Delaney and Emma, Martinas Children

There are no words to express the way I feel about having children, but if left to my own devices, I would have no problem using this whole magazine trying! those who are parents understand. I wont bore you with hundreds of example of how great my kids are, but I will tell you a few details.

We found out that we were pregnany with Delaney in a dressing room in Sweden. I was on tour with Garth. John and I had been married 6 years and we were definitely ready. But as ready as we were, we sat in totaly disbelief staring at the best. I will never forget the feeling I had that night as I walked out on stage, like I had a little secret.

We announced it in a fun way-at Fan Fair in 1994. I called John out onstage and he told the crowd. Someone snapped a picture of the exact moment. We were so happy!

Weh n Delaney was born, my whole life changed. I felt I was born to be her mother. We brought her home from the hosbital on Christmas Even and spent the next morning wrapped up in the cocoon of new parenthood. I didnt feel up to cooking, so John weny out and the only thing open was Waffle House. We had cheese eggs, bacon and grits for Christmas dinner!

Delaney has brought so much joy to our lives and I always tell her that the most important this I do is being her mommy. She has a flair for drama and is sweet compassionate and wise!

Emma came along March 29, 1998. We found out that we were pregnant in Sioux St. Marie right before a show. I told John then we told Delaney together. The three of us hugged and danced in a citcle. Emma is a sweet and funny child who is very even tempered. Shes at the age where mama can do no wrong (thats such a good age, isnt it?)

We have a blast on the road they have been everywhere! Im greatful that I can take them both with me everywhere we go!

We moved to Nashville in 1990. Within a few months, John was working with an up-and-coming star named Garth Brooks. I was waiting table and singing demos. John was also acting as my manager and we recored a demo and that we used to try to get a record deal. We were turned how by almost every label in town, but we didnt give up. Meanwhile, I was really missing John and asked if I could get a job on the tour. The job I got was selling merchandise for Garch, which was a great experience.

I hear that RCA was looking for a female artist. Knowing that record labels didnt take unsolicited material, I put my tape in a purple envelops and wrote REQUESTED MATERIAL on it. It go past the receptionist and two weeks later we got a call- RCA wanted to see a live showcase!! My mom and dad came how from Kansas. It was such an exciting night for all of us.

Afterwards, Josh Leo and Randy Talmadge from RCA came backstage and told me I had a record deal if I wanted it and to come in the next week day to talk about it. I went with a cassette recoreder so my family could hear everything!! I remember saysing Youre sure I really have a record deal? I mea, this isnt going to change. Josh picked up my tape recoreder and said, You have a recored deal. It took the longest time to kink in and trust that they werent going to change their minds. But they kept their word and we began recording the album a few months later.