The new semester started on my Birrthday!

There's no better way to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" then having streamers strung-up outside your bedroom door. When I woke up this morning the kids had strung-up streams everywhere they could in the house, it was awesome!

Today was the first day of school for Austin and I. Lindsie got up and made all of us some yummy breakfast to start the day.

After breakfast and a few school photos, I was headed to a new semester of classes, with my backpack full of books.

Lindsie once again out-did herself, with the help of the boys of course! Cory cleaned the kitchen for me (it was pretty messy) AND he mopped the floor...the old fashion way, with a real mop! While Austin and I were at school, Lindsie and Cory spent most of the day running around getting my present...an awesome Penne Sandwich Maker! They are a hot item right now...and Chuck & Cory couldn't wait for me to get started on making them. I also got some awesome blood drip candles to use for Halloween. The only thing that could of made this day better, was if Ashlie was here, but it was great to get her birthday card in the mail!

I was done with classes about 12:30pm and I came home for a bit and then I went and did a little shopping, I had to be back by 4pm, when Austin's bus arrives. Austin didn't get home from school until 4:40pm, he was hot and thirsty, but he liked his first day of 1st grade! I snuggled on the couch with him for a bit, and took a 10 minute nap. After Linds and Cory returned from running errands and having Jamba Juice with the missionaries, Uncle Mel came over and we all went out to eat.

After dinner we played "Super Birthday Mom Trivia" by Lindsie Martin. It was pretty fun...Dad got the most points, and Austin was close behind! After that, we had cake! Shortly after, the Jensen's came by with a birthday present. Cindy had made some homemade spaghetti sauce and bread, and packed it in a nice basket and brought it over. It was really sweet of them to remember my birthday! Then at about 10pm I had control of the TV and watched 'The Closer' and went to bed. It was a great birthday, and turning 45 wasn't to bad! Below is a picture of the beautiful flowers Mel brought me!

First day of school and 1st grade. August 24, 2009

Today is the first day of school...1st grade! All dressed and ready to go...just need to tie my shoes!

Smile...no front teeth!

Backpack...check!

Lunchbox...check!

Photo with Mom, and also hugs and kisses (not allowed to photo). Austin also received hugs and kisses from Dad and Lindsie!

Austin catches the school bus right across from the house!

Bus is here!

On the first day of school the bus always runs late. I had to be at class by 9:10 am so Lindsie and Dad put Austin on the bus for me! As I drove out of the subdivision, the bus was headed to our house. Lindsie did a great job of taking photo's for me!

Austin loves to ride the bus! School gets out at 3:45, but on the first day of school he didn't get home until 4:40pm...things are crazy on the first day! When Austin got home he was tired and thirsty, but he liked 1st grade and is happy to go back!

My first pet! August 2009.

Austin has been asking for a dog again, so we decided to let him have a fish! This will help him realize how much work is involved in taking care of a pet.

Meet .... Tiger Scott Martin. Or is it Black Panter Martin! He had a hard time deciding, but it is Tiger Scott Martin.

He is a Beta Fish.

Austin spent his own money to buy Tiger a wonderful castle to hide in.

Austin learns to tie his shoes! August 19,2009

The pictures say it all!







I can't believe that he learned to tie his shoes so quickly! He really just sat here for an hour and kept trying and trying and trying...until he tied his shoes!
Just in time for school, I am so proud of him!

Meet the Teacher. Aug 19, 2009

Today was "Meet the Teacher" at Matzke Elementary. Austin is going to be in the 1st grade this year! Austin was very excited to go back to school, but I think he was a little nervous about having a new teacher. He really loved his Kindergarten teach, Mrs. Kelly, last year!

Austin did not want to take any pictures with his new teacher, Ms. Wilenius, but he said I could take a picture of him in his new spirit shirt! Go WILDCATS!

Lindsie's Missionary Homecoming! August 16, 2009

Sunday morning, Lindsie and the whole family had to report to the Stake Council at 730AM....yes AM. Lindsie reported on her mission and the Men on the council were able to ask her some questions. It was great to hear about Lindsie's mission, but I didn't know that I would be asked by President Pack (he loves that) to bear my testimony too! Not so fun, but I was glad I did it when it was over! At church that day, Lindsie did a great job on giving a talk on the importance of the temple. She didn't include much info on her mission, but her Dad (the Bishop) asked that she bear her testimony in Portuguese.....and that was really cool! That night we had a Open House for Lindsie and friends from the ward came over.

Lindsie set up a display table with items and pictures of stuff she brought back with her from Brazil.

Lindse, talking to the missionaries in our ward.

Here is a photo of Kathy and her new hubby, Bro. Greenwood, Bro. Corringhton, and a few of the young women.

Here is Sis. Barnes, Sis. Meyer, Lindsie and Chuck.

Kids playing in Austin's room...where is Austin? The whole night they were running in and out. They played catch in the back yard.

Cody and Cory catching up since Cory was at BYU all summer.

Here is a photo of Sis. Law, Sis. Aitken, and Sis. Buhanan.

The Chapman's visiting with Grandpa Martin. Chuck's parents stayed for a few days after driving down from Utah with Cory.

The McLemore's and Bro. Arntsen, visiting with Chuck.

Corringtons and Sis. Greenwood, checking on the kids in the backyard!

For the Open House, Lindsie made some wonderful homemade chocolate and vanilla candy balls that she learned to make in Brazil. We also served a bunch of cut up fruit that she ate all the time in Brazil...pineapple, papaya, oranges, mango, and bananas.

A day at the beach! August 2009.

Today a few of us went down to Galveston to enjoy the beach! We ended up going down to Stewart Beach, on the East end of the Seawall. There wasn't much else open with working bathrooms and showers since IKE...eventhough it has been months since the storm. It was a beautiful day!

Laura and her kids, and also two of the Corrington clan.

The older boys stuck together, and tried to go out as far as possible.

The older girls stuck closer to the beach and worked on their tans!

I did a little bit of both, swimming and tanning.

Jennifer and Laura enjoyed the water with the kids.

Look at this hot, skinny chic! Her arms and face are tan, but her legs are still missinoary white!

Marie worked on her tan... when someone wasn't snapping pictures.

Austin, Michael, and Spencer stuck pretty close together! They had a great time jumping the waves and having sand fights.

Tyler enjoying the beach.

Emma enjoyed the waves too, but she stuck pretty close to Mom.

Jennifer and a few of the kids enjoying the water. We had a great day. Can't wait to go back again.