About 20 years ago...

...in February, we were stationed in Hawaii.  We lived on Schofield Barracks in a 4 unit, row-type home.

Looking through photos, I came across...
these that were taken in Feb 1990...

Mr. B pulling a banana tree to the area leaf pick-up.  I don't remember why the banana tree was dying. There are so many beautiful flowers, bushes, and trees grow so easily there! Orchids, Birds of Paradise, Bougainvillea, plumerias, hibiscus, etc... all like wild flowers.

 Mr. B happened to be home from one of his many deployments or flying missions.

Our older daughter (Girly-Twirly, now aka "theLuckiestMrs.") was having fun blowing some bubbles.

This is our younger daughter (Girly-Whirly) blowing her bubbles :o) I'm sitting watching the fun and soaking in some sun. I was about 6 and 1/2 months pregnant with our son (Heartbreaker). (I'm either biting my lip or unconsciously "trying to help" blow bubbles with the girls. haha)

Thank goodness for photos! They really help when it comes to remembering special family times such as these.

I loved our 3 years in Hawaii.  For a number of reasons:
1. Mr. B's family live on the Big Island, so it was just a very short inter-island flight to visit them or have them visit us.
2. It was a blessing for my husband and all of us to spend time with my husband's dad before he passed away. His dad was able to see and love on all our children.
3. Our son (Heartbreaker) was born there...making him the 5th generation born in Hawaii on Mr. B's side.
4. I love the food, melting pot of cultures, gorgeous beaches, balmy tropical temperatures.
5. ...and of course, the sweet memories made there.

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I have to include this photo of my handsome hubby... after all, during the 3 years we lived in Hawaii, he spent a total of a year out in the field or flying his blackhawk helicopter in other countries... This was taken in Korea...Dontcha love his tent decor? I think that it's sweet to see our girls' works of art...right up next to his helmet :o)

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To go along with this military-inspired photo of my hubby, I am sharing the following. Here are some military-related drawings...

This one, Jamie ordered for her Marine Aviator. 

Jamie sent me this email, when she received her drawing: "...I got it, thanks so much! It turned out great..."

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This Chinook (CH-47) was ordered for another military aviator husband.

This is what Amber had to say: "...First I want to say, I think your art work is amazing! I first heard about it from a senior spouse at our FRG in March and thought about it ever since. ..." 


And after she received her drawing: "...I got the package two days ago and just got a moment to open it and look at it.  (Hubby was being nosey lol) It looks amazing. You do great work. I will be using you again, sooner than later. Your work is so unique, it will be a gift that will be cherished. You asked about the packaging, and it was in great condition..." 

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This one is a C-12 and warrant insignia.

Deb ordered this after seeing displays at a show I was a part of in Alabama.

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This was a farewell gift ordered for a military spouse leaving a unit.

This was in Arlis's email: "... About five years ago you drew a picture of my husband's squadron patch and a gulfstream 5 airplane for me when he took command of the 310th Airlift Squadron at MacDill AFB.

At Andrews, the 89th AW Commander is leaving and we would like to see if you would be able to draw a design for his wife as a gift from the group commander spouses..."

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More farewell gifts for wives leaving another unit.

Kimberly has ordered many of these over the years, from these, as well as, of another logo/design. As a commander's wife, she has given these to the ladies leaving her group. 

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 This one was given as a farewell gift also.

Thank you! All for your military service and also for the families who have shared in the responsibility and dedication of military life.

Blessings & Aloha!

Click HERE to enter your link in the blog hop and view the entire list of entered links...

Ringing in the New Year...

...this is more about New Year's Eve 2008...

Part II of our daughter (theLuckiestMrs.) and son-in-law's special day as a brand new couple. Today, I am not working at the dental office, so I really want to get this post up...it takes me forever to edit and put up a post! (but I am getting better with Photo shop, etc :o)

Like I mentioned on this post, their photographer was amazing! These are some other engagement photos that he had taken.

This 3rd one is in our living room.  And when I glance at it, I always think of the frames that you buy with the sample photo of the make-believe couples for display at stores.  :o)  But of course...this cute couple is 100% real and truly 100% in-love :o)
(I know, I know...they are our kiddoes...so I hope you permit me to be partial :o)

The following video has photos taken with my sweet sister-in-law K's, cousin B's and my cameras. A few at the beginning are some wedding ones that I did not have earlier. Most of the rest are taken at the reception.

Here are a few of our daughter's great ideas that they used at their wedding.

1. Her bouquet was made of 7 different varieties of white flowers. (And our daughter attached one of my mom's opal rings not only as a "something old...", but in memory of her).  Each of her bridesmaids and her Maid of Honor had a bouquet of one of the flowers represented in her bridal bouquet.

2. At the reception, a table was set with photos of parents', grandparents', great-grandparents' wedding photos.

3. In lieu of wedding favors, money was donated to Children's Miracle Network. (Heartbreaker was the 2007 Georgia Ambassador for CMN.)  But that didnt mean that there was not anything for those attending... There were fun hats, crowns, & noisemakers for every guest to choose from to welcome the New Year in with...

Here are two of the littlest members of the wedding party... trying to pick...

4. With such a very short break with Girly Twirly's dental school and her Mr.'s med school, they waited until their summer break (which also isnt as long as most summer breaks go, but long enough for their honeymoon cruise).  But they did get to go to New York on what they call their "Mini-moon".  They went for 3 days and 2 nights.

This is at the Rockefeller Center 2009.

They stayed at the St. Regis and also at the W.

5. For their wedding guest book, they had a beautiful book, filled with photos and interesting facts of New York.  Everyone was encouraged to sign and leave sentiments anywhere throughout the book.  (Which they took with them. They had fun finding and reading what everyone had written).

(signs made by me :o)

6. The Giant sparklers were lit and held by guests as the newlyweds left under the "tunnel of sparklers". The Sparkler tunnel started from the clubhouse door all the way to where their car was awaiting them.

This first anniversary, our son-in-law (hmmm....I'll have to think of a blogger nickname for him, rather than "theLuckiestMrs.' Mr.") surprised our daughter with a return trip to New York!  They had an amazing time and were able to eat at the Tavern on the Green, on the very last day that the Tavern was opened to serve before closing down permanently.

New Year's Day 2010

Times Square

@ the Tavern on the Green

This was when they were on their 2009 summer honeymoon cruise.

...but that's another story :o)

Well...I had meant to have posted this one right after the "Happy Anniversary" post I had done earlier, but I didnt have all my photos uploaded.  I seem to be in that perpetual "running behind" mode, when it comes to my blog posting and reading!

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Also...here are a few past drawings that have been completed. These three were ordered by a customer to give as gifts. I really do enjoy drawing new subject matter. :o)

She sent me a picture of a ring that looks like Nedra's and then asked if I could draw a simple band for Tommy's that was interlocked.  Ordinarily, I do prefer drawing directly from a photo or image, rather than from a thought. Since what I may think of may not be exactly what the customer is thinking.  However,  I am so happy that she was happy with the end results.

This Initial was drawn from an image that was sent. The whole image is drawn using the last name WILLIAMS.

This one was also done on concept only.  The couple for which this was made for, love to fish. And grouper is one of their favorite fish to fish :o)  ...And to incorporate their wedding bands, somehow.  Fun! Here's well wishes for many, many happy fishing days ahead!

...now, back to my drawing board :o) 

Blessings & Aloha!

Busy Bee!

My honey has been a busy bee!

(photo by Nick Kalkounis)

I'm joining in for the first time with Susan for Metamorphasis Monday. I have gone and seen such many amazing changes shared by other bloggers... although this particular transformation is not of my doing...I had to share the wonderful changes courtesy of my awesome hubby :o)

First of all, I have to say that I do appreciate when he organizes and goes through things! He is so good at getting rid of unnecessary stuff... I have a tendency to hang on to "bits-n-pieces", odds-n-ends", this-n-that"... I mean...ya never know when that "special something" could come in handy!

Well, I came home Friday from work to find that my hubby was already home from his office... And that he was going through some kitchen cabinets!  Oh dear! It really is best that I am not going through the stuff with him.

He had bought us an indoor grill/griddle and couldn't find room in a cabinet to put it, so...

(I have to admit.... that I sometimes get a wee bit grumpy that he is having to go through my messes...but it's cuz, I know I should not have let it get to a mess...but, in the end, the results always look wonderful. & I LOVE that he did it! :o)

I didn't take any "BEFORE" photos...but, um...actually, I'm glad that I didnt.  But here are the "AFTER" photos. It all looks so good! Thank you Mr. B!  Now, my goal is to keep it that way.

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I've been at my drawing board... & here are some that I have done... (click on each image, if you would like to see a bigger view).

I am so thankful that others continue to have interest in the drawings that I do, so will continue to share them in my posts.

This one was for a "fellow-Etsier".  Robin has ordered for her hubby and then this one for her daughter, who is a wonderful gymnast.

This is what she had to say:

This is my 2nd sketch from Maria! She's amazing and so is her work! 

As soon as I can figure out who else to buy for - I will be back!! :D  

Thank you, Robin!

Also...Robin does beautiful jewelry. You can see them HERE.

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This little angel drawing with all the birth information was ordered for a long time customer, fellow-military spouse and friend.  She ordered this one for her niece.

T. Patterson:  "Got the print...It is PERFECT!!!!  Love it!"

Blessings & Aloha!

Other awards and some more drawings...

I went back through some older posts and found that there were a few awards (blog hugs) that I had not posted about.  And I do appreciate those that have sweetly thought of me and passed them on to me!  ...so I finally am posting some here and will do the rest in  another post.

This 40's inspired one (I love that era of style, pictures and stories) was from Kathie at My Net Finds back in August! I am also passing this on to all those that have so sweetly left comments. Thank you! (Please let me know if you post this, I'd love to read your 10 interesting facts about you!)

The De-Lurker Award

It's the de-lurker award! This is to award ALL of the non-lurkers, and to thank them for their non-lurking lifestyle. Everyone enjoys comments, and making new friends. Please pick this award up after commenting :o)

So, those of you who are too shy to comment, get out of your comfort zone, and get this award!

Here are the rules:

1. I have to list 10 interesting facts about myself (hmmm...interesting?)

2. Pass it on to 10 more bloggers 

Rule Numero Uno...

1. I love pizza! (I seriously think that I could eat this about every night...love specialty pizzas, but actually, if I eat one at a home...I do like frozen Tombstone pizza :o) Mexican food (ANY thing with cheese), Italian food (also ANY thing with cheese), Chinese food (esp Sesame Chicken...is this real Chinese cuisine?), Japanese food (mmm... love hibachi style...no raw fish)...aw...I could go on when it comes to food...I guess...to sum it up...I love to eat and try new types of foods. (but not too daring...ya know what I mean? please not any exotic fare that have ingredients like crickets, worms, animal tongues, etc)

2. I love watching the Cake shows...ie, Ace of Cakes, Food Network's Cake Challenge, Cake Boss...

3. I love the shows about the different foods around the country and world. (ok...I realized that I have just been talking only food-related facts!)

4. One last thing relating to the first 3 listed...I would love to travel to try all these different foods that each city, state or country are famous for.

5. I have a "torus palatinus" (that I didnt know I had... until I was in dental hygiene school)... & a "geographic tongue".

6. Growing up as a military child and marrying military, I have moved and lived in 23 different homes, 12 cities, 9 states, 4 countries...

7. I would like (or *think* that I would) to parasail, hang-glide or do the zip-line... (well...I think that I would be braver, if I could do them tandem with my hubby!)

8. I am amazed by "baby sign language" and if that was around when ours were little would have loved to try it out. (hmmm...maybe if we do live near our future grandbabies...)

9. I also think that how awesome those are that can speak more than one language... and those that are fluent in even more languages? absolutely wonderful! (I wish I kept up with my mom's native language).

10. I have a tendency to doze off when watching a rented movie. (Not all the time...but hey, if I happen to doze, then it is like seeing a movie for the first time when we happen to rent it out again :o)

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Ave from Made in Canarias awarded this "Blog Hug" to me back in November. Thank you so much! I love learning about others through awards with lists like these. 

The rules:
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.

5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each.

Let's see...

7 things that people may not know: 
1. I love vintage/antique things, especially things that are quirky, unusual or unique.

2. I met my hubby at 16, engaged at 17, married at 18, had our first baby at 19.

(initially, we thought we'd wait a few years, but after literally every neighbor friend around us had babies...we changed our minds on waiting. And we've been blessed 3 times with 3 beautiful babies! 

3. I would have loved to have more children...but at this time in my life...grandbabies will be perfect! 
4. Whenever I get near a huge tree with large branches...I get the urge to want to climb up on it! 
5. I love to try new crafts and projects.

6. I would love to travel, travel, travel!

7. I'd love to illustrate a children's book.
7 creative bloggers - and their blogs

(..some of you may have an award free blog...but if you do post about it, please let me know so that I can be sure not to miss your post.)

A Day in the Life...

Bearly Sane

Chronically Vintage

Just Add Glitter and Stir

Stuttering Shell

Painting Thyme Needfuls

Yonca is Cooking

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Here are some more drawings that were ordered for Christmas gifts... 
(you can click on to each and see a bigger view...I think).

This first one belongs to Michelle at Stuttering Shell.  Go by, enjoy her blog, and see photos of her beautiful children.

Michelle gave this one to her sister and brother-in-law for their sweet golden retriever.  It was drawn from such a cute photo of Logan wet after swimming in a favorite lake.

                

Thank you for your emails: "...I received the UPS package the other day and everything looks wonderful!  My husband and I stood there just "oohing" and "aahing" over the drawings!"  &  "My parents adored the portrait of the kids and my sister & her husband said the drawing of Logan was perfect. Again, thank you for sharing your talent with me and my family...and for making our holiday special."

This logo was for the dear friend of Mary.  A couple of years ago, I had drawn an LSU tiger for one of Mary's family members.

 I appreciate the word of mouth of those that have one of the Personalized Sketches artwork that I do! As well as, greatly appreciate those that are interested in them.  Mary's friend Val ordered this one for her son. It is a helmet with her son's highschool logo. I do have quite a number of different helmets and school logos, so will show those on another post.

As always...thank you for stopping by and commenting!

Blessings & Aloha!

Happy 1st Anniversary!

...to our Girly Twirly (aka TheLuckiestMrs.) and her hubby!

It is amazing that it has been one year already! They were married on December 31, 2008.

This photo was taken by their photographer. This is just one of the engagement photos that he took. He took so many awesome engagement photos and then wedding photos!

Here's a clip of some photos from my camera and the camera of my lovely sister-in-law K.

We love you both so much!  We are blessed with beautiful children, inside and out. And so blessed to have an amazing son-in-law who loves and cares for our Girly~Twirly with all of his heart!

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And since I have not posted many of the drawing orders that have been done these past couple months, I am  posting some of the wonderful couples that I had the privilege to draw. Thank you all for your interest!

this order was by Bacardi Mama...

for her sweet parents...

This one was also ordered by Bacardi Mama...

for  their dear friends...

This one was ordered by Leslee...

of her handsome son and his beautiful girlfriend...

and this one of her lovely daughter & handsome son-in-law...

With each post, I hope to include drawings that I have completed.  Thank you again for stopping by and for all your wonderful comments. Now that my vacation time/days off are done, I will not be able to blog read as much as I would like, but if you leave a comment, I will definitely come by your place.

Blessings & Aloha!