Landon in Training

Landon is on his way of earning 1/4 of an Elective credit. I love to watch him work hard physically, so he learns the importance of working hard mentally. :) And, what a better teacher than his dad? They both received an "A." Max for his patience, and Landon for taking directions well & working hard without complaining. However, the biggest accomplishment was him not loosing a finger, while cutting the tile! (Oh, was I stressing out! Have you seen blade on that thing?.....and how close it gets to the fingers?!?) As a result of my freaking out, they politely asked me to leave. :)

Is it a Hurricane?

......no, it's Payton baking banana bread for our hard working guys. She LOVES to bake/cook (and is really good at it)....but boy, is she messy! Again, I was asked (politely) to leave until it was all cleaned up. (She knows how hard it is for me to see such a mess. Payton in the kitchen is good therapy for me.) :) Anyhow, she served us with the smile as warm as the bread.

Remembering.....

Remembering 9/11 - Thinking of all those who lost their loved ones on that tragic day. And, praying for all those who continue to fight for our freedom and protection today. May God bless them all!

A Penny for Your Thoughts?

Landon confessed something to me a few days ago, that I have to write down. (If I don't...well we know what will happen? It's lost forever....) Anyway, ever since he was a little boy, I would catch him in a deep stupor. (He's always been a thinker, so it happened often!) So, I would then follow up with, "A penny for your thoughts, Sunshine?" Of course his reply was...."I'm not thinking about anything." (Can we really think about nothing? I don't think so, but we usually do give the same answer. :)) Anyhow, I would always reply to him...."Oh, come on, I know you're thinking about how wonderful your mama is!?!" He would just chuckle, snap out of his daze, and that was the end of it. This has gone on for years. Well the other day, we went through our typical scenario, but this time he laughed and told me....when he was a little boy he remembers times when he would think about me, jsut so he could say "yes" if I asked him! We got such a good laugh out of it! Then of course, Payton rushes into the room wondering why she was left out of the fun? So, we shared with her.....the rest of the story.... :)

Good Bye Summer!

"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.