Happy Birthday, Dad~

Sunday, December 4th, 2011 my Dad turned 61 years old.  We went to my parents house for some food and fellowship.  It was such a nice day.  I thank God every single night for blessing me with parents who brought me up in a home that loves the Lord.  They taught me the word of God from a very young age.  I may have strayed at times, but the verse holds true that if you "bring up your child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
We live in such scary times, in such a scary world.  My salvation gives me my strength and my comfort so I have nothing to fear.  I owe this to my parents.
I found this poem about Dad's, and I could have written this myself about Gary.  No more words need be said after reading this.  It describes my Dad perfectly.
I hope you enjoyed your day, Dad.  And I hope you know I celebrate you daily.
I love you!
Your Beach Angel~

Dad

© Karen K. Boyer

He never looks for praises
He's never one to boast
He just goes on quietly working
For those he loves the most
His dreams are seldom spoken
His wants are very few
And most of the time his worries
Will go unspoken too
He's there.... A firm foundation
Through all our storms of life
A sturdy hand to hold to
In times of stress and strife
A true friend we can turn to
When times are good or bad
One of our greatest blessings,
The man that we call Dad.

Happy Thanksgiving~

Today we got to have Thanksgiving at my parents house.  The first time in many, many years!!  It was so nice.  Michael is home visiting, so some of my pics are just of the boys, a couple are of Emily "hunting" for the first time, and the others are from my parents today.  Some of my pics are too dark, but its what I've got, so that's that!  It was a nice day.  We truly do have much to be thankful for. 

First Snowfall of November 2011 and the kids are ready!!

We have our Christmas lights up outside (not inside yet), and they "dance" to the Christmas music that plays.  So cool!!  Gabe wasn't sure what he thought of the snow, as he hadn't seen it yet.  He didn't care much for it, but I'm sure he will learn to love it like most dogs and kids....

There are 2 kids in there...I promise!!

I won't tell anyone that they only played outside for about 10 minutes and came back in cold....
:O)

Aren't they just precious?

My nephew, Dane. 

My beautiful Emily with handsome Dane

They play the role a bit too naturally....

Thank you, Soldier.....

Today I thank you, every single soldier, every single veteran.  Those that are safe at home, those that are out there still, waiting to come home.  I thank the ones whose lives were lost fighting for us.  I remember fondly, the ones who made it home, and have passed away for other reasons.  I cannot fathom the horrors you endured, the nights that are so long, the families at home worried every single day.  I thank you for what you are doing, what you have done, and what you will continue to do for people you don't even know.  God Bless You today, and every single day.  May He keep you safe in His loving hands.  Again, I say thank you.

 

Because of you, I am here

Because of you, I am able to live freely

 

Yet I do not know you

And I have not done anything for you

 

But there you stand, ready to fight

And there you are prepared to die

For me

 

You've fought before

And you'll fight again

For someone you don't know

 

So thank you Unknown Soldier

Fighting for me

 

I'm here because of you

And I owe my future to you

By Courtney Tanabe

A Poem Written by my dearest Emily 2011~

I am a unique individual
my heart is open to all
whom shall need it.

My mind is set on anything
and everything.

You may ask for help
I will be the first to be there.

My hand will be out
ready for anyone who might grasp it.

I am ready.
Ready for sorrow.
Ready for happiness
that may come my way

keep the song in your heart my beloved Beebz

Emily's Art Work~

Emily got all A's and one B on her first 5th grade report Card.
Caleb did awesome too.  I am so very proud of both of them!!!
I hope you enjoy the paintings Emily made at school.
I think they are beautiful.