Home With The Lord

My father-in-law passed away on June 9, 2015.  He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February, and choose to do the Whipple surgery to try and eradicate it. He never recovered. We know he would have had more time on earth if he hadn't gone that route....but he was a fighting man and wanted to give it everything he had! And he fought hard. Heartbreaking.
The battle did beat him, but he is with the Lord....so, ultimately, he won the war!!

I have always said that I have the best in-laws ever! We always got along, they never stuck their nose in our business (leaving Catholicism is not very popular, but they never said anything....even with Max's uncle a priest! They also accepted our choice to homeschool...another unpopular move we made.)
Les was extremely generous and kind to me, and I'm really going to miss him! 

During the eight years we lived in Germany and Florida, we didn't get to see them often, but I am very grateful for the the five years we have been back in the southwest and got to spend a lot of time with my father-in-law. He had a great sense of humor and was "always" willing to help anyone. It is a sad time, but we are very grateful his suffering was limited to six weeks. He was extremely healthy for 81 years. (He rode a stationary bike everyday for 10 miles up until a few weeks before his surgery!) 

 Here is one of the last pictures Max took with his dad.

And now his dad's in uniform.  He served 20 years in the Army (two years in Vietnam!) and climbed to the highest enlisted rank, Sergeant Major.

He had Psalm 23 memorized, and said it several times while I was with him in the hospital after his surgery.

For you, grandpa, one last time....

 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Happy 20th Birthday!

It is hard to believe my son has left the teen years behind!
The teen years can be difficult. But they weren't with Landon. He wasn't perfect, but he was a joy to raise.

Now as a young adult, he and I can bump heads. Which is very foreign to me because we have always gotten along. But while homeschooling him, I trained him in critical thinking, logic, debate....and now he uses all those traits.  :)

We started off the day with Payton and I taking him to breakfast.  Max was flying back from Fl., so we continued the celebrate when he arrived at 2:00.

 He only drinks cold coffee.  (Or as I call it, "a sugar and cream drink.")  

My mom shipped him a carrot cake. You are officially an adult when you receive a cake 

in the mail. :) Very sweet.

Love this boy  young man! 

I am blessed.

 You will never escape a celebration, etc. without Landon having fun/joking. 

So Max and I weren't quick enough to get our kisses in.  When the kids were little, we would say, "Let's make a Landon/Payton sandwich." And kiss their cheeks to sandwich them in.  Those days are gone. Only because they say so!  Max and I live in denial that our kids have grown up. Maybe one day we will?!?  :)

We are SO very proud of you, son, and love you forever!!

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 

I Cor. 16:13