Senior Pictures

I was really happy with Landon's senior pictures. I wanted to capture his hobbies/likes during his school years. I think I accomplished that. :) These next few posts are going to be picture heavy of Landon. His graduation is next Friday, so lots going on.

He's been in Tae Kwon Do for many years.

Then...

...and now

 A lot of hard work went into this 3rd degree belt!

He's always been so serious. It definitely works when he's punching & kicking. :)

These two pictures speak for themselves. :)

This was when he first starting playing the guitar. Playing the guitar, by far, is one of his favorite things to do!!

 I love when he plays the acoustic, but his preference (of course!).....

....is the electric!  :)

Here is his professional look....

.....with this being my favorite - reading The Good News!  

He was a trooper to let me have fun with this sigh I made.  :)

Run, Payton, Run!

This was Payton's first year of track, and she loved it! That's no surprise. I came to the conclusion that school sports are for school kids - not homeschool kids. :) She participated with our local Christian school, and as much as I loved the atmosphere, the kids and the coach, it was too far to drive daily. 

She's already talking about next year, but one thing I've learned lately is to take one day at a time. This is very difficult for a planner, type A person like me. But, that is all we can do. Life is unpredictable. 

Track was very fun, but it came at a tough time of year. I have so much to do with Landon graduating in two weeks, end of the year parties, testing, soccer, etc. 

Here are a few pictures of my baby.

Jump!

We were in Phoenix for a soccer tournament, and on the way out we stopped by Jump Street for some jumping fun. Unfortunately, my camera battery died before I could get them playing dodge ball on trampoline. They got a great work out...and had so much fun! It's a great place for all ages. 

 Nice hair! 

 Oops! 

 You are never too old to jump!

 Taking a break...

Debate Season

The kids have their fourth debate tournament next week. Thankfully this one is in Phoenix. They have done really well! They qualified for Nationals in May and continue to improve in both their speech & debate.

 It warms my heart to see them work together as partners. I only wish I could turn back the time and have Landon home a few more years, so they can continue competing together. But this season is coming to an end.

As I get ready for his graduation, I've been reminiscing of our homeschool days together. It brings me joy, smiles and tears. I've been on an emotional roller coaster since the new year for many reasons.

 But, God has shown me His tender love daily. 

He's my everything! 

Here are a few photos of the debate tournaments.

 Partners :)

 Preparing for a round. 

 Lots of research is in involved in debate. Such a useful skill.

Payton organizing her cases. 

Snow!

This wasn't the first time we've gotten snow in Tucson, but this was the first time I remembering it sticking so long. It was a beautiful day, and a real treat for the young and old alike.  :)

Payton had some friends over....not for the snow, just great timing! They played outside for hours. 

Trials

We are still here - I just haven't been up to blogging lately. Our family has been going through some trials with a health issue (I say our family - because as a family we carry each others burdens). It isn't life threading (thank God!), but it's still hard to accept. 

I will return with happiness and a smile soon. 

In the meantime, I will focus on the joy of knowing the battle has been won! The joy that doesn't change with life's circumstance. The joy that doesn't change with a phone call. The joy of knowing all the trials of this world are temporary. The joy that this world is not our destination. The joy of eternity in a perfect place with a perfect Savior. 

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

                                                                                                                                       Psalm 9:10

Christmas 2012

 My intentions were to keep up with my posting during this holiday season, but like everyone else, it was a busy time for us. There is picture overload on this post. :) 

This was the first year we stayed home for Christmas since we moved back. So it was a quiet, relaxing Christmas for us. (Which we all needed - it was wonderful!)

The season began with a Gingerbread house decorating party for some of Payton's homeschool friends.

Here they are hard at work.

Still working......

The dessert table brings lots of joy. :)

Payton's house fell apart, so her redesign was a Chalet, with a bond fire and carport. (Hmm...not quite sure why the snowman is under the carport?) :)

This was Payton's area when she was done. Oh, my...how did I (a type A person) give birth to a such a messy girl.

I love these girls. They are as sweet as they are cute. :)

The next celebration was our 22nd wedding anniversary! We went to our favorite (and traditional) restaurant. (The meal I order is so delicious, I literally think of it for the entire year!) Having our anniversary right smack in the middle of the holidays is hard, but because I love Christmas and the decorations so much... it makes our anniversary extra special for me. 

 I love my husband more each day, and thank God for him!

Christmas Eve 

Landon reading about the miracle of Christmas - Jesus, God's perfect gift to us!

I started a very cool tradition this Christmas. On the first of December, I handed the kids, Max and myself an envelope with cash in it. The idea was to "give" away all the money in it, and then on Christmas Eve to share with each other who the Lord lead each person to give it to. (It could be in one lump sum, or several individuals.) I loved it!....and plan on doing it for years to come. I want my kids to know the joy of giving. I know they already do. (Landon once again gave me money for Christmas, so that I can buy goats, chickens, etc. for the needy through World Vision. Another tear filled Christmas from my son.)

Such a happy time. 

Didn't Max capture such a loving look? I'll have to remember this picture when he's not so loving. :)

Landon is wondering what in the world his sister bought him. She wrapped it in a large box...and six boxes later, he finally got his gift. 

 And loved it!

They all got hats. Max's was a gift from me. If you've ever seen him when it comes time to bring out "all" my Christmas decorations, you'd understand why I chose it. :)

One of my favorite things about Christmas - hearing from family and friends. I especially love the pictures and Christmas letters!

Max's sister, Jeanette, made these stocking for us when we went to Connecticut for Christmas 13 years ago. From that Christmas on, the store bought ones were put away.  

You're never too old for stocking stuffers. 

 Charlie enjoying his new stuffed snowman....

....five minutes later (and I timed how long it took!) it's shredded! He's 17 pounds of destruction. Rocky, my 120 pound German Shepard, had the same stuffed toy for 9 years. This little guy can't go past 5 minutes. Too funny!

A competitive game of Monopoly on Christmas day. Landon forced us all into bankruptcy.  

After Christmas, Randy & Jeanette (Max's sister and husband), came to spend New Years with us. We always have a great time with them. Here we are getting ready for our New Years eve celebration...dinner, music and board games.

Welcome 2013!

It was a dog gone great New Year's Eve. (I couldn't resist!) :)  Charlie and his friend, Sadie, joined in. Sadie belongs to the wonderful family who watches Charlie when we travel. So we returned the favor. 

We caught a great firework show right outside my house. 

We had a cold front while they were here. However, it didn't stop us from taking a hike/walk. The snow topped mountains were so beautiful!

Landon pondering his future.

I love the "action" setting on my camera. Very fun.

The day Randy & Jeanette left back to Arkansas, we hit the road to San Diego for a debate tournament.    (Pictures to follow.)

So as busy as we were, I (we) never forgot to enjoy the reason for the season. We know how truly blessed we are to have each other, our wonderful family, dear friends...but most important, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For without Him, there is no hope, joy or everlasting life. 

May we all love and honor Him in 2013!