He Calms Me...

He calms me....sung by Duane & Cindy Mullet from Gospel Express

Troubled waters came my way. The angry storm grew near
I prayed for God to speak a word and make it disappear
It seemed the waves would not obey the Masters call for peace
but then the Lord spoke to my soul reminded me He had control
and said this time His words were meant for me.

Sometimes He calms the storm, sometime He calms me.
Sometimes the storm still rages on but i feel the sweetest peace
Its such a joy to know that my Lord knows just what I need
Sometimes He calms the storms, sometimes He calms me.

Circumstance may over take and bring me to my knees
and when I feel I cannot cope with this lifes troubled sea
I call on Him whos voice can still much greater storms then these
His words bring peace into my soul when He says, "Child I'm in control."
and with one touch He calms the storm in me

Sometimes He calms the storm, sometimes He calms me
Sometimes the storm still rages on but I feel the sweetest peace.
Its such a joy to know that my Lord knows just what I need.
Sometimes He calms the storm, sometimes He calms me.

*** I share this song for whatever way it might encourage you....It has been such an encoragement to me through many storms in our lives.***

Does Jesus Care?

Does Jesus Care?

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/695

This song has become rather special. Many times I've asked my self does Jesus really care? O yes, He does I know He does!! I pray each of you will feel Jesus caring hands around you today!  Here is the song...

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

1. Too deeply for mirth or song,
   As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
   And the way grows weary and long?
   • Refrain:
     Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
     His heart is touched with my grief;
     When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
     I know my Savior cares.
2. Does Jesus care when my way is dark
   With a nameless dread and fear?
   As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
   Does He care enough to be near?
3. Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
   To resist some temptation strong;
   When for my deep grief there is no relief,
   Though my tears flow all the night long?
4. Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
   To the dearest on earth to me,
   And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
   Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
5. Written by: Frank E. Graeff / Joseph L. Hall

Trucking Show Weekend...

                                                      Our Trucking Show Weekend
          A busy week. It was suppose to be vacation all week long when all of a sudden one of  their
bigger customers decides he has work to keep Moine busy all week long and the boss man
 had already left for his weeks vacation.  My husband being the wonderful man that he is worked
from Monday till Thursday night after 8pm and then washed the truck and trailer.
          While I was waiting on Moine to come home my oldest son, Michael fell and busted his
chin open.  After much debating and a call to Moine we decided to super glue it shut. We did just
that.  I wasn't sure how it was going to all turn out when we first got back but today it looked
really nice.  We were/are very blessed!!
         Thanks to my dear sister Crystal for watching the children so I could go with Moine for the
weekend!!  And also thanks to Lynetta for doing an unexpected fill in on Sat. morning
(babysitting for a few hours!)
        This was the weekend for The Trucking Show in Louiville, KY! So after he got cleaned up
we started out. I drove all night. We got to our motel at 4am. By this time I was like man this is
so crazy. We got checked in and got settled in our room. We took a nice long nap and then had
 breakfast and enjoyed the rest of the show until 6pm that night. It's alot of working but I enjoy
it cause Moine takes time to explain how things work and answer any questions this uneducated
 truckers wife might have! Moine treated me to Olive Garden for supper that night! T'was very special!
 We were very tired so we went back to the motel and crashed. Well that is after we moved all our
stuff to another motel room thanks to room service then we CRASHED!!!
      Saturday morning we were up fairly early as we made plans to meet some other Truckers
 and their wives.  It was so good to meet Kevin & Robin Dotson and their son Ty and also Jim & Anna
Hogan. We met at Lynn's Paradice Cafe thanks to the suggestion from my cousin Brian Gingerich
whos a cop in the area there. This place was quite colorful and had different things set up to take pictures at so we did! Ill share some at the end of the post. ALot of laughter and wonderful memories!! Sweet people!!
     We then went to the Trucking show and kept missing dear Melissa Yearly. Hopefully next year
we get meet her as well.  After walking around for about 3 hours we were just ready to head home!
     We went to Elrados (i think) and enjoyed a wonderful mexican restraunt. After we left there we
went to visit some dear friends. Ryan & Laterra Shetler and their daughter Hannah!!  It was so
 good to see them again. It had been a couple years. In fact I think the last I had seen them
previous to this was when they came for my dads viewing.
    Once we left there we were HOME bound!!  It was so good to get home and the kiddos were
 so excitied! Its so wonderful to walk in the door and the children run to get hugs and kisses and
to let you know you were missed & you are loved!!
    Sunday I woke up sick. So thankful for a wonderful husband who was home and watched the
children so I could rest and get some sleep. That was special. He made me toast and just took
really good care of me.  When I finally got up then I let Moine get an hour or so nap.
    Monday Moine got the day off and mowed the lawn.  We just enjoyed a wonderful day together
as a family. The children absolutely loved the time they could spend with daddy. And got to take
turns riding on the buddy seat while daddy mowed the lawn. Thats always a highligh!  In fact
about 3 weeks ago Myron was begging his daddy please can we go mow? His dad said, "Son you
have a long ways to wait for that!"  Moine said Monday night, "Wow, I was so wrong look its not
 even a month later and our grass was long and I had to mow!"
    Tuesday I had to run a few errands and upon our return the children realized our dear kitten
(while it was more a cat) was gone.  I had to tell them that someone had hit Mittens and he died.
Poor Myron just stood there and started sobbing his poor little heart out and ran to me and burried
his head in my chest. I felt so bad for the little guy. He loved his kitty and carried it where ever he
could. Anything I asked him his reply was always, "No, my poor poor kitty!"
     So today (Wed.) they dug a hole right beside the side walk and told me, "Mom, we want to go
get Mittens we want to bury him right here!"  I told them I didn't think right there was a good
idea but maybe out near the field we could.
     Never take Your Family for granted You never know what day or hour or time the Lord
will return! Here are a few photos just to give you a sm. glimpse of our weekend!!

Ryan & Laterra & Hannah (sorry its sideways)

Jim & Anna Hogan (another Trucker & his wife)

Sweet Baby Hannah Shetler...

What happens when you've been a
 Trucker's Wife for so long...lol

Kevin & Robin Dotson & Ty
(a fellow trucker  & his dear wife & son!)

And this is what happens when
 you've lived in a truck too long! lol

~Trucker's Wives~

The special Mocha drink I got!
sorry its sideways :(

Carrying out our bags on Friday! We
had 2 bags of info for 2 other guys
and then the company Moine's leased
to gave Moine & I a special bag of goodies
as well. The back pack had bottled water
and snacks so we didn't have to buy
any food while at the show.
I'm Blessed!

And Brenda with Mittens that kitten
that the children miss so much!

~Myron Kendall~

Myron Kendall Martin

    Myron is our 4th child but 2nd son! He  is full of energy but when he gets tired he drops off so quick you don't hardly know it. He loves to sing!! And will repeat a song as long as he can until you tell him its time to sing something else.  

     Myron is 3 years old and when asked how old he is he will always hold up three fingers! Myron tries to keep up with his 3 siblings the best he can. He does a rather good job at it. In fact him and his oldest brother are with in a pound of each other weight wise.

     Myron is all boy!!  Daddy is his hero! And nothing can beat being with daddy and getting to ride in his semi. Myron loves to ride trike and get as dirty as possible :)!  He also loves John Deere!

    Myron loves to get in too stuff. If possible  daddy's tools and defiantly moms cubbards.  He is also a big helper if in the mood he will have all the toys in a room in one big pile in no time. He also loves to carry dead mice out for daddy. Daddy had to inform him that he may never chase mommy when carrying one out but must always go straight outdoors or discipline would be in order! He does a wonderful job and I don't have to do it!!

    Myron has a winners smile and loves to squint his eyes at you with delight. I love it. It is just so cute! He is good at trying to get you to not spank him using facial expressions. He loves to laugh and it is rather contagious. Myron also has a bad habit that if he don't get his way he will run to his room to pout. We are working on that being changed. He also is very strong willed. We also call him Mr. Tackle cause he loves to tackle everyone including his Uncles and Aunts.

    When its bedtime mommy is still his favorite but any other time It MUST be Dad!!!   Myron has learned how to count to 20 and sometimes a bit higher. He knows his ABC's and colors.  He also loves markers and likes to marker wherever he can get by with it. Myron also loves to have stories read to him and also loves to pretend like he is reading the! Myron say's, "When I grow up I'm going to be a fireman, policeman and drive an ambulance!"  He has quite the fascination with sirens!  He plays fireman alot. He told me one day, "Mom, when I'm older your house will burn but Mom, don't worry it will be okay I will be right there to save you and daddy!"  We love him! He is such a joy and blessing to us just like the other 3 children that we are blessed to have!

Marker time...and not where it belonged.

Myron & His HERO

    

Brothers...John Deere the best.

Tryke time. And who will win?

Storytime with Auntie Estalee!

One of his many smiles!

Myron with his cousin Joshua!
Love those smiles!!

Trying to be just like Daddy!

Another precious smile!

     

    

Homemade~Cheaper

Here are the recipes that a few of you have asked for!   I hope you like them like we do. They have saved us a bunch of money!!!  Hope you all have a wonderful day!!  God Bless!!  If you have any questions feel free to ask!  I'd love to hear your comments and what ya'll thought if you try it!  Thanks!!

Homemade Fabric Softener

What You'll Need:

6 cups Hot water

3 cups white vinegar

2 cups Suave Refreshing Waterfall Conditioner (or other favorite scent)

1 empty container (I like the gallon gatorade containers!)

What You'll Do:
Mix or shake the conditioner & hot water together  until conditioner is dissolved completely. Add the vinegar and mix well. Store in a lg container (empty fabric softner container, empty lg vinegar bottle, empty gal jugs of gatorade containers & etc...)! Use approx. 2 Tbsp. in the fabric softner spot in your laundry washer.

Homemade Laundry Soap

What You'll Need:

4 Tbsp. Borax

4 Tbsp. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

3~4 Tbsp. Dawn Dish Soap (The dark blue is what is most recommended.)

5 cups boiling water

1/2~3/4 cup boughten laundry detergent of your choice (We like the Tide w/febreeze in it & if you watch you can get it for a good price on sale and using coupons.) 

1 empty gallon jug

What You'll Do:

Put the Borax, Washing Soda, & Dawn dish soap in the gallon jug. Pour in 5 cups boiling water and shake till all stuff is dissolved. Let cool!!  Once cool then add 1/2~3/4 cup Boughten laundry detergent  and then add Cold water up to close to the top (leave a bit of room.) You will have to add the cold water very slowly or add it quick and let the soap suds just run out. Its okay for that to happen.

A Special Family Supper

A Special Family Supper...

     Valentines was over and I had happened to go to town one Friday and they had tons of Valentines stuff for like 90% off. I decided to make a special meal for my family. I don't do it near as often as I should. My family loves when I just light candles with our meal even if it is just sandwiches or pizza.

     This night in particular I decided to go all out for my family. I challenge you to do the same. Does your family know how much they're loved?  Do they think everytime you set the table real pretty that your having company? 

All excited and ready to eat!  If mom hurries up and
gets the pictures taken!!

How I had the table set! Each of the children had a
lollipop and Moine got a choc. rose!



The 5 Love Languages

    I've been thinking alot lately about the 5 love languages and also the 5 Apology languages.  I find these test interesting. Moine & I had taken it a few years ago but it seemed like due to life's circumstances my 5 love languages had changed.  After a dear brother from church talked about it around Valentines Moine & I decided to redo the test.
     Sure enough mine had changed! My primary love language is Words of Affirmation. Then the next 2 were only 1 point different and that was Quality Time and Physical Touch right underneath that. 
     I'm pretty sure my quality time has become so much more important to me due to the changes in our lives.
      Moine's love language...while lets just say I have it pretty easy. His primary love language is Physical Touch but only 1 point less and it was Words of Affirmation. And the next 2 were only 1 point apart again which was Quality Time and Acts of Service. So I can use almost any of the languages and be safe.
      My Apology Language was tied with Expressing Regret and Accepting Responsibility.  Making Restitution was the next following.
     I found this interesting!  I hope to do the one on my children sometime but I haven't yet.  
     I'd encourage you to take the test as well.  It's only 30 questions for each test.  I will include the link so that if your interested you can just click on the link and it will take you straight to the testing page.  Best wishes and I hope you all enjoy. I'd love to hear what your love language is but thats up to you.
     I hope you all feel loved today!!!
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/

Brenda Diane Martin

Brenda Diane Martin

It is time for me to introduce our 3rd child but 2nd daughter.  Brenda is 4 years old.  She can be quite a hand full but she is also alot of fun. She is the type that you would call "The life of the party!"  Shes a hard worker though. She love wash dishes and fold laundry and to be honest sometimes she is my encouragement to keep busy! She doesn't like to be out done and will sit through Kindergarten with her 2 siblings. Brenda knows her ABC's & sounds and she can count to 29 no problem then if you give her another number here and there she can count to 110!  She has also conquered the vowels! She is a very determined child. She has also learned Psalm 23 and loves to recite it.   Brenda loves to play doll and sing. Most times when you see her she is singing away or reciting verses!
She loves to wash dishes and fold laundry.   She is also my little couponer and will take any coupons that I will allow her to have.  She is also very moody! Moine says, "As moody as she is now I'm scared how she will be when shes a teenager."  Brenda is kinda a tom girl but yet shes not!  We love her for who she is and wouldn't trade her!!   A highlight for Brenda is when she gets daddy time!  She is also full of expressions...Ive only shared a few!!

Flower Girl in Aunt Anita's wedding.

Just showing one of her many
expressions!

She loves to lick the spatula.
Especially when Auntie is making it.

Brenda with her Martin cousins.
Auntie Elona made them matching
dresses for Christmas.

Brenda enjoying Uncle Elwynn!
They miss him!!

Wearing her Peterbuilt shirt!!  She
loves this shirt. Sorry its sideways :(

Brenda loves being with daddy!

Just another of her expressions!!

playing in the dirt!!!

Folding towels!!