new website

I'm so excited to share with you that we are in the process of launching a brand new family website.  I've been searching for a way to combine all of our blogs in one place...and finally found the answer.  I have spent the afternoon creating the page & will be continuing to add to it and update regularly.

Click on the link below to go check out our new page!! 

http://eph210lifeonpurpose.weebly.com/  

$0 Balance

For the last several months, I've been praying that God would, in some way, pay Quintin's medical bills.  I just wanted that monthly reminder of my loss to be gone!!  I want to grieve and process with out the worry of debt.  Selfish!? Not one bit.  It's been almost 7 months and we will be making payments for a while yet. We are actually still waiting on bills from CHOP, and one another transport company.  And, let me just say, I'm not sharing this information with you in an attempt to gain your pity, or anything else for that matter.  I am hoping that you will see just how awesome our God is!!  That He does care, and He will see our needs and supply for them.  

All of the bills we received so far, have either been paid off or set up on payment plans.  However, we still had an ambulance transport bill for Quin, in the amount of $4600.  I received a notice stating that the insurance company had denied it and would not be paying.  I expected that.  I know that a lot of insurance companies don't cover ambulance fees.  I know I did the wrong thing, but I put the bill aside and did nothing about it for 3 months.  Bad...I know!!  But I allowed my grief to control that decision.  I just didn't want to face it!  Anyway, yesterday, while making some other phone calls, I decided to call the transport company, out of curiosity.  I needed to know how much we owed them.  After about 5 minutes talking to the billing manager, and 2 or 3 minutes on hold...she came back on the phone and said, "Mrs. Martin, I'm not sure what happened...but it looks like you have a $0 balance.  You owe us nothing!".   I was completely dumb-founded.  I had not expected that, and I had no idea what to say in response.  Considering the ONLY communication I had with them had said that it had been denied by the insurance, I expected to have to pay the full balance.  Somehow, someway...God paid my bill!! I'm not sure what happened, it doesn't really matter...but He did it!

My prayer was answered and then some!!  As I was typing this, the idea of a $0 balance reminded me of another way our debt has been paid, in full...on the CROSS!  

blessings: WK 1

Today: I am thankful for family!!  (And friends that I can call family!!)

How many people can you fit around an iPad!?  Our family's "facetime party" with Ryan and his family, who are currently living in Texas!  It was a huge blessing to get to see them!

2012 in Review

New Year's is typically a time of reflection, remembrance, and renewed commitment.  So, I thought I would take a few minutes to do all of those things.  2012 has been an interesting year for the Martin family.  So, to rewind...here is our 'list'

*January - We spent a day in Wilmington Delaware, preparing breakfast for the guest families.  It

                 was a great day, just the 5 of us...giving back in memory of Todd Heston.
                 We also celebrated Kadenn's 9th birthday!!

*February - We told the girls and the rest of our families that we would soon be a family of 6...
                   We also celebrated Kylei's 11th birthday!!

*March - Dustin & I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary!  I won't say it has been an easy 12 

               years, but it was definitely fun!!  I am so blessed to be able to spend the next 12+ years     

              together!

*April - We found out this month that we were have a GIRL...and also celebrated my birthday :)
             Dustin had a week of vacation from UPS, which we spent visiting the Baltimore 

             Aquarium, and Lakemont Park.

*June - School ended & summer vacation began...

*July - On the 19th (My Grandmother's birthday) We celebrated the arrival of Quintin Riley.

           She was born at the Chambersburg Hospital.  We spent 5 days with her between York

           Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  

           She was diagnosed with a rare Mitochondrial disorder and we gave her back to Jesus on     

           the 24th.  I know I haven't shared too much about this, here on our blog. But, in time, I

           will.

*August - Paisley turned 2 years old & the big girls went back to school.  Kylei is officially in 

               middle school.  This has proved to be an exciting challenge for the ENTIRE family!!

*September-October - were spent on the soccer field, as usual!The girls were both invited to    

                                 participate in some club soccer games/clinics.  This has been a fun 

                                 experience getting to play soccer at a completely new level.

                                  We also took Dustin second vacation week and went to Corolla Beach in

                                  the Outerbanks of North Carolina.  

                                   

*November - Happy Thanksgiving

*December - Dustin worked at the Gettysburg UPS center as a Driver & Driver Helper.  This was 

                    a requirement for a promotion he has applied for.  We are "patiently" waiting God's 

                    timing for the promotion to take place.

                    We also celebrated Todd's 4th birthday on December 5th.  Very bittersweet!!

Blessings and Best wishes for the New Year!! Happy 2013...

Not just another day...

It is currently 7:53am.  On this day, at this moment, 4 years ago...I was on my way to the Harrisburg Hospital to give birth to our first & only son, Todd Heston.  As you all know, he was born with a congenital heart disease called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  This disease would, typically, require open heart surgery in a 3 stage procedure over the course of 5 years.  For Todd, unfortunately, that wasn't the case.  He would require a heart transplant...and so the story goes.  

Today we remember him, on what would be his 4th birthday.  The last 3 years we released balloons in memory of him.  Today, we carry on as if it is just another day.  From the outside, that may appear true...but inside my heart aches as much as the day we said good-bye. 

"It's not the date of birth or date of death that matter, it's how you live the days in between" - Kylei Martin

Such wise words, spoken by such a young girl.  Kylei said she heard something similar said at school this week.  She said it made her think of Todd and Quin.  She said how important those days were with both her baby brother and sister, and how they meant much more than any other.
Her words got me thinking back to the 24 days we spent in Delaware, with Todd.  Four years later, but it still feels like yesterday.  I learned so much about myself, my husband, my faith...I was able to dig deep and find faith and strength I didn't know I had.  I found my God to be truer than true and much bigger than I ever imagined.
Kylei is right...those days in between are much more important than the beginning and the end.  It's full of purpose, whether you can see it or not.  From July 20th 2008, while in still in the womb, when Todd's heart condition was first diagnosed...we prayed that his life, no matter how long or short, would have purpose.  I believe it has, even when I see no evidence.  

If you get nothing more out of this, please get this one thing...live your life on purpose.  How will YOU live your "days in between"?

Today, we remember Todd and the date of his birth...but more importantly we remember and cherish the 24 days we had with him.  

Happy 4th birthday, Todd Heston Martin!! 

30 Day Challenge

I know this post is completely irrelevant to anything else I've EVER posted...but I figured, why not try something new!! :)

Yesterday was Day 1 of my newest 30 Day Challenge...yes, that's right, I started the 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels!  If you followed me on Facebook, you would know that I started running while we were on vacation.  I hate running...but yet, found it to be very relaxing to run.  Maybe it was the beach environment that had me motivated, I don't know.  But, either way, I decided it was time to do something to get in better shape.  So, since I'm a fair-weather runner & it's cold here now, I decided to find some indoor exercise regimen.

I bought this DVD several years ago & couldn't keep up at all.  My knees ached so bad, I gave up!  

My niece (my new accountability partner) and I started to work our way through the program again.  Day 1 is complete & I felt great!  Surprisingly, I was able to do the entire workout.  I woke up this morning...pain free!! My legs felt a bit like jell-o when I first got out of bed.  So, we'll see how Day 2 goes!? :/
Check back...eventually, I'll post my exercise goals, etc.  (Hopefully!!) ...Plus, if you don't see anything from me in a while...there is a good chance that Jillian got the best of me!! 

So, that's my "new" thing that I'm working on...what "new" things are YOU doing!?

Faith

I had several other things I wanted to blog about...but just can't seem to get the words to come together.  So, instead...I'll share this.  His plan is perfect, and far greater than we can see or comprehend. Stand firm in your faith in Him!

turkey day

Today, I am thankful for my family.  For my husband, who is also my best friend.  Not every woman can say that, and I am so thankful that I can.  He is my rock, the one who holds my hand and tells me 'I can' when the odds are stacked against me.  He is amazing...and I'm glad he's mine!! :)

 I'm thankful for my babies...ALL of them!  They each have their own silly personality and fill their spot in this family in their own unique and special way.   They are smart and talented & the reason I am who I am.  I love the fact that one day (probably not today...but some day in the future!) Kylei & Kadenn will be best friends. They have such a special bond already...I can't wait to see how God will use them.

Then there is this little monkey...Paisley!

One day, she will realize just how special she is! She is full of love and joy, and in 2 short years she has taught me so much...and, for that, I am grateful!  She makes my heart full!

The pictures in this post were done by Jeanette Puckett Photography. Click on the link to see more of our photo shoot and some of Jeanette's other work.

in Thanks giving

At first glance, I know that what I am about to share may not relate to the title of my post...but, it does. Really, it does...trust me!! :)

I came across this quote, shortly after Quin passed.  It is a daily reminder of why I wake up and 'fight' every day to just survive.  So, in the spirit of 'giving thanks' I am thankful for my past.  I am thankful that my God has given me the sense to know how to use it in good.  I am thankful that through Him, I have the strength to put those learned lessons in to action.  And, I am thankful that on the days that I don't or can't, His Grace and Mercy are enough...and, He CAN!!

Recovery

I know what you're thinking...It's been a month since I redesigned the blog and then.. Poof! ...I disappear.  Well, yes, it does look that way, but really...we've just been busy.  VERY BUSY!!  It seems that no matter how hard I try to slow down during this time of year, things always seem to get out of control.

I titled this post "recovery", simply because that's the mode I feel that I am in.  Recovery...I'm busy, recovering myself and my family from weeks, months (years) of hurt.  I'm making an attempt to go through the grieving process with dignity.  So, in my attempt to 'recover'...we went on vacation! 

The five of us spent 9 days in the Outerbanks ~ Corolla, North Carolina.  We had an amazing time relaxing and walking on the beaches.  It was definitely a much needed and appreciate time away to relax and recover!

Here's a quick glance at the rest of our busy October!!

The day before we left for vacation, I spent the afternoon supporting a local organization called Sweet Grace Ministries.  I was at there recent Sweet Walk to Remember event to support infant loss.  I attended the Sweet Walk fundraiser in memory of both Todd and Quin, and as a Thirty-One Gifts consultant to help raise money for the organization.  I'll share more about this event in another post...so check back to learn more about Sweet Grace Ministries!! 

The girls' soccer season is almost over...and by almost, I really mean regular season is over and 'bring on the tournament season'!  I absolutely LOVE watching my girls play soccer...almost as much as I enjoy watching Dustin coach their team.  This was definitely not a winning season for them, but there was a lot of learning.  We had a blast!!  Even Paisley enjoyed hanging out at the soccer field!

Oh...I almost forgot.  Dustin trained for, and ran a marathon in October.  This was his first ever marathon!!  And, YES...he ran the entire 26.2 miles!  He trained with some friends to participate in the Freedom's Run in Harper's Ferry.  He crossed the finish line in 4 hours and 7 minutes!! 

You can't really see him that well in this picture...but that's him crossing the finish line!

And here is a shot of our marathon group, after the race!

Wow, what a crazy month & a half it has been.  

Refuge

I know in my last post I warned that this blog is about to get ugly.  I decided I'm going to save all the heart wrenching stories for another day.  Today, I'm choosing to share one of my favorite verses.

Yesterday, I was having an "I don't have any friends" kinda day.  I know, that's silly and juvenile.  I DO have friends, some really awesome ones at that. Most of which, I am extremely grateful for!!!  However, yesterday I decided that I was going to focus on some of the people that had disappointed me in one way or another.  Ridiculous, I know.  Suddenly I was feeling very alone.  Surprised?!

I originally sat down to the computer to put together a (very) short devotion for our bible study group tonight, when I was reminded of one of my favorite verses.  

Psalm 34:8

Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

Yesterday is gone, and so is my "I don't have any friends" attitude.  Thank goodness!!  I wish I could get a "re-do" for yesterday, so I could undo my attitude and make the most of my day.  But, I can't.  So, instead...today, I will take refuge in my Heavenly Father and trust in his will for my life; and I am going to be grateful for the amazing friends God has blessed me with.

Disclaimer!

This blog is about to get ugly!!

There...I said it.  You were warned.  I am no longer responsible for saying things that could be offensive or shocking.  I'm about to put into words, the answer to the question of the hour..."Are you okay?".

Please don't misinterpret my 'honesty'...I'm not intentionally being mean.  I'm just laying it all out there for the world to see...you asked, so here it is!

Blueberry Banana Bread

Yesterday I bought a bunch of bananas that were way past their prime. But, at 10 cents a pound, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make some fresh banana bread!


 I wanted to show you these...my set of vintage measuring spoons. I'm not real sure where I got mine...but they are just like the ones my Grandma used!

All ready to go in the oven...

Done!! 

I forgot to take a picture before I cut into the bread...so now you know that I already ate half the bread.

The recipe I used is one of my favorites...all I did was add a handful of frozen blueberries. 

2012: New...

As you can see I've made a few changes to the look of the blog.  Don't be surprised...there are going to be more coming.

So much has happened since I have posted last.  So much, I'm not sure where to begin with all the stories.  I guess a good place to start would be with the new title.  'Life on Purpose' ...it's simple, really...live your life as if today is the last, on purpose.  Don't waste a minute, we have none to spare.  

So much has happened in my past that continues to influence my present and future.  I won't pretend to be perfect and 'all together', because...well, I'm not.  But I am determined to use those past happenings to design and direct my future.  

 ^{~ Ephesians 2:10 ~
Instead, we are God's accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things.  God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.}

The 'Hunt'

Well, my first attempt at hunting didn't exactly go as expected. I think we may have been in the woods for 10 minutes til I asked Dustin where all the deer were hiding. Needless to say, we spent about 4 VERY quiet hours in the woods, and just before dark, we had the opportunity to take at a deer. No, none of the shots were fired from my gun or by me. But, Dustin did end up getting a nice 8 point.

I spent 2 more days in the woods...and still no deer.

Oh well...I'll try again next season, maybe!

Headed to the woods...

For the first time in my 33 years, I am going hunting. For deer. In the woods, with a gun. Yes, I know, it's crazy! But I'm going.

Dustin & I even went to Keystone Country Store tonight. I bought my hunting license, camo gloves and an orange hat...oh, and new shoe strings for my boots.
So, there you go...I'm trying something new!!

You really should come back Tuesday so you can find out how the hunt goes...



Jerri

2 Months!?

Has it really been 2 months!? I guess so. You're probably wondering where I've been...maybe? Well, life got a bit crazy for a minute! In a real quick, get you up to speed, this is where we've been kind of way...here's what's been going on:

*Paisley turned ONE, on August 18th!

*Kylei is in 5th grade and Kadenn is in 3rd grade this year. This school year has included a new elementary school. No, we didn't move...they are still in the same district, just transfered to a different elementary school.

*Fall Soccer: Dustin coached Kylei's team, and both girls played in the area Harvest Classic Tournement...Kadenn's team finished first in U10! Kadenn's team also finished the season undefeated!!

*Dustin started taking online college classes November 1st.

*I became a consultant with Thirty-One Gifts (back in July) ...which has been a blast!

*I'm going to be a great-aunt...again!! This time we are expecting a new little nephew. Can't wait to meet him!


Well, that about sums it up. All that, and we are now just a few days before Thanksgiving Day!
I pray you all have an amazing holiday weekend. Remember to be thankful in ALL things!!

Blessings,
Jerri

Mystery Hostess Party!!

I have decided to host a "Thirty-One Gifts Mystery Hostess" party. All the rain we have been getting here in south central PA, has me a bit stir-crazy!! So, I figured, what could be better than the chance to do a bit of shopping!? ...plus the chance to win FREE products from Thirty-One!

Here's how it will work:

All you have to do is shop online at my personal website -
www.mythirtyone.com/jmmartin

or call/text/email me with an order. You can shop directly through my website by clicking on the link above then under the 'my events' link just click on the 'shop now' tab next to Mystery Hostess.

This Mystery Hostess Event will end on Saturday September 10th - at midnight!!

I will put your name into a basket, and will be doing the drawing Sunday afternoon, and announcing the winner then.

You will automatically be entered into the drawing just for placing an order!! You can receive bonus entries for completing any of the following:

*for every $31 ordered

*book a party in September

*refer a friend who places an order

*turn in an 'outside order'

Oh...one last thing: September is Hostess DOUBLE UP month, which means if the total sales of this event reach $500 the winner will receive DOUBLE the hostess gifts!

So, pass the word on to your friends & up the sales!! I am really looking forward to giving a way tons of FREE Thirty-One products!!

Looking forward to hearing from you...

Jerri

Up for a new adventure?

I am!!

So, I thought I'd share the excitement here first! As of tomorrow, I will be a sales consultant with Thirty-One Gifts!

Thirty-One Gifts is a direct selling company based out of Ohio. The company was started by Cindy Monroe, and based on the scripture of Proverbs 31 and the virtuous woman. Thirty-One offers a variety of products from luggage to purses and organizing totes.

**Click on the picture above to go directly to the new Fall Catalog!!

I absolutely fell in love with the Thirty-One products at the very first party I attended. The thought of actually selling the product briefly crossed my mind, however, once I started using my bags it became a no-brainer! So, starting tomorrow, I will be an official consultant! I am very excited to start on this new journey, with a new company and can't wait to share the products with you!

I have been challenged to sell $1800 in my first 45 days...in order to do that I am going to need your help. So here is where you come in!! I would like to offer a FREE Thermal Tote to the first 5 ladies who book a show! All you have to do is leave a comment here on the blog saying that you would like to host a party!

Looking forward to hearing from you!!

Jerri

Paisley: 10 months

Well, June 18th has come and gone...I didn't get the typical monthly close up that I usually get. However, I did get a good 10 month picture of Paisley.

I guess she outgrew the walker!?

No, Paisley isn't quite walking on her own yet...however, I don't think it will be much longer. She is able to stand on her own, but when it comes time to take steps, she just starts to giggle.