Martin Madness

2009-07-12T09:51:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful performance from Darius at camp. It was a performance from the play "Grease" and he made us very proud! He is the one with orange glasses and they are quite crooked, which was pretty funny. We also broke down and bought Darius a Golden Retriever puppy. Everyone knows I'm not a nature or animal lover but surprise surprise your girl is hanging in there with this puppy. the only problem I have is it's worst than having a new baby, I'm up at night and outside. But with a baby I can role over and the baby is quiet again. Gosh I didn't know it was this hard having a puppy!!!

2009-06-15T07:14:00.004-04:00

I went to Dayton, Ohio also know as my birthplace for a week! You heard it right I stayed a week! I had my class reunion and of course the boys and I did activities almost everyday. The pictures are not in order...I hate uploading to blogger! Enjoy Darius driving Devyn and his cousins Alasia and Jamone I took this pic of a little boy spasing(sp) out and Devyn is at the age where he wants to copy everything...Funny Darius, Jamone and Devyn shoveling fake rocks... Mommy is so sorry for buying this little pool boys...I really thought it was bigger than that. Funny picture though Darius and Devyn with there cousins at the Children's museum in Cincinnati I love this picture The Cincinnati children's museum I did help do this at Meadowdale Yes it's a dump now and the new one will be open shortly...memories

party like a rock star

2009-05-25T14:30:00.003-04:00

David and I really forgot how old we are this weekend! We went on our usual date night on Friday with a different spin on the agenda, we ended up at the Hard Rock resort casino. I love playing the 25 cent slots and once I win I go back to the same type of slot machine every time. But of course David doesn't believe certain games win more than others so we played at the Wheel of Fortune slots and lost all our damn money! So some how the very next night we ended up there with friends this time and I won 300.00!!! Yay for me! We had a lot of fun with our friends/neighbors. They are in the Coast Guard and will be moving to San Diego soon...so we had to celebrate of course!!!

2009-05-13T15:38:00.002-04:00

Darius had a wonderful and quite tearful Mother's Day program at school. He really did well on his part. However I have to work on his picture taking :) Every picture he takes he looks like he is saying "Cheese."

2009-04-25T18:56:00.004-04:00

Today I got my first tattoo! David's dad is here visiting and got in on the tattoo action too! My experience wasn't fun so I will say that this is my first and last tattoo....

Egg hunting and yet another birthday!

2009-04-12T22:46:00.002-04:00

We are celebrating another birthday! This seems to be a year of milestones in my family, my mom turned 50 April 11th and decided to come to Florida to celebrate with us. Her favorite cousin came too and we had a wonderful time! The boys also egg hunted twice this weekend...Darius was so proud and Devyn called them balls.

Happy Birthday Darius

2009-04-05T05:03:00.000-04:00

Happy 6th Birthday Darius!!! 2 years old 5 years old (cake) 6 years old

autism awareness month and another birthday

2009-04-02T13:11:00.000-04:00

Today, April 2nd is national Autism awareness day and April is national Autism awareness month. As you all are aware Autism has affected our home. Ironically April 2006 was when Darius was officially diagnosed. I don't recall the day in April but at that time I wished it was April fools. It was really hard at first to talk about it and even say the "A" word. Now I can say it with confidence and not feel sad. Darius will be 6 on Sunday and is doing so good...truthfully speaking. He is now spliting the day at school in the general education class and at some points you will not even recognize some of his Autism symptoms. So everyone if you can please donate to toys r us, autism speaks, or any organization that is raising money for the cure this month it will really help. We need more money for research to see why so many children are being diagnosed with Autism more than ever. Here are some pictures of Darius at his birthday party last weekend. His birthday is April 5th but we had the party a week early.

Happy Birthday Dev Man

2009-03-26T13:47:00.001-04:00

Today is Devyn's Birthday!!!! Devyn's smash cake with his favorite character "Diego" riding the waves... Devyn at school digging in the cake. All about Devyn....He is quite a character now, he really is coming into his own. Everything about David, Devyn is exactly the same and more. All I know is that I carried and birthed him but I can't say he is anything like me. Devyn is a big boy to be two, he weighs 35lbs. He is the 2nd tallest in the class but is one of the youngest.... He loves sports and any type of ball involved in a sport. If you don't watch out he will throw a ball at you and expect you to catch it without you looking at him. Here he is playing in the house with David's helmet. He even made me put it on... The boy is really creative too! David is now a golfer...so Devyn is too just on a smaller scale :) Happy 2nd Birthday Devyn! We love you!

A work of art

2009-03-19T17:45:00.000-04:00

Darius made us very proud this week...His art teacher had to choose two students artwork out of his entire school to be displayed in an art exhibition. He is only in Kindergarten and he beat kids from K-6 graders! However on our way to the exhibit he decides to go to sleep! He woke up at 5am that morning and was ready to go to bed at 6pm the time the exhibit started! May I say he acted terrible and I had to bribe him to take a picture by his artwork. I promised a lot...but I couldn't get a smile! Devyn seemed to be the model for the night. He stood by the picture the whole time and seemed to be so proud....Great job Darius! Mommy, Daddy and Devyn are so proud of you!

Yacht party

2009-03-17T09:09:00.000-04:00

OK so we really did do it big for David's birthday. We had so much fun! Here are a few pics of the party we had Friday night on the Volunteer Princess Yacht. Friday was David's actual birthday so we had to do something! David going down the soul train line David and two of his aunts David driving the boat The napkins Me and my cousin Amber

I pulled it off!

2009-03-16T12:55:00.000-04:00

Well the party is over and we had a ball here are a few pictures of the room. We really had a good time. I will post more as they come in....

Coconut

2009-03-01T22:14:00.000-05:00

We have coconuts growing in our backyard. So I decided to make Darius' day by pulling one down and letting him taste. He didnt like the taste much but I think he thought it was cool to open it up. After we were done it became a pool toy you will see in the pictures below.

Party planning is a B

2009-02-25T18:22:00.000-05:00

Right now I have no new pictures of the boys or any cute stories to tell. I am feverishly working on David's 30th birthday celebration in March. If anyone knows me they know I love planning parties and I go all out for the decor :) I am putting a lot of time into it and I want this to be very special and something he never forgets, pray for me...It is really hard to match what he did for me for my birthday but I'm really trying to come close because he is always creative when it comes to holidays. I'm a little predictable when it comes to gifts and holiday stuff, so if you know any dancers in Knoxville who want to perform let me know... Just Kidding. Anyway, I'm hosting the party in Knoxville since it is a central spot for most. Actually hosting a party in a city that you do not live in is very difficult but with the help of Allegiant Air with 29.00 airfare I can accomplish anything! Peace.....Kameisha

My two front teeth

2009-02-13T19:56:00.000-05:00

Darius lost both of his front teeth while we were on vacation. My mother in law said Devyn hit him in the mouth and one tooth came out and he swallowed the other! I don't know how they fell out that easy I guess they were that loose! Darius is loosing his teeth faster than normal. This is now five teeth gone and he is only five! Usually you loose your first tooth at six. My baby is growing up so fast.

2009-01-25T22:09:00.000-05:00

I know everybody thinks their husband is special and so do I but right now I think my husband is extrodinary. I turned 28 on January 13th. He took me to dinner and presented me with a hallmark envelope with an itinerary in it for us to go to the Bahamas without the boys. He informed me that his mom and stepdad would be flying in the next day and we would leave on the 15th! Yeah I couldn't believe it but that was only half of the story! He flew my closest friends and 3 of their husbands to the Bahamas to surprise me! It was an incredible weekend and I was so shocked to see everyone show up! It was so fun! Thanks David! Oh we stayed at the Atlantis resort in the Cove it was beautiful!

Vacation here I come!

2009-01-11T19:27:00.000-05:00

Well...on to vacation. The Dolphins lost misserably to the Ravens but it was fun to go to a playoff game since Dave hasn't been in one for 4 years or so. I'm looking forward to enjoying David's offseason since I have stop running. Usually this time I would move back to Knoxville and start training under JJ's guidence. It is a little weird that I have nothing to do but taking care of my boys. Actually I have never had a break, I was either pregnant or training for a comeback those were my only breaks from track. I am looking forward to learning new things and seeing what the world has to offer besides running so damn much! LOL. Anyway enjoy the throw back pics of Darius I found my old camera....

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T20:24:00.001-05:00

Well the Dolphins proved all you haters wrong again! I don't want to brag because this next game is like the super bowl to the city of Miami. They have not been to the playoffs since 2000. They beat the Jets to win the AFC east championship and that win put them in the playoffs. David couldn't celebrate really because he was hit and fell the wrong way on his neck, which caused a concussion and mild trauma to his neck. I was there in NY with him when he went down and I absolutely lost it, but I can say because of the grace of God he was able to walk off the field. Actually he is trying to play this weeks game against the Ravens at home. He scored average on his concussion test which means he can play right right now. But we will see physically If he is ready to play. I think I will have a few shots of Patron to watch him play this week; i'm that scared. Here are a few pictures of the boys on Christmas Day. Dev Man played so hard on Christmas he fell asleep in his high chair. They were out driving the power wheels jeep at 7 am. It was a great day! David gave me a new camera. It takes better quality pictures. Take a look. Happy New Year!!!! Darius riding his Razor thanks to our wonderful neighbors! Thanks again! Devyn on his version of a Razor scooter...he has already learned how to ride it. Merry Christmas! Cheese!

The Dolphins are winning! Pray for them Sunday...

2008-12-19T01:34:00.000-05:00

So I never talk about football on here but I got's to talk about David touchdown. I am his biggest fan I think...well I should be right? Anyway last weeks game they played the San Francisco fourty niners. I am always scared when David jumps over defenders to receive the ball because you never know how he will land. He had a horrible fall earlier this season that made me run to the locker room past all the security. I can laugh about it now but it wasn't funny then. Needless to say he was back on the field the next quarter so I felt like a fool later. Back on the subject his TD catch was great! He caught the ball over the head of the defender turned around and ran like hell! Some of the commentators said they haven't seen someone that big run that fast. Well he does train with me a little in his off-season I thought...to take credit of some sorts. Take a look. Click on the title to see it. I need to learn how to add a link. I clicked on the obvious button and added url but it would not show on the blog...I need help!

2008-12-12T06:27:00.000-05:00

Well the Christmas crunch has begun! We are so busy all the time, so I decided to take my own Christmas shots and print them on a card from Shutterfly. Our impromptu photo shoot didn't go well at all! Darius wouldn't open his eyes. Devyn had a nasty nose! Anyway I am going to find a picture from earlier this year and try again! I have a story about our trees but I will post it later.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-06T20:00:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving was wonderful! I got much needed rest...my mom and aunt came for a week. It was great! We had "Chitlins" or the proper name Chitterlings. Also known as pig guts! Darius learned how to clean them too!! He was really excited to help. Darius had a Thanksgiving performance at school and he did wonderful! This is him afterwards waiting for food. He caught eyes with me while he was on stage!!It was hilarious...he looked at me like go home! I think he thought I would take him home. He loves school so much sometimes he doesn't want to leave.

Fun in the sun

2008-11-19T09:57:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted much recently football season has been kicking my butt....we have visited the beach and I might use these shots for Christmas cards...

My Superhero's.....

2008-11-19T09:42:00.001-05:00

Devyn is getting so big and mature so fast! We followed Darius to some of the homes with his candy bag...and his flashlight! Darius had a blast that night! We had several Fall Fest/Halloween celebrations that we attended...its hard to keep up but this one was the 1st time Darius put on his spiderman suit...look at his expressions! He is hilarious SuperDevMan didn't get out of the wagon every time however....he stayed in to enjoy the treats... I had to post this pic of Darius' face. I painted it myself! I'm so proud! He loved it! I had help from a manual but it turned out wonderful!

2008-10-28T18:16:00.000-04:00

I haven't been blogging a lot lately but here are a few recent pics of us.... Dave ordered a lobster tail it was huge! We started doing date night every Friday...here is a pic of us leaving a restaurant in Miami Beach. Dev Man is still growing at a fast rate. He is still off the charts in all growth charts and actually his head grew 3 inches in a 2 month span! What more can I say these two are identical! It doesn't look like I birthed this one...sorry no pics of Darius....

FOOTBALL TIME

2008-10-15T17:42:00.000-04:00

I decided to take a trip by myself to an away game in Houston last weekend. My mother came and I also have two aunts and a cousin who live there. We all enjoyed one another during the weekend. I wanted to share some of the pics.

Catching up

2008-09-16T18:15:00.000-04:00

The boys had a slumber party...not actually a real slumber but they had fun with their new sleeping bags My sweetie and I had a romantic night at a hotel Nicole and Mikki came to visit Darius made his own bowl of cereal without any help...my boy is growing up!

2008-09-03T16:02:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately I haven't posted anything because Devyn brought home a nasty stomach virus that everyone has gotten except Darius. We will be posting more once I feel better!!!!

Kameisha

Family

2008-08-24T19:27:00.000-04:00

This is not a joke. I wanted to introduce Horn Martin, our family pet. He travels every where with us and even has his own travel bag. It is so cute and a bit sad how Darius interacts with him as if he is real. We really need to invest in a real dog but Horn will do for now!

I haven't put up pics of my mom this is what she enjoys doing in her spare time....

She is on the trails at least 2-3 times a week in Ohio....

maybe I will join her in the future.

The Day finally came

2008-08-20T11:41:00.000-04:00

We weathered the storm! The water in our pool got so high I was scared it may flood our house. The pool wasn't the only thing filled with water. After all the talk about being excited to take the boys to school. I cried so much as I drove Darius to school this morning. We arrived there and I saw big kids and I started crying again! I can't actually explain to you as a mother what it feels like to drop your baby off to "real" school.

The winds were high and it rained all day long on Monday and Tuesday.

Darius is so excited he is finally in his uniform.

I think this picture is funny. Darius is smiling as hard as he can and Devyn looks identical to David. It's scary!

Here. I really think Devyn believes he is going to the same place as Darius because when we got to Darius' school he cried and didn't want to get back in car!

This is Darius and a classmate. He didn't want me to take pictures you can tell! But mommy couldn't resist! Sorry

Here comes Fay

2008-08-18T21:06:00.001-04:00

I saved my next blog entry for first day pictures. I knew the uniform that Darius has to wear would be great pics to post. Not to mention, him wearing his so fly, Gap, army fatigue, backpack, with the lunch bag to match...so cute! So Sunday came, and I packed the boys school supplies up, clothes were ironed, and they were tucked in bed. While watching the Olympics with one eye open and the other one closed. I saw "Broward county schools cancelled Monday" floating across the screen. Well great! If it wasn't for the Olympics I would of missed that announcement! I really didn't know if I saw it correct anyway because I was so tired. So I had to sit up and focus and I kept reading and it contiued to give emergency numbers for the schools. Then it said due to a tropical storm Fay. Ok so what am I going to tell Darius when he wakes up??? Sometimes it can be hard cause he still has a language delay so you have to be creative. Darius woke up asking could he go to school and all I could say was, "it is raining too hard son you have to stay at home. " He said "ok" with a long face. I know he doesn't like it when it rains hard so that was easier than I thought! He went to orientation and everything! I felt bad for him because he really likes to go to school and learn. He is a really smart boy.

So for now we are doing the wait and see if things get bad. The Dolphins let David come home for a night but he has to be back on the block around 6 so I guess that helps.

Count down yall

2008-08-12T23:34:00.000-04:00

5 days and counting...

No pics to post this time. I am busy preparing the boys for their first day of school! I have 4 different orientations to attend this week 2 for each child! Why the heck do they have these? I absolutely hate meetings! That's another blog (I just had a vision of being in a track meeting in college) horrifying! Anyway Darius will be going to Kindergarten and Devyn will begin attending a wonderful program that Nova Southeastern University oversees on Monday. I'm really excited probably more than they would be if they realized where they were going! On the to do list, I have to buy school supplies. Thats fun to me only that the list is becoming longer and longer. I have two long lists of things that they have to take with them on the first day. It is so funny how the list has changed over the years. Some of the items they ask for now like ziploc bags, headphones, wipes with the refills, oh and photo copy paper??? I'm thinking paper is a given in a school. I realize that times have changed dramatically but how much? I'm not mad at them as long as they take them off my hands! I will buy a chair or a desk for a little freedom. Sounds bad I guess but every mommy needs a break sometimes.

Idol Time

2008-08-03T22:04:00.000-04:00

While Dave lives in the hotel with his teammates. He stops in periodically and this was a night in particular that he came home. Darius decided to start taking pictures of us. He actually did a great job! Eventually I grew tired you will see!

While Dave is away it can become very lonely around the house. This weekend in particular I really tried to keep busy. We usually hit the children museums or something indoors because the heat is brutal right now.

Darius loves doing crafts he is really serious about painting...

Darius being rubbed with sunscreen by our nanny

Dev man catching waves

I got the opportunity to attend a concert and had a blast...

I wasn't suppose to take a picture, but couldn't resist, I guess that's why it didn't come out! Anyway it was a group named Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. I grew up with their music...my parents love them!

We ended the weekend with crafts again!

Autism

2008-08-01T19:41:00.000-04:00

So I haven't addressed this issue quite yet on the blog. I have the autism puzzle in the shape of a heart because it has affected the hearts of our family....

Well I'm not going to make this long, because child I could write a book! Darius, our oldest son was diagnosed with the condition in April of 2006. So immediately we started a marathon of therapies: Tomatis therapy (listening therapy), Speech, Physical, ABA therapy, special diet, Chelation, supplements, and Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy. Some of them are controversial but I feel like we tried things that were not detrimental to Darius' life and they all have helped. His language was greatly affected and he is really talking a lot better which is very encouraging. So now you know what takes up my time the off season; I train and I take Darius to therapy. Currently we are doing hyperbaric treatments everyday for an hour. Here is a picture of us getting in the hyperbaric tank, he calls it a spaceship and thinks it is fun.

Note: I have this pillow case over my head because I have hair that I bought that can not be taken out! The chamber is 100% oxygen so I might spark something! LOL.

Brotherly love

2008-07-26T18:48:00.000-04:00

Hey so I know what brotherly love is after all....

I had to post this picture because I really didn't set this pose up I caught them in the bathroom hugging while Darius was on the toilet pooping! I had to run and get my camera because no one would believe this! It is so funny to me....

It's that time again.

2008-07-23T06:25:00.000-04:00

Passing the torch....so I'm back in the states. Let me tell you...it was a roller coaster ride that was not fun! I learned a lot of things with racing and adjusting to a new atmosphere that I forgot. One thing I can say is I have come a long way in a years time and I can only be grateful and thank God that I accomplished as much. I have after and before pics since I am still learning how to arrange pictures in the order that I want! Anyway I can clearly see the dramatic physical changes which lets me know that I truly worked hard. Looking at that gives me some gratification about my season. So...babe it's your turn to go to work. Good Luck! God Bless...

After (healthy) it got worst

Before

Oh yeah we are moving back to Florida today for the entire fall! We will miss our friends...

but not Knoxville!

Africa Tangiers Morocco

2008-07-14T18:28:00.000-04:00

Hey here are a few pictures of the area that I stayed in during my last meet. I did well and had a good first race outing with a 2:01.6. Not too bad for me straight off the plane I pray it keeps coming down!

Leslie's Wedding March O8

2008-07-13T11:17:00.000-04:00

As requested here are some pictures of Leslie's wedding. They were married in March and it was such an extravagant affair. I am glad I had the opportunity to go it was wonderful!

On our way to Costa Rica!!!

Pre-wedding

Beach

Pool Party!!!!

Well I didn't post the pictures good so they are all scattered sorry but it is here to view!! Enjoy!

Africa

2008-07-10T18:45:00.000-04:00

Hello. Well I'm on my way to race in a couple European meets. I will first start in Tangier Morocco which is on the tip of Africa. Well this is my first trip to the mother land and may I say I feel really stupid right now. I heard Morocco and it did not dawn on me that I was going to Africa to race! I will certainly take pictures and will post them later. Anyway I am doing good during my long 5 hour layover. No...I'm not complaining. Well this is us on vacation at Leslie's wedding. It has nothing to do with my blog but it is a happy thought. I wish my road dog was with me...so I guess I got to go at this thing alone. Peace.

I've seen it all...I've done it all to the fullest

2008-07-01T06:32:00.000-04:00

My "Trials" Experience

Well first things first it seems like I made the team in this picture but as soon as I saw the time I knew I wasn't olympic bound. I was a little upset at first but I can only mention a few things worst that I have experienced in my life than not making the team. You know them telling you your time won't make the cut. Also Hazel is the only person this year in the U.S. to hit the A standard so she should be the only one really going right? Maybe I'm upset but others had the opportunity to run an A last year when I was 25lbs over weight and still recovering from having Devyn. I didn't have the opportunity to run an A standard to carry over to the next year, which sucks! Is that fair tell me if I am selfish please. But really I'm not that upset and like I said I have had a really terrible last 2 years so I can't complain. This is a great accomplishment despite not being able to go. Miracles happen everyday....

This Olympic trials was definitely a trial for me! I can say I understand now why I use to run in the back and sprint like hell at the end. When I run close to people I seem to fall especially when the pace is modest. I fell once again but the Lord had another plan. In my semifinal heat I got out but I wanted Schmidt to lead. So I kinda waited for her and I gave some other bone heads space. This young lady must I say, tried to fit in on the inside and started to elbow me knowing she didn't have enough space to fit! I started to fight back but the "fool" just wasn't letting up which started a domino effect of runners falling to the ground. The girl in front of me went first, I was second, LSU girl was third, and Teeter hurdled almost becoming the fifth. I just knew things were over for me. Like I said God had another plan. With much diligence I was able to get into final with my swollen knee and all my bruises.

Lessons learned.

1. Just get out and run when bone head is in your race...(she fights everyone)

2. Never underestimate the power of God

3. Should I say I made the team???(not a lesson I know)

4. Do not have anymore children until you are done with running!!!!(lol)

5. Stay positive and great things always happen

help

2008-06-24T07:35:00.000-04:00

Hey fellow bloggers I need help! I have read wonderful coments and I do not know how to reply. Do you just read them and don't reply? I know this isn't myspace but I am a little confused...

Husband

2008-06-24T07:20:00.000-04:00

This is my husband. This is what he does 24-7, 365 it seems. I am behind but I should of posted this for fathers day....I really admire him he works so hard and still finds the time to be a great father and husband. He is my best friend and my psychologist. Yes I am crazy and I need someone to calm me down sometimes! Anyway thanks babe. I love you.

Dev Man

2008-06-09T22:00:00.000-04:00

A little about Devyn. He is my baby boy but may I say he is far from that in size. He is off the charts in weight, head size, and height! He is such a firecracker. I feel like a new parent again raising Devyn because he is the total opposite of Darius. He has some quirky ways. He loves to push a roll bag around the house. If you pick him up he will get upset because you want him to drop it while he is in your arms. Or if you take it away from him he will fall to the ground and hit his head on the floor!! Ouch!

He has really turned Darius' home life around. Devyn is always in his way or biting. Yes I said it my boys fight already! I have to break up at least 4 fights a day! I'm a little concerned because they fight so soon but I'm told it is normal. But they do love each other still which is the most important.

Where should I start?

2008-06-06T07:23:00.000-04:00

My boys...that is always a happy thought. This week Darius just started going to camp at the Jewish Center in Knoxville. He seems to be adjusting well, but you never know with him. Darius is such a character all I can do is laugh sometimes. Well his most recent thing he did was blow up our microwave. He is a smart little boy but sometimes he just doesn't know when to stop! David warmed up his lunch (spaghetti). So David preceeded upstairs to put Devyn down for a nap thinking Darius would eat and everything was ok. Well next thing he heard was our alarm and all the fire alarms going off! Darius put the spaghetti back in the microwave with a styrophone plate and a metal fork! Disaster! Well David said he saw 35 minutes on it when he came down and smoke shooting out of every vent in the microwave! Luckily our house is still standing. I think this is too long but oh well I gotta get the hang of this. Peace.