Today I'm linking up with 5ohwifey and The Hollie Rogue for their "The Girl Behind the Blog" vlog series. They posed the question "What are you learning right now?" and this is my answer. And Twink makes an adorable cameo. He's kind of the star of my vlogs! 

Go visit the others!

I got a new camera for my birthday. It's a Canon EOS Rebel T3. It's perfect for someone who's just starting to get into photography more. Someone like me! So naturally I whip it out every moment that I see something worth capturing. And there are a lot of those with such a cute little puppy. I've been reading different tips and tricks to making my pictures better and utilizing all of my DSLR features. I'm not going pro anytime soon but it's so fun to try it all. These are my favorites of him so far. He's just too cute for words.

Guest Post: Salena @ A Little Piece of Me

I'm blog swapping with Salena today (if you go visit her you'll find another great giveaway from me!) and I'm very excited about it. Salena's blog is one of my daily must reads. She always has something interesting to say and pictures to go along with it. And I love pictures. Enjoy!

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Hi there... Hello. Also, I Love You. followers!  

My name is Salena and I am the blogger behind  A Little Piece of Me.  I was born and raised in Hawaii on the island of O'ahu.  I'm wife to Rudy, mother of 6, and grandmother of 3.  I am a stay at home mommy to my 3 little girls and on my spare time, which is rare, I create handmade accessories which you can find at here.  I blog about everyday life, marriage, parenting, things I love, and everything in between and I am so happy to be blog swapping with Sue today.



I was super excited when Sue asked me to swap blogs for a guest post.  Then she asked me to write about “Finding Courage”.  I.  freaked.  This one is hard for me.  I don’t think I have courage or that I am a very courageous person.  She offered to give me another topic but to be honest, I felt like I needed to face this one and that I could bring light to others with my life.

I have been put into situations where I was forced to have courage, not only for me but for my kids. 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9b

I believe God allows us to go through things which pull us out of our comfort zone because on our own we would never go there on our own.  It’s times like these where we are stripped of everything we know to be true and left with our true selves. 

In times when I am faced with needing to have courage, I get there by doing a lot of deep breathing, praying through the fear, trusting that God is with me the entire time, and believing that no matter what, God works out everything for good.  I have found that the easiest way to finding courage is being vulnerable and be true to who you really are.  God promises that He has already gone ahead of you into the situation that He has already planned out for you and has prepared everything to work out for good.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30:21

Source: thecolorsofmymind.tumblr.com via Salena on Pinterest

It is in times of needing courage that we are pushed into the direction of growth.    If left to ourselves, we may not have ever made the choice to move in the right direction.  I believe that looking back, I see all the times I was forced to find courage were the times that lead me to where I needed to be.

I'd love for you to come visit me on my blog and to get to know more of my story.  I love making new friends and look forward to hearing from you.

 blog / Facebook / Twitter  / Shop

xoxo, Salena

I'm a big fan of Birthday Week. I think it takes a lot more than one day to do all the fun things associated with celebrating my birth. If you're curious to why I celebrate birthday week read this post on 1000 Awesome Things. It explains how I feel perfectly. It's not that I'm self centered, it's that I love an excuse to have a party. Don't worry, one day when I have children they'll also get the joy of birthday week. Aaron's already looking forward to his. Every time we picked out a present for me he said, "when it's my birthday I want {insert random boy thing}." This went on for a while until finally I said, "honey, it's not your birthday for another 8 months." But I now have a list of presents that are acceptable for his birthday. Just in case. Now, on to the pictures because they show the joys of birthday week so much better than I can say it.

Pretty Presents 

Tie-dye Cupcakes {inspired here}

Random Happiness

Don't forget to enter my birthday giveaway!

First things first, have you entered my birthday giveaway yet? Not to brag or anything, but I think it's a pretty fun giveaway. It's also super easy to enter.

Now I need your help to decide on my blog button. I've had the same one for a while. I think consistency is a good thing but I get bored so easily that I have to switch up my blog to make myself happy. I've designed a new blog button and now I'm torn between using the one I've had for a while or moving on to something different. Tell me which one you like best- the new on top or the old on bottom?

 

Now on to my confessions...

• I confess that I bought the new Justin Beiber song on iTunes today. And I've listened to it about 15 times. I don't know what it is about the song but I really like it.
• I confess that yesterday I had a cupcake for breakfast. You're allowed to do that on your birthday. I'm pretty sure it's a rule.
• I confess that I tried to use Rafflecopter for my giveaway yesterday and it outsmarted me. I tried and I tried and I tried and it just didn't want to work. So I had to do it the old fashioned way.
• I confess that my worst habit is popping my knuckles. It didn't start until high school. I have no idea where it comes from. It drives me crazy every time I do it. And yet I still do it.
• I confess that I'm really starting to like Vlogging. It's more fun that I thought and my family and friends back in Utah text me every time I put one up saying how much they miss me. It makes me feel very loved.

I'm linking up with Mo today!

Why is it that every time I do post a video my opening face is just AWKWARD? I don't know where YouTube found that particular still frame in the video but I apologize! And now, on to the good stuff. Today is my birthday and I'm turing 26. I'm a little anxious about being on the downward slope to 30 but I think I'll handle it well. In celebration of my birthday I wanted to do my very first link up and giveaway- I know, 2 in one... I'm crazy. So here's the deal. The Vlog link up will be open all week and same goes for the giveaway. They close at midnight (my time) on March 31st. If you link up your own Vlog you'll be entered into a second giveaway. I'm not telling the prize- but it will be fabulous. If you don't want to do a Vlog I'll still love you and you can still enter into my ultra-fabulous birthday giveaway. And please do so I don't feel lame about my very first giveaway hosted on my little blog. And now... Another awkward Vlog!

If you made it through that Vlog you're awesome. And now I'll share with you my fabulous prizes you'll get if you win my giveaway. On the left are 4 beautiful rice bowls with Japanese cherry blossoms painted on them. And on the right are macaroon candles, a Japanese make-up bag, a cocoa milk bath mix (it's awesome) and a face mask to make your skin pretty and soft (they're my fav). So if you want to win these lovely things just enter my giveaway below!

To enter the giveaway (please leave a comment for each):

+1 Leave a comment telling me your favorite birthday present you've ever received

+1 Follow my blog via GFC

+1 Like Hello. Also, I love you. on Facebook

+1 Follow me on Twitter

+1 Tweet about the giveaway and mention @suehc11 (can be done once daily)

Good luck my lovely friends!

Tomorrow is my first link up. I'm nervous no one will participate! So I thought it would give you all some inspiration & motivation. 

First of all, the inspiration: For our very first Vlog link up I'll make it easy. All you have to do it make a little video introducing yourself, your family, your life, basically whatever you want to talk about, and answer the question "What is your favorite birthday treat?" 

Second, the motivation: Everyone who links up will be entered into another little giveaway, separate from my birthday giveaway, and the prize will be awesome. 

So are you ready for this link up? I know I'm excited about it! 
Oh, and I made a new little "about me" on my sidebar
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What do you think?

I know I've been ignoring anything substantial on my blog when my mother texts me and says "You need to blog." My mom was my first reader and will probably be my last. When everyone else has gotten sick of my silly ramblings she'll still be there waiting every day for me to update. 


I've been thinking this week about why I blog. I sometimes share recipes but I'm not a chef. I sometimes do DIY projects but I'm not an artist (although I wish I was). I love taking pictures but I'm not a photographer (at least not yet). My husband is in the Air Force but I don't really talk about that, mostly because I don't have much to say on the subject. It's his job, he goes to work everyday, he sometimes has to go far away. It's part of my life. I live in Japan but we have a blizzard at least once a week and it's not really get-out-and-explore weather. I love clothes and make-up but I'm hardly an expert there either. I don't have cute children to write about and I don't have a baby growing in my tummy to give you updates on. Basically, I like a lot of things but there's nothing that's "my thing." 


I originally started blogging as a creative writing outlet. I love journaling and I've kept journals since I was a little girl. Blogging was just a more fun way to journal. Sometimes people read what I write and that's good. Sometimes they don't and that's good too. For me the important thing is that I'm writing and I'm putting myself out there. This is my life and my story and when it comes right down to it that's what matters. I love that I can look back on the last 5 years of my life because they're all right here for me. I can search labels for past ideas and posts. I can look at pictures and stories from the past and remember the little things that I'd otherwise forget. 


So really, I only blog for me. 
And I love each and every one of you that follow me on this journey called life!


Two other little things, while I'm here.


The first, Sunday the 25th is my birthday and I'm going to do a Vlog link up and a giveaway. You don't have to link up to participate in the giveaway but I would love it if you did! I'll post more about that tomorrow.


The second, it's getting to be that time again- the end of the month when we all switch up our sponsors. If you'd like to sponsor my blog for April I would love to have you! It's totally free, all I ask is that we do a swap. If you're interested email me at helloalsoiloveyou{at}gmail{dot}com. I love making new blog friends.

Thank you all for your sweet words and thoughts for Twink today. He did really well in his surgery but because it was a complicated procedure he now has two incisions healing and he's in a lot of pain. He yelps whenever someone moves him and it hurts my heart every time. I've spent a good part of the day frustrated and holding back tears over my baby's pain. Like a crazy puppy mama I actually started crying when I picked him up at the vet. Overall he's doing well though and he has 2 weeks of R&R before he's allowed back outside to play like a puppy again. He's such an active puppy that I don't know how he'll fare but I'm hoping for the best. His little cone of shame is so sadly precious that I had to share it with you all. And I'm completely exhausted so I'm going to snuggle with my hubby and my puppy and try to get some sleep tonight.

When I'm stressed out about something and I keep it hidden inside it usually finds other ways go come out, like in my dreams. And last night I had continuous dreams about my puppy dying today. I know this is all about to sound very dramatic but please keep in mind that he is my baby. I will never compare him to someones child because I know they're different and one day when I have kids I'll know the difference. But he is the only baby I have and I love him. 

Today Twink is going in for surgery. Usually neutering is a simple procedure and I wouldn't worry about it but Twink has a special circumstance. He only has one descended testicle so they have to do an exploratory surgery as well to find the second one. He also has a special condition (I forget what it's called) that can cause cancer if the testicles aren't removed in his first 2 years of life. So to be safe we're getting it all done as early as possible.

However, that means my poor baby has to have surgery while he's only 8 months old. He's only 6 pounds and they're going to knock him out cold for hours and search his tiny little body for something that could potentially harm him. I realize as I'm typing this that there's a 99.9% chance that I worry too much and I just need to figure out how to relax but my dreams kept me up all night so I'm not exactly thinking in those terms. I know this is a strange post but I wanted to write out my feelings because it always helps me sort them out. And it has. Wish us luck today!

One of the BEST things about living overseas is the mail. I like to shop online just so I get packages and if I'm lucky people send me things. I love getting cards, too. Our fridge is covered in holiday cards, thank you cards, and wedding announcements from my friends and family. It makes me happy every time I see them. And this past week was a great week for mail! 

I ordered these rosette headbands on Etsy (I admit it, I'm an Etsy addict) to dress up my hair on days that I just want a messy bun or a pony tail.

I got this beautiful headband after winning a giveaway that A Little Piece of Me was sponsoring. This was the only headband in this style that she made so I have an "original Salena" that I absolutely love.

Remember how I mentioned that I have a pen pal? Well Jane is fabulous (go meet her!) and yesterday I got a package from her in the mail. It had an adorable magnet from Hawaii (which is perfect because I'm low on magnets) and these macadamias. I didn't know they did different flavors of macadamias but they are delicious! I can't decide which one is my favorite. Every time I pick which my fav is I munch on a different one and change my mind. So I'm just going to savor them all.

Jane is awesome and has a great Etsy store where she sells her jewelry and other pretty things. Right now she's sponsoring a giveaway at Life's Little Indulgences for a pair of her darling handmade earrings. You can also win a blog review in the giveaway so you should definitely go check it out.

I'm going to be posting my Vlog link up sometime this week so be sure to check back for it and join me. I promise, the more people that participate the more fun it will be! And I'm thinking of doing my very first giveaway along with the link up. It's all spinning around in my brain, but it sounds fun to me. What do you think?

I want to introduce you all to Abby from Diligent Joy. I've known Abby for a few years and she has a wonderful blog. She has a beautiful outlook on life and a great sense of style. Today she's visiting to tell you more about it all. Enjoy!

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Hi there. Sue asked me to write about whatever I wanted. I had a hard time choosing just one topic so I decided it would be fun to write a little about each of the things I love best in the world. If you like what you see and want more, come on over and visit me at my blog, Diligent Joy. It is all about me and my life and my devotion to happiness.  

I love being happy. Seriously, being happy is way better than being sad. I'm nearly 30 and thus far, I've had a really full life. There have been amazing moments as well as some pretty big bumps in the road. I've tried to learn from every experience, good and bad. I've tried to take some sort of lesson and growth away from every stage in my life.

I've learned that life is too short to stress over ridiculous stuff. I've learned that letting inconsequential things get you down is a waste of time- precious time that you will never regain. I've learned that if you love someone, you love them for all that they are and nagging at their faults will do nothing but make you and them miserable. I've learned that complaining is a waste of breath. Our words and thoughts have great power. If we think and speak negatively, we are going to feel all sorts of negative things and really, who needs anger, hatred, jealousy and frustration in their world? Not me. If we think positive thoughts and use positive words, we are going to get positive results. I know it because I've lived it. 

There are good days and bad days for everyone, certainly, but the good new is that we always have a choice about how we take them. I try to take everything with a smile and a positive attitude. I believe- no, I know- that happiness is a choice and that if we choose happiness, life is better. I love this life and am grateful for the opportunity to be better each day.

 

I love my family. My daughter, Harper, is the greatest miracle in my life. She is also the cutest little person alive. She loves Ariel, tutus, Angelina Ballerina, ice cream, beef jerky, and dogs. Colt is my husband and he's awesome- and sexy, too (we were married at the courthouse just over a year ago). I love him and still get butterflies when he calls me or walks through our front door. True story. I love our dogs, Hazelnut Valentine and Tucker Red Wild. They make each day better and happier and I can't imagine a day without them.

What else? I love reading and have since I was three years old. My favorite books are Wuthering Heights, The Old Man and the Sea, and Wicked. I love beauty products (seriously, I'm addicted). I have a series, called The Beauty Aisle, dedicated to hair and beauty on my blog (check it out here). I love yoga and hope to be a yoga teacher someday. I love music (I studied piano performance/pedagogy in college) and am actually a part time piano teacher. I also love cookies (nearly any kind), designer handbags, my Subaru, and the park (honestly, the park is one of my favorite places to go... Parks are totally underrated), and nachos.

I think that's about it for this guest post. If you want to know more about us, go here. If you want to follow my blog, please do so. I would love to have you. I can also be found on pinterest, facebook, and twitter. Thanks so much for reading and thanks a whole bunch to Sue for having me. Much love. 

A fair warning has been issued. I'm a little awkward in this video. And my voice sounds weird- at least to me. I watched this after making it and all I could think was "Do I really sound like that to other people?" I'm not sure. It took me seven takes though, because I kept saying REALLY dumb things or laughing at my own awkwardness. I swear, this was the best take! Also, the picture my video is inexplicably frozen on makes me shiver. I decided to try out Vlogging today and this was the result. I also found that I liked it. Would anyone be interested in doing a Vlog link up? I think it would be really fun!

PS I finally got my sponsors on the side bar to automatically rotate positions every time my page is refreshed thanks to this post. I no longer feel bad about who I put at the top because they change every time!

Aaron & I had a 5 hour trip to get my visa extended today. We listened to music and laughed together and discussed our future plans. It was wonderful if you forget about the snow falling from every direction. As great as the alone time with Aaron was, this sign really made the whole trip. I'm still laughing about it! It's by far the best sign I've seen here in Japan.

Well, today was lovely. Aaron was home and we didn't leave the house all day. Most of the time that would make me very restless but since I had my hubby around it was wonderful. We played games, we ate junk food (and a little healthy food), we watched movies, we played with Twink, and we snuggled on the couch. It was a simple day and I loved it. When we first got married Aaron was living in Japan and I was living back in Utah so we never got to just hang out. Now easy, simple days are a treasure to me. You can't have those if you don't live with your husband. Of course, now Aaron is asleep because he has to wake up early and go back to work and I'm wide awake but those are details that hardly matter. I only managed one picture though. I'm going to have to work on that.

Now, what I'm about to tell you had been a (very small) source of contention for Aaron and me: I don't understand his fascination with YouTube. I know what it is. I love that my family and I can share videos through it. But I do not understand how Aaron can play on it for hours watching video after video (and thinking they're all "so funny" or "so cool" when they are not). So I don't really watch videos online. But I got around to watching the music video for Ours by Taylor Swift today. I wasn't sure how I felt about the song, the first time I heard it I didn't really hear anything new or different in it. It still kind of feels that way. But the story in the music video made my heart happy. I know this exact feeling and I know I'm not the only one! So if you have a minute, watch it. I promise, it will make your heart happy too!

And last but definitely not least, I've been featured on another of my favorite blogs. I know I have a lot of favorites but I read a lot of blogs and I'm pretty sure there's no rule on how many you can love. Salena @ A Little Piece of Me did a Q&A with her sponsors this month so if you want to get to know me a little better go read it here. And definitely say hello to Salena while you're there! She is a fantastic woman and I've loved getting to know her. Plus she makes pretty headbands (I would know, I won one in a giveaway!) and she hosts fun giveaways (I'm sponsoring one for her at the end of the month and it's a can't miss) so there's always something exciting going on at her blog. I promise I didn't know I was being featured on three different blogs this week but I feel honored and lucky to have these ladies as friends!

This little post won't take long. I just wanted to say hello. My husband has a few random extra hours of play time today so I plan to enjoy it! Twink is excited because I promised him a trip to the dog park. I know that he can understand me when I talk to him in full sentences. 

I'll admit, I was surprised to see how much backlash came to my little blog from posting one video. This is why I never write anything political on here. If that video got such a response, political opinions would probably make me cry. I know it's a little thing, and people can say you're jumping on the bandwagon, but we have to start somewhere. So why not here? Pick something you care about, anything you care about, and figure out how you can help. It sounds cliche, but we are the future. What we do decides how the rest of the world is going to play out. Ignorance may be bliss, but knowledge is power. This is why VOTING is so important. Yes, we're each just one little person but if you don't try to make a difference you're only hurting yourself. I know it's silly consumerism, but at least when I buy TOMS or Warby Parker's I can feel like maybe I've done a little bit of good. It doesn't matter how you choose to help the world, just choose something.

Wow, I feel a little like I was on a soap box. Excuse me for that! In other news I'm being featured on two other blogs today. I wrote all about Japan for Abby @ Diligent Joy. I've known Abby for years and hers is one of my favorite blogs to read. I'm also hosting a giveaway for Lena @ Mom2MemphisAndRuby. She has a wonderful blog and I love reading her. Go say hello to them both, I promise you won't be disappointed.

And forgive my puppy obsession.

Twink is just too cute when he's playing.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out --

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out --

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me--

And there was no one left to speak for me.

-Martin Niemöller 

Watch the video. I know it's 30 minutes long, but it's worth the watch. 

You need to know who Joseph Kony is.

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

I have 3 younger sisters and 2 younger brothers (all taller than me) and they are all awesome (the first picture is us in order of age). They're smart, they're talented, and they're all cute as can be. These pictures are almost 2 years old and they've gotten even cuter since then. But these are the only family pictures we have without someone in a wedding dress!

Today I got these videos in my email from my brother. They're of Jordan (#4) and Morgan (#5) showing off some mad skills. Morgan flips with the grace of a well-seasoned cheerleader and Jordan flings himself around with the fearlessness of a 20-year-old-boy. I love that, thanks to technology, I can still see what's going on in their lives. It makes me sad to not be there in person but at least I can still appreciate the little moments with them! And now I desperately want to go find a room full of trampolines and do my own flips. I'm not nearly as good as these two though.

Lovely Ladies of March.

My favorite month is March. It always has been and probably always will be. My birthday is in March and you can call me selfish all you want but my birthday is my favorite day of the year. I have no delusions though, I don't depend on others to make my birthday wonderful. I spoil myself and if others want to join in the spoiling of course that's always welcome. I'm hoping this year my friend's sweet baby is born on my birthday. Wouldn't that be awesome? But on to other things, it's time to introduce you to my lovely sponsors for March. I asked them 3 questions of my own and then asked them for 3 random things about themselves. Some of them didn't participate in the Q&A and that's okay! They're some pretty great ladies so take a minute to go say hello to them! 

Meet Salena from A Little Piece of Me

• Why do you blog? I blog because I wanted a place to share things on my heart, things that will inspire others, things that I have been through so others won't feel alone in this world. I know God has allowed me to go through the things I have to help others so I love to share it.
• Where do you live? And what do you love or hate about it? I live in Hawaii on the island Oahu. I was born and raised here and haven't really been to many other places. I love that we can pretty much do whatever we want on any day of the year. I love the beautiful scenery. I have Kona (south) winds that bring too much humidity. I have the Vog from the volcano on the Big island which affects our breathing. I hate the cost of living. 
• What is your favorite drink? Iced coffee with lots of flavored creamer, diet coke, iced mocha, iced chai latte.
• Random 1~ I'm not a book reader.
• Random 2~ I'm a night owl.
• Random 3~ I love Hello Kitty :)

Meet Mary from Mary in Marriedland

• Why do you blog? I love the blog world because it gives a voice to all my victories and struggles with the goal of encouraging other women to live life fully. 
• Where do you live? And what do you love or hate about it? I live in East Tennessee. I love love the mountains, the down to earth people, and my family roots are grounded here. I hate not being super close to a big city.
• What is your favorite drink? French Pressed Coffee. YUM.
• Random 1~ My three year old mace still makes me feel safe.
• Random 2~ I'm obsessed with my nikon.
• Random 3~ I'm totally in love with Jesus.

Meet Brittany from Bee Littlequeen

• Why do you blog? I like to blog mainly for myself... as a way to journal and highlight the happenings of my single life and my random thoughts I have. I also hope to encourage anyone out there who feels discouraged or forgotten. I hope that in me telling my story, which I think most people will notice right off the bat that I am disabled-- use an electric wheelchair and am ventilator dependent, will give strength to those who might be having a down day. We all have our trials or issues, but having the attitude of positivity and ability-- saying YES, I can do this. I can face life, is so worth it. You can read about my intro to how I became vent dependent here and part one here. I still have to continue writing about it, but in due time. 
• Where do you live? And what do you love or hate about it? I live in the valley of Arizona! I was born and raised here and still live here. What I love about Az is that most of my family lives here. We al live within an hour of each other. Family is quite important to me, so seeing some members on a regular basis is something I cherish! I also love that we have sunshine most days of the year, so it's fitting that I am a barefoot of flip-flops, sunglasses and dresses lover. I am a down-to-earth girl, so heading up North to the mountains is just a 2-3 hour drive which is lovely when I get the opportunity to go on a mini-road trip!
• What is your favorite drink? Coffee-- hot or cold! I am addicted to Starbucks. I go through a rotation of drinks I get there, usually an iced mocha but if I am being good, I'll get a tall coffee frap light. Besides coffee, I do enjoy tea, my faves are blueberry or peach iced tea! yummm!
• Random 1~ I CAN'T stand commercials. This means that I'll seriously watch 2-3 shows at one time lol, especially on monday nights right now when gossip girl, hart of dixie and the voice are on at the same time/s!
• Random 2~ I LOVE sending or getting old fashioned regular snail mail. I know the postal system may be cutting back on service days :(, but I think I am definitely helping in keeping them busy! I will turn into Kevin Costner of The Postman if the postal system ever becomes extinct! It might sound nerdy of me (but idc), but I get so excited when I get new notecards or postage stamps! 
• Random 3~ I can wiggle my ears WITHOUT touching them! I have to concentrate and try not to laugh when showcasing this odd talent to others.

Meet Amanda from Raising Miss Mommy

Meet Lena from Mom2MemPhisAndRuby

Meet Brittany from Daily Bruski

And the lovely ladies who were sponsors in February and still are in March because they're awesome 

(you can read about them here):

Laura from Our Reflection

Daneilia from Anchors Away

Ashlee from I Love You Longer Than Eternity & More Than Forever