Carry The Torch

Alexander was invited to join the National Junior Honor Society last Fall and has participated in events and meetings throughout the school year. On Tuesday evening, he had the honor of officially being inducted into the society. Each future member was awarded a t-shirt and asked to wear the shirt to the ceremony. There are four basic qualities that the NJHS expects the members to display: scholarship, service, leadership and character. Alexander's middle school is the only middle school in the district offering NJHS and this is the 2nd year of it's existence in WCS, so truly, being inducted into the NJHS is an honor!















































Receiving his award and being congratulated by his Principal and District Superintendent
















New members reciting the NJHS pledge

We are very proud of your NJHS induction--a wonderful recognition for all of your hard work throughout middle school!! Congratulations Alexander!!!

SURPRISE!!!

I've thought for months that something was happening this past weekend, but wasn't entirely convinced. The boys and I made Spring Break plans to visit my parents in HHI, but the plans were canceled once Trey INSISTED we be home by Wednesday night. Too much for us to spend 4 days in the car for 2 1/2 days in HHI. Last week, trying to get an answer, I asked if I should have the house spotless; especially the guest room. Trey replied "probably" and then changed his answer to "I'm going to say 'no'"---he knows I would have gone CRAZY cleaning. OK, I thought, no one's coming to visit... Then, I asked if I should have my preschool plans finished early. Trey replied "I highly recommend you have your preschool plans finished by Wednesday!!!". SO, Wednesday morning, during Spring Break, I headed, rather reluctantly, to preschool. I worked for an hour or so and then returned home overwhelmed at the amount of work that needed to be completed by that evening (or so I thought). My friend Stacey and her daughter were lifesavers and joined me Wednesday afternoon to work on my preschool cutting and pasting--thanks again!! So, I worked feverishly ALL Wednesday completing work anticipating that something BIG MUST be happening... Trey returned from work Wednesday evening and headed out for a run. I thought to myself that he was stalling and kept waiting for my in-laws to arrive to watch the boys; which never happened. Needless to say, since Trey had repeated many, many times that I needed to be home Wednesday night I was expecting "something". Well, "something" didn't occur and I felt so selfish for being disappointed, but I couldn't help my feelings. I hate to admit that I was "ugly" that evening! Thursday morning, Trey left EARLY for work and I was up early--couldn't sleep. I headed sleepily to the kitchen to check e-mail, as I always do. And, there, waiting for me was an e-mail entitled "How about a little weekend getaway?" My heart jumped and then, the guilt just overwhelmed me! Boy, was I unpleasant Wednesday evening and I felt HORRIBLE for my behavior. His e-mail had a list of instructions including packing the boys and Sophie for Lima. In addition, I was given a list of things to pack as well. Immediately I phoned Trey and apologized and tried pumping him for information--he wasn't going to budge on where we were headed. The excitement built all day Thursday. Trey met his parents and they took the boys and Sophie for the weekend--I wasn't allowed to go--I was told to stay home and pack, scrapbook, or just relax...hmmm... Friday morning, we rose early and began our mystery journey. From what was mentioned I surmised we'd be heading South although I wasn't sure how far South. On the other side of Columbus, Trey suggested we stop for breakfast. When we travel, once you're settled in the car, you're there for hours! And, really, the only reason to stop is to refuel. So, I was a little puzzled by our stop for breakfast, but decided I'd enjoy our time together. We continued South and in Cinci, took 275. I questioned his choice--did he think traffic would be heavy at 9am in Cinci? Yep--hmmm... Well, at the last possible second we pulled off the highway at Ted & Michelle's exit. My excitement was building as I realized that they were joining us! The trip South was uneventful, the day was gorgeous and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out in the back seat talking with Michelle for hours. I still had no idea where we were headed though...just further South. In Knoxville, TN we changed directions. Our mysterious journey ended at a beautiful cabin tucked in the Smokey Mountains. After sitting in the car for hours, Michelle and I decided to take a walk. Oh my gosh--the "hills" in TN are STEEP! We returned to the cabin, and I joined the guys on the back porch with the most spectacular view of the Smokey Mountains. We were talking and I turned around and there, standing before me, were Kathie and Jim!! OH MY GOSH--Kath and I haven't seen one another since Thanksgiving 2008, so I was beside myself with joy! We started catching up--what more could I ask for--my two good friends together with me for a weekend--WOW, what a surprise! We kept talking, catching up and then, who should walk through the cabin door, but another good friend, Heather and her husband Richard! OH MY GOSH! To say I was surprised is an understatement--I was absolutely stunned and just couldn't hide my excitement. I learned that Trey's been planning this weekend for months!! We've lived in several different locations through the years--OH, MD and GA and Trey thought it would be special to have our good friends from each location join us for a surprise 40th for me. My friends have never met one another, but you wouldn't have known by the way we were all laughing and enjoying our time together. Trey--I can't believe you pulled off this surprise and I can't thank you enough--thanks for being so thoughtful and loving--what an amazing surprise!!

Welcome to the BEAR lodge

We laughed when we first entered the cabin as there were many unexpected "critters" there to greet us! We noticed racoons, a bear, fish, squirrels, birds and a frightening boar on the lower level. It became our quest to make sure we had noticed all of the animals. Aside from all of the "critters", the cabin was very inviting, spacious and welcoming.

Our view while relaxing on the back porches...

The girls from the second floor "peek-a-boo" window. We all felt like Rapunzel!

It's been tradition each place we've lived that we go out for Mexican with our friends. So, for old times sake we decided to drive into Pigeon Forge, TN for a Mexican dinner. The food wasn't the best, but spending time with friends...priceless!

Trey, the boys and I have visited Gatlinburg, TN several times throughout the years and I've always wanted to hike in the Smokey Mountains. Saturday that dream became a reality. We ventured to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and decided, after talking with a condescending park ranger, that we would hike to Laurel Falls. The path was paved, thank heavens, but the hike was steep. The higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the views.

Above Michelle, Heather, me and Kathie pose with the Smokey Mountains pictured below behind us.

Richard, Jim, Ted and Trey in the same location.

The steep hike was well worth it--Laurel Falls is beautiful!

Me and my hubby in front of the falls.

Ted & Michelle decided right away that they were climbing to the lower portion of the falls. Being the "careful one", I intially decided against the climb down--too dangerous. Well, soon Trey and Richard were climbing down and Heather and I decided we should go too. Once the 6 of us were safely at the bottom of the falls, Jim and Kathie headed down too. The lower portion of Laurel Falls is pictured below.

The girls, resting on a boulder, with the lower portion of the falls in the background.

Following our hike, we were starving! Living in MD, our Floridian friends (Richard & Heather) rarely enjoy BBQ and requested we find a BBQ restaurant. We're glad we did--Bennet's was delicious! Jim introduced Kathie to "fried pickles" which are surprisingly good with ranch dressing. The BBQ was awesome, our waiter Bo was wonderful and we left with very full tummies!

Another adventure that I've always wanted to do in Gatlinburg, TN: "Ober Gatlinburg".

Mind you, I'm afraid of heights, but I really, really wanted to ride the alpine slide. The only way to ride the alpine slide was to ride the tram to the top of the mountain, so we did.

The views of the Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg in the distance were beautiful!

In order to ride the alpine slide, we had to ride the ski lift to another, higher, portion of the mountain. Kathie, Jim and I faced our fears and rode the ski lift to the alpine slide.

Knowing my hubby well, Heather agreed to ride with me.

I white knuckled all the way up, but I'm so happy that we were all at the top of the hill together.

Jim and Kathie over the alpine slide.

Richard and Trey approaching the top of the mountain.

Trey, ready to speed down the hill...

After returning to the cabin from our Gatlinburg adventures, we enjoyed Kathie's YUMMY carrot cake (thanks Kath!!). I can't believe I'll be turning 40 in a couple weeks. I remember as a child thinking that 40 was SO OLD, but as I approach this age, I feel so young!

Thanks to my best friends from OH, MD and GA. I'm touched beyond words that each of you made the trip to surprise me. I had an amazing birthday weekend and will always remember my 40th. Thanks so much for being a part of the celebration!!

Trey, I had an amazing weekend and am overwhelmed by your love and thoughtfulness. Thanks so much for your attention to every detail, even if I didn't show that Wednesday evening, I'm so happy that we were able to have a "Spring Break Getaway". Thanks for making my 40th so special--I love you today and always!

Hoops Anyone?

The ground has finally softened and it's time to make room for a new and much improved basketball hoop. Trey removes the old hoop and summons Alexander to begin their project.

Trey and Alexander spent several evenings digging, digging and digging some more. The directions for the basketball hoop require a 4 foot hole. In the midst of the digging, it rained, so Alexander spent some time removing water and digging some more. After about 2 feet, trouble began. So, Trey did some research and found that the newest addition to our tool collection should be a "slade". Well the slade came in quite handy, they sunk to three feet in no time and decided to wait another evening to finish the final foot.

Once the hole was dug, it was time to mix concrete...80 pound bags of concrete...thirteen 80 pound bags of concrete and two trips to Lowe's later, we had enough concrete to fill the 4 foot hole. Of course, I do need to mention that this project started at 7:30pm last Wednesday evening and concluded around 10:30pm. For those of you unaware, Lowe's stays open until 10pm!

Some more assembly required. Once, the hole was finished, the concrete had set for a few days--80+ degree weather certainly helped that process--it was time to add the "arms" to the pole. Again, father and son diligently working on their project together.

Moving the pole onto the concrete base took a little effort, but my strong hubby and son accomplished the task. Trey enlisted the help of our neighbor for the next step. The backboard, solid glass, is HEAVY! Alex and Trey held the backboard in place while Alexander attached the backboard to the arms.

Next step, attaching the hoop to the backboard. And finally, the last step--adding the net to the rim!

To widen the net, Alexander "dropped" the basketball--first time the ball went through the new net. Notice how low the hoop rests, well, Trey made if official--the hoop is now ten feet off the ground and ready for regulation play :o). Trey, Alexander and I played an aggressive game of "pig". Needless to say, I lost, but I did make several baskets--just not the right ones--"A" for effort though! We'll have lots of fun with the new hoop. Alexander has been practicing every day outside and he said the new hoop is SO much nicer than the old. He was asked to play on another rec team, so basketball games continue in the Martin household...coupled with track meets and soccer matches...oh my!

I'm glad Trey and Alexander were able to complete this project together--wonderful bonding experience for them. Hoops anyone?

"Egg"cellent Eggs

We arrived at Papa and Grammy's house (Lima, Ohio) late Saturday afternoon. Since the Final Four games were being played that evening, we opted for an early dinner/late lunch at Trey's favorite pizza place. According to Trey, no one has better pizza ANYWHERE than they have in Lima. So, after enjoying what we affectionately term "Lima pizza", we returned to the house to begin Easter festivities. Grammy had prepared 3 dozen hard boiled eggs for the boys to color.

Alexander even decided to color a couple eggs and Grammy couldn't have been happier to have all 3 grandsons coloring eggs together. Below, each grandson prepares to color an egg (Noah--blue, Haiden--green and Alexander--yellow).

Above, Noah uses his "egg tool" to color eggs. Haiden, decided it was much easier and faster to hold the egg and dip it in and out of EVERY color a few times before finishing his "masterpiece". Below, Haiden's hands after coloring eggs "his" way.

Cleaing up after coloring eggs--boys, you did an 'egg'cellent job creating many masterpieces for all to enjoy!