Our Amber....

I was looking for new photos to post when I ran across this video. There is not really much to say...except that I love this kid!

Amber starting to sing at a very young age and her desires and passions have not changed.

Enjoy...

Summer Fishing

Santa Margarita - Spent some time fishing with the boys this past Friday evening. Seany Boy, Papa, Korey, and I arrived Santa Margarita just before 6 pm for a late evening hang out and fishing. Had some great fellowship together, good food, and some real fun. Fishing was slow but it did not interupt the fun. Off the lake at 9pm that evening. Fun to end in the dark with running lights.

PSL - Jenn, Sean, Amber, and I spent a few hours after church cruising the kelp lines in Shell Beach looking for halibut opportunity. There was no live bait available so we simply dropped frozen anchovies. Three copper rockfish hook ups and several halibut like stikes. Just some more time and we will have some flatties for dinner! Jenn was picking up the bug. Regardless of the fishing, just fun times on the water and family time...

Seany Boy landed a hefty crappie. Look at the bend in his rod...!

Nice catch and barely lipped... Nice job Sean.

A local copper - these are great to eat.

More times to be had. Praise God!

12 Years and Rolling

Today, June 21, 2009, Jenn and I celebrate our 12 years of marriage and Gods amazing gift.

With the help of my parents, Jenn and I made a trip to Santa Barbara for the weekend for two nights at the Oceana. I cannot believe it has been two years since we have been away from the kids overnight. The next trip will not take so long...!

We spent two days riding our MTB's and sampling culinary enjoyments. We spent much time simply lazing at the pool and enjoying each others company.

Sean and Debbie joined us on Sunday morning to grind some miles in the foothills and ridges over SB. We met in Summerland, had some breakfast, and headed up the hills for a 3 hours plus ride. We really appreciated their company on the last morning of the trip.

Just below Camino Cielo - Ridge directly above summerland at approximately 3500 feet above sea level. 12 years of fantastic companionship!

Our late afternoon decompression... We lounged here for nearly 3-4 hours on Friday and Saturday. 75 degrees and several naps at waterside.

So thankful for Gods wonderful gift of marriage and looking forward to more journey together.

Thanks to our family and friends for their support over the years.

Our New Neighbor

Meet the new birth of Rita the Donkey. Meet Marshmallo!

2009 Western States Police and Fire Games - Day 1 Crit

My brother Sean and cousin Mike Easter competed in law enforcement and fireman athletic games this year. Both of them raced in the criterium this afternoon. Both Sean and Mike did very well and they, in addition to today's event, are competing the ultimate cyclist category for 5 days of racing for an overall placing.

Sean's lead group just before the run up...

Sean cornering hard with big effort... Sean was animated and rode strong and tactically brilliant. Just some times you don't win... Awesome riding!

Sean threw his bike to pick up one place. He got blocked on the run up but otherwise had a great sprint. My sister Donna's fist in the air!

Sean with a silver on the podium!

My father medaled in these same events 25 years ago when he participated for the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club. Back then, they did well. The LAPD guys got shelled in the first half of the race...

Mike riding on the wheel of the guy about to be humbled with his original thoughts! The other rider (Mike Hand) had a laugh at the start line teasing Easter that they would not have to worry about the guy with the big guns on the climb. Oops - this was one of those times that looks were not deceiving.

Mike stomping on the gas! Heading to lap the main group 2x... A different class of cyclist for sure.

Great podium finish with the Gold!

It was a blast to spend the day with the family and friends on the course. The Martin and Easter family definitely came ready to have fun with kids everywhere... Thanks to the wife and friends for their support. More to follow with other upcoming events. Bless these two guys are they move forward this week.

Connecting

Learning more and more how to connect with my children. This past couple of weeks have been particularly enjoyable with Sean and we are exploring and learning things together. Trusting in the Lord for the tools to be effective in all this...

Face painted like a tiger, and ready to scramble left field...

Ready to throw casts with no care if something bites... OK, I understand he loves it. Future fish slayer! Either way, he loves to harrass the fish and who cares if you catch anything...!

Central Coast Adventure Challenge 2009

Fellowship, sweat, fear, tears, and joy...

Much to follow on this great adventure race that took place last weekend. But enjoy some early photos and check back later. 5th place all male division.

Two registered, one cohesive team! Korey, Jeff, Rudy, and Mike.

Jeff in element ready for the heat 100 degrees!

Approaching the final leg... Missing a real part of it...

More to follow on this great adventure.

Fitness - An Important Life Style

Amber received her second Presidential Fitness Award. Sean also received his first. Do you remember when most grade school children made this a priority? I do!

I am glad to be part of a family that believes in the fitness routine. Not in an idolistic way, but in a way that honors our creator and God. Congats Amber and Sean and looking forward to carrying on this important life tradition.

Fishing Tales - Crowley Lake, CA

In a few days, I will be blogging likely the best fishing trip I can recall.

I wanted to share (hopefully not boast) a really nice land that occurred on the last day of the trip. I landed this beautiful Rainbow Trout at Crowley lake mid morning. This fine catch is a Kamloop strain of Rainbow Trout that are charateristic of having almost a salmon look and feature.

Although I believe the picture does not do it justice, I believe the fish was in the 20-22 inch range and likely weighed in exceeding 3-3.25 pounds! I was so excited with the catch that we only took one picture and did not have the benefit of really measuring nor weighing the fish. The fish breached at least twice, ran my drag several times out at least 50 yards, and was difficult to net gently. I was using 4 pound test with 5x 3 pound test leader and a size 12 hook with nightcrawler (sorry I also used flies, artificials, and spoon lures). I only have one photo since I was urgently trying to release the fish safely back into the wild so someone else could enjoy it.

In retrospect, this would have been a good one for eating and should have kept it. Next season, someone will have a whopper of a fish.

So grateful that the good Lord created these wonderful times and opportunities. More to share later.

Passion for the piano!

Amber's passion and gift of music. Enjoy Fandango!

Tree Fort

Well, it's complete enough! Just need to re-work the ladder since my rope ladder idea makes it a bit tough. Check it out.

A view from the main floor complete with a dumb waiter (pale and rope). They hoisted some beverages up for all of us. What a blast and these are blessed times...

Moto Men and the TOC

Wanted to give some credit to the Moto Men of the ToC and my father. They have been going for 9 days and it is taking it's toll. For the sake of budget, they have been really making the transfers insane. Following the time trial, they bunked in Buellton, work early to ride to the Santa Clarita start, moto-marshalled to Pasadena, then finally road to Rancho Mirage for the final stage of the tour. Smokes, they really need to get these transfers under control! Big thanks to my father and the rest of the Moto Men out there keeping the race safe. Job very well done.

Incidentally, my dads room-mate, friend and Moto Men buddy David Walls was the Moto that took Lance down last Monday. It appears he has become the darling of France overnight...:)

Riding with Giants

Got to ride with some of the best female and male cyclists in the world - our home team Columbia High Road.

Kim Kirchen and a smiling fan.


Teutenberg, me, Amber, Jenn, Kim Andersen, and Mike.

Me, Adam Hanson (rode nearly 1/4 the ride with him) and Rudy.

Christmas Vacation

I certainly realize this blog must be late but I cannot escape the desire to share the wonderful time away during the week after Christmas. As everyone already knows, our family loves company and we general spend all of our vacations and weekends saturated with family and friends. Over the past few years, we have learned a precious opportunity to just make this one trip of the years our own and get internal with one another. This trip did not disappoint and was a ton of fun!

Day 1 - Drove straight to the town of Oakhurst near south entrance to Yosemite to a lodge known as Tenaya Lodge. This day would be the first day of 3 nights and four days on the visit. We stopped in Fresno at the REI outlet to get the kids ready for the weather and outings we were about to experience. As we drove up the hill from Oakhurst, we knew we were in store for a winter storms treat of deep new snow throughout the area. When we arrived and unpacked, we jumped into our snow clothing and ran for the outside only to pummel each other with snow balls and sled on the Lodge provided slopes in a beautiful setting. The day was topped with a tasty dinner in diner right there on site. Woops, forgot to mention the indoor pool that the kids had to hit before shower time each night! They love the pools and swimming!

Day 2 - Drove into the Yosemite Valley with to enjoy a days event of snowshoeing. The valley was empty of tourist but completely full of strikingly beautiful layers of fresh snow and a frozen winter landscape. We walked for hours and really took in Gods amazing creation. You could not help but to find yourself conversing with God and giving praise for everything He made and created. We spent the entire day there and the drive back to Oakhurst on this day was a long one since all vehicles had to have tire chains. This fact, along with inexperienced drivers along the way, made for a long way home. However, the time was precious together and the views around every corner were fantastic.

Day 3 - Drove to Badger Pass Ski Area to cross country ski. This adventure was an amazing experience and quite kid friendly. For those who know how expensive skiing is, our whole day including rentals was $60 for all of us included! We really enjoyed the back country experience and the great exercise had by all. Both Amber and Sean did great and so did the wifey. Seany boy really impressed me with his climbing skills as he constantly went to the front to make it happen... We ended the afternoon with some pizza for the kids and a tasty beer for the parents. We packed up and got down the hill to enjoy some mexican food in Oakhurst. Since this was the last night, the kids went nutso in the pool.

Day 4 - Took a scenic drive in the heart of the Merced foothills to the north bay area. We really enjoyed the run in from the Oakland area and made the coastal loop to our first destination to stop for the day at the headlands at the Golden Gate Bridge. It was an amazing view and only the second time I have seen this wonderful landmark. It was both the kids and Jenns first time. Following this stop, we drove highway one south all the way to Monterey and passed along landscape and towns I have never witnessed before. It was a treat. We landed at a beautiful hotel along the cannery row in Monterey and treated ourselves to a seafood meal before hitting the pillow for the final day of adventure.

Day 5 - Enjoyed the morning and early afternoon at the Aquarium. It was a great time had by all and the kids really learned alot about the ocean creatures. We spent most of our time trying to spot the various California halibut a the bottom of the sandy tank and all of us were just totally ready for next summers fishing trips. This is like visiting a great restaurant and looking at wonderful entrees without being able to sample them! After this we hit the car and drive three hours home and ended our wonderful time away and family retreat.

A great time indeed. We are so grateful for the blessings of these special times and adventures. Sorry it took so long to share. Life is in the way sometimes...

Ambers Communion Sunday - Jesus Conquered the Grave!

This morning I celebrated my 41st birthday with my family and children. We celebrated with a pancake breakfast and my wife treated me with an iphone accessory alarm clock stereo. A very nice surprise and something I will certainly enjoy. Thank you wifey for the surprise and very kind gift.

I also had a fantastic time at worship and celebrated something far more profound than the counted years of my life. After longing to join us at the Lords table, my daughter Amber took communion this morning, February 8, 2009. After a few tearful months prior when she asked and argued to participate, we were joyed to present this to her.

It was a precious experience as Amber and I sat together waiting for both Gods word and communion. She and I sang together and I took brief moments to whisper to her reminders Gods redeeming grace and had her repeat to me the significance of each element of both the body and the blood of Jesus. We kept repeating one of the worship songs Mighty to Save - Author of Salvation - Jesus conquered the grave! These brief words really tell a story of Gods grace and His intention to save us from the beginning. We are indeed thankful that Amber has an understanding of the gospel and understands our condition apart from Jesus our savior.

God bless you Amber and may God be with you in your journey here. We love you dearly and look forward to watching you grow in Christ.

Amberito turns 9 Today!

Amber Nicole Martin celebrates her 9th birthday this morning!

As is tradition in the last few years, I am about to walk upstairs with Seany and Mom and pray for her as she sleeps. We will wake her with sound of singing happy birthday. Sure glad she actually enjoys this...

We are so thankful for the gift of Amber. She is a great child full of life. She is doing so well in school, loves to read, play her piano, sing, and now the guitar that she is learning. This is in addition to basketball (which she rocks!), games, and countless other activitities. She is constantly moving and enjoying life every breathing minute of the day...!

We all look forward to many more birthdays together.

Time to get the pancakes rolling as well as part of the tradition.

God bless you Amber and Happy Birthday!

Seany Boy - Rocking The World Since 2003!

Seany Boy turned the age of 6 today.

We are so proud of the little man. He has really been making great efforts in school and has learned to actually do some chores in the house. Over the past week, Sean and I have spent time building a crane from his erector set - about half way through.

Sean wanted to wake early and celebrate his birthday together with a pancake breakfast. We are going to rally for Sean today to celebrate his birthday.

We love you sean. You are a delightful gift in our life and we wish you a very happy birthday this morning!

Christmas 2008 is here!

Our celebration started mid day yesterday on Christmas Eve when I left the office bound to get home and dig in with the family. It was taking some time since I just came out of several days in bed with a vicious cold virus that seemed to go one after another in a chain of events ending with yours truly. I'm better, just with a nagging cough.

Enjoyed just coming home to the kids, the wifey, the parents, and John and Donna ready for some celebration over the next 24 hours. We started with some mid day movies and hanging out and got ready for some Christmas Eve Worship Celebrations at both my fathers parish St. Patricks Church and our beloved Grace Church. St. Patricks was slammed with worshippers in their 4pm mass and there were so many folks present that I stood in the aisle with my daughter, along with my Dad, and Jenn and Sean found a seat next to the Bachmanns. Sweet message, mass, and production put on by the children of the parish. Caught up with the Bachmann Clan briefly but all very sweet to tell my dear best friend Rudy Merry Christmas along with his whole family. We were then off (in a rush) to pick up my mom, John, and Donna to run to Grace Church for family Christmas Worship.

We arrived just before 6pm and the crowds were starting to motor in. Met many families I have not met before and enjoyed hymn singing and reflecting on the birth of our savior Jesus Christ! It was great and there was some interaction time with our Pastor and our children at the front. Ended with a candle lighting and prayer. Sweet time and my heart was finally just jumping into Christmas celebration and joy. We ran home for the next phase of the celebration - Mom prepared the Christmas meal...!

All of us went across the drive and stayed at the parents with sweet fellowship, some wine tasting, and a delightful rib eye roast. Delicious meal and great time. After dinner, it was time to get the kids tucked for bed and ready for the deliveries by St. Nick. Before bed, we prayed together as family in front of the tree and enjoyed praising the birth celebration of our Lord and Savior. We were continuing with the evenings call - Jesus is the light of the world! Kids we're stashed into bed by 10pm and then Jenn and I just enjoyed some time together before crashing for the early morning wake up.

I crawled out of bed before 6am and made some coffee just enjoying the peace of the morning and the true significance of our Christmas celebration. Just about the time I began to pour some fresh brew, my daughter Amber sprang down the stairs with the most genuine smile and joy ready asking to approach the tree where the gifts were waiting. We both agreed to wait until the balance of the family joined and it did not take long for Amber to make the rounds of wake up calls including walking to across the drive to wake the balance of the group. Presents were opened at will and the kids were delighted as well as some of adults. Jenn and I for the first year elected to gift the balance of the family but not ourselves and it did not change the joy of the morning celebration at all.

We generally lazed around all morning and just enjoyed the day. We finally made a road trip up the coast just to get out. We saw some beautiful coast line and some elephant seals. Just good times together. We are home as I write this making some burritos and again ready for some more rest.

God is faithful in our lives. We have so much to be thankful for. And the whole beginning of the Gospel in the birth of Jesus can actually be overwhelming if you let it... Overwhelming with joy and total appreciation!

Merry Christmas to all! Jesus is the light of the world!

God bless you all.

Daughter of Jacob

When you say it this way, it sounds a little scripture like...

Meet my great niece Sienna. She has her mothers eyes and her fathers nose and lips. She is a beautiful little girl.

My sister, Jacobs mom, recently visited and sent us this picture. Jacob and his wife Jillian are doing well in the new home of Portland, OR.

Share the Road

Share the road with family and friends!

Enjoyed a ride with my family this weekend on the road. Sean, Debbie, Donna, Mom, Dad, and myself enjoyed a 35 mile ride essentially around the vineyard areas of Orcutt and back along the beach and home. Great little clip and so encouraged with my parents health and joy in cycling. Everyone in this group has been riding most of their lives and it really shows.

Took a picture from the back of the group as we were pedaling 21mph with both parents in the line.

Great time together this weekend.