Category Archives: Personal

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What WE wore

October 8, 2009 – 3:11 pm

This past May Hubby, Miss J and I took a little vacation to San Francisco, CA where I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to have our first family pictures taken. I’ve been a blog follower/stalker of Ed Pingol for the longest time and thankfully he fit us into his busy schedule. Above is one of the images he shot and shows what we wore.

How I came up with the look:

Since we were going to be in San Francisco I wanted our pictures to be taken with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the background and Ed suggested Bakers Beach. Since we were going to be on the beach I knew two things right away:

1 - Hubby and I were going to wear jeans.
2 - We were going to be barefoot.

So all I had to figure out was what we would wear on top. One day as we were perusing the sales racks at Baby Gap Hubby fell in love with a green, peasant dress for Miss J. According to him, THIS was the dress she had to wear for family pictures. I wasn’t too sure as I had yet to choose what I was going to wear! (remember my first piece of advice?) Well, I gave in mostly because Hubby rarely has an opinion about Miss J’s wardrobe and it was a cute dress.

With Miss J being the focal point I wanted our clothing to compliment her dress - no way was I going to put the both of us in solid green shirts. The greens would have been way to hard to match and I did not want us to look like the Lucky Charms cereal leprachan. =P I ended up finding a argyle-like shirt for hubby and a cute green tank for me. San Francisco’s weather is unpredictable so I planned for cold weather by choosing items we could layer over and under - a long sleeved black shirt for him and a lightweight black sweater for me. I also layered a long sleeve white onesie under Miss J’s dress.

All in all, I think the look was flattering for all of us and I’m so happy with the images Ed took!

Click here to book your Holiday Mini-Session today!!

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We joyfully welcome. . .

December 6, 2008 – 5:23 pm

 Baby J

December 4

7 pounds, 4 ounces, 20.25 inches

By janellelynn | Also posted in Bridals, Engagements, Families, Weddings | Comments Off

Hurricane. . .

September 14, 2008 – 9:09 pm

We made it through the Hurricane - though I will admit around 2:30am early Saturday morning I had my doubts.  I was six years old during Hurricane Alicia (last major hurricane to hit Houston) and the only memories I have of it are losing power and my parents moving us to a hotel by Astroworld.  This was an entirely different experience.   HOWLING winds, the sound of something ripping of my roof and tumbling towards the yard, the sight of transformers blowing out multiple times and hearing the crack of trees/fences breaking scared me to death.  Hubby was fascinated and couldn’t seem to pull himself away from the window.  By 7am, the heavy part of the storm had passed us by.

The aftermath seems to be ALOT worse.  Living in a house without any power nor water BITES.  I did not get a wink of sleep last night because it was so muggy and hot.  Hubby was snoring away and I still don’t know how he was able to sleep while I was counting down the minutes to daylight.  I was MISERABLE. (being almost 7 months pregnant probably doesn’t help)  I’m now kicking myself for not being the one of many to buy a generator at Home Depot before the storm. 

As for damage we consider ourselves very lucky.  Our chimney blew off the roof - half of it landing in the backyard the other half lodging itself beneath the satellite dish - much to hubby’s dismay.  In addition, our trees lost some limbs, the hibiscus bush was flattened and we lost a few singles. Our neighbors were not so lucky. Many had trees that were entirely uprooted and fences that were completely destroyed. 

After my miserable night, Hubby decided to take me up north to his parent’s house for a shower and much needed nap.  I’ve never enjoyed a shower so much!  We were initially going to stay at a hotel but decided to save the moolah and stay here.  Hubby had to drive back into town to pick up our brood before the 9pm curfew.  So now, we’re at my in-laws - 4 adults, 1 baby in utero, 6 dogs and 4 cats. :P

To my Houston familia - I’m unable to make any outside calls and I doubt I’m getting any incoming calls on my cell phone.  I’ve been trying to check in with T and J since lunchtime to no avail and I last spoke with Dad earlier this afternoon.  As far as I know, my area is still without power and Dad said he’d call me when it turns back on.  So T and J - if you’re able to read this call my cell just to let me know you’re ok and if it goes straight to voicemail leave a message - my phone will eventually alert me.

 Prayers and thoughts are with my fellow Houstonians!

By janellelynn | Comments (1)

. . .on Vacation. . .

August 13, 2008 – 7:35 am

We’re FINALLY taking a vacation.  No worries! Everyone’s CD/DVD’s have been mailed and I think I’ve answered all the e-mails in my inbox.  If I missed you I apologize and will get back with you on Monday.  Have a great week!

 

coming up when we get back:

Sarah and Robert’s Slideshow

Stephanie and Jason’s Album Design

Crystal and Brian’s Album Design

Erin and JT’s Slideshow

By janellelynn | Comments (0)

Out sick. . .

July 31, 2008 – 8:43 am

and I hate it. :-(

I’ve been sick with the most horrible cold the past few days and apologize that it has taken me longer than usual to answer e-mails. I’m working on it and should be caught up by this weekend. What’s even worse is Hubby and I had tickets to attend David Jay’s Freedom to Succeed tour and we had to skip out all because of me!! We were so looking forward to attending but Hubby didn’t think I should go for a few reasons: 1 - better for me (and baby!) to rest and 2 - why expose other Houston photographers to my germs? Hopefully, we’ll be able to catch a talk sometime in the future.

A few blog posts to look forward to:

Jennifer and Demas’ AWESOME wedding slideshow and

Chanica and Matthew’s super fierce engagement slideshow.

Anyone have any natural remedies for a stuffy nose, sore throat and headache?

By janellelynn | Comments (1)

stepping away and recuperating. . . .

June 30, 2008 – 7:24 am

We’re taking a few days off for some serious R&R - no e-mails or phone calls will be answered until Thursday.

Thanks for understanding!!

By janellelynn | Comments (0)

No Internet Access!! :-(

June 19, 2008 – 12:56 pm

Our DSL modem was fried to a crisp during the thunderstorms night before last.  Therefore, my internet access is VERY limited.  I answered a bunch of e-mails this morning (thank goodness for free wi-fi) but I’ll be somewhat out of touch until hubby fixes the problem.  So, if you’re e-mail is easily answered I’ll be able to respond through my blackberry otherwise you’ll have to wait one business day. (I usually answer e-mails within 2 or 3 hours.)

In other news, it’s AMAZING what a few weeks does to a pregnant body.  Just a few weeks ago, I was tired, moody, slept all the time and hated anything with cheese on it.  Now I’m in my second trimester, I have loads of energy and I LOVE cheese and crackers. :-P

Have a great day!

By janellelynn | Comments (1)

Ta daaa!!!!!!

April 18, 2008 – 7:45 am

Yesterday, hubby became Dr. Hubby!! :-)  For me it was a nerve wracking experience.  Of course, I did not tell him that. ;-) But all day my stomach was tied into a big knot and I could not eat nor focus on the work I had to get done.  I arrived a half-hour early and hubby was in the midst of setting up his presentation, looking for the sound guy, etc.

        

How it went down - Hubby presented his research which took about 45 minutes, following the presentation he fielded questions from the audience for about 10 minutes.  The questions from the audience were BOGUS, in my opinion.  Two faculty members asked him questions that had NOTHING to do with his research! They just wanted to see him squirm up there.   After the audience q&a, we were asked to leave and the actual DEFENSE started.  It was just hubby and his committee.  From what hubby told me, one by one each committee member took their shots at him.  When one committee member was done it was on to the next.  The questions were fair but it seemed to take a loooooonnnnngggg time.  (at least from my perspective since I was waiting outside :-P )  Well, after an hour or so hubby came out and announced he’s now a doctor! :-)

I am so proud of him! He’s worked very hard to reach this point in his career and it all came to fruition yesterday. 

Congrats DR. hubby!!!

By janellelynn | Comments (4)

Today’s the day!

April 17, 2008 – 9:09 am

Today is hubby’s Defense day!!

 We got into a huge argument last night which means he’s going to do GREAT! (for those who don’t know hubby and I snipe and argue with each other when we’re under stress. If we don’t argue, then there’s a problem.)  Last night’s argument ended with,

hubby: “”I can’t fight with you right now!!!”

me: “Fine!!! We’ll fight tomorrow after the defense!!!!!”

Wish him luck!

:-)

By janellelynn | Comments (2)

It’s starting to become real. . .

April 3, 2008 – 1:04 pm

Those who know us really well know that Hubby has been working toward this for a VERY long time. Hubby’s defense and graduation has always been on our minds and at times felt like a faraway dream. Today, his department released the invite to his defense and it’s starting to become VERY real. All of Hubby’s hard work - his blood, sweat and tears culminates to this last presentation.  Whew! I’m just nervous thinking about it.

Wish him luck by leaving comments below!

By janellelynn | Comments (6)