You have a blog? Yes...

Welcome back ME! Haha! Sooooo to say "it has been a while" is a bit of an understatement. More like it is has been forever and a day. To tell the truth I haven't needed to update my blog so much considering it was started as a way to update family and friends of the happenings in the Martin household whilst we live in distant lands far from those we love most. *sigh* The life of an Army family. Up until recently we have been fairly close to our home base and the need to keep our dear ones well informed was easy and the upkeep of a blog seemed tedious and unnecessary- HOWEVER- we now find ourselves farther away than ever before with a new baby and I felt 'twas time to once again put my typing skills to work and update those who care.

Since my last post way too much has happened to thoroughly inform. The highlights include: a move to Virginia, followed by a move to Maryland during a hurricane, followed by the birth of our first son in December. We are learning to live without the comfort and support of having our immediate families near by. It has been hard on me, but for the first time I am reaching out and really making an effort to establish friendships. For an introvert such as myself, it isn't always easy, but I feel blessed that God has provided us with a good community here on post and a great church. I suspect this experience being far from home will be a tremendous gift to us in the long run and that we will be the better for it. That said, we are both very anxious to be back in Texas! We love our home state and we are definitely proud to be Texans :) .

Now that you have been somewhat caught up on our life...

The following video is a sweet one! Our 8 week old boy is talking (cooing) to his Daddy. You have to wait 'til near the end before he actually starts, it is the last two out of four minutes I believe, the rest of the time you can laugh at and be in awe of his sweet cute self ;) . This video is mostly for the grandparents. I know it is hard on Granny and Mimi to be so far away from their adorably sweet and, I dare say, amazing grandbaby boy...

Video: SilasTalking

Check back soon for more exciting info (but not really) on the Maryland dwelling Martins.

It Has Been A While...

Welcome back ME!

Obviously there is a lot that has happened over the course of one month, a week, and one day. For starters, my nanny job with Lilli has ended, Robby has come home for R&R and left, and I am coming to the end of long days of fun-filled reading and online videos for school. That's right! I am getting close to becoming a certified medical secretary. Woooo. Don't act like you're not impressed.

Among those milestones, Robby and I were blessed by a family friend with the opportunity to stay at their lakehouse for his first week home and spent the second week with family. It was an incredibly precious time which obviously went by way too fast; however, on the bright side Robby will be home in LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS so that is truly exciting and definitely smile inducing. I know all of the family will be happy to have him back in the states and not that it is a competition or anything, but I think I will be the most happy ;). Overly happy really.

Once Robby left to go back to Iraq, I headed straight to College Station to spend time with my mom and to use her busy-body-ness to keep me distracted from the lonely sense that my husband was gone once again. She is a super lovely lady and a pro at keeping me busy. On one of our many comings and goings we went to Brenham to do some antique shopping and I found the cutest little low boy chest that I repurposed to be our TV stand. It was a completely unexpected find too. Every other antique shop was closed at 10am on Saturday morning (go figure) so we were just wandering around the quiet streets and happened into this tiny, and I do mean tiny, little "antique" shop. It wasn't really a shop at all, it was an after thought to a hearing aid store. Just one little room in the back with some old stuff. Turned out to be my lucky day. Only one store open and it had the most perfect piece of furniture. I should mention that I had long since been looking for a stand to place our television upon and nothing stood out and said "I'm unique". Well friends, I found it. Rest easy. I have added a picture below for you to see. It is kind of sad though, I have no pictures from when Robby was home, but I have a photo of some random piece of furniture. BUT! In my defense, I was way too busy having fun with my Love to worry with a camera. Just sayin'...

Go ahead. Be impressed.
This is my low boy turned prop for television.

...thinking...

Welp, I am sure there is more I could write about, but it has been a long time and to go on would take up more than one page and I don't think you nor I would enjoy that very much....
Needless to say I enjoyed having my husband home tremendously, I was sad to see him leave again, but I am very much looking forward to his return home once again. This time for good... at least until a possible next time.

Have a blessed week!

Happy Mother's Day

This past weekend was Mother's Day weekend and my mom came to visit and we had a blast. We went to dinner at the delicious restaurant at Zocca on the Riverwalk and later watched the King's Speech. Such a great movie, well worth owning if you like period movies- which Rob and I do. Then on Sunday I made a special brunch for both my mom and Sharon. Two women who are definitely deserving of a little spoiling. It wasn't much, but it was fun spending time together and having a little fellowship with both the motherly influences in my life. Peter was there too, but it was all about the moms.

Overall it was a good day :)
There is not much new with Rob. We are getting really excited because sometime within the next two weeks he will be home on R&R. Well, ideally within the next two weeks. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! We will have been seperated for SEVEN months and that is just too long for anyone to be apart from their husband and best friend. BUT I am so proud of his service and I could not ask for a more amazing husband. Other than this exciting monumental event of Robby coming home for two weeks, there is not much to update on. He is still attempting to finish everything on his to-do list. It is coming down to the wire and there still isn't enough hours in the day, but he is surviving. He has been able to spend some more time with his dad which is always good for him. Rob's dad offers support and encouragement in a desert place and I know we are both thankful for that and for the opportunities they have been able to meet. Needless to say, God is faithful.

In other news this week is my last full week with Lilli and next Wednesday will officially be my last day. I am definitely going to miss the little munchkin who has taught me so much, but with the end of this job brings the beginning of Rob's R&R so yes, I am ready. One good-bye brings another hello and that hello has been long awaited for. I CANNOT WAIT!!!

Welp! Another update. Hope all is well with all of you and your week is off to a superb start. Have a fantastic day! See you here again soon.

Usama bin Laden is No More

I think the fact that Usama bin Laden has been killed is indeed blog worthy. Mostly I just want to gush over the troops. For nearly ten years the world has been searching for one man. One man who caused mass destruction and devastation and changed the lives of not only Americans, but the lives of people around the world. Usama bin Laden admittedly planned and was the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks. That fateful day left millions in mourning and on this day justice has been served.

As an American and more so as an Army wife, I could not be more proud today. Our troops have done a helluva job fighting this war. We first took down Saddam and now bin Laden. Of course the war is far from over and al Qaeda may retaliate, but I agree with Bush- this victory is monumental in showing our dedication to winning this war. Watching Americans come together to celebrate in DC and Ground Zero and all over the world was extremely moving and encouraging. People seem to forget the daily sacrifices soldiers and their families are making and to see such appreciation and pride in/for our country and troops was just... just absolutely amazing and I am grateful for this victory and God's constant provision.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/05/02/president-george-w-bush-congratulates-obama-bin-laden-killing/

On a completely different note, here is a picture of Rob and a few other Aggies with Dr. Robert Gates:

What an exciting day for the Aggies at Mozul! I am seriously grateful for individuals who take time to travel among the different FOBs to show appreciation and recognition of our servicemen and women. This particular visit was mostly for Aggies, but what can I say? There is a bond between Aggies that goes on forever. It does not matter what year you graduated or how old you are (or are not) nor how much experience you have, all that matters is that golden ring. I may not have graduated from Texas A&M, but boy am I proud of my Aggie husband and I am blessed with the knowledge that he has that extra support and community. WHOOP! Go Aggies :)

Hope your Monday is amazing and this week goes by supa fast! For my sake and yours.

God bless!  

Fool Me Even Once, Shame On Me

Consumer beware!!! Seriously take caution.

Recently I received a phone call telling me I was a preferred Master Card customer and they wanted to show their appreciation by sending me this package deal. It was free as long as I canceled the two included subscriptions (one for identity theft and the other for SIX magazines) within two weeks. Needless to say my strong desire to avoid any fees motivated me greatly and I canceled both within two days. All should be well, right? No.

Two days ago I received a phone call from the magazine company saying I was going to have to pay $50 a month for 13 months...WHAT?!? They told me I did not cancel my subscription in time and now I was obligated to pay for the package of six, I reapeat, SIX magazines that I didn't even want. Let me say too that I already subscribe to three magazines that I DO want and all three I willingly and knowingly paid for all up front with no monthly payment. That would have meant I was getting NINE magazines a month. Ummmm, no. So after being bullied by the "customer service supervisor" I felt hopeless and stupid for making such a costly mistake. BUT thank God for a wonderful husband who provides comfort and solace and understanding. He was patient and encouraged me to try to fight this so-called obligation. Which I did after I finished my pity party and wallowing in despair over losing so much money. I spent some time praying about my situation and decided to start at the beginning with the company that originally called with said promotional package. Thank Heavens their number was still in my phone! The company in turn provided me the number I was previously given to cancel both identity theft and my obligations to a certain magazine company. When I called guess what... I don't think you are going to guess this... okay are you ready? As it turns out I did IN FACT cancel my trial periods on time. The lady I spoke with said the individuals calling me were just trying to pressure me into paying for  and actually committing to a subscription. She then informed me to just hang up if they call again because I had indeed canceled EVERYTHING on time. Let me remind you though the caller from the skeevy magazine company said I owed them and there was no way out of my contract, I was obligated to pay for something I NEVER EVEN HAD. Seriously!? This is how a company does business. Bully people into believing they have an outstanding balance and accidentally committed to something outrageous! Rude and seriously unjust.

Anywho, because this company had my card number I had to call and cancel my card and get a new number and go through a huge hassle and ordeal just to figure out I was right and they falsely accused me of owing them money. I say again that these people are rude and they know exactly what they are doing. Manipulating consumers by threatening them and pushing them around is the way they make money. Sad, but apparently true. It is a huge scam! Which Dave Ramsey talks about in his books and teaches you in Financial Peace University, where thankfully my darling husband was paying attention and knew I was being boonswaggled.

Additionally when I spoke to the lady at USAA she told me this happens ALL the time. You have to be careful. Even if you say no, there have been incidents where they still insist you owe them money. Just hang up. As long as they don't have your card number and you do not approve a charge to your account you should be good. Something else to keep in mind, the USAA rep said that if you get a call like I did, you need to hang up and call your bank or card company and ask THEM if they have the same promotion... that is if you want it bad enough otherwise just say no. Stranger danger! I will never EVER accept such an offer and will probably avoid all unknown calls for the rest of my life.

Side note: Normally in a circumstance such as the original phone call, I would just say NO from the beginning, but they already knew my MC number so I thought they were legitimate. Stupid I know, but lesson learned... the hard way. Hopefully this was a lesson you could learn through my experience. Trust me it is uber stressful and emotionally exhausting. LEARN NOW.

Whew!

So you all have a great rest of the week! Mine is looking up now ;)

Another Day; A Late Post

I realize it has been over a week now and I apologize. I actually have been trying to think about something to write, but there is nothing new to really speak on.

Rob's schedule has once again changed and he no longer has a regular shift in the TOC. The new schedule gives him the next two weeks off and then he will work overnight for a full week at which point he will be off again for 2-3 weeks. Who knows how long this schedule will last, but I know Rob hopes it remains for as long as they do. He has continued attending Bible Studay and church with his dad and aside from being stressed from an extensive (and still growing) "to do" list he is doing well.

As for me, I am down to 17 more days of working with Lilli. I am tired and missing my Bible Study but looking forward to starting one with my mom-in-law soon.

Like I said, really lacking in updates.

The biggest news for this week is Rob and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary this past Tuesday. It is too bad my Sweetie is over seas, but it was a special day nonetheless. Being married to your best friend for literally FOREVER is absolutely amazing and such a gift. Niether of us can believe it has been two years already. On one hand it seems like we just got married yesterday and on the other, it is almost like we have been married for YEARS. Like we are already old souls who have grown together over years of experience; however, we are far from being old. Although, it does make me excited for the years to come. Learning more about one another and knowing each so intimately well... it will make for an interesting 50 more years I am sure about that.

Well friends, that is the most in updated news I have for you a week and a half later than my last post. I am sorry for lacking in diligence and information, but I am doing the best I can. I pray your weekend is blessed and abundant in joy.

Happy Easter!!!

Big Milestone in 47th Company Deployment

What an exciting day it is for the men and women of the 47th EOD OD CO and their families. Today we have officially reached 6 months from the day they left. We have made it to HALF-WAY THROUGH THIS LOOOOOOONG DEPLOYMENT! Congratulations!

Boy! I tell you, this seperation has been one of ups and downs and everything in between. I can't believe how time has seemed to fly and yet the day-to-days seem to slowly inch by at a snails pace. Either way, I am thankful we are in April and at the peak of this season of seperation. However, despite everyday being a day of longing, I am so incredibly proud of the man I married and overjoyed for the growth I have seen in him and have experienced myself through this (seemingly never-ending) trial.

God has been good and He is faithful. Praise Him for getting me through this valley and for the time of growth. I could not be more proud of my amazing spouse and I am sure the other wives of the 47th EOD CO would say the same.

Bring on October! Whoop!