Thanks for the replys. I do find I try and jump into things that are over my head with these kinds of things. Sometimes it provides good challeneg sometimes it just gets me frusterated. 

I discovered Geekatplay yesterday and have followed some of the tutorials I thought applied to my ambitions the most. I found a great set of tutes on the function editor as well so I have learned a lot today. In the making of terrain and textures area but I am still struggling with getting a brown patch/es to show up in snow. Like you said it just takes patience, time, and experience. 

I have used layers to add 2 materials per terrain I just figured out how to add more(felt like an idiot) so that will give me much more diversity and options. I will definatly be checking out those products you mentioned. This scene here I was trying to recreate the turning leaves of aspens in the fall. They create a nice gold that I caputred well in here but I could not create an aspen tree, even in the editor. it requires new leaves and things I don't have. Thats for another time though. 

I will explore more of what G@P has to offer tonight and maybe get a terrain I can work with. Thats the hardest part so far, is getting a terrain that looks realistic.

Anyways enough of my ranting about my problems, I thank you for your input and help.