I thought I'd write a little anyway.  Right now, I just clobbered myself in the upper lip with a laundry basket.  Don't ask me how, I really didn't think I was so talented but I'm sporting a lump on my lip and it really doesn't feel all that great. 

I wonder why I try to do so many things.  Is it a "mania"?  I sometimes feel so overwhelmed with all that needs done around here!  There's so much to do and so much I would like to do.  I certainly don't feel like a Super Mom at anyrate.   With homeschooling 4 children plus running a couple of "in-home" businesses having a baby and the list goes on and on.....I suddenly find myself multi-tasking!  HMMM why didn't I know that I wasn't capable of it before?  I used to be able to knit, piece quilt tops (don't ask me to quilt them!).....and now, I don't have time to keep the kitchen clean.  Oh my. 

Yesterday, it hit me, I had a hired girl in Guatemala.  That helped me find more time for other fun stuff.

Last night Kaitlyn had me up 5 or 6 times.  I had rearranged our bedroom to accomodate a little toddler bed I found a yard sale last week.  It is really cute and takes up the same space as a crib.  So, I've been trying to see if she'll sleep as well in that.  It lasted an hour.  WAAHHHH!!!! She is cutting teeth big time and it HURTS.   She refused to nurse so I got up and walked her around and got her settled.  A half hour later, WAAHHHH! again, then an hour later.  After the 5th time, I gave up and put her in with us...at least, when she belly-aches, Vernon takes his turn comforting her. 

She finally settled.  I wasn't sure if it was just her teeth or an after effect of the cabbage casserole we had yesterday.  Sure hope tonight goes better.

Well, I am going to sign off.  Love to all, Kim

PS  Sorry this was more of a dump than uplifting but I got it off my chest for a little anyway.

 Here are a few pictures from Adana's wedding of some special friends.  (These are for you, Martha.)

Now,  for a favorite pose of our little boy:  I think the swing made an excellent "Prop".

Have a good day.  Kim

I am not sure I'd want to repeat this day again.  This morning, I got up and felt that Vernon had started a fire in the furnance.  It felt pretty good since it was a chilly morning.

It wasn't long until I began wondering what he had been burning....as thick, choking smoke began to fill up the house.  Yuck.  I accused him of burning old bus seats which he denied.  I won't say what it was but I doubt it was so healthy for us!  His explanation was that the fire wasn't burning so he left the furnace door open to get more draft and it caused the smoke.  A little bit later, I heard a big BANG.  I wasn't able to go and see if he was ok so yelled for Marvin to go check on his Dad. 

Sure enough.  The furnace had built up gasses and exploded.  The door flew open and actually knocked Vernon down!  Soot blew out and it sounds like the furnace room is a mess!  I didn't go check it out.  There's a layer of soot in the house as it is.    I guess I'll have to make sure there's plenty of Pledge so we can do the dusting right.  Anyway, Vernon came up looking a little like Elv Graber.  His hair was singed curly.  The right side of his face was burned.  

He took a shower and then I gave him the shortest haircut that I've ever given him.  He sure looks different.  I am so glad it wasn't worse.  Maybe he'll not try to burn any more of those items anymore.  I hope so at any rate.

I burned my thumb later when I tried to turn the oven off and accidently moved the lid on the canner that was boiling on the stove.  That hurt and I wonder at Vernon's stoism.  He is so strong when it comes to pain!  KL burned her hand while baking cookies and little Kaitlyn burned hers when she grabbed a fist full of Vernon's hot rice at supper.  Poor little gal....she howled!  We saw it coming and tried to stop it but she was insistent.  Hopefully she'll learn her lesson on that one.

God has really been watching over us lately....we have so much to be thankful for!  Yesterday morning we were running a little late so Marvin took KL's car as he had to lead singing.  We followed shortly after.  We only have about 3 miles to church.  About a mile from church on Marshall Rd is a small narrow bridge.  As we approached it, I noticed that it looked like something had hit it.  Then we saw tires and realized that someone had flipped into the creek.  Of course, our first thought was Marvin but upon better looks we saw it was a black vehicle and not silver.  Relief! But wait..."That's Jake's vehicle!"  Jake Martin is an elderly brother in our congregation who's wife is in a nursing home.  There was no one around so Vernon went down into the creek which wasn't very deep (PTL) to see if Jake was trapped.  He wasn't there so we weren't sure what to do.  KL took the van up to Ted's to call 911.  The heater was still running so we didn't know for sure how long it had been since it had occurred.  It couldn't have been too long before though.  

Later we found out the story from Ken Mast.  Ken's oldest children were on their way to church (yes, there are 2 conservative churches here...5 or 6 miles apart.  (We live about 1/2 way between the two.) Ken's go to Shiloh and we to Sheldon so we pass each other's houses getting there!   Anyway, they saw this man coming up the bank from the creek and recognized him as their great uncle.  They turned around and drove Jake to our church where his brother Lewis came out and went with them up to Lewis' house. 

We were relieved to find out that all Jake received was a cut on his finger....I guess he cut it when he crawled out the broken back window.  He says he's still shook up but is thankful that God was watching over him.  Apparently, he glanced down and strayed over too far and hit the bridge and it flipped him end over and upside down in the water.  Fortunately, the water was only about knee deep.  Anyway, there were some anxious people at our church that morning! 

We ended up being later than ever because Vernon had to go home to change clothes.  I took the opportunity to grab my camera and got a few shots of the wreck.

On the bright side of things:  Kaitlyn cut her first tooth on the 18th and her second one 5 days later.  Holly called me last night to say that Ben J has one too.  Those 2 are running neck and neck I believe.  Here is a picture that we took of her a couple of weeks ago.  We thought it was too funny.  She probably will hate it about 10 years from now!

Lately, I felt that I am too busy so we have decided to sell out the fabric store.  Its not been doing too well so I've been listing on Ebay.  Fabric hasn't done too well but some other stuff sure has.  Its funny that people in France and Australia would buy shoulder pads from USA!  I sent something Latvia today.

Well its almost bedtime so I'll sign off.  (And no, this isn't the same as the post that went off into cyberspace.  I didn't feel like rechewing my cabbage.  Sorry. )

I had this huge post and just lost it into cyberspace!  Now, I don't appreciate that so I am going to sign off and try again later.  Sorry folks, Kim

I have been getting some requests as to how the wedding went so I decided to try to do that.

It was an outdoor wedding, held next door in our neighbor's lawn/meadow.  It was a lovely day...rather sunny during the ceremony.  Actually, Susana and I had looked it over and planned to seat the people to the east so that the shade of the trees on the west side would be of full benefit.  However, the reception co-ordinator and her helpers decided the slope of the land would work best if the tables and chairs were put to the Northwest.  Unfortunately, a lot of us broiled in the sun!  I thought I couldn't stand it, so as soon as Vernon got up to talk, I moved into the shade until it was time to go out.  I felt sorry for little Kaitlyn but she took it better than I did!

Ok, I will start with the  front of the program:

Susana Martin

&

Adam Lattin

We have individually dedicated our lives to

God to follow His leading.  Now, He has

led us together and today, we dedicate our

lives to each other for His glory.

Love is one song sung by two.

Unknown

page 2

Adam          God     Sana

A threefold cord is not

quickly broken.

-Ecclesiastes 4:12-

The Bridal Party

Maid of honor:  Kendra Lily Martin  (Sister of Bride)

Bridesmaids:  Abbey Lattin  (Sister of Groom)

Lisl Lattin  (Sister-in-law of Groom)

Best Man:  Dru Lattin  (Twin brother of Groom)

Groomsmen:  Noah Lattin  (Brother of Groom)

Marvin Martin  (Brother of Bride)

page 3

Prelude -  Song selections by the Raymond Chupp family

Processional -

"We are Standing on Holy Ground" - the Chupps

Welcome - Elv Graber

Congregational Songs - Marv Mullet

"He is Here"

"I Love You, Lord"

"I Know Not Why"

Message - Ben Martin, Granddad of Bride

Songs by special singers -

"The Wedding"

"The Benediction"

Ceremomy ending in prayer - Lamar Troyer

Mediation - Vernon Martin, Daddy of Bride

Foot Washing - Bride & Groom

(song - "Let Me Be Your Servant" - the Chupp's

Closing prayer - Herb Lattin, Daddy of Groom

Presentation of couple - Lamar Troyer

Congregational song-

Recessional - " The Lord is My Light and My salvation"

"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"

"What a Day That Will Be"

"This Is My Father's World"

"My Father Planned It All"

page 4

Our heartfelt gratitude to:  The Lord for leading us together.

Our parents for all you have done for us, and for raising us

in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Our families for what you mean to us.

The Grandparents, "adopted" and otherwise.

The owners of the wedding site:  Randy & Tammy

The ministers:  LaMar Troyer, Elv Graber, and

Grandddaddy - Ben Martin for your love and encouragement.

The ushers:  Jesse Rensberry, Matthew Rennie,

David Keyes, and Conroy Loewen.  Y'all did a great job.

Benj Martin (honorary usher - Even though you couldn't be

here, you are still very much a part of our lives.)

The cake decorator:  Gillian Lattin

The Coordinators:  Abbey Lattin, Jenny Zimmerman, and Rose Kauffman

The cooks- Willis and Mary Schrock, Naomi & Dorcas

servers, car parkers, gift receivers, special singers, photographers,

guest registrars, and program attendants.

Thanks to you all for sharing this special day with us.  The

fact that you all were able to make it in such short notice means so much to us.

We pray that you have been blessed.

 I changed the back slightly.  I don't have a list of the servers so I cannot put them on.  I do know a few but am afraid I might miss a few.  If I come across the list I will try to add them.

Here is the ones I do know:  Virginia and Roxanna Yoder,  Connie and Rachel Martin, Lance and Jenny Graber, Monica and Melinda Troyer,  Jeffrey, Luci, and Kathy Miller, Jim and Jenny Zimmerman, Tyler and Ryan Hilsgen and Ethan Peake (punch servers) Amber and Gill Lattin, Clark and Charlotte Graber, Beth Forminack, Rick and Renita Chupp

Gift receivers:  Meg and Vereena Gingerich

Program attendants:  Abram, Timmy and Gideon Lattin, Joshua Perry, and Jonathan Martin

Harpist:  Paula Melcein

Photographer:  Sandra Ramos

The menu:  Baked beans, Brats and  hotdogs  with sauerkraut, ketchup, mayo, mustard,  chips, salads (jello, tossed, macaroni and potato) cake, ice cream.  They had little baskets on the tables with Hershey kisses, peanuts and chocolate mints for favors.   Iced mint tea and water for drink.  It turned out to be an informal affair....no bridal table so the guests mingled.  It was nice that way, I thought.

KL put together a web album.  I'll give the address here so you can view it if you want.  http://picasaweb.google.com/smilin4Jesus/MartinLattinWedding

   Well, I think life has normalized again.

I don't believe it will ever slow down but at least there's not the push to get anything done before the wedding.  That was a mammoth job--actually, I didn't do much to prepare for the wedding except clean the house.  Or try to anyway, and plant flowers.  Melisa just kept whining, "Why can't we be a normal family with a normal house?"  Well, maybe its because we aren't a normal family.  Who knows?    Who else is still having babies at 48????  I sometimes wonder.

My little one is so fussy.  She who had been the epitome of a perfect baby.  Since the wedding she has been so sad.  She's cutting teeth, poor dear, and has a cold, ear infection, etc.

We started school this week.  Somehow, I am finding it hard to get in the mood for that.  The 3 girls are doing Switched on Schoolhouse. Jonny is doing the preschool books by Rod & Staff for starters.  I am tempted to have him wait a year.  He just turned 6 a couple of days ago.  He's smart enough but its too interested, he'd rather be drilling holes in a piece of wood with the drill he got for his birthday.

Here's a couple of pictures of the wedding.

Herb and Susan Lattin, Adana, Vernon and Kim Martin

The Martin clan  L-R: Melisa,Kendra Lily, Tiana, Adam, Susana,

Lavina, Marvin, Kim, Jonathan, Vernon, Kaitlyn, Holly and Ben J.

Not pictured:  Benji (He had to stay in Guatemala to work in the clinic)

Susana's marriage is the hardest on Lavina.

She was Lavina's 2nd mommy.

Gideon Lattin and Jonathan passing out programs.

Tiana at the guest registrar.

Grandpa Bennie Glenn with his newest grandchild.

(He has a younger great-grandchild, though.)

 Well, the wedding is over, but I am still recuperating.  I know there are a bunch of you all just waiting for pictures.  I hope to get some time to just sit and update on here but am not sure when that will be.  Vernon's Mom and Dad are here until Mon. so I reckon I won't be doing too much until after they leave.

Aunt Matie came today to travel home with them.  She has some nieces and a nephew in this area so she came along up with my in-laws.  She kept Grandma company as Grandaddy drove Adam and Susana's Geo Tracker out for them.  Susana bought that on Ebay and it was in PA.

I might just take time here after all and put in a couple of pictures.  Here's the sweet couple with Lamar Troyer on rehearsal night. 

The highlight of the weekend of course was meeting little Grandson for the first time.  We sure weren't disappointed!  Holly is the sweetest daughter in law that one could ever wish to have.  Benj couldn't make it.  (You'll have to forgive me, BGM, but I am a proud Gramma!) Here's Granddaddy Vernon holding his little grandson for the first time. How exciting!

Here's the 2 babies.  Opposites in nearly every way.  He's dark, she's pale, he has hair, she's nearly bald, she's a socialite, he's not.  But they both are all so loveable.  I just wish we could've had them to ourselves for a week or so!  I thought as Gramma I should've gotten first dibs--but I had to share him with 2 sets of Great grandparents and all his aunts and uncles, etc.   Too bad.  Well, anyway, it was better than none at all.

On Sunday, our little girl got fussy and the two of them did a duet at church.  She's been more fussy the past several days.  I think she's teething full time.

Well, I will close this post for now.  I do hope to put some wedding pictures on soon.

In the meantime, let's continue to look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

Well, we have less than a week before the Big day!  Surprisingly, I am calmer now than I was a week ago.

Imagine how it is to keep this 3 storey place clean ordinarily (and I don't do a hot job with that btw) and think how it'd be to get it in shape for 300+ people for a wedding.  I was about to have panic attacks.

I really don't know what I'd do without Kendra Lily.  That girl is quite a gal.  She has the ability to see what needs done and the elbow grease to do it!  She helps keep me focussed.  She made a list of what needed done and when we should do it.  That put things in a better perspective and I really enjoy crossing stuff off the list! Here's an important part of getting ready for the wedding....Taking a much needed break!

We did get most everything done but will have to zero in on the finer tuning this week.  I am sure it will be loads of work but it is surmountable.   Reminds me of Patch the Pirate's song "Little by Little, Inch by Inch."

I think the Lattin's will show on Thursday.  Then will be the influx of guests.  Vernon's brother Arnie and family will be bringing Holly and little Ben J.  who are flying up from Guatemala on Wednesday, Lord willing.   (THAT, I think is what we really are looking forward to.) Unfortunately, Benji isn't coming.  Nothing like meeting your first grandchild for the first time and the little family isn't even complete.  I am sure that we will miss Benji terribly but I am so glad that Holly can come.  Then my sister Pam's family, my parents, and lots of others.  I can hardly wait.

We are planning an outdoor ceremony at our next door neighbor's.  Some may wonder why we don't just use our own front yard which happens to be the ball diamond.  Well, Susana thought that would be too public with the traffic going by on the road.  I guess she's right.  This place is more secluded and has more shade too.  I hope it doesn't rain but if it does, plan B is to have it at the church.

I suppose I  ought to keep the details until the next posting as far as who does what and what the menu will be.   I am anxious to see Willis and Mary Schrock again since they've moved to Mo. earlier this year.  They will be in charge of the meal.  I am sure that they'll do a great job.  Mary seems to have it put together in that department!

I want to add a picture of Susana's quilt.  I had told her that she couldn't get married until she had pieced a quilt.  She bulked at first...don't know why, she's an excellent seamstress.  Anyway, she chose the Log Cabin pattern from Judy Martin's quilt book "Yes, You Can! Make Stunning Quilts From Simple Patterns.  It is called Heart & Home.  I've made 2 of them myself and even won 3 ribbons for one of them at the local quilt show.  I thought hers turned out prettier than mine as she chose stronger blues.  (Mine has more lighter blues in it.)  Anyway, I am pleased with the results of her efforts.  It took her longer to put hers together than mine but she did an excellent job and I believe she didn't mind it as much as she had imagined.  Actually, it was the cutting that she got bored with.  It is in the frame right now. Laying it all out.

The finished top ready to put into the quilting frame.

Little Kaitlyn growing fast.  At 4 months she got her first shots.  Ouch!  She was sick for nearly a week afterward.  At that point she weighed 13 lb. 12oz. and her length was 24 and 1/4"  She rolls over with ease and almost crawls.  She started reaching for me this week.  Its fun to see her develop but it makes me sad to see my baby growing so fast.  I wish I could slow life down somehow.  I think I won't have a baby long!

Just one more thing---I want to recommend a Salt water  chlorinator for anyone who has a pool.  We have one of those Intex Easy set pools from Walmart.  They are tons of fun but loads of work and yes, expensive to keep up.  I was discouraged from the start at how much chemicals I had to buy and dump in it.  I never could keep up...I was sure the pump wasn't strong enough, etc.  Nor did I like the idea of the chemical's effect on us.  We always ended up dumping the water a couple of times each year to start over with fresh water.

Last year, I heard about these converters but felt like we couldn't really afford it.  Well, this year, 4 days after setting up the pool it had turned so green with algae that we couldn't see the bottom, I HAD HAD ENOUGH!!  This was ridiculous!  So, I went on Ebay and bought one of these chlorinators.  Yes, it did take a chunk of money but I'd been selling stuff on Ebay to earn enough to pay for it.   We drained the pool once more, filled it up, and added the salt.  (About 140 lbs of uniodized salt/water softener salt for a 4x18 ft pool.)  I am so pleased!  No more chemicals to buy and add to the pool ever day or so.  It has kept the pool water sparkling.  I still need to change the filters and vacuum the pool but oh, what a savings!  I don't even have to keep adding salt.  Those chemicals aren't cheap and I wonder if I don't have my chlorinator paid for in the savings already.  It sure has been heaps easier to keep up with to say the least.  Ok so much for the advertising. 

Well, you all have a great week.  Until next time, Kim

When I was preparing for Kaitlyn's birth, I made a list of things I needed.  The pool,  (that didn't get used.    ), Pampers, receiving blankets, etc.   I had all my ducks in a row.  Or so I thought.  Well, she arrived but suddenly I realized that none of my nightgowns were just right for the occasion.  I used some light weight dusters or housecoats until I went shopping for the right kind of nightgowns. 

Just recently, one of my best friends gave me a night gown for a gift.  Oh, its lovely, a beautiful pink with all the little tucks etc. Unfortunately, it is a bit snug.   I have to smile about that though.  I have 2 very best friends and they both made the same mistake.  For some odd reason, they tend to think that I'm a size small or medium.  I suppose with them being a bit bigger than I am that comes naturally.  It sure makes me feel good to know that at least they think I am small.   I guess I need that ego boost right now.  God bless them for that!

On to other things...  We are busy as beavers trying to pull off this wedding in 3 weeks.  It makes a good excuse to get the house cleaned from top to bottom.  It needed it anyway.  I even hope to get the windows washed.  KL came home from Guatemala last week and she is wonderful at keeping me focused.  I tend to get distracted so I really appreciate her ability in that area.

We cleaned out one of the boys restrooms that Vernon had gutted last summer and turned that into a spare bedroom on the lower floor.  It needs some electricity hooked up in it so whoever uses it can have a fan to use.  It really needs the rest of the pipes removed and the walls redone but there is no time and money for that this summer so it will just have to wait.  I thought it turned out pretty nice anyway.

I've done a lot of flower planting around here.  Still have a bunch to do.  I want to get the girls started on the bed out by the sign today yet.  Melisa has 2 of our dresses done.  She's working on Lavina's.  I think Susana finished her going away dress and will start on the BIG project either today or Monday.  She is such a good seamstress that she'll have it finished quickly.  Next week I guess we will start on the second floor of our house.

We set up our pool but within 4 days had algae so bad that we couldn't see the bottom of the pool.  I finally decided to buy a chlorine convertor.  These are pump like gadgets that hook up to the pump of the pool and converts saltwater into chlorine.  I am not supposed to have to buy any other chemicals for it.  I sure hope it helps.  It gets very expensive to buy the pool chemicals and I just can't seem to keep ahead with it anyway.  As soon as I can sell enough stuff on Ebay to pay for one, I want to buy a 4000 gallon pump for the pool.  It came with a 1500 pump which I am sure isn't strong enough for the size of pool we have.  We have one of those Intex Sand and Sun pools from Walmart.  4 ft. x 18 ft. one.  It sure gets lots of use!

Well, its nap time for Mommy and Baby so tootle do for now. 

IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS.

The wedding date is August 2, not the 3rd. (sorry about that Karen--Mom was right this time.  I must have had one of my dislexic spells or memory lapses right then!  :-0 But I'm glad you caught that because she passed it on to me and so I've corrected it in my last post.)

We finally settled on the fabric for the sisters' dresses.  Adam's mom and sisters had wanted some Tropical Breeze that had come out in April.  Unfortunately, it was some that I hadn't ordered for our store.  After a day of calling around to different fabric stores and finding that everyone was sold out we went for their 2nd choice.  Another dead end.  I was getting very tired.....I felt like I was not getting anything done that day.  Spending nearly all day on the phone and my baby wasn't feeling good that day besides.  Finally, I asked Susana if I could just choose something that I already have in my store...It really grates to have to pay retail for something that I could get wholesale prices on.  She said it didn't matter to her what we wore so I found something in my store that will go quite well with her colors, PTL.  If only we could've come to that conclusion to start with!  So, I have the fabric cut and ready to send up for the Lattin's to start sewing.  Melisa has her dress cut out.  I am thinking of trying a smocked one for Kaitlyn but am not sure yet since its a print.

Friday, Vernon, Kaitlyn and I went to Marion, WI for another load of groceries.  We brought 421 boxes home and it looks like an interesting assortment.  At least not so much Hunt's tomato products.  I want to get started sorting it tomorrow and filling our shelves.  Summer Bible School starts tomorrow so I'll be short of help since all the girls will be involved with that. 

Today, we had Stewart Tietjen's family over for lunch.  They have moved to WI recently and have been attending church at Sheldon.  They have 6 children at home.

  Oh, I was talking to my daughter in law..  she says little Ben is 12 and 1/2 lb.  He's heavier than Kaitlyn  but she's still taller.  I think that her growth is mostly in her length.  She's already grown 5 inches since she was born.  Guess she'll be a tall one.  She reminds me so much of  her older sister Kendra Lily.

Well, I had better sign off.  May God bless all of you this week.  Keep looking to Him the author and finisher of our faith.