CHRISTmas 2010

We were blessed to be able to go to NM for Christmas (a seven hour drive was a breeze compare to the  24 hours one we took a few years back!).  We were running late to church (which is an hour from my home town), so I wasn't able to get as many pictures as I normally do.  (My family was happy about that - I've been told on many occasions that I take TOO many pictures.  I could think of worse habit to have! :))  I did still managed to capture a few....

Since we are home a lot (homeschooling), we tend to live in sweats...so it's a nice to dress up. :)

                                                     Me and my handsome guys....

It's hard to believe she's in soccer and TKD...she looks like a princess.  She's a perfect balance (in my eyes!)...plays hard, but cleans up well. :)

Landon enjoying some R & R time (relaxing and reading)....with a blazing fire from his Ipad. Too funny... :)

Payton outside hoping the snow would continue....it didn't happen.  But, that was okay, she got to ride Rusty (Tata's horse).

20 Years of Gummy Bears

Max and I just celebrated our 20 year anniversary.  It was a wonderful celebration with lots of reminiscing, an amazing dinner (at the same restaurant where we celebrated our first anniversary!), laughter and tears (he presented me with a beautiful Italian charm bracelet, and wrote what each charm meant and how he felt about me).  Let's just say, I wish I would have worn water proof mascara. :)  He had to leave on a short TDY this morning (a business trip), and as I was hiding his gummy bears and a note in his bag, it occured to me just how many packages he's eaten in the past 20 years.  I began this "sweet" gesture when we first married, knowing everyone needs a sweet treat when they travel. Since he grew up in Germany, these were his favorite candy (and of course it has to be Haribo, not some generic American brand!) :)  I'm not trying to say that gummy bears are the reason for 20 years of marriage. Everyone knows that's marriage is about: compromise, communication, not focusing on flaws (since we all have them!), putting each other first, not sweating the small stuff, etc. - but making them feel special (because they are!) with random acts of thoughtfulness and kindness, helps. So, gummy bears are just a tool I use, to show the most wonderful husband in the world how much I love and appreciate him!

My Birthday Girl

We celebrated Payton's 12th birthday last week. What a fun, loooooong day! She was up at 4:00 am unable to sleep anticipating the day ahead. And, when Payton wakes up...so does everyone else. (she doesn't intentionally wake us up...it just happens!).  I don't think anyone loves and appreciates birthdays more than my daughter.  As a matter of fact...her future husband needs to know this. :)

The absolute best part of her day is "horsing around." It was definitely easier to carry this tradition on in Tucson. This was the 7th year Max and I have scrambled, searched, begged, etc. to get this young lady a horse ride. Thank you, God, for providing this very special treat, for this very special girl. (Yes, I'm bias!)  ;)

 ...and she's off!

Once again, a homemade cake was requested.  My choices were limited.  In the past, I've made a horse head,  horse shoe, horsed in corals, etc.  So this year I decided to turned to the western attire. (Plus anyone that knows Payton...she lives in her boots!)  Max still teased me saying, "what a great hammer!" :) 

Happy Birthday, angel girl. It seemed like yesterday that you sat on your very first saddle....

May God bless you!  I love you VERY much!!