Martin Blog

Hard to believe that this is the last Sunday that Abby will be here. We are all trying to take it in. I want to remember all the simple things about this time.

Emma is really growing up these past few months. I have watched her take a greater notice in Abby and the things she thinks are cool. So grateful that she has such an awesome role model like Abby. Also, Emma has been inheriting lots of Abby's clothes as she cleans out her closet packing for college. It makes me so happy to see her wearing them.

One thing I wanted to do before Abby left for school was make her a couple photos books with all the pictures I had taken over the years. Needless to say there were a ton. I am hopeful that she will look them over when she starts to miss us (if that ever happens).

Emma is trying out for a part in the school's production of Shrek II. She has been practicing the little dance she will audition with.

Making Sunday cookies with dad. I love that each of the kids love to do this. It makes them feel so special to be working on something with Dad.

We are always trying out new recipes and trying to improve our cookies.

One of Gavin's dear friends, Connor Stephens moved away this past summer and we love when we get the opportunity to facetime with him.

This little boy has my heart no matter how ornery he is. Look at that smile and those eyes.

First day of School is here and these kids and this mama ready. The kids were up at 6:00am and ready to go by 6:10. I love how excited they got. Clothes were all laid out the night before, lunches were made, and backpacks by the door.

I think they all turned out pretty stylish in their new duds.

10th grade (Ethan), 7th grade (Emma), 4th grade (Kate), 3rd grade (Gavin)

The younger kids and I walked to school.

We missed meet the teacher night since we were in Florida.

Gavin has Mrs. Patrick for 3rd grade. Kate had her in 2nd grade so we know her. Plus, she goes to our church. It's gonna be a great year.

Kate was thrilled when she learned that she has Mr. McKethan for 4th grade. She was even more thrilled when she learned that she was in class with all of her girlfriends. Woohoo.

Emma rode to school with her bestie, Kendall.

Ethan rode the bus.

I kept telling Sam that on the first day of school it would be just us since all the big kids would be going back to school. He was excited until we had to run Abby on a quick errand. He kept giving her the stank face and then said to me, "I don't like Abby in the car." He may be a little spoiled.

Each year the "Porter Farms" Ranch competes in the Denton County Fair and Rodeo. Most all of my extended family goes to support our family ranch/ Brian (my cousin) and Payton ride in the opening ceremonies. This year it was raining when we arrived which made things wet and muddy but the kids did not seem to mind one bit.

Just another reminder that I LOVE living by family. And who doesn't love a little county fair action?

Sam had his first day of preschool on Tuesday. I got a feeling this is going to be worth every penny.

He was so excited to go. His good friend Ava is in the same class.

While he was at school I called my mom and had a good, long, and uninterrupted conversation. It was great. The time flew by but we both enjoyed every moment of it.

When I went to pick Sam up seemed so happy. Miss Michelle was a sweetheart.

Look how happy we are. Yay for preschool and yay for independent kiddos that want to go!!!

Tuesday was super special. Lance and I took Ethan to get his patriarchal blessing from Patriarch Combs in Lewisville. It was such an awesome night. So grateful for this young man of ours. He is something special. No doubt about it. Thanks to Abby for watching the kiddos so we could enjoy this with Ethan.

I love when Abby sends me pictures while I am away. It makes me so happy to see her bonding with her siblings. They think she is the coolest thing.

Also, BIG NEWS, Sam stopped using his binky this week.

I told him that the "napping fairy" would bring him a treat if he didn't sleep with his binky. He got so excited and that was the end of his binky. I was loathing this day but for no reason.

Tuesday afternoon I had received a call from the Harpool nurse letting me know that Emma had a fever (over 102) and that I needed to come grab her from school. Poor thing looked sick. She was achy and exhausted. She rested up Tuesday night but because of the "No fever for 24 hours before returning to school " rule Emma got to stay home on Wednesday even though she was feeling much better. Sam and Emma were both excited about this.

I drove Abby up to Ikea to look for some sheets for her new apartment (ok, that sounds weird). We did not have much luck.

I ended up feeling exhausted myself so I was in bed by 9:00 that night. Little did I know that there were some people with big plans... for my 40th birthday.

Abby decorated the kitchen with streamers and balloons and wrote me a super sweet letter. We had a rough day on Wednesday so I was thankful for her kind words.

Karen and Ambyr showed up super late to decorate my car with a million post-it notes. It must have taken them forever. Abby said they had the best time doing it (until 1:00am, apparently) I was bummed I missed out on the party. Love these silly girls. So grateful for them. They made my morning.

There was also sidewalk chalk outside announcing that I was turning 40.

Abby got up super early and ran to Krispy Kreme to grab my favorite treat. Woohoo!

Best birthday breakfast ever.

After the kids were off to school,

I dropped Sam off at preschool and then I headed over to the Frisco Mall to shop ALONE!

I decided to get my haircut and then Lance called to tell me that he had actually gotten half day off from work so he could meet up with me.

We ate lunch together and then shopped around a little more.

Abby had offered to pick up Sam from preschool so there was no need to rush home.

Once everyone got home from school, we quickly ate dinner and opened some presents. I had told everyone that my special birthday request was to make a family music video. So that is exactly what we did. Abby is helping me splice it all together and I can't wait!

I love these sweet little faces.

I thank the Lord everyday that I get to be their mom and that they are all so sweet to me.

And then there is this good looking guy.

I love that he is wearing the shirt I got him for Father's Day.

Yes, he does make adorable babies!!!!

Friday I went to lunch with some of my girlfriends from church. They got me a basket full of goodies and a couple gift cards to get a pedicure and massage. I have awesome friends.

Abby offered to help out with Sam (again). It sure was nice to have her around this week.

They went to Chick-fil-a (one of their special memories together).

Friday night was pretty low-key since I got a touch of food poisoning. My family was great to let me lay in bed and watch marathon Fixer Uppers.

Saturday, we woke and finished chores around the house.

Lance and I had a date that night. Lance suggested we go to Denton for dinner. Sounded great to me.

We ate at the Denton Square at a restaurant name Hannah's. It was yummy. Afterwards we walked over to Beth Marie's for and ice cream cone.

While we were enjoying our ice cream, Ethan texted and asked if we could run by grandma's to grab his wallet that he had forgotten while he was mowing. No big deal, we were right there.

When we pulled up to grab the wallet I noticed some voices inside. I thought is was weird and soon realized that those voices were coming from a room full of my favorite people. I was so totally surprised. I looked at Lance, who of course was in on the whole thing. I couldn't help but get a little emotional as I looked around the room at all the faces of people I loved.

This was the best surprise ever.

My cousin-in-law, AJ made these beautiful cakes. So yummy.

And then another cousin-in-law of mine, Britta decorated this cute chalkboard.

Ambyr came over while we were in Florida and printed out a ton of pictures of ME. I can't believe all the hard work these girls did. It made me feel so good.