Rip Sticks (live up to their name!)

"Rip Sticks (fexible skate boards) + kids = this..... I'm the queen of helmets/pads....but as you can see, their elbow pads slipped. They play hard...and their many scars show it. Thank God for only scrapes and bumps!

In Loving Memory of Aunt Marie

My aunt Marie went to be with the Lord on March 28,'09. Gratefully, my dad drove my mom to SD, where she got to spend two days with her sister before she passed on. She leaves behind a large family who will miss her dearly. Please keep my uncle Fred in your prayers, as he now has to learn how to live life alone.

King of Kings

Will we ever know the depth of our King? This is a beautiful reminder of who He really is. “My king was born king. The Bible says He is the seven-way king. He is the king of the Jews. That’s a racial king. He is king of Israel. That’s a national king. He’s a king of righteousness. He’s a king of the ages. He’s the king of heaven. He is the king of glory. He’s the King of kings and Lord of lords. Now that’s my king. Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my king? David said, ‘The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork.’ No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my king. He’s God’s Son. He’s a sinner’s savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s august. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s preeminent. He’s the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest idea in philosophy. He’s the fundamental truth in theology. He’s the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion. That’s my king. He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleans the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent. He beautifies the meek. Do you know Him?” Dr. S. M. Lockridge, Dallas, Texas, quoted by Max Anders in Jesus, Knowing Our Savior,

"Peace"

Just having fun for daddy's birthday. :)

Travel the Road

Max stumbled across this TV show last year, and we've followed these guys ever since. Travel the Road is a reality series that documents the lives of two young missionaries, Tim Scott and Will Decker. These guys are amazing! They risk their lives (in my opinion) to spread the Gospel and give hope to so many. The poverty is unbearable and heart breaking. But, the joy comes when so many accept Christ knowing they won't have to live like this forever! If you're able to get this show on your network, I highly recommend it. If not, they have the first season on Netflix. (Although a friend told me there is a waiting list.) May God continue to watch over these young men and all missionaries. We are blessed with so much....may we have the compassion for those who don't! http://traveltheroad.wordpress.com/

A few "firsts"

"First" cold day in Florida. Charlie actually needed his coat to go on his walk. He is one spoiled dog. How we love our Charlie! :)

Payton's "first" (God willing last) time to get stitches. She had a suspicious mole removed. We didn't like the look of it...and obviously the dermatologist agreed. The doctor had just removed a mole from a 13 year old that was melanoma. Praise God Payton's was not! Friends, please watch the moles in your life...whether on you or your kids.

Landon's "first" time to change a tire. We didn't have a flat, we just thought it was time he learned auto stuff. (I'm sure there's a proper term, but hey I'm a girl, so I don't know that lingo. ) Next on the list are - change the oil, replace spark plugs & a good cleaning job! (This might be my imagination, but my car always runs better when it's clean?! Really it does!) He's also learned how to used a saw, drill and helped fix our garbage disposal. (During a science experiment, Payton dropped a marble in it...but that's a whole other blog!)

Max and I have always stressed the teaching of "Life Skills" to our children. They can quote me saying, "I don't care if your a Rocket Scientist, if you can't make a grill cheese sandwich there's problem!" :)

My Superman

"Happy Birthday Superman"- I love this man!! Well, not only because he's the best husband and father...but because he'll wear a red table cloth as a cape! :) Now that the kids are older, we plan a "theme" birthday party for daddy. (Ideas are not hard to come up with, he eventually gives us a reason to tease him. I know he comes across as being a serious man...but believe me, he's a hoot!) He's had a Cookie Monster party. (If you read my Christmas post, you'll know how we came up with that title!) Last year, he had a Hippie party. He made the mistake of bringing home some Monkeys DVD, and telling us he LOVED their show when he was young. (I might have to post some pictures of us as hippies....they are too funny! :) Anyhow, this year he earned his "Superman" name by driving 23 hours, so I could spend Christmas with my family. He "is" my Superman!! (However, he has no idea that I posted a picture of him. I was actually kind....there were definitely some crazier ones! :)

Christmas in NM

I was blessed this year to spend Christmas with my family in NM. It had been seven years since we'd been there for Christmas - so it was definitely time! We decided since this was a last minute trip, we would surprise my parents. (I love surprises! :) We walked in singing, "We wish you a Merry Christmas." They were completely surprised....there were even tears. They claimed they were tears of joy - but that was before Max ate most the cookies, and Payton constantly begged for horse rides in 30 degree weather! The week was perfect - filled with "lots" of food, fun and the joy of spending time together, during this beautiful season!

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. 

Cotton,cotton & more cotton

The kids and I were driving home from a homeschooling field trip when we came across several cotton fields! Of course we pulled over to inspect and admire this awesome sight! It's unbelievable to see how we get our cotton! There are literal cotton balls at the end of the stem - just like the ones we use to remove our polish. We were in awe as you can image being the desert rats that we are. :) I suppose the southerners would feel the same if they laid their eyes on a saguaro cactus for the first time!

Awesome sight!

"THE REST OF THE SUMMER..." You might wonder why I'm posting summer pictures in Oct? Well, up until a week ago it still felt like summer! We returned from our five week trip, and the rest of our summer flew by. The kids enjoyed some free time, and I got ready for the new school year - ordering curriculum, working on schedules, organizing, etc. Anyhow, here are a few pictures of "The rest of the summer..."

In Sept., Max had a conference in Tampa, and the kids and I got to tag along. We were blessed with a free pass to to Epcot. (Thanks again, Mark & Angela!) We also spent a day at Busch Gardens where the kids got to ride their favorite roller coaster...over, and over, and over again! (Just 'one' of the perks of homeschooling, going to an amusement park when all the tourist go home!) :) It was a little warm, so the water rides were taken advantage of. Two years ago, we gave the kids a trip to Disney World for Christmas, but Payton wasn't tall enough for all the BIG rides. This trip they they could ride everything together! :)

Give kids water, sand, and an occasional snack, and they are content for hours. They were such troopers when we dragged them from museum to museum in Germany. So, it's their turn to enjoy this assignment.  The water is warm enough for even a wimp like me. Unfortunately, the warm water is what attracts the hurricanes. We are almost out of the woods for this season. Whew!)

A friend from work was patient enough to give my guys some sailing lessons. 

 When we first arrived in Florida we rented some kiaks, it was a lot of fun... until the wind picked up, and we had to row our little selves back to shore. I thought my arms were going to fall off, and float away. It was brutal! That was the day I hung up my paddles, and fell in love with "motors!" :) My family is much tougher than me.