Flash Back Friday

Oh, the patience to try and get these little hands positioned just right! :) 

(I'm not sure why I am torturing myself by posting pictures when my babies were little. I REALLY miss this age, and would do just about anything to have it back! I know all parents feel the same.) 

Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Husband!

Max didn't have a typical birthday, but then, Max isn't a typical man. (He is, truthfully, the hardest working and unselfish person I know!)

Anyway, ever since we bought our home (in 1990), he has wanted a shed to store all his tools, tools and more tools. :) But since this house (was a repo when we bought it) needed so much necessary work, he kept putting if off what he wanted...until now. Since Landon was still on Christmas break, and things were quiet at work, he ordered the wood and the work began.
 And since this project happened to fall on the week of his birthday.... I did the best I could with what I had to work with - a shed under construction. :)

The night before his birthday, the kids and I snuck out and decorated. Not bad for doing it in the dark! And, I only stepped off the ladder wrong one time. OUCH!

 I made a very nice brunch, and we had a picnic in the shed. Yes, unusual, but fun! :)

 We decorated his saws, ladders...and even got a birthday pin on his tool belt.

 Here's the proud birthday guy with his children. Just being together as a family is the best gift you could ever give Max and I!

After brunch, we climbed on the roof to enjoy a beautiful Tucson "winter" morning. (Hey, we pay the price in the summer!) We enjoyed fruit and muffins and sang him the birthday song. (I know our neighbors think we're nuts.) :)

Max and Landon worked the rest of the day until Payton's soccer game at 4:00. After the game, we had pizza and tiramisu. (He's actually gets two birthday desserts. My mom mails (yes, mails!) him a German Chocolate cake, too.

I thank God for the BEST husband and father in the world!

Happy Birthday, my wonderful husband! 

Throwback Thursday

I don't participate in social media, but I have always loved how it encourages to post pictures during certain days of the week. This year, I decided I am going to participate on my blog.

Digital cameras were not popular when my children were young, but years ago I scanned many of my photos. It was certainly a chore, but it was important for me having them backed up for safe keeping. I took on this task while living in Florida. I tried to be prepared for the potential damage that could be brought on by those dreaded hurricanes. I don't miss them!

Here we have the two cutest children in this whole world! :)

Merry CHRISTmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas in NM. We didn't get a white Christmas, but we did get a relaxing week with my parents...and then on Christmas day, we had a full house with my brothers and their families. Always lots of fun and laughter with that gang. 

Before we left to NM, we had our Christmas at home. We started out with our yearly tradition of reading the humbling story of Jesus' birth. 

Here's Landon reading....

We had a casual pre-Christmas in pajamas. :)

One of my favorite nativities.  

Payton patiently waiting....

 Here is Landon admiring our "gas" fireplace. This was my favorite project of the year. We remodeled  the fireplace with rock, and after lots of pleading to my amazing husband, he turned it from wood burning to gas. I love it! Just click and the heat is on. 

 Father and son acting silly after I asked them to pose for me. :)

 Payton showing off her new Cardinal jersey. 

Here I am teary eyed from opening my gift from Landon. Again he blessed me with a donation to buy animals for the poor from World Vision. I know it was hard for him since he's a poor college student. I pray they always make sacrifices for others. 

Here's some of my family in NM as we get ready for a White Elephant gift exchange. 

I told my nieces and nephews to give me a silly shot, and they succeeded. :) 

 My wonderful parents.

 Me and my wonderful nephews. I didn't get a picture with my nieces because my niece living in Tx couldn't make it. Next time.  

And we always end the night with board games. These are only some of the players. 

Our 2013 Christmas photo.

Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 -