johns journal

Jesus. Travel. Lifestyle.

Muffaletta miracle

Hey guys, missed ya'll! I just had to pop in and share a pretty incredible story involving a sandwich and prayer! So hang on tight, this is a good one.... We got to New Orleans and enjoyed every inch, its truly one of my favorite cities between the food, music, and people. I think Gideon played…

Howdy from Texas!

Just had to say hello from Texas and share these beautiful people with you! I caught up with them in Pensacola and it was pretty tough to leave them and the gorgeous weather; catch more of them over here! We've been busy holding new babies, playing ping pong, and watching old movies! Today were…

Sweatshirt series plus Christmas trek update!

Right now we are happily mingling with old friends in pensacola Florida enjoying every inch of our Christmas trek to Texas! Man, I forgot how gorgeous it is here coupled with good weather and good people, its truly heavenly. Next stop New Orleans to engulf muffalettas, cafe au laits, and beignets! …

Favorites Friday: Christmas rooms

We officially made the absolute most of our first real snowfall yesterday....shoveled the driveway, made a snowman, then thawed out with real hot chocolate!The perfect white dusting in preparation for Christmas and so are these festive rooms!
Check out the rest of this gorgeous bloggers home here 
Wh…

White weather necessities

Just finished checking the weather for North Dakota since were attending a wedding there in a few weeks and were talking -1 degrees....brrrrr. Spending the last 4 1/2 years on a tropical island in Okinawa didn't give us much reason for parkas, fleece, and boots! Here's some pieces that caug…

Recent joys

image here
I've felt the hustle and buslte a little more severe this year since we are leaving this weekend for Texas, everything has sped up! YIkes. So I'm stopping right now and counting my joys, in attempt to dismiss those stressful feelings!
watching gideon's debut peformance in handb…

Behind the scenes of a photoshoot!

This weekend I had the privilege of shooting adorable little Mackenzie! Well, it was cold, really cold and we didn't want her to freeze so we had to move inside! Thought I'd share some secrets to capturing two year olds inside....which was my first time! Basically I found the place with the…

Favorites Friday: Merry & Bright

What a great crazy week between hubby's promotion and two photoshoots (will share next week!) I"m wiped! This weekend we are gearing up for a wedding and three Christmas parties, yikes!!
What a cool idea for a runner, love it! via luxe & lillies

This pink Christmas tree placed in a kids …

Champagne's a popping!

Yesterday found out husband was selected fo Major! So I made a mad dash to the store for some celebratory champagne, after asking the grocery clerk for help we settled on Italian champagne (can't go wrong with Italian anything!) After the big pop, we had our toast then we heard tears from our 4…

Our Christmas card

Getting gideon to take pictures is next to impossible because I've always got the camera pointed at him! Poor kid! This was the best out of many with the trusty self-timer and tripod when we caught G on a good day; family photos are no small feat! Merrry Christmas!
card via minted

Best maternity shoot ever.

This maternity photoshoot took my breath away, so different, calming, and refreshing! Enjoy from Amelia Lyon photography






Sweatshirt series: tie dye

Husband's Christmas party was hands down the highlight of the weekend. Whenever you gather a bunch of marines in the same room, chaos will ensue! I laughed so hard, I cried; crazy boys! Along with the discovery of doodle jump, consider youself fairly warned about this highly addictive iphone ga…

Favorites Friday: festive

Phew glad this week has come to a quick close time! Ready to don my Christmas party dress for a night out with hubby complete with babysitter! Two weeks closer to our big Chrismas trek to Texas! Here's some other festive things that inspire!
I'm renaming these pants the "mimi pants"…

Navigating loss

image here
There's three things in life that have completely taken me by storm, my first year of marriage, the first year with my son without sleep, and losing my Dad. These unexpected surprises and difficulties would have been alleviated if I had fair warning but no one said a thing! Like a, &q…