Painful Start to the week!

This has been very painful week for me. The last time I felt this bad I ended up in the emergency room. I was only one more "Do you want to go to emergency room?" from saying yes. The pain seems better. I'm sure it is just stress and how my body deals with it, but it I'm sure I'm pretty close to death. I know you are saying what in the world does she have. Self diagnosing I have a urinary tract infection and maybe I let that go to long and moved into my kidneys. My back is killing me! I'm drinking water, cranberry juice and taking AZO.
Today I got inspiration from a dear friend. Saying Jana is having a horrible day would be a understament. She is sick, has sick kids and someone stole her identity and took her for way over $700 right here at Christmas. With the kids party to plan, Christmas to buy and sick kids needing to go to the doctor. She showed up at school with very little tears in her eyes,dressed perfect, jewelry and make up on. I would be curled up in a ball. I think it was amazing to see her today facing the day and weeks to come with a smile. So blessed to know such powerful lady.
Today we were invited to a Ugly Sweater Christmas Party to say I was excited was a understatement. I took off work today so I could lay around and not move thinking that would make me feel better. At 3:00 when I went to get the kids I barely made it out of the jeep into the house after picking them up. I had to text and say I couldn't make it. I immediately start thinking why is this happening to me. I have a big week and I really wanted our whole family to go to the party tonight. The answer came very quick and a lady showed up at the house looking for a dog and Matt and the kids helped her look for it. Then we got a call from a neighbor that needed Matt's help. So I feel God didn't need me but our community needed my family. The party was to start at 6:00 our first neighbor arrived at 6:00 if we would have been in Buffalo my family wouldn't have been able to help her or the other neighbor.
Let me add this about our town yesterday I was out and about on pain meds I had left over from my wisdom tooth and went to different places and saw one business had adopted a family. One Grade level had adopted another family. One business was doing a can food drive and the school was full of gifts they were giving to needy family. Things like this make me proud. We are a very small town strapped financially and it seems everyone still donated to something.
Payce sung at the nursing home today. She said she wasn't scared of the people just made her miss her old Nan.
Grace and Red haven't done much this week. I will post pictures tomorrow of their activities.

Merry and Moonshine.

Saturday morning alarm clock was Payce screaming from the living room. I have a fever, I'm dying with a fever of 97.9. Landon had an archery tournament and only had one arrow. Matt rushed to Madisonville to buy arrows and realized when he got there the archery shop wasn't opened for business yet . Thank goodness the club he shoots with had arrows. My mom came up to watch Landon shoot in his tournament. I was so proud of Landon, he shot with no sights or release and scored an 87 and got second place. That makes two second places and one third for the year.
After the tournament Mom and I went shopping at the Last Stop Holiday Shop In Jewett, headed to the Flea Market and had lunch with Kristy.
To end the night we had a few people over that helped us move in the house. Matt and I are so blessed for these guys. They believe in Matt and our family and Matt has the honor of calling them co workers. I call them the "twins".  They always have a smile on their faces and are willing to work. We have been so blessed to have people believe is us and so glad to call them friends. In 14 years my kids never shock me and last night they did. They started calling a lady at the party new mom. Even this morning when I told Payce to brush her hair she said"New mom wouldn't make me brush my hair"
Red got in a wrestling match. We told the kids sometimes you fight and have misunderstanding but if you truly love each other nothing will ever tear you apart. Grace was in Red's corner for support just like we try to teach our kids always back your siblings no matter what.

Today is Sunday! We missed church and headed out to Payce's dance recital. Dad and Mom came. When we got to the dance recital we realized we needed a toy for "Toys for Tots". So Matt went to the dollar store and picked up a toy and while we were backstage getting ready he also surprised her with flowers. He is such an amazing father. Payce did such a great job during her parts of the recital. We have been taking ballet and tumbling at Flip and Twist in Centerville. I wanted her to take ballet to be more graceful and elegant. We may need a few more years. Her tumbling was awesome. Her cartwheels are perfect. So proud of her today.
I keep thinking God doesn't give us more then we can handle but days like today I really pray he has a plan for my family.
Red and Grace went to a Christmas Spa. Christmas Barbie massage Red and Grace was getting a chocolate bath. I was so jealous of her I really want and need a day in a chocolate spa. We talked about how God rested on the 7th day and it was ok to do nothing ever now and then.

Walk like a chicken and talk like a lady.

Yesterday was just like any normal American families day. Went to the school and volunteered and delivered fundraiser packages to all the classes. Lets just say the UPS drivers don't get paid enough. Packages were everywhere and some even fell off the cart as I lost control going down the slop. I was so stressed I called Payce's teacher the wrong name and I was leaving the school I realized I walked around the school and talked to all the teachers with my pants unzipped.
Got home and texted all the moms that wanted to help with the kids Christmas party at school. I love being the room mom when you have so many moms wanting to help makes life so easy. Matt called about 10am and was like babe where are you? I forgot it was parents eat lunch with 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Christmas dinner. To surprise us Matt brought subway, but couldn't stay because work obligations. So of course I jumped up ran out of the house like a crazy woman to make it on time then my phone is started ringing it was Erica on the other end saying Payce forgot her lunch. Thank God Matt bought me lunch so she ate mine. Made it to the school just in time. I love hearing about all boyfriend, girlfriend drama at 10 makes me laugh. One girl actually said that Landon told her he was to pretty to go out with her.
Thomas stayed after school Thursday for tutoring and when Payce got in the car she looked very sickly. We got home and I unloaded some bags from the car and she was asleep by the time I made it inside. So we skipped dress rehearsal for dance.
Yesterday was also our turn for the Pay it Forward. If you don't know what it is, It is a group of people called the Supremes that organize and adopted a family in a December project. Everyday they assign one person to go shopping and ship the item the next day. The idea is for the family to receive a box everyday. It is a prestige thing I think to be signed a day, if you don't get a day you donate money and on the 20th they send the money to the family. Really it is just an amazing honor to be involved. They truly capture the true meaning of Christmas and is filled through out the group everyday.
Grace and Red gave the kids Christmas Cards to send to to the 6 year old little girl in Utah collecting cards.
Today could have went down hill and it wasn't even 8am, but I decided to not let what happen control my day and get the best of me. This year I have grown so much mentally and quickly turned what could have been a day full of drama in to a day marking something off my bucket list. Ever since we moved to this area chickens are EVERYWHERE houses that is. I have never seen so many chicken trucks. At school I would always hear people say. He works at the chicken houses, I have to walk chickens today, etc. So of course I had to add walking chicken houses to my bucket list. Yep That is what I did today. The chickens were 18 days old. I can't cross it off my bucket list just yet because I want to go back when the are about 55 days old. I can't explain the smell other then overpowering at times. I only gagged once at the incinerator. It was a eye opening experience. This Chicken farm was called a Wing & Prayer I had to laugh because that is what I was thinking when I walked in my first chicken house. My experience was great and I can't wait to go back. The birds were well taken care of. It was great to see the ends and out of the business. I had to take a bath and a shower to get that smell off me. It did stink but as of now I'm still eating chicken.

The big news out of school today is Thomas straightened his hair. He even made snap chat and Instagram. Now that is big news in our small town. He looked like Bo Duke. When I picked him up I had to put my hand over my mouth. I guess he needs a hair cut

. Landon's teacher sent me this message today. Landon just came in here and sat on my couch and said hi....Im your "thermalist" may i help you....sooooo i said huh....my what???? my thermostat????  he says nooooo your thermalist...you know someone who listens when you have problems. I said....honey.....thats a therapist!!!!!!!!!!! I laugh at my kids everyday and it is great to see so many other people get to know their personalities and love and laugh at them too.
Grace and Red Were climbing the tree together. We were showing the kids that it takes team work to get to the top. You need each other and how it is important it is to relay on each other from time to time.

Our Soldier's Christmas Greeting's Event

Today has been a very emotional day in the Martin house hold. We were so blessed by the out pouring of support shown for our Soldier's Christmas Greeting's event. Because of my loyal blog readers and friends we were able to collect, fill out and mail 280 Christmas cards. I would like to thank y'all from the bottom of my heart.
So Here are the facts about sending Christmas cards to Walter Reed Army Medical Center! PLEASE DON'T send Christmas cards to Walter Reed made out to A recovering America Solider. They will throw them away in the trash!!!! Here are the reasons why! The U.S. Postal Service will not accept mail addressed to "Any Soldier," "Any Wounded Soldier," or the like because if it did, it could be providing a conduit for those who might do harm to armed services members. Such offerings are either returned to sender (if a return address has been provided or if one is found within the package) or donated to charities (if no address for the sender is found). Similarly, military hospitals will not accept letters, cards, or packages addressed in such manner for the same reason. Such beneficences, no matter how kindly meant, are not permitted to reach the soldiers they were intended for.

 It was very hard to find a organization that we could send Christmas cards to. So after doing hours of research on all the different organizations and what was true and false about sending Christmas cards to warriors. The Valiant Veterans was the group we went with their campaign was called Operation Christmas card. They were easy to work with the only thing is they had strict requirements.-minimum of 5 heartfelt, appreciative or supportive sentences (remember for some this is the only mail they will get) This was very hard since we were sending out 280 in one night.
-please do NOT seal the envelope
-cards can be hand made or store bought
-envelopes can decorated
-children may draw photos and color pictures as well, these are loved by all as many have children
-please do NOT put stamps on each envelope. We mail in bulk as it is cheaper and easier
-you may include your email or return address to be contacted back (please remember, not all will right back as they may not have the ability to send return mail, or the time as many are in combat zones)
-you may include photos, however, these need to be family friendly and appropriate. Please respect our service members and remember that this is not a dating service.
-DEADLINE December 12, 2014
To say are fingers and hands hurt is a understatement but we laughed till we cried and even made up a new language. We were so blessed to have the McCoslin family over to share this experience with us. We went for a all American Theme Dinner hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and dip, smores mix, fruit and apple pie. It was great to hear stories about their dad when he was serving in the military. We can't tell you how Thankful we were to have the community behind us this night. We stand tall, proud and managed to write out enough Christmas Cards to represent the entire city of Marquez. Does my heart good to know we made a difference in so many people's life. I'm just so proud of our town to be apart of this great event. I feel so humbled by this experience.
Today Red and Grace wrapped the house and got toilet paper everywhere. See I was up at 3:30am why I don't know and was sleepy at 6am so I ask Matt to move the Elf well that is what he came up with. He said it was a funny on me, because everyone know you don't mess with mommies trees. The kids loved it!!
 I just want to say My dashing through the dough contest is going terrible!! I ate the best McRib and fries today and two sodas. Fat girl for life. Word! I will do better tomorrow.
Today was our day for the Pay it forward in the Supreme Group. Can't wait to tell you all about it tomorrow.
So proud of Payce she placed 5th overall in UIL today. It was four schools participating.
The kids are on the up hill swing of their sickness. Tomorrow is my volunteer day at the school. Fundraiser stuff is In!! Payce got her Limo ride and Landon will be so happy to get his race track.
In closing I want to say from the bottom of my heart Thank you for making tonight possible and having faith that our families could represent Marquez and getting these cards to the RIGHT organization for our military to enjoy a card this Christmas season. Truly blessed to call y'all my friends and this our town.

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.