Labor Day Weekend

Well, we left the state of Louisiana unscathed by the pending threats of this Gustav character. This was the first time Mom had spent more than 3 hours in LA and it was different. It's not a very good adjective, but it was definitely not the norm. Even though we left at 9:45a.m., we did not have any traffic at all...that is miraculous! Please pray for our state as we resume a state of normalcy. I don't live there yet, but I do consider it home. Josh's family does not have power and is waiting out the storm. Please pray for our law enforcement as well--one of them happens to be my brother-in-law! Things will go smoothly...please pray for those who need the most help and give to the red cross or volunteer. We also need to pray about the other hurricanes as well.

We spent time on the way with Jenny and attended her fabulous art show. I have the most talented friends.And we were also able to stop and shop with Josh & Carrol Anne in Natchitoches. Mom LOVED it! I was just glad to see Josh! We'd been apart for 2 weeks...way too long. OH! JOSH FOUND MY NAVY SWEATS/SHORTS! It was the closest I've been to Christmas all summer! I got to swim with my nephew and niece, too and I did it in my clothes. I went for the WOW factor because I thought they would think I was cool...it worked & we put some boogie in it! It was a great night! Oh and this is proof that my camera does take bad pictures if you don't know what you're doing. We also were able to do Portico as a family! So great! Pretty sure Mom cried the whole time...don't know why, but she did. She later said that she was proud of him and that he is the BEST guy in the whole world. I can't argue with that.

I just have to mention my future hubby's character. Seriously, he makes me examine my motives and heart every day. He has been through alot of changes in the past few weeks and he doesn't make decisions out of fear or attempting to fill a need to be in a band. He is resolved and confident in the Lord. He doesn't care if the next move is comfortable or not, our comfort level is low on the radar when fulfilling God's Will. And so the changes keep coming, but we have the promise of our Hope in God, family, and friends to encourage us along the way and we are going to do the right things especially since we desire for our new marriage to be an example at all stages...even being engaged.

So right now, we talk and pray about everything. We pray every morning and that means that I have to get up and talk to God before that so I am prepared to give God my best, but also give Josh my best. Our communication is only good when we are in a constant state of prayer. Yes, we are apart, no, its not ideal, but we have the comfort we need. We always will. I am just so proud and honored to do life with this man who brings out the best qualities in me and also makes me work hard on the weaknesses. He is a wonderful leader and it is no coincidence that others notice that. I'm jumping off my soap box now, but I'm one blessed chica.

The visit was a complete success and I LOVE LOVE LOVE my family and hubby!

Lunching with the Girls!

Kristin & I were able to hangout yesterday...finally! She has understandably had her hands full with Allison and I've been out of town. She is one of my bridesmaids and is helping with the wedding...I am so thankful for that. I couldn't resist taking a few photos of the new Barnett little one. I was trying out different settings on the camera so they are a bit blurry. Inspite of that, you can see this beauty's charm. Isn't she gorgeous?

Liz & Alex are Engaged!

So Liz and I go back a long way...high school drill team...it was the best of times and the worst of times. She and her fab hubby- to-be are getting married in 2009 in New Orleans! Here are a few pics from the session. I think the first one is my favorite! They were such good sports! Thank you guys again and congratulations!

WE ARE LIVE!

I didn't think the day would come, but we are live people! Jessica Garza photography.com! You know what to do!
Fabulous photography for fabulous people!

Crafty Girl Olympics!

I don't think its a secret that I love crafts! Seriously, it's the only thing that relaxes me most of the time. Well, it seems that the crafty olympics begins earlier and earlier. I always make my sister's mums for homecoming. The little town where she lives is big into the Texas tradition and although they love to celebrate the weekend, they lack creativity. I happen to think she's a little more than ordinary and so I absolutely spend massive amounts of time planning and assembling. I had to get started a little earlier this year because of the wedding. I didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle. Anyways, here is a picture. I love it and wish I could wear it, but I have a new dress...
On that note...Jenna girl is starting her JUNIOR YEAR of high school. I don't believe it. I remember the day she was born and the day we met. I was wearing a turquoise shirt and she was wrapped in a white blanket with pink flowers. She was the only thing I'd ever wanted. And as sisters do, we have our ups and downs but she is jam up and I love her. We've come a long way from wrestling to the ground in the Eckerds drive thru pharmacy...we were locked out of the car...she started crying...i cried from laughing.

Jake is beginning intermediate school today...5th grade. This makes my heart hurt. I can remember his first birthday very well. He was born on a Friday afternoon. We all wanted a brother so badly. He has natural sarcasm...I would kill for that. He also thinks we should have dancing at the wedding. I think he has been practicing his napoleon dynamite. He will be 11 in a couple of weeks.

We are all growing up. I didn't ever think the day would come when we would all change so much and become a family of 6. It is going to be a great year!

Meet Ella Grace!

I had so much fun on this shoot with this 10 day old girl! She is absolutely gorgeous and tiny. She was a little annoyed by the sound of the camera but she was a trooper! And she definitely wanted her pacifier, too. Thank you for missing nap time for me! I don't think I'm ready for one of those yet...

Sleep is Overrated!

There are some many firsts that happened today...some of which I can tell you about and others that will come in time. The things I can tell you about involve shoes, a bridal shop, and pins. I was fitted for my wedding gown today and it fit! It fit perfectly and there are a few alterations that need to be made because I'm so short, but it fit like a glove. I can't give any details other than that for obvious reasons. Josh called during the fitting and I was so amped to tell him about the experience and all of a sudden I just started crying. I don't think I've done spontaneous crying with Josh before. Our wedding date is quickly approaching and it absolutely takes my breath away every time I think about it.

Josh and I haven't seen one another for 8 whole days...that is unbelievable being that we spend the majority of our time together, but it has been a good break. We are just so close to becoming super hot husband and wife. I am so content with life. I am so thankful for what is there. We have our wedding invites on the way and that just blows my mind. All the planning is coming together and I am so thankful for organizational skills.

The photography has taken off! I believe I have scheduled something like 7 shoots in the next 10 days. And I could possibly have 1 more. KRAZY! I absolutely love my job and hope there is more around the corner. I absolutely thank God everyday for the job I have. Please pray that God would continue to grow this business. It has been amazing so far.

God has taken so much care of us and I now have time to thank Him and give Him everything. I will get to sleep before 12am. one of these days! Love ya'll!

BIG NEWS!

We are almost LIVE! You know what I'm talking about! Updates soon!

Features of the Week!

So I have talented friends and they have their own side businesses! Most of my friends work for themselves...interesting.
The first feature is, of course, Jennifer Moreman! She has an upcoming art show on August 28th in Tyler at Cafe Tazza!
Here are all the Details!

The second features Beth Giles of Books by Beth. She is an amazing scrapbooker and has her turned her passion into cash! If you don't know where to start with scrapbooks, just talk to Beth! She will hook you up!

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!