Anthony turns 18!!

I remember the day all too well. Contractions started December 3rd early in the morning, shortly after midnight I was driven to the hospital, it turned out to be a long night, the sun rose and still no baby. I'll never forget the relief I felt when the anesthesiologist FINALLY made it my way with his supplies to help me feel better. A long morning turned into a long day and I ended up having a cesarean section. I never did learn the gender of my baby-by choice. I wanted to be surprised, however, I must confess that I was wishing for a boy. Chris was graduating from AIT that same day, he flew in from Baltimore, MD and checked in at Fort Hood where he would be stationed.

Christopher Anthony Mortin was born December 4, 1992 at 4:33 pm. The journey has been much too short, but I've enjoyed the privilege of being his mom and the great "mommy" memories he has given me, and the ones I've yet to experience. He's 18 now and while I will always be his mom, my role will shift from being nurturing to supporting. Don't get me wrong, there will always be hugs and kisses, but nurturing a son who is 3 years old has different needs from an 18 year old.

It's been a great family day with you Anthony, just like old times. Happy Birthday Anthony, dad and I love and respect you and are proud of the young man you are. As you walk with God, time and experience will mold you into the man God destined you to be. With love, Mom & Dad.

Is December really here??

Wow, December has officially arrived! The days are like a rushing wind. But while the days are busy, I did want to take some time to share how grateful I am for my family and how humble I am with Gods Hand being with us. Earlier this year, we experienced our first lay off, I will never forget that "after work" phone call. I know God has many names, but I actually had the humble privilege to know Him as "Sustainer". And although Thanksgiving is behind us, I strive to be thankful, because it's that thankful attitude that really makes the difference on a daily basis! Without Him I am nothing, and even at times I may be struck down can not be destroyed because greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. So thankful for where this 2010 year has taken us and thankful for where we are today! So thankful for His wisdom and His Spirit, His grace and His mercy, and of course His guidance as I continue my growth as a wife, as a mother and as a servant. (And yes, Chris is back at work and I must also share that he's only been with the company 9 months and has already rose to a new challenge within the company!)

There has been quite a bit of change in the past months, but probably the most recent is that we've welcomed a little one into our home, it's a boy! I am enjoying my family, Anthony and Anna are coming upon 2 years of dating, Anthony is READY to graduate, as for the rest of us, we are well!!

"Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Is. 43:18-19

New Beginnings

Summer break has come and gone with the first day of school well under way. The last few days have brought "new beginnings" to our family. Anthony is now a senior in high school and it occurred to me on that Thursday morning of that first day of the new school year, I had that silent conversation in my head as I was helping the kids preparing for the big day, 'that this would be my last "first day" of school with Anthony.' Yes, he may have a first day in college sometime in the future, but as far as grade school goes, this is it!! A sad and exciting reality for me. I did have success in snapping a shot of Anthony and Mariah before heading out the door, I wanted to take more, but in dealing with a teenager...... I didn't want to "over" do it.

Anthony the "Senior"/ Mariah goes to 7th

Anthony driving away to school...

As I continued my conversation with myself, it also occurred to me that if Mariah was an average girl, that she and Anthony would be attending the same school for the first time since he was in the 1st grade and she was enrolled in early learning for special needs, she was just 4 years old!! Wow, I want to burst into tears now, where did the time go?? Looking back now, at that time I could have never know what challenges faced us and our little Mariah. She has proved to be one of the strongest individuals I have ever known, I am not speaking of the physical strength, but of inner strength and will.
Oh, before I forget.....Mariah is now saying 2 words!!! (when she wants to that is...). One afternoon, I heard her say "bye truck", she saw a truck driving by and just wanted to say "bye truck", to me it was AWESOME and immediately had to share that with her speech therapist!! THAT'S BIG NEWS! Saying all that, I am thankful for this new school year and am looking forward to great progress in Mariah's learning. She has a great team of players working with her. Together we can overcome some of those obstacles, I am confident in that.


Me & Mariah........

Finally, I've got one more who had a big day. Tate started "The Beginners" Sunday School Class, I am very excited about him participating and learning about Jesus! It was a big day for me too to be honest, it's bittersweet. Life is moving right along, it stops for no one, so jump on board and enjoy the moments.

Tate's first day of "Beginners" Sunday School


Ms. Kim with Tate showing off his "cross"
Well done!

Remember to love the Lord your God and enjoy your families because those are the greatest treasures we can ever have.

A "Special" Rodeo Time

Every July, a very special and dedicated organization, "Arkansas Support Network" and the folks at Parsons Rodeo Grounds hosts a special time just for families with children of special needs. By the way, ASN is an awesome resource for families who have children with disabilities. Anywho, the kids rode horses, got to pet the animals, there were balloons, pizza & drinks for everyone and of course, let's not forget, the carriage ride!

There were familiar faces, faces of parents I see on a weekly basis making their kids' speech, OT, & PT sessions at the therapy clinic, as well as Mariahs' past schoolmates, although she couldn't say much, her expression said, "I remember you".

As we waited in line, I noticed how everything was at a much slower pace. You see, children like ours need extra time to move and get around. Parents were patient and willing to pitch in to help load and unload kids who had to be placed in & out of their wheelchair, it was as if we were a team which made this outing extra GREAT! The kids had a fun time, parents (and grandparents) were taking pictures as if this was their childs first birthday! Lots of smiles everywhere and in the background you could hear--"look at the camera, look at the camera!"

By what I observed and of course my own experience, I sensed that this was one of the few events we can take our kids that was specific to their needs, because not everywhere can you get that kind of spirit and support. Although, I only knew a few people there, I felt like I knew them all because I can relate to the hardship of having a special needs child, don't get me wrong, Mariah is like a ray of light, but total caretaking can have it's toll on a person. I'd like to share what a special woman who attends our church shared with me (she had been praying for me) and it really touched my heart. In a card, she wrote "The care you give to your daughter, I'm sure has a very special place in God's heart". Those words have literally "fueled" my days and were needed at a time when I really needed it most, for I had never thought about it that way.

So if you have a loved one you are caring for (I am not just speaking of special needs children here), whether it be a spouse, parent, child or a sibling, I pass these words along to you my friend --"The care you give to your loved one, know that your act has a special place in God's heart!"

Welcome 2010!

Here we are in yet another new year. Do I really need to say, "My how the time flies?". It was a great 2009, of course, we had our trials, individually and some as a family, but we had our triumphs too, I am thankful because it is in those times, good and bad, that we grow as a family and as a person.
While driving the other day, I was reflecting and realized that it has been 10 years that I left the work place to be a stay at home mom, I couldn't help but tear up, my time with them has been precious and priceless, I couldn't have given them a greater gift and to myself for that matter. It has been a financial sacrifice but we wouldn't have it any other way. What a blessing!! So what is going on with our family now. Well, Chris and I are embarking our 17th anniversay. We continue our walk with God and have great expectations for our youth group whom we love dearly. Chris continues to workout, still plays the drums for the praise and worship team at church, and I really appreciate all that he does and not just what he does around the house (or cars) or even his role as "father", but as a godly leader of our home. I enjoy our Saturday mornings, when we can just enjoy coffee, each others company and Gods Word, without the normal rushes of weekday routine. God has done a great work in us. As for me, I keep busy running this house, and now taking the time to get some extra pounds off. I have lost 11.5 since March, I have returned to my pre-pregnancy weight! Now, I am challenged to lose another 13 pounds and I WILL get there!!

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." So what else is going on? Well, let's see...........

Anthony is now 17!! He is a junior in high school, and is officially driving. I am not as nervous as I was before, but there are still some "control" issues I have. He has a girlfriend, Anna, whom he met in church, they are coming on their one-year anniversay. He is still hanging a job at McDonalds, and is returning to high school football for his senior year. He played his 9th and 10th grade year, but took a break this year to play basketball. Senior preparations are already underway, I got the "senior ring" catalog in yesterday, I am feeling a bit emotional, but in a good way!!

Alright, who's next? Ah yes, it is ...............

Mariah, she is 14 and a half!! She is still a "half-pint" and weighing in at a "whopping "67 pounds!! Mariah is good, still battling epilepsy, but we are perservering. She takes her meds and supplements, we also have her on a gluten-free, casein free diet, and I believe the combination has helped her. She is in school, we have outside speech, physical and occupational therapy twice a week at an awesome childrens therapy facility. We are in the process of programming a "Go-
Talk" device to help her communication needs, I am really looking forward to that. She has the "teen blues" from time to time that we have to deal with, some days are just sooooooo dramatic. Her fav's are still blues clues, riding the bus and playing alone. I literally have to make her be around us (are we that bad Mariah??) but before bedtime I do allow her to have her alone time with toys and books, I know she needs that! Okay, who's next?...........

Tate! He is full blown "Mr. Toddler"! He is every bit of 2 (well 2&4mons). He is really picking up on words and being very expressive. He is busy, wants to be on the go any time the front door is opened, he is playing with cars and has discovered a past time favorite 'Toy Story'. It was new when Anthony was just a boy, so it is nice to see that fascination with 'Toy Story' again.
We enjoy our grocery shopping day, especially our visit to Ozark Natural Foods, that's the place I shop for Mariahs gluten free foods, anyway, Tate is part of the kids club there and he gets a surprise treat at each visit, keeps him busy while I get the shopping done.

All in all, we are well and just busy being a family. I hope everyone is well, and perhaps will start your own blog this year. May you and your family have a blessed 2010!

"Short term goals=mini victories=mini battles=war won!!"

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