Memorial Day

It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

President Abraham Lincoln- Gettysburg Address

Remembering the ultimate sacrifice. May God comfort the families 

Celebrating 17 Years!

It's so hard for me to believe that Landon is 17! His birthday was on Saturday this year, and since that only happens every seven years (and knowing it will probably be the last time we will have him all to ourselves).....we enjoyed the whole day together.

I made Nutella and banana French toast for breakfast. Why not celebrate with dessert? (Most people label items like this as breakfast. Really? Sorry, but this is a dessert. And a good one at that!  :)

Him and his sister enjoying unlimited video time. A rare occasion in this house. (In this picture, they are poster children of what video games do to the brain. Don't they look like they're in a trance. Just keeping it real, folks!)

After lunch, we hung out at one of Landon's favorite places: Barnes and Noble. 

Daddy got a shot of me and one of my favorite people on this earth. I love this young man!

We sent the guys to the Apple store, and Payton and I set up our Movie Theater in our family room. Watching a good movie is one of Landon't favorite things to do. (Unfortunately, good (clean!) movies are a rare thing in the twenty first century! I am soooo grateful for Clear Play!) 

Birthday boy guy by the concession stand. 

Payton made this poster for our feature film.

Landon didn't know, but in this pizza box was his birthday cake. (Pizza being another one of his favorite things!) 

This was quite fun to make. I used strawberry fruit role-ups for the pepperonis, milk duds for sausage, apple sour rings for the green peppers and onions....and grated white chocolate for the cheese. He love it! 

I absolutely hate that my son is growing up so fast, but I absolutely love the young man he is!

Happy Birthday, son....

We all love you so very much.

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.”

                                                 1 Corinthians 8:3

Science Co-op

Payton just completed a science co-op class with our homeschool group. We met once a week for experiments, review, etc. It was a lot of work for her (it was an 8th grade class, and she's in 7th, but I knew she could do it, and she did!). I'm not sure if she'd admit it, but she also had lots of fun. 

Studying science through my homeschooling years has always left me in awe! The perfection in God's creation is just mind boggling. From an atom to the axial tilt of the earth. He created it all, perfect! He is perfect! I'm so grateful my children learned the truth, not the lies I was fed in school.

 Evolution, what a joke!

 Anyhow, here are a few pictures.  :)

I made cupcakes for their last class.  You gotta end the school year with lots of junk food....
and the parties have just begun.  :)

So Sweet

This is what daddy's bag looks like after Payton makes his lunch. (She must of been in a hurry for this one, usually it's neater and "more" decorative!)  ;) 

Here's the dinner she made last winter when I was sick in bed. I have spent many years teaching this young lady all the life skills she needs to take care of a house hold, and I can always count on her!

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30

San Diego

Max's rescue unit has to stay water qualified (they practice landing the helo on ships, they drop the pararesue guys in the middle of the ocean, etc.). Since San Diego is the closest to Tucson, that is where they train. The kids and I were able to join him on this last trip.  It was nice to visit the beach again. The kids especially enjoyed it, even getting into the freezing water...brrrr! The Gulf of Mexico is definitely the only ocean that is warm enough for me to get in.

It's suppose to read "2012"

We were out there early in the morning. Oh, to have this kind of energy without coffee. :)

Some more action.

Going back out in the afternoon after some school work...(you can't stop using your brain just because your at the beach!).  :)

Payton didn't think it was funny after the 8th time I told her to "go fly a kite!" :)

Landon getting ready to skim board....

...and he got it.

Strike a pose.

When Max is around....there is always construction going on. :)

You can't leave the beach without burying someone.  (Landon actually started digging his own hole, Payton just enjoyed finishing!)

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.
C. S. Lewis