Cross Camp 2008

Here are the pics from this year's Cross Camp! It was an amazing time and our last week to play a camp with Chris. It was an incredible week!

Tis the Season!

Tis the season to get hitched! I am giving a special gift to those of you who book your wedding before September 5th! I am offering your choice of an e-session or bridal session for F-R-E-E! That's a $300 value! Can you believe it!? Packages start at $2600 and custom packages are available. Let's Talk ~ jessicagarza@mac.com

more of the coolely's

Here is more of the shoot with the Cooley's. Look for their newborn shoot later in the week!

One Word Survey

The Rules: Answer the questions using only one word. Then tag three others. I tag: Brittany, Kristin, and Amy

1. Where is your cell phone? Couch
2. Your significant other? Supportive
3. Your hair? unkept
4. Your mother? Rockstar
5. Your father? mess
6. Your favorite thing? pictures
7. Your dream last night? babies
8 Your favorite drink? greentea
9. Your dream/goal? comfortable
10. The room you’re in? home
11. Your hobby? travel
12. Your fear? chaos
13. What do you want to be in 6 years? author
14. What you’re not? patient
15. Muffins? cranberry-orange
16. One of your wish list items? canon 5d
17. Where you grew up? Texas
18. The last thing you did? edit
19. What are you wearing? cargos
20. Favorite gadget? macbookpro
21. Your pets? dead
22. Your computer? lifeline
23. Your mood? satisified
24. Missing someone? Joshua
25. Your car? X
26. Something you’re not wearing? socks
27. Favorite store? anthropologie
28. Like someone? love
29. Your favorite color? red
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? wednesday

Home!

Does this look like a mess I would make? No? Well, this is the mess that's left after 6 weeks on the road and I still can't find my navy sweats. I've searched for them in two states and fear that they are lost forever. It has been the craziest 7 weeks of my life...ever. New jobs, responsibilities, new families, more stress, and more love? Seriously, Josh & I may have the craziest schedules and careers, but we are having a great time although I've needed a break in a bad way from any place other than my own bed in my own house. I am home for the next 3 months and then I will be sharing a new life with the love of my life. We are preparing and searching for the things we need and avoiding the formalities, ie., small wedding, close family, even closer friends on a beach that also happens to be a home, too.
I adore this picture of Joshua. He is picking out all of the stickers that were caught in my dress after I decided to jump through some janky grass just to grab a couple of photos. He the greatest match and has the kindest heart. I am astounded by his patience everyday. The CGB is doing well after some transition and although we miss Chris & Karen, we know that they are where they need to be. Please be in prayer for the guys as they move forward with new projects and work together for the future! I am so proud of them all. They are all extremely talented. I will promise to do my part to let you know what they are up to.
The janky grass yielded this result: I want to hang it in our living room in Monroe, Louisiana!

Burning Down the House!

I was reheating a tortilla this morning in my mom-in-law's kitchen. I was so enthralled with surfing the web and I ran back to check the toaster oven and as I rounded the corner, I saw that flames shooting out of the little appliance. Bad News! Josh ran to the kitchen, unplugged the oven and took it out of the patio. I was so embarrassed but it was also HILARIOUS! The house finally aired out. I telling this story at parties!

Jam Out!

Today I'm a dancing machine! Its totally true! It must be the creativity. I'm making huge amounts of progress on the book by the way. It is coming along well and I'm encouraged with the turn it has taken. I might might a couple of my fave lines later.

Make a playlist and dance today!

Meet the Cooley's!

The Cooley's are expecting their first child in the next 3 weeks! Here are a few images I got a hold in between traveling.

Boat Ride

Last Thursday we were able to take a leisurely ride with the fam! Here are a few of my faves!

More Chopping

These were a few cool pics from Kevin's night job!

These funny little photos were taken last week in Louisiana. Our brother in law has a really awesome job as a narcotics officer and so we were able to help him chop up some guns...well, we watched! I will post the cool pictures after these. We were just having a little laugh while he worked. Don't worry, Josh and I do not have aliases or off shore bank accounts.

engagements

we finally took our engagement pics! check 'em out! we love 'em!

Dallas Bound

Joshua and I are Dallas bound this morning! I am going home after 3 weeks of being out of town! WooHoo! We are totally stoked that my new sis a.k.a. Joshua's sis, Angelique gets to spend some time with us in Dallas. I am so glad to get back after an awesome time in LA!

The Caribbean Cruise

Well, our family vacation from 2008 is finally over and I'm still a little bummed about being back in the states. We cruised the western caribbean again this year and it was fantastic although I had a rocky start. I didn't realize how little I had been sleeping since Lita passed away or eating for that matter so I was sick...couldn't eat or be in the sun and to top it off I passed out in the buffet line on the cruise. It is funny now, but so scary when it was happening. My parents took great care of me and nursed me back to health and I even got to ride around in a wheel chair for a day or so.

We visited Jamaica --craziness! We went to 7 mile beach in Grand Cayman and it did not disappoint! It was incredibly gorgeous. And we also had the best time in Cozumel. We were able to snorkel and jet around on a boat. It was awesome! Here are a few pics that I can't load on Facebook.

Thank You

I cannot tell you about all of the support our family has received since the passing of Lita. For me to not mention people by name is just wrong. We received so many cards, calls, and emails. It is difficult to make it through them all. I just need to say thanks to a few people.

Thank you Jenny & Beth for driving in from East Texas to be with us at the memorial. I cannot express how great a support it was to have you there during that sweet time. Thank you for the calls, texts, wedding planning, flowers, everything. I have not had to endure any hardship alone for the past 15 years or so. Your kindness blesses my life. You are the best Matron of Honor the world has ever known!

Thank you to Reid & Amber for their prayers and interest in the situation. Reid, thank you for your sweet prayers on that day. You were the first to minister to my heart and I cannot repay that. Josh and I love you both so much!

Thank you to those friends and mentors who are all around the country. You still manage to be there no matter what. Thank you to the Johnstons, Corbins, Estradas, and the overwhelming love from the Impson family. Randy, the truth you wrote is forever written on my heart. The new Grammon family can't wait to do life with you and Denise!

Thank you to the Gracepoint Fam for being there specifically the Giles family. Thank you Brent for your support and truth. You are not just my pastor, but a friend.

Thank you to Daddy and Kim for taking care of me on our vacation when I was so sad. Thank you for crying with me, too. You didn't rush me or make light of the situation. You helped me heal and remember. Lita loved you both, Jenna & Jake so much and she prayed for you all the time.

Thank you to my new parents, Carrol Anne & Clyde for making the trip and staying with us during our most difficult days. You are always there and I am so blessed to be a part of this family. Thank you for your guidance and support. I love you both.

Thank you to Joshua for missing out on sleep and spending a ton of time on the phone with me. Thank you for going with me to hospital and helping cook dinner for Lito. Thank you for carrying this grief with me. During one of the last conversations with Lita, she said that I would be a good wife and that you would take care of me and you have. Thank you for your patience. You are who I need to learn from in life and you teach me everyday. I love you.

The 4th

The 4th of July is pretty much my favorite time of year besides Christmas. I didn't think Josh and I could be together this year to see fireworks, but it happened and our families were there, too. These were taken at the Kaboom Town display on Thursday night...we needed to have fun after our long day...I'll post the pictures of us shooting off fireworks in Addison...soooo illegal! Check out little Kanye West.

The Last 4 Days...

Our world is completely different now and the last 4 days have been a blur of emotions. We had 300 people show up to Lita's viewing on Wednesday night and it was great to see everyone. It was the most difficult day that I can recall in recent memory. The pain was so great for us and I grieved.

Thursday was intense. I picked Joshua up from the airport at 9a.m. He flew in from Florida to Houston and then to Dallas. He slept 2 hours and had his friend Jamie drive him an hour to the airport in Tallahassee. Thank you Jamie S. We made it to the cemetery early. Joshua served as a pallbearer. The service was incredible and my grandfather lead the service along with a few family friends / ministers.

We left for the church and ate lunch with time for a quick stop at starbucks. We met Joshua's parents at the church and then had yet another Memorial Service. My crazy Lita had 3 services with 3 different pastors. She was deeply admired and loved by so many people. I am grateful that Jenny and her mom were able to come in. It was a good time of celebration but a tough day none the less.

My Lito is doing well and has had more time to process. He is such a good man. This has been so difficult to watch him go through. It breaks my heart. Lito asked that I take pictures of everything. They are not edited completely so forgive the flaws.

Lita's Details

There is visitation today from 3-8pm at the Hughes Family Funeral Home on Webb Chapel and Lombardi. We will have an informal service tonight at 6p.m with words of encouragement to the family.

Thursday morning, we will have a grave site service at 10a.m. at Grove Hill Memorial Park located at 4118 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228

Thursday afternoon we will have a Memorial Service and time of celebration at 2:00p.m. at First Mexican Baptist Church located at 10010 Betty Jane Lane, Dallas, TX 75229. Please wear your brightest colors to honor this awesome women!

Thank you all again for your outpouring of love and encouragement. God has been so gracious and near. We are thankful to have you all as support and pray that you are blessed by your ministry.

Lito is doing much better as the entire family is able to be with him and he ate very well yesterday after being up all night to spend a few precious hours with Lita. Yesterday was our worst day and we pray that God is honored and glorified in our lives.

It was very difficult to get to sleep last night even though I was exhausted and I will try to eat more today. I'm just not very hungry. We have decided that it is best to wear really bright or "flashy" colors for the memorial. We actually put Lita in a hot pink suit with some awesome accessories...guess who go to pick all that out?! It is really what she wants.

Please pray for my cousin Aaron and his beautiful wife, Kira as they make their journey from California. I worry about seeing him because I don't think I will be very composed. We used to fight over who loved our Lita more...totally me! We will be sure to mention that at her services.

And Joshua will be flying in tomorrow morning just in time to make it to the grave site. His parents are coming in as well. I really don't know how I got to be so blessed, but I have a wonderful family. I miss Josh so much, but we are keeping busy with everything. There are times that I feel very alone in this, but the Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Thank you again for the calls, emails, cards, food, and time.

PS. Jenny, thank you for your blog post. I love it and she loves it and I am so grateful to have you as my friend. Matron of Honor indeed. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Lita is Free

Lita went home to meet Jesus this morning around 1a.m. Her little heart stopped breathing and Lito called Mom to see what he needed to do. She is currently with him at the hospital.
It is unbelievable.
When I arrived at the hospital yesterday, she knew who I was. She was upset that she wouldn't be at the wedding. I told her that it was selfish of us to want for another day because we had so many good days already. I say that it was okay that she wasn't there. I told her she was beautiful and that I loved her. She then said that I would be a good wife and that Joshua would take good care of me.
We are relieved that she is free.
Please pray for Lito now. He is so upset and I wish to lessen his pain. My uncle and aunt should be here this afternoon at 2:20pm. I can't begin to guess about arrangements for her. I will be coordinating a few things today on my own today.
She can't be gone.
I will keep you all posted. Please pray for me. Josh is in Panama City, Florida right now and will be home in Louisiana on Thursday. Pray for him, too. He's been battling some sickness recently. My heart is broken, but I am so happy she is free. I got to say goodbye and I told her that I loved her so much and that she was beautiful.

Lita::Monday Night

This has been a rough day. Mom called around 3:30pm to say that Lita was asking for me and the rest of my cousins at the hospital. When I arrived at her room, I broke down. Lita had deteriorated so much overnight. It is sad, but she is just a little shell of what she once was. Everyone has come in to see her and my uncle and aunt from california will be in tomorrow afternoon. We don't know how long she has, but we are doing our best to keep her comfortable. Her kidneys are weak, she is bleeding internally and continues to be in pain. They have discontinued tube feeding as she is having trouble keeping things down. She is so weak. It is the most painful sight and we pray that God's Will be done. He will be glorified. I will keep you all posted. Love ya'll.

Lita::Monday Morning

She has been taken for yet another CT scan. This one is to find the source of her pain. She has been sick this morning (vomiting) and she is also receiving another transfusion because she is bleeding. Mom has left work to be with her now and she asked that I stay behind to possibly be there this afternoon. Lito is there now. We need everything you've got. Thanks.

"If you know you're loved by the King then sing, sing, sing
If you know you're loved by the King, live for Him, live for Him"

Generations Film

My great and talented friend, Jonathan is releasing a new documentary about Pearl Harbor through the eyes of 3 generations. Please check out the great work from this film maker, author, and screenwriter!
http://www.generationsfilm.org/index.html

Lita's Progress

Lita has been in ICU for the last 14 days. She was recently put on dialysis because her kidneys were not working well enough to filter out all of the medicine she has in her body. On Saturday she was given a ct scan to check her brain function because she had been hallucinating and was not completely coherent. She made more progress yesterday afternoon as she was able to ask questions and request water. Today is a different story...she was in more pain and so the medicine they gave to relieve her made her extremely tired and she slept all afternoon.

We are taking one day at a time although it seems like its hour by hour. Mom and I are doing well. Please continue to pray for my Lito. It is impossible to communicate all the emotions he is feeling at this time. I will keep you updated and hope to have a good report for you soon.

He's a Keeper!

So I just need to brag on my handsome future hubby! He does tile work, hot wires washing machines, cooks, cleans, and replaces license plates! He reminds me when to eat and he helps me with work. He gives me music and lets me cut his hair with dull scissors. He doesn't laugh at me or throw shoes when I am being a dumb ass. He searches ebay for louis vuitton and researches hermes.No, no, no. I really don't know what I would do without him during this time with my grandmother. He is always there and not just for me but for my family even when he is 6 states away. We all love him so much and appreciate his kindness and prayers. I never knew it would be possible to love someone more everyday, but I do. He is my friend and companion, my voice of reason, and love. There are no words to properly express my thankfulness. He is brilliant, humble, constructive, intentional, and truthful. We've had a crazy couple of days with Lita's health in question and then trying to figure out where God is telling us to settle in regards to ministry and life. And God is faithful. We have a direction and purpose. The Father hasn't forgotten our new little family unit. We are so excited to get started with the work and are glad to not go it all alone. And it is all God's Providence and we are partners in this. Amazing! Yes, I know I am being very vague...more information to come in the future! Please pray for us.This is an example of the Who-Face that I like so much. I have to laugh out loud everytime I see it. He's so cute!

I've been tagged

I’ve been tagged by Jenny! The Results...
1) What was I doing 10 years ago?
10 years ago I was awaiting, like Jenny, to do VBS in a Bahamian Church! Super Cool! And I already knew that Jenny was getting THE Purple Blazer!

2) What are five things on my to-do list today?
*Bills
*Email Clients
*Wash
*Rest
*Go to the Hospital
*Run

3) What snacks to I enjoy?
I love granola, pop ice, snow cones, QT drinks, wheat crackers, and fruit!

4) Where are some places I’ve lived?
I've lived in stinky old Texas City, Waco for college, and Carrollton, Texas. I will be moving to Louisiana in 5 months!

5) What things would I do if I were a billionaire? I would fund medical aid, hunger organizations, and missionaries. I would also live in a completely energy efficient home with Josh and about 16 adopted babies. I would also travel, plant churches, and have Louis Vuitton handbags. We would give half of our income away because who really needs a billion dollars???

I Tag Pelf and Amy J!

Ipod Update

I don't know how a Ped Egg sound like an Ipod, but atleast we have cracked the code! And my grandpa is happy!