Charlie's Newborn Photos!

Soooo I was going to hold out on these, but that would be pure torture for me. I drove all the way to Dothan with baby in tow on Monday just to get them, and I'll have you know I cried the whole way through the gallery Charlotte put together for us. I couldn't believe how incredibly beautiful they turned out with the two beings I love the most as the focus, and mostly...I was blown away by how much she has changed in her two {almost three} weeks of life.

Things are hard when you have a newborn, but having moments like these to look back on will make it all worthwhile. People constantly ask how things are with our little bundle of joy, and I reply "Hard, but we are lucky she's so darn cute, so I don't mind!" We love you Charlie bug! Even if you do keep us up all night.

Love Comes First

Hi. My name is Janna, and I've been deliciously lost in the eyes of my newborn. I mean there's also breastfeeding, diapers, loss of sleep, and allowing myself to heal, but mostly we are just enjoying our new doll baby. I have started the birth story, but I'm takin' my time while trying to find appropriate words for the...um... 'intimate' parts let's say. I also figured that before we get to that I should probably share the maternity photos first, because I don't ever want to forget the special moments where we were just 'us'. I look back at these, and it's amazing that I really do love him even more now that we have charlie, and I can only hope that this love continues to grow. Love is where it all started after all.

I can't believe that two months ago we were footloose and fancy free on that beach, unaware of how much would change, and now it is bittersweet as I come to the realization that life will never be this simple again. I worry about the changes a baby can cause in a relationship, but I know that we both have the desire to become even stronger for her. First comes Love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage...

It's Christmas Card Time!

As per usual, I need help deciding which picture(s) for the Christmas card this year. I thought about taking some holiday themed too, but life has been too busy and these will have to do. What'cha think? I need at least one 'winner', maybe two.

~1~

~2~

~3~

~4~

~5~

PS. We made it through the Bazaar, and exceeded our fundraising goal {thank you sweet baby Jeesus}, but that update will have to wait. I spent aaaall day Sunday recovering from the insanity, and I'm just oh so glad it's over. Maybe...just maybe, life will get back to normal.

Happy Thanksgiving week!

My Family Says The Darndest Things

I'm in Pensacola again, SURPRISE! I'm getting in one last visit before I get my sexy soldier back, and soaking up every minute home. Today, I want to share some great memories that have been  made in the form of hilarious statements by my wonderfully-zany family. Not only am I cracking up over them, I'm happy I'll have these memories forever. Daddy and I even built a table, but that'll have to wait until another day.

Throwback from 2010 or '11? Ignore Paula's panty shot.

Don't they look fun? Oh just wait...

I had a breakfast date with my baby brother (Marc) and his BFF (Adam) at Golden Corral. Obviously, it was the perfect setting for the following convo...
Adam: Do you like, burp or fart?
Me: Heck yeah, I get giddy when I can fart on Will, and get him back for doing it to me.
Marc: I have the best sister ever.

Grandma's neighbor: Who was over at your house?
Grandma: My gran'baby.
Neighbor: But I saw a truck...
Grandma: Isn't that something? She's a girl and drives a truck!

Great Aunt Margaret: So dahlin', where are you working at now?
Me: I'm not.
Great Aunt Margaret: That's wonderful! You got you a good man {winkwink}.

Mama: Look! There's a Kitchenaid on QVC!
Me: This one from Brad's Deals is less than $200.
Mama: I need this one because it has higher wattage.
Me: Okay, then how about this one, still under $200 and has an even higher wattage.
Mama: I need the extra attachments too.
Me: Yep, we've got those too.
Mama: Brad's Deals isn't QVC and doesn't have an app.
Me: Is this even about the mixer or because you want to use your new app?
Mama: Now just you hush, {insert extra Southern drawl} I need to figure this app out.

Me: Marc and his friends are surprised that hanging with me is like hanging with any of their friends, and not someone ten years older. I said proudly.
Dad: So basically he's calling you old....
Me: Well, I hadn't thought of it that way. Hangs head in shame.

Grandma on being old and having a daughter 'take care of her': I done got'a new momma. My momma died, and now I gotta new momma and this'uns worse. So bossy.

Here is just a proud moment of mine...and yes, I have an Aunt Boots.
Grandma on the phone with Aunt Boots: Well, I've lost two pounds in three days! You see, I have a grand daughter that is hypoglycemic so she has to eat healthy. I've been eating the way she eats, and I'm feeling better than I have since Weight Watchers!

But the best, was when I was talking to my Aunt and Uncle about Will and I eloping and how the whole family reacted upon receiving the news.
Me: Grandma, do you remember what you said?
Grandma: No m'am.
Me: You said, and I quote, "I'm just glad you aren't livin' in sin anymore."
Cue laughing from everyone, including Grandma.

Anyone who doesn't live near family knows that when you go home to visit you are more of a guest to entertain, than just a regular member of the family like you used to be. However, when you spend almost a month reacquainting yourself, it ends up feeling like you never left. Only now, everyone gets along, we are all grown, and we actually cherish the time together. Like the whole family going for Marc's Senior pictures...

Don't ask me how I ended up in the pictures especially since I had nappy hair that day, but for what my parents paid for these pictures, we should have had the entire family in them. I'm talking extended family. Like seriously, since when did getting senior pictures start costing more than wedding photography? Sheesh. He's lucky he's worth it, and I'm lucky he wasn't 'too cool' to take pictures with his big sis.

All the precious moments add up to a lifetime of happiness.

Precious Moments

There are precious moments in life that almost seem too beautiful to be real.

My niece's Baptism is now one of those moments for me.

On Sunday, we drove up to Andalusia, AL. so that sweet Madelyn could receive her Baptism from the very same Minister that blessed her father, my brother Michael. He was our childhood Minister, so it was full of memories and love for all of us. Reverend Tim is retiring soon, which means Madelyn will be one of the last children he blesses. For that, we were all very thankful that she brought us all back together.

Maddy was a perfect little doll the entire service, and entertained us through lunch and dessert at her Great-Great Aunt Maggie's. I had so much fun snapping pictures all day, and I think she has become my favorite subject. She's like a real life Precious Moments doll.

Babies are such amazing little beings that remind us to not take life so serious. The innocence and purity of soul really take your breath away even if we have all become enamored with moving forward. I am thankful that my brother and SIL created this little one so that yours truly has been stilled. I love you Madelyn, always and forever.

I Can't Wrap My Head Around It...

Tell me, how has January flown by already? Not to mention, how has so much happened in such a short period? Seriously...mind-blowing. Based on how things are going so far, I'm leaving 2013 behind as the last year of what I thought was my youth, and now I seem to be headed towards a year of rebirth.

+ The impending move

+ Will's new job

+ A new balance in our relationship

+ Taking the time to find myself

+ Overall transition

Change is terrifying, and yet everything seems to be falling in to place. I'm going to go out on a limb, and say that I think this means that we are right where we are supposed to be in our life. I still don't have a career at 28, but Will says that I'm not 'allowed' to stay at Hooters, because it's my turn to take my time figuring out who and what I want to be. More importantly. he demands that I not stress about a thing.

This is why I married this man...
He's the only one that can boss me around and doesn't bow down, which fits my theory that women don't really want the bad guy. They want a take charge kind'a guy and one they can't manipulate. An equal, but one that we can look to with the problems that seem impossible. Cue cheesiness: He's not just my husband, he's my hero ;)

Three days left, and I'm out of a j-o-b. Or as Will puts it, I'll be taking care of him, and that really is a full time job. I'm looking forward to the challenge!

PS. You can get a double dose today, so head over to Sparkles and Shoes! Kelly had surgery, so go wish her well.

No Two Snowflakes Are The Same

I planned on checking in on Monday, but there was no way that was going to happen...Then I planned on posting for Tuesday, until I I realized I was walking zombie. At this point, I've begun uploading/editing the trip pictures, but having over 200 is making this process extra hard. I guess the recap will be coming to you Friday? For now, I'll just say that it was everything I wanted it to be, and totally worth the loss of sleep.

Instead, let's talk about this crazy weather! Everyone said that this winter was going to be nuts, and boy are they right. It was 50's when I left and a snowy 8* when we got back. The following was taken Tuesday morning, and not a single filter was used. I actually took it very quickly while getting ready for work, and when I uploaded it to the computer last night, I realized how truly beautiful it was. Perhaps it will take your breath away too, or perhaps I'm too easily impressed. I'm okay either way.

If that doesn't impress you, maybe the next will. In case you haven't seen it on IG, I took this one morning while my truck warmed up. In three years, I had never seen the snowflakes stuck to the window like this, and now I have seen it twice. I feel like this is Colorado's way of saying goodbye to us. Don't burst my bubble.

I guess my point that has evolved today, is to always enjoy the simple things, and allow yourself to be wowed. Not everything revolves around social media, even though I totally took these and immediately thought 'I will blog about these'. In turn, if you don't have anything to blog about, you may need to get out there and actually experience life, ya know? For more awe and wonder, go scroll through this site. I totally spent an hour on it this morning, and already feel like a new person.

Hope your New Year is starting off well. However, if it's not, it's up to you to change it. Perception Is Everything, and only YOU can find your own happiness. Someone I met in Florida told me I speak in Haiku and inspirational quotes...I now realize he was completely accurate. It ain't easy being cheesy, unless you are me, apparently. Ciao!

I Missed My Blogiversary, But Perception Is Everything!

For the first time, this little ol' blog turned a year older, and I didn't shout it from the rafters. I can think of a few reasons that it wasn't as big of a deal to me this year, but I still don't have it in me to ignore the significance. This is still my happy place and my outlet, and I am still thankful.

Just a few things from the last three years
I've learned ca-razy things about the InterWeb, graphic design, and html.
I've made gaggles of blogger friends, and even met a few.
I have witnessed a blog friend's love grow and become wedded bliss.
YOU ALL kept me going through a deployment.
I have helped others through deployments, like Meg now.
I have won major giveaways. Thanks Living In Yellow ;)
I have watched many bloggers grow quickly. Some lost their thunder, but some like Helene just evolve and bring us mucho joy.
I think I have found my voice.

Now, here's the last bit of my two cents for good measure:

Dear Baby Bloggers,
I use the term baby bloggers loosely and with love, by the way. Do I think of my blog as a 'big blog'? Heck to the no, but when I was a new blogger, I most certainly would have. That's the thing, you think that when you get to the next ten followers, the next fifty, the next 100...you will have made it, but in actuality, does anyone ever really "make it"?

Blogging is constantly evolving, and although I'm not entirely sure that it is the blissful land of blog that it used to be, it can still be your happy place. I hope you feel the embrace of other bloggers, and know that some of us will ALWAYS be there for you. Just remember, blog for YOU, promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate, don't judge others for you don't know their struggle, and for gosh sakes make sure you aren't a no-reply commentor. Aaaaand turn your word verification off while you are at it too.
Peace, love, and two days 'til Santa!

Just Add Photographer To My Resume And I Need Your Help!

A few weeks ago, my girlfriend was brave enough asked me to take their Christmas card photos. At first I thought it would be a breeze because I'm always the go-to when it comes to bringing my camera to functions and such, but when it came to it, I was downright nervous! Between their original outfits not arriving in time, the sunlight hiding from us, and my lack of experience with child models, I knew that I had my work cut out for me. All I kept thinking, is "Don't screw up their family photos!"

Have I mentioned that I don't even have Photoshop? Considering this, I think I did pretty well, and I was pleased with the outcome. Plus, my services only cost $Free.99, so beggars can't be choosers. {Teehee, LOVE ya gurl}  They are definitely a cute little family and we shot at one of the best Colorado secrets, and my personal favorite, The Broadmoor. 

So for the real reason for this post; It's Christmas card time for us too!

Feel free to vote for your fave(s), and help a sistah out.

...1...

...2...

...3...

...4...

We even have throwbacks from our Pre-Deployment photos that I could use. 

Like this one {that I love}.

...5...

Now, only one day stands between Pensacola and I!

I'm actually feeling a little sniffly, so let's pray that it's allergies. The ONE reason I'm going home is to see my niece, and if I can't hold her because I'm sick...HEADS WILL ROLL. So that's it, vote and pray. Thank'ye, thank'ye.

Pictures Are Practically Currency In Blogging

I can't even explain to you how happy I am that I'm only working four days this week, and I am back to four days because I leave for Pensacola Saturday! Of course, I have nine million things to do before then including finding someone to take care of Weiser, but at least it will make the week fly by! Then next week will fly by while I'm home, and get me closer to having Will home. Win/win.

This weekend flew by too. Saturday morning we went to the Air Force/Army game, and it was SO fun. We had to get up super early, which was a bad idea since I had to close the store Saturday night, but still totally worth it.

Sunburned and starving, I made it to work on time, and pulled out my camera to show someone the Halloween pictures. I turned it on, and got some evil message telling me that I had to reformat my memory card or I would lose my photos. I obviously clicked 'okay' even though I knew I was probably going to lose them either way, and my biggest fear came true when 'There are no images to be viewed on this device' flashed in my face. Faaaack.

I was too tired to freak out, so I conversed with my friend Matt about the problem. He gave me the idea that I should try the SD card reader on my laptop. I did, which didn't magically unveil them like I had hoped, but I wasn't going to give up. I began googling my issue, and found the CardRecovery.com site! It allowed me to use a trial version to check and see if the files were even still on the card, and then once I had found the files, I purchased the software for $34.95!

Before you yell at me, I already had almost all of the low-res files saved on my laptop, so it wouldn't have been the end of the world, but I still wanted the option to save the 3,000 Raw files to my external hard drive. Plus, now I have the capability to recover anything, including stuff that has been deleted accidentally or intentionally from my camera, memory cards, phone, AND my flash drives.

 *Recover deleted photos from memory cards

* Recover lost photos and videos from memory cards

 *Recover photos from formatted memory cards

 *Recover photos from damaged, unreadable or defective memory cards

 *Recover pictures from removable storage including flash drives

* Recover images, video files from mobile phones

I'm not even getting compensated to tell you all of this. I just thought I should spread the word, because I know we ALL have problems like this. Pictures are practically currency in blogging, so none of us can afford to lose them. Am I right, or am I right?

Did anyone watch the Air Force/ Army game? The ESPNU camera was on us several times, so I'm curious as to whether we made it on TV ;)

Handsome, Intelligent, And Shopped Pinterest For My Presents? Unbelievable.

Okay, so I know my Birthday isn't until the 31st, but in my eyes, it already happened and by far surpassed my own imagination. Picture it, Prince charming cooking your dinner, dipping fresh strawberries in chocolate, followed by a cake that HE baked, and presents that he found on your Pinterest board, while you take it all in from the fireside of the mountain cabin he secretly reserved for the weekend. I shit you not, I have THE PERFECT husband.

For three years, I have wanted to see the leaves change, and every year I am left unfulfilled. That is, until Will took charge and planned our weekend getaway in Florissant, Colorado. Welcome to our humble abode for the weekend {insert Vanna White hand wave}.

After a leisurely afternoon stroll through the autumnal paradise, Will hopped in the kitchen to make those fresh chocolate covered strawberries and one of my favorite meals. Even though we ran out of propane in the middle of cooking the steaks, they still came out perfect. To be honest, the whole dinner reminded me of one of our first dates and the beginning of our relationship in general. Just like the days of our humble beginnings, he made me Steak Au Poivre in the skillet, and it still melted in my mouth.

After dinner, he banished me to the bedroom, and I wasn't allowed to come out until the following was set up. Take special note of the Coconut Carrot Cake that he made from SCRATCH. Apparently, he went over to Buck's to bake it that morning he disappeared. 

Well played, sir.

Our third guest didn't seem thrilled, but this party wasn't about him. His birthday isn't until November, and now I know that I don't have to wear a party hat for his birthday.

As I sat there taking it all in, I was completely in awe. 

With tears in my eyes, I read the letter he wrote to me...

To my love,

I don't even know where to start. I spent all week trying to come up with the right thing to say, but it wasn't until tonight that I found the words. Something you said this evening struck me.You said, "You are so amazing...like a fairy tale", and I thought to myself, I have never found myself to be that incredible. I do these things because you deserve nothing less. You are my rock, my launchpad out into the world, and my safe haven when I push it a bit too hard. You sacrifice so much in support of me and the Army, so this weekend I wanted to be sure you know just how incredible YOU are. I'd be half the man I am today without you, and I can't wait to spend my life with you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY QUEEN.

I love you,

Will

I won't go into details about what happened next, but I will tell you that there was a Jacuzzi involved, and I properly rewarded him for making me feel like a princess. Or queen, as he called me. I'll take either title.

Come Sunday, the fun wasn't over. 

We got the inside scoop on a local spot, and ventured out to find "The Falls". They really do keep the secret quite well, because even the directions are quite confusing. Like the parking was just a "pull off on the left, past the house with the moose statue". For reference, we never found the moose, but the good news- is that we did find The Falls!

We were kind of expecting something along the lines of Niagara Falls with the hype this place got, but we still weren't disappointed by the beauty of the hidden gem. It might have been the tiniest waterfall I have ever seen, and yet, even the rainbows managed to find their way to greet us.

Afterwards, we decided to relax and soak in the Jacuzzi one more time. I feel so blessed that we can spend every moment together, and then still lay back and talk for hours. After five and a half years, we still chat it up like when we are dating. Possibly more, actually...he intimidated the shit out of me when we first got together, so I might have talked less back then ;) Sssssshhhh, don't tell him I admitted that.

Now, we have a week until my Birthday, and I already feel incredibly fulfilled. Thank goodness, because the Army took all their phones away for the next nine days, which lends me on the empty side. That means I may or may not get a birthday message or call from him, but I can only hope that he can call me {without getting into trouble} on the day I will need to hear his voice the most. Only time will tell!

Have a great weekend, all!