7/20 Aurora Shooting

(source)

Sad sad news about Aurora. We were just there less than a month ago visiting my family, and it's heartbreaking to hear such tragic news. I used to go to that movie theater all the time during high school, and in fact the school that they took all the witnesses to was the one my little graduated from in June.

My trip to Vietnam really opened my eyes about the important things in life and not to take things for granted, but this tragic incident in my hometown makes me even more thankful for life, and that it's precious and can be taken at any moment.

The last few months have really changed me and made me a better, grateful person. I am sorry for everyone's loss, and everyone affected that dreadful day. I know Aurora is strong, and in time of crisis, Coloradoans know how to pull it together and support one another.

I am thankful my family is safe.

Rustic

Seriously in LOVE with these.

My Cutesy Non-Baby Girl

Nautical

I've been into gold jewelry lately, and whats better than a gold anchor? Probably nothing. Except maybe when it's vintage and free.

It belongs to my husband from when he was a little boy. Makes it even that much more special <3

What about you guys? Ever go through some old stuff just to realize you have some pretty awesome things that just needed to be re-discovered?

Douangphila's Family Photos

Also while we were in Colorado we managed to sneak some time in to get family photos done!

I really wanted something different this year for our photos. Last year we did studio ones for Miniboss's 1st birthday, and since we didn't go this year for her birthday (we did the aquarium), I knew we had to make it up.

We called up our good friend Franciz and he managed to squeeze us in and took some amazing photos for us!

These are just a few of the ones I loved.

I love them!! They turned out more than perfect. I wanted them to be like a glimpse into our lives and I showed him a ton of different photos I loved and he gave me exactly what I wanted. He was sooo good with Miniboss too! Normally we always get mean mugging "Walmart" looks lol, but as you can see, she's super cheesy in these.

I can't wait to blow up a few of these for the living room!

Thank you for capturing these beautiful photos for us Franciz!

My little brothers graduation

I've gotta back track on some posts and important events!

My little brothers Jason's Graduation from Gateway High School! The same high school I graduated from (class of 05'), and my older sister (class of 02') as well. I didn't think we were going to be able to make it in time to see him graduation but our leave got approved last second and we got some extra time off to make it :)

He graduated ranked #6 of his entire school. My parents moved around a bunch during his high school years, and I think he's been to a different high school every year, so it's such a huge accomplishment! Here's to the real world Jason! I love you!!

Right after the ceremony. That's my entire family!

& of course a silly one :)

Mom and Dad with Jason

Dad so proud of his only son! Poor guy had 5 sisters to live with lol!

Speaking of all his sisters..Me and all my sisters! lol!!

Jason with Miniboss

The Douangphilas

It was so much fun to hangout with my family and spend time with them. We see each other once a year for a big reunion, and it always feels like I've never left! I love my family. Congratulations again to my little bro! :)

I'm back!!

Gosh its been a while. I've been soo busy. We just got back home from a very long vacation and I can't even tell you how glad I am to finally be home! I never thought I could learn so much about myself in a months time, but I did and it's made me a better mother, wife, and person overall. I really appreciate everything I have, my family, and I am definitely counting my blessings from now on!

We have about 11 months left in Texas, we got our orders finally and we're moving to Kansas next year! I've been not so patiently living in our tiny apartment since we've been outgrowing it and it's soo much harder to be on a top floor with a 2 year old constantly running and jumping around. I feel awful for the people downstairs of us, and I'm always telling Miniboss to quit jumping, but we all know 2 year olds do whatever they want either you agree or not. =/

I'm just glad to move. It might be to Kansas, which wasn't my ideal base, but I know things all work out in the end. It will either be a great thing, or it'll make me even stronger as a person, which Texas has done...so in the end it's all about how you make of what life hands you! :) #yolo ...lol kidding :)