I'm really trying...

I really wanted to get back into blogging. I don't like entries without pictures, but I never have time to take any. haha.

School is going good. I am keeping myself ultra-organized to get things knocked out one at a time. I am soooo ready for it to be over.

Random fact of the day: I have been married for 499 days! Tomorrow will officially be our 500th. :)

It has been an interesting journey, to say the least.

Colton is getting busier and busier. We are saving more and more money for our house next year. I graduate in...54 days.

I leave for the cruise in 84 days...

I just have a lot of things to look forward too. We have our family pictures on Thursday. They will be really different and fun.

That is all for now. I will see what I can do as far as pictures in the next post.

School is back...

I know that isn't an excuse, but school is back in full swing. *boo!*
I am insanely busy this semester.

I work 29 hours a week (which actually isn't a whole lot and we could use the money, but I love having Sundays off).
Am taking 15 hours in school...
In those 15 hours I have...
15 outside observations for 1 class...
15 outside volunteer hours for another class...
9 outside observation/practice hours for another class...
3 outside observation hours for another class...
And one class with no hours!! Woo hoo!
Colton is booked EVERY weekend (sat. & Sun) through Christmas with weddings, families, engagements and bridals. So, I am assisting and enjoying every minute of it.

I have been busting my butt trying to get this semester together...and I have lacked in not only my blogging, but social skills.

If you haven't already, check out my TTD pics!!
My hubby's photography is doing great. He is officially http://www.sixfourteenphotography.com/
:)

Hopefully I will have pictures and be able to post a better, more colorful post SOON.

Good things usually come to an end

It's true. I haven't updated in a while, because I went through a major funk. Yes, I realize we are still blessed, but things haven't been as peachy and wonderful as they were before. I have had to really take a step back and re-examine everything.
Without going into too much detail, I really struggled. I was sad, alot. I cried, alot. I spent many hours dwelling on how bad things had gotten and how unhappy I was. No matter how hard I tried to fix everything, it just got worse and worse. Marriage is a lot of work, and I have never forgotten that. It just got unbelieveably hard for a while. So hard that I closed myself off to the world.
Because God is amazing, I pulled through. I had a wonderful weekend, and I am looking forward to mending my bruises. This coming up weekend will be soo relaxing (Another trip to Beaver's Bend).
Colton and I had Saturday off, so we had a date night and got all dressed up. Sunday we ahd engagements with an adorable couple, even though it was super hot outside.
Besides this vacation weekend, we have a VERY busy next few months.
I start school Thursday, and I am really anxious. I am ready. It is my last first day as an undergrad. I am so ready to be done with it. :)

Oh, and I have successfully lost the weight I wanted to. I am at my goal range and couldn't be happier. I am healthier, more toned, and I actually enjoy exercising. :)

Humbled...

and exhausted. I am overwhelmed by the response that Colton is getting to his photography. We are seriously booked EVERY weekend in October with weddings. We have bridals and engagements throughout now and then as well. We have been so blessed by incredible support from family and friends. God is truly amazing, and I am so thankful for everything going on in our lives right now. Without him, it wouldn't be possible.

Our date nights now consist of going to weddings/engagement shoots together. We spend our free time editing (well...he edits and I say "good job"), making spreadsheets (all me, baby), and organizing.

It's great to see the passion he has for this. He loves taking pictures, editing and delivering CDs. I love meeting new people, going new places, and being a part of such an important event in someone's life. His work isn't bad either. :)

Saturday, we had an engagement shoot with Crystal and Ray. They were such an adorable couple. Seriously, they were a lot of fun. We had a great time.

Then, Sunday, I witnessed one of the most beautiful weddings of all time. The Piazza in the Village was INCREDIBLE. Although I loved our little chapel, this place was a dream. The staff, the art, the halls, EVERYTHING was perfect. The couple, Tera and Terran were absolutely adorable. They smiled from begining to end. It was a beautiful ceremony and a super fun reception. We danced and danced and danced.

Also, we are both not only blessed with all that, but we are extremely blessed with our "real" jobs. Both of us have jobs that we love. We never complain about them, our supervisors, or fellow employees. We are both finally happy where we are. Thank you, God. :)

Not to mention we have the best dog in the world.

And two mini vacays coming up.

Along with a WONDERFUL cruise in January.

no pictures post

I wish I had pictures to post, so that it would make this entry pretty, but I don't. :(
I cannot believe it is already AUGUST. Where did the time go? Colton and I have been busy with photoshoots and stuff, so I haven't noticed how fast the weekends go by. He was supposed to have three shoots this weekend, but two were canceled (family reasons). We did get to do one and we drove out to Keller for a children shoot. Fun!
We also went by colleyville to look at the venue for the wedding next weekend. IT IS BEAUTIFUL!! I can't wait. I get to wear my new black dress. Whee!
I went shopping with my mom this week and got that dress and then a plaid dress for $10. (Not together...the plaid was $10). It was a lucky day for me. I never get to go shopping, so it was a little exhilirating.
I made enchiladas (that we are STILL eating) Friday because I thought Hailey was gonna come over. :( She ended up staying home since Coltons Sat. morning shoot was cancelled and she didn't need to help him.
When we got back, we went to Steak and Shake with Sam and Jen (after attempting to go to the movies) and went back to their apartment to play games. SO MUCH FUN! I love game nights, so it was a blast for me.
As far as my diet and exercise plan...I haven't been very good this week, so I need to whip myself into shape again. haha.
Hopefully I'll have pics for my next post.

faeries are among us...

So, I was asked a few weeks ago to be a faerie for a birthday party on July 25th for a very special little girl. (Actually an amazing grown-up girl in a little girl body). She had a backyard faerie party that was to die for. Her amazing mom and dad worked hard to set up tents and lanterns and wonderful food. Every detail was perfectly taken care of. A week before the event, I freaked. I couldn't find fairy wings anywhere that looked like a woodland fairy rather than a princess fairy. I wanted to be a bit grundgy, but faeiresque (look at me making up words). So, rather than buying a costume and have it expedited...I made it. (Which probably ended up being more expensive, but it was so much fun and so worth it).
I made the wings pointy so they would be more "leaf-like" from scratch. We used coat hangers and tights.


I mirrored my makeup from a fairy who travels different fairs Twig Faerie. Actually, I went for her whole look because she's GORGEOUS.

The finished product...

Colton actually took pics of the event and did a great job. I can't wait to see the finished product when they are all done. You can see more photos of the party (and not just me. haha) here.

Lots of Links

I know, it has been a little while, but there hasn't been much to update about in the past week. Last weekend, Colton did an enagagement shoot with an absolutely ADORABLE couple, Eryn and Michael, in Ft. Worth. You can see the teasers here.
We got a *new* car. A 2006 Honda Civic. His Hybrid is up for sale now, and I hope and pray we can sell it quickly. He wanted something with a little more horsepower, but he loves Civics because they are great cars.

On Wednesday, I had a Haute Facade makeup/hair model appointment. It was a lot of fun. They were training a new girl, Chris, and she did my hair and makeup. They do such a great job on everything, so its super fun to be a model and get it all for free. You should definately check them out Here.
After the appointment we went to Southern Junction for buy one get one free steaks with my parents. That was a blast and super delicious.
Then, we came home and took these pics...I forgot to get pictures of my makeup and hair for the appointment, and although it was a few hours later, it still looked good. :)





Lastly, I am SO PROUD of Kandice and Jackie for making the DFW WFA A*List for wedding photography. They did my wedding together a year ago and decided to become a team. One year later, they entered the contest 4 (or was it 3?) days before the closing of votes and went from 88th place to 5th!! Great job ladies. I am so happy for you both.
check out the list Here and their website Here.

Until next time... :)

100 degree summer, lakes, rivers, and fireworks

Oh my!This past week was a whirlwind of fun and adventure. Wednesday, I spent the day packing for my two trips and getting food, snacks, drinks, etc. for everyone. Thursday, Kandice picked up Hailey and me for our roadtrip to our secret location for a 2 day trash the dress extravaganza. Seriously...it was a freaking blast. We played in sand, canoed, jumped in a lake, went grocery shopping, late night movie theater and creepy alley, swingset, played with animals and much more (all while wearing a wedding dress, I might add). To take a look at a tiny sneak peak, go here. You can see the bottom of my TRASHED dress. :)


This was our cabin for the night.




Kandice, me and Hailey at the grocery store.



Taking pics with the BEAUTIFUL scenery.



Sneak peak! (Hailey took it of us)




The super cute movie theater. :)




After taking all the pics, Friday we just hung out and picked berries.


Kandice, I had a wonderful time. Thanks for making my TTD pics rock. I know they are gonna look amazing. You're the best.
Jess~

Friday, as soon as we got back from Road Trip #1, we grabbed our other bags and headed to Oklahoma (Beaver's Bend) for Road Trip #2. It was so much fun to go away again. Hailey and I felt super spoiled getting 2 vacations in one week. We went on a TEN MILE kayaking trip down the river. It was super hot. We all got burned pretty bad...

Hailey and me at our pit stop.

Again.

After kayaking, we went to the motel to change and went out to the lake to watch the fireworks. Seriously, best fireworks show ever.

Colton and me. 6.4.09

Sunday morning...showing off our burns. Hailey and I pretty much got the same (thighs and stomach), Forrest was the worst, and Colton's legs and arms were burned.



Last group shot. :)

I'm walkin' on sunshine...

That song is stuck in my head for some reason. It is absolutely NOT sunny outside right now either. It's rainy and in the 70s(which is a lot better than the 100s). This weekend was super busy. Saturday, Colton was supposed to be shooting engagements pics in Las Colinas(where he paid a $50 deposit) at 2:00pm, plus lunch and a meeting with them about their wedding. He tried all morning to get a hold of her and couldn't reach her. We showed up anyways, just in case something happened with her phone or something. Well, of course, she didn't show up. Finally, we called her from my phone, and she returned my call, only to hang up as soon as she heard Colton's voice. How inconsiderate.
Seriously, this girl didn't even give any kind of explinationa nd stole 50 bucks from us.
Hailey spent the night, so we could go to church in the morning. We shopped (thrift stores and such) for her to find a cute sundress to wear when we trash my wedding dress this week. I wanted some pics of her with me and definately a shot of us jumping in the lake together.
We went to downtown Mckinney (where the following pics were taken), swimming, and just running around.
Colton got the idea that it would be fun to "spontaneously plan" a trip for this weekend (July 4th). When I get back friday from my TTD location, we will leave for Beaver's Bend Friday night (we=Colton, Hailey, Forrest and me) It should be an exciting time, but super busy weekend.

Check out my new sunglasses. tehe.


We found a Starry Night Frog (Starry Night being our favorite painting and frog being her favorite animal).
Can't wait to leave for my trips!! I will post many pics.

exhausted

Wow. So I have had an extremely busy weekend. :)
Saturday, I worked in the morning, got home, worked out and then took a shower to get ready for Colton's first wedding. Speaking of, Colton has decided to give photography a try. He has always loved it and thinks he has an eye for it. So he posted about it, and has been quickly getting a lot of interest. He is starting off making nothing almost, but he has to start from somewhere and build up his portfolio.
Here are some shots from that and his website:
Here
Anyways, I learned a valuable lesson...4 in' heels and being on your feet from 3-11, not a good idea.
Sunday, I got up early and went to the Cotton Mill to help Kandice with her mini sessions. It was hot as can be outside, but it was nice to get to see her again and hang out. I was getting so giddy talking about my TTD pics coming up next week. I can hardly wait.
Monday I worked, but I was so tired from the weekend, that I went home early. I couldn't even stay awake at work.
Today, Hailey and Lindsay and I are all going to have a girls day. What kind of trouble we get into shall be fun. :)
Later days (wow, old school "Recess" reference)

Happy Birthday, Chuck...

I have been trying to DL my pics to this post for three days now!! Sorry it's late.

Tuesday was Chuck Taylor's first birthday. I had the day off, so I took him to a few doggie stores and went by the dog bakery to get cookies for him and his birthday guests at Unleashed. He got a round one with "Happy Birthday" on it and everyone else got paw print cookies. I let him walk around the store and pick out whatever he wanted...he grabbed a giant pig ear, so I guess that was the winner.
We went to Unleashed, which is pretty cool since it is indoors, but I prefer the free one in Plano. Hailey and Sadie, my mom and Foxi, Ryan, Amy and Zoe all came too. It was fun for all.

Chuck and I waiting for Colton to get home so we can leave.

At the store, I let Chuck pick out anything he wanted...he picked a pig ear.

My mom's dog, Foxi and I.

Baby Zoe.

Baby Zoe and her mom and dad.

What happens when you give Chuck a stuffed animal. :) He LOVES them though.

One year ago today...

The doors opened...

and the groom watched.

We kissed...

and sealed the deal as husband and wife.

A year later,

we celebrated with a well deserved day off for both of us. I got a NEW white dress (as seen above) and we had a great day hanging out together.
It was perfect, just like our day a year ago.
Colton, I love you and I am excited for "80 more" anniversaries to come.
Your wifey.

Summer Lovin'

So much stuff has happened since I last updated.

I started summer school I,
I finished summer school I (with an A),
I don't start Summer II until July something.
Hailey and Taylor broke up.
Hailey and I have had some major sister time.
I have sang at a karoke bar,
and we took Colton's family to see our hood.
We bought a lot of "smell-good" stuff at Bath and Body Works big sale.
We found a new beautiful shoppin center.
Colton turned 22,
Colton got a tattoo.
(Ha, it's like a nursery rhyme..."Colton got a tattoo on the day he turned 22")
Hailey got a tattoo,
Jen and Sam got one too.
Me...I didn't. Not because I am a chicken, or because I was scared. I have never really wanted one. What would I get? I didn't want to make an impulse decision just because everyone else was doing it. I think hard about what I wear everyday and what I eat, why would I jump into a tatoo?
I am excited about this summer. We may host my cousin and her husband at our apartment and take them to 6 Flags in July. I have trash the dress pictures in July at the best location ever. I get to help my favorite photographer and good friend do beautiful family pictures (including my supervisor).
I have been losing a little bit of weight, slowly, but successfully. I have worked out everyday (except Colton's birthday) since last Monday.
I plan on updating more since I don't have school for the next few weeks.
Now we have pictures...
We (Colton, Hailey and I) took Chuck out for a long walk and adventure. We rested at the baseball fields and took Chuck off leash.



On Monday night, Colton's family came over and we went to the Shops and ate, then walked around.





Lastly, on Colton's birthday, Tuesday, we (Sam, Jen, Hailey, Colton and I) went to Blue Goose and then the tattoo place.

The ladies at Blue Goose.



Before they got tatted up.



Hailey and Sam's matching tats (Hailey's is much smaller. tehe)



Colton's tat



Jen's tat



Colton and Hailey at the tattoo parlor (see their wraps?)

Taste Addison

Ok, so I have been really busy studying for finals and writing papers.
However, Hailey came with Colton and me to taste of Addison (huge rip off if you ask me).
This is us on our way...

One of the only cool things of the day...check out his utters. haha

It's been a long time coming

I decided to update with pictures...
First, Easter...

Next, we had a double date night with Sam & Jen as a pre-birthday and pre-wedding celebration. :)


Then, my birthday (April 28)




Lastly we had Sam and Jen's wedding on Saturday (May 2)