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!

Payton's 14th Birthday!

It's hard to believe another year has gone by. You know life is passing quickly when your baby is 14! This year we had a soccer theme celebration. We surprised her with tickets to go to Phoenix to watch the US Olympic Women's soccer team play Ireland. It was a dream come true for her. A few families from her soccer club also went, so it was lots of fun. Here are a few pictures from the game and the rest of her birthday.

One happy girl!

 The US slaughtered Ireland, so in my book, it wasn't a very good game. I like a good competitive game...(in any sport!).

I could never play soccer....it's too aggressive for me. My favorite sport was volleyball - where girls didn't push, elbow or down right tackle you. No, thank you!

Game over. 

Doesn't Landon look thrilled?  :) 

Part of her gift was a t-shirt of her favorite player - Abby Wambach. 

The day of her birthday we went to the batting cage and miniature golf. (FYI- I got a Groupon for a round of miniature golf, video tokens and time in the batting cage for $20. These daily deals rock!) 

Here's the other slugger...with too large of a helmet. ;)

My baby went through a growth spurt! She's almost 5'6.

I decorated the night before her birthday, and when I got up...it was all on the floor, so I rushed to put it back up before she got up. Until I saw the pictures, I didn't notice I put the "t" before the "r" on the flag...and neither did my family.  :) 

P.S. This year Landon thought the "soccer ball" cake I made looked like a pom-pom! :) 

Here she is checking out the appetizers I renamed - all soccer names of course. :)

Happy Birthday, Shnukums!...(or should I say, Bitrhay! Ha-Ha!) 

You will always be our baby girl, and we all love you very much! May God continue to bless you and may you always bless Him! 

Historical Ball

We were invited to a Ceremony of Blessing. (A Christian version of a bar mitzvah.) It was a beautiful ceremony along with dinner and a historical dance. 

We learned the Virginia Reel and other dances of the same time period. I planned on renting our costumes, but the hefty price tag changed my mind. I went to plan B - thrift stores! Payton and I had lots of fun shopping. There were some really fancy gowns at the dance, but with what we had to work with, I think we (some what) pulled off the Victorian style we intended. 

 My kids claim that everyone in "old" pictures are extremely serious. So this is their impression. :)

 Landon the jokester. :)

Here they are getting dance instructions. 

A Wonderful Thanksgiving

My brother and his family came to spend Thanksgiving with us. We always have a great time together!  We ate a lot, laughed a lot and enjoyed the beautiful Tucson outdoors. 

 We are getting ready to dig in. I love Thanksgiving dinner! My mom sent us some of her delicious homemade buns, pecan, peach and apple pie. So yummy - thanks, mom!

Here we are after a walk in Sabino Canyon. It was a beautiful evening...(over 10 degrees warmer than usual this time of year - low 80's. Fabulous!)

I captured a silhouette of the kids coming down the hill. So cool! 

With a grateful heart to my Lord for all His blessings!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
              Psalm 107:1

Election Day!

This is probably the most crutial election in our country's history. We have important freedoms and Biblical values at stake. I've said all along, "All I can do is pray and vote," (in that order!). And I have. And I will continue for the rest of the days I live on this great land. Our country was founded on His truths, has been blessed by His hand. I pray it will turn back to Him.

Landon and I getting ready to wash cars for a graduation fundraiser. Our cups speak for themselves. :)

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord...

Psalm 33:12

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

Psalm 33:22

God bless America!

50th Anniversary Celebration!

We returned from NM after celebrating my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. I feel so blessed not only to still have my parents, but to be a part of such a wonderful milestone! Instead of a large party we sent them on a trip and gave them a cozy, dinner party with immediate family. It was very special to hear them renew their vows, and feed each other (very politely!) from a small wedding cake.

Their marriage has been a wonderful testimony to my three brother, myself and all their grandchildren. Being together for 50 years was not always easy, but they kept their promise to each other and to God to love each other forever. And they have. 

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad,

I'm proud of you and love them very much!

I made the decoration and took to them from Tucson. (I had to get over the wrinkled tablecloths... because for some strange reason the restaurant didn't have an iron.)  :)