Letterboxing

While in Yakima this last weekend I was introduced to letter boxing. My cousin Bryce and his family have been doing this form of "Scavenger hunting" for a couple of years now and he introduced us to it. It looks like a fun thing to do with kids or on your own. It is fairly cheap cost wise and could keep us entertained for hours*. I found one site that is pretty good if anyone is curious to look at it. It's www.letterboxing.org and there are links to other blogs as well. So, today I set out to get our notebook, Family Stamp and ink at the local art supply store and I think we are ready for Letterbox # 1. Once we find it, we will be able to stamp in and find another. These boxes are hidden from sight and some even require a compass to find! Luckily, there are tons that are easy to find, but once a seasoned letterboxer, one can start looking for more challenging ones. I checked it out. There is one at Lord's Hill in Monroe that has never been found! If you have ever been to Lord's Hill you will know how possible that is!

* depending on the day, time, and temperaments. Pack snacks! :)

Heaven Bound

Although past biopsies showed no cancer, Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer on July 9, 2008 with 2-6 months to live. We (my mom,brother,and I) did everything we could to find a therapy, cure, or sustain my Dad's life longer than the prognosis. Dad was heaven bound August 8, 2008 a little after 3am. We don't always understand God's plan and that is okay. I do not blame God, but am looking for how God is working in our lives and I do see God's mercy at work. Dad's health took a turn for the worst a couple of days prior to his departure, But I find joy in the fact my Dad found true faith 7 days prior to death. He did not go into a coma like many do, and departed from this life while sleeping peacefully. He got to see all of us prior to going to sleep that night and we were able to tell him how much he was loved. I know that the number 8 represents "New Beginnings" and Dad has a new beginning as a child of God, in Heaven. He blessed us with countless memories and stories to share with our kids and the pictures to go along with them.

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A Day to Celebrate!!!!

Today was a day I saw prayer come to pass in a BIG way! My Dad who has been in and out of the hospital the last 6-8 weeks with pancretitis, went in for a biopsy to check for cancer on Tuesday. The doctor has been preparing us for the worst, and he got his results today. Keep in mind, I have my local church, and another sister church praying for my dad along side my husband and I standing in agreement for his recovery, and despite the circumstances, God came through in a big way! My dad has NO cancer! None! He is still fighting pain associated with the pancretitis, so if anyone reading this wants to join us in prayer on his full recovery - that would be awesome! Prayer works!
Aside from that it was my mother-in-law's birthday today (which is actually yesterday because I am posting this after midnight). Happy Birthday Vi! and My father-in-law's birthday tomorrow (which is technically today June 7th). Happy Birthday Alex! I never really consider it the next day until I wake up and the sun is out! But, that's besides the point. Getting back to wishing Vi and Alex a Happy Birthday. My parent's in-law are are still young! I created an e-card for both on smilebox which is a cool program with a free download! If you'd like to check out smilebox, they are located on the internet at www.smilebox.com
Other than that, tonight was movie night for the kids. We watched Sharktale, ate Little Ceaser's peperoni pizza and had a blast! They played in the backyard before dinner and ran and ran and ran! Missy our dog loves it when the kids come outside to play!
Well, that's about all for now. Good night all!

Martinez Family