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!

Another Food Post, But Not What You Expect

I know...it's Monday. And for the last several Monday's I've been posting a scrumptious recipe for Fall Into Flavor at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

But, today, I'll be posting about a different kind of food. Felt Food. Mmmmm, looks delish, no? :)



Bacon, Eggs and Blueberry Pancakes! I'm already hungry (again) for breakfast!

Well, I don't have a recipe for these adorable creations, BUT I can tell you where you can win some!!! Check out LadyBug Soup and enter to win a $12 Gift Certificate, and you could be drooling over fake food, too! ;) Or, these just might be the perfect Christmas gift for a special little girl who loves to pretend!

I'm thinking Josefine might enjoy them, too...not so much now (she really will try to eat them - and NOT because they look so much like food), but maybe someday!

And on a completely random note: This is the day that Josefine looked like a little Dutch girl. :)

Totally Hoping I Win This One!

But, if I don't...eh, it was worth a shot, no?

WHY I want to win this giveaway??? Because (HELLO!) she's giving away a Canon Lens...I have no clue what kind. For some reason, it doesn't say - unless I totally missed some small print. I promise...I read the whole post! :S

ANYhoo - you should get on down there and check it out...if I don't win it, perhaps YOU will! :D

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Aaaaand, on another "winning" note. Go Hawkeyes!

Also, I "lied."

Apparently, I had this idea we were totally not sports oriented...I didn't even know about Iowa's Homecoming and that they were playing my hubbies fave team.

So, I was just sharing with Jim how I posted this and admitted all of our sports ignorance to the whole internet. I walked into the nursery where he was dutifully changing Josefine and I found this:

Eeek! WHAT are you DOING to my CHILD!?

Ok, it wasn't THAT bad. I actually thought it was cute. So, I let him go out in public (behind enemy lines, mind you) and we went on a (short)walk.

I must admit, they ARE cute...but, I didn't go without supporting the Hawkeyes...and being really, really, really happy when they won. Although I was a nice wife and didn't rub it in...too much. So, I guess I stand corrected. We are somewhat sports oriented...

I guess the proof is in the fact that, during the game, we actually watched Monsters Vs. Aliens (again) and then listened to the last hour of the game on an old beat up radio. That is how dedicated we are, my friends. Go Hawks.

Introducing....

Glory

Marina from Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports made this suggestion:

Glory (because you will use it for God's glory) plus with the quality of photography and the amazing cam all your pics will look 'glorious'!

And the suggestion was just too wonderful not to include in my Fab Five names I like! Lo, and behold - Random.org randomly generated "Glory" as the winner.

So, my camera's name is now officially Glory and Marina wins a cute little gadget case! Contact me at yours.trewly@gmail.com so we can get in touch about details!

Yesterday's *WishList* Wednesday: Fabric Fetish + The Fab Five + Friends

Whew...it's taken me FOR.EV.ER to get to my blog today. So, so busy...playing catch up and getting some much needed down time.

And because of that, I'm writing three posts in one.

(yesterday's) *WishList* Wednesday: Fabric Fetish

I have this thing for fabrics...and lately (like, for the past couple of years) Amy Butler Fabrics have really, really stood out to me. Love them. They're just so...pretty. Yes..."pretty." I know "pretty" seems like such a dull and overused word. But, I really think that "pretty" sums it up for these prints. By the way...color is on my *list* of favorite things. ;)

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The Fab Five

My most recent giveaway was focused around my new Canon 50D and giving it a well-deserved name. I got 14 name suggestions, 5 of which my hubby and I chose to enter into the drawing for *winner*...and THESE are the Fab Five. Drumroll, please.

Phoenix

Glory

Pachabel

Ansel

&

Dexter

Stop by tomorrow to see which name was chosen by our handy-dandy....Random.org.

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FRIENDS

I wish I could sum this section of my post up as well as Sylvia...she hit it right on the head...and now, can't think of a better way to share this exciting part of our yesterday (was that REALLY yesterday???). But, anyway...here goes. Eh-hem...

Like a speck on flower or the Man on the Moon

or the lashes of babies and the cool morning dew,

are two different people - not in sight, nor in view

but, find a friend in eachother and in time, through and through

blog post after blog post...and their friendship grew.

See, we found there wasn't so much difference between "me" and "you"

and that sharing and giving brought to life a bright hue.

I'm thankful for all the new blog friends I make,

but especially for those with whom I share coffee and "cake". ;)

For Sylvia.

It was also VERY nice to meet you and yours...until next time!

My Man Needs a New Band

I wish I could guise this post as not "I want to enter a giveaway" post - but as a viable, "My Man REALLY Needs a New Band" post. Well, he doesn't REALLY need a new wedding band - but, if I had the chance to win a free one for him...I'd take it. (Plus, he deserves it.)

So, here I am taking this chance.

HomeSpun Threads is hosting this amazing giveaway for a ring from Tungsten Wedding Rings...I found out about it because my friend Sylvia entered it as well. Pretty popular stuff, I say! ;)

I like this one. :)

And because this makes me reminisce our Day - here's a nice wedding-y picture of our rings!

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! :)

Show Us Your Life: BABY SHOES!

Show Us Your Life at Kelly's Korner

Ok...I have a fetish. Shoes. And not just ANY shoes, but baby shoes. Before we even knew if we were having a boy or girl, I was buying gender neutral (from my perspective) baby shoes. They are just too adorable! Sadly, my little one was born with big feet. And most of her *size zero* shoes didn't fit so well...I learned the hard way...buy AFTER baby is born. Anyway - these are a pair of shoes I should love to get for my little Josefine...mmmm, Owls (pictured below). Obsess, much? You can win a pair at LadyBug Soup!

Don't forget these darling birdie shoes (pictured below) from Bugaloo also featured in this post.

The bottom picture is of Josefine wearing her cute little (boy) loafers for the first (and possibly, last) time. I ♥ Baby Shoes! Oh, and as a side note - the top middle picture is of Josefine's swing mobile. Owls! Suprise...

Coffee Break

I'm seeing a theme today...

Coffee. I'm not even a coffee drinker, really. Only socially. And if then, it's either some fancy-schmancy not-even-really-coffee drink (Caramel Latte, anyone?) or just a cup of Plain Jane BLACK coffee (hold the sugar and cream).

And because I've seen four posts that have the word "coffee" in it - 5 posts, people, count 'em - I decided to jump on the caffeinated bandwagon...

1. Chrysanthemama is hosting a giveaway to celebrate fall. She's giving away a bag of Starbucks House Blend Coffee...check it out!

2. Katie & 3. Amy have been enjoying a litte meme fun with 4. Linda from 2nd Cup of Coffee with her "Random Dozen" Questions.

5. My friend, Jenna is chronicling her husbands experiment with Coffee.

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Now - for MY Random *1/2* Dozen (only going to answer 6 of 12 questions today to keep the length tolerable thanks to my -lengthy- introduction).

♥ Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don't care, just share.

Ummmm, I had braces in middle school. But, I wasn't ashamed. I was VERY proud of my braces. During Homecoming week I decided to have the rubber bands on my braces match my school colors (black & gold). Let's just say that the memory is more embarrasing after the fact since we all know what YELLOW rubber bands on braces start to look like after, oh, an hour.

♥ What's your favorite Beatles song?

My sister and I sing "Do You Want to Know a Secret" to eachother just to be annoying. Good times. Not to mention, my mom was/is an AVID Beatles fan. I couldn't escape it- even if I tried - but, I don't think I would have tried. I like them, too.

♥ If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be?

My Favorite Jeans - which, sadly, now have a malfunction with the zipper...a cami with a zipped-up hoodie.

♥ Would you rather host a party or be a guest?

Mmmm, both. I LOVE hosting and planning, but I also enjoy being a guest... :)

♥ Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that?

Hope it never happens. There's just something about holding a book in your hands while you read that makes it so real, makes you so there and part of the story. I would NOT be OK with digi-books...I just made that word up...has a nice ring to it. I still don't support them.

♥ Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing?

All of the above...but mostly EXPERIENCE. I haven't even read the manual for my camera yet...but, in the past year of using it, I've learned a TON about photography. Don't ask me ANY technical question, though.

And because a post is ALWAYS better with a picture -

*WishList* Wednesday: Bonnets & Owls

I've been scoping out Etsy a whole lot lately...Love. It. In fact, I just got a few spectacularly handmade things for my girl.

This adorable fleece-lined old-fashioned bonnet made contemporary from UB2 is one of them. I knew Josefine would look stunning in these reds and browns... :)

And since I knew she could use a warm hat like this for fall/winter, I "added it to my cart." Sadly, I can't buy up the whole lot of things I love. So, I had to start a wish list for future Etsy longings.

Today's *WishList* Item is from SewCute Shop, and believe me, her work is SO cute. :)

Sidenote: I also saw a giveaway for an item at her shop at Little Birdie Secrets (and no, I don't HAVE to blog about it to enter - I just wanted to share the hip-coolness, just because).

Wouldn't these adorable OWL pillows would be the perfect touch to Josefine's room?

The Mail & Soft Leather Shoes

What does the mail have to do with leather shoes???? Good question. Well, the way my brain works - it makes perfect sense - so hang on for a bit - you'll see the connection in no time. :)


The mail comes at 1:30pm give or take (mostly give) an hour. Just moments ago I realized the mail could possibly be here, so I ventured out to the mailbox to find:

• baby bill.
• baby bill.
• mediacom-schmediacom ad
• MY NECKLACE and EARRINGS from SYLVIA C.

The earrings will be shipped of to my HonorMommy friend today because she was the winner of my first ever giveaway!

Which, leads me to leather shoes...

I L.O.V.E. these little shoes and think Josefine could stand to have a pair from Bugaloo - perhaps these little Bluebirds will suit her?

Well, Lindsay at Passionate Homemaking is giving a pair away!!!! Can't pass that up, huh? If I don't win them...there's a itty-bitty chance I might stow away $15 (that's all, $15 - unlike the other soft-leather-shoes-for-babies-companies that sell them for oh, TWICE that much!). Not only that, but 5% of each purchase goes toward ending child slavery. Worthy cause, I would say.

Drumrollllll, please?

We have a winner, folks. :)

I found this fun little website that generated a completely random number for me without any hassle - and that number happened to be the number 4. That means, that the person who left the 4th comment...the 4th entry...WINS the stunning Pearly Drop earrings from SylviaC!

But, I mustn't keep you in suspense any longer...though you could see for yourself who "Entry 4" was, I will come right out and tell you that HonorMommy @ Mommy Life will be receiving the FREE gift from my first EVER giveaway...joy!

Thanks ALL for participating - I loved reading all of your comments and I'm sure my friend Sylvia was glad for you to see her beautiful handiwork! I'll be hosting another fantabulous giveaway, not sure when - I'm random like that, so stay tuned!

7 New Things and a Surprise Ending

New Thing #1 - My Photography Blog, Ministry Blog and Josefine Blog (that's 4 blogs, Teena - including this one) are all newly designed and have MENU BARS! Woot! It looks sooo much more professional even IF the first try took, like, EIGHT hours. This one is NEXT! And my Josefine Blog has a new design, which rocks my face off...

New Thing #2 - New (and FIRST) family pictures! Jim's mom snapped these and this is the one we're giving to our home and sending church for the prayer board - will probably send them to our supporting churches as well. We're using this one on our ministry blog and for prayer cards.

New Thing #3 - I have a newfound interest in cooking lately. Especially baking! And will soon be posting the recipes and pictures for YOU to try!

New Thing #4 - My friend, Stacy, got Josefine some adorable new hair clippies. One is pictured above in our family photo (the yellow flower). I ♥ New Hair Clippies! Sooo, I've tried my creative hand at making one myself. Josefine's Granny got her a new dress, which she'll wear to the shower tomorrow night and I made her a new custom hair clippy to go with it!

New Thing #5 - My interest in knitting has been re-charged. That happens about this time of year. I can't seem to knit a single stitch during the summer. The idea of it just raised the temperature another 10 degrees. Another thing about fall - it just makes me want to break out my running shoes. But, I won't go out on a limb and add it to my list of New Things yet. My friends Sarah & Julie should be credited for inspiring my back-to-knitting days. I'm starting a new beginning on an old project. - and if you read her latest post, she's also inspiring me to start running again. Last year on Labor Day weekend, I tried and strained my achilles tendon. Since then, I've been in the pool. But, that has nothing to do with knitting, eh? ANYhoo, it's going to be a purse, and I'm currently working on the strap and gussett.

New Thing #6 - Josefine has a new head.

New Thing #7 - This is a FUTURE new thing, but I must, must, must tell you about it right NOW, but not without a preface. So, I was made aware of a jewelry giveaway that a million and one people will probably enter. I, on the other hand was reminded of my super-fantastic jewelry-making friend, Sylvia. She's a very creative designer of so-cute and so-fabulous (that one's for you, Sylvia) jewelry, and you must see her work. I am going to purchase this necklace with Josefine's name on it. THAT is my future New Thing #7.

Aaaand, because I teased you with the word "Giveaway" and a picture of some snazzy, handmade jewelry AND because we ALL love new things, I suppose I'll give in to the trend and host a giveaway of my own. It IS 09-09-09 and all, a perfect reason to give something away, no?

Soooo, I'm giving THESE away...a pair of Sylvia's MUST HAVE earrings. Very dainty, very pretty, very FREE when you enter to win! I'll purchase them at the same time I purchase my necklace, so they'll be ready to ship to one lucky winner.

Here's how to enter (four entries max):

1. Comment on this post - 1 entry

2. Link back to this post (leave a comment to tell me that you've linked) - 1 entry

3. Check out Sylvia's Etsy Shop and come back and let me know which piece is YOUR very favorite by leaving ANOTHER comment - 1 entry

4. Tell your friends on Facebook! Post a link to THIS POST on your profile page and come back and tell me that you did...on your honor! :D example post "I entered to win a free pair of earrings on Sarah's Blog!" - 1 entry

You must leave 4 separate comments for them to count!

That's FOUR chances to win! Now, go do it!

The deadline is next Wednesday, September 16th. I will draw at 11:59 pm (CST) and announce the winner then! :D Thanks for participating!