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.

Soda Can Tabs

We (our family) have been saving soda can tabs religiously for going on 3 years now. Some of our family & close friends have also jumped on the wagon, and began saving their tabs for us also. The last 2 years that we have visited the RMH of Delaware, we have taken 2 or 3 gallon ziploc bags filled with tabs. The RMH recycles those tabs to earn money to help support the house and their guest families. It is an extremely easy and efficient way to support the RMH.

Anyway, Amy, a good friend of ours, teaches 5th grade in a local elementary school. She started collecting the tabs from the teachers lounge and passing them on to us. One thing led to another, and now her students are collecting tabs from home, and bringing them to school to be passed on to us. Recently, Amy gave us several gallon sized bags full of tabs, that had been collected from the studens and teachers at her school. To Amy, it didn't really seem like a big deal. But, to us, it was an amazing gift. We have seen first hand where these donations go, and we know how important these tabs are to the RMH.

Currently we have a bin full of bagged soda tabs...just waiting to be delivered to the RMH of DE. (Which we will be visiting again this Christmas) If you would like to help with our soda tab collection, we would be glad to deliver your tabs. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information about the soda can tab collection.

10 months & no picture...

For the last week, I have probably told 10 different people that Paisley is 9 months old. It just dawned on me yesterday that she is now 10 months old! Man, time really does fly when you're having fun!

Sadly, the month of June snuck up on me, so I have no 10 month picture yet! That will be on the top of my 'to do' list for tomorrow! (Along with going to the grocery store, again!)

Check back in a day or so...hopefully I'll have a picture and an official 10 month post by then.

Catching up

Well, I know I haven't posted since Paisley's "bead eating" incident. We have been quite busy, I really haven't had the time. So, in a nutshell, here's what we've been up to:

Paisley: the morning after eating the bead, she learned how to take her diaper off. Let me just say that was a nice mess to find first thing in the morning! After that, she managed to climb to the top of the steps all by herself...we found her playing with toys in her bedroom! So far, she hasn't attempted coming back down.

Kylei & Kadenn: Just finished out their spring soccer season. Their team finished #2 in the Area and #3 in the Region! They had an amazing season. It was a huge blessing for Dustin to be able to coach the girls again this season. Very thankful for the memories & friendships we made! Also, school is out for the summer...as of Wednesday!

Dustin: Participated in the 3rd bi-annual Timber Show in State College. He has been working closely with my Dad, running the sawmill business, so this was a great opportunity to get the business advertised.

This was our display at the Timber Show...

Mom & Dad at the Timber Show: Believe it or not, this was my Dad's first time participating in an Expo like this...in his 30 years in business!

As for me...I was just along for the crazy ride!!

My little Houdini

This is a picture of where Paisley's high chair normally sits, in our dining room. Sorry the pictures are a bit goofy, but the sunlight pours in that window, so the lighting was all crazy.

Anyway, this is where Paisley was sitting yesterday morning, drinking a bottle. Then the phone rang...

...and this is what I found when I came back to the dining room a minute or so later.

No, the thought of her climbing out of the high chair never crossed my mind. She never did it before, and really never even tried. She liked sitting in her high chair...

Those little marshmallowy bits you see her nibbling on, yeah...they are beads off of a bracelet Kylei broke at breakfast. So, yes...we are now missing one bead, and yes...I am checking the diaper! :(

Paisley: 9 months

It is getting harder & harder to take a picture of Paisely. She is now just over 9 months old, and she does NOT stay still! The girl is constantly moving and into something.

I took this picture after her 9 month check up with the doctor. She weighed in at 17 lbs 15 ozs, and falls right in the middle of the growth chart. The doctor was very pleased.

Some of Paisley's other accomplishments...

*She will eat anything...
* Crawls, pulls herself up & walks around things.
*Loves climbing up steps! This is fairly new for her...so far she hasn't tried going down yet!

Love is...

The devotion Dustin & I read for today was Romans 3. This is a fairly familiar set of scripture, but one verse in particular stood out to me.

Romans 3:22-24 (NIV)
This Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Recently I heard a song by Sidewalk Prophets, called You Love Me Anyway
If you've never heard the song, at least take the time to click on the link and read the lyrics. I hope you find it as encouraging as I did. It gives me great joy to know that it's okay that I'm not perfect, and it's okay that I am weak...because despite those 'flaws', God loves me anyway & has great plans for me.


Blessings!

Mothers' Day

I took the girls out for breakfast this morning...for Mother's Day. Kadenn picked Dunkin' Donuts. Strange choice, I know. Dustin went to an archery shoot, so it was just us girls to spend the morning together. It was a good time, eating donuts and drinking coffee & slushies. At one point (before Dustin & I were married), I thought the idea of having children was crazy. Now, today, as I sat & watched my girls chowing down on donuts...I was so proud to be their mom.

Paisley was too busy eating her blueberry donut to smile for the camera!! ;o)

I'm pretty sure the other customers in the store thought we were crazy for having so much fun at breakfast.

I am so thankful for my mom, and all the things I have learned from her. I am also thankful for my sisters (who are also amazing moms) I have learned so much from them over the years...they are such a blessing.

Happy Mother's Day!!