Our Forever Family

Each life that Touches Ours....

2012-01-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

I am finally getting around to posting about the passing of both Grandma and Grandpa Martineau.

Back in October we got the word that Grandma Martineau wasn't doing too well. So we made a quick decision to make a trip to Utah over fall break. Since the kids didn't have school that Friday or Monday we made it a family trip. (which I have posted about earlier). A week exactly after we got back we got the call that Grandma Kay Martineau had passed. (On October 25th, 2011) We weren't sure we were gonna be able to make the funeral but pulled it off. Brandon had the privilege of being a Paul Bearer and I had the opportunity to sing. It was great to be with all of Brandon's family. This was the first time in a long time that my father-in-law's siblings were all together.

My father-in-law with all of his siblings & their spouses with Grandpa Martineau

Wayne and Ronna at the graveside

Brandon being a Paul Bearer

Brandon with his parents and all of his siblings.

We knew that Grandpa Martineau wouldn't be around too long after Grandma passed...Grandpa passed away on December 30th, 2011...just 2 months after Grandma. Unfortunately we were not able to make it back up to Utah for his funeral.

Grandpa Martineau and Brandon at Grandma's funeral

Over the years Brandon and I always made sure that every time we went to Utah we would stop by to see them. I had only known them for 10 years but learned so much from them. We will miss them and look forward to the time when we can see them again!!

This picture was taken about 5 years ago at the Family History Library in Salt Lake...They were ALWAYS doing family history!!

Vegas - Running From an Angel Half...

2012-01-11T16:31:00.000-08:00

About a year ago my sister decided it was time to fulfill an item on her bucket list. I told her that running a Half Marathon was insane!! She looked at me and said 'it's on your bucket list too...you just don't know it yet!':) I am not going to lie...I thought she was crazy!! Being able to run a 10k was good enough for me. Anyway...we got looking for a 1/2 that wasn't on a Sunday and finally found one outside Las Vegas at Lake Mead that was scheduled for January 7th , 2012. I'm thinking, 'oh plenty of time'!! Then as the event got closer Satan started working on me...filling my mind with doubt and telling me I was crazy and that I could NEVER accomplish this goal. I am so grateful I didn't let Satan win this time. With encouragement from my sister and close friends I was able to pull it off!! I even caught myself saying, "when we do this again...":)

A BIG THANKS to my sister...thanks for pushing me on those crazy long runs and for always being an example of determination and hard work!! I'm glad you had me put it on my bucket list too!!

Jami stretching out before the race!

Robbi and Lori toasting to good luck before the race!

Jami, Me, Shawna, Lori and Robbi before the race

Lori and I crossing the finish line.
I have to give a BIG thanks to Lori...she was suppose to run the full marathon but injured her foot about a month before the race. So she decided to do the half just as a support to me. I'm not gonna lie...without her I'm not sure I could've pulled it off!! She's my very own Jillian Michaels:)!!

All of us after the race

My amazing sister and I...WOOHOO we did it!!!!

Shawna and I...love this lady. She did an amazing job and finished in just 2 hours and 7 minutes! Poor girl had to wait around for us an entire hour after she finished!

Jami, Robbi, and Lori

LOVE this picture!

Lori modeling our Race Shirts

We had to take a photo in our race shirts!

Us On the Strip...Shawna had never been to Vegas before so we had to go show her the strip. Thank heavens we just drove it and only got out for one picture! Not sure I could've pulled off walking the Strip:)

Thanks again ladies...LETS DO IT AGAIN!!!

Dad's B-day & Party Time...

2011-12-31T16:14:00.000-08:00

We waited and had our annual family Christmas party after Christmas so Jake and Courtney could be here. We ended up having it on my Dad's 69th Birthday. We had some great laughs, good food, and lots of fun.

I of course annoy everyone with always wanting pictures. I keep telling them that someday they are going to appreciate me for it:)

All of us kids with Mom and DAd

All of us kids with our spouses

We had a great time celebrating Dad's birthday. Tara made his AWESOME cake.

I have been blessed with an amazing family!!

Girls Night Out...

2011-12-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

Tara had a great idea that we should have a girls night out while Courtney was here. So we headed to Pinetop to dinner and to watch 'We Bought A Zoo'. It's been a LONG time since we have had a 'Tenney' girls night out. Chantel was the only one not able to make it and we missed her a lot! I have been blessed with amazing sisters-in-law!! Lets do it again soon Ladies!!!

Lauren, Kalee, Tara, Courtney, and Jami

Cynthia and miss Brielle

Me, Gay, Mom, Kalee, Courtney, Jami, Tara, Melanie and Cynthia!!

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas!!

We started out the day with opening our stockings and our new church clothes...

After that we went to our Tri-Ward Sacrament meeting. It was a great meeting and was a special occasion to be able to partake of the Sacrament on the day we celebrate our Savior's Birth. The 3 bishops had asked my dad to be our speaker and as usual he did a great job. I always love hearing my dad speak and share his Testimony!

We were mean parents and made our kids wait to open their other gifts til after church...

The kids lining up to come in the Family Room

Amelia showing off her pink gun and the a pic of what the family room looked like after the BOMB when off!!

Paul trying out his new bike and Michael super excited about his legos!

We had Grandma Colleen and Auntie Diane come join the fun and they had a blast helping Princess Mallori open her dress-up stuff!!

Maron had more fun playing with paper and boxes than anything. Good thing she didn't notice she only had 2 gifts under the tree:)

Miles with his Super Man/Spider Man stuff on...this kid kills me! Caden and Morgon showing off their gifts...all Morgon wanted was a Lantern so he could see to walk to the Slade's in the dark:)

After we spent some time cleaning up we headed out to Grandma and Grandpa Tenney's to open our stockings there and to have dinner with my family.

Just Chillin!

Cousins having some fun!

Jami and my Dad

My mom opening her gift from us kids...a locket with pictures of my dad through the years in it!

We hope ALL of you had a Wonderful Christmas like we did!!

What It's ALL About!!...

2011-12-20T21:57:00.001-08:00

It's about Shepherds & Angels...

It's about Angels that sang...

It's about More adorable Angels...
It's about Three Wise Men (or women)...

It's about a Donkey, Joseph and Mary...

It's about the Baby Jesus...
It's about being with Loved Ones So Dear...

I always dread our Annual Christmas Pageant before hand, but am always SO glad we do it afterwards. Nothing better to get the Christmas Spirit going than watching your children and nieces and nephews acting out such a Sacred story!!

We also made sugar cookies and gingerbread houses with Grandma Tenney. The kids LOVE this. I am so grateful for a mother who really knows what's important (even though I think it's a little much some times:)

Oh Christmas Tree...

2011-12-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

I LOVE our annual Christmas Tree Cutting expedition!! I have to admit that it makes me sad that it isn't quite what it use to be. It use to be that all of us siblings and my Uncle Joe's family would go and this year there were only 4 of us sibling! But the feeling is still the same. It has meant more and more to me as I have gotten older.

I have been reminded over the past few months of what life is all about and how precious it is. BIG thanks to my parents for always being willing to go out days before and scout for trees, and for always putting our family first. I have a lot to live up to!!

Our family being goofy!

The kids hanging out with their dad and Grandpa by the fire

Kimi and Rory...it was great having them there with us!

My amazing parents!!

With Grateful Heart...

2011-11-25T19:51:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to say how grateful I am for so many things in my life! I am grateful for my husband and my children. I am grateful for my parents and Brandon's parents. I am grateful for my siblings, especially my sister. I am grateful for good health. I am grateful for good friends. I am grateful for my challenges that make me stronger. I am grateful for the simple things in life. I am grateful for my Testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ, and for my Heavenly Father's amazing plan. And the list goes on...

Halloween...

2011-11-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

Better late than never right?

We had a great time with our annual trunk-or-treat at Aunt Jami's!! Glad Halloween only comes once a year:)

Morgon our Frog and Amelia our Fairy

Michael our Bat Man!

Maron the CUTEST little skunk EVER!

Caden our Pirate

Mallori our Adorable little Lady Bug

Eva our yearly Witch!

Paul our Roaring Dragon!

Zach as our Bumble Bee!

Porter decided he was too old to dress up and would rather help pass out candy, Miles changed costumes 100 times so I ended up never getting a picture of him actually dressed up, and Tristen is too old to go trick or treating:)!!

Recharged....

2011-11-06T18:51:00.000-08:00

I'm bummed I don't have any pictures, but this weekend I had the great privilege to once again attend a TOFW. Some years have been better than others and this was one of those better years. I came home recharged and ready to BECOME that which my Father in Heaven has always intended me to be. I'm sure I will fall short, but here is to trying!!

Big thanks to those ladies who made it all that more special! Nothing like good shopping, good deals, good food, and good friends!!

I am extremely grateful for the Testimony I have of who I really am and that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me.

Fall Break = Quick Trip

2011-10-17T21:52:00.001-07:00

We decided at the last minute to surprise our kids with a trip to Utah to see Brandon's family over Fall Break. I spent all day last Wednesday trying to pack for 14 people without my kids noticing. I finally finished packing at 2:45am and got the kids up at 3:00am to head to Utah. We didn't tell them where we were going and none of them even came close to guessing where we were heading. Porter finally clued in when he saw the 'Welcome to Utah' sign:) Even then they had NO idea that Grandma and Grandpa Martineau were there waiting for us!!

Miles and Brandon at our first potty stop!
This stop was the first of many times we would have people's jaws drop as they watched us unload the van:) I love seeing people's faces!!

On Saturday Grandma and Grandpa Martineau had a great idea to take the train from Ogden to Salt Lake. I've always wanted to take the kids to Temple Square and to tour the Conference Center! We had a Great time and the kids were very well behaved.

The Gang Waiting for the Train

Little Maron ran a fever the entire time we were there but was still a good little girl (well except at night and the fact that she didn't want to go to anybody but Brandon an d I)

Our kids and Brandon's niece, Adi, with Grandpa and Grandma Martineau outside the Conference Center.

Our Family at the Conference Center...I guess it was a bit bright for some of the kids:)

The Salt Lake Temple is still one of my favorites. It was neat to take the kids to see the Christus! We had a set of sister missionaries that started talking to us and the kids LOVED them! One of the sister missionaries actually had all of the kids' names memorized before we left:)
On the Train

More of the train ride

After church on Sunday we went for a drive up Ogden Canyon and went to a lake up there to let the kids play for a bit. It was ABSOLUTELY beautiful since all the trees were changing colors.

The kids playing and trying to skip their rock further than their Dad's...they just can't ever seem to beat him:) The little girl bending over is our niece Marly...I HAD to snap this pic!!

Grandpa and Miles are pretty good buddies! The picture on the bottom left is of Aunt Dusty dipping Porter's head in the lake (which he totally deserved:)

I HAD to capture this too!!

Uncle Caleb, Uncle Russ, little Lyla, and Aunt Chelsea & Joy

We had a great time visiting Brandon's family. I have been blessed with amazing in-laws and we love getting to see them every chance we get (which isn't near as often as we would like!) We also got to go see Brandon's Grandma Martineau who isn't doing well at all. We were sad to say goodbye as we are sure it would be the last time we got to see her here in this life!!

Mess Maker...Mess Maker...

2011-10-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

I Love these Mess Makers!!

Maron Eating her first Oreo!

After her first piece of Licorice!

Our Mallori is ALL girl!! She LOVES to wear her sister's shoes, hats, etc. and always has to have her purse and a baby doll. She also is usually carrying around my old cell phone. We are in TROUBLE with this girl!!

Tenney Reunion 2011...

2011-09-12T20:11:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look like fun??!!

It's crazy to think that our family is this big...and there were 18 of the fam missing!!

Mallori with a snake...we were surprised she'd even get near it!

Michael, Paul, Tessa, Eva, Miles, Morgon, Mallori, and Amelia

Beautiful Sisters...Jessica, Maryssa, and Kim

Mimi with her favorite granddaughter Lou Lou

Cousins R the Best...Eva and Tessa

Maron and Gracilyn aka Lou Lou taking a nap together!

My beautiful Sister & beautiful Mother and Me

Randy and Cynthia blessed their Newest addition, Brielle, on that Sunday of the reunion...Dad and Mom Tenney, Randy, Cynthia, and Brielle, and Cynthia's parents, Max & Pattie

Miles on the teeter-totter

Miles and Ty

Can you believe Jessi is 38 weeks here?...isn't she GORGEOUS!!

Maryssa, Lauren, Macky, and Cody chillen on the lawn...I sure do love my nieces and nephews!

Maron Cakers...gosh I love this girl!

Carly and Maryjane sang the song they performed in church for us. It was wonderful!!

Ron, Jody, and Trav...don't they look happy to be here!

Ron catchin some ZZzzzz's!

Monday of the Reunion we harvested the corn from my Dad's garden and dry-packed some year supply stuff. It's a LOT of work, but leaves such a great feeling!

Lauren, Ciara, and Callie...stacking the corn!

Gay, Kalee, Lauren, and Tara...cutting the corn!

Cynthia, Morgon, and Tyton de-silking the corn!

Tristen, Dallin, Jami and Trevor helping Dad shuck the corn!

My two favorite guys hard at work!!

Yes I know the corn pictures are out of order:)

We had a great reunion!!  We missed those who couldn't join us!!  Family is what life is all about.  I'm not sure where I would be without mine!!

Washington Getaway...

2011-09-06T17:14:00.001-07:00

Brandon, Maron, and I made a quick trip up to Washington this past week. Brandon's sister and her husband were getting sealed in the Seattle temple and we of course couldn't miss that!! We had a blast spending time with those of Brandon's family that live up there. I am extremely grateful for the great family I married into.

Dad Martineau took us up to this crazy high bridge. Washington is gorgeous!!

View from the bridge

Our niece Emilie & me

The Bridge...it's scarier than it looks!!

Brandon LOVES going shooting with his dad...lets just say I still can't hear well:)

Brandon and his brother-in-law, Rich...Brandon got the awesome privilege of being his escort in the Temple.

Us with Ginger & Rich and their family

Their four kiddos...Conol, Cael, Nevin, and Adi

Rich & Ginger and their kids

Dad, Michelle, Liam, Brandon, Mom, Penny, and Aidan waiting to get into Buca di Beppos for dinner!!

Me and my hot stuff!

Maron and Papa Martineau...she LOVED being spoiled!! (she got to go since she flies free:)

I, like Nephi...

2011-08-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

Have been born of Goodly Parents. I have had an overwhelming sense of gratitude since the Saturday session of our Stake Conference. I can hardly control my emotions when I sit back and think about how blessed I have been to have the family that I do. It was a sacred privilege to sit in that meeting and hear both of my parents bear their witness to the truthfulness of the gospel and of our Savior Jesus Christ. I have heard their testimonies a number of times in my life, but for some reason this time it was different. Maybe it's because I am older and appreciate it/them more, maybe it's because of the growth we have experienced as a family having them serve as the Temple President and Matron the last 3 years, but whatever the reason is...I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I had to be there and feel of the spirit.

Oh...Back to School...Back to School...

2011-08-10T19:12:00.001-07:00

To prove to dad that I'm not a fool!!

Today I celebrated school being back in session by going to Red Onion for lunch with some friends. I LOVE my kids but I LOVE the structure that being in school brings. No more eating dinner after 8:00, kids going to bed after 10:00, and listening to kids fighting all day long! It does make me sad though that my kids are growing up SO fast!!

Tristen (8th Grade), Eva (6th grade), Michael & Porter (4th grade), Amelia (3rd Grad), Zach & Paul (1st grade), and Morgon & Caden (kindergarten)

I had to also post these other pictures..

Love this munchkin!

Mallori was sick puking the other day and Brandon took this picture...

Poor Girl!

Brotherly Love...

2011-08-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has an older brother can understand the torment one goes through at times. They can be your best friend or your worse enemy! Watching these two brought back memories of being teased and tortured by my older brothers...I had to sit back and smile!!

SO not ready for this...

2011-07-19T19:17:00.001-07:00

She's CRAWLING!

This wasn't suppose to happen so fast! Makes me SUPER sad!

Annual Swim...

2011-07-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

The kids always look forward to swim lessons every summer. This year 10 or our 12 kids were enrolled in the 2 week class. Even though I get sick driving to Snowflake everyday...it really has payed off for us. The kids all did really well this year and even Miles (who is not afraid of ANYTHING) did great!!

Tristen diving

Mr. Paul

Caden afraid to jump in, and Miles getting sick of waiting on him:)

Eva Jumping In

Crazy Morgon getting ready to hold his breath for 6 seconds

Porter in his HOT glasses

Caden doing his alligator eyes!

Zach moved up a class this year and did a great job

Amelia modeling her glasses:)

This picture of Michael CRACKS me up!!

Miles...not sure what he's doing:)

Miles and his favorite swim teacher, Caitlyn

Caden with Caitlyn

Morgon, Miles, & Caden with their Swim Teachers Caitlyn and Jacob...Caitlyn has been the pre-school swim teacher since we have been going there. The boys absolutely LOVE her!!

Sad...

2011-07-04T18:04:00.001-07:00

I am really sad to say that I have NO photos of the 4th of July this year. Since we didn't have fireworks in Heber it just hasn't felt the same. We don't ever go to the parade or to the park. We always celebrate by having a BIG BBQ before the fireworks. We also usually take family pictures before the BBQ but when we didn't have the fireworks and weren't really celebrating we didn't get all decked out in our RED, WHITE, and BLUE:(

Regardless of whether or not we really celebrated here in Hebertown...I am still very proud to be an American. I am thankful for those who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice on our behalf so we can have the freedoms we enjoy.

God Bless AMERICA!!!

I also want to publicly thank Les Parham (and all those that help him) for ALL the years he has dedicated his 4th of July weekends and all the hours spent in training for us to be able to have our amazing firework show and to awake to the anvil. It was truly missed this past weekend and I hope he knows that we really do appreciate him!!!
BOOOOO to those who took it away from us!!!

Sugar and Spice...

2011-06-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

This little girl makes life better!!

What Happens In Vegas...

2011-06-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Gets Shared On my Blog...

So Brandon and I just hit our 10 year anniversary...and to celebrate we decided to go to Vegas and bring some friends along!! We absolutely had a BLAST!! Hopefully the Owens and Turleys will still want to be friends with us after having spent 5 days with us!!

Here are some of our highlights!

#1 - The Vegas Temple
I've always wanted to go to the Vegas temple and now I know what I have been missing! Absolutely a GORGEOUS temple and we had an awesome experience doing Sealings.

#2 - Watching Brandon beat Ross in Air Hockey!
Never knew you could pull your hamstring playing Air Hockey...thanks for the great laugh Ross!!

#3 - The Tournament of the Kings
You ever wanna see Rick & Corie Turley come out of their shell...take them to the 'Tournament of the Kings' at the Excalibur! Haven't laughed that hard in a LONG time!

#4 - Playing Games
While we were waiting for the show at the Excalibur to start we played some carnival games...Brandon won both times and won me this cute little stuffed animal. Thanks Honey!

#5 - Walking the Strip
We of course couldn't go to Vegas and NOT go to the strip. We had lots of fun at the Coke Factory, watching the water show at the Bellagio, Listening to the guys sing on the Gondolas at the Venetian, and just people watching!!

#6 - THE FOOD
We ate more than anything else! I seriously came back 10 lbs heavier! We enjoyed Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, The Cheese Cake Factory, Amazing Crepes, Panda Express, Chilis, Golden Corral, Ihop, Cinnamon Rolls from the Temple, a 5lbs bag of Peanut M&M's, and much much more!!

#7 - Playing card Games
On Sunday afternoon we played card games...it's amazing what you learn about people playing Phase 10, Uno, and Skip Bo:) I even learned that my nickname sounds like an Unicorn's Fart (you had to be there)!!

#8 - The Pool
Yep we actually went swimming a couple of times...our resort had amazing pools. We even played water volleyball and the girls killed the boys:)

#9 - Spending Time With my Honey
This obviously is my favorite Highlight! I can't get enough of him and I am so grateful he picked me! We have had 10 amazing years together and I look forward to an Eternity more!!

Big Thanks to Ross & Tiff and Rick & Corie for making our trip even that much more fun! Let's do it again...SOON!!!

Treking it...

2011-06-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

I had the awesome privilege to be apart of the Trek as an adult child. I had been asked by LaChelle Crandell to take her place, but the day before the trek I got a call saying they didn't need me to go anymore cause they had more big sisters than they knew what to do with. Well when I got out there Thursday do help Jami with the Taffy Pull, Shawna came up to me saying their big sister went home the night before and asked if I would stay and be there female adult child. I of course said yes!! Even though I didn't get to be apart of the first day, I still had a blast being able to finish out the last 3 days with them.

What an experience a Trek is! My attitude was slightly different this time than the first trek I went on 14 years ago! Back then I was an 18 year old with a nasty attitude and didn't want to go at all. It was great to be able to do it again with a different attitude and being a little bit more mature:) Both Treks have been life altering. Some of my experiences are too sacred to share and I will write down in my personal journal. It was amazing to see how stalwart our youth are! We have amazing leaders who are truly inspired. I gained a greater appreciation for President Whipple, and learned why the kids absolutely love him! What a huge example he is to our youth!

A BIG thanks to everyone who made it all happen!! And a BIG BIG thanks to Bruce and Shawna for allowing me to be apart of their Trek Family! We really did have the best family out there:) I hope the youth got as much out of it as I did!!

Brandon and I out at the Taffy Pull

Macky and Maryssa...two of the cutest pioneers ever!

Jami and Tim...the Taffy Pull goobers!

Beautiful Emma cleaning her feet with a wipey!

The girls in our family hitching a ride in the handcart!

Dave Godfrey, Shawna Ma, Brucie Pa, me and Travis Parham

Shawna Ma, Emily Cheney, and Casey Palmer pushing the handcart

The women in our family...Casey, Emily, Brooklyn, Adeline, Sam, Brittany, Shayna, Me and Shawna Ma

The Men in our family...Mike, Trey, Hayden, Chance, Travis, Jayden, Brad, Dave, and Brucie Pa

Shawna Ma, Me, and Brucie Pa

The whole Fam Damily

Hayden Farr hanging out in his tarp made hammock!

Braiding Shayna's hair!

Ma and Pa McLaws doing the chicken dance!

President and Sister Farr doing their own version of the square dance:)

Hey Travis baby...if you love Jayden...please smile!!! (you had to be there:)

Had to catch this moment...These 4 people have had the biggest influence on my life! My own parents and Ma & Pa Farr!!

My dad was the guest speaker out there at our Sunday meetings. He of course did an amazing job!!!

President Pa, me and Ma Farr...these were my trek Ma & Pa 14 years ago!
I really wonder if these two have any idea of how they changed my life...and still do! I was raised with my dad being the Stake President. I know how many hours he spent doing his calling and how many hours my mom spent alone!! THANK YOU THANK YOU for all of your hard work and service! I promise it doesn't go unnoticed!!

makes it worth it...

2011-05-25T17:44:00.001-07:00

I went into get ready for bed the other night & this is what I found.

(drawing courtesy of Morgon)

All those moments of feeling overwhelmed & inadequate as a mother were washed away. I'm grateful kids are so quick to forget & forgive. I truly love being a mom!!

I'm going there someday...

2011-05-18T20:52:00.000-07:00

For part of Eva's 12th birthday we let her invite some friends along to go do baptism for the dead. It was a beautiful experience and we are so proud of Eva to have the desire to do so!!

Fabiana, Eva, and Brooklyn

Fabiana, Eva, Brooklyn, Brock, Devin, and Tristen

Goofy boys!

Three handsome future missionaries!
(A BIG thanks to the amazing Aunt Diane Dodge who sees that every young man in our ward has a suit to pass and bless the sacrament. We sure do love her!)

The group again!

It is of course an amazing experience to be able to take your children to the temple!! Sure do love these kids!!!

Totally Over-Rated!!

2011-05-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all those amazing Mothers out there!!

I personally think Mother's Day is completely over-rated...I always set myself up for disappointment by thinking that JUST because it's Mother's Day that my children will magically be perfect...that they won't fight, argue, make messes, be naughty and that they will be perfect little angels for the full 24 hours!! Don't get me wrong...I enjoy the extra attention and all the sweet notes and kisses, but I would like those on any other day of the year:)

I am grateful though for the opportunity I have to be a mother. My life has been forever changed because of the beautiful children God has trusted me with...and I love each and everyone of them!!!

NOW...I do need to pay tribute to the most amazing woman in my life...my Mother! I can only pray that I am half the woman she is. I have never met anybody that is more selfless than she is. To this day she is still the last person to sit down to eat dinner. She is always making sure everybody else has exactly what they need. She spends her days off from the temple babysitting a few of her 52 grandchildren. She till dotes on my dad and serves him his dinner in his favorite chair...not because he demands it but because she LOVES him!!

I hope she knows how much I admire and love her!!

Eva is in YW!!!!

2011-05-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my oldest daughter is 12!! She is my biggest helper and I'm gonna be lost without her while she is away growing into the woman that one day she will be!

Happy 12th Bday Eva! We love you more than you know!!

Our BeAuTiFuL Eva Marie!!

She was SO excited she got a CTR ring!!

Anticipated Visit...

2011-04-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

With Mom and Dad Martineau living in Washington we don't get to see them near as often as we would like...so...when they come to visit we can't get enough of them. We knew they were coming weeks in advance and everyday Morgon would ask 'Mom...how many more days til Grandpa gets here?' The four days they were here were filled with lots of events...Maron's blessing, visiting cousins, going shooting with Grandpa, lunch at El Rancho, and of course eating Grandpa's famous chili. We are always soooo sad to see them go! It was great to have Brandon's sister Penny and her husband Brian here with us too! My kids love to torture their Devilish Uncle Brian!!!

Thanks for coming to visit Grandma and Grandpa and please come back soon!!!

A group picture before Grandma and Grandpa left

Grandma and Maron

Grandpa and Maron

Aunt Penny and Maron

Penny, Adrianna, and Grandpa

Aunt Penny and Uncle Brian

Maron's blessing...

2011-04-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

We finally blessed Maron this past Monday, the 18th, out at the ranch. We decided to do it then since Mom and Dad Martineau were going to be here for a visit! Brandon gave Maron a beautiful blessing and it was a great evening spent with Family and Friends. Thanks to everyone for your love and support!!

Our beautiful little Maron Kay Martineau

Maron with Grandma Tenney. My mom made Maron's beautiful dress out of left over material from my wedding dress.

Me, Brandon, and Maron with Dad and Mom Martineau

Us with Dad and Mom Tenney

Brandon and I with our Beautiful baby girl!

Me and my baby girl...love this girl way too much!

Can't get enough...

2011-04-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

I can't seem to get enough of this little girl!! She is growing up WAY too fast!! I can't believe she is already over 2 months old. She has been such an AMAZING baby. She is already sleeping through the night and is always so content. Heavenly Father knew just what we needed!!!

Maron sticking her tongue out at her daddy

Maron looking up at her daddy...you can't tell she adores him already can you??!!

Our little piece of Heaven!!

She already has him wrapped around her finger!!

Too Sweet...

2011-04-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

Brandon snapped this picture during family prayer the other night...it is too sweet not to post!!!

Spring Break...

2011-04-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

We had a GREAT spring break this year! We decided, kind of at the last minute, to take the kids to Flagstaff overnight. The Reidhead and the Owens Families decided to come along!! You should have seen the looks we got from people, especially when we were eating at Cracker Barrel. It was TONS of fun!

Feeding the deer at the Deer Farm in Williams...Brandon has been wanting to take our kids here forever and I'm glad I finally gave in.

The kids in front of the Camel

We made sure our hotel had an indoor swimming pool. I think we could have let them swim the entire time and they would have been ok with that!

On the way home we decided to stop by the Homolovi Indian Ruins. I'm not gonna lie...this was pretty boring, but it was still good to let the kids out of the car to run around!

BIG thanks to the Reidhead and Owens Families for not being afraid to take this adventure with us. We hope you know how much we love you guys!!!

Mountain Fun....

2011-03-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

Miles playing in the creek

While we were having good weather last week, Brandon decided to take the kids on a hike up the mountain. They had a blast throwing rocks in the creek, hiking up the mountain, and shooting the BB Gun. It brought back lots of memories of when I would do the same when I was little.

Brandon showing Maryjane and Porter how to shoot a BB Gun

Brandon and a train of kids behind him

Brandon and the gang up on the cliff

A phone call that changed my life...

2011-03-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

It was 10 years ago today that I met my hubby for the first time!! It seriously seems like yesterday that I received his phone call asking me out.

My life hasn't been the same since!!!!

Bitter/Sweet...

2011-02-28T22:30:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I will say goodbye to something that has been a part of my life for the past 7 years.

I am nervous, not only because I will be having surgery to have it removed, but I will have to learn how to lose and maintain my weight without it. Even though it has caused me a LOT of grief it has also helped me, it gave me my little Morgon Lane.

I KNOW I can lose weight without it, but I'm still worried that I won't have it to fall back on.

So...Goodbye to my lovely LapBand!! I can honestly say I don't think I'll miss you.

AND...I WILL do this on my own!!!

Chocolate Milk...

2011-02-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

Ever since Maron was born and I've been breast feeding, we have had lots of conversations around here about Baby Maron drinking/eating my boobs. This is the conversation I overheard the other day...

Tyton to Morgon..."Why is Maron drinking a bottle?"
Morgon..."Cause my mom doesn't always feed Maron her boob"
Eva..."That's cause she doesn't have enough milk"
Morgon..."Some times she feeds Maron chocolate milk and some times white milk"
Tyton..."Chocolate Milk???"
Morgon..."Yep"
Eva..."She doesn't have Chocolate Milk"
Morgon..."YES she does"
Eva..."Well I guess she does if she eats Chocolate!!"

I about died laughing!!!

Boys Will Be Boys...

2011-02-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

Am I the Only one that has boys that fall asleep like this?

Our own little Al Bundy!!

My babies...

2011-02-15T18:21:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I am back to having 3 babies in diapers...and to having 3 under the age of 3!! Thank Heavens we have been blessed with good kids:)

Here are my Babies...

Maron...Isn't she Heavenly?

Little Ms. Maron didn't want to cooperate so we settled for pics with the binky!

Mallori...aka Sissy or Sister...aka Malimar

Miles...aka Piggy...aka Kly Boy...aka Smiley Miley

First Bath...

2011-02-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

My mom has ALWAYS given our babies their 1st official bath, but unfortunately she wasn't able to give Maron hers...so she had to settle for me giving it. As you can see she didn't enjoy it too much:)

'Where's GRANDMA!!!'

Happy Birthday Baby...

2011-02-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

Happy 32rd Birthday to My Valentine!

Here are 32 things that describe my better half...

Patient, Kind, Fun, Hilarious, Hot, Handsome, Long Suffering, Intelligent, Priesthood Holder, Amazing Husband, Outstanding Father, Hard Worker, Creative, Funny, Prankster, Ornery, Strong Willed, Loves Unconditionally, Talented, Has a Nice Butt:), Political, Has an amazing Testimony, Full of Knowledge, Big Tease, Loves to Serve, Amazing Cook, Fearless, Lovable, Has Beautiful Eyes, Adventurous, Patriotic, Supportive!!...AND MUCH MUCH MORE!

I can't ever get a serious picture of this guy!

Sure am glad this guy entered my life almost 10 years ago.

I feel so safe in his arms! (even if he looks funny)

Such a Good Daddy!

Brandon, I hope you know how much we love and adore you!!!!

Introducing Maron Kay Martineau...

2011-01-31T18:18:00.000-08:00

It's a GIRL!!  It's a Girl!!  It's a GIRL!!

(I'm still having a hard time believing that Brandon and I were able to produce indoor plumbing!!)

After a LONG day at the hospital...them starting my labor, then stopping my labor, finding out she had flipped breech again, them trying to decide if I should just have it C-Section, then having faith and turning her AGAIN, finally breaking my water about 5:00pm, and a scary last 10 minutes before she was born...

Maron Kay was born January 28th @ 9:59pm weighing 6lbs 3oz and was 20 inches long.

Little Maron squawking!

Us with our Favorite doctor, Wendy...this lady is simply amazing!!!

Jami, Maron, Me, and my Mom
It was neat to have them there with us. When things started getting scary towards the end it was especially nice to have them there to keep me calm. Thanks Mom and Jami for sharing this sacred experience with us!!

Auntie Mimi and Maron

Grandma Tenney and Maron

Proud Daddy with his little girl

From Start to Finish this pregnancy had been so very different from my boys. I wasn't near as sick, I didn't gain near as much weight, and for the first time we actually got to come home 24 hours after she was born!!

Getting dressed in the outfit her Daddy bought for her to come home in.

After her first sponge bath at Grandma's house

Grandma spoiled us rotten for the first 4 days!

OH I'M IN LOVE!!!

We are so grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed us with yet another one of his children. My heart is overjoyed!!

Still Waiting...

2011-01-22T21:14:00.000-08:00

Yep.....

I'm STILL pregnant!!

I have never carried a baby this long so I'm getting pretty anxious. I was hoping to have had it this past week, but I guess the little one has a mind of its own already. I went in for my routine check up on Wednesday hoping my Doctor would get me going, but instead she discovered that the little stinker in BREECH!! So I spent a few hours in the hospital that evening so they could turn the baby. Well some time after I left the hospital (I think it was around 3:00am) it flipped back. So now unless it turns on its own we have to wait til this coming Friday, the 29th, for them to flip the little fart again and induce labor.

I personally have mixed emotions...I am SOOOO ready to be done, but I also feel that there is a reason this little one isn't ready to be here. I am praying that it will turn and stay down so I don't have to have a C-Section.

So...until it finally makes its debut I will TRY to be patient and enjoy the last week of this pregnancy!!

FiNaLlY...a GOOD snow!!

2010-12-31T08:19:00.000-08:00

We FINALLY got a good snow!! This winter has been really weird with how warm it has been. I really wanted a white Christmas....but I will take the week after too!!

As much as I LOVE the snow...I HATE the mess. Well, it's not even really the mess...it's the kids begging to go play in it and 2 minutes later begging to come back in cause it's TOO cold!! Therefore...my kids got to play in it ONCE:)

Tessa, Macie, Eva, Paul, Miles, Morgon, Amelia, and Caden

Miles trying to decide if he likes it or not

Crazy Amelia

Paul begged the most to go play in it and cried the worse to come in:) This kid cracks me up!!

Christmas Dinner...

2010-12-30T15:45:00.000-08:00

I LOVE going out to my parents for Christmas dinner and to open our stockings from my mom... Yes she still stuffs every single one of us a stocking!! She is crazy, but that is what we love about her.

Grandpa Tenney with little miss Taelee

Brylee, Eliza, and Abigail enjoying their dinner!

Eva, Callie, and Brooklyn...Cousins are the best!!

Brock, Maryssa, and Porter

Christmas Morning...

2010-12-30T15:44:00.000-08:00

SANTA FOUND US!!!

THE KIDS WAITING...

(We had Randy and Cynthia and their girls spend Christmas with us this year and we LOVED having them here!)

BRANDON GOT TO OPEN THE FIRST PRESENT!!

Yep it was used...but he still loved it!!

THE KIDS GOING CRAZZZZZYY!!

We are SO grateful for all of our blessings...especially the blessing of our Savior's birth, life, and death.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010!!

My Favorite...

2010-12-29T21:02:00.000-08:00

I LOVE our Family Christmas Party. It's the ONLY time of the year that all of my siblings & spouses and my parents are together with NO kids. This year David and Gay were the amazing hosts and we had a great time as usual.

I Sure Do LOVE my FAMILY!!!

My awesome Parents!

Mr. and Mrs. Frosty the Snowman

Waiting to play the Selfish Christmas Game...don't they all look so thrilled to be there?:)

Jody with his awesome hat (it sings 'grandma got ran over by a reindeer' and the antlers flap back and forth)

I'm a GREAT Aunt...again!

2010-12-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

I know this is old news, but I wanted to still post on it. Carly had her little 'Gracilyn' on December 19th. She weighed 6lbs 9oz and was 20 inches long. She is the first Great-grand daughter on our side, so you can imagine how spoiled she is going to be! I still can't believe that my sister is a GRANDMA...no doubt she will be an awesome one!!!

CONGRATS TO CARLY AND NICHOLAS AND WELCOME TO THE FAMILY LITTLE GRACILYN!!

my beautiful sister with her adorable granddaughter

my mom with her first great-granddaughter

Gracilyn with her favorite 'GREAT' aunt

The proud parents!!

Another Update on my Dad...

2010-12-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

I need to apologize for not updating my blog earlier about my dad. There just hasn't been much to update! Like I said in a prior post, his surgery went well. He went back down to Tucson this past Wednesday and had his Radiation Plaque removed. They just did it under local anesthetic and he returned home to the ranch later that day. I got to see him that afternoon and he looked pretty rough. Since they had to move a muscle to get the Plaque in there, he is seeing double vision out of that eye and will be for some time. I think his biggest challenges are still ahead of him with getting use to only have full usage of one eye. We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers and ask for continued prayers that he will be able to adjust to this quickly. I sure do love my daddy!!!

My Dad and I 5 days before his surgery.

Dad the day of his surgery

I took this picture yesterday...his eye is still swollen and irritated.

Bunco Christmas Party...

2010-12-17T09:54:00.000-08:00

I love hosting our Annual Bunco Party!! This year was exceptionally fun. We had 14 couples show up and we ate lots of good food and had lots of great laughs!!

Brian, Ginger, Mitchell, LeAnna, Tiffani & Nathan

Daniel, Marcie, Kelli, Spencer, Shawna & Bruce...don't they look like they are ready to play the greedy Christmas game?!

Shawna opening her awesome gag gift!!

H/O Annual Christmas Party...

2010-12-17T09:41:00.000-08:00

I can't imagine the amount of work that goes into pulling off a Christmas Party for all the kids in the community! A SPECIAL thanks to ALL of those that make this possible for our kids. My kids absolutely LOVE this!!!!

Quinn and Miles lookin in the window watching Santa

Our Crew with Santa...I was surprised that Miles and Mallori both liked him!

Miles with his GIANT sucker!!

At least he knows how to share:)

Nativity 2010...

2010-12-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Any of you that know my mom knows that she has a hundred Christmas traditions!! One tradition I am truly grateful for is the reinactment of the Christmas Story. I love how excited the kids are to get all dressed up, then as soon as the story starts being read from the Bible they all settle down and get reverent. The spirit is always so strong!!

Nolan (Joseph), Brock (Donkey), Amelia (Mary), and Taelee (Baby Jesus)

Our kids all dressed up...except Paul but he got to hold the star.

The Sheppherds

My Pirate Sheppherd with a really dirty face!

Update on my Dad...

2010-12-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give a quick update on my dad...

My sister called me about 9:00 this morning saying that they had just talked to Dr. Joffey and that the surgery went well. The Dr. anticipates that he will be in some pain. He has a follow up tomorrow(Saturday) morning with Dr. Joffey and if all is still well they will be able to head home.

Due to the radiation he will have to stay away from people as much as possible so my mom plans on keeping him at their home out at the ranch until his surgery next week.

On behalf of the Tenney Family...we want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for our Dad. Our family truly has felt them all!!

Whatta Rough Life...

2010-11-29T20:40:00.000-08:00

Had to snap this picture!!

He played SO hard in nursery on Sunday!!!

Our Annual Griswold Experience....

2010-11-27T07:55:00.000-08:00

We usually go get our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving, but with my parents temple schedule we had to go on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving this year!

This truly is one of my favorite traditions...

I love how excited the kids are...

I love listening to my parents argue about my mom having to have the PERFECT Christmas tree:)...

I missed eating left over turkey and ham sandwiches this year, but the sliced ham and turkey were delicious...

I love spending time with my family...

I LOVE IT ALL!!!

Our Family (minus Tristen and Paul...who knows where they were:) with our tree
'HEY GRISWOLD...Where you gonna stick a tree that size?'

I've decided it's never a good thing with Brandon and Nicholas get together...they ALWAYS seem to find some way to entertain themselves!!

They made a sled out of a shovel!!

Me and my Clark Griswold

Hope everyone had a GREAT THANKSGIVING!!!

With Thankful Heart...

2010-11-18T18:25:00.001-08:00

I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is next week!!

I thought I would share a few things I am grateful for...

#1. My beautiful family...I couldn't imagine my life without all of my children!

#2. My Handsome Hubby...Seriously don't know what I would do without him!

#3. My amazing Parents...They have given me so much strength all my life!

#3a. My In-laws...Grateful they treat me as one of their own!

#4. My Testimony...How grateful I am for my knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

#5. My Sister...What an example and awesome friend!

#6. My Friends...Thank Heavens they can look past my weaknesses!

#7. My Freedoms...What little Freedoms we have left!!

#8. For Life...Grateful that God will be giving us the opportunity to be parents again! I love feeling the wee one move inside me!!

AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!

What are you grateful for?!!!

Oh Michael!!!

2010-11-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

This boy makes me laugh...

A couple weeks ago I was on the way home from Snowflake from taking kids to the dentist when I recieved a phone call from Michael who was hysterical! This was our converstion...

Michael...'MOM!! I was fluda fluda fla fla, and fluda fluda fla fla, and then fluda fla fla fla fla fla!!'
(if any of you have ever heard Michael when he is trying to tell you something, especially when he knows he's gonna be in trouble, you will understand that:)

Me...'Michael...I can't understand you.'

Michael...'MOM!!....(then he repeated the above)

Me...'Michael!! I don't understand martian...please slow down and speak clearly!!'

Michael...'Mom!!...I was jump roping at school and I didn't notice my glasses flew off my face and now I can't find them!!!'

My first reaction was to get mad at him for once again losing his glasses...then I realized what he said! Did he seriously just tell me he DIDN'T notice his glasses fly off his face?!! Then I started laughing!! Needless to say...it was a true story. One of the teachers found them the next morning almost in the parking lot!!

Gotta LOVE this kid!!!

A BIG Day For the Cousins!

2010-11-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, October 30th, was a big day for our family. Chace went through the temple that morning in preparation for his mission, and 4 of the little cousins were baptized that afternoon.

Amelia turned 8 on October 5th, but with 3 of her cousins turning 8 the same month we decided to wait so they could all do it together. It was a great meeting, with great talks, and lots of family and friends.

Happy Birthday to our sweet Millie Bean and congrats on your baptism! We are SO proud of you and are so grateful we have the opportunity to be your earthly parents!! We love you!!

Me, Amelia, & Brandon

Amelia, Tessa, Nate, & Kimball...the 4 baptizees

The four cousins all clean and perfect!!

A Big Fat Time Out...For ME!!!

2010-10-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

I got to go to Time Out For Women with some of my FAVORITE women this year!! The past 3 years I have gone with friends, but this year decided we would try to pull off a Tenney girls trip. So my mom, Tara, Cynthia and I headed to the valley a day before TOFW started and did some much needed shopping and treated ourselves to lots of good food and pedicures. Jami and Carly came down just on Saturday and joined us for the day.

TOFW was of course AMAZING!! Here are just a few things I learned this year...

#1...I need to live my life as a Holy Woman...I have a LOT to work on!!
#2...Compared to others, my life is a cake walk!!
#3...Some times the worse thing that happens to us can actually turn out to be the best thing that happens to us!
#4...I need to make my scriptures my THERAPY!
#5...That in trying times...all we can do is just keep trying!

And MUCH more!

My Beautiful mom and I getting pedicures...I'm holding my niece Taelee who later got her toenails and fingernails painted!

Cynthia & Taera getting their toes done!

Taera, Taelee, Carly (doesn't she look adorable pregnant?), Jami (soon to be grandma:), Cynthia, My mom, and Me (not so cute pregnant!)

Carly & Jami

Thanks ladies for making the weekend so fun! It was a much needed break!

We missed the sisters that couldn't join us!!

Lessons of Forgiveness...

2010-10-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

I must be needing to learn how to apply forgiveness in my life. I have never felt like I was one to be unforgiving. To be honest, forgiveness has come quite easily in the past. But for some reason the past few weeks have been full of meanness and I have found myself having a hard time forgiving others.

It all started with an email that was sent to people all over Heber, from an unknown source, totally bashing my husband and our family...all because he has chosen to run for the Heber/Overgaard Fireboard. It was full of lies, and yes some truths, but was truly hurtful. The following is the blurb about Brandon and our Family...

"Our major concerns are with two people running, Brandon Martineau and Jerry Call. These two have a special agenda. That is, to cut the tax rate for the Heber Overgaard fire district to the bone regardless of the consequences. The reason they want to do that is to reduce their own property tax bills. Mr. Martineau owns at least 8 properties / homes in the H-O area. Back real estate taxes are owed on all of them with tax liens on a number of them. Mr. Martineau was given most of these properties by his uncle, Lewis Tenney. Lewis Tenney owes back taxes on a number of his 60+ properties. Follow the money. Mr. Martineau wants the fire district tax rate cut to the bone so his and his uncles tax bill will be lowered. Mr Martineau has no qualifications to sit on the board. He doesn't have a job. He gets free money from the state ( close to $5000 / month ) for fostering children. You would think getting $60,000 a year of free money he would pay his taxes. What does this say about his money handling skills?"

About an hour after receiving this email, we received a mean phone call from a man I have never even heard of. This was our conversation...

Me- 'Hello Martineaus'
Mr. Clark- 'You people need to pay your taxes and leave the fire department alone!!'

He hangs up on me!!

I call him back...

Me- 'Sir, you do know that is harassment right?'
Mr. Clark- 'Yeah and I don't care...You people need to pay your taxes and leave the fire department alone!!'

He hangs up on me again!!

That is when I lose it! I start bawling!! Are there really people that are THAT mean and cruel?! I really couldn't believe it!! I was SO mad!!

Here is where I have to start applying forgiveness. 1st...to the anonymous man who wrote the hurtful email, and 2nd...to the wonderful Mr. Charles Clark whom I have never met who was so kind to call us up and be so mean.

It has been hard for me to do. But as I have read the following quote from President Hinckley over and over again it is getting easier. I WILL move on...and I WILL forgive.

"May God help us to be a little kinder, showing forth greater forbearance, to be more forgiving, more willing to walk the second mile, to reach down and lift up those who may have sinned but have brought forth the fruits of repentance, to lay aside old grudges and nurture them no more."
President Hinckley

All Domesticated...

2010-10-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Canning Season! It's the one time of year I feel domesticated!!

As much as I love the few days of extremely hard work...I'm not gonna lie...I also LOVE when it's over!!:)

A Few of Our Pears

Carly and Mom doing peaches

My awesome mom!!

Carly enjoying peeling peaches!!

BIG thanks to my mom for ALWAYS helping me!!

All together we did:
5 boxes of Peaches
4 Boxes of Pears
And
2 Boxes of Apples

Pee Wee Wrestling...

2010-09-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

You gotta LOVE pee wee wrestling!! This year it was extra fun because cousins wrestled against each other and so did brothers! It's a good thing they are all still friends!

Zach and Tyton wrestling

Porter and Michael...it was nice to see these two wrestle without it ending in a fist fight!!

Zach with his weight group

Porter and Michael with their group

Better Late than Never...

2010-09-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

I know this is an extremely late post...but I still have to post about it.

The end of July we headed to Shelton, WA to visit Brandon's parents...and YES we took ALL of the kids!! It took us 3 days to get there and by the time we got there I was going crazy wanting out of the car (and it had nothing to do with my kids driving me crazy...they were actually REALLY good!) We did have a blast on our way up though getting to drive through the Redwoods, getting to visit with the Sulzer family, and getting to drive along the coast!! We saw some beautiful country!!

The kids being good in the car!

The kids playing dress up at the Sulzer's house!

Porter by a Redwood Tree

The whole Fam by a Redwood

We had a blast at Brandon's sister's house and enjoyed where they lived.

The kids had so much fun with Grandpa's animals

While we were there we got to go to their ward party which was held at Zions Camp. It's owned by the church and was absolutely AMAZING!!!

Brandon with the kids walking down to the lake

Mallori enjoying the lake!

We of course had to go to the beach at least one of the days while we were there. I thought the beach was suppose to be sunny and warm...but boy was I WRONG...but that still didn't keep the kids out of the water!

The kids playing in the water with their cousins!

Grandpa Martineau, Addi, and Morgon

Mallori NOT enjoying the beach so much!

One of my new favorite pictures!!
(Brandon and Miles)

Brandon and Mom Martineau

Us on the beach

Us with Grandpa and Grandma Martineau

One of my favorite parts of the trip was getting to meet up with my long lost brother, Aron Johnson. Aron lived with my family for 3 years back in high school and I haven't seen him since he got home from his mission like 13 years ago. It was good to see him and meet one of his daughters!!

Aron, Abigail, and I

Of course one of the main reasons we went on our trip was for Brandon's sister Penny's wedding. We were glad to be a part of it all!! We love you Penney and Brian!

Penny and I getting pedicures the day before her wedding!

The Beautiful Penney

Brian and Penny

Another highlight of the trip was getting to be there for Rich's (Brandon's brother-in-law) Baptism. We are so excited for Their family!!

We had a great time and made lots of memories!!! We love and miss Brandon's family that lives so far away!!!!

Miss ya...Love ya!

2010-09-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

We said goodbye to this crazy kid a month ago...

We love him and miss him like CRAZY!!!

He will never know what his example means to us and to our 8 future missionaries!

Oh the Memories...

2010-09-02T22:36:00.000-07:00

I remember as a little girl how much I looked forward to after FHE Bull Rides...

So when this started goin on after this past weeks FHE, I just HAD to grab my camera!!

Miles Mounting the Bull...

Miles ready for whats about to come...

The Bull rearing up...

The Bull giving it his best shot to buck the little cowboy off!!

(PLEASE ignore the filthy mess in the back ground!!)

WOOHOO!!!

2010-08-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

So as you all know I am one of those awesome moms that look forward to the 1st day of school!!

It's not that I don't like my kids (cause I really do love them), but I do enjoy the break!

This year is crazy for us because we have kids now at ALL 3 schools, since they moved the Jr. High back to the High School.

Tristen is in 7th (weird), Eva is in 4th, Porter and Michael are the BIG kids at Mtn. Meadows in 3rd, Amelia is in 2nd, and Zach and Paul are in Kindergarden.

I got thinking that by the time Tristen is a Senior in High School ALL 12 of our kids will be in school!!!...crazy thought huh?!

The kids waiting for the bus.

SEE...I'm not the only one excited for the 1st day of school:)

Zach and Paul getting off the bus!

Poor Paul!!...NOT for weak stomachs...

2010-08-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

WARNING!!!!

If you have a weak stomach you may not want to view the following!!!

...............................................................

There is NEVER a dull moment around our house!! Last night while I was just finishing up fixing dinner Porter came running in the house SCREAMING..."MOM, PAUL'S HEAD IS BLEEDING AND THERE IS BLOOD EVERYWHERE!!!'

So I grabbed a clean towel out of the drawer and went running outside.

At first when I got to Paul, he of course had blood everywhere, but as you know head injuries bleed WAY bad! So...I applied pressure to it (not yet knowing how bad it was) and when I took the towel back off I about passed out!!

This is what I found...

These pics were taken with Brandon's cell phone from the ER

This one makes me sooooo sick!!

Well 32 stitches later...

The poor kid was playing at Aunt Jami's on the trailer they have parked in their driveway and he was playing with the tailgate and it fell right on his head!!

So Here We Are...

2010-07-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

I torture my family by making them take family pics twice a year, 4th of July and around Christmas time!

So among the chaos of taking other family photos and not feeling well, this is as good as it gets...

which in my oponion turned out pretty cute!

BIG thanks to my photographer niece, Carly!!!

Check em out...

2010-07-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

I will have LOTS of updates on my photography blog due to taking HUNDREDS of pics over the past 2 weeks!! So check out my photos @...

picsbytif.blogspot.com

or click on my link at the top right side of this blog!!!

Yep it is true...

2010-07-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

That I am Suing the country of India...

Because that is where the Condom was made...

That didn't do it's job!!

YEP...I'm expecting...

Baby #12 will be joining our family the beginning of next year...

the end of January!

Even though this one hasn't been as bad as my previous pregnancies...

I have still been doing a lot of this...
(hence...the reason I have only posted like twice in the last month)

And Even though this one was quite the surprise...

We are still excited to love yet another one of our Heavenly Father's children!!

The Sound of FREEDOM...

2010-07-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

I woke up to the sound of Freedom this morning...thanks to Les Parham and his side kicks! I love that sound...the big booms that wake me around 5:00am every 4th of July! (it truly is my favorite part of the whole day!)

I Love the sound of our AMAZING fireworks echoing through the canyons!

I love seeing my children wear RED, WHITE, & BLUE!

I Love being able to sit back and reflect on what the 4th of July is all about!

I Love living in the greatest Country, even if we do have our issues!

I am thankful for all the Men and Women who have given and who are willing to give their lives so that we may be free!

Happy 4th of July Everyone...and GOD Bless America!!!

Am I the ONLY one?...

2010-06-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one who is ready for school to start already?

You may think it is because I have sooooo many kids and that they are driving me crazy, but that is simply NOT the case!

I hate that we don't have a routine anymore...
I hate that we don't eat dinner til 8:00 at night...
I hate that even though the kids stay up later, they still get up at the BUTT crack of dawn...
I hate getting up to run at 6:00am (Even though I feel great afterward, I am NOT a morning person!)...
I hate that NO matter what, all the kids need baths EVERY night due to playing outside all day...

I know that you think that this post is really negative, but that is how I am feeling right now:)

Am I really the only one that feels this way?

Memorial Weekend...

2010-06-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

Our Weekend was purely crazy...but lots of fun! We started it off Friday by going to 2 graduations, Maryssa's from the 8th grade, and Chace and JTs from High School. Saturday morning Brandon and I went to the temple, then we came home and got ready for Miles and Mallori's birthday bash. Sunday we relaxed and enjoyed only going to 1 hour of church...is that bad of me to say? Monday, we spent the entire day out at the ranch and worked in the garden, hauled rocks for a project of my dads, cleaned the big building, spent time trying to fish at the pond, and worked on some crafty projects I needed to get going. All in all it was a great weekend!!

*****************

Sure do love this girl!! Not sure what I would do without her...I couldn't ask for a better nanny!!

Maryssa...we hope you know how much the Martineau family loves and adores you!! We are so proud of the beautiful and talented young woman that you are! We look forward to seeing everything you will accomplish over the next 4 years!!

Maryssa and her favorite Aunt Tiff!

What can I say about these 2 crazy boys!! Can't believe they are all graduated and gonna be leaving on missions!

Chace and JT...We will miss you two like CRAZY! We are so proud of the both of you...but we know we haven't even seen the half of what you will accomplish in life. It's been fun watching you play ball, date the hotties, and to see your testimonies form.
WE LOVE OUR 2 BUBBAS!!!

Chizzy and Bubba T

We had a blast celebrating these little munchkins birthdays. Since they are only 1 year and 3 days a part, (no they aren't twins:)...I actually a lady ask me if they were just after I got done telling her Miles was 2 and Mallori was 1:), we decided to celebrate them on the same day!

They were hilarious to watch as everyone sang to them and as they got to dig into Mallori's cake!
I will do their birthday posts as soon as I take some GOOD pictures of them!

Do they get any cuter than this?

Gotta love this girl!

Can it be....

2010-06-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

(Not my favorite pic but it was the 1st one I found)

Can it really be 9 years ago that I knelt across the altar and was sealed to this man for time and all eternity?

The past 9 years have been a crazy ride!!

What would I change about the past 9 years?...NOTHING!!

I Love you Brandon Wayne Martineau!! Thank you for loving me through it ALL!!

Pure CRAZINESS...

2010-05-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

Our lives have been full of craziness lately! We have had one thing after another going on and I look forward to the time when I can take a breather...not sure when that will be though:)

I have been doing lots of photo shoots...

Tristen had an orchestra concert...

I threw Tiffani Owens a baby shower (see post below)

We've had either T-Ball or Baseball almost everynight for the past few weeks...

Stood in line for 3 and 1/2 hours yesterday to sign my kids of for swim lessons...

Went to Seminary Graduation last night...

Went to an awards banquet for the kids out at Moutain Meadows this morning...

And the list goes on!

Tristen at his concert...this kid is hilarious to watch! He NEVER uses music. He has an amazing memory...He just looks around and smiles at everyone while he plays!

Amelia on 1st base

Zach not sure where he is going...you gotta LOVE T-Ball!!

Porter boy gettin ready to bat!!

Can't believe school is over...hope come August I am still sane!!!

Tiffani's Baby Shower...

2010-05-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of throwing Tiffani Owens a baby shower for her baby girl that is FINALLY coming after 5 naughty boys!!

We had lots of fun and ate lots of good food!!

Congrats to Ross and Tiff...Can't wait til she gets here!!!

Tiff will all her gifts!

Tiff with all of the cute things she got...this baby made a haul!!

A few of us surprised Ross with his own little shower after Tiffani's was over. I have never seen a dad this excited about having a baby girl! It was a blast to see him open a few gifts!

Ross told Nicole and I that he was going to be doing her hair so we got together and made a bunch of bows for him!

What a Feeling!!

2010-05-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

Not sure how all of you felt as you watched the dedication of the Gila Valley Temple today...

But for me it was incredible!!!

It was amazing to see a different side to our Prophet, President Monson, and to his counselor, President Eyring!
I am so grateful we got to be a part of this wonderful event.

It seems impossible that it has been over 8 years since the Snowflake Temple was dedicated, I remember it so well since I delivered Porter a week later:) How grateful I am for the Temple, for the covenants we make there, for our Heavenly Father's plan, and for the power that binds our family for Eternity!!

My newest little niece...

2010-05-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

Ok so Maryjane really isn't a new addition to our family since she has been living with my sister for quite some time now, but she is the newest permanant addition to our family! We had the wonderful privilege of going to the Snowflake Temple this past Saturday to witness this beautiful little girl be sealed (by Grandpa Tenney) to her amazing parents. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have my sister living right next door and to have her kids in my home daily. I have been blessed with awesome nieces and nephews that I just love and adore!

MJ...I hope you know how much Aunt Tiff loves and adores you and how grateful I am that you were sent to our family so I could be blessed with yet another niece!

Happy REALLY Late Birthday Eva...

2010-05-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Eva Turned 11 last wednesday and I being the wonderful mom that I am, am finally getting around to doing her birthday blog!

Here are just a few reasons why we love our Eva...

#1. She truly is my big helper!!
#2. She's an awesome big sister!
#3. She is always smiling
#4. She gets good grades
#5. She loves to read
#6. She loves to play with friends!
#7. She has a very sweet testimony
#8. She says awesome prayers
#9. She is always concerned about others
#10. She loves to be in charge (yes she gets that from her mother;)
#11. She loves going to achievement days!

We will love you forever Eva! We are so grateful that God sent you to our family...it wouldn't be complete without you!!!

Grandma's funeral...

2010-05-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

This is my Grandma Tenney up at BYU in 1934

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL!!!

Grandma's Funeral services were wonderful!! I know that she was looking down upon us with that big beautiful smile of hers. It was great to spend time with family, most of them I only get to see once a year at the reunion.

The Pallbearers

Grandma's Beautuiful Casket up in Alpine

My parents in Alpine.

My Dad and I at the graveside.

To the BEST...

2010-05-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!!

I couldn't let the day go by without paying tribute to my wonderful mother, and to all the mothers in my life. I have been blessed with an amazing mother. One who has taught me the gospel and has lead by example. The Lord must have known how naughty I was going to be, so he sent me to an angel mother who would love me no matter what.

Mother ~ I will love you forever!!

I also have been blessed with an amazing mother-in-law. I am grateful that almost 9 years ago she became my 2nd mom. I am grateful for her friendship and for her ability to look passed my imperfections and to treat me as one of her own. (I hope she will forgive us for not calling her today!!)

Ronna~ I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you!

I am also so grateful for the amazing privilege I have of being a mother. Growing up I always said that I just wanted to grow up to be a mom...well i got my wish. I will forever be grateful for the children that I have. Each and every one of them blesses my life on a daily basis. Though I am not perfect, and I'm sure my kids would like to trade me in for a different mom, I truly do love being a mother!!

Setting the Record Straight!

2010-05-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Richard and I...

Richard is ONE OF A KIND and is one of my closest friends...he and his awesome wife volunteered to come down from Utah to babysit for us while Brandon and I went to CA for the Ragnar Race and to get away. Well...while we were gone there was a little mishap with Paul that occured during church. Let me remind you that my kids, when Brandon and I are here, are pretty dang good in church, but that was NOT the case while we were gone. Go ahead and laugh as you read the following...

Richard and Cherilyn were brave enough to take 11 kids to church while we were gone. I reassured Richard that our kids were practically perfect during sacrament meeting and that the only issue that might arise would be Paul being naughty during Primary. Well, I was WRONG. Just like the saying, 'while the cats away the mice will play', this was exactly what my Paul did. He was ALL over the place. Climbing under and over the pews, fighting with the kids, and just flat out not listening or behaving. Richard trying to keep his cool, was being very patient with Paul, but Paul wouldn't budge. Paul once again crawled under the pew and Richard reached under the bench and grabbed his leg to pull him out and put him back on the bench when Paul yelled at the top of his lungs...

'GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME YOU PERVERT!!'

According to Richard it echoed through the chapel, even stopping the speaker and causing him to look over at them. Richard was devistated!! He called me all worried that everyone in our ward was gonna think he was a pedophile!! I reassured him that eventhough everyone in our ward didn't know him, they know Paul, and know that he is beyond a handful!!!

So for all of you that were there and heard it...I PROMISE you that Richard Petty is NOT a pervert...matter of fact he is one of the most kind and loving people you could ever meet.

'Goodbye's' the Saddest Word..

2010-05-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear

Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near

Someday you'll say that word and I will cry

It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye

Those are the lyrics to one of my favorite Celine Dion Songs, and they have played over and over in my head since about 1:20 this morning when I got the call that my Grandma Tenney had finally left this mortal life. It's hard to find words that would do my Grandma justice. She was such an amazing example of virtue, forgiveness, unconditional love, and I have never met a more Christlike person in my life.

Eventhough Grandma was 96, and ready to move on to the next life, it is still hard to say goodbye and to fill that void.

Grandma...I will miss your soft smile, your sense of humor, and your love. I will always be your little chick-a-dee and you will always be my Grandma Kodak (you are the reason I LOVE photography)!! I am so grateful that Brandon and I followed the promptings of the spirit and went by to see you last Thursday. How grateful I am for the knowledge of the gospel to know that someday I will see you again and be able to throw my arms around you and give you a big fat hug!!! I will love you forever!

Our family with Grandma, Christmas 2009

My handsome dad with his angel mother June 2009

Grandma and I at our last family reunion, June 2009

Post Ragnar...Much Needed R & R !!

2010-04-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

After Ragnar was over and everyone else came home, Brandon and I got to stay in California for an extra 4 days. Thanks to our AWESOME friends Richard and Cherilyn who were willing to stay with our kids for an entire week and to my awesome brother, Jake, for letting us use his time share in Oceanside, we got some much needed one on one time and lots of R & R!! I always LOVE spending time with just my hubby and am so grateful that I am married to such an amazing man who always puts my needs above his. It was SOOOOO nice to have NO plans and to just do whatever we felt like doing. It was an extra treat too since it was over my birthday weekend!! Here are some of the highlights...

#1. SLEPT IN!

#2. SLEPT ALL NIGHT...with NO kids crawling in bed with us!!

#3. Watched 3 movies at the local theatre!

#4. Ate a LOT of GOOD FOOD!

#5. FINALLY did a session at the San Diego Temple...I can check that off my bucket list!!

#6. Toured the USS Midway...if you are ever in San Diego this is a must!

#7. Hung out on the beach!

#8. Visited Coronado Island

#9. Just hung out on the couch of the condo and did nothing!

#10. Spent 4 incredible days with my best friend!!!

On the Beach just down from the Condo

My hubby is like a little boy...always exploring!

Just chillen while my hubby explored the rocks!

A starfish that my hubby found in the rocks

Us outside the San Diego Temple...The last thing my mom said to me was 'don't forget your recommend!' And what did I go off and forget...yep...My recommend! After some phone calls and research they decided to let me in anyway:)

Brandon on the USS Midway

Brandon was being naughty so I put him in the Brig!

My Hot Honey by some airplanes

Out on the flight deck of the USS Midway

Outside the USS Midway

Coronado Island...I LOVE this place!!

Our last breakfast in Oceanside was out on the Oceanside Pier!!

BIG THANKS again to Richard and Cherilyn for babysitting our hellions...we couldn't ask for better friends!! To Jami for watching our #1 Hellion...I couldn't ask for a better sister!! To Carly for keeping Miles at night...I have been blessed with AMAZING nieces who are always so willing to bail out their Aunt Tiff! And to Jake for letting us use your time share...you are definitely my favorite brother named Jake!!!

An Experience of a Lifetime!!

2010-04-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Words Cannot Explain How I Feel Right Now...a few months ago my good friend, Lori Nelson, came by my house and asked me to be a part of the So Cal Ragnar Team she was putting together. I didn't really know what to say to her since Ragnar Teams are usually filled with amazing runners like, Sara, Nikki, Lori, Marinda, Karleen, Deni, etc. I went ahead and accepted the challange. I have been training, in my opinion, very hard for this event over the past few months. Along with my AMAZING sister, we put in lots of hours running 'Stonebridge', 'Artist Draw', and 'Rocky Draw'.

Let me explain what exactly a Ragnar Relay is for those of you who don't know...

#1. You find 12 people crazy enough to want to run, or even enjoy to run!

#2. You divide them in half and put 6 in one vehicle and the other 6 in another vehicle.

#3. You drive to Southern California, hence the name 'So Cal Ragnar', and meet in Ventura, California.

#4. You make sure your team has a HIGH CARB dinner the night before.

#5. You TRY to get a good night sleep the night before, but your nerves aren't very nice to you:)!!

#6. Van #1, which was Me, Jami, Lori Nelson (our team captian), Melody Whipple, Robbi Hanock, and Heather Sulzer, leaves our hotel at 5:30am so we can make our start time of 6:30am!!

#7. 6:30am...Robbi is off!

#8. Each runner in our van runs their first leg and we hand off to Van #2!!

#9. Van #2, Marinda & Reese, Shawna & Bruce, and Kelli & Spencer, which are ALL speed demons, finish their first legs and they hand back off to Van #1!

#10. Now its time for the 'NIGHT' Run! There is something about running through LA that can scare a girl into running faster than she has EVER ran before!!!

#11. By your 3rd leg you wonder if you even have the strength to get out of the van to run. You are sleep deprived, tired, exhausted, and the soreness is settling in.

#12. You FINISH your 3rd leg and you want to cry because you have just accomplished one of THE hardest things you have EVER done in your life!!!

#13. Then you wait for Van #2 at the finish line!

#14. 200 MILES OF RUNNING , 3 legs each, and 36 hours of no sleep later you all cross the finish line together as a team with a feeling that is indiscribable!!!

#15. You still actually LOVE Lori Nelson and actually THANK her for asking you to be a part of this crazy adventure!!!

THAT MY FRIENDS...IS A RAGNAR!!!

Brandon and Tim were are AWESOME drivers!! We couldn't have done it without them!

The LA Temple

The 6 in our Van #1 outside the LA Temple

Brandon and I at the LA Temple

Robbi, Lori, Me, Melody, and Jami in Quartsite on our way to CA

Out on Ventura Pier and at Dinner at Cappriccios

Van #1 during their 1st Legs!

The LOVELY Night Run!

(You gotta Love Tim's Safety Vest:)

Lori and I
Meloday trying to pry me away from the van to go run my 1st leg!
Tim stretching...so he can drive well!
Jami, Lori and Melody
Lori Pinching a Lady's bum!
Melody, Brandon, Jami and Tim Chillaxin between our 1st and 2nd runs

Me excited that I actually passed a skinny mini on all 3 hills of my last leg...yes that means she would pass my on the downside, but hey I still passed someone!!
Jami finishing her last leg...poor Jami took the wrong turn & added a 1/2 mile to her run!
Heather finishing her last leg
Melody handing off to Lori for the LAST time!!

Van #2
Shawna and Bruce
Marinda and Reese
Spencer and Kelli
Kelli handing off to Robbi
Kelli comin in at the 2nd Major Exchange
Lori handing off to Shawna at the 1st Major Exchange

WE DID IT!!
Jami and I with our Medals...SO glad that I got to accomplish this with my sister!
Van#1 showing what runner # we were
Van #2 at the finish line!
Vane #1 showing what we felt like after our last leg!

Team '51 Kids Home Alone' crossing the finish line!

Team '51 Kids Home Alone'...and yes those are smiles on our face!

I accomplished things this past weekend that I NEVER imagined I would or even could ever accomplish. I hope that Team '51 Kids Home Alone' knows how much I look up to, love, admire, and adore ALL of you!

I SAY WE MAKE THIS A YEARLY TRADITION!!

Scared Crapless...

2010-04-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

In less than two days I will embark on a journey with 9 women and 3 men...it's a journey that I never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would be a part of. I'm scared, anxious, and excited all at the same time.

We will be doing a LOT of this...

And by the time I'm on my 3rd leg I'll probably look like this...

But I hope in the end we will be doing a LOT of this...

I know it's not where you run or how fast you run that matters...it only matters that you go and accomplish. I pray that come Saturday afternoon I can say that I did my best and finished the race!!

She's simply AMAZING...

2010-04-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Sister...

Sorry this is a day late!! I bet you thought I wasn't gonna give you a birthday post didnt' you??!

Well...you were wrong!!

I can only imagine how excited I was up in Heaven when they told me that I FINALLY would get to come to earth and have you as my big sister. I have always looked up to you in sooooo many ways!!! You inspire me to be a better person and I want to be just like you when I grow up!! Love you more than you know!! Happy Day Late 43rd Birthday!!

Fun, Fun, Fun...

2010-04-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

I had the oportunity to take these two girl's Senior Pics this week.

As you can see from this photo...they were SOOOO much fun to do a photo shoot with!

To check out a few of their pics go to my photography blog!

Time Well Spent...

2010-04-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

Since my mom hardly gets any days away from her calling as Temple Matron, we told her back in February that for part of her birthday we were going to kidnap her for a weekend while they had two weeks off in April. Soooo, this past weekend me, my mom, and my sister headed to the valley. We had TONS OF FUN shopping, eating, laughing, shopping some more, eating some more, and laughing a LOT more (I hope that what happened in the valley...STAYS in the valley:)!!

Words cannot express how much I love these two women!! I couldn't have been blessed with a better mom and sister. They truly are amazing examples and two of my bestest friends. The weekend definitely didn't last long enough!!

My BEAUTIFUL mother...always leading by example!!!

My HOT, HOT, HOT sister enjoying her pedicure!

Mom enjoying her pedicure!

Pinwood Derby....

2010-04-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

AND THE WINNER IS....

NOT US!!!!!

We LOVE the Pinewood Derby around our house soooooo much that we would rather bribe our kids with their very own large blizzard from DQ! But this year we actually decided to give it a try and we have now reminded ourselves once again why we always result in bribery.

These poor boys didn't win a race!! Even racing against each other they tied!!!

Can you see the excitement on their faces!!!

You boys are both winners to us!!

No Way...

2010-04-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

I am still telling myself that there is just 'NO WAY' that these three will be graduating next month!!

To check out their Senior Pics go to my photography blog by clicking on the 'Pics by Tif' over
------------------------------------->

End it with a prayer...

2010-04-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

The other day I was gone and when I got home I checked my messages. Tristen had called from the school asking if I would bring his Bass to orchestra class. At the end of his message he closed it with..."In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Having realized what he had said on the answering machine he started laughing! It made me laugh the rest of the day...at least I know he is striving to 'Pray Always!'

Gotta Love This Kid!!

Spring Break...Safford Style

2010-03-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

This year for spring break we decided to escape the cold mountain air and head down to Safford to visit Randy, Cynthia, and their girls in the desert where it is warmer! We headed out Wednesday and came home Saturday. We had a blast!! I ADORE their girls and love hanging out with Cynthia every chance I get! We ate a lot of food, played outside, visited with my amazing Aunt Kathy and went on a crazy Mountain drive that made me sick, but was still a lot of fun. One of the nights Cynthia's awesome parents came over and babysat while us adults got to go to the movie of our choice (Brandon and Randy when to Alice in Wonderland while Cynthia and I wen to Bounty Hunter). I enjoyed torturing Cynthia by making her run with me every morning. Friday morning we ended up doing 5 miles at a pace that was a record for me...there is just something about running by a federal prison that makes ya run a little faster:)!!

THANKS RANDY AND CYTHIA for letting us come your way and hang out for a few days. We hope you know how much we love and adore you guys!!!!

Up on the Mountain...Cousins are the best!

(Eva, Caden, Porter, Zach, Tristen, Morgon, Macie, Amelia, Brylee, Tessa, Michael, and Paul)

We are a Happy Family!!!

My baby girl just chillen!

LOVE this picture...I LOVE that my boys adore their daddy!!!!

Before and After...

2010-03-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Read the last post first. Ive tried for hours to blog from my laptop and I haven't quite figured it out...sorry they are out of order!!

Their Headboard BEFORE

Their Headboard AFTER

I forgot to take BEFORE bathroom pics, so here are some AFTERS...

Bathroom Pic #1

Bathroom Pic #2

Before and After...

2010-03-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

Before last week this was just(not really 'just') my sister-in-law Melanie...

After this past week she has become one of my Hero's (eventhough I have always thought she walked on water)

Before last week she had TWO Kidneys

After last Wednesday she now only has ONE!! (She donated it to her best friend's husband)

Before last week her Master BedRoom looked like this...

And After a week full of late nights, lots of help, lots of donations and LOTS of love it now looks like this...

As a surprise to Melanie we decided to redo her bedroom and bathroom while she was down having surgery...I think she liked them:) BIG thanks to EVERYONE who helped me with this and donated their time and money.

Melz...I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you. I am so glad you are part of our forever family.

Please Say It Isn't So...

2010-03-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

My first born child turned 8 last week!!! I can't believe that he is old enough to get baptized...which he did last Monday the 15th. We had to have his baptism the day after his birthday due to my parents being gone, and since they had a part on the program they kind of needed to be there:) I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that it has been 8 years since he was in my belly, 8 years since I was anticipating his arrival, and 8 years since this little blond hair, blue eyed, boy changed my life forever. Here are just a few reasons why we love our Porter 'John' Wayne Martineau...

#1...His awesome laugh!

#2...His corky sense of humor...He's SUCH a tease!!

#3...His tender heart.

#4...His ridiculously long eye lashes!

#5...He's a straight 'A' student

#6...He LOVES to work with his dad!

#7...His love for learning!

#8...He accepts everyone!

Porter...We hope you know how much we love you! We are SOOOO grateful that our Heavenly Father trusted us enough to allow us to be your earthly parents. Thanks for making us laugh everyday!!! We will love you forever!!!

Porter and his Dad

Porter and I

Porter and Grandma Maude

Porter and Grandma & Grandpa Tenney

Porters Baptismal Program

Conducting: Bishop Uncle Tim Slade
Pianist: Aunt Melanie Tenney
Chorister: Aunt Jamilyn Slade

Opening Song: I Hope They Call Me On A Mission
Opening Prayer: Grandpa Tenney
Talk on Baptism: Grandma Tenney

Baptism of Porter by his Dad

Special Number: Cousin Carly Mallory
“I Know That My Savior Loves Me”
Talk on Holy Ghost: Mom
Confirmation of Porter by his Dad

Closing Song: When I Am Baptized
Closing Prayer: Cousin Trey Tenney

Porter's Birthday Party

2010-03-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

Since Porter's birthday fell on a Sunday, we just had the Slade's over for Cake and Icecream. He definitely got spoiled!!!

Blow Porter Blow!!

Porter loves the XBox!!

Porter with his new Scriptures!!!

2010-03-21T21:46:00.000-07:00

For Porter's birthday we told him he could invite 5 friends to go out to eat and go bowling with. He picked Denin Porter, Rhett McLaws, cousin Trey, cousin Nate, and his brother Michael. He picked to go to Payson and eat at Chili's. We had a BLAST...these boys were a ton of fun and were very well behaved. We had a BLAST bowling and laughed a LOT!

Denin, Rhett, Trey, Porter, Nate, and Michael

Brandon and I with our birthday boy

Porter and his funky bowling!

Nate was hilarious to watch. He came in 2nd our 1st game with 108 points. Everytime he bowled he would put his hands on his hips, start walking backwards, and would say...'get a strike, get a strike!' He made us laugh!!!

Better Late Than NeVeR!!!

2010-03-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

So I'm only almost a month late with this post...but better late then never, right?!!

My mom turned the big 65 on the 21st of February!!

I have been blessed with amazing earthly mother!

I have yet to find anyone that serves as much as she does!

My mom has a special connection with our Heavenly Father and I know that on more than one occasion her prayers have been answered on my behalf!

She is the kind of grandma that every kid needs and deserves!

Mom...I am so grateful that my Heavenly Father sent me to be your daughter. I know we had a few rocky years back in the day, but I am sure glad I grew out of that aweful stage. We may not look a thing alike but I am like you in SOOOO many ways, good ways, yet I still have a lot to work on to be more like you!! I'LL LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!

Mom and I on her 65th Bday!

Mom and her girls

Mom and Jami (Her #1 Daughter, wink wink;)

On The Road Again...

2010-03-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we went to Utah to Brandon's brother Dallas' wedding. We left EARLY Thursday morning and got to Ogden around 4:00 in the afternoon and returned home yesterday evening around 5:00. The kids were amazingly good in the car and for the most part were well behaved while we were there. All of Brandon's family, except for his brother-in-law Rich, were there and it was great to spend time with all of them!!

The Highlights of the Trip...

#1...Having a lady pay for our dinner at Ihop.

I have to tell the story...We decided to take our kids to Ihop Thursday night when we got there. While on our way in a lady asked, 'are all these kids yours?' and of course I replied, 'sure are!'. She said, 'wow you poor thing!', and I said, 'well I didn't birth them all!' Anyway, we talked for a few minutes while we waited for them to seat us, where I proceeded to tell her our story. She was very kind and told us that she admired what we did. Well, as they usually do when we take our children out to eat, they sat us in the very far corner so we wouldn't bother anybody and that was the last we saw of this nice lady that I had talked to. When the waiter brought us our bill he informed us that a very nice lady had picked up our bill for the night. I knew that it was this lady. Both Brandon and I were very overwhelmed. I hope the lady knows in her heart how very grateful we were for her kindness!!! It couldn't have been cheap!!

#2...eating Michelle's cake! We've have missed it more than she knows:)

#3...Paul asking Uncle Russ to wipe his butt!!

#4...Eating Dinner with our favorite guy, Mitchell Herzog

#5...Going to our favorite store ever...Smith & Edwards!

#6...And of course last but not least...spending time with family!!

Dallas, Chelsea, and Marlee

Their wedding cake Michelle made...I love it!

Brandon and his siblings

(Michelle, Ginger, Brandon, Dusty, Dallas, Penny, Caleb, & Cayce)

The kids and their spouses with Mom & Dad Martineau and Grandma & Grandpa Martineau

Our family with Brandon's grandparents

Mark, Michell, Emily, Aiden, and Liam

Dusty, Russ, Cody, & Kobe

Caleb and Morgon

Brandon & Penny

Aunt Cayce and Mallori

Me & Mark

Mallori and Grandma Martineau

Big Congrats to Dallas & Chelsea!!!

Can't Sleep...Mad as Hell!!!!

2010-03-03T05:01:00.000-08:00

So here it is before 5:00am and I can't Sleep! You would think I would be zonked after going to bed just 3 short hours ago, yet my mind won't shut off! I have always been one to not care what others think about me, say about, or say to me, BUT when it comes to speaking untruthful things about those I love, such as my Father and especially my Husband, I am not one to handle it well.

I don't know how my mom has done it all these years with people hating my father and slandering him and what he stands for.

I got a taste of this last night after Brandon brought home this horrible letter that a man from our local fire department put together totally hammering Brandon. It was FULL of LIES and untruthful statements that accused Brandon of things he has NEVER done!! He also got told by another lady, after trying to defend himself, "Why don't you just get the hell out of here you idiot!"...yeah lovely adult like citizen from Heber/Overgaard isn't she?!!!

So, I have spent most of the night thinking, tossing, turning, and fighting feelings of hate, anger, sadness for my husband, then feelings of gratitude when I realized that ANY person in ALL of history that has ever taken a stand for things that are righteous has gotten ridiculed, persecuted, and was hated!! So I guess it comes with the territory and I should be grateful for having a husband that wants to get invovled and will NOT waver from that which he knows is right!!

The hard part for me is learning where to place these feelings and how to get through it!