Having a handy man comes in handy

With all of the recent cold weather, we've had fun trying to keep things working. Our pipes kept freezing (only the ones to the washing maching and the dishwasher) because I keep turning off the dripping water....it's habit. And recently our hot-water heater wasn't heating water. I guess it went on strike. For some reason (which Josh could tell you) the pilot light wouldn't stay lit. So what does Josh do?...he gets a couple of tools and proceeds to take the thing apart. After discoving a part was bad, we got additional bad news. They don't sell the part in town. So we called the company who makes it and they are sending us the part we need. In the mean time, Josh jerry-rigged the hot water heater so we could still take showers and I could still use the dishwasher. What would I do without him?

I'll confess....sometimes I get nervous when I see him like this--but he always comes through for me. I'm glad to have a handy man.

Making restitution

After my last post, the ladies in my household were quite upset with me. They wanted to know why I didn't post any pictures of them with Steven. I have to admit that I didn't realize what pictures I was posting last time--I just wanted to get a few pictures up. Since then, every time our blog comes up (which is alot because it's our homepage), they ask when I'm going to add a picture of them. So here are two pictures from the visit they made to the hospital. I have taken more pictures since then, but I'm having a hard time getting them off of the camera.

These girls sure do love helping with their brother!

The new arrival

So the big day finally came....1 day late, but I was grateful that he finally decided to make his debut. Steven Douglas Martin was born on Friday, January 21, 2011 at 5:50 p.m. He was 8 lbs. 2 oz. and 21 inches long. So far he has been a wonderful baby...he sleeps well and tolerates all the attention from the family (and he gets a lot of that!). We got home Saturday night and it's been nice not to have people waking me up at all hours of the night (other than Steven). We had a wonderful experience at the hospital here in Clovis despite some bad reports we had heard. We loved the nurses and the doctor was excellent.
This was the next morning. It's amazing how a little soap and water can make you feel like a real person again.

He looks a little blue here. Steven had just gotten cleaned up and was finally resting.

I made Josh pose for this. He had a little cot in the room to sleep on...however, he wasn't able to get much sleep on it. Yet another reason that it's good to be home.

My boys posing for a picture. Aaron and Jacob are so excited to be big brothers!

Steven was all buckled up and ready to head home. They had just taken his blood and he apparently took out his anger on himself. He scratched himself up pretty good and was in no mood for taking pictures. My dad said that he looked like an Irish thug in this picture...I kind of have to agree. :)

We are all so excited to have him with us! He was worth the wait!

Leaves are falling all around...

The kids love all the leaves on the ground. A couple of times they have tried to rake the leaves into a pile but with the wind blowing (almost constantly) they have yet to find success with this task. Jacob decided to help more leaves to fall using a different tactic...a sword. To him, a sword is like duct tape...it can fix anything. From getting something in a hard to reach spot to protecting himself from his brother.

Emma's Christmas Moosical

Every year, the third grade at Mesa Elementary puts on a Christmas musical. This year they did a play about Marty the Moose, a moose who really wants to be able to fly. It was really cute! Emma was Elf #3 and she had performed her 4 lines perfectly. :) It was so fun to watch her!

After the play with her brothers and sister...some were just ready to get home.

So proud of our 'leading lady.'

Christmas time!

Yesterday we had a friend come over and snap a few pictures in an attempt to get a useable family picture for our Christmas card. The kids were pretty good, and even more cooperative after being bribed with a Frosty from Wendy's. After taking over 50 shots I found one or two acceptable pictures of me. (I never claimed to be very photogenic...thus I always hide behind the camera.) We also got some really cute ones of the kids. Here are some of the pictures that didn't make the Christmas card cut.

Abby's soccer days

Though I was very unimpressed with the soccer "academy" for the four-year-olds this year, Abby had a lot of fun on the Saturdays she got to go. They don't have games for this age group now...only training. (What!?!) The weather was beautiful and she loved running around with her "friends." And just so you know, everyone she meets is her friend. :)
Running down the field.

Taking a water break. Boy she looks tired! Jacob loved running around too.

Emma loves "babysitting" Jacob. I can't wait until she's old enough to really babysit for me. :)