Anybody need some coffee???

Quick thought before I retire for the night..


"All excess is rooted in emptiness"


Who do you think said that?? What do you think this person's intention was?

And hey, if you are the first person than can tell me who said that... I will send you a $10 Starbucks card! No joke. Get cracking people!

These are special times...

I only have a few pictures to share today. These were taken last week because of a few momentous occasions. The first being Todd and my 10th anniversary of marriage. I truly think it is monumental because we had our share of rough years... not patches... years! And God has been super faithful to keep us bonded together.

We went to the House of Blues downtown for a great dinner, and we played tourist in the gift shop and held hands and walked around. Fun fact.....we honeymooned in San Diego 10 years ago, so it was very surreal for us to be there on a very special day thinking about what babies we were, and how we had no idea what our new life together would hold. I don't think I would change a thing about it... except maybe the almost dying thing. That I could do without. :)

As a surprise, I contacted the same woman who made our wedding cake and had her re-create the topper for us. Double Ghiradeli Chocolate Chunk...need I say more?? Todd didn't know about it until the day of, and he was super happy to chow down on some we when got home.

This was the only picture I got as we left. I severely underexposed it, and to salvage what I could, I converted it to b/w and added lots of grain. I don't like to fix major issues like this in photoshop, but I wanted to have something to remember the occasion by!! :)





And the other momentous occasion last week... Todd started his first Karate class!! I didn't want to embarass him at the Karate studio, so I snapped a few pics before we left.

Daddy had to take him to get his uniform because they had to buy a cup as well. Not only do I not know anything about that, I was overcome with the supreme discomfort of a little boy who is growing up way too fast for my liking. I liken it to when I will have to shop for a training bra for Hannah....

So, here is one of his Karate poses. Don't you just want to pinch him??

It Random Thought time.....

I haven't posted my thoughts in a while, and I am sure you are all just dying to get inside this crazy head of mine. :)

-My 10 year anniversary is 6 days away. WHAT!! How have I been married for 10 years??? We haven't decided what we will be doing. Oh, sure, we have had grand plans (and when I say we, I mean me!) but the mula to do such things hasn't been forthcoming, so we might have to scale back on the grand plans..... for now!!

-My son just asked if he can have one of my diamond rings to give to the girl he will marry someday so he doesn't have to spend a lot of money on a ring for her. Hmmm, I am not quite sure what to think of that.

-Hannah has been doing her hair lately, and I have been catching myself reaching to fix her lopsided and messy pigtails, because I want them to look perfect. Or is it because I don't want people to think I did her hair. And that reminds me that I care way too much about what people think. It is amazing that God uses tiny, seemingly insignificant things to change my heart on a daily basis.

-In the time it has taken to type the above, my son has changed his mind. He is no longer getting married at all, because he can't fathom saving money for "over a year" for a ring. I think I need to go have a chat with him. :)

-I love my kids, but having them here with me all the time has brought the need for Sarah Time to astronomic levels. In fact, I need to go... we have a park play day, and there will be actual, real, people... live people. People who don't want to talk about Pokemon, or Barbies, or puppies, or Harry Potter... I really need to go.

I will leave you with these pics I snapped yesterday at the golden light hour of 5pm. I was practicing my sunflare shots. I love their backlit hair!

A new arrival...

I have a new nephew. He is such a doll, and we were finally able to meet him last night for the first time. I snapped a few pictures to show you how cute he is. If this is any indication, his upcoming newborn photo session will be full of cuteness. :)

Welcome to the world little man.....

Updates....

We have had a really busy week, and I have not had time to update this thing! Last Saturday (the 9th) Todd and I went to a Creative Arts conference led by Nancy Beach. It was neat to finally see her in person, and watch her share her heart. She definitely made me tear up a few times.

What did I learn..... I loved her 10 question checklist that entailed why we do what we do, and what do we want people to walk away with after a Sunday service. It is something I will be using a lot. :)

Here are a few snaps of the day.
Look at all these people paying attention!!


What are they paying attention to??? Look... it's Nancy!


This dance that Rock Harbor's team performed was awesome!! As was their worship, but I didn't get a snap of that, cuz I was busy... worshipping!


It's Q and A time with Rod!!


Look... some happy people trying to find some energy after lunch!!






Good times!!

A few happy things...

Todd and I have been married for 29 days shy of 10 years...

Did that make sense to you?? Because it made sense to me!

Anywhoo... we have learned a few things along the way, one the them being the importance of "our" time together. When Todd gets home from work, we usually snuggle on the bed for a few minutes. Usually, I am right in the middle of dinner, with hungry kiddos, so I don't have a bunch o'time. Sometimes we just lay there, sometimes we talk... but it is a good connection for us, even if we are eventually invaded by a snuggling addict...



I love their hands together and I told them to hold the position until I could get my camera. I will need to look at this when she is all grown up!

Todd is also the one who puts the kiddos to bed. I love that because by that time of night, I am spent. I have no energy left.... except to make some tea for me and coffee for my hubster. I usually try to scurry about and get dinner things picked up by the time the tea kettle boils.. I know... I have some OCD tendencies... umm don't we all!

But then I get to do this....


And it is so nice to sit back with my hubby and enjoy a hot drink and read, and watch some t.v., and chill.

Sometimes it is the little things in life...

I love Play Dough....

Really, I do. I know it is a bit messy, but that doesn't bother me. You know why?? My daughter has been sitting at the table quietly playing for nearly 2 hours.


I'm not kidding.

And she keeps giggling to herself. I am just dying with the sweetness over here.



You know what is even better. We made it together this morning at precisely 7:54am with some salt, flour, water and oil, and food coloring. I buy bulk flour and salt from Sprouts, so I think the total for her play dough experience was a whopping .37 cent investment.

I'm not kidding. (I actually did the math)


I know you want the recipe....
2 cups of flour
1/2 cup salt
Dash of vegetable oil
1/2 - 1 cup of hot tap water
Food coloring or even better... unsweetened Kool Aid!!

Mix everything together in a bowl. I recommend adding the salt and hot water together first so it can dissolve a bit. Add coloring and knead until it becomes elastic. Seriously, it took us 2 minutes, and it is safe and non-toxic. And, this dough can also be shaped and baked in the oven for painting crafts. I know... you are amazed, aren't you.

Alas.. the spell has been broken. As I type this, she is getting up from the table and cleaning up. It was great while it lasted. Now she is busy scrubbing all of her dishes.

Yep, I have trained her well. :)

I'm not kidding.

Afternoon delight....

If you know me, you know that I don't like chocolate, and I don't eat very often. I never crave it... but today I really, truly, absolutely did, so I went ahead and made this. It is not the norm for me, but it was such a treat!! My husband was also happy for a rare after dinner dessert. I made myself a cup of hot peppermint tea, and sat back on my couch for a minute. Your day might just perk up a little if you try it!! Or, next time I make something, I will just have to invite you all over.

And yes, I also submitted this to my stock photography site, and wouldn't you know...it was already rejected!! I am beginning to think that I will never get it right!!

I will just eat this slice of deliciousness in protest. :)

I have 3 sisters (and 2 brothers, but we aren't going to talk about them today!!). Which means I have built in, always there best friends. It is great, and even if we aren't getting along, it always works out in the end.

My sister Jenn and I have daughters who are a few months apart, and they have become very good friends. The problem being Miss M lives in AZ, and that makes playdates a little trickier. They were out for New Year's Eve weekend, so we arranged to have Miss M come and spend the night for Hannah's first sleepover. It was so fun.... for them....! We had a tea party and you will know from my previous tea party posts, that I actually let them make their own, complete with milk and sugar and cookies. They also had a guacamole recipe contest, and when Miss M found Hannah's Halloween costume section, she had a blasty blast!

My other sister Melissa loves to buy matching outfits for the girls. (She is adopting a little girl as well, so soon these posts will have 3 matching ladies!) And they were just so cute that I had to snap a picture of them. Aren't they just precious???

Random thoughts...

I think this will be a weekly addition to this blog.. all of my lovely randomness. But this time... I am going to add pictures!!!

-I didn't know that my husband read my blog until he said last week...."Hon, if you need Sarah Time, all you gotta do is ask." :) Good thing he reads it huh! So, last Friday, I was sent to do some shopping and hang out at Barnes and Noble. All by myself. Completely alone in the child's section (because that was where the quiet corner was!). Looking at People magazine, and a photography book. Heaven!

-Speaking of wonderful husbands, Saturday Todd brought me these... for no reason...actually I take that back.. there is a reason... I am too wonderful and these flowers symbolize all of that wonderfulness....but I digress.

I love him....



-Speaking about love....Monday was a rainy day so the kiddos and I made this. Which I love...

And then we added this to make....My favorite snack. Or meal actually. You should try it.


-Speaking of trying something... My sis and I went to sushi last night. I am ever thankful because the last time I had sushi was in the summer. My family doesn't crave sushi like I do (well Hannah does but she is good with TJ's sushi in a pinch)and it gets expensive. Amy and I went at the wrong time though and had to wait almost an hour for a table. The Rancho Roll was well worth the wait... seriously... I am still thinking about it this morning... I wish I knew how to make it. Sigh.

-On our way out...Hannah fell asleep on the couch, and I had to snap a picture because this is what I see when she is snuggling with me in bed. The long dark eyelashes... the sweet cheeks... the curve of her nose... just kissable. :)
Wish my husband luck in trying to put an energetic, untired 6 year old in bed!!

And thus concludes this weeks randomness. :)

Food photography...

Well... I have been on a quest to learn about different kinds of photography. A while back I was accepted into a very "hard to get into" stock photography group, and have since been snapping away in hopes that I would get some extra cash. Well, it isn't as easy as it seems. They are hard to get into because they only want picture perfect photos for designers to choose from. I try not to get discouraged... but I have only had 2 accepted out of 50 pictures submitted!! I hear that is common. They will like me one day... one can only hope!!

Here are a few recents that were rejected.... but don't feel too bad!! It all tasted fabulous. ;)

My baby...

You may have read my post about birthdays when my son turned 8 last year...and so I won't bore you with another sermon. Because today is my daughter's 6th birthday, and I just grow more astounded every year they surpass. How did the little tiny thing that stole my heart grow into such a little lady???

This girl named Hannah loves to dance and loves music. In fact, she is in her room right now blaring Plumb. I thought that I would be able to wait until she was a teenager to bellow... "Turn down your music!!", but no, I get to do that on a daily basis.

This girl named Hannah drives me crazy with her moodiness and sassiness, and attitude, but it constantly reminds of my moodiness, sassiness, and attitude. I guess it is one of God's ways of teaching me.

This girl named Hannah is the most beautiful, precious daughter a momma could ever have. (Please understand that I know every mom feels this way!)But 6 years ago, I didn't know if I would get to see her 1st birthday, let alone her 6th. (I will post the full story at a later date)

This girl named Hannah loves getting her toes painted, and so we decided to take 2 special friends (Miss Trinity and Miss Katie) down to a salon and get their toes purtied up!! Hannah also requested chocolate cupcakes with strawberry frosting, and a cherry on the top. So I obliged. Homemade all the way, I might add!! After the salon, we went to Mimi's cafe and enjoyed cupcakes, tea and fellowship. She felt loved and I am so glad. :)

Here are a few pictures her special day! Happy Birthday sweet girl.

Her 6 year old pictures...


The toes....

The happy girls


Mmmmmm..homemade dark chocolate cupcakes with real buttercream frosting!

Hey, if you don't want kid germs over the whole cake.. cupcakes are the way to go. :)

Love the sunflare, and the pink frosting upon her face!

Thoughts....

A few things I am thinking about right now...


..My daughter is turning 6, and she is acting and looking like a little woman. It scares me, but I don't let her know.

..My husband has taken a liking to Family Guy, and I think it is horrid. But then, he probably feels that way about The Real Housewives of the O.C. that I watch.

..I haven't taken my thyroid meds for a few days, and I am feeling it. I need to get my prescription refilled.

..I have another lifelong friend leaving for the other side of the country.. as if the Fai'ais leaving wasn't enough. I am sad about that, but happy for them.

..I love Sprouts, and I am on my way to get some fresh veggies and bulk items that I am out of. My children think it is a playground, and that drives me crazy. I am thinking about bribing them with fast food lunch... does that make me a bad mother, or just one trying to survive this thing called motherhood/homeschool.

..Speaking of homeschool, it isn't going too bad, considering I haven't a drop of Sarah Time anymore. I don't miss the stress and worry and heartache that was my life when they were in school. My kiddos are very happy and I am soooo glad. I would do anything for them... even give up my freedom. :)

..That reminds me, I need to tell my husband that I need some Sarah Time.

Thus concludes today's thoughts. The amount of random thoughts I have is astounding, so be prepared for lots of crazy talk from yours truly. :)

Just a thought...

A couple of my friends got some really nice cameras for Christmas, and asked me a while back to host a Photoshop Class for them. I am totally up for it, and wanted to spread the word. If you or someone you know needs some editing lessons, let me know. :) If I get enough response, I will probably find a bigger venue for all of us.

My boys...

I love these two. I especially love how they have such a connection between them. It all started when...(cue the squiggly hazy lines that signals a flash back sequence)....

Umm, it started when little Todd was born. I know he loved me, but nothing could make him light up like his daddy. When he could crawl, he would wait by the door and make what we refer to as "lemon faces" until Daddy walked in and picked him up. Sometimes he would take toys over with him to pass the time, and occasionally he would nurse, you know, if he got hungry and stuff. And much to his dismay, I made him take a nap or two, horrible mamma that I am. But most of his day was spent waiting for the "big man". He would start this little bounce thing when he heard the car pull into the gravel driveway. Yep, my heart was melted, but also a little bit envious of the obvious devotion he had, and still has for that matter.

I am older and hopefully wiser, and I know now that there is nothing in this world I want more for my son than a great relationship with his Dad, earthly and Heavenly. I often remind my hubster that he has a great responsibility. (as if he needs my help!!) It is a powerful thing to have someone adore you that much. One that I pray often that my husband and I use wisely.

Umm... Can I get a witness!! What, what!! :)

Just so you know...

I have decided to combine my 2 blogs into one, in an effort to streamline my work day. So, don't be surprised when you notice more photography stuff combined with family stuff. :)


Blessing to you all... more posts to come very shortly. :)

Women's Tea

I am really posting this for my dear mother in law. We were supposed to host a table together, but a family emergency prevented that. So, Hannah and I set out on Tuesday morning to decorate our table, but after a few minutes of helping, she was off to run, and dance, and make new friends!! :) She doesn't have a strong work ethic yet.. but I am working on it......

Here are a few pictures to show my mil what everything looked like. I had the pleasure of sitting with Lauren and Shannon, along with a few new faces. Julie Benitez did a great job speaking, and if you weren't there, you missed out. :)

Woo Hoo... I am a genius!!

Well sort of... I got this off of my hubby's blog and it is a test to determine how skilled your readers have to be to read your blog. I was expecting elementary school level... but I guess not. :) You all must feel very proud as this test states you have to be a genius to read it. I knew my friends were smart!!!

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Wow!!

I am posting this for a few reasons....

1... It made me cry, and when something about God makes me cry, I feel the need to tell others!
2... It is Beth Moore, whom I have a deep respect/infatuation/appreciation with! :) I have asked God if I might meet her one day. I will let you know how that prayer request turns out.
3...Everyone loves a good story.. and this is one of the best. :)

Take 7 minutes or so to just listen...

Belated...

Tara's post reminded me that I have been shamefully late in posting Halloween pictures. Thie year we had a Darth Vader and a 50's poodle skirt girl. I thought they were so cute!!

We got to Journey's Fall Festival a little late and had to park at Dixieline, which is normally not a problem. However, my feet were not cooperating with me and as soon as we had crossed the street, I biffed it big time and fell face first into a bush.

I will just let that sink in a little.....

Ok.. so there was a line of cars and they all stopped, and people were asking if I was ok, and.... I was completely embarassed. Also, being on blood thinners doesn't help, so I was quite a sight when I called my husband. Apparenly, bushes were sticking out of my head and I had dirt all over my face, and blood running down my leg!! :) Woohoo... I know how to rock it.

My kiddos had fun, so that is a good thing!! So here are a few pictures (not of me of course)