Grace Christmas Program 2013

It was the big year for Ross in the Christmas program - he got a speaking part since he is a Senior. He was in the Inn Keeper. Ann Beth was Mary.

Josh was a Wise man.

I got there 1 hr early to get a front row seat, just the wrong side b/c the boys kept their back to us the entire time!

Holdyn held the star that lead the Wise men and Shepherds.

Pierce was Joseph.

The Junior girls made up the rest of the angels.

Next came in the younger classes. Avery was kind of upset for a few minutes after she saw us.

It didn't last long though and she sang so well to all the songs.

After the program we had pizza in the kids rooms.Well we were supposed to have. Avery, however, decided she'd dine with the Senior class.

Ross has been wanting a bow tie like Josh's since the day they had pictures made and Josh wore his. Guess what Josh got Ross for Christmas? Yep - bow tie and Ross LOVES it!!

Sweet friends! (hopefully forever)

I totally failed to get a picture with Mrs. Leanne but we managed one with Ms. Ashley (though Ross specifically wanted to take the picture with his sucker.)

Of course Ms. Lois. He loves some Ms. Lois.

I can't believe this is our last Christmas program for Ross at Grace.  Below is Ross' first Christmas program there. His face is similar to Avery's in that he'd just caught a glimpse of us. Goodness time has flown.

Christmas Card outtakes and final product

Well this year proved to be not so easy in getting pictures for our Christmas card. I was so good and set up the backdrop and tested with a very compliant Raggedy Ann.

Next I tested with a very non-compliant Ninja warrior.

Move on to another day and I moved the location of said backdrop and tested with another compliant friend.

Now move on to fake smiler.

Next insert snotty nose from crying b/c I put her hair up.

Oh wait - let's taste this yummy bell.

Oh yes - the eldest had to taste as well b/c the baby sister did. (I think the bell tasting lasted a solid 5 minutes)

Just a glimpse of the backdrop and the area I had to work with.

Avery would not leave her sleeves alone. She's ok with regular long sleeves but hates if they have a cuff.

Oh praise be! A few good ones.

Snotty nose finally quit running and she did well.

Final product and we didn't even hurt each other in the process - though I may or may not have made some threats. :)

Merry Christmas from the Martins!

Basketball videos - Nice shot!

Basketball

Ross played basketball this season and he loved it! He got so much better by their last regular season game. Daddy was his team's coach.

He really got good at going after the ball and fighting for it.

He made a free throw during this game!

Part of his time.

Once Emma finished with soccer season she was at all the games, and both she and Avery loved it.

I loved it b/c Emma always brought fun stuff and helped Avery play while I watched the game.

She ended up with a few hand stamps.

Though I'll admit I'm happy to have our Tuesday nights back it was fun and Ross absolutely loved this sport. So that's 1 - basketball and 0 - soccer.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Thursday we had lunch at Mam's house. The kids played quite a bit before it was time to eat. (I made Ross and Avery their turkey shirts.)

Super heroes were in attendance.

I'm pretty sure that Alex ate 1/2 a ham and then this apple.

This is for documentation sake: Ross at sweet potato and loved it. Of course he believed it was pumpkin pie minus the crust but whatever - I call that a win.

The cook and 2 buddies.

After nap crazy hair and she wanted some apple too.

Sweet Gavin. He's so good and cute ta' boot!

Stone Soup 2013

Grace had their annual Stone Soup meal for Thanksgiving and that meant the Seniors got to help A LOT.

These boys were SO excited.

Senior table.

Each kid made a vest and headdress. Ross' Indian name is Hunts Turkey.

Josh' Indian name is Little Cub.

The favored side of Ross and Josh was the cornbread and butter. 

Each Senior also got to make their own butter for their cornbread. It was really tasty.

A better view of Ross' vest. He also wrote Pierce's Indian name on his which was Fast Foot.

We attempted to get a picture of the Seniors. You'd think with only 5 kids in the class it would be easier, but not so much.

We even tried to seperate boys between the girsl but that only made the girls crazy too. Oh well.

Ross' Indian headdress. He is thankful for: "Hanging out with my friends." "My Cat." "Jesus" "My friends."

I'm thankful for such a great school, where we have made good friends. A healthy family that I love with all my heart. Last, but definitely most important I am with Ross and most definitely thankful for Jesus. We are truly blessed.