Leaves

Completely forgot to post these pictures of my niece Becca from our trip to El Paso over Thanksgiving break. We spent Sunday playing in the leaves at Album Park.


Getting ready to throw some leaves up in the air.


The leaves falling down. Love the pure joy on her face.


Gathering more leaves.


She was throwing leaves up as fast as she could.


Reaching for the sky.

The cross

I took this picture when I first got my current camera. I was walking around the FC Grapevine campus when a storm rolled in. It's all in God's timing.

Merry CHRISTmas

There are no presents to open this year. A choice Bob and I made along with our families. We are all so blessed and all of our needs are met. This year we have tried to put the real meaning of Christmas in the forefront. This year more than any I am so glad He came to save us.

Today I can mourn with hope. I just keep praying for her family. They are the most welcoming bunch of people you will ever meet. I love them all. My heart aches for her parents, her fiance, her sister, her brother, her extended family, and her friends.

Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Instead of making Christmas about presents I am so glad we chose to make it about His presence. I know HE is real. And I am so glad He came to save us.

Why?

Well I was going to write a nice little post but at 11:16am this morning I received the news. Bella just passed away. No, life is not fair.

This past August I was just reunited with Nena and her family. I was the twins birthday surprise. I went over to Bella's family house where they were decorating the house for the party the next day. Bella was the first one I saw. I'll never forget the smile and the hug I received when she first saw me.

I can remember numerous memories of us when we were younger. Lots of good time hanging out at Nena's house. Mempries that will hold a very special place in my heart.

She was the sweetest, most gracious person I have ever come across. I can't believe she is gone. It's not fair. She was diagnosed with Lupus several years ago. She never complained. Just as gracious as you could be. So sweet, so welcoming, so friendly, so pretty inside and out, so everything.

I just don't understand. 25 is just too young. Why? Why? Why? It's just not fair.

As I write this her family is still at the hospital. I have spent several Christmas' with this family and my heart just aches right now. There are presents for her to open. Her wedding was in May. It's just not fair.

I can see her right now dancing around heaven. Dancing with Our Father God. My faith is strong but my heart is breaking.

Mia

Mia wants nothing to do with the camera. The second I pull it out she gets up and walks away.

Maddox

I love this picture he is looking at Bob and it's almost like he is saying "please help me!" (Notice how he crosses his little paws.)


Are you done yet?

Blue Tree

I took this picture the other night when it was foggy. Every year the owner does this in memory of her husband.

Kiss-mas

While we were in El Paso my little cousin was looking for somebody to play cars with him. He would look at you with those big brown eyes that just spoke volumes.


These eyes. Who can resist them?


Here he is explaining to Bob that they are going to play kiss-mas shopping.


"Oh no! There's no where to park." Branden said this to Bob after he lined up all of the cars into a parking lot. Too cute.


Bob showing Branden and Lauren how to "find" a parking spot.

Not Me Monday

I know it has been awhile since I have done a "Not Me! Monday" but here are some of the things I have not done..

While watching the African Children's Choir I did not get teary eyed by the joy and love expressed on their faces. Nope, Not Me!

I did not go to Wal-Mart with Bob looking for new bulb for my tail light and think a spark plug was the light bulb.....after all, it did say "Auto lite!" Nope, Not Me!

I did not refuse to play Rockband at Nicci's party. I did not let my lack of hand eye coordination stop me from trying to play the drums or guitar. Nope, Not Me!

I do not have a hard time singing and clapping at the same time. No, I do not need to keep an eye on the person next to me in order to keep a beat. Nope, Not Me!

More Pictures of M and J

For EF

This is how I set it up.

Pictures with M and J!

I took these pictures on Wednesday night and learned something. If you want the kids that know you to cooperate put them in charge. Once I set up the backdrop I let the boys "pose" themselves I was able to get a few good shots. M really got into it and became quite the little model.

Candy Canes

Last night I was playing around with my shutter speed and moved the camera up and down to create candy canes from the Christmas lights.

Pictures from Thanksgiving

Emma with Alice


Teresa and Rick


Teresa and Christina


Teresa and Christina (Love this picture)


Branden


My great aunt Chris, great uncle Hector, and my grandmother.


Uncle Juan and aunt Emma