BIZ-ZAY

I can't believe it is already May 19th....
First I must start this post with a birthday wish for my mom#2. Happy Birthday Linda! She has graciously allowed her family to blow off celebrating Mother's Day AND her birthday....but did you know it was because she was in Hawaii?!?! I love you Linda. Hope your co-workers make up for what your family hasn't had time to do......
Now, for the Martens Month of May Mayhem. Just a quick recap of the highlights, I won't bore you with the little details...but be sure that it is the details that make our days so packed.

I started off the month with a 12 year friendship anniversary trip to Branson with my bff Tricia. After driving through a hurricane, we had two days of shopping and two nights of trying to sleep in a noisy hotel. In between was lots of laughter and girl talk.

Tess had a piano recital on the 3rd. She did great. The kids were nervous, and all of them played their songs like they were on crack, but it was good experience learning to play for an audience.

We had our first appointment for Tess with an orthodontist. OF COURSE she needs things done, and yes, it is going to cost a fortune. We go back next week to see her "complete dental record and financial package." Anyone need a kidney? I've got two and I'm thinking of selling one.

Our carpets got cleaned. Normally that would not be considered blog material, but they were so dirty, and they look so good(for being crappy carpet) that I am totally jazzed. Three words: Pratt Carpet Care. Call Rod, he does good work.

Tess's team played their first softball game last Saturday and WON! She caught a ball while playing 1st base that got a girl out, and went 2 for 3 hitting. I was so proud of her for adjusting her swing speed after her first at-bat was a strike out. Andy went over and said that the pitching machine was throwing slower that the one they use during practice. Whether or not Tess had also noticed that, I don't know, but she adjusted her swing and her next two at-bats were line drives. Go Bulldogs!

Later that same day, in the cold and rain, I went with 20+ teenagers to Shinefest at Worlds of Fun. I was wet, I was cold, and I was seriously questioning my decision to help sponsor this activity. When I signed up, I was picturing(dreaming of) a beautiful, sunny, 70 degree day! By 8:15PM(!) the main concert started and tobyMac took the stage. I was in awe. I was amazed. I was TOTALLY THRILLED to be there. Quite possibly the best concert I have ever been to. Not to mention that the audience was primarily teens (with a few adults sprinkled in between) that were there to praise God. What a JOY. If you've never heard of tobyMac, I encourage you to find their songs.....but be prepared to want to dance. I'm not kidding. It is that good. This is SOOOO not the Christian music they had when I was a kid.....I feel totally cheated out of a wonderful way to praise God and feel connected to Him.....but I am so thankful to have it now.

Kate had her last day of school on Monday. She is now thrilled to be able to say that she is in "Pre-K." What a blessing to have two kids, so far, that LOVE going to school and LOVE being outgoing and playful kids. I don't know what I'd do if I had a shy, clingy one....

Okay, I think that is most of it.....there have been softball practices, meetings, piano, youth group, and our three jobs (mine is yuck, yuck, triple yuck) sprinkled in between. I seriously need to post more often.
Now for a few funnies: Earlier this morning Kate had a purse packed and said she was going on a trip far far away. "To where?" I asked. "Some place far away like Africa?" "No, Conneticut" she tells me.
Kate just bit Jane and left teeth marks. It was while they were playing like they were animals, but still.....
Time for the Mayor to get biz-zay and start this day.