Still Prayin' For A Miracle

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for the comments, emails, text messages, Facebook messages, phone calls, and PRAYERS that we received over the weekend. I apologize for being so crass on Friday, but you all know me and know that I was just overly emotional. Well, I guess not "overly", as my emotions were quite valid, but you know what I'm sayin'.

Thursday night, I got a call from my friend Simon who filled me in on what was going on with Lauren. For the past few months, she has been putting on a brave face for us while her cancer came back aggressively. After beating it twice, it came back with a vengeance. The doctors say that it has gotten into her bones, which is what determined the expiration date on her life, and all we are left to do is hope for a miracle.

I don't know what the near future will hold, but I know that Lauren is still fighting, and that she has many, many people full of prayer and love behind her. The outpouring of love is strengthening to us all, and I know that it ain't over until it's over.

I feel like I bounced back and forth through all the stages of grief between Thursday and Friday, but I finally realized that I need to be strong, because this isn't about me or any of us that care for Lauren. This is about her five year old son that may lose his mommy, a mother that may lose her daughter, and a young woman that has fought so hard to hold on. Now, it's just time to be there for her in whatever capacity we can.

Source: thesilverpen.com via Janna on Pinterest

I've realized that Lolo would smack me if she saw me grieving before she's gone.

She's going to want us to act as normal as possible and to make sure we live our lives to the fullest. This is how I relished going to work on Friday where I could clear my head, I enjoyed some girl time, and then had a nice relaxing weekend with Will. Allow me to illustrate.

1. The hubby with his sexy beer belt, pooper scoopin' the yard. Redneckonize.

2. The girl who got me through Friday at work. She may be the funniest chick I've ever met.

3. Hubby made dinner, and then it was beer and a movie.

4. I timed myself on the jogging track. I guess I ran my aggression out for that mile.

5. The beer we had. I wouldn't buy it on the regular at $13 a bottle, but it was definitely delish!

Sorry for not numbering these, but I was lazy.
Left to right: Will doing TRX, Saturday's smoothie using Wheat Grass, my new favorite recipe, the family that enjoys green smoothies together foofs equally.

I am happy to have finished out the 7 Day Green Smoothie Challenge, and roped Will into sharing the last smoothie with me. He's all about vegetables, and is not really a sweets person, but even he was intrigued by my final smoothie...Basil Pineapple ;) How does one decide to use Basil in a smoothie? One purchases waaaaay too much Basil because it was on sale. Luckily, it was meant to be, because this was my FAVORITE smoothie of the week! It makes at least two servings, though, so keep that in mind. Original recipe here.

So the moral today, is that perception really is everything. I'm choosing to press on, and live life for Lolo. Each day is a blessing to us all, and accepting things as they come is the only way that we can attempt to find peace. I just hope the big man upstairs isn't ready for a boisterous Staten Island girl, so that we can get the most of her down here.
 Only time will tell.

Linking up with Kristine, Katherine, Sami, and Leeann.

What do you do when you find out that your best friend has thirty days to live?

Fuck you, Cancer.

Getting Personal

Erin is posing some of the tough questions that we all love to read the answers to, so I jumped right on the bandwagon. Those that have been around know that I pretty much always participate in Erin's link ups. She always comes up with the best stuff!
To be honest, I wasn't even going to blog tonight and then BAM. Haha



1. If you could do something differently in your life, what would it be?

As I've said before, I would not change a single thing, for if I did...my whole life could be different. Life is a series of moments, and I am quite happy with the way my moments aligned. Have there been hard times? Have I hurt people along the way? Have I taken the more difficult road? Yes, to all of the above, but each one has taught me a lesson and formed me into the girl you have before you.

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

It's hard for me to know where we will be past five months, let alone five years, but what I do know is that I will be happily married to Will, most likely still living the Military life, and hopefully I will have found a career or published a novel. Hey, why not.

3. Do you honestly want kids?

Honestly...no. We did, until we got married and realized that we were happy and content with just the two of us. Maybe one day my biological clock will start ticking, but for now...that clock is straight broken.

4. What has been the best moment of your life so far?

After nine months of separation during a deployment, leaping into Will's arms and pressing into his amazing lips, was THE BEST moment I have ever experienced. Gets me all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it!

5. What is your life theme song?

I'm going to have to say Don't Stop Believing by Journey, since it is my go-to karaoke song, but I would also add Don't Worry Be Happy. You just can't be sad after that song.

6. What is one thing you have yet to accomplish that you want to do before you die?

I want to celebrate our fiftieth wedding anniversary at the very least.

7. If you could choose one thing to be known for, what would it be?

When people call me Mama Janna, it touches me the most. I like being known as a mother figure {ironic, since I don't want kids}, because it seems like a sign of respect, trust, and love. Those are the qualities that I hold dear.

8. If you could do anything you wanted right in this very moment (no consequences, no fear, etc.), what would it be?

If we're talking no consequences, I would eat my weight in Italian and sweets. If we are talking in general, I would fly us to the Med and probably post up in Greece. Definitely hope we get stationed in Europe at some point, and then that will totally happen.

9. What has been the most challenging moment in your life?

Unfortunately, I cannot and will not post this on the blog, because some things aren't meant to be blogged about, but I can say that we ALL struggle, and we all have challenges in life. Don't judge others for having more or less struggle than you. It's none of your business in the first place.

Source: loyaltepays.com via Janna on Pinterest

10. Summarize yourself in one word.
Layered. AKA another form of well-rounded.

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For those of you doing the smoothie challenge, make SURE you try some Coconut Oil in your smoothie. I tried it for the first time this morning and holy heck it was like Heaven on Earth!

Also, please cross your fingers that I won't be hungover today. We finished a bottle of yummy wine last night Sssshhhh I only had two baby glasses , and had THE perfect evening to add to our perfect weekend. Anniversary #3 = Total Success!

The Best Three Years Of My Life.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I get more excited about celebrating our Anniversary than my own Birthday. The only thing you accomplish on a Birthday is not dying, whereas anniversaries mean that you can celebrate another year of love, loyalty, and devotion.

I told a friend today, that I felt like Will and I have been together forever, and yet I feel like he swept me off my feet just yesterday. His response was "Just wait until you get to fifty years. I can tell that he will still be giving you butterflies." I took that as a compliment, and I knew he was right.

...Year One...



...Year Two...



...Year Three...

My love,

          You have taken me on an adventure that I never imagined, and although it poses more hardships than a "normal" life, all that matters is that we face life together. With you by my side, I know that it will all work out, and have learned that {even if it takes a little coaxing ahem*iPhone update} you will always come to my rescue and that together...there is nothing that can stop us. 

I didn't know what real love was until I met you, I didn't know how to take life as it comes until I met you, I didn't know how amazing life could truly be...until I met you.

           I don't have to say "we've made it to three years", because that makes it seem like a chore, and our marriage is not a chore. It's as if life is easier, more fun, and simply complete since we have been married. As we learn more about each other, create more memories, and strengthen our bond, I realize that we are so incredibly blessed, and that we get to have this for the REST of our lives. How did we get so lucky?

          To the man who still opens my door, checks the coffee pot in the morning, washes the dishes, walks on the outside when we walk down the sidewalk, allows me to take 1,000 photos, CAN COOK, encourages my blogging, makes me laugh, and loves me more than I thought anyone ever could...I hope you know that you make it impossible not to love you, and you are ohsosexy to top it off ;) Happy Anniversary, lover.

Sincerely,

Your Ever Loving Wife

PS. I love you.

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I also must check in for Day 2, as well.

I took my Magic Bullet to work, and even my co-workers were impressed with how good a green smoothie can taste. This one was super easy, and I allowed me to try freezing the yogurt first. I think it made it even more creamy, and I was lovin' the tropical tones on my tongue. It was great in contrast with the snow we had going on outside. {Yep, even MORE snow this Spring}

In case you need some more inspiration, find some out of this world recipes here:

Source: healthygirlskitchen.blogspot.com via Janna on Pinterest

Hostesses:

Kristine || Katherine || Ashlee || Hope || Sally || Jezz

Happy Wednesday everyone!

I know I will have a good day, because I'm all full of mushy gushy love ;)

Have you ever...

Brushed your teeth, so that you wouldn't keep eating?

Had a 'night in' at the hotel and watched cartoons on vacation?

Thought you won a giveaway, but then realized you were CC'd in an email to the actual winner? {I got all kinds of excited, let me tell you}

Had Cottage Cheese in your smoothie?

I hope I'm not the only one, and especially when it comes to Cottage Cheese in a smoothie. I know it sounds weird, but it gives them JUST the right creaminess and helps you feel fuller longer. Between that and learning to blend the spinach first, this smoothie turned out perfect. I think Will was even surprised how good it was.

I'm also here to announce our Origami Owl winner!

I probably would have taken a break today, but I have to let Miss Kait know that she won so that she has time to get her order in for Mother's Day! Or just for herself, because I won't judge her or any of you if you order one for yourselves ;) I think EVERY girl needs one!

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Congratulations, beautiful!

Now tell me...have you ever?

The Magic Bullet Is Not A Sex Toy, As Far As I Know...

I can't even tell you how awesome this weekend has been, and the best part is that it isn't even over yet! That means that I am blogging from the Business Center of our hotel, because I just can't stay away.
Unfortunately, you will just have to wait till our weekend is finito in order to get the full recap, but for now I will share a picture from brunch Sunday:



Yep, that's right. We had the pleasure of Miss Sami's company!
I wanted Will to meet her, she knows all the Denver hot spots, and I could talk to this girl for hours, so of course we had to invite her to brunch. As always, we had a fabulous time and she picked the BEST place. Don't worry, there will be more about that later too.

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In other news...

You know I want nothing to do with fad diets, crazy cleanses, or pretty much anything other than healthy lifestyle changes, but this 'challenge' appealed to me because it is simply adding one green smoothie per day. Oh, and because it gave me an excuse to buy a Magic Bullet!

Contrary to popular belief Cough Raven Cough, it is NOT a sex toy...in case you were wondering.

Source: lifelessbullshit.com via Janna on Pinterest

You probably don't know this, but I'm a smoothie queen. I have been playing around with recipes for years, so this is going to be a refreshing week for me. After all, that's what it's all about. A refreshing Spring challenge to feed the body and mind. Or just an excuse to drink yummy stuff.

Are you playing along with us? 

Make sure and visit Kristine and Katherine to join in the fun.
Link up your weekends with Sami and Leann.

What If I Chopped My Hair Off?

Have you heard of a new App called GoNo?
I feel like it was practically invented for Bloggers! You pose a question with corresponding picture(s), and you can ask anyone to help you make a decision. For example:

Or more importantly, I'm going to need help in deciding whether thigh high boots are appropriate for this weekend. I'm going to wear them no matter what BUT I will feel better if you guys tell me that I'm not completely crazy. I mean, I know I'm crazy for buying them {two years ago}, but I really want to wear them! I feel like I will be fully stepping out of my comfort zone, and it's about time that I did that.

As you start getting responses, the fun just gets better and better...

Apparently, males are more against thigh highs than women. The good news is that Will wants me to wear them, and he's the only guy that counts. Hehe

I must also brag a minute and say that GoNo was founded by my friend Todd, and you can read more about it and him here and here on Top Mobile Trends. Ladies, he's smart, handsome, going places, and SINGLE in DC. Gosh, I love pimping my guy friends out ;)



This picture? Flying to the Bahamas to stay at Todd's vacation house. Nbd.

Love you, Toddy, and am so proud of you!
{I won't tell you what his nickname for me is.}
Pumpkin Tits

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Now I hope you all have a great weekend, and I will catch you all on the flip side ;)
Three day Staycation-Denver-Getaway, here we come!
PS. If you download GoNo for FREE, make sure you let me know, so we can have some fun with it! I can only imagine the possibilities!

Sure Let's Just Have Some Snow Mid-Spring

I don't know if you know this, but Colorado boasts over 300 days of sun per year.
That's a lot of sun...
This is probably why we have ZERO transition time from a warm sunny day to a blizzard, and this is basically what we have had this week:

Source: Uploaded by user via Janna on Pinterest

Pros:
More moisture {snow counts as moisture} could mean less fires this year.
.....
.....
Okay, so one pro.

Cons:
Black Ice
Takes longer to get to and from work
It's flippin' cold.
I see my life flash before my eyes every time I slip on my stoop.

I guess the pro is a good one so we will let it slide.
 Plus I'm not that fond of the summer heat here, as I don't like the feeling of cooking in an oven in the dry heat. We are all gonna complain 80% of the year for one reason or another, so oh well.

It's just another thing that makes Colorado a very interesting place to live. Between the altitude and weather, my body is much better equipped to face...well, anything. Did you know that altitude can effect you that way? With the lack of oxygen and dry climate, it is harder to work out, you have to practically bathe in lotion, and you even get drunk faster. Pretty darn crazy.

Thank you Army life.
Without you, we would never be blessed to live in this wonderful state and to experience this adventure. I wish I knew where we were heading next, but for now...we are going to enjoy it as much as possible! Snow in April and all ;)

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Also, did I ever tell you that I was featured on  SheKnows.Com by  Sarah, where I talked about how we eloped?
I am such a nerd, but it made me so giddy!
Check it out here.

Le sigh...
Read about it for now, and we will talk more in depth on our Anniversary next week.

Hope your weather is better than ours!

ADHD, Cuz I Like... SQUIRREL!

It's official...I took this test so I must have ADHD!

Only I'm not hyperactive, and I really don't think I have an attention deficit...I think it's more that I put too much on my plate at one time. The ol' brain just goes a million miles a minute at times, which leads to this:

Source: Uploaded by user via Janna on Pinterest

I would blame it on blogging, but for as much added stress as it causes, it also gives me a place to collect all my thoughts and organize my mind. This week I have the following on my mind:

Our upcoming Anniversary.

Our trip to Denver celebrating said Anniversary.

My awesome husband that had dinner waiting when I got home.

The Magic Bullet that I picked up at Costco for $34.99

The Green Smoothie Challenge with Kristine and Katherine that I will be using said Magic Bullet for. It kicks off April 22nd! 

{Don't worry, this is simply having a green smoothie once per day, NOT a crazy cleanse}

My sexy husband.

What to do in Denver...what to do...

Erin is really cute.

I need these next three days to fly by.

AND the Origami Owl giveaway!

Source: perceptioniseverything.blogspot.com via Janna on Pinterest

Make sure you enter the giveaway.

Just yesterday they rolled out 111 NEW charms, new Living Lockets, new Dangles, new chains, and tags! I am so jealous that I can't enter my own giveaway. Drat.




Do you think Adult ADHD is as rampant as people seem to think or do you think most of us just overdo it?

Mother's Day Is Just Around The Corner

Have you fallen in love with Kaitlyn from Wifesessionals yet?
She happens to be living in Colorado Springs close to me, and she is JUST as awesome in real life as she is on the blog. She has a series called I Wanna Know and you will find yours truly participating today, so go check it out. Well, after I let you in on a surprise!

Remember the Origami Owl necklace that I got to review?
Well, Tiffany thought that you all might be looking for a present for your Mommas for Mother's Day or just yourselves, so she is allowing me to give away a $50 credit!!
You know you want one...



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I actually feel bad about blogging after yesterday's events, but alas...the world must go on.

Source: google.com via Janna on Pinterest

My thoughts are heavy on Boston, though. Remembering the time I spent there, hoping to not find any bloggers that I know in that area affected, and hoping that the victims and their families find some solace. It is just hard to wrap our heads around this senseless act.

We LOVE you Boston!

A Sort-of Outfit Post

I can happily say that we ventured out of the house this weekend.

I was NOT going to let these lingering allergies stop me no matter what, and as a matter of fact, I ran ELEVEN MILES this weekend. Don't get too impressed, though. I kind of thought that my lungs were collapsing after the first set of six. I guess a week off and decreased lung capacity will do that to ya.
Let's just skip to the exciting part, shall we...

Date Night!

Have you ever had plans to go somewhere for dinner, but you left it up to your husband {or significant other} as to whether it was a date night or a night to invite friends? You know you want it to be a date night, and yet you still put the question out there. You can't even though you want to be mad when they make a decision other than you wanted, but the game of it, I daresay, makes the date night more worth it when it's their choice. Hey, a little mystery is always fun in a relationship.

First, I have to start with the outfit. What is it everyone calls it? OOTD?
Anywho, I think it was perfect for a Spring evening in Manitou Springs, and I felt a bit sassy pairing my Frye boots with this demure little dress. Wanna guess where the dress is from?

Will: That's a fun little dress...
Me: It's Walmart, baby!
Will: I like the way your butt looks when you walk in it.
So yep, I pair $300 boots with a $12 dress. If it works, it works.



We enjoyed a nice little walk around one of my favorite nooks of Colorado, Will told me I could buy whatever I wanted from the $10 store {I did get a really cute necklace set}, and then it was dinner at the Stagecoach Inn. Homey, really fresh local ingredients, and we made it for Happy Hour!



It was a perfect evening, followed by watching the movie Argo, and my favorite pastime... snuggling on the couch. Thank you to my love, and thank you Miss Kelly for the poncho that kept me warm while we were out! I got so many compliments on it, and I think it was a great way to show Will's photography skills off. I didn't know he had any, but now I know who is going to be capturing the outfits from now on!

I am sorry for so many pictures of myself in one post. I guess we had too much fun with my new camera :)

Linking up with Lisette for I <3 Bloglovin', Sami for Weekend Shenanigans, and Leeann for Monday Morning Gossip. Check out Sharlee's take on The Perpetual Sleepover, and see if marriage has changed you for the good or the bad. I think it allowed me to pick up some good habits, but she's talking about reigning in the fun that they have been having too much of. I am intrigued.

Spread the LOVE.

Well, I Guess I'm Sleepin' On The Couch

But not because I'm in the dog house.

Source: huamarketing.com via Janna on Pinterest

It's because the Bogert house is STILL overcome by Cold and Flu season.
Will has now come down with it, and I'm at the point where I can't stop coughing.

I've been taking Motrin.

Eating Grapes {antioxidants}.

Drinking EmergenC.

Chugging fluids in general.

Working on extra sleep.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Cinnamon, and honey water.
Nyquil

And Vick's vapor rub.

The Motrin and Vick's have been the most helpful, but I cannot seem to be able to stop coughing in bed. My mom always propped me up to stop the coughing, but I just can't seem to prop the way she did, which is how I ended up on the couch. Ours has an awesome overstuffed, wide corner that is the perfect angle for propping, and thus it has been my bed for three nights. It's pretty comfortable, but I want to snuggle with my love. Plus I'm not particularly fond of being awoken at 4AM every morning when Will gets ready for work.

At least I'm getting reading time in...



Also, a word to the wise...MAKE sure you are taking daytime medicine in the day and nighttime at night. Yes, I know that is obvious, but I lost a box and had just the pills in the little pill sleeves, and boy did I guess wrong. I took a daytime before bed, coupled with Melatonin, and instead of sleeping- I felt like I was trippin'. My eyes wouldn't open and my body wouldn't move, but my mind was going nuts and I felt like my body was in a wave pool all night. Daytime Meds + Sleep Aid = DISASTER.

Well, have a good weekend party people.
We will celebrate if all this nonsense goes away!

Stuff You Didn't Know You Didn't Know.

Yesterday, as I was laying around blogging away I got THE best phone call.

It was Grandma telling me that she went in for her check up and is now Cancer free!!

After Cancer, surgery, and a bad fall last year, we can all breathe easier.

The rest of this post was actually inspired by an email from my Daddy, titled "Stuff You Didn't Know You Didn't Know". Gotta love those chain emails that are still getting around. Usually I don't even open them, but for once, I'm glad I did. You don't know it, but you will be too. Hehe

Source: edidyouknow.com via Janna on Pinterest

The cost to raise a medium size dog to eleven: $16,400
Intelligent people have more Zinc and Copper in their hair.
{My hair is a copper-ish color...Does that count?}
The first novel ever written on a typewriter, Tom Sawyer.
If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
A group of frogs is called an army.
Q. What do bullet proof vests, fire escapes, and windshield wipers all have in common?
A. All were invented by women.

Source: edidyouknow.com via Janna on Pinterest

Doesn't that make you feel dumb?

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Now I'm going to share a few random facts about myself that you didn't know you needed to know.

I'm too cheap to use the heater in the winter.

I'm a budget nazi, but I always budget money to travel. That is the only thing I don't feel guilty about spending money on. Well, that and groceries.
Speaking of which, I'd rather shop for groceries than clothes.

I have a college degree, but still choose to work in the hospitality industry {at least for now}.
I drive a truck, and it's a manual.

I have a religious skin care regimen because my face looks like a pizza otherwise.

I fluctuate in weight daily. It's about a five pound range, but it is really annoying.

My house is {mostly} clean. We maintain, but I am not OCD about it.

I don't consider myself materialistic, since I have done a no-spend challenge for a year, but somehow we have a two tv's, three laptops, a Kindle, and a Tablet. Excessive.
I am not tech savvy in spite of all the electronics in our house.
I find that "fake it till you make it" is the best way to solve a problem.
Sometimes I'm funny, and sometimes...well...I'm just not.
{It's okay to have a funny side and a serious side, right?}
This is probably why I'm good at sarcasm, but can't tell a joke to save my life.

There you have it.
A lot of useless information that you didn't know that you didn't know!
Enjoy the rest of your day ;)