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Happy Day

Well, I just thought I would report that I got my results for the most recent section of the CPA Exam today and I PASSED!!! (Yes, I was the crazy lady you heard screaming her head off at about 1:46 p.m. today.)

Courtney and I were on our way to Rexburg when I stopped and checked the mail on the way out of the driveway, and there IT was. The envelope with "Idaho State Board of Accountancy" as the return address. It is right then that you know it is do or die. I think my exact words were "Oh Crap". You see, when I took this exam, I went into it pretty much thinking I was doomed. Greg had lost his job a few months before, which meant that I had been working full time since August and I also was back in the middle of another "MBA" class, two factors that I did not have to contend with while taking the other sections I took during the summer. So, I just did not have the study time that I would have liked to have had. Anyhoo, I made Courtney open the envelope, which took, like 20 minutes, and finally she told me the good news. Cue screaming, laughter, etc. etc.

What makes me the most happy is that I see the light at the end of this tunnel and I am realizing just how close I am to being done. I only have one more section to pass of the CPA and three more classes after this semester and I AM DONE. I can't even imagine what it will be like to have nothing to study for or no papers to write. I am so excited to think of the possibility of having time to do the things that I want to do. :)

On a different note, Courtney had her first "Festival" today, which is where we went to BYU-Idaho and she played two songs on her violin for a judge. Later on, her teacher called and said that the judge had scored her at a 99, which I think is tremendous for a girl who has been playing for just 8 months. She has done very well and I am proud of her. She was most excited about getting such a good score and what with my good news, she took it upon herself to go and write "Happy Day" on November 21's square of the calendar. Happy day indeed.

Ahhh November

Well, I don't have any exciting or witty story to tell, but I just thought I'd check in and say Hi.

Since last post, I did take the FAR section of the CPA exam and while I was not as prepared as I would have liked to be, it didn't go quite as bad as I thought it would. (Of course I can say that now because I won't get my score for another month or so.) Hopefully since this is overall financial accounting I can rely on what I have been learning for the last five years to get me a good, solid 75%! (That is the required score to pass.) So keep your fingers crossed!

Having taken the test, I am left to a fairly quiet point of life right now, considering the fact that I only am taking one class this semester, which is nice. This month is probably the quietest I will have until next July or so, so I am doing my best to enjoy it.

I really like November anyway, Halloween is fun and all, but November is just nice. I have always loved Thanksgiving (How can you go wrong with a Holiday that revolves around food?) and while I do love Christmas, there is so much craziness that surrounds it. So it is just nice to have November.

Some exciting news is that both Annie and Lori appear to be having baby girls in March, so that will be fun. We have had a girl deficiency for some time on the Martineau side (ironic, I know), but after these babies are born, everything will be even. 7 boys, 7 girls. And babies are fun. I got to hold Rachael's baby Rayce this weekend at his blessing and any time I get to hold a very snuggly, non-fussy newborn is a good time in my book. So Congrats to Lori & Annie, can't wait to snuggle more babies!

Well, that's about it. At the moment, everyone is healthy and happy at our house, knock on wood. Hope you are all happy and healthy as well. Happy November!

Halloween 2009

These pictures should speak for themselves.

Not By the Hair of My Chinny Chin Chin . . .

So, we too were the recipients of the blessed Swine Flu. It seems like everyone has/has had/or will have this virus, and lucky for Kade he got it as well. It hasn't been too bad, mainly a "barky" cough with a mild fever and one instance of stomach sickness (see next paragraph for details). So yesterday I took him to the doctor and they swabbed his nose (it is very funny to watch Kade get his nose swabbed, not his favorite thing) and it was confirmed that he has Type A strain of the flu, which means it is most likely H1N1. He is reporting that he has felt much better today and I am hoping he will be as good as new on Monday so that he can go back to school. (Missing a week of middle school seems like a big deal, bigger than elementary.) I have been fighting a sore throat, but I refuse to get sick. So I've been taking Airborne 3 times a day, hand sanitizing like crazy, and sucking down the Halls Defense Vitamin C lozenges.

So last night when Kade was barfing, he wasn't getting everything entirely into the toilet. So . . . my thinking was: "Hey, if I pick up the rug that has a little barf on it and take care of that, maybe Greg will wipe up the other barf that is on the rim of the toilet, floor, etc." So, I pick up the rug, take it to the washing machine, luckily look inside the washer and see a little mouse sitting on the dirty shirt inside the washer. I don't recall what I said, but it was enough that my husband came to the rescue and took care of the mouse in the washer. (And lucky for me, he also took care of the excess barf in the bathroom.) I really hate barf. And mice.

Also, today marks two weeks until my next section of the CPA Exam, for which I am feeling completely unprepared. I am putting myself on a strict study regimen. Nine months left of all of this and I am totally done with everything (that is if I pass everything). Kinda like being pregnant I guess. :)

Rayce Rainey

Brandon & Rachael welcomed their first baby last night somewhere in the 11:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. time range. It was a long day for all, but he arrived safely and healthy, and we are so very excited to have a new member of the family! They have named him Rayce, no word on a middle name at this point, and he weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz. and is 22 inches long. Big boy for little Rachael, there is no way she looked big enough to be carrying an eight-and-a-half-pounder!

I took the kids to meet him today, and I have to say he is a very handsome young man. He really is a pretty baby and if anyone ever needs me to hold him for hours at a time, I'm game!

A Shower for Rachael!

Well, in case any one was not aware . . . Rachael is having a baby. Soon. She is officially due the 27th, but is going to beg her doctor to start her this Friday. So, soon. I have to say, that it is a bit strange to have your baby sister be pregnant. I don't ever feel that old myself, but when a sister that is 12 years younger than you is having a baby, that makes me realize that I am not actually 23 anymore like my mind likes to think I am. But, I am very excited for Rachael & Brandon and can't wait to meet the newest nephew that will be joining the family. (There are two more Martineau family babies on the way too!)

So, this last Friday night, we had a shower for Baby Rainey (Race, Blake, Diesel, not sure what the name will be) and I thought I would post a few pictures. Kellie & Lori were in charge and they did an amazing job and everything was just lovely! So thanks girlies! Rachael made a haul with all of the gifts she got, I don't think she will have to buy anything for this kid until he goes to kindergarten!

The amazing food that was prepared for your eating pleasure . . . there's just never enough food!
Rachael, trying to describe what she will use various baby items for while blindfolded. I'm not sure she should be allowed near a breast pump.
Cute Fisher that was ever-so-helpful in unwrapping gifts, (and actually looks very similar to what my dad looked like at this age even though Fisher is not related to the Martineau Family.)


Rachael and one of the many adorable outfits she received.

Happy Birthday Kellie!

Okay, so here is my birthday shout out for Kellie who turns 31 in approximately 66 minutes (August 29).

1. Kellie has good hair and she is very talented at doing hair and makeup and I wish I was as good as her. (I told her that she was the sister that was supposed to be the hair stylist.)

2. Kellie is very funny and always makes things interesting when you are with her. (Even if no one else laughs, she does!)

3. Kellie is a very good mother and is very organized and scheduled, I know that she loves her kids a lot, even if she doesn't always admit it (like when Brock has her up for half the night).

4. Kellie has a nose like a bloodhound and can smell a fart approximately 23 seconds before anyone has actually farted, so don't even think about it!

5. Kellie is one of the best sisters a girl could ask for, very loyal, supportive, but not afraid to tell you to pull your head out if necessary. I am very grateful she is my sister.

Happy Birthday Kellie! Hope it's a grood one! And you can thank me later for the picture!

Pictures Pictures Pictures

More pics by Meegan

Okay, so Meegan treated me with a few more pictures today (she has spoiled me), so I thought I'd post the latest. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the picture of Courtney. (It's okay to have the pictures with the baptism dress taken when she's 9 . . . right?)

(I don't so much love the pics with the back of my hair looking lumpy. Oh well, you can't win them all.)

One more today. . .

Look out! Kade looks a little like he is about to start kickin' butt and takin' names.

More Family Pics . . . More Amazingness

Okay, so more pictures posted to Meegan's website = more pictures for me to post to my blog. This is probably my favorite picture of Greg & I together . . . Ever.

This one's pretty good too.



I think she really liked the pictures taken in the alley. (I do too!)

I can't wait to see what else she has and I know I am gushing, but seriously this girl has got talent!

Family Pics by Meegan Littlefield

Okay, I've been waiting all day to see if Meegan would post any of our pictures that she took last night, and alas, she is amazing! Here are a few from our photo shoot that she has had time to edit. I love her work! The hard part will be deciding which ones to get!

Ribbon is a Dancer!

Ha! I finally figured out how to get this silly little video, uh . . . I mean this amazing showcase of some serious talent posted to my blog. So for anyone who has not already been amazed and inspired, this is the talent my four lovely sisters and I performed at the Martineau reunion. Be warned . . . we have some serious skill!

Hangin' with the Bings

The kids and I decided to make a quick run to Rupert to visit Annie and the family before the summer was over. We went to the county fair and saw some humongous pigs, swam at the new Rupert swimming pool, and just had lots of fun hanging out with Garrett and Shay! (Shay is so cute and talks so well, one of the first things he said when I got there was "I hold you.")

So here are some pics from our trip:

The view of Shay's low-riders, good thing he had a cute polka-dot diaper on underneath.

Here is a picture of Garrett and his prize winning sugar beets.

Lots of tractors to play on at the Rupert fair!

Garrett, looking ever so much like a Bingham.

Oh yeah, I took a few pics of my kids too. Thursday morning we went over and played on the school's playground equipment before the pool opened.

So, thanks Binghams for letting us come and stay with you, we had lots of fun! And thanks for the veggies out of your garden. We are having the sour cream vinegar cucumbers and yummy seasoned potatoes with our dinner tonight! Delicious!

I HEART Harry!

So as most of you are aware, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was released today. While at work today, I happened to read a review of the movie saying it was the best one yet and gave it 4 stars, which then of course I had to watch the trailer again, which confirmed that I had to see the movie today. About the same time, Valerie texted me asking if I wanted to see the movie tonight. So needless to say, she, Kade and I went to the 8:00 p.m. showing.

As you can probably imangine, I thought the movie was fantastic, and now more than ever I want to re-read the entire series. (I need a 48 hour day.) But the movie really was great, it had quite a bit of humor this time around and so very intense at the end. It is a tradition for Kade and I to see the Harry Potter movies together so that was fun as well. Although he is not as enthusiastic about the greatness of the movie as his mother. (I think his direct quote was "It was pretty good." Pretty Good?!?! He sounds just like his father.) As always I wish they could pack more from the book into the movie, there is so much more, but they did a very good job with the movie. Anyways, I would highly recommend seeing it if you haven't already!

Stinky Summer

I really do my best to not be negative on this thing, but now at 11:19 p.m. after just finishing sweeping and mopping my floors, I am officially tired of this crappy summer of spending every Saturday in Pocatello being gone from 6:40 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It sucks! I never have time to get the things done that most people get done on Saturdays and I am tired tired tired of studying! I keep thinking I will be lucky to pass the stinking CPA exam anyway (it's harder than I thought it would be).

The bright side??? Only four more Saturdays to go (three if I skip the last one for the Martineau reunion), so really I can endure that much more . . . I hope. And, I only have 5 more classes to go before I finish my MBA too! :)))) (That's a big smile if you couldn't tell!) And then I will be done with school FOREVER and EVER and I will NEVER study again in my whole entire life!

See already I am happier! So thanks for letting me vent! Now off to fold the clothes.

Happy Camping Independence Birthday!

The 4th of July is always a busy time for us. Courtney's birthday is July 5th (so is cousin Kesley's) and it always ends up being a big birthday/holidayapalooza. This year with the 4th being on a Saturday, we decided to take the new camper on her maiden voyage.

So we left Thursday and camped in Kilgore until today, Sunday. We had a great time, it was just our own little family and we got to fish, play games, and eat yummy food. We did love camping in the trailer, quite a step up from our tenting days. On the night of the 4th, we turned on the KLCE fireworks music and had our own little show with the out-of-state fireworks purchased the week before. It was pretty fun, sparkler dancing was my personal favorite, (I only wish we had bought more sparklers). Both of the kids said it was their best 4th of July ever, so that was really cool.

I have to say I had some very mixed emotions this holiday, I love this country and am so thankful for those who have defended and are defending our country, but I wonder what road we are headed down with things in the current state that they are. When I hear the song, "God Bless America", I hope that He truly will.

We got back home this afternoon and then were able to have most of the family over to celebrate Courtney and Kesley's birthdays. They are fun girls with a lot of personality and it is fun that they get to celebrate their birthdays on the same day. Court turned 9 and Kesley 8. We got Court a new bedspread, which means I will soon be painting her bedroom. We are also hoping to find her a captain's bed that will be a bed/dresser combo, hopefully that will give her a little more room in her tiny bedroom.

Spelling with finesse!

Tonight Kaden was able to participate in the District Spelling Bee at the high school. There were probably about twenty kids there, mostly fourth and fifth graders with two third graders. It was a short lived spelling bee, half the kids were eliminated on the word "ballot", which was their first word. Luckily, Kade got to his second word, "finesse", unluckily he thought there was only one 's' in "finesse" and was eliminated. He finished in 7th place and we, of course, are very proud. He was awarded a medal and a $20.00 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Congratulations Kade!

One funny thing -- so we are thinking that it is pretty nice for us to show up at this thing on a beautiful Friday night and so I wasn't too concerned with appearances so much. I did make Kade change out of his "Warning: Emits dangerous gases" t-shirt, but wasn't too concerned with much else. So we get there and while not everyone was dressed up, there were a number of boys in shirts, slacks and ties and a few girls wearing dresses, and what is my son wearing? A pair of shorts with his "Welcome to Coolsville, Population: Me" shirt! I thought it was pretty funny and after all, he is pretty cool!

On another winning note, Kellie won $1,000 in groceries from a radio contest at Broulims last night. Because I helped her and stood in her place while she was at work, she shared the pot with me and gave me $300 in gift certificates too! What a lovely sister she is. We also both ended up with a ham and a few lottery tickets and we had a lot of fun too. Now Kellie is a local celebrity and has to sign autographs every time she goes to Broulims! Check it out at www.kupi99.com!

Still Alive and Loving May!

For those who didn't already know, I survived a parathyroidectomy and have been functioning on 3 of 4 parathyroids for the past week and feel just fine. The surgery went well, both my calcium and parathyroid hormone levels are now at normal levels and I am sure to have a cool scar at the base of my neck to tell great stories with!

Tonight Kade had a game at Civitan park in Idaho Falls, and I just had to comment about how amazing the weather was and how much I enjoyed it. Watching him play baseball makes me realize just how much he is growing up, it is incredible. These boys are turning into men right before our eyes and I can't believe how fast it is going.

After the game we went and got smoothies and a loaf of bread to feed the ducks at the Greenbelt, it was such a beautiful night, it is days like these that literally feed my soul. There is something about spring that makes me feel like I can survive again, after the forever long winter everything comes back to life and it seems that it is just in the nick of time for me. So all of the signs of spring/summer make me so happy! Flowering trees, full canals and ditches, the green grass, we even saw baby geese at the river tonight, all of these things make me so happy! (I know, I am impressed by simple things.)

I am thankful for the beautiful world God gave us and it was fun to just hang out with the kids tonight and enjoy it with them.

Dang Parathyroid!

Well, so about a month ago we had a routine blood draw for Greg's health insurance through the county. When I got my results back, my calcium serum level was high, and after discussing the results with my doctor, he advised me to come back in a month and have it rechecked.

So I went back, and the next results were even higher going from 11.8 to 12.6, (10.6 is the high end of normal). So the day after the 2nd high result, they tested my parathyroid levels and they were "sky high" as well (254, high end of normal being 65). At that point I was referred to a ear, nose and throat specialist, whom I met today for the first time.

I found out that most likely there is an adenoma (tumor, most likely benign) on my parathyroid and that they will localize which one it is (you have four) and remove it in surgery. This is the best case scenario, meaning it shouldn't have a major effect on me afterwards and surgery shouldn't be too bad.

The other possibility is that all four of my parathyroids are enlarged (can't remember the medical term for this condition) and that they would have to remove more. The catch on this one is that they would leave a portion in that would continue to function hopefully normally. But they save the part that is removed and if your calcium levels drop too low, they can reinsert a portion into your arm to help out. Isn't the body just crazy? I asked him how you "save" it, maybe a doggie bag you receive after surgery? But they freeze it and hang onto it for some time limit that is unbeknownst to me.

He did mention that there would be an extremely remote possibility of the tumor being cancerous, but we both agreed not to think about that for now.

So, I am still on for surgery for Monday, and for added entertainment I get to have a neck MRI tomorrow and possibly some test on Friday where they shoot you up with radioactive dye to figure out which parathyroid gland is the dud. And Greg and I were planning on going to Utah Saturday to get away. Always busy!

I hope I have provided those of you with a limited or non-existant knowledge of the parathyroid with a better education about the whole process. It sure has enlightened me, I never even knew I had a dang parathyroid, much less that it could cause all of these issues!

New Blogger

Well, I finally figured out how to add a cute background to this thing, so I decided that maybe I would give this blogging thing a try. I don't know if what I have to say will be interesting to anyone, but I like reading other people's blogs so here goes. Now I just need to start taking a lot more pictures!

Here's a little rundown on my current life situation:

I have been married for 13 years now to a great guy and have a son, Kade, and a daughter, Courtney. We have lived on a small farm in Rigby for almost all of our married life and I absolutely love it. It is nice, quiet, and great for summer barbecues (I love summer barbecues). I have to say, I am very happy with my life at this point!

I recently (Spring 2008) graduated from BYU Idaho with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and am currently attending Idaho State University in hopes of attaining my Masters of Business Administration. Yes, it all sounds great, but I am so burnt out on school it's not even funny. This summer, my goal is to pass the CPA exam - we shall see, it didn't seem so scary when it wasn't staring me in the face like it is now. Unfortunately, this means CPA review classes every Saturday of the Summer from May 16 thru August 8. I will survive! Right???

I also have four fabulous sisters who are so much fun to be with and am blessed to have amazing parents as well.

Overall, I am so very thankful for all of the blessings I have been given and couldn't ask for more.

(Now I will be thankful for a nice, comfortable bed to go crawl into (after I go put a new load of laundry in the washer of course) it is 11:20 p.m. afterall. Goodnight!)