Stream of Consciousness....

We toured Payton's new school last week, paid a book deposit that we were not anticipating (sigh), and had her uniform skirts altered.  Had a great day after church this past Sunday with great friends that we really learn from.  They are a great family.  They love and follow Jesus.  Jim says we should model them in many aspects of our life.  I agree.  Jim and Connor went up to the Big Park in Anthem this past weekend to drive Connor's newly-earned remote control boat.  Payton is knee deep in completing her online Math course.  She's also constantly with friends (sigh, again).  We're hosting Swim & Study for the Jr. High kids at our house this week.  We're having a little "end of summer party".  That will be followed by a sleepover with some of the girls.  (yikes!)  We took a big leap on the cell phone front today...we changed my plan to a family plan so Payton could have a phone.  Up until now she has had a prepaid phone that she has to pay for herself (which means it only works about once a quarter).  This new setup will require "work" around the house on her part, too.  She seems good with that.  Payton is also migrating from our current "ticket" (i.e. money earning) situation to a weekly allowance.  Connor has a new friend, Miles.  He had Miles over this past weekend to race remote control boats in the pool.  The remotes conflicted with each other.  Not what they were hoping for.  We're in a small group this summer that is studying Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love.  Great book.  Highly recommend it...it's an easier read but it challenges Christians to live out their faith, radically.  I love that.  I need accountability.  I need someone to tell me when I am "falling"or "failing".  I need to be pointed in the right direction when I am heading off course.  Plus, I'm not the best (or, should I say, most objective) judge of myself (is anyone?).  Here are a few random photos from our last few weeks of summer.