Family Reunion 2010

Each year my dad's side of the family gets together for some good, ol' fashioned family fun! Last weekend was our 2nd annual family reunion. This year the reunion was held at Camp Jellystone Park, while it was not the Frio river where it was held last year, it was still a lot of fun.

Jellystone is where Yogi Bear lives and so the park is all about Yogi & friends. Geared to children but us adults had fun too!

We all arrived Thursday afternoon and we all departed after a yummy lunch on Sunday. We spent most of the days sunbathing & playing in the water. Every night, we would all gather together for a huge meal. And Saturday night, we all sat around a campfire and made s'mores!

Some people brought their travel trailers and others rented cabins. It was the first time ALL my brothers and sister were under one roof in a long time. Plus we had my 2 nieces and nephew. There was about 10 of us in a teeny, tiny cabin. We had such a good time, laughing, cracking jokes, and just enjoying each other.

I adore my nieces and nephew so it was great to spend time with them. And they loved seeing and hanging out with their "Nonnie"

Beware of the overload of photos to come...

Heeeyyyy Boo-Boo!!! Maddox & I
Mimi & Shaylee - our water-bug, she loved the water!
She is too cute!
Yogi, Papa (my dad), & Madyson

My mom "MiMi" went down this slide lots of times with her grandbabies.

My nieces, Aubrey & Madyson sitting around after a long day at the pool.

Shaylee & I

All of my brothers, sister in-laws & nieces & nephew
Big ol slide...I went down it twice! A lot of fun but all the stairs to get up to the top, not so fun.
Yogi Bear's water park - where we spent 99% of our time
my Dad and his sister & brother: Aunt Rose Anna, & my Uncle Wesley

ALL of us! The Meador's & The Korenek's

We had a great time & can't wait for next year!

Time for a Mermaid Party!

Here are some of my newest & latest creations.

Custom sewn party hat

A dear friend of mine's little girl is having a mermaid theme party & I thought I'd help coordinate the little Miss for the day! I can't wait to see her photos of her in all her Honey B. Boutique outfit & hat.

Let me know what you think of my creations!

Dad's Day!

Happy Father's Day to the most amazing Dad...my Dad!

My dad always worked so hard for us and as always put us, his family first. As a kid, my dad spent many days, weeks, months overseas working to provide for our family of 5 (6 including my dad).

My dad or "Sam" as some call him, is like none you will ever meet. He is a kid at heart and always knows how to have a good time. He IS the life of the party! But he is also a gentle, loving, giving person. He would do anything for a stranger and he would walk the ends of the earth for my mom or for us. I am so grateful to call him DAD!

I will treasure every moment we have had together & I look forward to all the moments to come. From when I was a kid, to when he dropped me off at Texas A&M, to walking me down the aisle. He has always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. And he has taught me to never give up!

So here's to you Dad...I love you more than diamonds or gold & you mean the world to me!
Happy Dad's Day!

While I'm Waiting

**I originally wrote this post back in June of 2010 - it just never got posted**

In our most trying times, I think we are always so focused in what is to come or what is next.

Almost two weeks ago, I was on my way home from a day trip when all of a sudden - the wind started to pick up, the rain started to hit my windshield, and my windshield wipers were going as fast as they could but yet I barely see what was in front of me. I slowed down to about 45 MPH, which is slow when you are just ready to be home. For almost 20 miles, it was heavy rains, bad winds, thunder, and heavily watered roadways. I started to feel anxious, frightened, and frustrated. Then it accrued to me, as I blared my praise and worship music (mostly because the rain was so loud) that this is what it must feel like to clearly be within a storm. But not just any old storm...one of those raging storms of life.

I could not see more than 10 or 15 feet in front of me. Cars were stopped on the sides of the roads and others traveled with their flashers on. Flashing as a caution to others, to make it aware they were on the road. While clinching my steering wheel and praying for a safe trip home, God started to share His view with me through my windshield. Driving through the storm was scary but as God reminded me that storms don't last forever. Soon I would be on dry road and I would be able to see clearly all that was around me. But while during that storm, I needed to really focus on the promises of His word and not on the storm. I needed to allow Him to take a hold of my steering wheel and steer me in the direction to go. It is not up to me or you to figure how long the storm may last. But it is our job to remain faithful and obedient during those storms. To keep driving, keep praying, keep seeking Him.

Lots of times in our lives, we clearly can not see where we may be headed or what direction a certain path is taking us. But just because we can't see beyond the storm, doesn't mean the storm will not end.

Seasons of life can be raging storms or they can be beautiful, sunny days. It is what we do during those seasons that make the difference.

God uses seasons and storms in our lives to mold us, shape us into the person He wants us to become. Not the person you think you should become or be. He also uses seasons to draw us closer to Him. He longs for us to call out to Him and to ask him for help.

Really this whole process of living, is not about us. It is about the Him. He created us to be like Him.

Things look good arond here

So do you notice anything different?! I have been hard at work learning the ropes of blog designs, Photoshop, HTML codes, etc., etc., etc...

Tonight, I managed to make my blog three columns instead of two and did a little bit more editing on my blog header.

Who knew digital scrap-booking or blogging could be so fun?!

But what I've really been up to lately is recovering from vacation. I know you would think after vacation I'd be ready to take on the world, refreshed, and clear-headed. Is that even a word? But let me tell you...14 hours in a car each way is exhausting! And plus it's been awhile since I was just able to sleep in, sit around, & relax. So I am taking FULL advantage!

Late Sunday night we arrived back in SA from our 4 day, 3 night Ozark trip. We had an amazing time! It was absolutely beautiful there! I could NOT get over ALL the trees there! I mean Texas has trees but nothing like Arkansas. National forests are everywhere, as well as lakes & rivers.

Lake Norfork
Buffalo National River

I will be sure and post all about our trip tomorrow! I am off to bed in hopes of getting up first thing in the morning to get hit the gym...we shall see how that goes.

Farm Living

You all know the song, "farm living is the life for me..." well farm living IS the life for me. At least one day, it will be. AB & I both grew up in small town USA and we plan to one day move to small town USA to raise our own family.

Last night, me and my good friend Brooke discussed our dream home or forever home, for about an hour or more. The problem is I like so many different styles that it is hard for me to pick just one particular kind of house I like.

But lately I've been on the farmhouse, cottage kick. My dream home is one filled with fresh baked pies, laughter, lots of counter space & cabinet space, a mudroom, and bead-board. For the love of bead-board...I think I'm slightly obsessed with it. While the Mr. is not such a fan. He likes more darker woods and tones, as well as a huge media room. I have already said we will have a TV room and a living room with NO TV. Clearly, I am not the TV watcher in house.

So last night in the wee hours of the night, when I could NOT sleep (ugh!) I sat up & found my "dream home" in photos.

Take a look...

I am loving the tumbled marble! However, I would not do it on the counter tops unless it was sealed because it is not easy to clean. But the back-splash & the farm sink, ohhh la la sheer bliss!

Love the open-ness of this! And ooOhh myy bead-board heaven...it is everywhere!

Aren't those floors just beautiful?! I love the open cabinets on both sides of the beautiful window. And YES another farm sink!

OK friends, this next photo is my favorite!!! Aunt Ruthie sure knows what it means to have a pantry, and I'm not talkin' about your momma's pantry!

YES ma'am, that is a pantry in the middle of the kitchen! Not tucked away in some corner but she is a showpiece, shinin' at her best! Annnd oh my good heavens, there is a pie/baking center and a window for passing through ingredients but more importantly for a fresh baked pie to cool. This has love written all over it, don't ya think?! She did not miss any attention to detail when creating this fabulous masterpiece. Y'all it even has a screen door. Ohhh, I think Aunt Ruthie knows what she is doing! Just beautiful! There are many more photos of this precious gem over at Sugar Pie Farmhouse.

I will admit, I want to be just like Aunt Ruthie! In all her class, style, wisdom, and sweetness. Be sure you check out her blog, you will fall in love too!

Movin' on...to bathroom that is.

White subway tiles, so clean and classic.

Looks like some good flea market finds...who says all things have to match?!

There are things about this one that I like and things I would change. But that is what is fun about this...find ideas that inspire you and twist them (personalize) to make your space fit for you. I like the sinks and the open base - this way your guest don't have to "snoop" into the cabinets, because come on - we all know everyone likes to "snoop" around in the bathroom, especially us girls. Ha! Just tellin' it like it is...

And this next photo, it is a bedroom and I just looove it.

Simple, shabby, chic, and cozy! The blue wall paint with the mixture of colors seems so inviting. And something I would have never thought to put together.

Photo credits: House Beautiful

Randomness

I have really been falling down on the job...blogging job that is. Well, here is what I've been up to lately...

I took a long-term assistant position at a local elementary school and it is kicking my booty. I am not used to working ALL day, ha! I know that sounds awful but it is the truth. And not to mention, I am with 18 first graders ALL day! I go to recess, lunch, & specials (music/PE) with them. Wears me out! Plus I've been trying to workout everyday after work and so getting on the computer is the last thing I want to do at the end of my day.

But lucky for me...I am done in 2 days!!!! Woohoo!!! Summer will officially begin and then it means back to work, sewin'!

I have also been slightly addicted to these lately...

I know horrible...considering it is never good to sit & eat a whole bag of chips! Baked or non-baked!

Allen and I went hiking again yesterday. I am really becoming a fan of hiking. Who knew?! Even AB said he was impressed with my adventurous mood. The trail we went on yesterday was one of the toughest we've done yet but so far, it's my favorite.

Here are a few pics from our Memorial Day hike



Can't wait to go hiking at Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg. Hopefully we will go sometime in July - since our June is booked solid. Something planned every weekend...bummer! Will make the month go by fast but I really enjoy having nothing to do or no "set plans" on the weekends.

And we have some super-fun summer vacations plans! Us and another couple are heading to northern Arkansas for a getaway. We have rented a "chalet" or cabin in the Ozarks - as well as a boat for a day on Lake Norfolk. We are so excited!!!! And it will be a much needed vacation!

One Year Later

Today marks a year that we have been in San Antonio. Actually...yesterday was a year to the date. And I remember the day as if it was yesterday.

My car completely FULL of stuff, the curb full of stuff that I could not fit in my car, & well a whole bunch (I mean a ton) of tears as I turned our apartment key in and saw Kyle Field disappear in my rear-view mirror.

And truth be known, I still cry every time I go and leave Aggieland.

Our first night in San Antonio was well adventurous to say the least. Actually our first 3 months here in SA were more than adventurous. RV living is not for the faint of heart. How my mother did it all those years with FOUR kids - is beyond me! She is a much stronger and braver woman than me.

I could go on for hours about our year here in San Antonio but it's really something I don't want to go into at the moment and I'm sure you don't want to read a novel.

I will just say that this year has been one of the most trying and difficult years I have ever had to face. Struggles I never thought I would have to face or things I never knew could happen to little ol' me. Happened and I faced them. But yet while it has been one of the most difficult, it has also been one of the most humbling.

I have learned so many things about myself, about my relationship with others, about just how strong or not strong I really am.

Moving to San Antonio for us was a chance or a new life, new adventures, and the beginning of a new chapter.

Amazing how much or how little (whichever way you want to look at it) can happen in a year.

One year later, I have realized regardless of what our plan is...more than likely that is not His plan.

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Jeremiah 17: 7-8