Football post...

is below! I started it before my last post so it posted it earlier...enjoy!

Priorities

What REALLY entertained me before I had children? I am often laughing, and in awe of what Winston comes up with or says, or what Sam does. I will say that when Joseph is out of town I am physically tired, but also mentally worn out from following along with Winston's scenarios or answering his questions...I wouldn't have it any other way :) One thing he said last week just "took the cake" so I thought I would share it. We had been to Barnes&Noble and picked up the Sports Illustrated issue with Cam Newton on the cover (actually, we got 3 but if you know my husband-or me-this is not weird). On the way home Winston told me he was going to "first read his Bible then the Cam Newton book". Glad to know he has 2 important priorities, and has them in the right order :)

Don't worry, I have a "Football season in pictures" post in the works...stay warm!

WAR EAGLE!!

Sam cooling off at the tailgate

Sweet cousins who love spending time together

Mommy and Sam trying to cool off

Aunt Poochie with the boys at Samford Hall (glad she was there to help with the "photo shoot")

Sam

Christmas card picture

Watching Tiger Walk with Daddy

On the way to Tiger Walk

Watching Tiger Walk with Granddaddy

Brittany, Hayley, Ginny, Me, Brynne

Winston and Campbell (one for their Rehearsal dinner slideshow)

Me and Katie

Best way to travel

We even had "monkeys" at our tailgate

Best attempt at family picture

Fire Trucks and Random Thoughts...

Last month in Winston's MDO class they had firemen come to visit, and this has really catapulted his already interest in all things fire. He told me all about the safety steps the firemen taught him (for which I am very thankful for), and that each day he goes to school he and Mark, his best friend, dress up as firemen so they can tell the other kids what to do :) I am sure their teachers appreciate this short break from them playing football and tackling every five minutes (don't worry they still do this, just have something else to fill time). Anyway, our friend John Henry celebrated his 3rd birthday a few weeks ago in true fireman style...we went to a park and the "fire mepartment" (Winston's lingo) next to it. It was so fun, and was a beautiful day. Also, the last few pictures are some random things that are normal around the Martin house. First, our kitchen chairs have to go "night night" while we aren't sitting in them if I don't want to find Sam standing in them after he has pulled them over to the counter, stove, etc. By the way, he does NOT sit in his high chair anymore, mainly because big brother doesn't...what are we going to do with little fire ball? The final picture is a shot of what Winston chose to lay out on his bed a few weeks ago when we were about to head to Auburn to the AU/UGA game. He told me he got his stuff out, and when I went to see this is what I found :) I love that all he thought he needed was his jersey and "kweats" (cleats, ie his tennis shoes). Our boys love football...Auburn football just as much as Joseph and I do, so look forward to an ultimate/long football season wrap-up post!

Happy Halloween!

I guess I should be a good Presbyterian and say "Happy Reformation" instead :) Anyway, Halloween was loaded with fun this year - we went to Guntersville to our friends', Will and Kendall's, annual party, then we went trick-or-treating on Sunday night with lots of friends. Our little Buzz and Woody really enjoyed it. Yes, Joseph and I were Mario and Luigi (my mustache only lasted about 10 minutes since I kept swallowing tiny pieces of hair). Here are some pictures:

Pumpkin Patch

Several weeks ago (more like a month ago) we went to Old Baker Farms in Harpersville, AL. What a delightful surprise it was. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there were horse rides, farm animals, corn and hay bale mazes, and of course the tractor/hay ride to get to the patch. We spent several hours out there, and it was a fun family outing. We even ran into our friends the Huffstetlers, and made it home in time to eat lunch and watch the rest of the Auburn vs. LA Monroe game. Football post to come...

Doing what we do best

If you have little boys at your house, you know that if they are awake, they would prefer to be outside. Thankfully, we have had lots of great weather (some may say it's still too hot, but I love it), so we can basically live outdoors. I am posting a few pictures I have snapped between being Sam's "motor" to our push car, watching "Fireman Winston" drive his fire truck (bicycle), being the pitcher or quarterback to the chosen sport, monitoring them "driving" my car to make sure they don't kill the battery again, and keeping Sam content with not crossing the street to see our neighbors' dogs. Anyway, one day we might be able to do yard work, and even have a perfectly cleaned house, but right now I wouldn't choose anything else to do with my time.

By the way, I just have to say that I hope y'all have been able to keep up...I mean 4 posts in 3 weeks (2 within a few days of each other!!)...You're welcome Mrs. Dana :)

First Day of School (MDO)

The boys started MDO (Mother's Day Out) in September. Winston was very excited to start the "big 3 year old class". Sam has taken some time getting adjusted (especially to the no morning nap thing), but I think he has turned the corner. Oh how time goes by so quickly...

Labor Day Weekend

Can you believe it?! I am posting twice in one week...I am trying to play "catch up". Anyway, we revived our annual Labor Day lake trip this year. It was so much fun, but adding 6 kids ages 3 and under made it even more interesting. I don't know who had more fun, the little kids or the big ones :). Anyway, Mr. John treated us to gourmet meals each night, and Mrs. Penny was always very helpful. We are so thankful to them for opening up their home to us all. Here are a few picutres from the weekend. To quote my friends Kendall and Whitney, "The reason there are no pictures of the adults is because we wear t-shirts, swimsuits and PJ's the whole time. Love this group of friends our Heavenly Father so graciously blessed me and Joseph with!

Sam getting ready to go!


Sweet Evelyn


Miller, the cutest Bammer we know :)


Winston and Evelyn enjoying the boat



Winston Boy and Mommy


The boys' favorite place to play


Mommy and boys


Sam had to have lots of snacks to keep him busy during the boat rides


Winston finally got to drive the boat...thanks Mr. John!


Little brother's turn


Winston, Miller, Sam


Hays, Winston, Miller


All the kids!