Martin Kids to NCS 2015

It's that time of year again where we are graciously asking for tax credit donations to be made to lighten the

cost of sending the kids to Northwest Christian. It is a win-win for everyone.

This year we are also raising funds to send Brynn to NCS next year as well.  This will make 4! Whew...they grow so fast.

The program is a tax CREDIT program, which means you will receive a dollar-for-dollar credit back on your taxes when you give.  Everyone has tax liability to the state, this is a way to tell your funds exactly where you want them to go. It makes it easier and for many, possible, to attend a private school such as NCS.  We are so thankful for this ability here in Arizona.

It is very simple.  Once you begin filing your taxes you will see how much AZ State Tax Liability you have for the 2014 year.  You can then pause, momentarily, go online to www.azto.org and make a tax credit donation in our family's name. You just need Cole, Brody, Trace and Brynn's names and the school they attend (Northwest Christian School).

You then make a donation online.  If you happen to have more tax liability than the maximum amount for the standard credit, you can give in the PLUS credit option up to the amount you have in State Tax Liability.

You then finish your taxes noting your donation in order to receive your credit. If you have a tax accountant, well, they should know exactly what to do! :)

Here is the link to the form in case someone wanted to mail in their donation. And, our family letter!

2015/2016 Family Letter and Donation Form

Sending the Twins to Northwest Christian School

We would like to send the twins, with Cole, to Northwest Christian in 2014.

We have spent the first two months of school working on reading, math, money, time, writing, sentence structure, punctuation, verbs, nouns, bible lessons, memory verses, and so much more in between.  We have been considering transitioning the boys to NCS next year but I wanted to get a little further along in their skills to make sure when they transition they wouldn't be behind.  I DO NOT want little boys coming home defeated and frustrated.  That is just no way to live! I also wanted to be sure the Lord wanted us to make that move.

I think we are making excellent progress and although at times they seem to need reminding and prompting to remember things we went over, they have done remarkably well.  They are a whole year younger than Cole was in first grade.  Cole was 7, the twins are 6.  This makes a huge difference, along with their personalities, in their desire to learn, their ability, their interest.  Until recently I can say for a fact, Trace had little to no interest in learning to read.  And that is okay.  But, I wanted to encourage them to have more interest if we were going to consider them attending NCS.

I am not 100% sure as to the Lords wishes, but I do know we must take steps, in prayer, in order to find answers. Justin and I are stepping out in faith, considering it will cost about $16,000 to send all 3 boys to NCS.  The good news, after these three attend school, the 4th, 5th, and 6th ones are free! Wahooo.  But, raising, through tax credits, $16,000 will still be the LORDS total provision for our family and confirm we should be sending them there.  It is not an easy task to raise the money.  It takes planning, applications, letters, posts, swallowing one's pride :) and faith. We are acting in faith and allowing God to provide for the boys to attend school.

So, we are again partnering with AZTO.org, sending out letters, posting this to the blog, and sharing through social media the opportunity to designate your Arizona Tax Dollars towards Cole, Brody and Trace attending Northwest Christian in 2014/2015.

It might seem like a long time from now, but we have managed to get ahead of the fundraising curve.  Last year we were able to raise full tuition for Cole to attend school.  Praise the Lord, isn't HE good?!

By sending out letters now, we make the opportunity for our friends and family much more sweeter.

If you donate prior to December 31, 2013, you can claim your donation on BOTH your federal and state tax return.  The federal would be for donating towards a 501(c)3 and the state is for your state tax liability dollar-for-dollar credit.

If, for some reason, you would rather wait until 2014 to make a donation you can actually make a donation up until April 14, 2014 in order for it to be applied to your 2013 state liability tax filing.

Our family would be so BLESSED if you would partner with us by designating your Arizona State Tax Liability towards our boys attending Northwest Christian School.  It is a dollar-for-dollar credit so you will not lose anything by making this possible for our kids.

Please prayerfully consider making this donation on our behalf.  We are confident God plans to do great, amazing things through each of our readers who visit our blog and receive our letters.

If you have any questions, please contact us. We'd be happy to explain some things or direct you to where your answers can be found.

We are so thankful we live in a place where we can be intentional with our children's education. Second to homeschooling, which is incredible and absolutely what we recommend, Christian school is the only choice we would make.  We, as their parents, believe they should be in a place that honors Christ, puts Him first and into all aspects of education, and shows our children the righteous path. Thank you in advance for your consideration to help our family.

You can download the letter and donation form HERE!

If you desire to give but do not live in Arizona, we would certainly accept your donation, which cannot be applied towards your taxes and would simply come from the goodness of your heart, towards their tuition. You can contact me for more information about this type of donation as it cannot be made through AZTO.

NCS Homecoming

We attended homecoming this year not just as alumni but as NCS students.  I was at a birth that afternoon so our friends the Mortons came to pick up the kids and take them to the festivities.  Justin followed not long after with Cole and picked up the baby from me so I could be with my client until her baby arrived.

Once I got there, the house was packed.  So full people were parking across the street at Fry's.  But, G-d was good to me and I got a front row parking spot! Yay.

It was fun for the kids, there were games, bounce houses, food, and of course football.  Justin left a little before the big kids and I did.  He took the littlest ones home for bed.  They were so tired.

We managed to catch a few pictures and some from the parade earlier that afternoon. The parade was adorable and lots of fun.  The classrooms spent so much time preparing and making crafts for homecoming spirit week. I was excited to make the design for their class t-shirts this year.  Each of the boys got to wear one to homecoming. They really go over the top and its a lot of fun.

Rained Out

We went up to Flagstaff to spend the day with my parents, who were camping, and hopefully go to the county fair up there.  This is an annual trip we've been making for years, going all the way back to when I was a kid. 

We were RAINED OUT! So, the kids couldn't go to the fair but the weather was nice and cool.

We let the kids play and hike in the rain and get all wet and muddy.  They had fun...we tolerated the mud and the rain!! 

Landon was up there too, a friend of Cole's, so the kids had a great time playing together.




I happened to remember that NCS had their first game up at the NAU Skydome after seeing a school bus from another school in the Target parking lot while we were grabbing some lunch.

So, we decided we would go to Target, buy fresh clothes and shoes for the kids and Justin (that is not the cheapest thing to do by the way!), and head to the game at the dome.  It was very fun to be there, out of the rain, with what is now Cole's school too, and cheering on the Crusaders!

Back to Home-school

We are officially all back to school now that Labor day has passed and summer (although the weather isn't changing) is over.  Since Cole is attending school this year I will have more time to spend with the twins and Brynn.  

The twins are in first grade this year.  Where did the time go?  We will continue to work on bible, reading, writing, and math primarily and throw in some science, history, art, and some unit studies.  I try not to spend more than 3 hours on school each day (more like 2.5 if I get my way, but that depends on how cooperative they are).  That way it isn't over whelming for them or me, I don't neglect Westin for too long and I can try and fit it in when baby sleeps. 

They are such different kids than Cole, I am having to learn how to teach them the same things but in a whole new way.  It helped that Cole was almost a year older in this grade than they are now.  But, it's a huge change.  It's good for me and keeps me on my toes.

They will be taking Piano this year and Grammy has enrolled them in Tennis lessons.  They have a filled semester already. And, if daddy gets his way, they might play Fall Baseball this year.  I'm hoping to wait until Spring, but who knows.

The nice thing about homeschooling, which I tell people all the time, is it's not about doing school at home. It's about finding what works for your kids and keeping at it.  For my twins, it's about review, repetition, hands on, and keeping it brief.  Success is huge. If they don't have success they are totally defeated.  Also, I realize, that in some things, they just don't care yet.  Which is fine and when they do finally care, it will click.

I'm not sure yet if this will be their last year at home. They might not transition until 3rd grade. We will be praying about that.  Until then, I will do my best to fulfill the calling in their life as their mother, teacher, and their daddy's wife!

Brynn, although she is only 4 might as well be in Kindergarten this year.  It will be tough to keep her slowed down and in her appropriate grade level.  She is more like Cole, eager to learn and quick to retain information.  She is a January birthday so I cannot just let her get ahead. I don't want her to graduate high school at 17.  So, I plan to spend most of the school year just keeping her busy with crafts, cutting, letters, shapes, colors, painting, letter sounds, reading books with her and making school fun.   She is also taking Piano and trying Ballet for the first time this year, thanks again to Grammy.  We are also sending her 2x a month to see the tutor, like the boys did, our long time friend Alana.  It changes things up and makes learning fun and gives her some one-on-one.

Next year she will be 5 and we will start "real" Kindergarten but by then she'll probably be ready for first grade.  Oh well.  We do what we can right!  She is a lot of fun because she enjoys learning.  I haven't had her complain or whine about anything other than wanting more work to do.  Crazy in comparison to the twins.  She wants to keep everything she makes and colors.  If I let her my house would be stacked up with papers and pictures.  We toss those things in the quiet of the dark night and never bring them up again.  She often doesn't notice.  We've all been there I know it.

Cole has been enjoying school at NCS.  He really LOVES math and is an excellent reader.  Dropping him off and picking him up provides nice structure to our day. It gives boundaries to work and play and allows for a nice nap for the littlest ones.

He is doing Mathletes after school and also taking Piano lessons.  He is so quick to learn and eager as well.  We've been praying he makes friends easily.  Each day on the way to school we pray a verse over him out loud. I write it on a 3x5 card and put it on my visor so we can read and pray it together.  He has all the opportunities to be successful in school (not that I believe that is the gauge of a man), but if he enjoys education he has the ability to do well.  It has given us, already, opportunities to work on character, problem solving, the power of words, and so much more.  Those little blips in time I am so thankful for because those are the moments that refine his heart.

We took some pictures outside to commemorate being back at school, all the kids that is.  They were so funny.  I asked them to do serious pictures and then funny faces.  They were hysterical trying to make those funny faces.  I think Brody won the funny face contest this time around!

Of course, Westin had to jump in there. He is such a ham and cannot be left out! Stinker bug.

Cole in 2nd Grade

Cole has officially begun 2nd grade at Northwest Christian.  The Lord provided in every way this year as we were able to raise enough funds to cover tuition.  He is truly good and gracious and knows what is best for us.

We decided in the beginning we were going to put it out there...Cole attending NCS...and see what G-d would do, both financially, spiritually, and our own confidence in the decision.  We sent out letters to friends and family and began the process of attempting to see if tuition could be met.  The Lord knew full well we could not do it on our own and so we were taking a step of faith.

Our friends and family were so faithful to the nudging to donate their AZ State tax dollars towards Cole's education.  People I never expected to donate did and that blew our socks off (well my socks off).  

Cole is now in his second full week of school and seems to be loving all the academics, the teacher, the kids, and so much more.  As always, there can be a tough transition into a new place.  All the kids that have been going there know each other and being the new kid can be tough in some ways. Add to that the fact that he has not just not attended NCS but he hasn't attended ANY school and so he is learning how to engage the kids, make friends, and find his way.  I know the Lord has a special friend picked out just for him.  In the same way I prayed and trusted the Lord would pick the right teacher for him, as there was no clear choice for the best teacher.

(insert from original post: Cole does have a friend of a friend in his class. Nixson, his long time friend, has a friend, Cole (also) in his class. He is hopeful they too will become friends. We have a playdate arranged so they can get to know one another, thanks to Nixson.)

We have been praying in the car each morning for his day.  I have attached a bible verse to the visor for him to read before he exits the car.  The hope is to drive the HOPE of Christ deep into his heart so he feel confident, loved and ready to take on the day.  

It has been nice for the younger children as well.  Of course we all miss him terribly, he is the oldest, most helpful, the leader and friend.  But, it has been good for the twins, so far, to have some one-on-one time together to play and be buddies. Usually one of them is playing with Cole.  

I have had more time for the little ones and also for myself. That is refreshing as well.  

The day still remains very scheduled in terms of dropping Cole off, heading to the gym (at least 2 days a week I hope), coming home (once we start school for the twins and Brynn this will be school time) by 9:30 and then the little ones have to be down for a nap by 12:30 or they are not up in time to pick up Cole, in which I like to leave the house by 2:45 to get in the pick up line.  

It gives a nice structure to the day but also some flexibility.  I have actually been enjoying our new schedule.  

Mostly, I just love those kiddos, and I'm so proud of Cole for taking on a new adventure and I am liking the time I get with the smaller ones.  They grow so fast. I don't want to miss it and I want it to be full of adventure, love, fun, and learning.

Cole's First Day of School

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If you'd like to help us continue to send Cole to school next year and quite possibly the twins please go here for the 2013 donation form for AZTO. 
You can also find out more information here at AZTO's website and to donate ONLINE.

Remember, you are just re-directing your AZ Tax Liability, which is a dollar-for-dollar credit come April 2014.  So, it doesn't hurt...it only helps!!!

Good News

Thanks to all of the supportive efforts of family and friends Cole will be attending NCS next year!! 

We are thrilled.  He is very excited and ready to make new friends.  We, of course, are also excited for him to make friends, but we are most excited he is able to school in a place (if it is not going to be our home) that honors the Lord and includes Him and the word in each part of the day and learning.  

I am also excited to have some additional one-on-one time (although that isn't really true because they are twins and its two-on-one) with my boys.  They are entering 1st grade and we will be continuing with reading, writing, math and bible as our primary focus and history and science as our secondary focus.  Also, my little miss will begin Kindergarten (although she will have 2 years of kindergarten due to only being 4).  She is ready and I'm excited to spend some time with her.

We will be spending each day praying that being at NCS is the right place for Cole and watching to see if attending school will be positive for him or perhaps negative.  I'm aware that long term school might not be what is right for him, but confident the Lord both led us and provided for us to send him there this year. Our intention is to move forward as though he will be attending again next year. 

This is where our blog readers can continue to help us with the Arizona State Tax Credit. You can find information HERE about donating your AZ State Tax Liability towards Cole's education at NCS.  We are so grateful for those who have given so far and we will need to maintain those donors as well as add more donors as we look to transition our children into private school.

Cole Attending 2nd Grade

Cole, age 7, has prepared a little video to share his feelings with you about attending NCS next year.

Thank you all for your support and love in this adventure.

You can go here to read our letter of intent and about donating. 

Go here to download the donation form for AzTO in order to assist with Cole's tuition.  The PLUS donation does apply to Cole, so feel free to go above and beyond if it fits your income level and liability.