Mortin Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to Jesus!! This morning we woke up to a white Christmas outside, but before everyone began stirring, I was up making breakfast, taking pictures, lit some candles, brewed a pot of coffee (coffee is wonderful, isn't it?), and placed gifts under the tree. Typically, parents put gifts under the tree days before Christmas, but not me, I stored the wrapped gifts in my garage, one might ask "why"?. Well, if you have little ones, you might know the answer. About 2 years ago, I became frustrated to find gifts unwrapped by Mariah, and then having to rewrap them, so to stop the insanity, I decided they would go in the garage until the morning of Christmas- a simple solution.

After I had some alone time with my coffee, I turned some Christmas music on, by the way, one of my favorite songs is "Mary did you know?", a very touching song to my soul. There are many artists out there singing it, but I particularly enjoy the one sang by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd, take a few minutes to enjoy this one yourself, it is featured on my playlist below.

One by one, the kids came out of their room and the excitement of the morning had them curious and "giddy". You know what happens next, its gift wrap, colored tissue and gifts all over the place. I was in a race for every moment, trying to get as many pictures as I could before the batteries to the camera die, gotta love those right?? I remember looking around and feeling so blessed to be in a cozy warm house with my family, having everything we need. God is Good!
Then it was play time, the kids were wired! We were finishing the steaming process of the tamales and lunch time was right around the corner.

We had a fiesta spread of tamales, rice & beans with Chris's homemade salsa, then for dessert I had prepared a scratch chocolate cake and an ice cream cake, I think it is more of a pie. We wanted to keep it simple for Christmas, unlike Thanksgiving, we did not want too many dishes to prepare. I also made up some goodies as stocking stuffers like, fudge, cookies and popcorn balls. And I could not forget my Mariah, I made her some gluten free cookies and she devoured them!
I like what Chris said as we were bowing our heads while giving thanks for the meal, he said "...until you return for us, we will always remember this day and why we celebrate Your birth...", these words stuck in my head and I am humbled today and thankful to Jesus our Lord because He is the Reason for this Season- Merry Christmas.

Kids Krusade 2009

I am a week behind in getting this posted, but oh well.....Last week was an awesome week, we had a 4 night kids krusade at our church last week and it was a blast. Brent Pickens has a childrens ministry of puppets, paintings, shares stories from the Bible, and many other things to reach children for Jesus. Between the krusade, back to school, and 3 days a week of therapies for Mariah, it was a busy week, but even if this kids krusade was all week, I would have mustered the strength to get there because it was so much fun!!! I felt so privileged to have gotten a photo of my kids with "Andy" the puppet, and I was actually a bit surprised at how compliant Anthony was when I told him to get in the picture, I thought for sure he would say, "Mom, why.........", he really surprises me sometimes!

Gardening

I enjoy the summer and along with summer there is ofcourse, yard work. This year we decided to give it a go and plant a few things in the front and back yard, it is has been about 7 years since we planted a garden. It is nice to observe the plants and watch them grow, although I must admit it has become more of Chris's project than mine, we all chipped in to prepare the grounds, the mulching and cleaning. That is enough for me, I've got enough things to keep me busy. Last November, we started a compost pile in which we put all seeds, peels, egg shells in a pile outback and we really enjoy doing that, plus it is beneficial to the ground and your trash won't stink as bad. Try cantaloupe peels in your trash, it will really make your house smell sour, Ewww. Anyway to our surprise, we have a huge butternut squash plant that is producing alot of squash for us. That was actually on our Thanksgiving Menu last year. My plans for the squash is to cut it up and freeze it, also I am going to experiment with it and try a butternut squash soup. The other day, I was making a salad to go with our dinner, it was nice to say, "Honey, can you bring me some tomatoes off the vine please", there is a satisfaction of eating and enjoying the fruit of your labor. I am looking forward to cutting open the cantaloupe and the watermelons!

grape tomatoes

squash

peppers

watermelon

canteloupe

WaterPark Fun

We went to Branson, We went to Branson!!

The kids and I headed to Branson, MO for a weekend of fun in the water. Mommies loaded up their kids, packed snacks and headed out for some fun in the sun, while the men went camping. The kids really enjoyed themselves, especially Mariah, she loved the waterslide. While we were there we checked out "Hard Luck Diner", a really neat place to eat and kid friendly too. The waitress or waiter actually sings to you too! The waterpark was really fun and has everything you need, no need to leave the park for anything. We didn't get a picture but Amy and I went down the large waterslide and it was awesome. Branson has alot to offer for family entertainment, in my opinion, it is like a mini Nashville, TN, and is a quick drive too. Hope to go back soon, I want to check out "Dixie Stampede" on the next trip.

"Taterbug"

Chloe & Tate

Mariah

Kaitlyn, Mariah & Chloe

Nic & Ahna

THE KING OF POP

Yesterday I had no intention of blogging about Michael Jackson, the news about his passing away yesterday swiftly spread around the country. Of course, my heart went out to his family, and knew that it was a tragedy. But today was a different day, I dug around for some Michael Jackson cd's that I knew we had somewhere, and found 'em. I don't ordinarily listen to mainstream much anymore, my taste is music has changed since my earlier years, but today, I thought I'd play back some songs, but what I did not expect was to break down. I listened to music from "Off the Wall", era 1978-1981 and of course, from "Thriller", era 1982-1984. His voice is unique, and at that time he was like none other. It brought back memories of my early childhood, I kept up with him from age 7 to age 11. I was the girl that cried at his appearances on MTV, Grammy Award Shows, etc, I would clip articles about him, tape pictures and posters of him on my wall, watch his videos and learned his dance moves, sing to his songs. It was also a time when my parents divorced and playing the songs back reminded me of those times, but, it also brought back to my memory the times me and my cousins would dance to his music in front of aunts and uncles, some fun times I guess, using a hairbrush as a microphone. The picture I have posted of him is the way I want to remember him, I put some of my favorite songs of his on my playlist as a tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Botanical Gardens

Today, Tate and I joined Mariahs "green class" at the botanical gardens. Since they help with the schools recycling program, they earned a trip to the garden. The flowers were lovely and vibrant! This morning I thought we were going to be rained out, but we rode it out and stayed dry!! There were lots of hands to help out so I was able to spend time with Mariah. We had lunch on the grounds and the view was lovely. Tate is worn out and is down for a nap!!

Flash Back Friday 6/17/1991

Wow! Let's go back to the year 1991. I can't remember the last time I got to do a FBF post, and am so excited to post one today!

Anywho, we were living in Austin and just turned 18. Mom threw me a little b-day party and I invited a few friends most of them from DQ. Back then I did the "perm thing" in my hair and would spray my bangs as high as I could get them, yeah boy!!! Nope, you won't see Chris, although I already knew him, we were just friends and he was not invited (he was probably working at DQ that day). Can't believe in just a year and a half later I would be married to him and be a mom for the first time. MY, MY.........

Anthony & Anna

Anthony went to his first prom, he was Anna's escort for the evening, she graduates this semester. They had a good time, and in a couple of years, he will be attending his own prom. He's growing up, it seems like just yesterday that he was going to Parson Hills Elementary. Today he officially has a drivers license and is working parttime. He really is the heart of the family that keeps us laughing, I value his crazy sense of humor. Sometimes I have to remember to laugh, so easy to get caught up in "to-do lists" and keep a household running.

Anthony and Anna have been boyfriend/girlfriend for 3 months now. They met in youth group at church. We keep an eye on him, and her too!!!! It is nice to have church family keep an eye out for us too, parents need help to keep their kiddos on track. Before I sign off, I have to acknowledge the photographer, Seana, she did an awesome job.

Getting Ready for Easter

I came across this neat idea for the eggs I was going to be coloring tonight. Too Cute!! Found it in the Good Housekeeping Magazine, and I thought, "wow, what a neat way to jazz up my eggs for the kids, by the way, yes, i will be hiding these. Maybe not outside, because I think it is going to be a rainy day, we will have to see. Honestly, I did not do much crafts with Anthony or Mariah, but I find myself enjoying this with Tate. He thinks the eggs are balls. Mariah colored some eggs at school, they are sitting on the candlesticks.

I put together a family basket of goodies for us all to enjoy. I also have a menu in place, tomorrow I will be preparing some of our dishes for our meal so we can enjoy our day of rest and celebrate Christ's Resurrection Day!!

Here's our Easter Menu:
Grilled Salmon with Blackeyed Pea Salsa

Jasmine Rice

Brussel Sprouts

Homemade Crustless New York Style Cheesecake

Wish our families could be together. Have A Blessed Resurrection Day from my house to yours.

"But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He is risen, as He said." Matt 28:5-6

Happy Birthday Mariah!!

Today Mariah turned the big "14" and we celebrated her special day at Fun City!

She really enjoyed herself and I think once we sang "Happy Birthday" to her that she realized that this was about "her", she was very tickled! Mariah's little guests were Chloe and Lauren, Nicholas and Anna, and of course little brother Tate, even daddy popped in on his lunch hour to eat and play. By the time it was all over, we parents needed a nap along with the kids.

In preparing for her birthday, I've reflected on some memories I have with Mariah. Most everyone knows Mariah is autistic and has epilepsy. It has been a journey, good and bad, and will continue to be. At times I become frustrated with what she can't do, but then I begin to appreciate all that she can do, like give hugs, kisses, laugh, and snuggle. Simple things I know, but as parents these are vital to our soul. There are parents with special needs children who are just physically unable to do those things. How they must crave that affection from their children. Remember those families tonight in your prayers and keep Mariah in your prayers too!!

She has a big heart and loves us the best she can.

What Matters Most

Here's my first blog for 2009! So much for making blogging one of my new years resolutions. Oh well.......
Last week was a very emotional week for my family, especially for Anthony and I. Anthony lost 2 friends last week in a tragic fire accident. Five boys were having a sleepover in a barn/guest house, a haven for teenagers and guests. Most of you all know we had an ice storm sweep through our area and many people were without power and of course, heat. A generator was said to have malfunctioned and caused a fire. Three of the boys made it out safely and the other two were upstairs and did not make it. Although I never personally met the boys, as a parent, I was crushed at the news Anthony had texted me, my heart broke. I, like the hosting parents of the sleepover, have had boys over at my house, Anthony has had sleepovers at other homes. We exchange boys casually, never even thinking we would not see our children again. This hit too close to home for me. I've heard the old saying, "Everything happens for a reason". But I am really struggling with this one, I went before the Lord and am confused. What did we gain by losing such wonderful boys, who were achievers in school and participated in sports, who lifted the spirits of others, who were fun to be around? I don't get it. Their time was much too short. One thing I have realized is that I want everyday to count with my kiddos, especially Anthony who is 16 now, although I will always be his mom, my role will soon shift as he becomes a man and will need to make his own decisions, so I've got to make it count! I told him, "you may get tired of me telling you I love you everyday and giving you extra hugs, but two moms don't have that opportunity any longer." Moms-be a light in your home, I know there are stresses in life ( some of it we create on our own), make time for the things that matter most, be a legacy for your family and friends. I Love You Ant!