{ my son and I had a fun time making our first gingerbread house this morning.  Oh what fun! }

I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and an inspiring new year.  I look forward to a long rest for a few weeks so my blog posts will be far between.

Also, I called the winner of my Giving Is Awesome custom portrait giveaway this morning. I can’t wait to meet them!

Our world-wide Help-Portrait event was all day yesterday on 12.12.09.  While we will respect the privacy of the families involved, I could not wait to show some extra photos we took over the day.  These images show the true meaning of the event and more behind the scenes photos to come soon. We took the photos and will print and deliver them before Christmas.  For free.

We want to thank each family that came out despite the misty skies, chilly wind and 45 degree weather that we photographed in outside.  Through the Allen Community Outreach (ACO), we met 52 beautiful faces and 104 soulful eyes.  Countless thanks, hugs and tearful appreciation made the entire day worth every moment we spent there.  Most of the families had never, ever had a professional portrait taken.

I want to thank my three volunteers that helped me throughout the day.  I had a vision for a real 8 foot flocked (ok, sort of ) Christmas tree  with silver ornaments.  We added special red words to it and it was perfect for our day.  The kids loved it and I will never forget how their faces lit up when they saw it.

– Amy,  thank you for getting so many donors to help with all the things we needed for the day and for all that you did on site.  You are a gift for all you did  :)

– Jackie,  thank you for being along side me with behind your camera, capturing the behind the scenes photos (can’t wait to see them).

– Rob, my husband– thank you for helping transport the tree back and forth and getting it set up.  I loved having you involved :)

Thanks to all three of you for withstanding the cold, serving the goodies and hot cocoa.  You helped make each person a bit warmer and hopefully a feel a little more special for their short time there.

Shown in the photo above- 3 of the 4 of us afterward: (left-Me, Middle- Amy, Right- Jackie) Not shown- Rob, who took the photo.

Lastly- a HUGE THANK YOU to all of the nameless people and organizations who donated the pavilion, food, drinks and all the necessities for the entire day.  Your generosity will never be forgotten and it’s so special that you donated these things knowing that you could not be named  for giving your part.

My heart is still bursting with joy.  Thank you again to each and every one!

:D