Trip to Hereford

Earlier this summer, a group of moms and kids (12 minivans worth) drove to Hereford, TX to swim at their pool. Sad to say, but Clovis didn't even have an open pool at the time. It was an hour drive but well worth the trip.
Abby and her friend Holly.

The slide.

Aaron loved going down it! Abby even went down too.

Emma and David enjoying the water.

Me and Jacob....just hanging out. His favorite part was eating the treats!

Emma's baptism

Emma Grace Martin was baptized on June 12, 2010. What a special day it was! I have a hard time believing that our children are getting older, yet every time I turn around, of them has reached another milestone. I don't feel any older but time keeps on ticking. We are so proud of our 8 year old girl! Thanks to all who came to make it a special day for her!
Emma

Josh and Emma...they were both so excited.

My dad came over from the Middle East to be there. We were so grateful he could make it.

Grandfather and Granny (Josh's parents)

Me, Emma, and my mom...three generations. What a great day!

It's a......

DOG! When we got home yesterday, Josh surprised the kids with a yorkie puppy. They were thrilled...well the older ones were at least. Abby won't go near him because she's scared. Jacob wants to play with him but gives a shrill scream every time the dog comes near him. Yesterday evening he was running away from the dog and ended up screaming on the floor while he got licked. And I mean screaming in a terrified-it's-going-to-eat-me kind of way. I quickly went to his rescue but I thought it was pretty funny! The kids have named the dog Riley (I hope my sister doesn't hate me--she just named her baby girl that). I tried to talk the kids out of it but they were dead set on it. When we started talking about getting a dog earlier in the year, that's the name they picked...and it just stuck. My only complaint about the dog is that I just finished potty training Jacob and now I have to potty train a dog. *sigh* Here's our household menace.

Summer fun

We've spent the summer traveling around visiting family. It's been lots of fun and I've taken tons of pictures. Unfortunately I don't have the program to take the pictures off of my camera. When I get back next week, there will be a plethera of pictures to see. Can't wait to be back home!

2010 Dance recital

The girls' dance recital was on May 28 (and yes, I'm just posting pictures). They danced wonderfully and had so much fun! Here are a few shots of the girls.
Emma with her flowers after the recital. It's one of her favorite parts of dancing. What girl doesn't like flowers!?

Emma in her ballet song, I'll Try. It was very pretty.

Abigail was definately not scared of the stage. :) She loved every minute up there and was a true performer.

Strike a pose!

It's Great to be 8!

Emma turned eight today...where did the time go? She has been a joy in our lives--so helpful and caring. She always thinks about others and loves to learn. She inspires me daily as she reminds me to have the proper perspective. When I'm grumbling about knocking a cup over she tells me, 'Mom it's just an accident.' Or when she asks, 'Mom should we pray about it?' when I can't find an important paper. Someday I want to be like her.

Legalized laziness

As any mom can attest, the daily activities involved in raising children and running a household can leave you feeling exhausted at the end of the day. Between waking up at 5 a.m. to exercise and finishing the dinner dishes at 9 p.m. if I ever sit down during the day I often find myself dozing off. Now that I'm pregnant I find myself 'legalizing' these cat naps or deciding that the dishes can wait until morning. Sometimes it's nice to have an excuse to be lazy. :)