Merry Christmas!

Thank you for being a part of our lives--we love you all so very much. Hope you have a wonderful & Christ-filled Christmas!

Happy 1st Birthday!

Our 1st family photo

Only a few hours old...



Now here's our Jesse boy @ one!

I haven't done the best with blogging lately (hope to catch up soon) but I couldn't miss this post because TODAY IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY! One year ago today (12:22 AM to be exact) the Lord blessed us with the most precious baby boy. I look back over the last year and so many emotions fill my heart--I remember being a little nervous about being a mommy but I was also sooooooo excited and thankful that God intrusted this baby to us to raise and nurture. And I can honestly say, the last year has been absolutely amazing! This little boy has brought so many smiles, laughs, poops :), and love into our lives this year and I just tear up thinking about how blessed we are. I pray every day that God will raise him up to be a man of God with integrity and humility. I pray that he will love the Lord Jesus with his whole heart and I pray that Joshua and I will be the type of parents who are encouraging & uplifting to his life. So, today, on this very special day, Jesse, I hope you know how honored I am to be your mommy. Other than marrying your daddy, YOU are the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me and I love you more than words can express. I am so proud of you already!!! Happy 1st B-day my little love bug, Jesse boy, etc! :)

Celebrating Three Wonderful Years!

Today, Joshua and I are celebrating our three year anniversary! I can't believe how quickly the last three years have gone--it feels just as though our wedding was a few days ago--but at the same time, I can't remember what it is like to not be married to Joshua. I love this man more and more every day and I thank God for blessing us with a love like we share! Happy Anniversary, honey, I love you!

BIG BOY

Brad's friend, Chad Davis, (who is also a photographer in Nashville) came to visit a few weeks ago and we so enjoyed having him stay with us for a few days. While he was here, he was nice enough to take some pictures of Jesse for us. We went out to the church parking lot for no longer than 10 minutes and THIS was the outcome. Can you believe it? I LOVE them, Chad...thank you so much! Here's our BIG BOY!!!

Shoes for Haiti

Click on the Vimeo Plus link below to access video!

Shoes for Haiti from Sevier Heights Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Brad's Haiti Trip

Brad got home last night from Haiti and he had an AMAZING trip...thanks so much for all of your prayers! I can't wait to share the video they will play @ the Walk this Wednesday night. :)

I just received these pics from one of the girls that went with Bradley and the title of her picture album summed it up perfectly......

"Break My Heart for What Breaks Yours"

There's a Monkey in the Martin House!

We had a great Halloween in our house...very relaxing and such a good family day! We had Joshua's b-day party on Friday night (will post on that later) so he played with all of his "toys" from his b-day while Jesse slept and I got the house cleaned and laundry done. Later that afternoon we played with Jesse boy and then Joshua and I curled up in our chairs (I know, so romantic...ha) and watched Transformers 2 while Jesse took nap #2. It was such a nasty & rainy day so we enjoyed having the day to just be home and be together--lately things have been so busy that I really soaked this day up--I wanted it to last FOREVER. :) Anyways, here we are gearing up for Jesse's 1st Halloween out on the town....

This is the new face he's been doing lately...cracks me up!

Later that night, we got Jesse all decked out in his costume and we headed to our 1st trick or treat stop--Mandy (my sis-in-law) mom's house. We love Mrs. Pat and Mr. Mac--I have known them for years and years and they have always treated me just like one of their own. So, I think Jesse will be super close to them too, which I am glad, because they are such wonderful people with so much love to give!

Here's Jesse with Mrs. Pat & Mac

Is he not the CUTEST little monkey you've ever seen? :)

Our next trick or treat stop was Mammy & Pappy's house. We were kind of late so I didn't get a picture of all the kids in their costumes...and I hate that...but we did get an after bath pic, which is better than nothing!

Jessie & Mammy--Jesse was REALLY over the costume @ this point! ;)

Happy Halloween from the Martins!

Beautiful Feet!

Romans 10:15 says, "How can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

This verse took on a literal meaning last night at The Walk (the service Bradley leads worship for here @ Sevier Heights). They've been doing a study on Poverty and during the invitation last night, Tim gave each college student the opportunity to leave their shoes @ the altar to offer up as a gift for some orphans in Haiti. Brad and I went into the sanctuary this morning and I was completely overwhelmed by the response. Do these pictures not bring TEARS TO YOUR EYES? I was completely in AWE. And this is not even half of the shoes left!!!

I think back to whenever I was in college and I was doing good to have money for a meal or a cup of coffee--and I'm sure that some of these students are in the same position, but the fact that they knew that there is someone in Haiti who needed their shoes much more than they did is incredible to me. What an amazing gift and I know the Lord was looking down @ each of these students with a HUGE smile and saying, That's right...you've got it. That's what you're on this earth for...to love and minister to those around you. Especially the lost, needy, lonely & hurting.

So, early tomorrow morning, Bradley and a few other students will be heading to Haiti to distribute these shoes. They will be back on Monday with video footage for the Walk next Wednesday night so these students will be able to see first hand how their shoes blessed the Haiti people. Please be praying for Bradley and the rest of the group as they are away and pray that these shoes will not only be a blessing to a hurting people, but also possibly bring someone to the Lord!!

Walking in Progress...

I found this video today and thought I would post it to keep you all informed of Jesse's walking progress...keep in mind that this was taken over a month ago, so he's gotten ALOT better even over the last couple of weeks! My boy is growing up WAY TOO FAST. :(

My Man's B-day!

My precious husband celebrated his 29th b-day yesterday and I just wanted to remind him how special he is to me. I have always loved my life, but since Joshua came into my life, I have loved it that much more. Not to say "life" hasn't brought us some road bumps or challenges, but I feel so blessed to have my best friend (my husband) right with me so we are able to go through those things together. This year has been especially amazing watching Joshua as a dad. All I have to say is that Jesse is one lucky boy to have a dad who loves him the way that Joshua does.

Honey, I look forward to celebrating YOU today and through-out the weekend (we do b-days big around here...haha) and love you so very much! Thank you for all you are & for all you do for our family!

The CROUPE

Here we are @ the doctor yesterday--my poor boy has been diagnosed with the croupe! :( Isn't that so sad? His little cough sounds aweful --it just breaks my heart! Please be praying that the Lord will heal him QUICKLY. This way Jesse & Mommy might get some sleep too. (PLEASE LORD!!! ha)

Two Special People Celebrating a B-day!

Well, I have to laugh when I think about this post, but two very special people in my life celebrated a birthday recently and these two certain people just happen to LOVE giving eachother a hard time. All of that to say, I thought it was appropriate to combine their b-days in ONE post! :)

On October 6th, my sweet mother-in-law celebrated her big day & we had an awesome dinner for her over @ Phillip & Mandy's house --what a blast we had! I am so grateful that the Lord gave me a mother-in-law like Sally--she is so good for me in so many ways and she has honestly treated me just like a daughter. Because my mom is so far away, I am so thankful for that! Happy B-day, Sally/Mammy! We love you and are so blessed to have you in our lives!!! Here are a few pics of her b-day party.

The girls and Jesse...can you tell we live in TN with all of that ORANGE?!!! :)

All the kids got a bath and this was taken right before we headed home! I LOVE after bath pictures. :) So glad you had a good b-day, Mammy!

We celebrated another very special b-day on the 12th of October and it was a BIG ONE for this guy! Happy 60th b-day to my favorite dad in the WHOLE WORLD. Honestly people, doesn't he look GOOD for 60? ;) I can't put into words how much I love my dad...all I can say is I am SO very blessed. And anyone who encounters him is blessed as well. He has a way of making people feel very special and "loved on" whether they are his own kids/family or not. I love that about my dad. I love that growing up my friends loved him like a dad and they STILL talk about how funny and wonderful he is...and I couldn't agree more! You are one special man, pop! :) And the cool thing is YOU ARE MY DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel that God gave me a very special gift when He gave me to you to raise and nuture. I love you!!!!

We weren't able to be with dad on his b-day--so we don't have any b-day party pics--but he had a wonderful time celebrating his b-day in Niagara Falls with Pam! We were so happy he had a great birthday. :)

Okay so G-pa and Mammy, know that you BOTH SO SPECIAL to us...dark side or not :) and we love you dearly!!!!! We are blessed & honored to call you family. :)

Love, Joshua, Christy, & Jesse

B-days, B-days, B-days!!

This time of year is filled with LOTS of b-days for our family...keeps us busy, but we love it!

First of all, my sweet mama had a b-day on the 25th. :) I love my mom--she's such a wonderful lady. Me & my brothers have always loved to tease her (and she is such a good sport), but she has one of the best hearts of anyone I know and she is blessed with so many wonderful qualities. However, I must say, the thing I appreciate about my mom the most is that she has always loved me no matter what. So, thank you mom for your unconditional love. You are so very dear to my heart and we miss you so much. Love you!!!

Me & Mom in Cali back in 2007

Secondly, our triplet nephews turned FIVE on the 26th! I still can't believe they are five. I remember their 1st b-day like it was yesterday (that was also when Joshua decided that he liked me--wahoo!) and it's hard to imagine how quickly the time has gone. Happy B-day to the most adorable 5 year olds I know. :) Uncle Joshua, Jesse and I love you so very much!!!!!!!!!

Jesse & Mahala with the boys on their 5th b-day!

Prodigal Son

For those of you who might be interested, you can click on link below to read a post my brother Brad wrote about one of his songs--you'll be able to hear him sing it too. It's awesome and I really think you'll be blessed! http://insidethewalk.org/blog/

Happy B-day Nan!

Happy B-day to the most wonderful "Nan" a girl could ask for!! She is soft spoken, funny, loving, wise, BEAUTIFUL, godly, and an amazing friend!! She's just plain wonderful. :)

Nan, I wish we could be with you today to celebrate your special day, but since we can't, know that we're thinking about you and love you so very much!!!

Give Me Jesus

My friend, Sue, posted the below video to facebook this AM and I thought I would share it on my blog. What an incredible message and what an amazing tribute to Mrs. Graham!!

"Give me Jesus" is one of my very FAVORITE songs. I remember whenever I worked for BGEA I would put this song on @ my desk and listen to it over and over. I'm doing that same thing again today. :) It's such a great reminder of what we are on this earth for--not to gain earthly crowns but to gain heavenly crowns. I encourage you to live today with a HEAVENLY perspective!!!

Give Me Jesus - Fernando Ortega Ruth Graham Tribute

Weekend in the Burg

WARNING: EXTREMELY LONG POST!

Wow! What a fun time we had this past weekend. :) My mom called me about a week and a half ago and informed us that she had decided to take a quick trip to Lynchburg for a college reunion. My dad was going too, so this was the perfect opportunity for us to hop in the car and see our family...and all of the Lburg friends too! Unfortunately, Joshua has been short on help @ work so he was unable to come--we really missed him--but he probably would have been sick to death of all the girl talk by the end of the weekend anyways. ha I hadn't been back to Lburg since Dolly's wedding over 2 years ago, so I was SO excited to go back for the weekend!

Bradley and I headed out of town Friday morning and got to L-burg around 4-ish. We met up with dad so he could see Jesse (who cares about the daugther & son anymore...right???? ha) and then Jesse and I went to spend a little time with Dolly, Leland and Michael before they left to go out of town. I was SO excited to finally be able to meet sweet Michael and boy was he precious, darling, all of the above!!! Dolly and I have been able to experience all the stages of life together so it was VERY surreal to sit there and watch our boys play together after all of the prayers we have prayed. We are so incredibly blessed and Dolly's friendship will always mean the world to me. She is the real deal people!!!!

Quick trip to Starbucks! Bradley's teaching Jesse early. :)

Jesse meeting Dolly for the 1st time!

I love this picture. :)

After I left Dolly's I stopped by to see my mom for a short bit and she cried and cried whenever she saw Jesse. She hadn't seen him since he was a week old, so she couldn't get over how much he had changed. It was SO good to be with her. My parents had a banquet on Friday night, so since they were busy, I took the opportunity to meet my old Lburg roomie, Chapel, her husband, Troy, and their little boy, Charlie Cash for dinner. We had the BEST time and again, it was so wonderful seeing all the great things God has done for Chapel. They live in a GORGEOUS home and have been blessed with the most precious baby boy! After dinner, we headed to an icecream shop and met up with another one of our good friends, Brian, and his kiddos, Makenna & Nick. Brian never fails to make us laugh. We sat there, ate our icecream, oo-ed & ah-ed over the kids and laughed. It was so refreshing and I left with that feeling in your stomach--the one you get when you've laughed so much it hurts. It was great! I stayed with Chap that night and after we got the boys to bed, we stayed up late talking. And just like back in the day, I got SLEEPY and my words starting running together...so we ended up going to bed too! Some things never change. :) It was a LONG day for me...what can I say???

Jesse meeting Chap for the 1st time!

Troy & sweet Charlie!

Jesse & Brian

Me & Jesse with Makenna & Nick

Saturday morning, Bradley and I met Dad and Pam for breakfast. I know that EVERY family has their issues--just like my own--but the thing I love about being with my family is that we truly enjoy eachother whenever we're together. We don't fight, we don't bicker, we just laugh and have a great time. I'm so thankful for that! Anyways, it was fun for them to love on Jesse and they even brought him some presents too...guess that's what g-parents love to do! :)

G-pa & Jesse--they are such good buddies. :)

After breakfast, Brad, Jesse and I all met up with my mom, Nan, and Jim (Nan's husband) at the mall, ate lunch and just hung out. We haven't all been in the same place in so long, so it was nice to have everyone there (except for Jay and we missed you so, so much!!!) My friend, Bonnie and her baby girl, Alivia met us @ the mall as well and I hadn't seen Bonnie since my wedding and hadn't met Alivia yet either so that was such a treat! What a cutie-patootie she is -- she has the most beautiful face and the cutest giggle. Bonnie has waited such a long time for a baby--and has been through so much trying to have one, that it made me EXTREMELY happy to see her with her beautiful little girl. :) After the mall, we all headed to a reunion cookout with my mom and then Jesse really needed a nap, so I headed to Bonnie's house for that! It gave us a great chance to catch up a little bit while the kiddos slept. Loved that.

Jesse & Mimi

Jesse & Nan

Bonnie & Alivia

That night I headed to dinner with mom & Nan @ Shakers (yum...miss that place!) and then we headed back to the hotel to hang out. By this point, we were all EXHAUSTED from running non-stop and I wanted to get my poor boy into bed early--he was such a trooper the entire weekend! It was so great to be with mom and Nan--it refreshed my heart in a huge way. :)

Sunday AM Brad came to get me @ the hotel and brought along another dear friend from Charlotte, Lyndsey. Lyndsey had never met Jesse before either--we were SO happy to see her! We all ended up going to Thomas Road to hear mom & dad sing and I ran into a thousand people I haven't seen in ages. A lot of our friends from college still live in LBurg so it's always like a big reunion when we go back. You see someone everywhere you go...and I love that! We FINALLY headed back to Knoxville about 1 PM and it felt like the weekend had come and gone in no time. Both Brad and I got to see our parents, our Nan, alot of our friends and had the most wonderful time! Everyone needs a weekend like that every once in awhile. :)

Jesse meeting Lyndsey for the 1st time!

Finally got to see Kim!!!

Saying Goodbye to Mimi!

YAY! Going home to see my DADDY!!! :)