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.