I met Sarah several times with our local photographer meet-ups. I’ve admired her from a distance in so many ways: her marriage, business and style of motherhood. I’m delighted to share her story with you.

1. How has Motherhood changed you as a woman? 

I have become much more compassionate toward other women. Even though I was raised in a large family and understood the workload of motherhood to an extent, I didn’t understand the emotional and mental toll it puts on mothers. I have grown in my compassion toward others as a result.

I’ve also learned how to slow down, and how to care for myself. Pregnancy, birth, and nursing took a great toll on my mental health, and I’ve had to learn how to slow down and listen to my body, to take time to rest, to set better boundaries with work and other people. I used to bear the consequences on my own… but now if I overextend myself, my family suffers.

2. What is your full time occupation? 

Wedding & editorial photographer.

3. Tell us about your family (number of children, the family you were raised in)

I have one daughter, a 2-year-old, so still very new to parenting. I’m the oldest of nine children, and my parents were absolutely incredible. I thank God for their faithfulness every day.

4. What is one family tradition you have raised your family with? 

Just one?? Haha. We do family devotions every night before bed— we read one chapter of the Jesus Storybook Bible, sing a hymn together, and pray. My family did devotions every morning, and they meant a lot to me, so I’m happy to do them together.

5. What are your “must-haves” as a Mom? 

There are a TON of helpful products out there, but to be 100% honest, my “must-haves” are all related to parenting methods, not things for my child. Although London would say that her “must-have” is her blankie, I couldn’t do parenting without learning how to teach London schedules, self-control, boundaries, and respect for other people. We LOVED the book “Babywise” when she was an infant, and greatly benefited from “The Toddlerhood Transition” video series last year.

6. What is something you are talented with or passionate about? 

I love teaching others! I love helping women grow into their callings, and I love helping other business owners develop skills for success!

7. Any advice for new Mothers? 

Remember that not all advice (even good advice) is good for you. Choose just 2 or 3 solid, trustworthy friends who have a similar parenting mentality as you have, and go to them for advice. Don’t “Ask Facebook”— too many well-meaning and opinionated voices in your head won’t help you, they will only confuse you. Do research, and trust your gut.

8. Where do you call home? 

Cheverly, MD (a tiny little suburb of DC).

9. What is a favorite past-time you do with your child/children? 

We love eating breakfast on our front steps in the warm months. Being outside in the cool of the day is a helpful way to start the day. We also love going for walks, especially in the city!

10. What has motherhood taught you? 

Just how much I rely upon God, and how much I need my husband, and how very kind God is. I expected motherhood to leave me feeling trapped, stuck, stifled. Instead, it is the most surprisingly joyful job I have ever done. I’m excited to “put on my Mom hat” every single morning. I’m not always faithful in this job, and I’m not always joyful, but it is certainly the most fun I’ve ever had in a job before.

11.  What is your favorite quote about motherhood? 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I give to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” Elizabeth Elliot