Home Improvement Tips

Tip #1 - DON'T DO IT!!!! 

I'm kidding. Or, am I? :)  We've made a lot of progress.  And next week it's time to shift gears.  We will get our house hold belongings delivered.  Then it will be time to find a home for all the things we have lived without these past months. (Comfortably, may I add.)  Except a few items that I really miss: my crock pot, ironing board, toaster and radio (I love talk radio)...oh, and my magnifying mirror (it's scary at my age to look in one, but my eye brows are out of control! And, why did I feel the need to share that?...(the paint fumes have really gotten to me.)  Anyhow, here's a few pics of our lives lately.

                    
                              Landon is our official fan and fixture hanger. (For lack of a better title.)

Hmmm...so many parts...where do I begin?

Wait! I have an idea.

Aren't these cute earrings? (Obviously, the paint fumes have gotten to my children, too.

Yay, Landon did it!

I have a funny story about Payton and painting. We were doing some touch up painting in our home in Fl. before we moved..  Against my will, Max let Payton help. She's a lot of help, but the packers were there and it was a crazy time. But, he let her anyway.  He said he "needed" the help. (The truth be told...he has a hard time telling her no.) :)  Well anyway, she ended up dropping a quart of paint, it bounced on the floor and splattered all over the back of my fabric chair.  I couldn't get mad at her because it was an accident...and she felt terrible about it! However, I did tell her unless we were painting outside or in a  home with old carpet, she couldn't paint until she was older. (She can be clumsy! Shnookums, if you're reading this...notice I said, "can be"... not always!)  (I do have a great paint removal tip: One of the packers told us to quickly grab a spray bottle. We immediately soaked the chair with water and then used the Shop Vac on it.  The Shop Vac pulled all the paint out of the chair!  He saved the day, and the chair!)  The following Saturday, we had to finish up the painting.  Payton walked up to me with all sincerity and tears in her eyes. I asked what was wrong....and she said, "Mama, you have striped the joy out of my life." I was shocked by her comment. (We've always promise to be honest to each other - but that one got me off guard!)  I told her that I didn't understand what I did wrong? She said, "Mama, some kids like to paint...but I LOVE to paint!" And, by you not allowing me to paint, some of my joy is gone. Ouch! I hugged her and told her, "What kind of mother would I be, if I striped the joy out of my little girl's life?"  I handed her the paint brush and watched her eyes gleam with joy.  :)

 She didn't have any idea how much "joy" she was going to experience moving to Tucson.  And...I didn't know how grateful I was going to be with my new decision!!  :)

Here she's showing off her edging.

                                                                           ....smiles of joy! :)

    The guys building arches.

       

    A nice place to rest.

                                                      

                           Arches complete, along with more joy. ;)

         

It's crown molding time.  Looks easy, huh?

Here's Landon trying to scare me more than I already was.  Hanging crown molding is not dangerous...unless, your doing it on a scaffold that reaches a 14 ft. ceiling!!!!!! Oh, Max, Max, Max!!

 

29 gallons later - Some say that painting is therapeutic. If that's the case, I should have it all together.  And I don't - so don't believe everything you read. :)

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Charlie says it all.  We're tired! ;)

                                                                    

Happy 15th Birthday!

We just celebrated Landon's 15th birthday. Daddy took the afternoon off work. (He had a meeting in the morning, on a national holiday? What's up with that?!?  :)) We took the kids to play Laser Tag. (It was a hit! They told us it was "as" fun as some Disney World rides. Wow! ) Then we spent a few hours at Barnes and Nobles. (His request, of course.) We ended the day with his favorite dinner -steak. He's my carnivore. (And gets to enjoy it, in moderation.)

                              You can't wear a tie to Pinnacle Peaks...or, they'll cut if off. :)


                                 
                                                               A rugged minor...

A pretty Southern girl...

                     ...and a not so pretty Southern dad! Yikes!

 I shocked Landon and bought him all his favorite "junk" food. You can tell by his smile that this is extremely rare!   

This years birthday cake was a challenge to make. I didn't have a mixer, measuring cups, spatulas, etc. But, the twenty minutes of mixing with a fork, was worth it. He loved it. (At least this year they all recognized what it was. :))

Oh, so many candles! It's hard to believe he's 15. Every birthday I tell them the story of their birth, and how I felt when I first laid eyes on them. That feeling has only intensified over the years. He is the most amazing, wonderful, terrific, funny, caring, enjoyable, son there is. It's a privilege to be his mom.

                                              Happy 15th Birthday, my son!
                                                           I love you!!!

So Many Memories....

When we left Tucson eight years ago, we left some things behind in a storage area underneath our house. Now, eight years later...it's been opened!  There was my hair-salon equipment, a solar pool cover, extra house tile, etc.  But what was really funny to find, was the kids' Little Tike's slide.  And why did I save this??  Was I thinking they could use it when we returned?  It was one of their favorite toys. We kept it by the pool, and they would slide down "thousands" of times, so daddy or I could catch them in the water.  I guess I thought, if we ever returned, the kids would have remained three and six. I only wish!!  Unfortunately, I can't turn back time, but I am grateful for the memories I do have in this home. (Painting allows a lot of time to reminisce!)  The precious memories of my children taking their first step....decorating our first Christmas tree....every inch of this house has a memory, where I rocked them....played with them....cared for them..... read to them ....oh, so many!  Max and I took this old repo house, and made it a home. We worked many looooooog hours on it. Too many to count.  And, it feels just like yesterday Max returned from Desert Storm, and we began our new life together.

But of course, the bad memories have also crept up since we've been back. Like the time I got home from taking the kids to a miniature pony farm, and Max showed up early from work. With excitement, I started telling him about the fun we had at the farm. He stopped me mid sentence, (it's what you have to do when I'm excited about something, or you won't get a word in!).  He proceeded to tell me that he got a call from his doctor, who recently had removed a mole from his back. The doctor gently gave him the news that the pathology report came back....and Max had stage three melanoma! (The prognoses was about six months to a year.) I felt like someone shoved their fist in my stomach. I will never forget that day as long as I live.  But obviously, God had a different plan for my husband.  The short story is...after days of fasting and prayer, Max was cleared of Melanoma!  The doctor was shocked! We were elated, and our Lord glorified.  We will never forget, "The Miracle for Max!" 

A few years later, on a summer afternoon, I was reading to Landon when Max rushed through the front door with a dozen red roses and a card attached that read, "We have a healthy baby!" Backing up weeks before....a blood test came back positive that my baby (Payton) had a high chance of having down syndrome. (On a side note, if we could do that one over again, I would have NEVER gone through any testing to find out if she was healthy or not. What did it matter? We would have loved her with all our heart either way. She was our baby, a gift from God!!)  When we finally did get the results, we were thrilled, but not surprised. Backing up once again....the Wednesday prior, we were at church and asked one of our pastors if he would pray with us after service. He knew we were burdened, so of course he agreed. We  went into the sanctuary, sat down, and Max randomly open his bible and started reading. He opened it to a passage where Jesus was telling his disciples that if they had faith and would not doubt, they could say to a mountain go, and throw yourself into the sea and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. (Paraphrased by me.) I thought it was amazing, since we had just asked for prayer! So, I asked Max what chapter and verse it was, so I could write it in my journal when I got home. Well...he turned back the page, and as he told me, Matthew 21:21...we both had chills run down our spine!! We had done lots of research on chromosomes, and we learned that chromosomes "21-21," determined a healthy baby! Some might think it was a coincidence, but we know that God communicates to us in numerous ways. And, on that particular Wednesday evening.....He chose Matthew 21:21.  

The memories will keep coming, and I will keep smiling (and painting!)....and looking forward to making new ones!  :)

Tucson

It's wonderful to be back in Tucson! I had planned on posting when I got here, but we've been quite busy. We stayed on base for the first week and then moved into our home....where we've been camping ever since. We have air mattresses, a camping table, four chairs, four plates....well, you get the picture. :) In my families eyes, we've really been "roughing it" without the internet or TV. (I'm still procrastinating on getting TV....I could easily live without it, but I don't think I'll get away with it!) Since we've moved in, our lives have only consisted of school, home repairs, trips to Lowe's, cleaning, painting....did I mention painting? The paint brush is forever indented in the palm of my hand. We decided to keep our belongings in storage until we get all the painting, etc. done. It's much easier without all that stuff in the way. It's actually kind of refreshing not having all that "stuff." Although, living out of a suitcase since February has its challenges, too. Like wearing the same three short sleeves shirts...and refusing to buy any more. :)

I did take some time to get outside with my camera when we got here. The blooming cacti and the wild flowers were amazing! There is light at the end of my paintbrush...and this is it. :) Enjoy a few shots of the beautiful desert!

Wheels, Wheels and more Wheels!

Landon has had his share of driving in the country. A teenage boy and wheels...is there anything better? :) Uncle Mike gave him driving lessons on his 4-wheeler (I'm sure that vehicle has an official term...I just don't know it!). And, he's let him borrow it whenever he wants. (Actually, whenever I allow.) :) So, while Payton is happy as a lark on her four legged ride, Landon having fun on four wheels. We are such country bumpkins. (If that's a word?) We've had a blast. I guess I'm a country girl at heart....it brings me back to my childhood.

Max and I have also been giving him "real" driving lessons. In the 10 years I've homeschooled, this class by far, has been the most difficult for me! Bring on Algebra 2...it's less stressful. :) Landon did really well, he isn't the problem...it's ME! I am the worst back seat driver ever. I've always been a little freaked out in a car, but it mulitplied in Germany while driving on the Autoban. Yikes!! The poor guys in my life have it tough. Although, this is the perfect place for Landon to get comfortable behind the wheel. The only thing we have to worry about him hitting out here....is a cow. :)

                                                       Here's Payton in the back seat! :) Poor Landon, he doesn't have a chance with Payton and I. :)

Thanks for Your Prayers

To all who prayed for our friend, Mike Phillips, thank you! God's will was done. He chose to take Mike home. He is now out of pain and dwelling in the presence of our Almighty Lord. Although Mike no longer needs prayer, would you please remember his wife, Deanna, and his daughter, Elizabeth, as they learn to live without him on this earth. Mike served our country for over 19 years. I didn't know him during most of those years, but if his career was any indication of how I watched him fight the battle of cancer, he was not only a soilder, he was a hero! He fought with the upmost bravery and dignity.

   This is Elizabeth and Payton with their pride and joy, Bell and Charlie. ;)

We are so grateful we were able to stop for a few days in Dallas to visit them on our way to NM. Max stayed over night in the hospital with Mike, so Deanna could go home for a night. We told her that Mike needed to hear some talk shop...because there were too many hormones in that hospital room. :) Thank you, Lord, for the time we had!

Fun in New Mexico

Well, we made it to New Mexico! We will stay until the beginning of April. It's been a blessing to spend time with family. Payton and Tata (my dad) coming back from a horse ride. (She removed her helmet just for the picture!) Even though I was raised in the country and have been around horses my whole life...they still scare me! They're still an animal....and a large one at that. Payton is riding a 22 year old "gentle" horse, which I love. But, I still wish she liked ballet...seems much less dangerous! :)

We got to go skiing in Santa Fe this past Saturday. It was AWESOME! The conditions were perfect. Lots of snow, sunny skies and no lines at the lifts. We have never had the opportunity to be so close to a ski resort. It's great, and another snow storm is hitting the mountains today, so possibly one more trip this season? ;)

Packing is Fun for Some

Payton set up a little camp for the two of them. When they were little, they built tents all over the house...but it was fun to see she still has lots of kid in her. And Landon, well...he just played along. :)
I

Payton asked me for a Sharpie...later I discovered why she wanted one. There were "many" boxes with art work, verses, etc. Never know how God can use this? :)

boxes, boxes....and more boxes - Yikes!!

Good Bye to our CC Friends

 Some CC friends and I snuck out early on a Saturday morning to have a "good-bye breakfast." Give a homeschool mom a morning without school work +  lots of coffee = a great time!  I am going to miss my Classical Conversation friends...these ladies ROCK! :)

This is Payton's Foundation class. They typically don't act this goofy (well, most ot the time anyway). :) I took some of the pictures for our year book...and I asked for a goofy one.  We spent every Wednesday for 24 weeks with this great homeschool co-op.  (I had all intentions of blogging about Classical Converstion...but never got around to it.  CC was a  blessing to our family!

This is Landon's Class. Yes, I told them to act goofy, too.  Obviously, it wasn't a problem. :)
They gave Landon a going away party today. The girls put together a little picture album and everyone signed a sweet good bye message.  Sometimes, I think teens get a bad rap, becaued this is a GREAT group of  teens.  Landon is really going to miss them (....and so am I).

  Payton also got a little going away treat this afternoon - as you can see by her smile, she was sure blessed!

I thank the Lord for the people He put in our lives while in Florida.  It is bitter/sweet leaving.  We are thrilled to go back to Tucson.... to be closer to family.  But when you're in the military, your friends become your family.  Our church is having a potluck for us on Sunday, our sweet neighbors are cooking dinner for us and watching our Charlie.  I could go on about the about the wonderful friends we're going to miss....but unfortunately, saying good bye is part of the military life.  I pray God blesses each and every one of them!! (sniff-sniff....)

The Joys of Moving

Once again we were getting ready for a garage sale when another horrible natural disaster occured (my kids slide for our pool in Tucson, will now have to wait). I say once again because....when we arrived in Florida, we went through all our "stuff," and we were prepared for a garage sale. That week, the devastating hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. (Only because my friend, Marla, prayed it away from us!) So those proceeds went to help them. If you ever see a garage sale sign in our yard...be aware! I know it's nothing to kid about....just very strange. I do thank the Lord that we were able to help, and  I pray my kids ALWAYS put people above things!! Like the sign says....1 Chron. 29:14 b

                                 Landon showing the potential shoppers how comfy the sectional is. ;)

Valentines in the Mist of Moving

Every year I make a formal candle light dinner for Valentine's Day. The table is beautifully set with the fine china. The heart shaped meat loaf and the fixings are looked forward to, along with a chocolate dessert. It's a wonderful time to celebrate the love we have for each other and reflect on God's love for us, and ours for Him. We exchange a Valentine's card and small thoughtful gifts to each other. Years ago I purchased these Valentine's stockings for the kids. When they were small, I filled them with candy and small trinkets. But about six years ago, I started a tradition of making coupon books to put in the stocking. (Max gets his own too.) :) Since we're in the mist of packing this year, I knew I couldn't pull off the full celebration. When I mentioned this to my kids...they asked if they were going to get the coupon book? It was already in the making. :) It really is one of their very favorite tradions! (And, as you can see below...there's not much spending involved, just acts of service and some special treats.) Here's an example of this years coupons. ;)

This coupon is good to watch one DVD of choice. Enjoy it with a snack!! :)

This coupon is good for “30” minutes of video games! (It may only be redeemed after school work is completed.) Enjoy!

I’ll serve you today! This coupon gets you out of one chore for the day! Relax and enjoy!
This coupon entitles you to your “favorite dinner”(72 hours notice, please).

This coupon is good for any snack from the grocery store, that you typically aren’t allowed to eat. (As tough as it will be for me....trans fats and corn syrup are allowed. Yikes!)

This coupon entitles you to “stay up past your bedtime” (A reasonable hour of course and may only be redeemed on Friday or Saturday!)


This coupon is good for “one hour of  video game time!”(Coupon may only be redeemed during summer break!) Enjoy!

This coupon is good for “dessert of your choice” (72 hours notice, please).

This coupon is good for “one round of miniature golf.”(Temperature must be below 75 degrees and higher than 60! Brrrrr!)

This coupon entitles you to replace a school subject with and educational game! Let’s have some fun!

Redeem this coupon for a literature book of your choice at B & N. Hot choclate or lemonade included. (Depending on the season.) ;)

This coupon is good for....me doing your laundry for the week. (Includes: washing, drying, folding and putting cloths away, enjoy the break!)

Happy Valentine's Day

1 Cor. 13: 4-8

The Beginning of the Goodbyes...

Payton had a few friends over for a sleep over. "Lots" of giggles and fun! Is there anything sweeter than a house full of laughing kids?!?  Nothing that I know of!

                                                    The girls making Valentine placemats.

Here they are mimicking Tim Hawkins after watching his video. (No company is ever allowed to leave our home without Payton pulling out his video to watch. He is too funny!)

                           Rise and shine sleepy heads....oh, did you not get enough sleep last night? :)



 Landon also had a sleep over. The boys were a blast, too. Now, I can understand how the girls laughed their heads off with Tim Hawkins...he's a comedian. But the guys laughed just as hard watching Jurrassic Park! Hmmm....all this time, I didn't realize it was a comedy. :)

                                

Teenage boys can sure eat (junk food of course!). Here they are eating banana splits, without the bananas, and pizza without the salad. Oh well, I tried! :)

Of course the wii was used. Imagine that? Boys and video games. Landon was in heaven, my kids only get an hour a week of video time...so this was a REAL treat. (I know I sound cruel...and on rare occasions they'll get extra time on a Saturday. Let's just say, I don't think he'd have the same love of reading, if he could use that "white box" as often as he'd like.) 

Sean's shirt was a hit. :)