Father's Day 2012

When I'm faced with scrapbookers block, (there is such a thing- I promise!), I normally peruse my old issues of magazines for inspiration. This time however, I was looking for more ideas for an album I'm currently working on for my friend's aunt. While doing so I ran across a page layout that I liked for myself (hee, hee...) in this month's issue of Scrapbooks, Etc. Coincedently, (and to my surprise) I also bumped into an amazing blog that happened to have a similar, yet striking similarity to the one I saw in the magazine. It was the perfect idea for this year's Father's Day picture and gift to Charlie from the kids. I decided to "scraplift" the idea and this was my take on it.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, to the BEST Father my kids could ever have!

Anticipated Summer

              It's been a long while since I posted a blog in our family page. I wish I had as much time to put my thoughts into our blog as I make to do our scrapbooks and other albums. Nevertheless, now that summer is in full swing, I wanted to give everyone a little summary of what's been going on with the Martinez Clan.

              This month marks the beginning of a much anticipated summer after a hard-working school year. It was a very exciting and challenging year for our kids.

Our son, Charlie began his transition from elementary to middle school at Trautmann Middle. Even though he had a rough start adjusting to the changes that middle school entails (including me!), he managed to keep up with his new schedule (of nine teachers!), projects, assignments and of course, the opportunity to meet new friends. One of the best things that Charlie enjoyed while in 6^thgrade was his teachers; his favorite subject being Math. He really enjoyed having a variety of mentors to learn from. He participated in the school’s Science Fair, the district’s GT Showcase-where he researched about the Titanic, and learned new techniques in his much enjoyable Art Class. All of this while still maintaining academic achievement in his report card all year and attending Karate school three times a week. This summer he hopes to advance from Orange to Green Belt. He wishes to join a Robotics Team next year where they will have an opportunity to show their creations and even go to tournaments…He also hopes to join the Trautmann Soccer Team! We are very proud to announce that he has also been selected to participate in a Math & Science Camp at the University of Texas Health Science Center here in Laredo. He’s already living the dream of going to UT Austin one day!

Our Cristina got to experience a little of what will be expected of her from now on while in 4^th grade. This was the beginning of switching classes/teachers for her and she had no trouble at all adjusting to this change. This year Cristina was part of the school’s Knights at your Service Club where she contributed hours in community service. She also participated in the school’s annual Science Fair where her project was selected as a finalist in her grade! During the year Cristina took every opportunity to read books and write in her journal (two of her favorite things to do) and was selected as Reader of the Month. She also received a medal for her academic achievement throughout the year and participated in the GT Showcase. She anticipates the culmination of another year commitment to her dance school as she will soon be performing in their annual recital this month. She will be dancing to ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop and even a little modeling...that’s our little energetic dancer for you-this little girl hasn’t stopped dancing since she was two!

Our youngest (and spirited), Carolina doesn’t stay far behind her older brother and sister. Carolina had a very successful year as well. While in 2^nd grade, she was very active in her reading. She managed to accumulate 125 points in the school’s Accelerated Reader Program. She too, participated in the district’s GT Showcase, school Science Fair and received 2^nd Place overall! She was selected as Student of the Month and received a medal at the end of the year for her all “A” academic achievement. During the year she advanced to Orange Belt in Karate and hopes to advance soon along with Charlie. In the meantime, they will both compete again in another tournament this July. In February, we traveled to San Antonio and they competed among many other aspiring karate students from all over Texas! We were very proud of Carolina (and Charlie) when they came home having placed in their divisions. Charlie placed 3^rd in Katas and Carolina placed 3^rd in both Katas and Kumite (sparring). Finally, after two dedicated years of catechism, our little girl celebrated her sacrament of Communion in May. We are very blessed for this accomplishment in her life!

For now, the girls will continue to work towards their goals and earn more patches this summer while in Girl Scouts and Charlie will also be busy attending an NXT Robotics Camp in preparation for next year. As you can see, our kids still have a lot more to accomplish in 2012. We hope that next school year brings new adventures and more blessings to them as they each move on to the next level. We hope you all have a great summer! You know our kids will!