the gorgeous room to put Lydia down for her nap. She was drooling in about 5 minutes!

Then, Daddy stayed in the room and Lillian and I hit the Gaylord. We started checking the place out from top to bottom and realized quickly how big this place was! It has a jogging trail, indoor pool, 4 restaurants, riverwalk, ballrooms, meeting rooms, etc! We made it to the sight where the Ice show was going to be and bought our tickets. But, since we had some time, Lillian decided to wait in line to meet the Grinch. And what a great Grinch he was! He actually didn't look scary at all! He danced with Lillian and loved how her furry cuffs matched his. He posed for some pictures too in some silly positions! Lillian had a blast! By the time we finished, it was time to get Lydia!

Then, we all headed out to meet Santa! Okay, so Lydia didn't dig Santa this year, but we got a great picture of Lillian with Santa!!! She told him everything she wanted for Christmas and it took her a little while. Thank goodness for him she only shared a few things on her list or we would have been there all day! She even told him she mailed her Christmas list to him and he said he would look our for her name! She thought that was the coolest!

Finally, it was our time for the main event- The Grinch on Ice!!!!! It is 9 degrees in the room and everyone gets to wear these big thick jackets that the Gaylord provides. The rooms are amazing! The ice is beautiful and so colorful. It was all set up to look like Whoville and the Whos. I can't tell you how many beautiful scenes and ice sculptures there was! We walked in and it was snowing and Lillian loved it!!! She wanted to stay and play in the snow.

We started walking and looking at all the beautiful scenery and then we hit the ice slides! These were a ton of fun and all four slides were made out of ice. You had to sit on your jacket and go! Lydia couldn't do them by herself, so she couldn't do any, but they let me sneak her on one with me and we took off to the bottom! The slides were a blast and Lillian and dad were on the slides for an hour!!! In 9 degree weather! Lydia didn't like it so much. She wouldn't wear the jacket and was overwhelmed by all the lights and color. So, she made it 35 minutes and then we just let the other two play. What did we do? Watch the movie of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and drank hot cocoa! YEAH FOR MOM!!!!

We had dinner at the hotel and walked around some more to see the lights. There was so much to do! We didn't even make it to make a Gingerbread house. On the way back to our room, we ran into an Elf named Jasper. He stopped Lillian and Lydia and asked if they had seen Santa. He told Lillian to tell Santa that Jasper is looking for him and has presents and one might be Lillian's. She was thrilled and talked about Jasper all night and was hoping to bump into him again!

But, after Lydia went to bed, then mommy and Lillian went to storytime. And not just any storytime, but storytime with Mrs. Claus!!! We had milk and cookies and you got a copy of the book (How the Grinch Stole Christmas). Mrs. Claus even let Lillian do a magic trick! She read two books and told us a great story about Santa Claus. Then, she autographed the books for the children. Lillian thought she was magical! So did I!

So, in bed by 10:00pm and Lillian didn't sleep most of the night. At 2:00am she asked me if it was morning! Lydia slept 12 hours and didn't wake up until 8:00am! We quickly got dressed and went to breakfast with the Grinch. What a great buffet he had for us downstairs and we got to see him again! Lydia even took a picture with him this time and didn't cry...okay, until he touched her! ha ha

It was time to load up and head home! Lillian didn't want to leave and kept asking me if we could come back some day! She loved it and who would have thought a hotel alone would entertain the whole family for hours upon hours! We drove home and stopped by our local Christmas tree farm. We picked our tree and they tied it to the roof and then we headed home. Since Rich has to leave on Thanksgiving Day at 7:00am, we thought we would get our tree early and decorate today. We always love decorating for the holidays especially since Lillian loves it so much now and can help a lot more too!

So, off for decorating with the family for now while Lydia is napping! What a great trip and one we won't forget for a long long time! The memories will last me a lifetime along with all those smiles! Love you all!

Julie

Rynoglass

This morning we went to RynoGlass. This is a family tradition of ours and we have done it three years now. Of course, it is a family tradition when we are stationed in Texas. It is a fun place to go with the kiddos and each year Lillian gets to do more and more.

When you first arrive, you get to pick out all the colors you want to use to make your glass ornament. Lillian picked out Fun Mix, Pink and Red Violet this year and wanted her sister's to look just like her ornament. Then, Bob (the glass man) gets the liquid hot glass (2000 degrees F) and starts rolling it into a ball. Once he gets all the colors mixed into the liquid glass one by one, then he blows an air bubble and you get to start blowing onto the tube. Lillian really got to blow most of it this year since she is older now and has a lot of hot air to blow! hee hee

Now, we are off to the Gaylord Hotel for Christmas with the Grinch. Lillian is thrilled! I also put in some pictures of the Martins in their Carolina shirts cheering for the Tarheels. And some pictures of Lillian and Daddy make turkeys for snack week. We have to take snacks three times a year and this week we had Pilgrim week. So, Monday we made a Harvest Blessing Trail Mix, Wednesday we made Pilgrim Hats and Friday we made the Oreo Turkeys. What fun!

Love you all!

Julie

I CAN DO IT!!!

I just wanted to share this special time with everyone! LILLIAN CAN TIE HER OWN SHOES NOW!!! All it took was 20 minutes of daddy time and she could do it! Lillian and I have been trying on and off for a little while and no luck. This is when it is hard that mom is left handed and daughter is right handed. :) So, I knew all it would take would be two right brains getting together and it is done! She is so excited! She can't wait to tie all of her friends shoes at school on Wednesday...only if someone doesn't wear Velcro!!!

Enjoy the video and love you all! By the way, you can tell Lillian was getting annoyed with her parents....hee hee

Julie

More GREAT Times!!

Today we went to the Cameron Park Zoo with our great friends Jessica, Jack and Lily today. What a gorgeous day in Texas and the temperature was perfect! All the kiddos did FANTASTIC and even Miss Lydia hung in there with the "older" crowd with only a 20 minute nap. I don't know how she did it, but she did and I was proud of her! The 20 minute nap was special to Rich because he got to hold her while she slept in his arms. I think it made his whole trip home!

We all made the road trip to Waco, Texas and had lunch together. Then, we went to the zoo for THREE hours! Can you believe we spent three hours in that little zoo? But, we did! The zoo is the perfect size for these kiddos and it is a beautiful zoo with gorgeous landscaping. They even have a playground which the kiddos loved too!

The zoo had added some new exhibits too with the orangutans exhibit and it was a lot of fun. They even had ropes for the children to swing on like they were monkeys! And we know how much Lillian loves to swing on a rope...she is a true monkey! Rich said he was having a blast with us and the kiddos and could leave now and be happy! But, we have some more great times ahead of the Martin Clan!

As for now, bedtime for the girls and date night for Rich and I! YEAH!!!

We love you all and good night!

Julie

Ps- This is Lydia in her first jeep ride with sister!!! She loved it!!

Good Times!!

Yesterday, Rich got to experience Kindermusik with Lydia for the first time. It was lots of fun for him watching her interaction with other children her age and to participate in some of the activities. Yes, at times you do feel silly, but it is great remembering the child in yourself. Lydia would clap her hands, dance and sometimes just wander off without remembering she is in class. But, that is Lydia! She enjoyed showing off for her daddy!

And today, we all went to open gym at Texas Tumblers. Lillian couldn't wait to have daddy swing her high on the swing. She did it over and over again and poor daddy was tired by the time we made it home. And Lydia also bounced on the trampoline, bounced in the bounce house and swung on the bars and rings. She has quite a grip for a child her age! Rich got to meet my great friends- Jessica, Jack and Lily- and he enjoyed that too.

We all went out for a nice lunch with new and old friends! What a great time we are having so far and enjoying daddy being home. We even made it to the park and daddy got to see Lillian in action on the monkey bars and watch Lydia slide. Lydia loves the slide!!

Lillian keeps telling Rich she doesn't want him to go back to Iraq and she wants him to stay for a hundred days. This time is so happy for her and she is old enough to understand daddy has to leave again. Her heart is already broken and it breaks my heart for her. So, for now, we are trying to explain to enjoy every moment with daddy and not to worry about daddy leaving again. My poor Lillian!!! She is wise beyond her little 5 years!!

Enjoy the pictures and videos! Love you all!

Julie

DADDY IS FINALLY HERE!!!!

Rich arrived home right at Noon today. He started traveling home a couple of days ago and finally arrived home today. I didn't tell Lillian until we got in the car and she was so happy!! She kept telling me all the things they were going to do together when he got home. She was thrilled and one happy 5 year old girl!

So, Rich's plane was delayed due to Air Force One arriving at Fort Hood. Today was the memorial service for the tragedy at Hood. The President landed about a half hour before Rich. At first, I thought that was Rich's plane and everyone just looked at me. Yeah, my booh is that important! Then, I realized who it was and took the time to read the side of the plane!

After a thirty minute delay, then Rich's plane landed. I saw him right away and pointed him out to Lillian. She ran screaming daddy and went right into his arms. She started talking the whole time and wouldn't let Rich get a word out of his mouth. Just like old times!

And Lydia did great too! Yes, she is eating a chip in the picture. But, it wouldn't be Lydia if she wasn't eating and the first thing Rich said, "Does she always eat?" Of course, Lillian and I said, "YES!!!" She loved seeing daddy and I think she knew what was going on in her little world.

So, the Martins are a family of four again for 14 days. It is GREAT and it has been worth all the wait. It will have to leave on Thanksgiving day at 7:00am. I wish he could stay for longer! But, we won't focus on that for now! Lillian told Rich she has been waiting on him for a long time and asked him to tuck her in tonight. Then, she said, "Daddy, why can't you at least call to say good night every night?" So sweet! Rich looks FABULOUS and is enjoying every minute of being home. Lillian has the whole time planned for him and I hope he gets to rest some of it!

Well, enjoy the pictures. As for me, I am off to enjoy my family of four! Love you all!

Julie

St. Francis Family Fun Run!!

I posted the wrong video clip yesterday and Lillian was so sad!!! So, here is the right one! Love you all!

Julie

St. Francis Family Fun Run!!

This afternoon Lillian won her 1st medal and trophy! She is so happy right now and so proud of herself. St. Francis had their annual Family Fun Run today and it was great. Lillian was in the 5 year old age group and she stood at the Start line with her toes behind the lines. Then, they announced, "On your mark, get set, GO!!!" Lillian was out of there and I could hardly keep up!

Then, she started to slow down during the race and I grabbed her hand and we kept going. We were not going to give up and let me tell you...that was a long half mile run for this age group! Lillian didn't quit and even over took a boy at the very end. She saw the finish line and picked up her speed again and made it!

And how did she do? She is so proud of herself for not giving up! She won 3rd place girl and it feels great!!!! She tied with her friend, Marissa. She said she knew she was going to win a trophy! It was so much fun this afternoon and I was so proud of her for going to the end. She was thrilled to win that trophy and talked about it all the way home and where we could put it so Lydia wouldn't break it!

Sweet Victory today Lillian! GO LILLIAN GO!!!!

Love you all,

Julie

Early Christmas Pictures!!

Happy Early Christmas!!! I couldn't wait to have the girls pictures taken for Christmas because of these adorable dresses given to them by their Great Grandmother Martin. She always picks the best dresses for them and always searches to find something that matches. I love that!

The girls did great for their pictures and as always, Lillian was a charmer. She has the sweetest smile and reminds me of an angel. He face just lights up when the camera shines on her and she wanted to keep the spotlight on her. She really tried to help me with her little sister and make her smile. Lydia took one picture and then stood up and walked out of the room. She was done! But, both girls managed to sit there while we took almost a 100 pictures.

I finally found the ones I wanted to order and I can't wait to share them with everyone!! I know it is early, but it is never too early to be in the Christmas spirit! Just ask Lillian- she already has her letter ready to mail to Santa! Love you all!

Julie

TRICK OR TREAT!!

Although, I am tired and ready for bed, I still had to wrap up tonight while it is fresh on my mind. What fun what fun! I think Lydia had just as much fun as her sister! I was so surprised to see a 13 month old baby trick or treat and actually get the idea!

We started by getting all dressed up for the big night. Lillian couldn't wait to be Aerial the Mermaid and Lydia was an octopus tonight. Their costumes were adorable and thank you Nikki for the octopus costume. Both girls received compliments all night long and everyone loved Lydia's eight legs!

Lydia didn't want to get dressed at first and cried for about 20 minutes. I thought the night was going to be a disaster and then once we hit the streets, Lydia turned on her charm. :) We hit almost every street in the neighborhood and went for two long hours. It was so much fun watching Lillian run from house to house and have Lydia try to keep up! Lillian was exhausted by the end of the night and kept telling me her feet hurt! :)

At the very first house, Lydia stood up out of her little red car and walked right up to the people with her sister. But, they couldn't just put any candy in her basket..oh no! Lydia picked up what she wanted...a lollipop! She put that lollipop right in her mouth and didn't waste any time. She is a hot mess! She went to every house with Lillian and kept picking out what she wanted and would take multiple items at a time. She would even put things in her mouth and then try to put them back in the basket. No respect! :) I would tell her just take one and then all the parents fell in love with her and told her she could have it all! She has no shame with those tentacles of hers!

And Lillian was beaming going trick or treating tonight and walked and walked. She didn't want to come home, but her feet were killing her after two hours of walking! And she loved having me dress up with her and that we had the same color of hair. Lillian just loves the social aspect of trick or treating and could care less about the candy. Lydia, on the other hand, ate a lollipop, bag of M&Ms, animal crackers and another lollipop when we got home. What did big sister eat? NOTHING!!! We just gave the candy back to our neighbor to keep passing out to other kiddos! :)

It was a fantastic evening and it ended with me going to a Halloween party with friends. It was fun to dress up with the children this year and I would do it again next year for sure. It is fun being a kid again and doing the MONSTER MASH!! And just remember to BEAT IT!!! You had to be at the party! :) Good night all goblins, monsters and ghosts. Happy Halloween!

Julie