Thanksgiving and more giving

How was everyone's thanksgiving?! Lot's of food and family time I hope! Ours turn out pretty awesome, minus my, just in time for the holiday's, sickness. But even that couldn't stop me from feeling truly thankful this year!

Wednesday morning I woke up not feeling to well, Cain was off to work for a few hours and while I got things ready for a trip to Ohio I started feeling more and more light headed and ill.

 By the time Cain got home I was ready to hit the hay and sleep until thanksgiving! But sadly that wasn't in my cards! We said our goodbyes to Nova and drove to Ohio. Determined I would have a happy holiday I smiled through the pain of my headache! We had a great night with Cain's family (which we always do!) the kids are always so excited to see us,........... well okay, maybe just Cain, but I like to think they are excited to see me too :p What's not to love about Cain is something I tend to say often, because it's just a true statement. EVERYONE loves Cain. He is so fun to be around, and he loves his family more then anything. So I can't blame his siblings for wanting to see him more then me! 

Wednesday night I had a fever, but luckily I am marrying a sweetheart who took time to make sure I had medicated to help ease the pain. By 2:00am the fever was breaking and after tossing and turning for awhile I got a couple hours of sleep. But HEY it was THANKSGIVING so I woke up my smile from isn't frowning place and was ready for the day.

(My "holy cow I'm getting married" ring shot)

We got to see Cain's Grandma Ruth, Aunt Roda (And Hope, her kitty), his Uncle Steve, Aunt Kate, brother Derrek, Cat, his sister Christine and her boyfriend Ty!

Talk about everyone getting together for the holidays! It was awesome to have everyone there in one place. His Grandma Ruth is on my list of all time favorite people. She is so straight forward and to the point. I love her honestly, yet loving heart she has with it. When ever she tells a story or gives advise I start to catch myself taking notes in my head lol it's odd I know.  Aunt Roda is a hoot to be around, try not laughing at one of her comments or jokes, it's impossible I swear!

Here is Scott (Cain's dad) reading off our "thankful leafs" from the tree. Wanna guess what mine was?! Well I'll just tell you ;)

"Thankful to become a future Grogg"

hehe. Me a Grogg, yup so happening!

Cain made the three hour drive from his Dad's to my family's house in two. Yes, I'll say it again if you didn't think you read that right. Cain made the three hour drive from his Dad's too my family's house in two. Yes two hours. I was very impressed and a little scared. But thankful. It was wonderful to see my family. I can be gone a day, and it feels like years. I missed helping my mom get everything ready for thanksgiving ... but was okay with just having everything prepared for me! ;p

Emma made her first day-bew at our house Thursday. As much as we loved seeing Derek and Lana, Emmie stole the show. It was my paw-paw's and Nova's first time meeting our sweet baby girl. Both did well by not getting to close lol my Grandpa said he was to old to be holding something that small. Nova wasn't to sure about her smell lol

My Grandpa, Mom, sister and niece! 

It was a great night. But our thanksgiving wasn't over yet. We had one more thing to take care of on Friday. You see, people are so giving to us... we wanted to give back this year.

Grandma Smith has been cooking on a one heater stove top for a while now. Even though most people would complain all day about that and throw a fit (someone like me!) she hasn't. She still makes everyone a big breakfast anytime she gets the chance. She just does everything with one little heater on the stove. Only a great grandma could pull something like that off!

Well last week our Church gave each family $50 to give to someone in need this Thanksgiving.  We could give the money to anyone we felt needed it. We couldn't just go give someone $50 bucks in cash though, we had to go meet that person's need. And we could have done a lot with that money, there was endless ways to spend it. But only one way hit both our hearts, we knew what we needed to do. No one is more deserving then our grandparents. Those two are the most loving, giving, hard working and honest people you'll meet. We got ahold of the rest of the family and everyone wanted to help us out in giving them this gift. It's nice to see the willingness to help our family.

Cain found a stove at Lowe's he thought grandma would love, we loaded it up Friday after he got off work and headed over to their home. With the help of Toni and Matt, by getting them out of the house we were able to take the one heater working, gross and falling apart stove out and replace it with the beautiful new one! All in under a hour by the way haha.

We got a call later that night from grandma. I won't say her age because she would probably hurt me, but she told us she has NEVER had a new stove before. I can say I have never had a new stove before but I'm 22, I've got many chances for that. But through her life she has never gotten the chance to have a new stove. But she can't say that anymore! And she better be making us breakfast soon with all 4 heaters WORKING!

New stove!

Yes, I was sick though all of that time. But nothings a better medices then making people happy! Toni was so sweet yesterday, I talked to her for a short time at Lowe's and she asked if I was sick. How could she tell over the phone I thought? I was sure doing a good job faking my "I'm perfectly healthy and alive right now" sound, so I thought. Haha she's a mom she knows everything though. So after we had loaded the oven and were driving, Toni called Cain and after awhile he smiled and looked at me. I guess she had told him everything he needed to do to help me out with my sickness. What a great mother in law I have. So that night Cain brought me home a couple CVS bags filled with different ways to help me sleep and get better. I would like to thank Cain for the restful night and a morning without a stuffed up noes and dry throat but I think Toni deserves that praise ;) Haha.

I am sooooo much better today! Feeling a bit more like a human (I was thinking I was becoming a zombie for awhile) and my appetite is back!

Even though thanksgiving is over, I still count my blessings. Life has so much to offer you if you just embrace the hard times and learn from your mistakes. There is always love around, you've just got to be open to it.

Family is so important to both Cain and I, and I feel more blessed now then ever to have them all apart of our life. We couldn't ask for a better support team.

~Psalms 118:1

Lanette

Coming soon, to an oven near you

Coming soon....

Holiday music

As Cain works his last few hours before our holiday get away with family, I am adding all my christmas songs to the Iphone! So that Cain can be extremely annoyed all the way to his Dad's house. That's almost 3 hours of christmas music!

Not possible? You haven't met me then. I LOVE my christmas songs. It's just gets me so happy and up beat! Not that's I'm not normally like that all the time ... lol ... but just a little bit more Christmasy sprit!

 So while I finish this up! Why don't you sit back and enjoy some holiday music!

I've gotta get us packed and ready to go!

See ya!

Lanette

What's better then MY DAY?!

I love sharing good news! It's just as fun as christmas or a birthday. Sharing news about Cain's achievements will always be more exciting to me then my birthday. And believe me I LOVE my birthday, it's MY DAY. But what's better then MY DAY is seeing Cain's dreams come true one step at a time reaching his goals.

So what's the exciting news? Oh yeah I'm getting to that hold on! Cain was accepted into the Nursing program at St. Francis! Which means he is one step closer to becoming a nurse, going active in the Army then one day becoming a PA in the Army!

When he got the call he put the guy on speaker phone so I could hear the news with him. We both giggled after, saying "what if he had said no, we both would have just looked at each other with blank stares" But nope we smiled and I nodded saying "I knew it" I held back tears. He makes me so proud!

To some these things might be little steps, and hey maybe it is in the scheme of life. But in our life we value every achievement, every "one step closer" moment. Nothing will be "oh it's no big deal" At least to me. Because I see how hard Cain works everyday to reach his goals. It's a big deal.

We are still looking for a place for Cain to rent this coming January, now that he is for sure going to St. Francis. So after Thanksgiving fun ends we are back on that, full focus!

And following up on the house hunt, you see that nose? No not Cain's. The other one with whiskers! Yeah Nova's. She is the reason this house hunt as turned out the way it has. For some odd reason unknown to man kind people think that a dog like Nova (Collie/Husky) Is not a dog to have while renting. WELL! I have news for those lovely land lords, if you'll let a dirty Cat crap in your house but won't let our dog in and she won't crap in your house... You're retarded. Enough said. Done. over it! 

:P

Today we had big plans with Graci to go to the Mall and ride the merry go round. But got a call asking if I could come into the court house and do a last minute photo shoot. I hated to cancel our plans but both Graci and Cain said it was alright.

I swear Graci is perfect. This outfit says everything.

Life is good, no matter what happens that might bring you down. Don't forget about the blessings you still have. Like Cain and Graci, my biggest blessings. I love those two.

Tomorrow we are driving to Ohio to spend Thanksgiving morning/afternoon with Scott, Ruthie and the kids! We always enjoy our time there visiting. Bring on the happy thanksgiving festivals!

Lanette

Frog legs and a deer. Meaty weekend

Last night after Cain got off work we went with my parents over to Celina, Ohio. They are redoing the fire place in the house and needed the stone wall thingy from Menards. Yes we have a menards in fort wayne that would be closer but they wanted us to try this Chinese place! The place I guess is known for their frog legs.... hmmm. And they have a stir fry option there too! Well I'm all for trying new things, so I went ahead and had a frog leg! Tasted like chicken. I think. Idk it was odd.

I didn't eat this whole plate! Just one little leg... haha

I also got to try sushi for the first time. I LOVE it! I am a huge fan! It was a fun night with my parents. We talked lots about the wedding day and our choices on the honeymoon destination.

Any thoughts on where we should go? We love the out doors, but it has to be warm out! We have a few different places in mind just haven't decided on which is perfect for the honeymoon.

Oh I almost forget to share our cousin Sam's exciting news! He shot his first deer Friday evening! We were lucky enough to have JUST left when it happen so we turn that Malibu around and darted inside the woods! He even shot it when Uncle Michael wasn't even around, what a stud. He then carried the deer awhile, what a stud. The kid is good at everything he does, what a STUD. We are big Wilson fan's. Can't wait for wrestling season to get started!

In other news Cain and I are still in the hunt for a place to sleep the next three years or so! We aren't wanting a big place or a fancy place ... Just wanting something clean, and no drug dealers outside! Is that to much to ask!? I know we will find a place sooner or later. I think we are both just excited to get things moving. Like the next 6 months, I'd like to get that moving ;)

Cain should be getting home from work any minute now, I better get off here and act like I did something other then work out and eat while he was gone ;) haha

Go Bronco's ! Anyone else watching the game tonight? We are!

Lanette

Justin & Emily engagement | Bluffton Indiana

Through all the excitement from getting engaged it might seem like I forgot I had a work life, and other things to get done other then planning a wedding! But I didn't forget and finished the last few sessions I had this fall. I just wanted to post these of Justin and Emily! They were so much fun to be around and I could tell that they were a perfect match!

Hi, I'm lanette and I'm a Taco Bell addict ...

Today marks 300 days without Taco Bell! Wow, it doesn't feel that long. It feels like just yesterday I was heading over to TB to lust over the amazing cheesy gordita crunch, a soft taco and then bites of whatever Cain had! Because his stuff always looked so good after I was finished with mine! Okay, I just sounded like a fatty there. I really wasn't over weight when I was eating Taco Bell everyday (and yes I would eat it everyday) but what I've learn is that just because your thin, does NOT mean you are healthy. For some people, they and everyone else can see how unhealthy they are. For others it's not a visible thing. But for me it wasn't showing on the outside. Now of course I'm not saying I looked fit and actually "healthy" looking but I wasn't over weight for my height and age.

To go back to that time though, almost a year ago. Cain was about to head off to basic. I was at my off season with pictures and had lots of time on my hands. So once Cain was off on his next chapter, I was on my own. I just didn't realize it yet. 

The first reason I stopped eating Taco Bell wasn't for my health. But for my wallet! Cain had a graduation coming up in 10 weeks that I needed to save for. So I started eating at home more, and besides it was no longer fun to go to the place that Cain and I have been too together so many times. The next step into a healthier life style was research. I wanted to tone up, loose some weight while I had so much free time. So from there I watched some documentaries that surprised me a lot. I didn't realize how much CRAP I was eating, daily and hourly! It was gross, gross. (Had to say it twice!) to think for so many years I was damaging my body. I was on the health nut train and wasn't planning on getting off, ever! But what I was wanting wasn't a "diet" a fad that would last until I lost some weight and then go back to feeding my body posion. I wanted to change my lifestyle. And keep the lifestyle for, well a lifetime. 

300 days later here I am, still learning everyday about new ways to norish my body and new things that are toxic to my body! Balance is something I have had the worse part dealing with. I feel strongly about how bad the meat is that most Americans eat. With all the hormones, GMO's and antibiotics they give to the animals just to make them grow more fat faster is horrible.  I know I don't want that stuff inside me. But, the protein I get from beans and nuts just aren't giving me enough without feeling bloated and very uncomfortable. I was doing protein shakes for awhile but decided I didn't want to be using supplements in my lifestyle. I wanted to only be eating REAL FOOD. 

What I believe is that there are so many different lifestyles people choose when it comes to food. And what works for them, might not work for others. My goal is to eat 75% all plant based raw foods one day. But that's a goal. I can't jump into that without knowing what I'm doing because if you aren't prepared you will fail! But that shouldn't stop you, just go slow to reach your goals. 

But whatever your goals are it should start with wanting to eat only REAL FOOD! Now everyone has different ranges of what they will eat out of the real food options but never is a box of Kraft Mac and cheese going to count as REAL FOOD! 

So right now I am still eating all real food, and have added in more meat (grass fed, free range, no antibiotics, wild caught) to my lifestyle. It's something I want to try to see how it makes me feel. Seeing how I was lacking in protein since I stopped protein powders.  About once a month I will eat some 'Back To Nature' Oreo's with Cain because that's something we love doing together as a treat! (I am human!)

I've had SO much support from my family  . And since I cut out the processed crap so has my mom and Cain (mostly) they still eat certain things I won't but the changes they have made are great! My mom and Cain both lost 30 pounds! I am so proud of their choices. Makes it easier on me when planning my meals. 

Here are some of the videos I have watched that has helped me decide what I was eating wasn't going to get me anywhere but a sick unhealthy lifestyle.

1. Food Inc.
2. Vegucated.
3. Fork over knives
4. Hungry for change
5. Fat Sick & Nearly Dead
6. FAT What no one is telling you
7. Kind corn, our daily bread
8. Supersize me
9. Future of Food
10. Food Matters

And some websites I follow

Food Babe
100 Days of Real Food
Against All grains

I'm so exicted to teach my children these life lessons and healthy eating. They will know things that took me 22 years to find out! I want to give them the best life I can, and I think this will have a big impact in that goal. 

And to Taco Bell, keep making those cheesy gordita crunches, I'm going to be over here destroying my loaded bean and avocado salad ;)

Probably should go wake up Cain so we can get this day started!

Lanette

p.s What do you think of those blonde high lights? Should I ever do that again?! 

Cheering him on

How excited is everyone that Thanksgiving is next week?! I am very excited about spending time with family. The only thing I'm not excited about is the FOOD! Not because I'm afraid I will eat to much, but not enough! I know, this is odd because that's complete opposite of everyone else. I just feel really strongly on processed foods, GMO's, and non organic foods. This is a life style I live, and want to carry through the rest of my life, but if people around me don't think the same it leaves me with, well not many choices! So the hunt in on for things I can make and take to all our thanksgiving parties! It's worth the preparation to stay healthy!

This is the first year Landon will not be here for Thanksgiving and I am really sad about it. I can't wait until my whole family is back together again, even if it's for a short time. There is just something about having everyone together that brings joy to the day. Sitting around laughing about the "old days" and of course the future!

Thinking about the future, Cain got some AWESOME news the other night from St. Francis! He not only got accepted ... (no surprise, he is great) but got a nice scholarship to go with it! I loved seeing how happy he was about the hard work he has already put in at Ball State paying off. Even though he is a semester behind due to Basic/AIT he won't let that keep him from just working harder and faster to get back to where he needs to be. We are just so excited to see what's in store for us the next 3 years. I know with Cain, we will go far. He is a great leader and I trust him fully. I'm the girl with the pomps pomps coming up with new cheers everyday for Cain ;)

Work has slowed down big time, and I am enjoying the time with Cain planning our big day! Next on the list of things to do is dress shop! It's a nice feeling to know whatever dress I decide Cain will love. I just have to find one I love and we will be set!

More on that to come!

Lanette

hole in the wall home

Just a quick post before heading to our volleyball game tonight! Something I look forward too and Cain forgets about lol I'm a nut for a good game of volleyball.

Tomorrow Graci, me and Cain are doing a little house hunt in Fort-Wayne. This will be our first taste of the search for the perfect place to live while Cain is at St. Francis. But when I say "House" it's going to be more of a "hole in the wall" type place. School has and still is number 1 to us which means a full time job for Cain isn't in our plan right now. So that leaves us with a bed and mini fridge home. Haha Maybe I'm being a little dramatic with that ;) But really though. As long as we are together, with Nova and no drug deals are happening right outside. I'll be excited for any hole in the wall home.

Today I am thankful for the never ending support Cain and I are receiving from family, friends and strangers! Just the another day while we were getting a spacer put on my ring (I'm waiting until AFTER the holiday season to get it resized) A elderly man over heard us talking about our exciting news of engagement and our big plans for the future. We found out he was a veteran so Cain and him got to talking about the Army :) As we went to pay for the spacer the man let us know it was on him, and congratulations and good luck to us. I almost started crying right there. We tried to tell him thank you, but we could pay. But men like him don't take no for a answer. We thanked him over and over again. Making sure he knew how much we not only appreciate for paying for the spacer, but for his service as well.

Life is good. And we should all be a little more grateful for the people in this world making a difference. While we sit back and complain about little things in our world, there are people who actually try and do something good. Little things like smiling at the cashier, and wishing them a good day could honestly go a long way. But it's so simple we don't think it matters.

We have almost a week before Thanksgiving. Try and think of ONE thing nice to do for someone else. Don't do it for your own self glory. Do it to show your kids what giving is all about, or do it because you just know it's the right thing to do.

Not sure why I went into all that but I just honestly feel so thankful for so many people I'm sitting here thinking, what have I done? What can I do?

I could go on about that all night! Just makes me want to go give Cain and big hug and just thank him for loving me so much, because honestly that's something I am so extremely thankful for.

So while I leave here to do that, go hug someone who loves you like crazy. Or better yet go hug someone who you are crazy about!

Oh yeah, and I'm going to kick butt in vball tonight ;)

Lanette

"Get all that wedding planning done so you have time to work!"

I'd like to start off by quoting my mother in law.... 

"Get all that wedding planning done so you have time to work!" 

Just the laugh I needed tonight. I am not totally behind on work, really I'm doing good. Just not moving as fast as I normally would. You see I go on to edit and think "OH, wedding dresses" or "Where should we go on a honeymoon?!" And from there I start doing my search and who knew, a hour has passed.... :/ So tell me this, could anyone else get any work done when they were newly engaged and planning a wedding?! I can't be the only extremely excited bride to be! 

I've done so well thus far, this wedding will be planned all by christmas and then I'll have to wait around 5 months to say I do! :p Everyone keeps telling me the time will fly, and I'm sure they are right. Just being in the moment it's hard to wait. I am so excited about being Mrs. Grogg :) 

Look who's pictures I got to take today! Yup, sweet Emma Grace's pictures. I mean, come on! Look at the grin. She knows already that she is SPOILED! Not that I would have it any other way for my niece. I'm glad I will be able to capture her growing up. You see that's the pros to having a sister as a photographer... (lana you owe me!) you get updated pictures every month! I'm happy to do so :)

Now on to finishing up these adorable pictures... but first, a sneak at more wedding planning ;) hehe. WHAT? I can't help myself!

November 15th | Thankful for: My JOB! The freedom I have to work at home is something I don't want to take for grated. I love my work. I'm thankful to all the wonderful people I am able to photograph. I have got to meet and become friends with such neat, amazing people because of this job. LOVE all my clients! 

Lanette

Wedding fever

November 12th | Thankful for: The SNOW! Yes the snow that most people dread every year. But not this girl! And here's why ...

(bear with me while I make no sense in what I am saying)

I got to thinking that normally we have 4-5 months of cold/snowy/bad weather here in my area of Indiana. So if that's the case, which normally is... if that cold/snowy/bad weather starts NOW it will end by April! ... Meaning.... May will be a beautiful month of sun shine/warm breezes/fresh flowers! You see my logic here? It really could happen ;)

I am having just a little fun with all that thinking. Cain and I both agree RAIN or shine... it will be our perfect day to celabrate the commitment we have for one another. So bring those umbrellas my friends if you don't wanna mess up your hair ;)

I'm tired, tired, tired. This bride to be has had ZERO sleep the last week due to a extreme case of wedding fever, planning chills and sensitive to bright lights from staring at my ring too long.

Lame, I know. But for real, you can't tell me you weren't this excited when you got engaged too! And if you haven't yet, I am giving you the heads up, it's just as amazing as you think it will be, times 10.

Lanette

About time

Yesterday was a great day! Cain and I decided to take the day off to celebrate our anniversary, veterans day, and oh yeah... OUR ENGAGEMENT! We are still pretty excited about it. We no longer go by our names but prefer "Fiancé" .... heheh :D People may start getting sick of our happiness soon ... we aren't shy that's for sure!

I woke up to Flowers on my desk :) And a sweet card that made me cry! We were soon after off to Fort-Wayne. Breakfast was first! We don't normally go out for breakfast but Bob Evan's were serving free pancakes to military members so we took advantage of that! I got a veggie omlette with a side of fruit!

We had some things to take back to the mall, and there we got my ring cleaned. Not that it was lacking in shine, but I just wanted to see it sparkle a little bit more! We saw that Starbucks was offering free coffee for veterans day. We are not coffee drinkers because we hate the taste! But we always joke that we wish were coffee drinkers because it smells so yummie and people just look so cool holding their coffee cup in hand! (We are lame) So we went ahead and got one! After spilling it on oursleves a couple times we got a taste ..... and yup, still hate the taste! But we did think we looked older, more like a future husband and wife ;)

And right here I am going to put in my thankfulness of the day! (yesterday).... If you don't mind.

November 11th | Thankful for: My best friend. The type of best friend that laughs at the silly things you do, the one you can tell your secrets too and not be afraid what they might think. The one who no matter what, their there for you. Who knows you better then yourself (and it freaks you out!) The one you can just look at and they know what you're thinking. (our way of making fun of people without them knowing) I can't believe I am marrying my best friend in life, to think when we are old and fat we won't stop loving each other because we have our true friendship that will last a life time.

Who didn't think the movie "About time" looked amazing?! Because I thought it looked like a great, funny movie to see... and looky there, I was right! It was. To us at least. We really enjoyed the love story and sweet moments. We even cried. Yes I said we, as in Cain shed a tear. Shhhh... don't tell him I told you!

Chipotle was our lunch choice. It's where we can both get what we want. I only like eating salads when going out and I am a big fan of theirs! Cain likes burritos, with lots of cheese!

Cain and I are on a volleyball league this year at our local city gym. Last night was the first time up at the net, and guess what?! We actually won! Thanks to our teammates though, we probably did more harm then good. But we do enjoy playing, and playing together :)


Last but not least ... we sat down and decided a wedding date.... drum roll please....*drumming sound....  May 31st of 2014! YES, THIS MAY! Right now the first responses to this date is "Wow so soon"Actually. We would like to get married this weekend, or better yet LAST weekend. So really this coming may isn't "so soon" ;)

We know we want to get married, why wait? The commitment we have is set in stone. We just want the state of Indiana to put it in writing. We both know people put it in writing, and realize later that commitment isn't there. So to us, waiting does no good, we aren't going into this thinking "If it doesn't work there is divorce" NO! Not a option or after thought. We want to do this once, and right. That's why I feel such a peace and blessed to have found a man like Cain. Steadfast to what he believes, loyal, a leader, a amazing provider, someone who would not only defend me... but his country. I'm marrying my best friend, wow am I blessed.

So with all that said... does anyone think May 31st doesn't work?! ... Going once... GOING TWICE.... SOLD to that overly googling eyed couple in the back starting at that beautiful diamond ring! ;)

Our next "to do" is let those lucky family and friends know they get to stand not sit at our wedding!

So make sure to come back around here to see who they will be!

Lanette

Living in the land of newly engaged

Wow am I behind on naming all the things I'm thankful for this month! Not that I don't have any, but because so many amazing things happened in just one week... It's like thankfulness overload! I am so tired from the lack of sleep I have been getting, I wake up in the middle of the night and remember all the wedding things I want to get done and can't go back to sleep! This was my last busy weekend though for the next couple of months. All I have to do is get caught up on pictures and I am free to wedding plan my heart out!

If I can take this minute to step back and look at the past week though, I can just see all the amazing things life has to offer and the blessings out there in our life. Sorta makes me want to cry (probably the lack of sleep) but I will hold back the tears for now!

November 6th | Thankful for: ....... SO MANY THINGS! And yes, Cain is one of those things. But I think everyone knows how thankful I am of Cain. So I would like to just say how thankful I am of Bobbi, Mike and Ben. Maybe to them it was another day, just a another great bobbi+mike workshop day. But to me, to us. It was the next chapter in our love story, it was a tale to share with our kids. One day when they ask "How did dad propose?" We get to look at each other, laugh... smile, and say "Well, let us tell you about Bobbi and Mike"

-This was a stop we made on our way home from Indy Wednesday night. One set of flowers for the "Mother of the Groom", The "Grandparents of the Groom", and last one for my Flower girl! Just because it was me who got engaged doesn't mean the family doesn't get anything! I had fun passing the flowers out :) Oh and my flower girl is Graci, if any one wondered who it might be! It was a easy pick . She already requested a red dress, with sparkles. Anyone want to help me talk her out of that one?!

-One of the many random times I had to stop and stare at the bling... hold on.... I just did it again!

November 7th | Thankful for: All the love and support from our family, friends and the BBMK alumn. All the well wishes and congratulations made my heart overflow. I told my mother in law (Who is amazing by the way) how overwhelming it was to receive so much support. She said "You have an "Army" of friends and loved ones" And we couldn't be happier. We are blessed.

November 8th | Thankful for: Finally holding Emma our niece! Emma Grace is home and doing very well! Cain has the touch with her already, she was asleep within minutes of him holding her :) He will make a great uncle. I couldn't be more thankful for the doctors and nurses who took such great care of her while she was in the hospital.

-In search of my first Bridal Magazine the other morning at 6:50am. On my way to baby sit, had to stop! But I felt like I was looking at a "Waldo" book. WHERE IS THE BRIDAL MAG?!

November 9th | Thankful for: My amazing Mother in law! I'm so thankful for the relationship we have been able to build. She raised one heck of amazing guy, and for that I respect her dearly. She is a true friend, and has made the last few days so fun talking about the wedding and all the things we should do! I know I won't have to worry about anything the next 6 months because she will be there to help me out along the way.

One more day and I'm caught up! Still with me??

November 10th | Thankful for: My dad, Lenny. Way to many things to go into when talking about my dad. The love he has for EVERYONE is crazy to see sometimes. I think "Why do you care about them?" doesn't matter who it is, where they are from, what they've done... he loves them for them. If someone was to ever say something bad about my dad, I would know they were a nut case right away. I'd take a jump back and hold out my fingers making a X ... "You, no touchy, back away slowly..." Ha. For real though. That's how great of a guy he is. I am lucky to call him my friend, pastor, dad, hero.


:)


This month has turned out to show me more blessings then I realized. Tonight, stop and think about those little things you were thankful for this past week. If it's someone you are thankful for, tell them. Don't take anyone for granted. They might need to know what they mean to you.

Tomorrow Cain and I are taking the morning off and celebrating the 2 years of "dating". We were kind of already together much longer then just these 2 years but he didn't make it official until 11/11/11 . He is so sweet. Maybe I will share how he asked me to be his "Girlfriend" tomorrow?! It's a cute story. But aren't all the things Cain does so cute? What a catch ;)

Lanette

Can't eat, can't sleep, reach for the starts, over the fence, worldseries kind of stuff... BOOM!

The last 48 hours are a blur. A big crazy blur. What I am feelings is that can't eat, can't sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series kind of stuff" (Name that movie!)

To put it all together in a blog post is impossible. Because words will never describe the feeling, romance, fun, loving, once in a life time story of how Cain proposed. Yup, you heard it right! Cain popped the question, put a ring on it, wants to tie the knot... haha ... you get the point I think!

What started off as a honest once in a life time opportunity, turned into a once in a life time memory.

As I posted before I have been very excited about the workshop modeling for Bobbi+Mike. Once we arrived there we (I) found out that we were having our video taken that day too! But not for us (lie) but for a promo for Bobbi+Mike. That's what I thought! Little did I know then, this was all a scam! Cain already knew, and it wasn't for Bobbi and Mike ... It was for ME! But I did not know this at the time, I was clueless and frankly just not thinking straight. But how could I be? I was too excited about the fact I was about to spend the day with my favorite photographers!

So we were on our way around town, being photographed and having a crowd of about 20 other photographers over seeing bobbi doing her thing! Boy does she know how to work it! She's crazy, crazy awesome, crazy awesomely perfect, crazy awesomely perfectly wonderful... should I go on? Honestly the way she connects with clients so fast, not just anyone can do that. Plus her creativity is out of this world. So here I am enjoying and taking it all in and trying to just have fun and go with it. Cain was doing awesome too! He seemed relaxed, having fun, no care in the world kind of way. He has a different story though of that first hour of being photographed. He was flipping out inside, going nuts, nerves like none other, going over in his head the moment he would ask me to marry him.... ALL those things he kept INSIDE, not studdering once... or spilling any beans. He's awesome. Kind of like bobbi awesome ;)

We get to this beautiful walk way, with trees on both sides covered with leaves. Oh and there were leaves on the ground too, it was just breath taking! Bobbi had cain come up behind me and wispher in my ear all the things he loved about me... then told us to think about how special it is to have him back home after being gone for so long at Basic and AIT. I did think about it, and even started getting emotional there... (more emotion was coming) finally she told cain to say something else, (this is where that blur started) because the next thing I knew cain said "I want to spend the rest of my life with you" And my eyes turn the size of golf balls as I turned to see him getting down on one knee!!! I can't believe I'm writing about this, it's real. It really happened! I can't tell you what all took place after that. I know I said yes because the whole work shop was cheering for us. I flashed my hand to everyone and then yeah, it's all a blur LOL

But remember that video photographer who was doing the "promo" for the workshop. Yeah, he's awesome too and had Cain mic'd up, so not only do I get to see this moment through photographs. But through film, with sound. You all get to hear what I heard, see what I saw, and share in that moment with us. AHHH. This is happening.

The ring, it speaks for it's self I think. But because rings don't speak, lets be honest. I will. It's perfect. It's me, and it's everything I wanted. He did good, real good.

Cain went overboard with this one. It's going to be hard to meet this proposal story. (sorry guys!) but top that. Yeah, not happening!

Family knows, friends too.  Now it's social medias turn. And after that. Every stranger will become my friend because I'm not going to be shy on sharing this story with EVERYONE.

Future Grogg, ME!

November 5th

November 5th | Thankful for: How light hearted and easy going Cain is. No matter how little sleep, how busy the day or how much work or school he has ... He ALWAYS has a smile that brings joy to my days. I'm thankful that he is just as excited about our photo shoot tomorrow as I am! Nice to know I don't have to force my future husband into doing things I love! If I love it, he loves it too.

Well, unlike Cain who looks handsome 24/7 ... I need my beauty sleep ;)

Good Night!

Let it rain let it rain :)

Lanette

P.s I got to snap this shot today ..... Momma Lana and Baby Emma ... *heart melting ...

Embracing the rain

Bobbi says we are "embracing the rain" Tomorrow! And by golly that's what we'll do! Cain and I are both so excited to be apart of the workshop Mike and Bobbi are doing tomorrow afternoon. No matter the rain, wind, or chilling temp. Because Cain is just going to be holding me the whole time either way ;) Now, about this rain though... I think I might need a rain coat! Of all the clothing I have that is one thing I am lacking. Opps! Oh well, shopping is calling my name then!

Might also go see my niece while I'm in the big city! (fortwayne) Just got some exciting news from the parents... Lana got to hold Emma for the first time, yay!!! Sweetest thing EVER! Is it my turn yet??! Auntie Lanette needs to get on good terms so that Emma will be my willing baby model this winter!

Let's see if I can get any more pictures edited tonight, with all this excitment going on I forgot I need to be working :p Only two sessions to edit, and two more to take before I am on a little break!

By the way... check out this dreamy cashier I was checking out last night.

 HOT STUFF ;)

Lanette

P.s he's mine!

Maddy | Senior Bluffton Indiana