We are so blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know them over the years and now call them our dear friends. And little Caroline is, of course, Mia’s bestest pen pal buddy. Love. This. Family. Get ready for some updated toddler pics of the girls!

But look at that face! Isn’t she well worth it? I, obviously, think so… xo

]]> http://betsyblueblog.com/2012/01/12/this-is-exactly-why-im-behind-on-blogging-other-aspects-of-life/feed/ 1 http://betsyblueblog.com/2012/01/01/coronado-family-photography-adamson-family/ http://betsyblueblog.com/2012/01/01/coronado-family-photography-adamson-family/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:34:15 +0000 Betsy http://betsyblueblog.com/?p=2897 One of my sweet family full of friends from back home in Oregon…LOVE THIS FAMILY! xo

I have to admit, I’m a bit saddened that we weren’t able to reach our goal of $500 but I am humbly grateful for the funds we were able to raise. With Mark & I’s matched contribution, I know we have all helped out the Nino’s considerably in their mission to lift up and support the lost children of Mexico.

(and I’m secretly happy our Christmas present money didn’t go to the mall this year!)

For those of you who’ve known me for a while, or who follow me regularly, you may remember my sweet friend Amanda and her new dashing hubby, Giezi. If you missed their recent engagement shoot with me, check it out here. They are ADORABLE!

Amanda has been one of my very dearest friends ever since I moved to San Diego. She is an honest woman of faith who has devoted her life to serving those in need…and in doing that, she also met the man of her dreams…Giezi, who happens to be on the exact same path in life! I {TRIPLE heart} them! They continuously encourage me to follow what I know is right in my heart…and together they are an amazing example of truly finding out what your gifts are and putting them to use.

So in honor of The Niño’s and all they stand for this holiday season, Mark & I have decided to offer up a challenge:

Rather than give your money to the mall this month, would you please consider helping us in putting it to better use…Help us support The Niño’s in their daily service to those in need! For every dollar you donate to Amanda & Giezi’s efforts, Mark and I will match it…up to $500! And if you feel like donating a million, trillion dollars…? Well, we’ll be stopping by your MANSION in heaven for dinner then.

Here is a quick video that I asked Amanda & Giezi to do in order for you to be able to get to know them and their mission a bit better. If 1/3 of my Facebook friends would agree to donate even just $1, Amanda’s healthcare insurance could be covered for all of 2012…which would make me EXTREMELY happy knowing we’re helping to keep her healthy and moving forward in her & Giezi’s mission to help the youth of Tijuana.

Please understand that The Niño’s are dear personal friends of Mark & I’s. Your money is completely guaranteed to be put to good use helping give the lost children of Mexico a chance to understand, learn and grow in the knowledge that what they see in front of them, isn’t all this world is about. There is more to their life than sex trafficking, abuse, prostitution, drugs and loss. If you’d like to take a moment to learn more about what Amanda & Giezi’s hearts are all about, please check our their sweet blog.

To be a part of our donation challenge, all you have to do is click on this link to donate. When you’re completing the form, please make mention in the “Notes” field that your money is part of the “Niño Challenge”…or something to that regard, so we know to match your gift. Here’s a screen shot of the donation page to give you an idea. SUPER SIMPLE! Your donation is 100% tax deductible and DEEPLY appreciated! We’ll run the challenge for just ONE WEEK…from today until Fri, Dec 16th! Let’s see how much of an impact we can have together!

Ready? Set? GO!!

Once I felt I had a good feel for who Natalie really is and what her heart imagined for her man’s special treat, I teamed up with my talented friend Lori over at Paper & Thread Studio. Lori is always AMAZING at using her creative butterfly net to sculpt whatever hair-brained ideas I have into something perfect. Not only does she have incredible creative talents, but she’s the sweetest person in the world to work with. And for THIS project…all that added up to one beautifully fun time together! I’m so excited to show you what we designed & built…check it out!

December’s image is one of my all-time most favorite boudoir shots…I love how vivacious & beautiful, natural beauty really is!

January’s images were STITCHED together…my new favorite thing! I’ve since experimented at home (under Lori’s tutelage of course!) & made some amazing goodies myself…such fun!

I love the burlap-y fabric on April…it reminds me SO much of that sandy beach! So textural.

These hand-laid bits of lace were a perfect fit for July’s gorgeous lacy bikinis Natalie had on!

 Natalie…once again, I’m overwhelmed by how your beauty just glows in camera and in life. THANK YOU for allowing me to capture this season for you and THANK YOU for allowing me to share it so others can experience it as well. You are one in a million, my dear!

Lori…you are an ANGEL to work with! I can’t imagine humbly pouring out my crazy ideas to anyone else and having them “get it” like you seem to do so easily. You are such a special friend and I’m ever grateful for your magic on this project. Thank you!! xo