20,000+ HITS !?!?!?!

I can hardly believe it!! I can remember when we moved to St. Charles and got the Internet for the first time in over two and half years. Yep. You read right - we didn't have the Internet in the suburb of Duncan (I think Duncan has 14 people in it...or is it 14 families - I can't remember. But we lived in the suburb of Duncan and were the only family.) Out there it was either dial-up or nothing. So we chose nothing (5 minutes to load one page is not our idea of an evening full of fun) and I got to drive to the library 7 miles from our house to check my e-mail. Needless to say I didn't check my e-mail a lot. Or better yet, hardly ever. I had no clue what a blog was...and when I did hear about them was scared of them and thought they were dangerous! My Internet presence as I knew it was completely shriveled up to non-exisitance which was probably better because I read my first born son a lot of books and now he's ready for college at almost 4 years old (not really). But then I got my digital camera...and well, see? I was bound to use the computer in SOME way!! :) Well, when we moved to St. Charles and got cable internet a whole new world of possibilities was opened up to me...even more than when I was a web hog two and half years previously. I was back on the web and finally learned about blogs and how to have one (and wasn't scared of them anymore) and other places and while my e-mail life never really got back to what it used to be....I do have my blogs and I'm happy (and e-mail works great for the business end of things). So here's to 20,000 + hits on the ol' photography blog...never imagined there'd ever be this many. Thank you so much to all my readers and blog stalkers - this post is dedicated to you!!! Speaking of posts, here is one of the longest brandnew image posts in the history of SDG Photography By Rosie Siebenthal (of one subject that is not my child)....Here is B enjoying a boy's life to it's fullest! Welcome spring!!! Thank you also to Mama J for allowing me into (or outside of really) your home with B to capture "him"... he is one of the most polite, well mannered, and sweet boys I have ever photographed!!! Thank you thank you!! I'll definitely be getting some studio samples of these!!! See you again real soon!!! Love, ~R.........;)

Here's a little peek for you Mama "R"...

More than just Mama "R".... R is a true friend to me. We've known eachother since well...2003 when we met at church shortly after I married my DH, moved here, and we started attending Bethany. (Oh my!! That's almost five years now!) R is someone who when sits down with me in the car asks me "how are ya doing Rosie...like how are ya really doing? Like with the Lord - how are ya really doing?" She cares not only about how I am doing/feeling/holding up as a mom, wife, friend, sister, and other aspects of my life...but about THE most important relationship in my life...the one that is the source of life, energy, love, and well...everything I need to be who I need to be in all the other important relationships in my life. She asks the "tough" question that most friends might shy away from figuring it might be too deep...too imposing...too much. Ya know what R? I know you really love me because you ask....I thank you for being the special friend that you are and that you care so much for me. I hope and pray that these images capture just even a bit of how special little S reallyreally is....

Gosh, she's sweet isn't she? R, I can remember capturing her essence when she was about a week old.....the way she laid in your arms and folded her little hands like she was praying...and the way she laid on that white teddy bear....too precious. And here she is such a big girl. My goodness how time flies.

-

And since we're traveling down memory lane...let's take a peek at darling S (and my second photo shoot ever (your maternity being my FIRST!).... hee hee :) Thank you again R - it has been such a joy to travel this journey and have you be such a big part of it!!! Love, ~R....... {{hugs!!}} (Shot with my point and shoot Canon Elph 500 something or other.)

THE RESULTS ARE IN!!!!

Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry for the SDG Photography By Rosie Siebenthal 2008 Little Beauties Contest!!! Thank you also to all who voted!!!! There were a whopping 542 votes total!!! WOW!!! Talk about networking - you all were on the ball!! Okay, so let's break it down and just announce the winners right? Sheesh Rosie!!! (I was getting to that, trust me. I do have a little something extra I want to add though) Because the voting was SO CLOSE....I am going to have THREE winners and two runners up instead of just two winners!!! (YAY!!!!) I just couldn't help myself...and really the votes were really close!!!

So the three grand prize winners for the 2008 Little Beauties Contest are:

Model #4 with 123 votes!!!!
Model #9 with 68 votes!!!! AND.....
Model #7 with 65 votes!!!!

I kept watching 9 and 7 go neck and neck and whooooeee was it close!! Can you see now why I couldn't resist??? #4 - your mama must know A LOT of people!! ;) Mamas of 4, 9, and 7 please email me so we can get your mini sessions underway! :)

(Okay, now get to more of the good stuff Rosie, let's see who the runners up are right?) Yes yes yes, but first I want to add what the runners up get to win!! The 2008 Little Beauties Contest runners up (is that how you even say that? "runners up"? Sounds good to my brain here at 1:32 am....oh well.) Each runner up wins a complimentary "mini" modeling session, and a complimentary 8x10 of my favorite shot!!! YAY!!! So the 2008 Little Beauties Contests Runners Up ARE.....................

Model #1 with 51 votes AND
Model #10 with 50 votes!!!

Wow great job!!! That one was certainly close!! (Ooh and please email me also mamas of #1 and #10) :)

All the other contestants had under 50 votes and were all quite close with eachother. Thank you so much to everyone for entering, for voting, and for bringing others along for the fun ride! As a thank you to everyone who entered the contest, I would love to send you a little something in the mail for participating in our fun contest. If you would, please send me your mailing address and I'll get your little prize out to you in the next week or so.

Well...I hope everyone is enjoying the lovely spring weather. Today was just a dream wasn't it? The colors and smells of spring are just heavenly. I will leave you with an image of sweet "S" braving the new spring weather with her mommy and I :) More peeks to come so keep checking back!!! Enjoy and thank you again!!! Love, ~R........;)

SDG Photography ~ Little Beauties Contest!!!

First of all CONGRATS to Vanessa and Rick!! 83 comments!! You guys rock!! And everyone who voted rocks!! Great job everyone - and thank you so much for making Vanessa and Rick's day even more special!! They have won the 8x10 AND the 11x14 because everyone did such a great job supporting them. And just for good measure, V and R - you can pick a different image for either of the sizes in addition to the posted image here if you'd like :) So that means one size of the posted image and the other image is your choice (when they are all ready of course!) :)

And Now..............

Here is the long awaited SDG Photography By Rosie Siebenthal Little Beauties Modeling Contest!!! I am SO excited!!! Aren't these little girls just ADORABLE?? I know I mentioned that I have two boys...so you can just imagine how much fun I am having even dreaming of my two future little beauties modeling my new girlie props!!! Yippeeee!!!

So here's the low-down. Vote for your favorite. Ask everyone you know to vote for your favorite. E-mail your entire contact list to vote for their favorite - then have them email their entire contact list to do the same and so on. ;) Talk to your neighbors, everyone you know! Send them here to vote!! Rules: One vote per person/computer. All votes must be in by Monday, May 5, 2008 at 11 p.m. Have FUN!! Thank you to all the parents who sent in pictures of their lovely daughters!!! I'll see you soon!!!! Love, ~R............:)

Blog Contest Closed - Thank You!!!

Thank you so much to all the parents who have entered their adorable little girls in the photo contest!!! I'm just gonna have to say...you better rally up everyone you know to vote for your little ones because it's going to be CLOSE!! We have had an awesome response and every entrant is beyond beautiful!! Give me a little bit to get all the entries together for the big post and keep your eyes peeled because they'll be up soon with contest voting rules etc.

Until then here's a 'mini' sneak peek for Vanessa and Rick from their wedding day this past Saturday!!! Congratulations you two!! What an honor and a pleasure to be able to share in your most amazing day - thank you so much for allowing me to be there to share in your special moments and also to capture your love story through my lens...it was truly an honor! A little blustery outside, but amazing nonetheless. Here is one I love of you two...you two are just beautiful together. I pray the Lord blesses you with many many joyful and wonderful years together!! And don't worry, there's plenty more, I just snagged one quickly as I swept through your day in images today. I'll be sure and post a couple more as I go along. Thank you again and congratulations you two!!!!

Also, I am seeing the blog counter go crazy lately...so I know you are all out there...and reading here :) Thank you!! That's so exciting!!! I feel like doing something fun...let's do something fun for Vanessa and Rick- are you with me??? Let's see how many comments we can get posted on this entry wishing Vanessa and Rick congrats, a happy wonderful life together, what you like about the above image etc. etc. BEFORE I post the next blog entry with our little beauty modeling contest. If we can get 25 comments on here before that time Vanessa and Rick will win an 8x10 professional print of THIS image - yay!!! 50 comments? an 11x14 mounted print!!! 100 comments - a 16x20 mounted print!!! Lets see it everyone - if you've ever wanted to leave a comment...the time is NOW!! :) Get all your friends, everyone you know, your family, your neighbors - get everyone to comment for Vanessa and Rick!!! (One comment per person please!! Thank you!!)

Whew! Okay, now that I have THAT out of my system ;) I hope everyone is having a great week so far - I also hope you have been able to warm up!! Sheesh, this weather is making me crazy!! Thank goodness we have Vanessa's flowers to cheer us up...aren't they unbelievable!?!? See you soon!!!, Love ~R.........:)

***Edited to Add***

YAY for Vanessa and Rick!!! So far they've won the 8x10 professional print!! Let's see, it's 4:36 p.m. my time....I am going to go ahead and give everyone until 11:00 p.m. tonight to add their comments (please leave your name too so Vanessa and Rick can see who they are from!! :) and try to win them some more goodies!! Remember, hit 50 and they get the 11x14, hit 100 and they win the 16x20 - more than a 100???? Seriously - I think you can do it!! Hmmm what should they win for over 100 comments??? Oh okay, how about all 3 plus a dvd slideshow of wedding images set to music??!?! YES! I think that would be awesome!! Let's go everyone - this party has been started....let's really GET IT GOING now!! See you at 11 pm tonight!!!

Current Temperature: 76 Degrees F.

Need I say more? My photographer's heart is just singing I tell you! 76 degrees!!! Wahoooo!!!

Here is my little B at the new property I got permission to have my shoots at...:::sigh::: isn't it dreamy??? Obviously this is just a teeny tiny eensy weensy part of it, but I can't give it all away right now! There'll be more to come in the next week or so with some new images :)

Also, I just received my shipment of uberly (my new made up word for the day) cute GIRL PROPS. These GIRL PROPS are simply amazing I tell you. Utterly breath taking and completely everything frufru!! The only problem is this: I received the shipment of these amazing items and couldn't WAIT to try at least one on someone...so I asked my son C (who is almost 4) to put one on to check the length etc. Well...he started to sway back and forth and said "oooooh." (DOH!) I took the thing RIGHT off of him and said, "thank you buddy!" and decided right then and there that I can't stand waiting for my little girl clients to wear these things...I...need...to...photograph...them...on...someone..NOW!!! I know "have a little patience Rosie right? Well, when you see these, you will understand my friend, you will understand. THAT is where you come in!

I NEED YOUR HELP!! I am sending out the S.O.S. to all little girls age 2-4 or size 2-4 or around that size or age ;) I do have some larger sizes coming tho, so if you have an older little girl don't worry, you'll have your chance too :) I am looking for a couple of little girls to model my new perfectly adorable little girl props/clothes/what have you. If you are interested please email me as soon as you read this and then sign in to your email account!!(sdgphotography@hotmail.com)

What you should email: a picture (taken by you) of your beautiful belle with name, phone number, size, parents name, etc. All entries are due by Tuesday, April 29th. I will post the pics up here on the blog (numbered only, no names) and have a voting contest. At the end of the contest, I will tally up the votes and the two little beauties with the most votes win!!!! What will they win you ask??? Well.....a complimentary mini modeling photo shoot, a complimentary 8x10 of my favorite shot, 25 brag cards of my favorite shot, AND 50% off any prints mom and dad want to order!!! 50% you say!?!? Yes, I know. I am feeling very giving today :) (I just drank a Mountain Dew. If you know me, you know how I get when I drink Mountain Dew.)

So......there you go...I said the little girls would have their chance...and here it is! Send those entries in everyone. If you don't have a little girl, find someone who does and point them here!

The Miracle of Life...Baby A's birth in images.

Okay, let's see here folks...I have worked on getting this show up here all the live long day and with much help from some very special photog friends...I think have finally succeeded!! YAY!! I hope you are having a blessed blessed day - I know I sure am! (Hallelujah for my friends!!) Sit back and enjoy this beautiful story as it unfolds...and be forewarned - it IS A BIRTH SLIDESHOW! Although it is tasteful and "clean" it is still a birth, so if you get sqeamish at even the thought of birth, this may not be for you ;) I think it's beautiful and truly depicts the miracle of life, one of God's most amazing gifts to us, in one of it's truest forms. So, if you are not the squeemish type (which is totally okay too!) sit back and enjoy - what a blessing to see two amazing people become parents!

J and B, again, thank you so much for allowing me the honor of capturing your very special miracle through my lens. It was truly my pleasure!!

Please note: Most of the images you see in this slideshow were shot with available light due to the fact that when I shot little N's birth back in Dec. I felt terrible b/c I had to keep flashing my bright lights in his face right after the poor little guy entered the world....so I made a conscious effort to not have to do that again for any of my other newbie babies...and I am pretty sure little A was quite appreciative :) Hope you are having a great day/night everyone!! See you soon!! Love, ~R.........:)

Good Monday Morning!!!

Hello everyone!!! Happy Monday! Yes I am chipper. Yes it's "only" 8:10 am. Some of you may think this is really late. Some of you may think this is really really early for someone to be awake, showered, and ready for a new day. (Or not.) I would say it's somewhere in the middle for me ;) Last week it would have been WAYYY early but not his week. (We changed around my schedule so I am not necessarily working the night shift anymore (hallelujah!) b/c R is beginning to plant and so is gone in the morning when I am still in my 10th dream.)) Now...we'll see if the new schedule works out better - going to sleep a little earlier (is 11:30 pm early?) and waking up super early to proof etc. while the kiddos are still asleep :) No worries though...things are really busy around these parts photo wise - and that's a great thing! :)

Okay on to the "exciting" stuff ~

Lot's to post this morning - first of all CONGRATS to all the hopefull 2009 senior rep model applicants that got their apps in on time!!! Wooot wooot for you all!! Your applications will be carefully considered and you will notified no later than this coming WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008!! Thank you again for the awesome response we had for the model contest!!!

And very importantly: Here is little D...in our haste to leave for a short (completely spontaneous!!) weekend to the QCA (to the John Deere Commons of course!!) I forgot [insert sheepish grin] to post B and C's sneak peek of little D. Please forgive me you two - here is your handsome little guy!! Thank you again for coming out on Saturday it was an absolute pleasure to meet your family and hang out with you all!!!


Well...that's all I have for this moment. Perhaps I will have more later. I know I'll have more really soon. In any case - keep checking back and keep leaving comments (I love comments!!) I hope you are all having a great Monday morning! Love, ~R.......:)

8 Hours Left....

until the 2008 Senior Rep Model Search DEADLINE!!! :) Keep sending those applications in guys and gals!!! Until then you all can feast your eyes on these!! (Remember I told you I was having only BOYS to the studio today??? ~ Well here they are!) Gosh I have such a special place in my heart for boys. And girls. But especially boys :)

Here is baby B - You might remember his newborn pics, he's 3 mths here :) His mommy and I were so excited when he just passed out b/c we weren't able to get any "sleeping baby on the white furry rug" pics for his newborn shoot (although we got tons of other adorable ones -but you know, sometimes you just want "that" shot ;) so....here we are...and all I have to say is...."be still my heart." Amen.

And here's D's big brother C at TWO yrs old!!! Welcome to SDG B Family!

Couldn't resist. This image just says "boy" to me.

This one, however, SCREAMS "BOY" to me ;) Oh man, we had so much fun at this shoot. In my humble opinion this is how I think all 2 yr old boys should experience a photo shoot at least once in their young lives. Or twice. Or more. :) I am not sure who had more fun ~ me, little C, or his dad C. Great job you guys...your family is beautiful, amazing, and FUN! :)

Alright, it's time to sign off so there are lots more to come, this is just the peek for now ~ I'll post more after mom and dad have had their slideshow party! I hope you are all having a great weekend so far!! The weather is somewhat precarious but enjoyable nevertheless!! Go on! Get out there and find a puddle! :) Love, ~R...........:)

Can you handle.....

the CUTENESS???I sure can't! Mercy sakes alive (who can name the song? seriously, if you name the song I am thinking of - I will send you a gift card to Barnes and Noble for $25 - it's a tough one though!) just look at these two beautiful little girls!! Can I just tell you - I have THE cutest babies come into my studio!!! :::sigh:::: :) And the little girls??? Well, you know I don't have any little girls of my very own so....there you have it -adorable little girls in colorful polka-dotted bowls and extra cute bows. Thank you to the mommies (and other family members) that made these beautiful images possible (bringing these little angels to me) - the pleasure was ALL mine!

Coming up: The weekend!!! I hope you have a great one!! I have a weekend full of little BOY clients this time ~ WOOO HOOO!!! I love photographing baby boys too. (Have I mentioned that I have two boys of my very own??? :)

Hope the nicer weather continues (or starts again rather) - I am ready to get outside and shoot some more!! (Be checking for some of those too) and....the count down begins for Venessa and Rick's Wedding!! Exactly ONE WEEK from tomorrow they will tying the knot!! I can't wait!!

Until next time everyone, I'd better get back to work! Hope you are having a beautiful start to your weekend! Love, ~R.........:)

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***Edited to Add***

Remember!!! If you are wanting to participate in the 2008 SDG Photography By Rosie Siebenthal Senior Rep Model search - your application entries are due TONIGHT (the 19th) by 11:59 p.m.!!!! Write those up and get 'em in - the Senior Portriat season is about to START!!!

Gabrielle Christine 8 Days

Welcome baby Gabby!!! Here is my first attempt at a slideshow on this blog (with music) - I am so excited! Congrats to E and M on your precious baby girl! She is so beautiful and at 5 lbs. 5 oz. was quite the wee little one!

Stay tuned as I am in the process of creating baby A's birthday slideshow. I am also keeping very busy with sneak peeks coming and also taking advantage of the beautiful weather tonight and having an impromtu photo session with my little Benjamin at the new property I was telling you about. See you soon! Until then, enjoy! Love, ~R........;)

Baby A...

Hi there!! We are back on-line (insert LOUD APPLAUSE AND CHEERING!!!!) We aren't wireless again yet but we are back on-line...and I am ignoring the long mass of cables running across my office on the floor right now ;)

As I promised, here is a sneak peek from Baby A's newborn session at her house. There are so many more J and B - it just isn't even funny! :) I will choose a couple more though and get those up too. Until then, I hope everyone's having a great day! Love, ~R.......:)

Update*** Here's another one of the "more" I promised of baby A. As I quickly browsed through the batch to prepare for proofing the above image and the one below totally jumped out at me. I. Couldn't. Resist. :) In the words of someone dear in my life, "Don't get no sweeter."

Love, ~R................ ! :)

Announcing.....

THE SDG PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSIE SIEBENTHAL 2008-2009 SENIOR REP MODEL CONTEST!!! TWO guys and TWO ladies will win the opportunity to be THE senior faces for all of the 2008-2009 product and web advertising for SDG Photography By Rosie Siebenthal. Reps will also win a free senior portrait session (a $100 value) with unlimited clothing changes, up to 3 hours, up to 5 locations, 150 brag cards (a $300 value) , a 16x20 mounted print(a $125 value), 50% off of all regular print and collection prices, and GET THIS....(something I forgot to include on my flier for those of you who have received one!!!!) $25 CASH for each friend they send to have their own portrait session with SDG Photography By Rosie Siebenthal!!! Are you a junior or senior in high school??? Have you been looking for a way to make some extra cash and have some good clean fun at the same time??? Well, here's your chance! Please email Rosie at sdgphotography@hotmail.com for more information. You must be a in the graduating class of 2008 or 2009. All applications are due by 11:59 on April 19, 2008 so contact Rosie for more information and your application right now!!!! Remember, there is an application process for these positions. 2 guys and 2 girls will be chosen. Applications must be submitted by the deadline - no exceptions. So...what are you waiting for??? Go on!! Hope you had a great weekend ~ and remember the best is yet to come!!!

((Also, if you are waiting for your sneak peek - please bare with me! We won't have Internet capabilities in the office until Wednesday the 15 (hopefully!!) I am so excited to be able to post this tonight at another office off site - even though I can't post an image (it's killing me, it really is.) So, until then I hope you have a great couple of days!! I'll make up for the unposted images, I promise!!! ~R.......:)))

One more "look see"...

for baby A's mommy and daddy (and whoever else wants to see such absolute cuteness!) Just found this one as I was going through your birth images to have another look see :) I have one more session to proof before this one and I can't wait!!!! I'm just a "little excited" can you tell?? ;) J and B she's absolutely beautiful!! See you three for little A's newborn session real soon!! Love, ~R........:)

P.S. Did anyone else watch the grass turn a beautiful green today with all the rain? And the smell of the rain and the ground...oh my!! COME ON SPRING!!! :)))

A couple of things...

I did this weekend:

1. Watched my 1st baby boy grow up right before my eyes as he received (thank you AJ and LS!!!) and rode his very first bike (with training wheels). And yes, you are seeing correctly. It's a John Deere bicycle. Isn't it beautiful? (Yes, I am being completely serious. Loving what my boys love just kinda happened...we'll see if that continues when they get older ;) And riding a John Deere bike wouldn't be complete without work boots because...he's going to work of course!)

2. Enjoyed the warmer weather with my youngest baby boy (#2) outside in our new sandbox. (An original masterpiece exclusively made by their daddy - no turtle sandboxes allowed at our house. Apparently they're not big enough (or manly enough) or something...or maybe they're just not conducive to large dumptruck loading, hauling, and dumping like an 8'x8' sandbox. (This was decided (not by me) when I was pregnant with C (our firstborn) and we found out he was a boy.)

3. Relived some of my childhood experiences (and fears) while teaching C how to ride down our driveway (that's a huge incline for a little guy!) It was so fun to cheer him and help him to experience success. I also remembered how HUGE some of things that I now consider little really are to a 3.5 year old.

I would love to hear what you all are doing to enjoy the warmer weather!! Who's gonna share first? Hmmmm...Hope you all had a great weekend!! Love, ~R........

WELCOME TO THE WORLD BABY A!!!

Here is baby A, born April 4, 2008 at 2:45 am. 9 lbs. 7 oz. and I can't remember how long!! I am so excited!! It was a wonderful and amazing night. Mama J was a complete SUPERSTAR as was baby A's daddy. More on the story later as I have a previous engagement...or an upcoming one..or something. My brain is a little lacking right now as I slipped under the covers at 5 am this morning and C had me up "bright and early" (for me) at 8 am :) Hope you are all having a GREAT day!! Awesome job J and B and welcome precious, beautiful, amazing, and squishy baby A!!! Love, ~R..........:)

***Edited to add***

Okay {sigh} here we are :) I added a couple more images for you J and B :) There are just so many awesome ones...what a great night. Thank you again for allowing me the honor and priviledge of sharing in one of the most precious and inimate events in your life. What a blessing to witness the miracle of life - a brand new baby born right before my eyes (and lens ;) I am in complete awe of God's creation!! Who knew that the couple I started praying for with a very good friend (3 years ago?) would end up being this precious to me!?!? I thank God for you, for the safe and healthy delivery of baby A, and for the opportunity to know you in such a special and wonderful way. I pray He blesses you with many many precious moments as you love and cherish each other and your brand new and very lovely baby girl. Thanks again you two!! Love, ~R.........:)

P.S. There are PLENTY more where these came from ;) Be looking for "The Slideshow" right here on the ol' blog in a week or two :) Thank you!