By Popular Demand...

One very popular Katie (from the BABY FACTORY...yes, you are famous) posted this on my Facebook wall (she's also hosting a Giveaway...you should check it out!):

"Hey Sarah.....I just wanted to note that....I MISS YOUR BLOGGING :) Come back, please :) It's been a whole month :'("

So, I guess that means, I'm back...by popular demand. At least ONE popular demand. That counts, right???

Anyway - so, all that to say...I'm going to try to ease back into blogging. AND upgrade my Flickr account so I can continue sharing pictures with you all!

Speaking of...here's one of my latest favorites of Josefine!

Tooshie Talk

Soooo, it's been like, forever since I've posted. My sincere apologies! We've been on the road and busy, busy...so, I'm guessing, until we get home...my posting habits may not improve much. But, alas...I have a fabulous photo of my Josefine and her new Teddy Bear that I would love, love, LOVE to share. I mean, I like it so much, I've entered it in this weeks I ♥ Faces Photo Challenge - the category is TOOSHIES! :) I also liked it well enough to post it on my facebook as my profile pic (sorry to my FB friends if this is WAY overdone) and to post it as today's Everyday Josefine post.

Our Family Picture Day

Remember Picture Day? Back in Elementary School...when your mom would dress you in the weirdest possible outfit and tell you to "smile with your teeth?" Actually, I'm sure it was ME who chose the weirdest possible outfit, but my mom did remind me to smile with my teeth. :)

Well, yesterday - oh, blessed yesterday - was OUR family picture day. I kinda felt all nervous, like "Will I look stupid and fat and will my double chin protrude like the dorsel fin on the Great White?" Okay, okay...It was the only thing I could think of...weird. But, still. I was actually NERVOUS about being photographed. I mean, Hello, I do it with people all the time. And, I always say "Don't be nervous. Just have fun!" So, I took my own advice and I had fun. Although, I didn't realize how much weight I've put on in the last few years (because, I've HARDLY taken a picture of myself since...who knows when) and I just assumed I always looked the same as I did in college, except with a different haircut, I do think these photos turned out marvelously (considered said double chin). Erin did a fabulous job just chillin' out and having a good time. That's my style...and I felt comfortable.

Ok, you're probably sick of the commentary already and want to see a few shots. Enjoy.

Photoshoots, Photoshoots, Photoshoots

Okay, so I'm late. Again. This weeks alphabet challenge is "P." And I pick "photoshoots" to be my "P" word...because that's been the thing these beautiful fall days. Which means I'm not keeping up with my blog too well...editing has taken much of my computer time. Want to see what I've been working on? Go here.

Ironic - but I'm not adding a photo to this "photoshoot" post...you'll just have to check out the photos at above link.

Ok, ok...fine. Here's a preview - I couldn't NOT post a photo, since it's kinda been my "signature."

You Capture: Fall

Fall Beauty is only a click away...check out more You Capture entries at I Should be Folding Laundry.

Bonnet Baby

Remember THIS *WishList* Wednesday Post? The ADORABLE bonnet?

Well, we got it a few weeks ago and now that it's chilly-willy outside, she's wearing it a lot...and she likes it. Seriously, whenever we put it on her wee little head, the biggest smile spreads across her face.

Here she is - sportin' the goods!







Want to see a few more "Bonnet" pictures of Josefine...a little more candid, and a little more hilarious! Go HERE.

Friday Fill-In with Liz and the Giant Eye

So, are we going south for the winter?

A Sunday School lesson is what's up ahead. We're off to another meeting this Sunday...ready to share our burden for Germany!

I love to to tell the story, of unseen things above. Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.

I need to think of some sort of plan to be better organized and use my time wisely.

I walk a lot more when a.) it's warmer outside and b.) I don't have a car.

I'm gonna have to echo Sara's fill-in...Jesus Christ is the true elixir of life!

And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to the mall, tomorrow my plans include 2, maybe 3 photoshoots and Sunday, I want to share what Jesus did for me and convey our burden for GERMANY!

And because a post is ALWAYS better with a picture...my favorite from yesterday.

Liz & the Giant Eye

Liz is a long-time dear friend and fellow lover of photography. See her work here!

Before & After: Natural Beauty

I had a little bit 'o fun today (ok, maybe a lot 'o bit) editing some photos from one of my latest photoshoots.

Here are some Before & Afters...and Wow...what a bit of difference a few clicks here and there can make. What I love about these is that they aren't "distorted" by the edits...they are still natural - it's as if I had a beautiful sunny day - instead of a drab, chilly, bleak day (which it was).

I enjoy bringing out the natural beauty in people (sometimes I get an itch for something REALLY dramatic, though). I've learned that the more natural your photo is...the BETTER. Less is better, that's for sure. And learning that lesson has cut my editing time IN HALF. Phew.





Head on over to my photography blog to see more of my photography and more of this beautiful family!

In Honor Of...

my *new* camera and my *new* decision, I will be hosting my second giveaway!

Here's the scoop:

My good and faithful camera bit the dust a few weeks ago...sad, sad news - as we were becoming very good friends. BUT, not all is lost. Because the "glitch" was irrepairable, our warranty allowed me to get an "exhange approval." This meant I got to go shopping for a new camera yesterday morning...right before a wedding shoot. No pressure, right? ;)

Now we have a new member of the family...it's a Canon 50D and I love, love, LOVE it. Dear Rebel, Do not be saddened by your replacement. Love, Sarah. Anyway, I have this quirky thing about naming stuff. Our car (which is officially dead as well...too bad we don't get "exchange approval" for that) is named Black Beauty. I know, I know. Lame. The old Ford is named Vulcan for it's tendancy to bursting into flames at any given moment, and the itty-bitty Escort is called "The One Dollar Wonder" for he only cost me a dollar (we may soon be selling all three of these...sniff, sniff). And because I enjoy attaching myself to inanimate objects (despite separation anxiety), I figured, hey...why not? I'll name my new Canon, too! But, I'll need a little help from YOU.

• Submit a name for my camera, by commenting on this post.
• I'll choose 5 of my favorite names on Thursday, October 8th.
• I'll randomly choose which one of the 5 will be my camera's name, courtesy of Random.org and announce the winner on Friday, October 9th!

Give me a name!

The winner of this giveaway will receive a padded gadget case from Woodly Creations. It's such a practical thing, I would say. Small enough not to get in the way, and big enough to hold your precious electronic doo-dad. I would recommend using it for your point and shoot digital camera...but, that's just me. But, now that I think of it, it would be so handy for your cell phone. No more digging around at the bottom of your purse whilst the cell phone rings on...and on...and on. It's just your all-around carrying thing.

And if you like naming things - and you like giveaways...see my friend Katie's Blog for a similar giveaway! :)

Decision

So, you all may know by now that one of my passions is photography. I love it...really. I'll be honest...I know NOTHING (well, mostly nothing) about the technical aspect of photography, and I'm okay with that. I'm pretty much all "right brained..." when it comes to, well...life.

Anyway...all that to say: I've made a decision. Actually, God made me realize that I needed to make this decision, and quick. I am no longer charging for my work. All of my shoots from now on will be "free will donation" and all proceeds go to our support fund. Clients will then recieve a receipt from the mission board as though they gave a "one-time" gift.

My decision was mainly: I'm a missionary FIRST, then a photographer. It seemed that my "business" was getting too "businessy" if you ask me. Things were getting way technical and I wasn't enjoying it quite like I used to. My photography hasn't turned into a business officially, but it was well on it's way. I needed to somehow rearrange my focus from the everyday to the future. Where were we heading? What is our goal as missionaries? For awhile, all of the money I made doing photoshoots went to baby things. Lots of baby things. But, we're no longer needing funds for big baby things. Just the norm. Now, I feel really convicted that I should be using my talents for God ALONE. No more keeping things for myself...it's not mine...none of it. God has equipped me a gift and I will serve Him with that gift.

That, my friends, is my decision.

And because a post is ALWAYS better with a picture...

Backdrops & Giving Props

Tryin' out my newest backdrop (a curtain from Pier One - seriously - I love it) with a hat I got at a garage sale (tag STILL on it) made for a fun photoshoot with my wee one.

Also an opportunity to give 'props' to some of my blog-tastic friends! 5 of you to be exact...read on.

My friend, Katie at The Baby Factory contacted me on my Facebook wall and was all "check out my blog, yo." Of course, it was more Katie-esque - it was more like (and I quote) "Hey Sarah...you oughta check out my blog today...just sayin' :) Hope you're having a great day!" And, I was. :)

So, I did what any smart person would do - read her blog right away - cracked myself UP about a hilarious baby poop story and then read about this blog award...

...an award she most graciously bestowed upon *little old* me. Thanks, Katie!

And the best part about this is I get to pick 5 of my bestest bloggers to enjoy the same compliments. But - FIRST - the rules...dun, dun, dunnnnnn.

• Each Superior Scribbler must turn and pass on this award to 5 of the most deserved blogs. (you're on the edge of your seats...I know.)
• Each Superior Scribbler must link to the blog and name the author from which he/she received the award on his/her blog. (check)
• Each Superior Scribbler must display the award on his or her blog, and link to this post. (check)
• Each blogger who was awarded Superior Scribbler, must visit this post and add their name to the Mr. Linky. That way we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives this presitigous honor. (check)
• Each Superior Scribbler must post the rules to their blog. (check, check)

Okay...time to announce my *Choice5Five*

SYLVIA! @ Sylvia's Insight

SARAH! @ Life in the Parsonage

AMY! @ My Front Porch Looking In

ERIN! @ Together for Good

KATIE! @ Une Autre Mere

Photography Blog Update

KD is a photographer in the making...so, we took a stroll around town to talk photography and take some photos for this year's school pictures. It was a fun time all around, although it was nearly 100 degrees (not kidding) and I was oh, 8 mos pregnant. I wish I could say it was a cinch. But, I know I can say it was wonderfully fun. Especially when we were in the shade. :) Thanks, KD for a wonderful photoshoot! Click her photo to see MORE!



Triona is one of the cutest little kiddos I know, with a serious dollface! There are some photos she looks just like a porcelain doll and you wonder if she was made in China. ;) Her One-Year photoshoot was also in the midst of my 8th month of pregnancy...near the 9th. It was fun to snap her photo, all the while thinking of when I get to meet my little one. Babies are oh-so-precious and I do enjoy capturing them. Triona gets an A+ for this one! Wanna see MORE of Triona? You guessed it, click the photo!

Photography Blog Update

This had to be one of the most fun couple photoshoots I've done. So. Fun. Willi and Heidi just had a ball together, while I snapped away. They were celebrating their 6 month-a-versary (Thanks, Paul) - what couple do you know that celebrates their 6 month-a-versary? A couple in love, I tell you. Which is exactly why this shoot was THE BEST! We enjoyed Downtown Des Moines as though we (actually, they) were the only ones in existence. You MUST check out these photos! Click on the above photo to get to my photography blog!

Photography Blog Update

I enjoyed this photoshoot - I hope you enjoy the photos! :) Click on the photo!

Iowa State Fair Photography Entries

Today I found out what photo made the Iowa State Fair Photography Exhibition!

Go to my photography blog to check it out! :D

Photography Blog Update

My very first OFFICIAL wedding as the primary photographer! Thanks, Clif and Charis for giving me the opportunity to capture your special day! It was beautiful beyond words! I really enjoyed this busy day with such a lovely couple and wonderful family and friends. Clif and Charis have been friends of mine for quite some time and it's such a wonderful thing to see two very godly people find eachother, seek God's will together and determine to serve Him with their lives as one. These photos are beautiful because the couple is beautiful. Click on the photo above to get to my photography blog and ENJOY!

I ♥ Faces Entry: Sepia Toned

Check out my photography blog by clicking on the photo to see my entries for I ♥ Faces Weekly photo contest! This is my third time entering...it's a fun challenge and gets me thinking outside of the box!

Here is one I was thinking about entering...

Isn't she adorable! This is Allison. I did her Sr. photoshoot a few weeks ago and will soon be posting the rest of her photos on my photography blog. Don't miss it!

Photography Blog Update

Surprise! Another engagement photoshoot! This time of year is certainly popular for engagements! I really enjoyed my time with Robbie and Regina! He was visiting his bride-to-be for the weekend and I was thrilled that they chose to spend some of that precious time together with me and my Canon! They were such a darling couple...you'll see from the photos!

Click on the photo to reach my photography blog and see MORE! :)

Photography Blog Update

Ah, engagements. Just gotta love 'em! I SO enjoy doing an engagement photoshoot. The couple is often so "engaged" in eachother, I have NO problem at all getting natural shots of them...in love! It's so sweet and always lots of fun! I like to say it's a two-for-one deal for them. They get their engagement photos taken AND they get to go on a really fun date together! :) That's how much my couples enjoy their time together during their photoshoots. Often, I think they forget that I'm even there! Sarah & Darrel were no exception! They had such a fun time just "being" that I hardly had to work...save for the booger of a hill I had to climb (and nearly roll down) to get to and from the sandy shore of Saylorville Lake! :) Sarah is a friend of mine and I've always hoped she would find a wonderful man who would treat her like a "princess" (Sarah means "princess" if ya didn't know) and boy, does he! I'm so excited to be doing their wedding photos in August! What a beautiful bride and handsome groom they will be!

Click the photo to get to my photography blog and see MORE of Sarah & Darrell!

Photography Blog Update

Wow...it's been TOO long. I have so many photoshoots to update you on and I'm finally getting to it! Things have been quite busy these days...and I'm guilty of not blogging through it all. Really, I just try to get as much sleep as possible when time allows. And sleep often trumps blogging!

Here is a my latest family photoshoot. The preview you see is obviously not the entire family, but it's a seriously cute part of it anyway! I thought a collage of the photos would be fun, but the simplicity of this photo was just too wonderful to pass up. It worked better solo. So, enjoy!

Click the photo to see more!