[and the GRAND PRIZE winner is.......]

Stephanie A.!!!!

There was NO way I could pick one of these awesome nominees. So, I assembled a "panel" to carefully consider each nominations.

Every one of the people or families nominated were deserving and will be receiving a mini session and photo gift from me (details will be sent to them after the holidays).

The nomination letter....

Last year, Stephanie fought a battle with cancer and during that battle for her life, she lost her job, her apartment and struggled with unending pain. She finally went into remission and met a man who she felt was everything she had been looking for. They married in Feburary after a very short engagement and soon after things began to fall apart. Her husband began to treat her differently. He slowly became more and more abusive and it wasn't until Stephanie found out she was pregnant did she decide to leave for the safety of her baby. She is now due to have her baby in a few weeks and though she was able to get a low income apartment, she lives off of disability. She wants nothing to do with her husband (whom she is trying to divorce) and found out that he has an abusive track record so she does not want to ask for child support. She is determined to raise little "J" on her own. She has an amazing faith in God and He has taken care of her needs, but I think she deserves a few "wants". I know the distance might be a challenge, but I would love for you to photograph hhim after he is born. He is all she has and I know she will barely be able to provide the necessities let alone something as amazing as you could do for her. If she is chosen, instead of Todd and I receiving a prize, perhaps you could use the money for gas to get up to her residence. Thanks for considering her!!

Thank you Todd and Kim for nominating Stephanie. And though I appreciate the offer, you will still be receiving your prize too!!

I can't wait to contact Stephanie in the morning!!

Many Christmas Blessing to everyone!

God Bless~
Shari

[baby, it's cold outside]

It has not even hit 20 degrees in the past few days. We have over 2 feet of snow in our yard and it is WAY too cold for the kids to even enjoy it.

So, is your shopping done? My is not and after sliding into a ditch last night with my husband, I am NOT going out tonight by myself. So I will finish in the morning and my sweet hubby will work from home.

THREE MORE DAYS!!!!

Here is a wintery picture of my sweet angel!





Don't forget tomorrow is the last day to turn in your nominations!!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

[giving is awesome]

I just wanted to give a shout out to my fellow photographer buddy Kristen Kalp. She is SUPER talented, side-splitting funny and wonderfully generous. Please check out www.givingisawesome.com to find a photographer in your area to nominate a special family for a custom photo session! IF YOU ARE A PHOTOGRAPHER PLEASE JOIN US!!!!

Thank you to all the SUPER UBER talented photographers who are donating their time and talents!! I am so proud to stand beside all these generous hearts!


We have over 450 photographers donating over $480,000 dollars of photography!!

WOO HOOTY!

[tis the season]

I love Christmas. It is my favorite time of year by far! Why you ask? Because I love, love, love to give my family and friends gifts. I love the whole experience from thinking about what would be perfect for them to seeing the expression on their face when they open it. It is the way I express my love.

The last few years have been really tough on our family with the economy and starting up not one but two business. Through the intense struggles I have gained an even deeper understanding of what is really important in life and a deeper compassion for those that are struggling.

A couple of Christmases ago I sat fighting back the tears because my heart was so sad that there were barely any gifts under our tree for our kids and most were hand made because that was all we could do. My daughter opened a gift from her brother and as she slipped the red plastic heart ring onto her finger she exclaimed, "Ryen, this is the most beautiful thing anyone EVER gave me! Thank you so much!" As I watched the exchange of hugs, laughter and tears my heart was full of joy and hope and one thing became abundantly clear......comparing yourselves to others is a ridiculous waste of time because true love and joy can not be bought it can only be given.

So here's the deal.......

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $1,150 worth, to be exact. Whether it's a canvas, album, prints, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Michigan. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve custom portrait photography. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story by December 23rd at Midnight: shari@orangekitephotography.com.

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
With love,

Shari