Captured...

Yesterday, Brian and I went to the local music store that he loves to frequent, because he had a gift certificate burning a hole in his pocket. (Father's Day gift from my parents) I had also promised him a Father's Day-IOU for some new effects pedals, but we were so busy that weekend, he decided to wait for adequate shopping time. (Anyone who knows my husband, knows that "adequate" shopping time at the music store can only be measured in HOURS)

Well.. When we got there, the owner was busy - and as Brian frequents this shop often, he likes to deal with the owner. (they have quite a relationship formed - another clue as to how much time he spends there) So as we waited for him to complete another sale, we browsed the store.

That is when he saw it......

THE American-made Fender Strat with upgraded Humbucker pickups that he has been eyeballing for MONTHS! Of course, he has only dreamed of it, because it has been way out of our price-range! But there it was on the wall.... it was used, a trade-in but it was in Mint Condition!! I watched as he picked it up, with a look in his eyes I can remember fondly from the "dating days" ....

I must take a moment to mention that my husband is a great musician! But he predominantly plays the guitar, and has built a good collection of guitars. He has an acoustic that he got as a teenager, a Korean-made strat that he played in the USO tour oversees, a beautiful Koa wood "bluesy" strat (Korean-made also), and a Crafter combo electric/acoustic guitar that he plays all of the time on the worship band at church..... and he loves all of his guitars, but oh how he has wanted this American-made Strat for so long.

All I can say is, my honey was due for a blessing, that's the only explanation I can think of... The owner was motivated to sell, and sold that guitar to us for a small fraction of the asking price! I think he could see that Brian might sleep there that night if he didn't!! We walked out of that store, completely within our budget, and my darling husband had the guitar he's been dreaming of! I'm so thankful, not because we have a 5th guitar.. but for the smile he can't wipe off of his face. :)

In the meantime, I thought I would play with some photo editing and took some pics while he was having his love-affair with his new little red "hottie"! :)

Happy Father's Day

First of all, I'm sorry this is late, I forgot to publish yesterday!!

Today is a day to honor Fathers, which I personally believe doesn't happen enough!

I feel completely blessed that I grew up in a home that remained intact. Our home wasn't perfect, as none are... but we were together, and that was what mattered. The love, loyalty and longevity that I learned, still sticks with me today. It programmed the way I see life, the way I make decisions, the way I feel about family... all of it! I'm proud of that!

I honor my dad! He taught me so many things, it would be hard to list them all.. but I'm thankful for him and all I learned from him.

I appreciate the dad he is and the grandpa he is. He is so good at teaching Nathan things around the "farm"... priceless knowlege and memories they are making! I'm so greatful!

I love you, Dad!

I also want to honor my grandpa... we have lived apart most all of our lives (he in North Carolina, me in California), but I have always been Grandpa's girl! I am his only grandchild, therefore I get to be the favorite! :) Last Fall, he completely thrilled us, by agreeing to move here and share the rest of his life with us! I couldn't be happier! I love the relationship and immediate bond he built with my son, I love the bond he quickly built with my husband! I am so greatful for the man he is and the legacy he passes to us!

You are the best, Grandpa! I love you!

And last, but DEFINITELY not least, I honor my wonderful husband! Brian, you are everything I could have ever hoped for in a man, husband, father! I am so proud to be your wife and so blessed to share my life with you! It's so fun... this forever we live each day! You are an awesome father and I thank God every day for the man He gave me!!!