"The Amazing Race"

.....and we're off!

Don't let him fool you, Landon and I won! :)

We Got News!

It looks like the Lord wants us in Fl. a little longer. We will stay here until next spring, probably around April. We are happy we get to participate in Classical Conversation one more year (our homeschool co-op). And, there's always the possibility that our home here in Fl. will go up in value? (A girl can dream, can't she?) :) So, we are thrilled about this news. But then, God exceeds the first blessing with one that I couldn't have dreamt up! They plan to send us back to Tucson!!!! Where we lived for 12 years, still have our home and will be 'much' closer to our family and dear friends in the southwest. My feet haven't touched the floor yet....but it hasn't stopped me from praising my Lord! Love to you all....Roxanne

No News

We still don't have any news on our move. Ah! I'm to the point that I would be fine moving to Timbuktu - I'd just like to know. (Okay, maybe Mali is a little far fetched!) :) It's just really hard to make plans: co-ops, sports, etc. Sorry about whining. I have to remember, God's timing is not my timing. (And, I'm grateful for that!) I'll keep you posted......

Staying or Moving?

We find out this week (hopefully by Wed.) if we will move in the next few months, or if we stay in Fl. for a couple more years. Of course, there are pros and cons to both. (Like most things in life.) Please pray with us that God's will be done. We want to be where He wants us! (Which isn't necessarily where we think we should be.) But we do know, that His will is ALWAYS best! And, that is our prayer! I will update as soon as I know.

Softball

Here are some action shots at one of Payton's softball games.

........and she's safe!! :)

.......get that grounder, shnookums! (Calling her princess at a softball game...just doesn't sound right!)

Hmm???.....a strike....or a homerun?

In Loving Memory of Jolande Maxwell

On June 14th, Max's mom, Jolande Maxwell (pronounced Yolanda) passed away. She suffered with Rheumatoid Arthritis. After years of battling the disease, she went to be with the Lord. It has been a tough two weeks for everyone, but especially for my father-in-law who was married to her for 53 years. He lived his vows, in "sickness" and in health.

She proudly puts on Max's wings.

Oma, Landon & Payton

This was the last picture taken of Oma, Grandpa, Max & the kids.

I joked with her often about how she was every man's dream. I've never known anyone, man or woman, that loved sports more than Jolande did. She new every player, of every team, of every sport! When Max and her were talking sports on the phone, you'd think he was talking to an ol' buddy, but instead, it was his mom. 

It was sweet.

We all love her and miss her very much!

Charlie the Winner!

Payton and Charlie at a pet show: They took 1st in "most look-a-like", 2nd in "best costume," and 3rd in "best trick." (Of course Tata thinks they should have won 1st for Best Trick. Hmm...maybe a little bias?) The trick they did was...she was the sheriff and Charlie was the outlaw about to get arrested. She held a piece of hot dog in one hand and a play gun in the other. She told him, "You're arrested for bad behavior, stick em up!" As she holds the hot dog over his head, he stands on his hind legs with his paws up in the air. They got a huge reaction from the crowd.  I have to say, they were one cute sheriff and outlaw! ;)

A Star Wars Birthday!

Landon had a great birthday. It's hard to believe he's 14! He's turning into a young man right before my eyes. Both my kids think I've lost it. I cried last month when Landon lost his last tooth. (He's still trying to manipulate the tooth fairy out of some cash.)  :) I find celebrating their "firsts" are exciting and fun - first step, first words, first time potting (now that's worth celebrating!), etc. But when it comes to "lasts" - last tooth, last time I can carry them, etc. It's not so fun. It's sad. I know it's part of life, and I thank God for every phase he's given us, but I still do miss my babies. To you all with babies & toddlers, enjoy them!! Yes, it's hard work! Especially those without family around to help. (I know how hard that is!) But trust me, before you know it, they're 14!! And you can never get that time back. So play with them often, snuggle all the time, make memories daily and love them forever! Okay, I'll end my pity party now. Sigh. Anyhow, Tata and Nana (my dad & mom) came for Landon's birthday - so it was extra special! My kids are so sweet, they still pretend they like my home made birthday cakes. (Some are hard to identify, ask Max about the shark cake that he thought was a cute bunny!)

Happy Birthday!

"Happy 14th Birthday my Sunshine!"

You will always be the joy and sunshine of my life!

I love you!

Sonic Flood

We saw Sonic Flood in concert Saturday evening. They were one of my favorite Christian groups. But after the concert, they became my favorite! They prayed so passionate and have the utmost gratitude for our soldiers overseas. (Anyone that appreciates our brave men and women are number one in my book!) We had a great time worshiping our Lord, while enjoying a beautiful Florida evening. A perfect first concert for the kids.

Now here's the exciting part - they played at our church on base for worship! We had fellowship after service with yummy BBQ. I acted a tad like a groupie - gotta have my pictures! They were very friendly and passionate about their ministry. They do much more than just music. It wasn't a typical Mother's Day, but it was lots of fun. The kids made me a crown, and I got to be queen for the day. They blessed me with beautiful gifts and cards...but nothing like the gift God gave me allowing me to be their mama. Thank you, Lord, for this privilege!

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!