Daily Quote

“A bird does not sing because it has an answer.

It sings because it has a song.”

Chinese Proverb

I thought it was only right to have the first quote to be “bird” related.

May all of your days be worth singing about.

A High School Alumni

Well, it’s official. I’ve graduated high school. It was a great ceremony. I had a great time! I’m just so proud of myself (not to toot my own horn or anything). I can hardly believe I did it. It almost doesn’t feel real. I catch myself thinking I’m going back next year. I think I’ll always truly be a part of the 2009 senior class in my heart. But I’m glad I did it this way. Of course I have doubts, but who doesn’t at some point or another. We got some really awesome pictures! I’ll only share a few though.

Two Little Love Birds

I was asked (very nicely) to put an engagement announcement up for Rachel and Sean. Though I think she pretty well made sure everyone knows already. But here we go anyway:

(Sorry if the image is too big. It’s my first time inserting an image into one of these posts. Anyway, getting back to the task at hand.) I’m proud to announce the engagement of Sean James Landolt to Rachel Heather Hudgens. The wedding is set for July 27, 2008, 6:30 in the evening. It’s located at Miracle Farms near Independence, TX. They are registered at Target, J.C. Penney, and paperedchef.com.

Another new column!!!

Whitney has graciously volunteered to write a new column for The Martin Box.  It’s called “Bird’s Eye View,” and will be a daily quote.

Thanks Whitney!  I can’t wait to read the first quote you’ve chosen to share!

Also, I need to add…Thanks Tina!  I enjoyed reading your first “Bird Seed” yesterday.  I really like the ideas you have for your column.

Bird Seeds/ Food for Thought

Bird Seeds

Food for Thought

Bird Seeds will be a food for thought column. The whole family is encouraged to contribute and to contribute often. The source of inspiration is up to you. You may want to share a scripture, quote,  poem,  prayer,  profound statement a child or grandchild in your life said, or a personal reflection you had. If it enhanced your day, enhance ours by sharing. Please include your source so we give credit where credit is due and can seek the source for more inspiration.

There is a right time for everything:

a time to be born; a time to die;

a time to plant; a time to harvest;

…a time to cry; a time to laugh;

…a time to be quite; a time to speak up:

…a time for war; a time for peace…

Everything is appropriate in its own time.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 11

“God’s Little Child”

Two little eyes to look to God;

Two little ears to hear his word;

Two little feet to walk in his ways;

Two little lips to sing his praise;

Two little hands to do his will;

And one little heart to love him still.

“Baby‘s First Prayers”

Family Reunion Countdown

Just a reminder that there is only 185 days left until our

Martin Family Reunion 2008.

 Are you  getting ready?

upcoming columns

Martha has volunteered to write the “Birthdays & Anniversaries” column.  She will be beginning with June, so be looking for that next week.  Thanks Martha!

Katherine has also volunteered to write a monthly column.  She emailed me about writing the “Family Facts” column, but she wants to change it up a bit.  Based on what she wants to do, I’ve suggested the name “Remember when…”  I’m waiting to hear back from her on the title, but either way, be on the look out for her new column.  Thanks Katherine!

A Summer Project

I’d first like to thank Paula and Martha for putting this whole thing together! This is such a great way for all of us to keep in touch!

OK, moving on to my summer project: Ever since this past reunion I have really felt a desire to spend more time with each of you. I have always felt very close to this side of my family, but it’s been hard to connect with so many people. When Granny got sick I felt an even greater draw to be with my family. I wanted to be with the people that truly knew what I was going through, that would both help me grieve, and that would make me feel normal again.  I’ve been toying with an idea for several months now and have been in deep prayer about it. I want to write a book about our family. I do not have all the details worked out. All I know is that I want to do this. The book would be a mixture of a memoir for Granny and a gigantic story book about our family in general.

I’ve decided that I’m only going to talk to the eleven children. I feel like if I tried to do the grandkids, great grandkids, etc. that it would just get too confusing. What I’m going to do is arrange a time for me to go and sit with each one of the eleven and interview them. I want to know any memories you have of Granny, of the other siblings, of growing up, and whatever else you’re willing to share with me. Again, I haven’t decided exactly how I’m going to put this all together, so the more information I have the better!

In a perfect world I’d like to have the book finished by the reunion this year, but somehow I doubt that is going to happen. I will try my absolute hardest to get it finished by then. In order for me to do that I’d need to do all my interviews this summer. Right now it looks like I’m going to be in Arkansas June 20-? and then starting in August-?. I’ll let everyone know when I’m going to be up there a little closer to time and, hopefully, by then I’ll have definite plans on how long I’m going to be staying. So please be thinking of stories, pictures, and anything else that you want to share with me. If you aren’t one of the eleven but still have things you want to share, ask your representative in the eleven (the one that you descend from, like mine would be my mom) to say it for you.  I know this is alot of information and all sounds kind of crazy! I want to know what you think of this; is it a good, bad, crazy, stupid, silly, etc. idea? I want your input and suggestions!

Audrey Kate has arrived

Audrey Katherine Martin was born at St. Frances Hospital in Monroe, LA on Wednesday, May 21st to Corey & Courtney Martin!  She weighed in at 5 lbs 15 oz and was 18 1/2 inches long and will be known as Audrey Kate.  Ben & Becky Martin are the proud grandparents.  Congratulations everyone!

Class of 2008

Katherine Hudgens will have her high school graduation on May 30, 2008 at the TAMU Reed Arena in College Station, TX.

Congratulations Katherine!

(by the way, you had a great photographer for your senior photos.  )