Studio Sara-Anne

Photo sessions

Here are a few pictures from yesterday's photo session...I'll have more of this adorable 1 year old.

We are off to the beach today!

There are 22 people signed up for the photo challenge so hopefully starting tomorrow, I will be able to post a few pictures of the "yellow" challenge.

I'm having so much fun on Facebook...have reconnected with all my old classmates from H.S. and from college. It's been great!

God is sooo good. There are so many changes going on in our household...so many of the top stressers..but God has been so faithful to us and blessing us beyond all that we could have ever imagined. He continually reminds me that He is in control and that if I just rest and not fret that He will take care of things that I worry about...that He cares about those things as well.

So be joyful that you have a good God that loves and adores you...and how blessed that you are His child.

Photo challenge

Love that hair...she is such an aqua girl. We had a great weekend and I had a great time hanging with the ladies scrapping until 1am last night...whew! Looking forward to our beach trip...I'm really excited and so is the rest of my family.

Okay, so here it is…the beginning of our photo challenges

Here’s how it will go….first of all, it’s very low stress, the point is to have fun and for you to look at things through the lens of your camera in a different way

You can participate as much or as little as you want…but I will say from personal experience, if you can stick to the “photo a day” challenge, you will come away at the end of the month with some amazing photos because you will have your camera in hand more.

If you want to share some of your pictures…then e-mail them to me. I will post them on the blog along with mine.

I will be out of town this week, but will do my best to post every day (but I’ll warn you…where I’m headed it’s only dial up)

Here are the assignments for this week:

Tuesday July 1st---Yellow
Now, the focus should be on whatever it is that you are photographing and that should be something yellow…however if there is some blue in the picture…not a big deal. Think about your post processing and trying to bump up the color to make that yellow stand out. Be creative! I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

Wednesday July 2nd—Flag
However you get a flag into your photo. Think about angles, if you are taking a picture of a flag on a flag pole, stand right at the bottom, if you are taking a flag on your house see if you can create a sillohuette…
Thursday July 3rd---Something that you love to do
So for me it could be my morning coffee or taking pictures, or scrapbooking. Covey to us through a photo what one of your passion is.

Friday July 4th— 4th of July
Have fun with this…you could emphasize the colors of the 4th or you could try to get a great fireworks picture (which I’ll post a couple of tid bits about that) or you could get your kids eating a juicy watermelon. Again, try to get close up, really capturing a moment, if you are taking pictures of people try standing on a chair or sitting down angled up. If you are taking pictures of things, try getting really close up or at eye level.

Saturday July 5---Fruit
Ideas…you could line up apples on a window sill, you could put your fruit bowl on your kitchen table, you could go to your garden and shoot whatever is growing or your local farmers market…

Sunday July 6---dusk
Take a picture when the sun has already gone down. See how it changes the “mood” of your photos. Play around with your ISO.

Again, have fun with it…challenge yourself, but don’t get stressed out! I look forward to seeing what you send me. If you have any questions e-mail me at scaudleatgmaildotcom. (please realize I spelled out the punctuation)

funny things kids say

I don't have much time to post...but loved this conversation between Micah and Daddy

So today on the way to J.A.M camp Micah said "Daddy, do you know what I want to be when I grow up?"
Chris said what?
Micah said.."I want to be what I was in the Bible...."
Chris questioned him more not knowing what he meant and Micah said "you know, I want to be a prophet so I can go all over the world and tell people about Jesus...just like I did when I was in the Bible"

I love it!

Busy weekend for the Caudles, but looking forward to some great family time, fun fellowship with friends and even a bit of scrapping on Sunday. Whoo hoo!

Stay cool
Sara-Anne

More pictures and stuff

Really had fun with these little ones.

I can't believe we are near the end of yet another week...can you? This summer is flying by, before you know it we will be buying school supplies and getting ready for another school year. It has gotten me thinking about really living each day to the fullest. Making the most of the moments we've been given. That's not to say that there are moments that we need to rest and relax, but to cherrish the time with family and friends that has been given to us.

Last night I sat down with Micah as he was going to sleep. I love that time with him as it's a time when he's totally focusing on talking with me. I remember my mentor once saying that by doing that with her 4 boys...it was the way that she kept the lines of commuication open even through High School. Anyway, Micah and I were being silly, just talking about funny stuff. He talked about camp and that the girls really liked him, he said "but Mom...romance is yucky" I thought it was so cute. I realized that I need to cherrish every special moment that I get with them as time goes by and before I know it...he will be in High School.

This past week has been really difficult in terms of the grief. I've really been missing my mom. Sunday night I cried and cried...I really hadn't done that since her memorial service. I realized it's been three months and I'm probably getting over the shock of her accident, and the missing and longing for her is setting in. Espeically this week as we get ready for the 4th vacation. We always use to make the treck up to Eagles Mere for the 4th week...it was so much fun. And as we prepare for this vacation it's weird not having mom in the mix. At times it's much easier, less complicated, but I find myself really missing even that. We'll have fun, but there will be a huge void and I do miss her terribly.

Here are some pictures from the 4th at EM...

whats up with my banner???

So I'm trying to give everything a fresh new look. As you can see, I'm still struggling with my banner. So if my blog were to speak it would say..."please be patient with me...I'm under construction"

I spent my morning in the dentist chair..YUCK! I had a broken tooth that needed to be fixed. My poor mouth! It has taught me a lesson though. That if you take care of things, spend a little bit of money here and there to keep them up, then you won't get stuck with a huge bill. It's the same with cars, with our health, with house things etc.

I'm so looking forward to our vacation next week!!! The weather looks great. I can't wait to love on my nieces. Eat seafood. Spend all day on the beach. Yahooo.

I have a crop this weekend...excited to scrapbook the pictures from yesterday. I just also bought a few clear stamps (my addiction) I haven't indulged in quite a while...so here they are

I've had a few request for the first challege for our photo challenge.

I will post the first week of challenges on Monday.

I would love it if you sent me your pictures....so I can post some of your shots.

I'll give full details when I post the challenges.

Chris recenlty preached a fantastic sermon about Jonah ...the title was "God is control even when things seem they are out of control"

His points were:
God is in control in acts of disobediance---That Jonah was definatley disobediant, but that God used His disobediance to bring him and the fishemen on the boat to a new place in their faith. We should always be obediant, but that God is in control when we are not and that if we humble ourselves to Him, He will use it.
God is in control in crisis of faith Jonah and the fishermen didn't have faith...Jonah didn't have faith in God to go where he was suppose to and the fishermen were from a polytheistic culture and believed in anything and everything...but God was still there and in control
God is in control in times of hopelessness...The situation for Jonah and the fishermen was obviously hopeless...they didn't have any solutions, but in the end God was glorified.

Of course this is a nut shell version, but it was such a great and practical way of looking at a story that we have heard since we were children.

If you are struggling today...remember God is in control.

Blessings

I never get tired of taking these two cuties pictures.

I look at them and they are getting so big.

Last night Micah and I had a pillow fight (he loves it) and at one point he looked at me and I couldn't help but to see a boy all grown up, no longer a little one.

Chris went to check on them before we went to bed (we always do that) and he said "come here!" of course my first reaction was whats wrong? I got into the room and there's Makaley sleeping in her "fort" which she made of two wooden chairs and a blanket. She was'nt sleeping under it she was sleeping on the hard wood, narrow chairs.

So I'm having some head shots taken...yes me, the one who's always behind the camera...is having someone take pictures of me. I really need them for marketing stuff. I've started to enter some contests and shows and they want bios. I'm not very comfortable with someone taking pictures of me. I am always so critical of how I look. I'm trying to be better at that...I don't want to pass along those insecurites to my daughter. I read somewhere that you shouldn't criticized yourself in the mirror...becuase your daughters will learn how to do that as well.

As I was getting ready this morning...Makaley sat on the sink and said "Mommy, you are beautiful" That made my heart sing. Then as I was walking out the door Micah said "Mommy, you look pretty today" so maybe the encouragement from my always loving kids will give me the confidence I need for this shoot. time will tell.

Getting to a couple of your e-mails....

Do you use filters?
yes, I use filters and I don't use lens caps...UV filters really make a difference with your outside photos, does nothing for your inside photos

Do you use a tripod and which one do you suggest?
No I don't, I probably should...most professionals and enthusiasts do. As my lens have gotten better, I have noticed what they refer to as "shake" in a few of my pictures...so I need to buckle down and get a tripod.

I'm just starting with my DLSR what are some quick tips?
First read your manual, sit down with your camera on a nice evening and play..read it from cover to cover. Most manufactures offer online tutorials for your camera as well...use those. It will take some time to understand your camera. If you bought your camera from a camera store, they sometimes offer a one day class...take it. Understanding your camera is the first priority. Then start to experiement with angles..straight head on angles are usually not as interesting as shooting from below or above slightly. As I've said...don't be afraid to get close. Take lots of pictures and most of all just have fun.

New Buisness Cards

So what's new?

Kids:
Makaley started cheerleading camp and I have to say it is too cute. She was so excited last night and got these cute pompoms that her daddy had bought her and put them in her bag...I picked her up at lunch time and she was excited to show me her "cheer" So much fun for her

Micah has a class pool party. It was great to see all his friends that he hasn't seen since the end of the school year. His teacher really is one of a kind!! I'm going to miss her next year and I know Micah will as well.

Life Lessons:
So one of the things that we are working on in our household is taking responsiblity for our actions. Case point: Makaley said to me (becuase she wasn't getting her way) "I'm never going to talk to you again" Very soon after that, she wanted to ask me if she could have something to drink. I didn't answer her for a few min...she kept saying "mommy, mommy, I'm talking to you" After a while when I realized that she was 'suffering" I sat her down and said "Makaley, you said you didn't want to talk to me ever again didn't you? So mommy was just giving you what you asked for" very soon after that she said "Mommy, I'm sorry I said that to you.." (I thought GREAT! Lesson learned) but then she said "I did it on accident" Okay lesson not learned. I explained that she didn't do it on accident..she did it very much on purpose! We talked about it some more, one of her favorite things got taken away and hopefully she is learning to take responsiblity.

I say all that to say...we live in a culture that is constantly blaming others for their problems. They don't want to take responsiblity for the things that they have done to contribute to their circumstances. People wonder why they are in debt and can't afford a weekend away ...but they will over indulge with cars, houses, stuff, clothes etc. They don't take responsiblity for the expendetures and blame it on the economony or other people. We live in culture where kids are taught to first blame others and we have parents who defend their kids instead of teaching them what it means to own up to our wrongs. Chris has seen it over and over again in the schools...

I just pray that as parent, that I will teach my kids that they have to own up to the things that they do wrong...and in our house there are consquenses for those things.

Random stuff:
So excited about---Olympics, the beach with my family, camping, being closer to school next year..whoo hoo!, loosing 5lbs, my new camera bag, getting rid of all those clothes, our small group (we had so much fun on Saturday)...new weed wacker...house is a bit over grown these days...my orange outfit that Chris thinks is too bright...not having any mouth pain (get to spend $5000 at the dentist over the next month)

Photography:So, I'm doing an overhaul on my marketing products. I'm having post cards made up, new buisness cards, broshures and working with a new website. I'm at the point where I would like to have an availablity calendar on my site along with client proofing.

Here are my new cards...excited to get them...I'm having them printed up on a slightly textured paper...and they are two sided this time

Be blessed

What burns my butter....

So most who know me, know that I'm really even killed, not much happens that really gets me fired up. I don't fly off the handle often and I don't get bothered by much....but one thing that really burns my butter is when people hurt others in the "name" of Christ. I absolutley hate it.

Unfortuately I have been a part of churches, had friends, been associated with organizations and so on, who will hurt people within that body but do it becuase "they are speaking the truth". I think what happens moreso than often is people's prides and selfish ambitions get in the way....they are power hungry, they can't say they are sorry, they have groups that they don't want to let people in and so on and so forth.

Today is a sad day for me. I have to say goodbye to a boss, a pastor, a man of God...all becuase people have their own agendas...I watched as people marched into his office and as they attacked him becuase he spoke the truth. They say "we as a church feel.." when actaully it's a small fraction. They have called him too evangelical...to conservitive....my heart hurts for him, though I know today "move day" he will be much happier at his new church. What will happen to this body??? The jury is stil out. Thankfully I won't be around to watch it.

I have seen women who call themselves christians, sit at events that are held in the church and gossip about people that they call their "friends" it amazes me. These women hold Bible studies, sing on priase teams, lead worship, but are not afraid to hurt others and know it and do nothing about it.

This must sadden the Lord so much....to see his people hurt eachother, their leaders so much.

Anyway, it's not a very happy post today, its just what's on my heart. I pray so hard that I will always support those in leadership above me whether it's my husband or anyone else. I pray that I will not talk bad about those who are around me serving and those who are my fellow believers. I want to help to heal the body of Christ not to make the divisions deeper. Lord, please keep me humble, please show me where I can help to bring healing, please help me to be the best follower of you, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

Sorry if I offended anyone today. Have a great weekend.

I had a really nice evening last night.

3:30 pm Chris calls and said..."I'm making you dinner..just for you and the kids are helping"
3:35pm Makaley gets on the phone and says "Mommy, Daddy and I went grocery shopping and we bought....
3:36pm Chris "Don't tell Mommy...it's a secret"
3:37pm "But I want to tell her what we bought"
3:38pm CLICK!
3:39pm Chris called back and said, "sorry I had to hang up on you or she would have spoiled it"

Chris had forgotten that I had band practice last night so I got home to fresh flowers on my table and a delicious meal of steak, grilled portabella mushrooms (which is a real treat seeing as Chris hates them) grilled corn on the cob and a strawberries and whipcream!!! YUMMY! I have such a dear thoughtful husband...and we are raising two kids who are just like him!!! Babes, thanks so much for my meal, I really enjoyed it and enjoyed it even more that you involved the kids.

We are wrapping up a full week of camps and VBS at our house...the kids have been so tired. Micah has just crashed every evening, but he's so enjoying it.

I need to scoot, I'm having lunch with a friend

photo session pictures

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing this adorable little boy....So cute. The best part about it was that he was so enjoying eating the grass! I also realized that I didn't post the father's day project so here they are. It was so funny to me...Chris' favorite hat is the dirty old one (he won't let me wash it or throw it out) and Micah didn't want to wear it at all, but Makaley on the other hand, had no problem putting it on and taking a few pictures. I got this developed as a 24 x 24 poster. I love it. Lots of pictures today. Enjoy.