Sometimes.

Sometimes I cannot believe that God gave me this beautiful boy to love and cherish for the rest of my days.

As baby #2 begins to kick, move, and make his/her presence more known, I cannot help but think of the sweet memories we will make together along with this beautiful boy above and their daddy.  Just a week until we find out if baby #2 is a "him" or "her!"

God is so incredibly good.

The L Family {Austin Family Photographer}

Recently, I enjoyed a fun morning in the park with the L family.  They have two of the cutest, sweetest little girls, and it was great working with them!  Here are a few sneak peeks.  Enjoy their cuteness and awesome taste in clothing and colors!

The J Family - Iowa Mini-Session

Sometimes I can hardly believe that this woman... this supermama of 4 kiddos... was the same little cousin that used to follow me around our farm in Iowa when we were little and sass me by saying, "You're not my friend anymore." (and then change her mind 60-seconds later).  :)  Or the 18-year old girl that went to Alaska with me one summer to work and experience that amazing land.

I remember the day she was born and seeing her at the hospital as just a tiny little newborn.  And now she's a supermama.  And my friend.

I enjoyed doing their family portraits again this fall in Iowa when I did some travel photography there.

Happy 1st Birthday GIVEAWAY!!

Check out this AMAZING giveaway - as my way of saying "THANK YOU!"

October has always been my favorite month.  It also has another special meaning now.  It is the month that I officially launched my Miles of Smiles Photography business!  Sure, there were the 12 months of detailed planning, web site work, and things to get my ideas and business off the ground before then, but October 28, 2010 was its official birth date.

So, to celebrate Miles of Smiles Photography's first birthday and the many incredible families, beautiful children, and sweet couples that I have had the pleasure of working with, and to say a Texas-sized THANK YOU, I am doing a huge giveaway!  Tell your friends.

WHAT:
I am giving away 50% off of a "Backyard Package," and TWO beautiful frames from The Organic Bloom to 3 lucky winners!  The frames are part of the boutique products that I offer, and let me tell you... they add such a fun, creative, and inspired feel to any room in your home.  I'll be doing my once/year BIG sale on these frames (Click HERE for details - sale ends Nov. 21, 2011).  For more details on that, stay tuned to my Facebook page.

Grand Prize: HALF off a "Backyard Session" (click here for info) ($75 value!)

2nd Prize: Johnny Frame in Espresso (round 6" opening)  ($50 value!)

3rd Prize: Mary Ann 3x3" Ornament Frame in white ($15 value!)

HOW TO ENTER: These steps will only take you about 60-seconds to complete.  All steps must be completed.  Deadline to enter is November 15th  at 11:59pm.  Here is all you have to do to enter.

1. "Like" my "Miles of Smiles Photography by Sarah" Facebook page. (If you have already done that, you can skip this step.)
2. Tell your friends about my page and giveaway by posting a comment on your Facebook page about the giveaway and include this link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Miles-of-Smiles-Photography-by-Sarah/116810771688453  
3. Leave me a comment under the post about the giveaway on my Facebook page.  (It will be the post with the image above in it.  There is more than one post, but comment on most recent.)
4. For double chance to win, TAG yourself in the photo about the giveaway on my Facebook page.  (It is the same image that is shown above.)
5. Stay tuned for November 16th, as the winner will be announced on my "Miles of Smiles Photography by Sarah" Facebook page! 

Deadline: November 15th at 11:59pm.  Participants may enter once and will be assigned a number based on the order that they register.  For those who tag the photo (in addition to other steps), they get 2 "names in the hat."  Random.org will be used to generate the winner on November 16th.

I am SO incredibly thankful to be doing what I love and providing people with a memorable and colorful way to capture and freeze special moments in time.  I feel like my son, Miles, is such an accurate reflection of the joy I have for what I do.  His zest for life, learning, and creativity is the same zest and excitement I have for photography and the clients I get to work with.  Looking forward to what this next year has in store!   ~Sarah

Charlotte is 1!

I had so much fun working with little Miss Charlotte.  She was so happy and just a joy to be around.  And you could just tell how in love her parents were with their little girl.  Here are some shots from our day.

The G Family {Austin Family Photographer}

I had a blast working with the G Family last weekend!  The kiddos have grown and changed so much since we did our last shoot a year ago at this time.  Here are some sneak peeks!

Miles Has a Message...

Miles has a little message to share...

Iowa Mini-Sessions: The VIDEO {Austin and Iowa Family Photographer}

Miles and I had such an incredible time visiting Iowa earlier this month and starting my annual tradition of fall mini-sessions there!  It wasn't all work and no play... There was certainly a lot of playing that we did on the farm!  Such a lovely time of year there, too.

Here is a little video I made summarizing our trip.  Enjoy all of the beautiful families and children.  How lucky am I that "work trips" involve all of these beauties?!  Can't wait for fall 2012 Iowa mini-sessions!

The P Family - Iowa Mini-Sessions

I love love.  I love watching a couple in love get married.  And then have a baby.  And then continue to expand their family.

I had the pleasure of meeting this couple in college way back when at Iowa State University, and it has been fun to watch their sweet family grow.  Enjoy!

For Moms: What Would You Tell Yourself?

I ran across this video while visiting the web site of a photographer that I met at the WPPI Road Show convention last month, www.momentsfromtheheart.com.  Thanks, Sandy!

I wanted to share it, because I know first hand how challenging and rewarding motherhood is, and how much I appreciate (and need!) little "encouragers" along the way.  Well worth the watch.

What would YOU tell yourself?  I would love to get a discussion going in the "comments" section on my Facebook page post about this video!  It could be a great "encourager" for other mamas who might just need a little warm fuzzy.  Post away.  Thanks!

The K Family - Iowa Mini-Sessions

Another great family from my Iowa mini-sessions!  These kids were so sweet and fun to work with.

Enjoy the sneak peek!

Baby Ethan {Iowa Newborn Photographer}

I so enjoyed meeting baby Ethan in Iowa last week when I was home for several mini-sessions and to visit my sweet family.

Hard to believe in July, he was just this beautiful baby bump in his pretty mama's belly.

And now, he is 9 pounds of perfection.

Iowa Mini-Sessions - The F Family

Part II of the Iowa Mini-Sessions!

I used to sit next to Jen in band... 15 years ago!  It was so fun seeing her again and meeting her beautiful family.  These kiddos were so well behaved, and made my job that morning SO much fun.  Enjoy!

Blowing mama a kiss...