Thankfulness part 2 & 3

So I missed this last weekend of Thankfulness.

Since I missed last weeks and it was Veterans day last friday I will start there.

I am thankful for our veterans, current active duty. They sacrifice so much. They sacrifice not only themselves, even with the possibility of being seriously injured or killed....but they also sacrifice their personal lives and family. All this because they believe in what America stands for, they want to fight and serve their country with honor. They do this with little pay and little thanks. I would like to believe that as U.S. citizens as a whole, we have become more thankful for the sacrifice of our military. But since I am to young to remember how its been for years...I just can not be sure. I am truly grateful for them all though. I have many family member, from my grandfathers on both sides, many uncles, my cousin....and to my brother. Can't leave out my many friends currently active duty, or who have just signed up to join different branches of our military. What an honor it is to know you all.

This was taken this past June, on my brothers return from Afghanistan.

My Brother Home! what else is there to say.

My Grandmother and Granddaddy on their 60th Anniversary.

Granddaddy was in the Navy during WWII. I love these two people dearly.

 My Uncle Richard. He holds a special place in my heart too. 

He does Calvary re-enactments too.

My Papaw with my brother Christmas 09. I love this picture.

Papaw was in the Army during WWII.

They don't look related do they? lol

Just a few pictures of family members that have been in the military.

I am very thankful for my doctors and caring medical staff. They take such good care of me and treat me like a friend instead of words on paper. Mostly I am thankful for good medical coverage too. Without it I'd be scared of where I would be.

Here is a picture of a sweet lady and a great nurse I have in the hospital. Now you other nurses reading this don't be jealous, I just don't have your picture. lol

I am thankful for my friends. Two in particular I would like to talk about right now. Sun and Fred. Sun and I have been friends for over 10 years now. I started dating her best friend all those years ago, and she became my best friend. It has been a wild and crazy 10 years I'll say that. Man, a lot has gone on. We have both grown in so many ways. It's kinda neat to look back on. She has been through a lot in that time. She may not see it, but she has grown in her walk with God through it all. She has met a wonderful person, her husband Fred...who is perfect for her. It had been my prayer she find someone to love her like she needs...and he is that for her....and her for him. God's perfect match. His family has become hers. There is nothing I am more thankful for that she has them. Though there are events that have happened and are currently happening that is extremely difficult for them...they are still strong in their faith and for each other.  Even if Sun doesn't feel like she has any strength left at times, somehow God gives it to her. You my friend are a strong lady. It may never get easier, but God will bring you strength when you have none left. God will hold you when you think you can't stand any more.

Thankfulness part 1

Most of my friends are posting one (or several) things a day that they are thankful for till Thanksgiving.
I thought I would write a blog once a week...because what I am thankful for I can't just say in a few sentences.

I am thankful for being saved by Grace. Jesus sacrificed everything to the point of torture then death, so that we may have forgiveness and eternal life with the Father in Heaven. No amount of words can describe how thankful I am for His sacrifice. I am a awful sinful person, yet God loves me so much. No matter how many times I turn away form what He wants me to do, I come back and He welcomes me with open arms. He guides me everyday from the simple and mundane, to the very difficult decisions in life. I have learned that it's easier to just give it all to Him and let Him tell me what to do in those decisions...It's not always easy to know if it is really Him saying this or that...but when the answer comes you just know its right. I am thankful for that.

My heavenly Father spoils me. I would have nothing if it weren't for Him. I know that I would be in a miserable and depressed state it I did not have God with me. I am thankful that He never gave up on me all those years ago when I kept telling him no. Once I finally said "Ok God I give up, I give myself to you and you handle it all"....there was immediate peace. Ever since then no matter how hard things have gotten, I have always had God's peace. There is nothing like it.

I am thankful for my best friend, my husband. He has always been there, even before he was my husband. He is protective, kind, and sweet. He spoils me too. I don't deserve someone so wonderful...and yet God sent Tyrel to me. He takes care of me. He is strong in so many ways. This huge strong tough guy, taking care of a small frail sick lady...carries me when I can't walk. Holds me when I am sick....he holds me when I am well. He is everything I need....he is who God made for me. I am forever grateful.

I am thankful for my Mamma! She is one of the strongest ladies I know. Working hard and always taking care of her kiddos. Even though they are grown adults, she still gives us "treats"  and takes care of us in her mommy way. She's the best Mamma (even though most everyone may say that about their moms). She is the outdoorsy type..Taught me to be tough! She taught me to not be scared of bugs and getting dirty. Although we both hate snakes and mice...eeee. She taught me to not be scared of having cystic fibrosis. She treated me like any other normal kid, I just had to do extra stuff. No big deal, so what. I love that she did that, and that the rest of the family (extended included) did the same. I'm sure when I was younger I tried my hardest to get away with things and play the "sick card", what kid doesnt? lol....but my Mamma played a huge role in who I am today....I am forever thankful she didn't turn me into a sissy cry baby! lol No crying mom!

I am thankful for my family. They are a wonderful mix of people. My brother who is a "tough guy". He is my pal. A former Marine! Sometimes I think we have our own language. We get to talking and it's all over the place, and no one else can keep up...some how we can. We can just hang out on the couch and not say a word, but have a great time. (I love his GF too, she is super cool!) I am thankful he has someone to love and love him back.

I have a HUGE family, meaning all my extended family and in-laws. I don't like calling my "extended family", extended. They are just family. All my aunts, uncles and cousins. We have country folks and city folks (sorta they are country at heart). We have biker chicks, and stay at home mommies. There are hyper ones, and laid back ones. They are all my family. I am thankful I have them in my life, each has a special place and a special memory. Many summers staying the night with some. Horse back riding. Fun photo sessions...and just being silly. You know who you are. I love you all.

Oh my in-laws deserve their own paragraph. I think I am one blessed lady to have the in-laws I do. They aren't in-laws, they are in-loves. My mother and father in-love are two very special people. They took me into their family fold and love on me as if I was blood. All my brother and sister in loves (there are like 6 of them), and all their kids (there are like 10!)....WOW what a wonderful family. They really are the best, and I was made to be a part of it. I am thankful God put them here as my family.

I am thankful for my church family. They are a wonderful bunch of folks of all ages. They love on you and take care of you when your down and when you are up. It is amazing to see how they come together when a friend is in need. It's funny to see how they come together just to have fun! Oh they make me laugh!

I am thankful to our pastor and his family. His wife is sooo funny and loving. She has a calming spirit about her,she lights up a room when she smiles, and you see her love for God in everything she does. I love how she picks on her husband too! lol Their boys are very sweet and respectful. Their daughter is fun and a good friend. Our pastor has a love for God that just beams out from him, and from his family. He has a hunger for God's word and learning more, and teaching God's people. I love how they have become my and Tyrel's friends. I am thankful God put them in our lives.


I think that is enough for this week.
Sorry no photos, no time to find some right now.

Fall and fall like pictures

Today is a perfect rainy day. So I thought I would look through some of my pictures to see what I could share. I found pictures of our vacation last year. We took a cruise to the Bahamas, and then had a road trip up the east coast to Virginia, and down through the Smokey Mountains. We hit the Smokey's at the perfect time, right when the leaves were changing.

So in honor of fall, and since we don't get much of a fall around here, I thought I'd share.

Some pretty leaves...

Top Of the Smokey's

It was so pretty there.

This was kinda at the bottom of the Smokey's. It was cool to watch how the further up you go, the more the trees had changed. Kinda like watching it change in fast motion.

Some moss stuff...

This was part of a grain mill.

This was the grain house.

It was a very fun vacation, we saw a lot in a short period of time. But I always like going anywhere with my husband and we always have fun.

The Coder's

The other day when I went butterfly hunting, I also met with two very special people.

Their names are Joe and Jessica (Jekka by those who love her dearly). You see about 6 years ago, Tyrel was the youth leader at our church and this is where we first met Joe and Jekka. Jekka was always at our house hanging out. Not long after they graduated high school they got married.

It has been a roller coaster ride for them, not in the aspect of marriage...just life in general. They have been through rough times...and even through the passing of Jekka's mom. I have seen them grow as a couple. I admit I was nervous for them at first, I didn't think they were ready. But God has guided them, and they seem to be stronger for it all.

The reason for this post you might ask? Well just to chat a little about them. Also because Saturday they moved to New Mexico...since Joe joined the Air Force. They are on yet another journey in their lives together and they will do wonderfully. They will be a great example to others they meet, and most importantly a great example of God's wonderful love.

I will really never say goodbye to them because they will never leave my heart and we will always be friends. So this is more of a good luck Joe and Jekka...

To see more of there photos click here.

Butterfly Migration

The monarchs are coming through San Angelo. Such a site to see. You see them fluttering all over the place, and if you're lucky you can find where they are all hanging out.

This little guy kept following me, or I kept following him, depends on who you ask.

It is so neat to walk through the trees and see all the butterflies flying around you.

If you haven't guessed I like butterflies :)

They remind me that things change and out of change sometimes beautiful things can come.

Nature always reminds me of God's grace and beauty on this earth.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Rain Rain, please come again some day!

We have been blessed recently with some rain. It hasn't been a lot of rain, but around here we will take anything. The weather is also cooling off slowly, but the evening nights are becoming beautiful. I can actually open the windows and enjoy a nice breeze and fresh air. Thank you Lord for bringing us this much needed rain and cooler days.


This isn't the best picture, but I enjoyed sitting on the porch while the rain trickled down for a little while. Made me so thankful and it was so peaceful.

Hannah was enjoying the rain too.

Since the summer was so brutal my flower gardens suffered. No new plants this year, and a lot of the ones already there have died, crossing my fingers some roots are still alive and will come back. With the recent rain the rose bushes have perked up, and I even had a surprise in my front garden. I always forget it's there but it brings a smile on my face every time it blooms. It's always a surprise because where it is planted, it is hidden under other plants so it only is seen once it blooms. It has a special place in my heart because my Grandmother gave it to me...and she is just like me she always forgets she has this particular plant until it surprises her.

It's a spider lily.

Who would have thunk it?

I really love to be creative. In any way shape or form. Seriously you should see my messy craft room. I'd put a picture but I'm embarrassed by it's messiness. When will rooms learn to pick up after themselves?

Anyway, I have always been doing something. Making little crafts for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, and lots of other things. Art was my favorite class in school, not only because there was no homework, but it was just the best time of day for me. I found it a great way to relax and explore different mediums.

About 10 years ago this sweet lady from my church decided to take me under her wing and put me in  her summer art class. I actually grumbled at it, can you believe that? The reason being, it was a drawing class. I couldn't draw to save my life, my stick figures were horrible. But I went anyway.

I don't know who or what in the world told her that I loved art....or who was crazy and thought I should draw, but she had an instinct and acted on it. I am forever thankful that she did. She taught me how to open my mind and my talents. And can you believe I actually learned that I am good at drawing? Now I can't just draw from imagination I do need a picture...but still it is so much fun!

This is the 3rd charcoal drawing I ever did. It's of our dog Samurai Jack. He died a few years ago though.

And now that same lady thought I should come to her oil painting classes, so I jumped at that opportunity. And guess what?!? It is one of my favorite days of the week yet again, even if it is a Monday!

Here is one of the paintings I completed in her class.

Recently I have been working on several projects. I have been making some room decor for my almost 2yr old niece, working on a drawing for a friend, finished a painting for my nephew and working on a painting for myself. I'm actually painting a waterlily, using a picture I previously took. I hope it turns out as well as I have pictured in my mind.


Fun times...

Playing...still and waterlilies

I never got around to finish re-vamping this blog. So I am at it again. Please excuse the cluster that is usually caused by my brain malfunctions.

In the mean time please enjoy these photos of the waterlily garden.

The waterlily garden here in San Angelo is internationally known. Can you imagine that? Something here in little ole Angelo, so well known? The man behind it is Ken Landon. He one of the largest collections in the world, and he displays it here. It is a wonderful place to go visit and just relax.

I love how the camera picked up the details in the dragon fly's wings.

The colors in this one just really stand out, so striking.

I love how the water in the background looks almost painted.

This was taken at the waterlily fest today. The pond in the bottom corner is sporting the Texas flag. Wanna guess why? Well that's because Ken Landon created a hybrid waterlily named Texas Dawn, and today it was recognized as the states waterlily.

I also got to meet a wonderful fellow photographer today.