The Newest Xander Trick

Clean Carpets, YEA!!

So my sister-in-law, after seeing my inability to use our new Steam Cleaner, said she would be happy to clean my carpets. And after my inability to use the new Steam Cleaner, I agreed, and below is the result. Xander totally digs the clean carpets. I have to say that she did an AMAZING JOB! And I love how good they look. It looks like brand new carpet. Thank you, Chante!!!

Xander Tricks

First, we have the walking at high speeds...

Second, we have the two-handed kiss blow... (please excuse the small spit up)

Next, the almost correct wave...

Last, but not least we have the elusive belly button...

Stayed tuned for future performances from the AMAZING XANDER BUG!

Elton John & Billy Joel Concert!!

Friday night was the Elton John/Billy Joel concert. I won tickets on the Radio back last August and the concert was originally set for November 19th, but Billy Joel got sick, so they moved it to February 19th instead. So more than six months after winning tickets I finally got to go to the concert. My sister Marianne and I went. She LOVES Elton John, and so I wanted to give her that chance to see him, even though he was with Billy Joel. However, she did say after the concert that maybe she was more of a Billy Joel fan than she thought she was. So that was a bonus. I enjoyed both, but have to say that Billy stole the show. It was truly amazing though! Elton played the piano beautifully and sang his songs. When it was Billy's turn he played his piano as it spun in a circle, he played the guitar, danced, and twirled his microphone stand around. He spun it faster and faster, and then threw it in the air and caught it, and then threw it across the stage, over his piano and a guy on the other side caught it. Then during the final performance, when both were playing, he attached a harmonica to his shoulder and while playing the piano he played the harmonica. It was incredible! It is so hard to sing and play, let alone do that! I was very impressed. The playing and singing they did together was so fantastic, they both can just fly over the keyboards. It was a great night! We were pretty far up, but here are some cool pictures of the stage. Thanks, Marianne for coming with me, it was a lot of fun!

Our First Family Photos

I've been waiting to put these family photos on here until I could get my cards out to people. Now that those are all out, I wanted to post this incredibly cute design my good friend Melissa did for us on our cards. I wasn't able to afford to get professional photos done sooner, so our first family photos were taken after Xander turned a year, but he was old enough to be way cute in the pictures and also show some personality. And he was so good during the hour it took to get the pictures done. Here are some of my favorites along with the card. Enjoy!

2010...Starting out with a Bang!

I couldn't help but post how amazing my life is! The past year was a hard one. Full of happiness with the birth of our son, but also a lot of financial hardship with Dave being out of work for so long. But that is 2009, its NOW 2010 and things are looking brighter!

It started with Xander's First Birthday and it was a great day for Xander and for us. Its kind of sad seeing our little baby become a little boy, but exciting also. And then he took his first steps on the the 31st of January. (see below video of it). He is growing up right before our eyes and we are loving it!

We found out that we will NOT be moving from our home. We can stay! It was touch and go there for awhile, but things worked out and we are not going anywhere!

And the best news we've heard recently is Dave got a new job. For years now he has been trying to get a job out at South Area for Batelle. He applied for a good 50 jobs when he was out of work. He had given up on that and decided to work as a dialysis tech instead. We appreciated the opportunity and him having a job, but the pay wasn't up to what Dave felt his potential deserved. And then, out of the blue, we got a call from our good friend Matt who currently works out at Batelle, saying "This is it! This is the job!" An opening came up in his department, where he personally knew the hiring manager and told Dave to apply. Dave also sent Matt a copy of his resume. Well, we got the news that Dave's application hadn't even been selected as a candidate for an interview and we went "Oh well." Well, Matt took it upon himself to hand deliver Dave's resume to his co-worker, the hiring manager, and lo and behold, Dave got an interview. Now, Matt got him the interview, but Dave had to get himself the job. We went out and spent an afternoon/evening with Matt and Jenny and Matt coached Dave on anything he could think they might ask him in the interview. Dave listened, took note and kicked butt in the interview. He was asked several of the exact same questions that Matt had tested him on. It was truly amazing! And a week later, we got the call that Dave was the selected candidate! And we both about had a heart attack. He didn't have the degree they wanted, he didn't have any experience, yet they hired him? We are still in shock. One of the reasons we have wanted to get Dave a job out there is the financial security it brings with it. It is a temporary job, but in the next few years while Dave works, it will be our opportunity to get out of debt, and really get some savings put away. To be able to care for Xander and be able to help others in need. For the first time in a long time it feels like there truly is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you to all of our wonderful friends, family and loved ones that kept us in your thoughts and prayers. We know there are a lot of you out there and we can't express the gratitude and love in our hearts enough. Thank you!

With all our love, The Maxfields

Xander's First Steps

They may be few, but I'm still proud of my little man!! : )