Ain't got time for that

Yesterday the Martin family was sick.  We all have a fever and cough. Matt and I were in a coughing contest last night and the kids were coughing to Deck the Halls with medicine. Cough, cough, cough,  cough, cough.
One thing this family doesn't do sick. We have a full schedule this week "Ain't nobody got time to be sick". Payce missed dance yesterday and only made it for 30min today so we could go to Hilltop Lakes and see Santa fly in on a helicopter and give out Candy Canes.
I waited on Payce for 45 minutes at school today and to find out she wasn't even at UIL practice because in her words she got kicked out. She was horsing around not listening. Tomorrow is her competition so excited for her. Now to figure out what for her to wear.
I was ask to help with Payce's Christmas party at school and felt up for the challenge till I talked to other parents and what they are doing for there kids party. So I got on Pinterest and felt like a total failure as a parent with the ideas I had.
Tomorrow is our big "Soldier Christmas Greeting's" event. Sending cards to the soldiers and wounded warriors. We almost have enough to represent each citizen in our small town by sending Christmas card.

Yesterday Red was in the Ice maker because someone (Landon) thought he needed a kiss. We talked to the kids about the fact that just because you put him in the ice maker doesn't make him better just as Going to church doesn't  make you a Christian. You have to spread God's message not only in your words but your actions.
I asked Landon why he kissed Red and he said "I just love him being in our family so much." Its hard to be upset or let him (Red) suffer to long but Landon needed to suffer for a little while. So Today Red and Grace were in the hospital (freezer) all day. He didn't fly home to Santa last night and Grace didn't leave his side. What a great pair those two make. We really are going to have to step it up tonight and have them make a HUGE comeback in the morning.

Whirlwind of Crap!

I'm so freaked out right now. I'm a big person in signs from the Lord and driving home tonight there was a truck that I followed till I got home that said crap only. Was that God saying I'm full of crap? What I write is crap? I'm so bothered by this. I know the blog is titled The Angel and Elf and it is all about My family. OMG is God saying my family is full of crap? I'm tabling this right now because I'm so over thinking it.
This weekend was nothing like I planned but we still managed to do all that was on the schedule just not how we thought it would go down.

This morning dad brought the babies back at 7am because Payce was sick. Thomas is still sick and now Payce and I had to work today. I called Matt and he came home from the deer lease to watch them. Landon went with me to work and to see Santa.
Today Landon and I went to the Old Fashioned Christmas in Jewett. Landon and I had a great time.
I wore a Santa hat because my hair was greasy and it was festive. After The event was over I went to the grocery store and saw people I knew and said I really wouldn't wear this in public and remember I was in public looking like a complete dork.
I drive all the way home behind the truck that said crap only. We know how that went and I walk in the door and Payce and Thomas are sick. Thomas says "mom we have seen Tammy the movie all day and you look and act just like her." That is not a compliment. I LOOK AND ACT LIKE TAMMY REALLY?? Matt was cooking a wonderful dinner and the kids are sick. Doctors visits are not in the budget for December and It makes me sad. My schedule has been all jacked this weekend but some how we worked it out. I worked 6 hours, saw 3 Santa's, got to see my dad, Matt got to hunt alone and the boys got to hunt, dance pictures done and two blog post. Now we are finally watching a movie, drinking hot chocolate and eating popcorn. We managed to do it all just not on my schedule and the Man upstairs always trumps my schedule.
If you know me you know I'm obsessed with the kids matching. They all normally match everyday. Yes all three of them. So I'm going to post Seven days of fashion. Just in case you are judging me and thinking this girl is always asking for something and her kids dress better then mine I have a system. I will share with you soon.  Sometimes it is not easy getting all three of them to pose for pictures every morning, but I try.
On to The Angel and Elf I forgot to move them. Thomas was the only one home and when dad called I wasn't thinking to moving him. So I came up with Red reading the Bible and I couldn't find Grace anywhere this morning so Red went solo. He was doing the right thing and didn't need Grace. I need a drink of wine because My kids think I'm like Tammy and The Lord thinks I'm Full of Crap and I'm exhausted from Chasing Christmas with three healthy kids on Friday and two sick kids Sunday.
I may be pre hangry(mad because your hungry). I haven't started my diet yet but I have it on my mind for tomorrow. I have to lose 10 pounds to get my money back and feel better about myself. It is to early to be hangry when I haven't even started.
Is P.S. still cool ? Anyway P.S. 115 Christmas cards and 6 books of stamps how freaking awesome is this town? FREAKING AWESOME. I still need 150 but if I don't get It I feel totally blessed.

Doing what we love in this life.

How else would the Martin's start a Saturday then at 5am. The boys got up and headed out with my dad that came up for the weekend to go hunting on family land near Kossie. Matt Headed to Huntsville to hunt at the deer lease and Payce and I started a full day of Chasing Santa. First we went to the Lake Limestone Fire Department  Breakfast with Santa they do such a great job for the kids and Matt's parents even joined us. Then we headed to Marquez for "Christmas at the Ranch". This is our second year to attend both events and we have had a great time and I'm starting to recognize so many faces. Then we went to Centerville for Lunch. I wanted to eat somewhere that we had never eaten at. We drive around and found a cafe called "Town Cafe". It had a very small town feel and we loved it. We split the special that was very good. The cafe could have made a country song or commercial. One table had a couple totally making out, one table was high school football boys being very respectful, two tables looked like widower men, the other was a married couple catching up on the week and then there was us. Great price and awesome people watching. I give this place a 10.
Now on to dance pictures. You would think this would be stress free and a fun ending to the day's activities, but No!! Our dance group hired a lady to do hair and makeup she did a fabulous job and to say Payce was in her element would be a understatement. I can't even explain her behavior. She was in rare form. It was for sure one of the times you fell in love with her or thought she was a total brat and I'm the worst parent ever. I totally blame Nicolette and KK for encouraging bad behavior. You guys were a perfect audience for her. The more they laughed at everything she did, the more crazy acting Diva came out. It was a long 3 hours with her behavior. We lost her ballet shoes weeks ago so no ballet shoes for the pictures. I'm always so close to having it together and miss the boat every time. It was great to have mom's in the group that help when I fall short. Thanks ladies!!
Payce and I get home to enjoy our Red Box Christmas movies and a evening filled with hot chocolate, popcorn and Pizza. Then my dad calls and says he is bringing the boys home that Thomas is sick and he killed a hog. When he gets here Payce has a total melt down because she wanted to go with him. Remember a few sentences up she had her make up done. Well of course she has mascara all over her face and so dad agreed to take her. DRAMA!!!! I'm exhausted. We are still sending out Christmas cards to the troops this season. If you would like to donate cards or stamps so that we may reach more please contact me. Cards and Stamps can be picked up in Leon County! With this being said I would like you to know that their was a envelope at the post office with my name on it today. Someone had donated 5 books of stamps and $30 cash to get Christmas cards. I had another lady buy one book of stamps for me. More details on my givers on Wednesday stay tuned. Yes I cried in the post office when I got the package. So me being a over achiever I would like to send 263 Christmas cards out to the troops and wounded warriors. That would be one from each person in our small town. Come on guys I need 100 more Christmas cards and stamps. It it would be like the whole community sent a Christmas card to The troops and wounded warriors. I can't tell you how awesome this project will be and to know we sent enough out to be from the whole town that would be amazing. Feeling blessed.
Ok Red and Grace were playing in Payce's horses. She was the only one hear this morning after the boys left so I came up with something she loved since Today we were all doing something we loved. Hunting, shopping and chasing Santa.

Our Jesus Celebration

Today Grace and Red's message was to Share the word of the Lord. We invited The Morris family over after school today for the kids to share the story of the birth of Jesus and to celebrate his life on Earth. The ages of the kids were 15, 10, 7, 7, 6, 4 and 4 month old baby. We really let the kids lead the conversation and their knowledge of Jesus. It was great to hear their take. Some read from a book and some prayed and others just talked freely. Thomas read The Christmas Angel Book, the kids were really excited to learn and hold Grace.
We had After school snacks that were a manger scene made with pretzels and kolaches, birthday cupcakes, candy canes "J" For Jesus and fruit. The punch was red of course with a ice ring made by Winter Adams. The food was perfect!
The kids presented the Morris' with a Fisher Price Little People nativity scene. And Grace and Red left the Martin's a huge candy cane That represented blood and purity. It was truly a blessed event.

Today was the last day to weigh in for dashing through the dough (fat). I was pretty happy with my weight I had only gained 14 pounds since I have stopped walking. I was able to keep 20 pounds off. We ended up with 11 ladies participating. 3 weeks and 10 pounds! I got this. Little fact about me I hate pumping gas and always have!! Well I knew the truck was close to running out of gas and Matt had a flat in his company truck and took the his truck today. Guess who ran out of gas? He had the guys from work bring him gas. My bad!
I'm still taking donations for Christmas cards and stamps. I really need stamps. December 10th is the last day! I have talked to the two banks in town and I will get the answer if they can donate stamps Monday.
Today I had one message from a blog reader that said they ordered "The Christmas Angel" because of us. I also had another one that said go by the local post office from 8:30 -11:30 there was a envelope waiting for me. I then I had a really sweet message from a local that said the most wonderful things about my family and really welcomed us to the area.
My dad is coming up for the weekend. We are going to three Christmas events. Breakfast with Santa, Christmas at the Ranch and The old fashion Christmas. We are Santa chasers this weekend. With all the boys going hunting.
The moon is beautiful tonight please go outside and enjoy one of God's creations. It is breathe taken .

Don't live for the Season but for a Reason

Yesterday is gone by and I didn't post a picture of Our Angel and Elf. They did let your Light shine. I bought glow sticks at The Dollar Tree and of course they didn't work, but I think the kids got the idea. I have been in such a rut since Monday. My light has not shined for Jesus this week. I guess I feel a little like a dog chasing a car. What are they going to do with it when they catch it? I chase Christmas all year and now that it is here I'm like now what. I just feel like I'm going through the motions for some reason this year. Then this happened today. I was in the local grocery store we were spending our last $23.00 till payday tomorrow on milk,eggs, bread, the essentials and I had picked up little Debbie Christmas tree brownies to put in the kids lunch tomorrow that were not on the list. When I got to the counter it all rang up $25.05 I said put the little Debbie snack cakes back and paid for my items. As I was getting our stuff and headed out to the car a man said here ma'am y'all have a Merry Christmas and he had bought the snack cakes. Landon was so appreciative he tried to give him the change in his pocket and the man wouldn't take it. I said Thank You of course. I was also blessed with a message on Facebook from a family that said they started the Elf on the Shelf tradition this year because of the Martin's. I have been working on Two projects for the upcoming week today. Sending Christmas cards to the troops over seas and  wounded warriors and also our Jesus celebration tomorrow. I had someone donate almost 100 Christmas cards so now I really need stamps. I have had two people send PayPal but if you live in the area and would like to donate stamps please let me know I will pick them up. This is a new activity I have added to our Christmas season. We have no money in the budget for it but its such a great cause.
Our Jesus celebration is tomorrow and I'm super excited about this. I really want the kids to talk to other kids about the birth of Jesus and the reason for the season.
Today Red made a snow Angel to be more like Grace. It was a lesson for all the kids. Don't try to be like anyone else be yourself. Some people will like you, some won't , but as along as your true to yourself it doesn't matter what others think. This is the only way you will be happy in your own skin. I think of myself in my skin the only thing that really bothers me is my weight. All the skinny mom's that always look perfect I'm so envious of their hair, nails and clothes. So a group of us decided to got together and do dashing through the dough (fat) this holiday. A contest to lose 10 pounds by Christmas. Just something to make you feel a little better by Christmas. Tomorrow is the last day to sign up please go by the chamber it is fun for all. Reading my blog post tonight I have to laugh because yesterday I was asked was my blog an advertisement for the city. Of course it is NOT but reading it tonight I may could see where they came up to that conclusion.
Tonight Landon is wrapping gifts and making notes for his teachers how sweet is that. The Angel and all her messages are having a hug effect on the whole family and I love it.
My last comment will be about the Nucor kids Christmas Party. I tried every way to score a invite. You have to work there to be invited and Matt and I do not. They were setting it up yesterday for the party and it is Disney themed. To say it was over the top awesome was a under statement. I so wanted to go . Makes me want to get a job there so I can go next year. Payce had a outfit but no invite. I know it is a awesome thing they do for their families I just want to whine because it is a Christmas party and Disney theme!!

Friends for a reason not during a season.

Today as I attend a meeting at the high school first thing in the morning I was greeted by a Christian organization in the foyer singing and praising the Lord. How great is that? I didn't know every morning my child walks in to school first rattle out of the box and he is hearing the sounds of kids his age praising and worshiping. Now it would have been great if he was in that group but hey I'm just so happy in a public school this happens. 

Thomas is having a rough year. I know he is 15 and everyone says the teen years are hard. It makes me sad that he doesn't see if he would try a little we would be having a different outcome. I don't know how to really help. I can tell you 100 ways Matt and I did a terrible job and where we went wrong. I just love him so much and want to prostect him from the big bad world. I think about bullying and how important it is for kids to make friends in high school and how this effects Thomas so much. Then I'm remind myself of my friends and  High school friends. High School friends I married Matt and my dear friend Angie is still very involved in our life. Matt and I ask her to be the kids Godparents. It is hard to think some friends you have for the season and some you have forever. I have friends I look at as role models, some inspire me in their faith. I have three friends I think of that make me be a friend, that a friend would like to have. One is a high school friend named Deana. I think of her often and thought we are not close now and I think of that time at her house my boyfriend broke up with me, partially my fault and she let me cry and really listened. She never past judgment on me that day and today I really try to be that friend like Deana was. She makes me not judge others and be more understanding and sometimes the best things to do is listen with no advice. 

Second is Nicole. If you have never met my friend Nicole then you haven't met the other part of me. I miss her since we have moved and sometimes my heart aches. We don't see each other every day and we don't talk as much as we should. I can say this girl has truly saved my life more times then I can count. Nicole makes me want to strive to be and do better each day.

My last one is Erica. I have known her the shortest amount of time but feel blessed to know her. She really has everyone's best interest at heart. So many times when I didn't want to get out of bed there she was not taking "no" for answer. Without her I do believe my world would be so different right now. Erica makes me take that extra effort to check on a friend, try to be more understanding of others and speck my mind a little more and don't  ride the fence.

I don't talk to these ladies everyday but I do feel I will always be indebted to them for teaching me life lessons. I have made a lot of friends over my life time. Some I even think of as family. I truly love and an grateful for and couldn't imagine life with out them but these three really make me who I am today on a friend scale. 

Living in this small town has reminded me just how blessed I am with friends. I have made so many friends that seem to really care and not want to gossip behind my back. God has put so many amazing people or brought them back in my life this last year. I hope they are not friends for the season, but I do understand people come and go in our lives for a reason. I just hope who is reading my blog today know I appreciate their friendship and how it has touched my life and made me a better person. I'm so blessed for each of you and what you bring to my table.

Well Payce has had great news this week. She made the UIL team, and the Christmas play as the Elf. The sad news is in ballet, yes I said ballet she hurt her foot doing tendus and can't walk. So we will she how this plays out. How do you get hurt in ballet???

So the reason you read my blog The Angel and Elf. Today they wrapped the kids lunch and the kids thought that was funny. The message from the Angel was thank a teacher. I can't tell you how thankful I have been for the kids teachers. Landon has 4 teachers and they all seem great. He is older and I try to take the "titty" out of his mouth and not hover over him him. Payce's teacher is Mrs Huffman and we are so blessed for her!! She is amazing. I cry thinking about her dedication to the kids and how much she cares for all of them. I feel she loves Payce very much as she does all her students. She gives 110% in teaching and it shows. Leon is lucky to have her and all the teachers they have!!

The Martin's got a bad rap.

Today is merging day!! We do an advent box we use to count down to Christmas. It has a piece of candy or small gifts for the kids each day. This year they will also get a piece of paper with a Scripture on it they have to go look it up in the bible. I'm so excited today also starts Christmas attire season.  Don we now are gay apparel fa la La la la la la. Now we get to the idea of the day. Red thought we gave the kids a bad "rap" yesterday. So this year he came back "Pimping" with a little flavor flav style. What better way to do it then a Song Martin style merging the two. When you read the song it is set to the beat of the popular song called "All about the Bass". Matt and I had so much fun rewriting all the lines.  I loved this idea because I think this sums us up pretty well.

Because you know
I'm all about that Elf
'Bout that Elf, no Angel
I'm all about that Elf
'Bout that Elf, no Angel
I'm all about that Elf
'Bout that Elf, no Angel
I'm all about that Elf
'Bout that Elf

Yeah, it's pretty clear, you ain't no good kids
But I can help, help
Like I'm supposed to do
'Cause I got that connection  that all the kids chase
And all the right friends  in all the right places

I see the TV show’s workin' that Hallmark channel
We know that crap ain't real
C'mon now, make it stop
If you got Jesus in your heart, just raise hands up
'Cause every inch of you is saved
From the bottom to the top

Yeah, my mama she told me don't worry about Santa
She says, "kids like you need a little more pow-pow’s and less time outs."
You know we won't be no sugar coating parents
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

Because you know I'm
All about that Angel
'Bout that Angel, no Elf
I'm all about that Angel
'Bout that Angel, no Elf
I'm all about that Angel
'Bout that Angel, no Elf
I'm all about that Angel
'Bout that Angel

Hey! I'm bringing Jesus back
Go ahead and tell them Santa freaks that
That I'm not playing. I know you think he is the reason
But I'm here to tell ya about Jesus
Every inch of him is perfect from the bottom to the top

Yeah, my mama she told me don't worry about Santa
She says, "kids like you need more pow- pows and less time outs."
You know we won't be no sugar coating parents
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

Because you know I'm
All about that Elf
'Bout that Elf, no Angel
I'm all about that Elf
'Bout that Elf, no Angel
I'm all about that Elf
'Bout that Elf, no Angel
I'm all about that Elf
'Bout that Elf8

Because you know I'm
All about that Angel
'Bout that Angel, no Elf
I'm all about that Angel
'Bout that Angel, no Elf
I'm all about that Angel
'Bout that Angel, no Elf
I'm all about that Angel
'Bout that Angel

You know We love Jesus