15Feb / 2016

Lots of Life Changes

WOW! Its been a long time since I posted on here. So I’ll just give a quick summary of all thats been going on, and then give more detailed posts later with more photos

Johnny and I were engaged in February, and that came to fruition July 10th, 2015. It was a beautiful day! Lots of wonderful people came to share in our joy. We got married in my grandma’s backyard, and had the reception in her pole barn that my Dad and brothers had built. The guys also built all the tables and benches for the day! My mom MADE the bridesmaids dresses, mens bow-ties, and a special vest for my Special man. Everyone worked SO hard, and it all came out just lovely! Will post more info and photos later on, here’s a few of my favorite photos to tease ya’ll with:

For our Honeymoon, we got a small cabin to stay in right by Mt. Rainier National Park. It really is an incredible area, highly recommend everybody to check it out atleast once in your life!

Oh, and right before the wedding, the last of the goats on my families farm kidded, twin doelings again! Aren’t they darling?!

Shortly after getting back, my nephew Colin was born, isn’t he a doll!?
He smiles all the time nowadays! _MG_4532 2

Johnny’s family had tog o back to New Zealand, sad.

Johnny purchased me my second Doe goat, a Finished Champion name TW Ranch Fancy’s Bebe Girl. She is just stunning too, and gave me a doeling just a few days ago. here’s some pix of her when I first got her, and a couple of her darling doeling too:

Several of our goats did EXTREMELY well in the online goat show, Durango’s Little Red *P even got Grand, Best Doe and Best Udder in Show!

Johnny and I found out we are expecting a girl, we’ll be naming her Victoria Dawn Donaldson. We are SO excited to get to meet her! She kicks up a storm now, but is very quiet when visiting new people or driving.

And to sum up, we’ve been to the wildlife refuge several times, had my little siblings over most Fridays to hang out, been out to Multnomah Falls, the Gristmill and Moulton Falls.

And we’re now in New Zealand visiting Johnny’s family! Will give some updates later on what we’ve done and seen so far

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14May / 2015

Times and Trials

Time, times and half a time.

Good and bad. The times are always changing. Everyday presents new challenges to every individual, couple and family.

Don’t get discouraged when the challenges come, take a deep breath, step back, and try to look at things as they really are. Don’t automatically jump to the conclusion that things are the worst they could be. Wait.

In the book of Matthew, Yeshua/Jesus talked about worry. He said, “Who of you, by worrying, can add onne cubit to his stature?” And he continues to say that we should not swear by your own head, because you cannot make one hair of it white or black.

Remember, as humans, we really have almost zero control over things. YHWH/God is the Only one with full control over things. Let him be in charge and take care of the situation.
~Sarah~

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11Mar / 2015

February 14, 2014: Valentines Day

February 14, 2014. Valentines Day.

My Special Friend, my Best Friend, Johnny, asked my permission if he could court me. He had asked my Dad early that week, and now sought my permission.

We had gone with my brother and sister-in-law to the Old Spaghetti Factory in Portland, OR for a nice dinner. After the meal (but before dessert), Johnny asked me if I’d take a short walk with him within view of the window we’d been sitting at during dinner. I consented, and we stepped outside.

We looked at the nights reflecting off the water, the trees with twinkle-lights on them, and the moist green grass. It was dark, but the lights and sounds were a lovely thing. He said I had not only been a good friend to him over the years, but had become his Best friend, and he would greatly honored if I would allow him to court me. He promised that he would be faithful and committed and his focus would be, when the time was right, to walk me down the aisle if I was willing.

He even had a Promise Ring all ready to show his commitment and how serious he was. It was a lovely ring, with a purple center stone and embraced with a heart. He had picked it out totally on his own, and I knew, when I saw it, that he had figured out my style.

We held hands for the first time that night, it was very special. I had been yearning to hold his hand for a long time. And when we finally were able to, I didn’t want to let go. Some people seem to take for granted holding hands, but for other people, like myself, holding hands is a very simple, elegant, magnetic, powerful means of bonding. its something very special. Holding hands means leading and being led, it means wanting to be near, and not desiring to be somewhere or with someone else.

1 year ago we began a journey, a season. and as we’re entering another, I feel overwhelmed with what we’ve been through, and how much there is yet to see and experience.

God is good. He has seen us through many things already. And he will continue to bless and guide as we keep him the focus and center of our lives.

Sometimes its hard keeping focus on God when you enter a relationship, its like having to reset your compass every so often. Remember to reset that compass though, its always better to be on course, than to go slightly off course and find yourself overwhelmed and lost wondering how you got somewhere you didn’t want to be.

Thank you, Johnny, for reminding me of these things. Thank you for keeping HIM the center, the focus. Life gets busy, and its easy to be lethargic in the things that really matter, like prayer and reading scripture. Thank you for helping to keep me on track with the important stuff when I need it the most.

Note: The above photos were taken for announcing our courtship 1 year ago. I will be posting Engagement photos when I have more done and have time to load them.

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28Nov / 2014

Vancouver, WA Pet Photographer: Lulu

Truth is, I’m not a big fan of lap dogs. I’m a big dog sort of person, though I won’t prevent a nice lap dog from snuggling with me. But little Lulu was such a gem! She didn’t freak out around small children, she was very aware of her surroundings, but far from being paranoid about all the people. She didn’t utter a sound the whole time we were at my aunts house for thanksgiving! She allowed everyone to pick her up and pet her and snuggle. And, she even sat for a few quick photos!

All photos are property of Sarah’s Scenes, Real Life Photographer.

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28Nov / 2014

Vancouver, WA Pet Photographer: Pipa

Pipa is a 1 year old mini Australian Shepherd. She loves her “Momma” and a very sweet personality. She didn’t want to cooperate much for photos, as many people were in her home at the time and she wanted back inside near people and food. I did manage to get the photos above, and she is obviously adorable!

All photos are property of Sarah’s Scenes, Real Life Photographer.

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10Oct / 2014

Another year gone by…

I had the privilege of doing another family session with my brother and his little family. I hadn’t gotten to do many photos with them this year we finally managed to squeeze in another family session to update the photos from last year.

You can see photos as they are finished under the Family tab.
They are the Family: Silliman, D&B

Here is a photo of them all together last year:
And, of course, a family photo for this year:
My, how they’ve changed! They all look amazing! I love being able to document the growth these families do, from growth of individuals within the family, to the growth in members of the family. I hope to document much more growth in this family as the years continue to fly by.

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01Sep / 2014

Our New Dog: Dixie

Dixie on her bed

So gentle, even the little kids can take her for a walk!

Dixie is an 8 year old black Labrador Retriever, and is absolutely wonderful! She arrived at our home last night, and has only given a single bark ONCE! She’s been super quiet, looks like she’s smiling all the time, LOVES all the attention she gets from the kids, and enjoys exploring her new domain. She knows who is in charge in the house. After her walk this morning she went right over to my mom and laid down at her feet. She wags her tail a lot, being so happy in her new home.

She comes, sits, shakes, and stays on command.

Dixie has some medical tape on one leg because she’d been attacked by a dog at her old home. The other dog had attacked her in the past because of being very dominant, and Dixie only finally fought back last night. Her owners decided they’d had enough and needed to find someplace better for dear Dixie.

So, we got the most loveable, huggable, wonderful girl in the world, for free! Because her previous owners knew she needed something better. And what a great fit she’s been thus far!

Photos are property of Sarah’s Scenes, Real life Photographer.

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15Aug / 2014

Sisters and Best Friends

We were getting ready to go to a local parade, and had a few minutes before we had to leave. The little girls were looking so cute, and sitting next to each other just hanging out in front of the house. So, of course, I had to take a few photos!

These girls are best friends! The older one hardly spoke till she was 3 1/2 years old, and then she realized she had a little sister who was learning to talk and she could chat with her! These two girls play baby dolls, barbies, cars, dinosaurs…… you name it and they play it together! Its very rare to see these two girls apart from each other.

They’re more than just sisters, they’re Best friends.

Photos are Property of Sarah’s Scenes, Real Life Photographer.