28

Wow. 28. Really?

Although the years have passed quickly...I know that, Lord willing, I have so many more to look forward to.

In reflection of these past years, I honestly have to say that I feel so blessed. I have the most incredible husband in the world, the most encouraging and loyal friends, and family that supports and loves me through everything. I don't think there is anything that I could or would change.

So, if you are reading this and you are a part of my life...thank you. Thank you for all you have done to shape me, build me, encourage me, challenge me, and guide me into the person that I am today!

On that note..here is how I spent my 28th birthday! Enjoying my most favorite things in the world...my husband, my sweet pup, my camera, and the Lord's incredible creation!

I'm so grateful for a husband who understands just what I need on my birthday!

AND....We are off!!!

So...I finally got around to making a blog just for the pictures that I have been taking so that I don't have to keep posting them on here!

If you are interested, check it out!

jessaandersonphotography.blogspot.com

Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive, encouraging, and allowed me to follow you around with my camera!

Reality Check.

Debt sucks.

Reality check #2.

When you realize that your debt is over a swimsuit coverup you had to have in 2006 that was so generously donated to Goodwill in 2007 because it was "so last season".

The truth is...we struggle. And I know a lot of people do. But for me, it is easier to justify debt from owning a house or raising a family over debt from splurging on too many superficial things.

And I guess now, more than ever, we are feeling stuck in the reality of our debt vs. our future family. That is a heavy burden. One that we placed on ourselves and now one that we have to deal with.

Dave Ramsey (a great and wise man who offers relief from debt for many families) tells you to start with the snowball effect. The "pay off the little things first to gain momentum" idea.

Well, what happens while you are waiting for the snow to fall so you can begin making your snowball?

It is hard to find momentum when you feel like every time you start, you hit another road block. Whether it is a car breaking down or a medical bill that needs to be payed...sometimes it just seems like too much.

Don't get me wrong...we are SO blessed! God has completely offered provision to us in amazing ways and through amazing people.

This is just one of our realities right now. A hard but true reality and one that we are looking at face to face and ready to change.

Family Cheer!

Just wanted to share a few pictures of my most recent family photo shoots! They were each so beautiful and filled with so much love and joy. Those are the greatest things to capture on a camera!

Thanks to the Lee and McKenzie families for letting me take you into orchards and abandoned railways and walk through parks filled with who knows what walking around in the leaves! I'm so thankful for both families and the blessing they are to so many!

The Lee Family

The McKenzie Family

Tis the Season!

It is certainly my most favorite season of the year! I love the fact that I get to listen to endless amounts of cheesy Christmas music (including Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by N'Sync on repeat!), eat WAY to many pepperminty sweets, and shop more than I am usually allowed!

Not only that, but does anyone agree when I think people are generally more kind during Christmas? Well...obviously excluding the Parking Wars wanna-be's at the mall.

I just love this time of year! LOVE IT! The Anderson apartment is officially decorated, after an bad incident of rats eating only and all of our Christmas decor! But AIN'T NOTHIN' GONNA HOLD US DOWN! Apparently, you can't get too mad at anything (even rats) trying to take in the most that the yule tide has to offer!