Big Changes in Grand Junction!

There are 2 major events that I must write about today.

1) Davis Dean Martin born June 2009
My brother Eric and his wife Lindsay who live in Grand Junction had their first baby about 3 weeks ago. We got to visit them this weekend, and I am so impressed and proud of the new parents. They look great and are taking to parenthood like naturals. I love Eric so much and I am so proud of how far he has come. And I am so thankful that he has taken the leap of parenthood. There is no greater blessing in this life. I am so excited for him and Lindsay. Thanks Lindsay for helping Eric get there. There isn't anyone else that could have done all you've done for Eric. We love you both, and congratulations!!! Thanks for letting us come and hold that beautiful new baby!!!

My 6'4" brother with his tiny boy, Davis.

2) Grandma & Grandpa Martin
I don't know how much I can write about all of this as it makes me very sad. I am hoping that this will be a good outlet for me to express some of these feelings I am having. As I have not been able to express them aloud.
10 years ago when my paternal grandparents decided to make Grand Junction, CO their new home they started something that would change Danny's and my life. I will explain by backing up a little further... After my parents divorced when I was young and many turmoil events that happen to so many divorced families... I had not had a particularly strong relationship with my grandparents for several years. Danny had already lost his grandparents prior to getting married, and reminded me how lucky I was to have living grandparents. I have been truly blessed to have known many of my grandparents, and great-grandparents.
So, when Isaac was born in 2000 Danny and I made a decision that it was important for Isaac (and any future children) to have a relationship with their great-grandparents. With Isaac just a few weeks old we ventured out on a road trip to Grand Junction to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Martin. As they proudly showed off their new home and town (A place I only considered a stopping point for gas and a bathroom break on your way to Utah.) we fell in love with it too. We can only describe our feelings for GJ as peaceful, happy, and serenely beautiful. The view from G&G's backyard of the Grand Mesa, the summer drive through the Monument, and the desert scene of the Bookcliffs opened up new possibilities for a young couple just starting their family. By the next summer we would have a brand new home their too. We lived in the same neighborhood, and attended the same ward as my grandparents. And the relationship was not only rekindled, but grew to a new place of love, appreciation, and respect. To make a long story short, our time their was a very special time for Danny and I. We had many family strengthening and building experiences, and our Marina was born there too.
We decided to move back to Denver, when I couldn't find a permanent job and Danny was ready to pursue his Master's. Ever since we have left we have continued to visit them often. And each time we drive into town we feel as though we are home. Grandma and Grandpa's house has often been a place of refuge. So this brings me to the reason I write, this past weekend will be the last time that we drive into GJ to see my grandparents. They are moving to Georgia to be closer to my dad and hopefully a place that better suits their health needs.
I can't begin to express the sadness that wants to overcome me. I fought it back all weekend. I just hope that my grandparents know how much they mean to me personally, as well as how much they mean to Danny and the kids. I am so thankful for the last 10 years that I have had with them. Marina made the comment to me before traveling this weekend. "Grandpa gets up earlier than Grandma, reads his paper, and eats a banana." I am so grateful that my kids have been close enough to them, to know and appreciate the simple things that make my grandparents who they are. May the Lord bless them in all their endeavors, and thanks to Him for allowing me this to have this time with them.

Future Garage Sale Queen with the Reigning Garage Sale Queen!

Fishing Buddies!

Summer has begun!

I don't have any great pictures of the kids, but I thought I would blog in regards to the beginnings of our summer. I feel like we got a much later start on summer than everyone else. Between not finishing school until June 10, and then heading straight into the final details of my in-laws 40th wedding anniversary surprise party, summer did not officially begin until this week.
1. So, it was so nice to wake up on Monday and know I didn't have anywhere to go. Tuesday I spent sometime with my friends from work(with no kids), doing NON-WORK things. We went to lunch and shopping at Plato's Closet, which I had never been to. I spent under $100 and have been wearing new clothes everyday this week, and sporting a new purse. Isaac started it off with basketball camp. He had lots of fun. Although, I was hoping it would wear him out more. Marina spent the day with Grandma Chris.



2. Thursday and Friday were spent hitting the garage sales. I have been waiting for this since last summer. I always have so much fun with my sister on these days. It's sort of a tribute to my hispanic grandmothers, who were the bargaining queens. Besides coming by the bargain shopping genetically, we were trained from birth. I can only say that at least Marisa (my sister) and I don't fight as much over good deals as my grandma and my aunt Pat. I think that's part of the fun for them. Whatever, we had a great time and found a few good deals!

3. This is the yet to come...hiking, walking and playing with Gandalf (my Great Dane), traveling to see friends and family, swimming, working on lots of yard and house projects, knowing that all the laundry is being done right (I take the job back from Danny...whew), more time with my sister and my nieces and nephews, reading with the kids, and lots of fun!

Marina Moving on to First Grade

June 5, 2009 marked a special day in our lives. Marina officially graduated from kindergarten.

As many of you know she had a particularly difficult time with starting school this last fall. She cried for several days(weeks) every morning leaving mom. She cried a few times during school when asked to do work. Her teacher even expressed her fears and concerns in regards to Marina's readiness for kindergarten. However, I knew that she was supposed to be there. I had prayed about it for several months last summer, and knew without a doubt she was supposed to start. I figured that even if that meant repeating kindergarten, that she was going to start fall 2008. Well, I began to question my own sanity after several nights of 1-2 hours of homework (that should've taken 15 min.) sitting side by side coaching her on while she cried. Well, with lots of prayer, perseverance, extra support at school, and a fantastic kindergarten teacher...we made it! She had reached proficiency by the 2nd trimester, and started wanting to buy lunch at school everyday (because she memorized her lunch number). Wow! What amazing changes in a short period of time. So needless to say Marina's kindergarten graduation had special significance for us. We are so proud of her and her growth this year. (I'm proud of Mom (me) too for not giving up.)