White Christmas

We're dreaming of a "White Christmas" - especially if you live in Florida. I took this on Christmas morning. It was such a perfect morning: Christmas music playing, my kids excited about the snow falling, and I had my, well needed, cup of coffee that I got to enjoy with my parents and wonderful husband. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better...my mom pulls out her fresh baked cherry rolls! Yum!!

My family

It is not everyday that my "whole" family can be together for a group picture. But it happened this Christmas. In Oct. '08 my parents celebrated 46 years of marriage. (Worthy of bragging in my book!!) :) They are the young ones sitting in the middle. Sitting beside them are my three "big" brothers (emphases on big, only one is "older"), sitting next to them are my three beautiful sister-in-laws, and last but not least...my seven nieces and nephews, ranging from 2 to 22! I love and miss my family, and thank God for His protection over them!

World Vision Online Donations:Animals

I'd like to share a tradition we have at the "Maxwell House" - During the month of December, we sit down as a family and shop for goats, chickens, cows, seeds, etc. Yes! Your read me right. :) We shop at World Vision. Where it is possible to purchase animals for families in Haiti and Kenya. I'm talking the poorest of poor! These animals not only provide food for families (eggs, milk, cheese, etc.), but they also provide a much needed income for these families by selling the goods. This wonderful organization are usually the first on site during natural disasters, etc. If you're looking for the "perfect" gift...and for a real blessing. This is a great one stop shopping site...with no lines! :) I pray this is a fond memories when my children grow older, and that they continue this tradition with their children. I don't want them to ever forget how blessed they are. They live in a country where there are so many opportunities. Families in these poverty stricken countries don't have these opportunities...they are just trying to survive. I Phones, I Pods...mean nothing to them..."I" have hunger pains, is all they know. (Okay, that was lame, but you got the picture. :) My goal on starting this blog was to keep a family journal...but like any journal, I will have to write what is on my heart. I know there are so many needs out there...but what might be a little sacrifice for us, could mean life or death for another. You can click on the link below if you'd like more info. This is 'my' prayer... O Lord, turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Psalm 119:36 World Vision Online Donations:Animals

Adios...and Happy Birthday!

She chose her favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner. Max and

Landon don't care for this restaurant, so she never gets to eat there.

But there was no complaining that night. :) We ended the celebration at home with opening gifts and two tired parents! I thank the Lord for my precious 10 year old, and pray He blesses her with many, many, more!!

More birthday fun - A "goofy" family at Goofy Golf!

Our next stop was miniature gold It's one of Payton's favorite things to do. Here is a picture of her "hole in one." And, of course we have the three musketeers. :)

O

Birthday favorite - Horses!

We surprised her with a day in the country! Her only request for her birthday was to ride a horse. It kills me that both my kids don't want birthday parties! I lOVE planning parties, yet they know that a party would only last a couple of hours, instead of an all day celebration. We have some friends that blessed her with hours of "horse time." She rode until her heart was content. We had to peel the smile off her face. It was a beautiful Florida day - "gentle" horses, good friends and a VERY happy birthday girl! Thanks again, Alaine, Lacy & Lexie - we all had a wonderful time! 

Happy 10th Birthday, Payton!

It's hard to believe my baby girl is double digits!! Oh, how my heart yearns for her to be a baby again for a short while. (That's if she doesn't wake for a 3:00 a.m. feeding. :)) One of our birthday traditions is the kids get to choose a box of "junk cereal" on the month of their birthday. Fruit Loops was this years choice.

She is thanking her brother for the gift he bought her. It is a DVD of her favorite Christian comedian. His name is Tim Hawkins, and she is his #1 fan. (He is hilarious, but we laugh harder watching her lose complete control as she listens to him.) :) If you do a google search you could hear some of his video clips. 

Cotton,cotton & more cotton

The kids and I were driving home from a homeschooling field trip when we came across several cotton fields! Of course we pulled over to inspect and admire this awesome sight! It's unbelievable to see how we get our cotton! There are literal cotton balls at the end of the stem - just like the ones we use to remove our polish. We were in awe as you can image being the desert rats that we are. :) I suppose the southerners would feel the same if they laid their eyes on a saguaro cactus for the first time!

Awesome sight!

"THE REST OF THE SUMMER..." You might wonder why I'm posting summer pictures in Oct? Well, up until a week ago it still felt like summer! We returned from our five week trip, and the rest of our summer flew by. The kids enjoyed some free time, and I got ready for the new school year - ordering curriculum, working on schedules, organizing, etc. Anyhow, here are a few pictures of "The rest of the summer..."

In Sept., Max had a conference in Tampa, and the kids and I got to tag along. We were blessed with a free pass to to Epcot. (Thanks again, Mark & Angela!) We also spent a day at Busch Gardens where the kids got to ride their favorite roller coaster...over, and over, and over again! (Just 'one' of the perks of homeschooling, going to an amusement park when all the tourist go home!) :) It was a little warm, so the water rides were taken advantage of. Two years ago, we gave the kids a trip to Disney World for Christmas, but Payton wasn't tall enough for all the BIG rides. This trip they they could ride everything together! :)

Give kids water, sand, and an occasional snack, and they are content for hours. They were such troopers when we dragged them from museum to museum in Germany. So, it's their turn to enjoy this assignment.  The water is warm enough for even a wimp like me. Unfortunately, the warm water is what attracts the hurricanes. We are almost out of the woods for this season. Whew!)

A friend from work was patient enough to give my guys some sailing lessons. 

 When we first arrived in Florida we rented some kiaks, it was a lot of fun... until the wind picked up, and we had to row our little selves back to shore. I thought my arms were going to fall off, and float away. It was brutal! That was the day I hung up my paddles, and fell in love with "motors!" :) My family is much tougher than me.

Summer in the Southwest

Here are just a few hi-lights of trip. It was wonderful to see family and friends. We pray you all have a blessed summer! Sky City, the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, the mesa-top village. It is located 13 miles from my home town. ( Don't mistake St. Augustine, the nation's oldest "city"is here in Fl.) Having a goofy time with cousins! Lady and Payton - she adores horses! Before we left on our trip we celebrated Landon's 13 birthday. It's hard to believe.  We gave Landon some challenges (The Maxwell Challenge) when he turned 13 i.e. spiritual, physical, academic, and life skill goals. 

The three prisoners with Alcatraz in the back ground! :) The Golden Gate Bridge and us too!

Landon having a drink at the falls in Yosemite.  (Having a little photography fun!) Payton adding to the beautiful view. We are little people next to this tree......