Small kids don't mean small hearts!

Well, many of you who know us, also know that we serve in an amazing ministry called "XTI" (xtreme teams international). On Tuesday nights we minister to Somalian Bantu refugees who have been brought here to San Antonio. We began helping in this ministry almost a year ago. It started with just Doug and Canyon helping out and Dakota and I soon followed when even from afar we began to fall in love with these people! On Canyon's first week, he befriended a precious boy named "Hassan". Together, they play soccer with the gazillion other boys out there each week, however, their friendship quickly began to look different than the one Canyon had with any of the others. Hassan immediately became a protector of Canyon and they formed a very unique bond. This past summer we had gathered school supplies together (with the help of many gracious volunteers) to help these kids start off their year. One day we were going to go deliver each child their supplies and I asked "Why are we doing this?" Canyon responded "because they need them". Well ... of course they did, however, I asked "what is the bigger reason that we do this?" Canyon then said "to show them that we love them and Jesus does too!". YES! I said, that is right. I then went on to have a wonderful conversation with Canyon about what we know of the Gospel. We read straight from the bible together "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man will come unto the father except through me". I asked Canyon ... "what does that mean"? He replied "the only way to heaven is through Jesus". We then began to talk about Hassan's faith in a God named Allah. I shared with him that Hassan, our special friend, did not know Jesus. I asked Canyon what that meant ultimately and with huge tears in his eyes he said "He won't go to heaven with me". UGH .... The gospel that day became so personal to my seven year old son! Hassan, his special friend, became even more important! Each night Canyon prays for Hassan with diligence. In my heart, I know that the Lord is using Canyon to plant a seed is this precious boys heart and we pray someday that with watering it will come to pass that the Lord would grant favor on this family and open their eyes to HIM!

SO ... fast forward to this week. We received very sad news that Hassan's family has packed up and moved to Minneapolis while we were on a small winter break. As soon as I heard that news I knew that my Canyon would be crushed!
So yesterday, I shared with Canyon the news. At first he looked puzzled and lacked much emotion. He mumbled something under his breathe but didn't say a whole lot. Several moments later he became angry about something trivial and hit his sister (all out of character for him for sure!). I told Canyon to go to his room and think about what he had just done. As I came up a few minutes later he was crying really hard. I asked him "why are you crying?" He replied "This is the worst day ever .... and after listing a few trivial things he ended with "and my friend moved". My Canyon was trying to be so strong. Like most men, unwilling to express his sadness in those first moments. Maybe even trying to comprehend what I had just said. Who knows. But, in the end, he is so sad to see his friend go. That breaks his Mommy's heart deeply!

We talked together and I shared with Canyon that I knew in my heart that he had planted big seeds in Hassan's life. I told him that we'd commit to still pray nightly for him and that we'd pray that believers would come into his life and finish up the work he'd started by leading Hassan into a saving relationship with our Lord, Jesus. Canyon grinned and I could see his heart being made whole again in that moment. So ... Lord, you are so Big and we know you can fulfill those prayers! We are resting on that!

So, our friend, has moved. He may not be here with us on Tuesdays, however, I am quite certain that he will forever be a part of Canyon. Hassan made the Gospel relevant to my son. For the first time, Canyon loved someone so dearly and realized that the one he loved was lost. Some of us wait a life time to get that really! Some believers never truly do. The Lord tells us to share the good news with all the nations. He says to look after the foreigners among us. Canyon, at the age of 7, is doing that very thing and we are seeing the Lord open his heart to the "forgotten friends" that XTI teaches us about. I am so thankful for that!
SO ... Hassan, we will be praying for you and your precious family! You are a treasure to be missed in our home, however, my friend, miles cannot stand in the way of our prayers for you and any plans the Lord has had to use one great kid with one big heart that has been forever changed by building a unique and precious friendship with you! I pray that that friendship has added a little shaping to both of you in the process.

My MVP!

Well, yesterday Canyon came home from school with a note that said he needed to be at the school on time to be in the office for announcements at 7:40. Canyon went on to tell me that his teacher said he was being "honored". I asked him for what but he wasn't quite sure. Funny kid! Anyways, we leave for school by 7:07 every morning (how's that for exact) and they are at the school by 7:15 or 7:20 at the latest. Needless to say, plenty of time to make it to the office for the announcements. I told Canyon that that wouldn't be a problem as they were always there by that time anyways. Great! So, this morning bright and early Dakota was screaming in her room for her "blankie" (oh what a joy to be awoken to). I stumbled out of bed noticing the time was 5:35am. Not so happy with my butterfly, I handed her her blankie with a stern "don't scream out like that again". By this time, Maliah was also standing up in her crib and peeking over at me to see what all the fuss was about. Lovely!
As I left Dakota's room I noticed a light on. So tired and frustrated, I headed straight back to bed. I still had 30 minutes and those minutes were crucial!
So 30 minutes came and went and I got up to get everyone ready for the day. The usual routine of sneaking Dakota out of her room as to not wake Maliah, dressing in the low light of the hall, doing her hair in our bathroom and then heading everyone downstairs for breakfast. Daddy ... superdaddy ... usually helps by dressing Canyon and doing his hair. This morning I noticed that the two of them came in and seemed rather "awake". Doug proceeded to tell me that Canyon, who was afraid we might be late for his morning announcement debut, had gotten up at 5:35 and dressed himself and came out bright eyed to find Daddy (whom was having his morning quiet time). Remember that light in the hall? Yep, that was Canyon getting ready for school. Funny Kid!
So this afternoon when I picked Canyon up from school I asked him what all the hoopla was about. He proceeded to tell me that he'd been nominated for the "2007 - 2008 Tim Duncan Character Award". He proceeded to tell me "there's a note in my bag". I kept asking him all about it and he just shrugged his shoulders and said "I'm not sure really what it is". My funny kid!
In case your not a fellow San Anontonion or don't watch basketball ... Tim Duncan is one of the San Antonio Spurs basketball players. He's not just any player. He's the MVP of the team and has been around forever. He rocks really!
SO upon taking out the paper I am proud to say that yes, he was indeed nominated for such an award. Apparently teachers, counselors etc. can nominate a child based upon their character and choices and the nominees must be submitted by March 1. Mrs. Martin, Canyon's teacher, had nominated Canyon. On the bottom of the letter to nominate him it read ....

"Canyon is an awesome student! Not only does he do excellent class work, but he sets a great behavioral example fo his classmates. He is respectful to all adults and students. He is an absolute pleasure to be around!"

Oh man .... I'm a proud Mommy and truly ... Canyon is my MVP! Just his nomination makes me proud!

Oh and by the way ... we haven't a clue how "winners" are chosen, when they are chosen etc. Who knows. Canyon didn't really know and after waking at 5:35 to be sure he was present ... he was pretty non shalont about the whole thing. HAHA My funny kid!

Pack your bags!

O.K. so my blog is a place to post my thoughts. I never said that everyone would agree with them so if you disagree ... please don't leave insults in my comments - I'll delete them anyway! After all, I am simply executing my first Amendment right ... Freedom of Speech!
That being said, I'm going to share a few thoughts with you as by the end of yesterday I was bubbling in frustration with the stupidity of the democratic political party.
SO ....if your an American then you know that we live in a country that was founded on Capitalization. In 1787 our founding fathers adopted the United States Constitution. One of its most famous lines "We the people" is clearly the work of our founding fathers to create a constitution that protects the people FROM the government ... making the government less involved in our lives. HMMM? What a novel idea and yet if your listening to our lovely democratic "hopefuls" then you will see that they are fighting for the government to be MORE involved in ruling our lives. Contrary to the United States Constitution! This Constitution created a country that gave power back to its people and limited the governmental power. This concept has made us one of the greatest nations ... giving people the ability to "kill it and bring it home" so to speak.
Today, we have this huge argument of taxes. You all will remember how often President Bush is criticized for "tax cuts for the rich". Yesterday, as I listened to Obama he gave the most blasphemous speach about all he would do for our country. His "change" campaign. One of his points made was that he would "roll back those tax cuts for the rich" WHAT! On several points he pushed "Universal Health care", "roll back tax cuts for the rich", making senior citizens with less that $50,000 a year exempt from paying taxes, giving more to the "poor". O.K. so to the uneducated that all sounds great and dandy. BUT ... here's the deal .... who do you think will pay for all of this? YEP ... US ... the taxpayers. Our taxes will go UP to complete all his lofty governmental goals! When you hear the world "universal" as my husband clearly has stated ... you should RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! Universal .... ugh .... that means that you and I will have increased taxes to pay for a health care system that will be "equal" across the board. HMMMMM??
Have you ever gone to the DPS office to get your license renewed? If so, then you have had the priveledge of standing in line with a number waiting to be served. Welcome to "Universal". Not my idea of a fun time at the doctors office every time one of my children get sick.
As well, do you really get what "tax cuts for the rich" are? O.K. so let me give you an example;
Joe goes to the store and buys $100 worth of groceries. Adam goes to the same store and buys $10. At the end of the day they decide to give 10% back to both consumers. Here goes ... Joe who paid $100 should get $10 and Adam who paid 10$ should get $1.00. Now, yes, Joe is getting more back ... WHY YOU ASK? Because JOE paid MORE to the grocery store than Adam did. So, your tax cuts for the rich aren't unequal to the "poor" ... they are simply giving a percentage back based upon your taxes taken in. Why is this such a hard concept to get? YES ... the rich are getting a larger percent back ... IDIOTS ... they paid MORE IN! You see, the democratic party would love nothing more than to make our country a socialist society. Everyone is "EQUAL". But, here's the deal .... when you work hard .... you are rewarded. That's the basis for capitalization. "You bring home what you kill"!
Why should my family be taxed at a greater percent because my husband and I worked hard to get through college, get a degree and work hard?
You know, my Dad and Mom married when they were still in high school. My mom worked several jobs on the campus of Texas A&M at the same time she was a Mom at 18 to a newborn baby. She worked hard to pay for my Dad to go to college, to get a degree so that they could provide a nice lifestyle for their family! She says she can remember the day when she had 12$ a week for groceries and begging my Dad to let her buy a Whataburger burger. Did she get that burger? NOPE .... she couldn't afford it. SO .... my parents, working their tale end off got a degree, went to work for a large company, worked under stress and many hours for 30 plus years and retired. Did you hear that ... he WORKED HARD! Now, my Dad will tell you .... he gets taxed out the wazoo for working hard. I can remember a few years back him making comment that he had paid more taxes in than Doug and I had made in that year. UGH --- and yes, I'm thinking his "tax cut" would be more than mine that year. HHHMMM? What a novel idea! Why should he be penalized by our government for doing what it took to get a good job and supplying his family with a good life? Why ... because their are people in the world that sit around and complain that things aren't "equal". MOST of those people are the same people who will complain that their job is just "too stressful" and so they quit. I'm sorry that standing on your feet to work all day or sitting behind a computer is stressful on you but the price is .... when you don't work hard ... you don't make what the guy next to you is who is working his TAIL END OFF!
Here's another Obama remark. "We're going to set aside a billion dollars to help you keep from foreclosing on your home". HUH? Who do you think is going to pay for that billion dollar "get out of jail card" free? YOU AND ME! Now, don't get me wrong ... I think that sub-prime lenders should be held to a standard and NO ONE should sign on the dotted line of a loan until they FULLY understand what they are getting into. BUT ... is it my fault and your fault when people don't take the time to research and understand (being fully informed) before they get themselves into something stupid? I'm a realtor, I sit at a closing table with clients all the time. I also am very aware that every client is given a "Good Faith Estimate" by their lender with the details of their loan outlined ... including their interest rate. SO .... if you get yourself into something you can't afford or are over your head because you've made a stupid choice then why should the rest of us pay for your stupidity?

I am a HUGE fan of Dave Ramsey! He does awesome work and his message is so simple "Spend only what you have!". You see, so many people in our country have an attitude of a child. They want want want! And because of that ... they buy things they can't afford on that awful thing called CREDIT! Then after a while, they realize "I can't pay my bills". Is that my fault that you acted like a child? Don't penalize the rest of us for your stupidity! The very thing that Obama would like to do when he said that he will put together a bill to help pay off consumers "credit card debt". At my expense!

UGH! This is just a very FEW items that should concern you should the democratic party make it into the White House. As a Christian Conservative ... it concerns me greatly that they work to promote "equality" and yet are taking away the very freedoms that our country was founded on in 1787!

Sorry for the diatribe here but can you see .... I am FRUSTRATED!
Read and educate yourselves and make your own decisions. I have made mine!

As my college roommate appropriately put it when Clinton won the election .... I"m packing my bags and moving to Canada! HAHA

Have a dandy day!

18 Seconds!

18 seconds ... a number that is etched in my mind! This past Friday night, Doug and I had the pleasure of being the "team captains" at the Show Hope table (Shoahannah's Hope) at the Steven Curtis Chapman concert. The concert was in Austin so we made a night of it (hotel and all ... whoo hoo!). Actually, I should actually say, we made a day and night of it. We went to Austin early in the day as Doug had work to do there and I was blessed to ride around with him and watch him "do his thing". Anyways, back to the night.
It was such a joy to serve the Lord and his orphans in this way. We met some truly authentic people and I had the best time!
As volunteers, we began the night by handing out "Show Hope" pamphlets to every person who entered the doors. To top it off, AWAA who helps sponsor the night (as well he has adopted his China beauties through them) was also a key role. As the Senior Texas Associate for AWAA, I was thrilled that every person also received a flyer for our upcoming Austin and San Antonio adoption seminars! How exciting ... great marketing too! Sorry as I digress! I pray that even one family would show up at one of the seminars as a result of that night! Hey ... it was his concert in 2002 where the Lord first planted the seed for Maliah!

Once the concert began, we pretty much hung out around the Show Hope booth and watched the concert from the back. I was sure to jump in to see him sing his song "Cinderella" that I love! Right before intermission, he gave an awesome testimony of adoption and the orphans waiting to find homes. On the right hand side of the screen behind him, I noticed that their was a revolving number that kept increasing. He shared then that the number wasn't a media glitch and in fact it was a count to show us how many children had and would become orphans as we gathered that evening. He went on to say the staggering statistic that EVERY 18 SECONDS A CHILD BECOMES AN ORPHAN! UGH! Before the concert ended, I took one last glance that made my heart ache at 733!

During intermission, we walked around and collected "change" for the "Change for Orphans" campaign. Basically, at each concert he is collecting donations that will in turn be used for family grants to adopt children. At the end of the night he blessed an unknowing family with a $4,000 dollar grant. It was so much fun to see them receive such a blessing. We had been visiting with them throughout the night as they hung out around the booth. They had been invited by Shoahannah's Hope but didn't know that they'd be receiving a grant. They currently have 3 children and are adopting a special needs little girl from China that they will soon call "Hannah". Because of that night, their way to Hannah just became that much easier! Bigger than that, he is doing this same thing at every concert this year! Praise the Lord!

I am thrilled to report that the evening brought in $5,600. Pretty great huh? I was told that the Houston concert the night before had brought in over $16,000. WOW! We counted all the money after intermission in a room and he announced the total during the concert so the people could see what an impact they had made. I thought that was awesome to show them first hand. Well, now, as the team captain it is my role to take the "change" portion of the money to the bank for deposit. Can you say a little HEAVY! Fortunately most families actually gave bills but still ... I think $600 or so was coin ---- and that is HEAVY! The rep for Show Hope had taken a picture of Houston's change from the night before. Literally ... boxes and boxes of coin. It was truly amazing!
I say all of this to say that SCC's ministry is impacting the Kingdom mightily as he works to aid families in financing their way to bringing home a child! LOVE THAT! It was that very vessel that the Lord first showed Doug and I that International Adoption was even an option. I cannot tell you the countless numbers of families who will testify to the same thing. Steven Curtis Chapman surely will be wearing a crown of jewels when he enters the gates of heaven! Truly ... he is changing lives!

From Asia to North America ALL IN ONE DAY!

Well, the Martine clan spanned the globe this past Saturday. It was a FULL day full of fun. We began our Saturday with the Asian Festival. What an amazing event. We arrived just at 10:00 and were blessed to watch the ending of the "Lion Dragon" dancers. Maliah was scared of them and tucked her head in my chest. Canyon and Dakota thought it was great! The Institute of Texas Culture was FULL of displays of foods, vendors, and activities from all around the continent of Asia. As well, throughout the day on several stages they performed ethnic cultural dances, martial arts demonstrations and more. I must say, I have never been in one place full of so many beautiful people. As we walked around the event, I was struck by the variety of God's creation! As well, where are all these families hiding out in San Antonio? Chinese, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Loatian, Hawaiin (HUH ... didn't know that was Asian really?), Korean, and more. Many families came dressed in their cultural dress and they were all beautiful. The young girls who wore their native "Indian" clothes and danced on the stage were magnificent. I was awed by their beauty! Doug and I commented that if we were going to represent the United States, what would we wear and how would we dance? HHHMM? It's actually a scary thought. The Lord later gave me something to ponder. The U.S. is about FREEDOM! Where in the world could so many groups come together and celebrate their heritage FREELY than in the US. At one point, the lady introducing the Indian dancers described that the specific dance was a "dance to the God of dance and was Hindu". Well, obviously, as a believer, I mourn that they don't know the ONE true God! In the same breathe, however, never would you see in these countries them proudly letting us display our beliefs, talk about them and teach about Jesus. Our country gives these families the freedom of worship, freedom to celebrate their heritage and a venue to allow others to be a part of it. Really, that is amazing!
In any event, we stayed until 3:45 that day and it was a full day of wonder. Maliah and Dakota LOVED the China girl dancers and Canyon was awed by all the different forms of Martial arts.

Saturday night we were blessed to get free tickets to the Rodeo and Lynrd Skynrd concert. We wanted to take Canyon and Dakota to the rodeo (and we weren't too concerned about staying for the concert). Granny came and got Maliah as we knew she couldn't sit through the event and we were off. Little did we know our seats were on the 3rd row. Nothing like being up close and personal! Dakota loved seeing the horses and both Canyon and Dakota had so much fun! When the rodeo ended, Canyon asked if we could stay for the concert. After a short discussion, we decided we only lived once and WHY NOT! So, here we were on the 3rd row of a Lynrd Skynrd concert. Ever seen such a sight? Well, lets just say, the fans of Lynrd Skyrnd are die hards and that place was ROCKING! The funniest site was my 5 year old dancing and getting into the groove. I later told Doug that I felt like I had just taken my kids to a bar. Luckily, the rodeo event simmers things down a bit. Anyways, we stuck around for 4 or 5 songs and then called it a night. By that time, it was 10:45 and we had to get up for church the next day.
The day was a blast! I am still exhausted from traveling the globe but I think the kids enjoyed every moment and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Good morning from Maliah

I thought I'd show you the most recent way that Maliah wishes me a good morning. I told you the girl was a monkey right? Did you believe me? We'll, if not then see for yourself. No lie, on many mornings this is how I am greeted by our almond eyed princess!

Corn Anyone?

I must tell you the most recent Maliah saga. After lunch on Sunday we were having lunch at Papa and Nana's house. Maliah was sitting next to me in her high chair eating so well and behaving like all two year olds should. HA. Dakota announced from her side of the table "Mom, Maliah just put a piece of corn up her nose". I proceeded to exam Maliah who was now shoving her finger up her nose and looking a little guilty. Everyone around the table thought maybe Dakota hadn't truly seen the gesture and Doug even asked "are you sure she put it UP her nose"? A very sure Dakota said "Yes, I saw her put it UP her nose". Well, needless to say a flashlight examination confirmed that yes, indeed, Maliah had pushed a piece of corn UP her nose .... WAY up her nose. SO, you may ask, what did you do? Well, let's just say "what didn't we do"? From holding her down and trying to tweeze it out, flushing her nostril (unobstructed side) with water, putting pepper under her nose to make her sneeze and trying to teache her to "blow", we weren't getting anywhere. Uncle John and his quick thinking decided to "google" the problem from which he found the much needed solution. Within a few minutes Super Daddy had Maliah laying on her back and sweetly giving her kisses. Next he plugged the unaffected nostril with his finger and with his mouth blew into her mouth just as you would do if you were giving CPR. To our surprise ... POP ... out came that piece of corn! YAY! Daddy, John and most definitely DAKOTA saved the day and Maliah's nose from corn obstruction.
The moral of the story, make sure your watching your two year old at ALL times, ALWAYS believe your five year old when they give you such grand information and if all else fails .... "google" it as I am quite certain the internet has a solution for everything ... even corn in the nose

Please meet our three beautiful children!

Well, as I begin our family blog I feel that it is important to introduce my children to you. I will start with our oldest, Canyon
Canyon was born in June of 2000. Doug and I were a bit surprised when the Lord revealed the news that we would be starting a family but today, we wouldn't have it any other way. Canyon is a ray of light in our home who continually brings me pure joy!
As my people pleaser and complacent child, he is also the easiest to deal with in regards to discipline. Canyon hates to hear that he has disappointed anyone and most importantly ... Daddy! He is absolutely Daddy's little boy. He loves sports and as Doug would say, if you can kick it or throw it, then he's involved in it. He loves soccer and baseball but also loves to shoot hoops outside with his friends and enjoyed learning the game of golf this summer. All in all, he's superb at most things he puts his mind to. Canyon also invited Jesus into his heart at 5. He is a walking and talking missionary at the young age of 7. He recently told me that his teacher was a follower of Jesus. "Why do you know that" I asked. Canyon's reply "because I asked her". Well, of course you did ... that is what Canyon does. Recently one night, Doug was talking with the two oldest about how God speaks to us. He was saying that the Lord doesn't literally "speak" to us like we hear each other. He went on to tell him all the ways that the Lord speaks to us. Canyon, with a very serious look upon his face, declared "Well, that's not true because he did speak to me". When asked further he began to tell us of a night when he was laying in bed and he said he clearly heard the Lord saying "Canyon, Canyon". Well, my friends, I'd have to say that I"m not going to argue with the boy whom at the age of 2 1/2 declared after nap time that he also had had a dream and that he had seen Jesus. He had most recently been getting out of his bed during nap time and coming out of his room and playing. Mommy had told him that he wasn't allowed to do that. After that nap he began to tell me about his dream where he had seen and talked with Jesus. I asked him "well, what did Jesus say?" Canyon quickly replied in a very serious and firm voice "he told me to get out of my bed and open the door". HMMMM? I suppose you can't argue with Jesus!
SO ... all that being said, please meet Canyon Nicholas Martine.

In 2002, the Lord blessed us once again with a beautiful blonde and blue eyed daughter we named Dakota. From the moment of Dakota's birth, I knew I was in for trouble as that girl had the most horrific cry upon delivery. WHEW ... LUNGS! The first night she was born, unlike most very sleepy newborns, Dakota cried for almost 4 hours. By the end of the four hours, we made the decision that this girl was hungry. Of course, Mommy, whose milk had not yet come in wasn't enough to satisfy our very feisty and determined baby girl. After some coercion, the nurses got me to give her 2 ounces of formula. AAAH, how nice, a sleeping and happy baby. I supposed I should have known that night that our Dakota would be determined, feisty, strong willed, and perseverant. Dakota, who is now 5 and in Kindergarten is about as beautiful as they come. She looks just like her Daddy with those big blue eyes, however, as he quickly reminds me "she acts just like me". HAHA. Dakota brings our home much giggles as she has started to become a blossoming flower. Our girl loves to sing, dance, do ballet or anything that involves glitter, glamor and jewels. She is ALL girl from her head to her toes and I know that the coming teenage years will be full of all those girlie trials and tribulations.
Dakota, who is less intense with her desire to read and pay attention to our stories and antics (we call her a butterfly that flitters in and out), often surprises us. Recently, we were discussing with Dakota what a new years goal was. Before I finish the story, I should add that for almost a year our family has been helping minister to a group of Somalian Bantu refugees here in San Antonio. We'll talk more about them later! Anyways, our obvious goal with our newly found friends is that someday we could share with them the truth of Jesus. While we talk about that with the kids, at the age of 5, I wasn't sure Dakota REALLY got it. Well, upon our News Years conversation she quickly showed me that this girl had more to her than we knew. When we asked Dakota what her goal would be this year, she quickly followed up with (without provoking), "This year, I'm going to tell Salama about JESUS!". You go girl!
SO ... there you have it, please meet Dakota Michele Martine

...................drum roll please! And our third amazing child is our daughter, Maliah. In 2002, the Lord began to give me whispers that our family wasn't complete. He began to show me through many circumstances that we had a child .. in CHINA! What? It didn't seem common sense. Over the next 2 years, he continued to show me that that was truly the will for our life and that he had ordained a beautiful child half away around the world for US! In November of 2004 we began the paperchase for our little monkey and we became a forever family on September 4, 2006. You can read all about our travels on our journey site. Maliah is now 27 months old and FULL of life! She is absolutely the most curious and precocious child I have ever met. She is so incredibly brilliant which also translates ... she gets into EVERYTHING! There is no word that could possibly describe what "childproofing" could be. Recently, she figured out how to remove the childproof locks from the cabinets. UGH! Maliah is full of monkey antics and climbs on everything in sight. She is so limber and strong that anything she wants to make a climbing gym ... she will. Maliah is also a very determined and perseverant little girl. I never knew that after Dakota that they could get any more determined. We have decided in our home, however, that we're going to call that attribute .... LEADERSHIP! So, the Martine home is FULL of leaders and I am quite sure that all three will soon change the world.
So, enjoy meeting Maliah. If you want to read more about her then please visit our other site.

Well, that is all for this post. I hope you will enjoy the journey of parenthood with us. Our days are full of highs and lows, frustrations and joys. I hope you will find that by reading our site that anything you may be feeling is probably ... quite normal.

Thanks for joining us!