Happy Birthday, Nana!!

Happy Birthday Nelwyn/Mom/Nana!! We love you so very much. You are a true blessing to each of us.

I was reading my Daily Devotional my Max Lucado today. And I wanted to share some of it with you. His message today was entitled "Greenhouse of the Heart."

People harvest only what they plant.

Galatians 6:7 (NCV)

Think for a moment of your heart as a greenhouse....And your heart, like a greenhouse, has to be managed.

Consider for a moment your thoughts as seed. Some thoughts become flowers.

The proof is everywhere you look. Ever wonder why some people have the Teflon capacity to resist negativism and remain patient, optimistic, and forgiving? Could it be that they have diligently sown seeds of goodness and are enjoying the harvest?

When I read this devotional, it immediate made me think of you. You have diligently sown seeds of goodness. You are constantly encouraging those around you. Loving each person who crosses your path. You give all of yourself to anyone who will let you. I know the Lord is pleased with you, and is preparing an beautiful mansion, surrounded by a greenhouse of flowers, just for you!!

Have a wonderful Birthday!

Cotton Anniversary

As most of you know, Cody and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary last week. We had previously decided, for gifts for each other on our anniversaries, we would exchange traditional gifts according to the number of years we have been married. This year is our "cotton" anniversary.

I took the cotton theme very literally, since Cody is from West Texas. (His grandmother on his dad's side picked cotton, and his grandfather on his mother's side used to run a cotton gin.) I thought since his family has so much history involving cotton, and he is so proud to be a West Texan, I would try to find some artwork that involved the two. After a few days of searching the web, I came across a photographer whose daughter is a sophomore at Texas Tech, so he has just recently begun photographing West Texas. On his website, I came across this picture. (Ty, you would appreciate it... it was taken just outside of Snyder!) It drew my attention, due to the combination of the old and new windmills. I love the colors in the clouds, and the vegetation (i.e. cotton) in picture. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was what I wanted to get Cody. I thought it would be perfect for him to hang in his office.

I was anxious to give Cody his present. I knew I liked the picture, but I didn't know if he would like it as much as I did. I was also excited because I felt I had gotten something completely unexpected, and my gift was definitely going to outshine his in the creativity department. :)

I was wrong! Cody won! Cody completely out shined my present and got something unexpected and way more exciting than my picture. For my present he handed me a cotton dinner napkin, and a card. The card read, "we are going to Chicago for the weekend. We have reservations to go to dinner Saturday night at Gibson's Steakhouse." (hence the dinner napkin.)

We had such a great time on our weekend getaway! The weather was absolutely perfect! It was a 88 degrees with a cool breeze blowing in from the lake! :)

Here are a few pictures from our trip:

We stayed at the Intercontinental Chicago, on Michigan Avenue.

The Magnificent Mile.

We went to Taste of Chicago. (The food was delicious! Our favorite was the Chicago Pizza.)

We walked through Millienium Park.

Buckingham Fountain.

We went to the Field Musuem. Real Pirates was the featured exibit, so we had to take a few Texas Tech pictures for Coach Leach.

Gibson's Steakhouse

Thanks again, Cody! The trip was perfect!

24 Roses for 24 Months!

Is my man smooth or what?!? :) I have had the pleasure of looking at these beautiful roses all day today. I have had more fun bragging to all the girls who walk by my desk, that this beautiful arrangement is from my thoughtful and incredibly handsome husband, for our 2 year anniversary!!

Cody, these past 2 years have been so much fun! I love getting to spend each day with my best friend. I don't know what [some] people are talking about?!? (as Ava would say...) Marriage is "AWESOME!" I love you! ~ Tara

Beautiful Baby Girl

As the very proud Aunt Mae, I am so excited to introduce sweet Jenna Mae Armstrong to all of you! She is the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen. Thank you all for your prayers for Sally, Lee and Jenna during the last nine months. It is amazing to see God at work!

Below are a few pictures from Friday that I thought you all might enjoy seeing. I know there will be many more to come. She is looking forward to meeting all of you!!!

Happy Fathers Day!

I know we're a day late, but I wanted to take a moment to wish all the dads in this family a very Happy Father's Day!

God gave fathers the special responsibility of leadership in their home. The most important role of our father is to lead us to the truths of God. A fathers love is a representation of God’s love for us. We has been so blessed to have Christian fathers leading this family.Thank you for all the love and support you have given each of your children. Happy Fathers Day, and God bless you!

Jenna Mae Armstrong is here!!

I know it may not be my place to announce the arrival of Jenna Mae Armstrong, but her Aunt Mae and Uncle Tyler are busy giving her hugs and kisses right now! :)

Jenna Mae Armstrong

June 19, 2009

7 lbs. 5 oz.

6:43am

God is good!

Official Homeowners!

We are excited to let you know that we are official homeowners! We closed on a house on Thursday morning and will be moving over the next few weeks. Please change our contact information in your address books to:

Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Johnson

6647 Mimms Drive

Dallas, TX 75252

All of you are welcome to visit anytime, so please feel free to come see us! We are looking forward to seeing most of you this weekend in Temple :)

Love,

Mary Helen & Tyler

Happy 7th Birthday Gracie!!

Happy Birthday Gracie...wow... 7 years old!!! We love you deeply and have enjoyed your week long birthday celebration....I'll post photos soon!
Love,
Mom, Dad & Jacob:)