Memorial Day

This morning despite rainy Kansas weather, Gigi, my sister and brother-in-law (who are here visiting), and most of the Leavenworth Maxwells gathered at the Leavenworth National Cemetery to visit my dad’s grave.

My dad did not lose his life serving his country, but he was seriously wounded in that service. God spared his life then, perhaps because he was not yet a believer in Jesus Christ. It wasn’t until his early 40’s that my dad was born again.

One of the things we did at the cemetery was share memories of Grandad, as he was called in his later years. The changes Jesus made in his life at salvation, that were evident right away and in the ensuing years, were a big part of those memories.

We sang, we prayed, and we shed a few tears. We rejoiced in his legacy, and knowing where Grandad is now and that we will see him in heaven one day.

As we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service for our country today, we are also reminded of the One Who gave His life to purchase redemption for every believer. His blood paid the penalty for our sin.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:7).

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we
were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then,
being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through him” (Romans 5:8-9).

Gigi’s Mulch Crew

The yearly mulching-at-Gigi’s happened in an eclectic fashion. Getting this many folks’ schedules to coordinate just wasn’t working, so we did it in several sessions.

Melanie and her kids, along with Anna Marie and her kids, with some help from myself, took one late afternoon to work on it. We made good progress and mostly took care of the front area along with maintenance in the back.

Another morning, Dad and Mom worked over the whole back area, spreading mulch. That evening, Melanie and crew, along with Christopher’s family, and Anna, pitched in to finish it out. We’re grateful for so many helpers to tackle the big project. Of course, we ended with a pizza party.

Somehow, the little kids feel like they have great power over Ellie.
Only they really don’t. Ellie does what she wants to do.

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

Mother’s Day Recap

Happy Tuesday! I’m catching up on some recent events–thankful to have an opportunity to compile them.

Mother’s Day truly was a beautiful day of celebrating the mother (s) in our lives. I forgot to mention a Happy Mother’s Day to my sisters-in-law!

Anyway, we made Mom her favorite food, gave her gifts, enjoyed worshipping together with our brothers and sisters in Christ and celebrating moms there too, and then late afternoon, 7 out of the 8 Maxwell grown “kids” were together. Sadly, John’s family was quite under the weather, otherwise they would have been with us too.

We’re very grateful for a mom who loves us, poured her life into educating and raising us, and still invests!

Mom’s birthday breakfast: pumpkin chocolate chip muffins and yogurt with granola
Lunch with Gigi
The girls participated in a special community build-a-bouquet from local businesses. You paid a small fee for the vase and then used a map and went around to local businesses to get a flower from each one. A sweet labor of love!

“Strength and honour are her clothing;
and she shall rejoice in time to come” (Proverbs 31:25).

Jesse and Anna Maxwell’s Wedding Pictures, Part 3 and Happy Anniversary

Today is Jesse and Anna’s 1st Anniversary! Congratulations! We love you both so much and delight to see the Lord’s blessing.

I realized I hadn’t finished with the final part to their wedding pictures, and I thought it fitting to do so today. If you haven’t seen Part 1 and Part 2, you can click on the respective links.

Because of COVID regulations, Jesse and Anna weren’t able to have a reception, so we took photos in the park, and then they came back for family good-byes.

Jesse and Anna were such a fun couple to photograph; their love for each other was very apparent, and Anna’s giggle is contagious.

Happy Anniversary!

Jesse and Anna Maxwell

Then onto family good-byes.

Anna saying good-bye to her brother!
Goodbyes to Anna’s parents!
Christopher and I photographed the day
The Maxwells with those who could make it
Jesse and Anna now, a year later

“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever:
the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether”
(Psalm 19:9).

Nonstick Fry Pan

One of our Scanpans

Several years ago, when Teflon was being brought up as a health concern, we were introduced to a non-stick technology that wasn’t Teflon and wasn’t supposed to have the health problems of Teflon with its tendency to flake off. We bought Scanpans that used the new technology.

Not only are Scanpans nonstick, but you can use metal utensils on them. They are expensive, but we decided our health was worth it so we invested in two big skillets and one small one. We are quite happy with them and use them all the time from frying eggs to browning meat to oil-free stir fry (post on that coming soon).

Over the years, it seems that some of the nonstick has worn off, and there is a little build up on the pan. But usually if we follow the directions to boil water in the skillet and use a metal scrubber on it, we can get most of it off.

Our Scanpans are the Classic models. Since we bought ours, they have developed some other lines of Scanpans. We don’t know how they compare, though. The links below are Titus2’s Amazon Affiliate. (See our privacy policy).

Scanpan 12″

Scanpan 8″

The lids are sold separately.


“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15).