Life as a Suzal

The Garwood Family

admin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:54:58 +0000

I have been good friends with the Garwoods for quite a few years. I was on a Missions trip to Croatia with Tom when he got to bring his now 4 year old son home from Africa. So it was very special when I got to meet the latest Garwood addition, Finnegan Seamus, a few weeks after he was born!

Sadly it got too hot - 109 degrees - so I only got one good pic of baby. But I love how these came out, thanks Garwoods for takin’ the heat!

Tom and Yetta, thank you for the huge blessing you are to me!

My FAV! Don’t they just look like they’re from a storybook? :

Hunter has the best smile!

The heavens do declare…and show me how small I am

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:17:13 +0000

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. Their is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard. ~ From Psalm 19

I am so amazed at the majesty of God. The expanse of the heavens are but a glimpse of His workings. No matter where you are, His presence is there. That is astounding.

I am so thankful that God never leaves me alone. That I can bare my soul to Him. Confide in Him. That He hears me, and loves me, and wants to grow me more in the image of His Son Jesus.

I also love v. 7-9 describing God’s Word:

Law of the Lord = Perfect = Revives soul
Testimony of the Lord = Sure = Makes the simple wise
Precepts of the Lord = Right = Makes the heart rejoice
Commandment of the Lord = Pure = Enlightens the eyes
Judgments of the Lord* = True = Altogether Righteous

* I especially love v.9b because it is so comforting and makes my mind full of awe to know that His judgments in my life and in the world are good. Are best. God is big. I am small. And He loves me!

The Garwood Family~Preview

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:48:58 +0000

Today was a hot day. An extremely hot day. After about five minutes of picture taking, Tom, Yetta, and I looked at eachother and said, “whew!” Yetta later told me that it got up to 109 degrees in the shade where we were. However, the intense heat did not stop us from getting some very FUN family photos! I love the Garwoods!

Here’s a preview and I should have more up in a few days!

A week at the Missionary Conference

admin — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:13:19 +0000

Where can you find hundreds of people representing dozens of countries around the world that all have something in common? This past week Lukas and I have been quite busy volunteering at our church’s biennial Missions Conference. It was a blast! I was amazed and extremely blessed meeting so many people who live oversees and in sometimes very difficult situations to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

There are about 30 people from my church who volunteer to put on Kids Programs during the day while the parents are in sessions, and make sure that the conference runs smoothly, helping out where needed. I was very excited that I got to hang out with the high school-ers from the group and make many new cool friends!

Also, I have to brag on my most amazing husband. Originally he was going to work with the high school-ers with me, and also take pictures. However his schedule got filled up very soon in a way that he was able to best use his talents, so high school dropped off the list. He did entire conference coverage, taught a seminar, met one on one for photo questions, and did over 18 family photo sessions for prayer cards. He did it all with a huge smile on his face and hug for me whenever we ran into each other during the busyness. And even today after getting home, while I take a nap to recover, he has been working hard editing everything from the week. Isn’t he amazing?! I LOVE my hubs!!

Make sure to check out his blog describing the week at the Missionary Conference! He also put together this AMAZING slideshow that shows how the week went. Please remember to PRAY for our missionaries around the world.

Missions Conference 2010 from Lukas VanDyke on Vimeo.

Photos: Canon 1d Mark III
Video: Canon 5d Mark II
Edited in: iMovie
Additional Photos by: Susannah, Anne, Quincy, Lauren.

Music:
Devoted to You, By: Carly Simon & James Taylor
I Saw the Light, By: David Crowder
How Deep the Father’s Love for us, By: Selah
Foreverandever Etc, By: David Crowder
Greater Than We Can Imagine, By: Sovereign Grace Music

Crystal ~ rEAL lIFE, Venice Beach

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:04:01 +0000

What does one do in Venice Beach? My friend Crystal and I have been brainstorming doing a photoshoot at the beach that’s a bit different than a regular, “it’s me” photoshoot. I call it a “rEAL lIFE” portrait session. The idea behind it was capturing true moments in a unique setting. Different points of view, things one would see and do in a specific place. Almost a commercial feel. The fact that Crystal skim-boards made it even more fun!

Usually my shooting is pretty spontaneous. But before shooting this session, I wrote out the composition of specific shots I wanted incorporating a girl at the beach, a skim-board, the crowd, etc.

And coincidentally, her birthday is tomorrow. So Happy Birthday Lil Sis! I <3 you!!!

Mom for a night

admin — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:52:29 +0000

A few weeks ago, my dear sister in law called and asked me a question. “Will you watch Caleb overnight so we can go away for our three year anniversary?” I was SO excited! And a bit nervous! Some of you will laugh… but I have never watched a baby longer than a few hours. What do you do with a little person all day? This was the closest experience to being a mommy I have ever had.

I had “little guy” for 24 hours, through dinner time, and play time, and sleep time, and wake up time, and breakfast time, and change diaper time, and snuggle time, and play in the pool time, and scare Uncle Lukas with a snake time!

I am just crazy about little nephew. He was SO much fun! And I have to say that I have a new-found respect for mommys.

Dinner time! Little guy likes the camera.

After two seconds of Caleb being here, I realized something had to be done.

Hanging out with the big people!

Alaina and Emily come over to play with Caleb. During nap time we do a quick Griffith Park Observatory Adventure for Emily, who had never been. I should mention Lukas was home to watch little guy.

He loved his blankie.

Caleb loves playing with Emily!

Hanging out with Uncle Lukas!

Haha! Classic.

Travis & Rosalie engagement~ Venice Beach, CA

admin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:20:22 +0000

Well, it’s finally come to that point. My big brother, or “brutho” as I like to call him, is getting married. His wife-to-be was hand-picked for him by his two younger sisters as soon as they met. They just didn’t know it. Travis is not only my brother, he’s my close friend. He’s steady, honest, and hilarious. He’s a great listener, loves his family, and his Lord. Rosalie is darling. Also a close friend. She has the cutest expressions and a very giving personality. I can’t wait to see how God works through them as a married couple!

Bubs, you’re finally gettin’ hitched! Thar! Roseeeee, our scheme worked! Yay! ; ) Much, much, much love to you both.

Aren’t they just too cute…

*FAV!*

Feets!

Rosalie’s laughing was just too adorable. I guess Trav’s humor is funny to her, too.

I have never seen my brother with such a “Look what I have that you don’t have” expression. And Rosie’s is pretty much the same..!

I specifically took this picture for my hubs. It just had Lukas written all over it.

Tiptoes!

Awwwwww

Soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Green!

Thankfulness

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:48:05 +0000

Last Friday night something scary happened to me. Probably one of the most terrifying things that has ever happened to me.

But I have to back up. To make a long story short, I was born with one eye legally blind. Hence I have always been very careful about keeping my good eye safe. For over 20 years I have been keeping it safe. Then last weekend something scary happened… suffice it to say I had an accident that injured my eye. My good eye.

Right after if happened, I was terrified. I was seeing double vision. Would I never see again?? The idea of living the rest of my life blind in both eyes, not being able to drive, or take pictures, have Lukas take care of me, was more than I could bear. I cried out to God, “Lord if it is your will, make my eye ok, I plead with you that my eye would be ok.” After a moment, my heart wasn’t beating quite so loudly in my ears. After a moment, God’s peace enveloped me as I knelt, as the created before the Creator. As I knelt knowing that God had me in His hands no matter what, for all of this life and the one to come. What a precious, precious truth that came alive so vividly in my mind that moment. God is trustworthy. He holds me in the palm of His hand.

A hospital trip later, I found out… I was ok. Not even a scratch. PRAISE GOD!!!

Last Wednesday night my youth Pastor Austin Duncan talked alot about thankfulness. This was the perfect week for me to hear it. The fact that I am whole and healthy is an amazing gift. The fact that Jesus saved me from my sins that I may have communion with the God of the universe is an AMAZING gift!!! It is good to contemplate how much the Lord has given us, and PRAISE HIM!

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!

I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.

~Psalm 34:1-4

Travis & Rosalie: Engagement Preview - Venice Beach

admin — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:49:09 +0000

On the fourth of July of this year, more happened in my family for celebration besides fireworks. Or maybe I should say a different sort of fireworks occurred. Am I hinting deeply enough yet? Ok, here’s another… Lukas and I are expecting an addition to the family. No, we’re not expecting a baby. But I’M GETTING A NEW SISTER!!!

My brother, Travis proposed and was accepted by Rosalie Mae on July 4th, 2010 in Atlanta, GA to the excitement of family and friends. Yesterday I had a lot of fun going to the beach and hanging out with them as well as taking some engagement photos. So enjoy the preview, the appetizer that I hope makes you hunger for more, I know it does for me!

Headshots: Studio Style

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:40:19 +0000

Last Saturday, Lukas and I did a fun Photo Shoot at a friend’s Studio. It was kind of like the Contrast Concepts shoot we did last fall, (minus the bride aspect /props) but in an indoor type setting. We had a studio director, videographer, shoot stylist, makeup artist, three photographers, and four fun models. It’s just such a fun experience having a bunch of creative people working together in one place and I love it!

All to say, at the end of the shoot I wanted to grab just a couple close up shots to see the difference with studio lighting than the natural lighting I usually use. Compared to my other Headshots, these are so…I don’t know, clean!

Make sure to check out Lukas’ site for a different take on the shoot!

And this one just for fun!!!