Self-Portrait, Project 52-4

Uggggh, I have been dreading this week since I read the scheduled assignment!  I have disliked getting my picture taken since I was like 3.  My parents, especially my dad, loved taking pictures, and now I am so glad that they did.  Those photos are some of my most precious belongings.  Each one has a special memory associated with it, and since both of my parents are gone those memories are priceless.  Now I am the photo lover--I probably drive my grandkids crazy always wanting pictures. But they are growing so fast, and I want them to have lots of wonderful memories to cherish. 

I don't consider myself very photogenic and there are very few photos of myself that I even like.  Like most women, I am very critical of my appearance.  I believe these pictures show a woman who has had a good life, not a perfect life, but a life filled with things that shaped who she is.  Each wrinkle, each imperfection makes up who she really is.  And even though she doesn't always see beauty in that face, she believes that her maker does and in the end that's all that matters.

I Dreamed a Dream - Project 52-3

Growing up as an only child, I dreamed of becoming a wife and a mommy to lots of babies.  Well even though we didn't have LOTS of babies, motherhood was the greatest experience of my life.  I love my two kids more than life itself and when they both graduated from high school, I began to dream of being a grandmother.  I assumed it would be a long time, since they both were going to college and were not in any type of serious relationships.

God knew the desires of my heart and within 5 years, Danita & Gabe both got married and had 2 kids each.  Danita's daughter and son, and Gabe's sons are the light of our lives and just thinking about these 4 precious blessings make me so happy.  My dreams definitely came true!

Made with Love - Project 52, Week 2

It's always fun to experience new things with our grandkids.  I had wanted to take them to see a train display at a nearby museum around Christmas, but it didn't work out.  We found out there was going to be one more weekend to catch the train show, so we took two of the grandkids.  It was amazing and Brie, and Brodie really enjoyed it. 

The train collection belongs to a 78 year old man who received his first train in the 1940's and added to his collection throughout the years.  And even though it takes many weeks of preparation, this gentleman wanted to share his collection with many others especially the children.  Thus this display was made with love. 

Resolutions - Project 52, Week 1

I stopped making resolutions a few years ago, and just decided to try to achieve some goals each year.  Sometimes I have had success, and other times I have not reached my goals.  The point is that I put effort into whatever goals I have set for myself.

This year, I have decided that my goal should be to have a life that is full of compassion, kindness, and love.  I want to enjoy each moment and learn to relish today.  I want to make time for the important things in my life and find the time to do the things that make me happy. 

Happy New Year

Well 2011 was not the best year for blogging personally.  I just wasn't into it because my attention was directed elsewhere.  Pinterest became my new obsession.  Love that I can pin recipes, crafts, photos, places to visit, etc., and then they are so easy to find again.

One of my goals for 2012 is to try to be a better blogger, because I eventually plan on printing my blog out for my grandkids for a memory book.  So I have decided to take part in a photography challenge as seen here on pinterest.  Project 52 for 2012 is not like the one that I did in 2010 since this one has weeky assignments.  My hope is to become a better photographer and a better blogger.

Grandkids' Birthdays

In September, this handsome little guy turned 4. 

In October, this young lady turned 8.

And a couple of days later, this handsome young man turned 5.

Love the expression on his sweet face.

Poppa and I are so blessed with amazing, smart, and good-looking grandkids!  Happy birthday to our sweet darlings!  We love you to the moon & back!!

Our Son Graduates!!

We celebrated a milestone for our son in August.  He graduated from Tarleton State University, and we are so very proud of his accomplishment and his persistence to get here in spite of all the obstacles that came into his life.

We look forward to what is in store for him in his career and the blessings that are going to come into his life. 

We truly give the glory to God for this young man and his wonderful personality and compassion. 

Happy Birthday to Hunny!

The birthday that I had been dreading came and went, and I SURVIVED!!!  My daughter planned a little party for me at the Wildcatter where we got to celebrate with family, good friends, and good food.  I am so blessed by the people that are in my life!!

And even thought I won't admit it to often, being the big 5-0 has not been nearly as bad as I thought.  I don't feel that old most days, so it's all good!!

Water Park Fun

After returning from our vacation, Gabe & his family were here for a visit in July.  Because of their schedule, it is harder for them to come home very often so it was nice to have them here!  I had been wanting to take the grandkids to the water park so we decided to go while everyone was off work. 

The kids had a blast, and so did the adults! The water felt great in this Texas heat.

Vacation 2011 (Part II)

Our next stop was St. Kitts where we toured the capital city of Bassetere and the beautiful Romney Manor Gardens.  (This estate was originally owned by Thomas Jefferson's great grandfather.)

We also stopped at Brimstone Hill Fortress which is perched on a 40 acre hilltop.  It rained while we were here, so it got quite humid.  The fort was so amazing and well preserved. 

We also stopped at a scenic point which was beautiful.



The final stop was St. Maarten where we went to a butterfly farm.  It was a contained area where they are raising and protecting butterflies.  They were absolutely stunning.

Then it was back to San Juan and a very long day to fly back to Miami and on to DFW.  We were surprised to be picked up by our daughter & son.  It was a wonderful and amazing experience, but as always it was good to be home.