Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I consider myself one of the most blessed people alive so I have an incredible amount to be thankful for - my beautiful daughters, my amazing husband, my incredible extended family, wonderful friends, food to eat, a warm place to sleep, and the unconditional love of the God who created the universe. I am thankful from my the top of my head to my tippy toes! Something else I am thankful for is my freedom. And for the men and women of the US military who protect all of us today and everyday. As a former military wife, I am also so incredibly thankful for the sacrifices made by the family members of those who serve. I can only imagine the stress and heartache of experiencing multiple long deployments and I am continually amazed by the strength of our soldiers and their families.

Today, I am honored to share the photos of an Army family as they prepare for another long deployment. The love and affection they have for one another is so strong and has already withstood incredible tests. When others would have buckled, this family stood firm and allowed the challenges they faced to bring them closer together. I know that even though it will be tough to be separated yet again, this family will rely on their faith, their family, and their deep love for one another to get them through.

Jeremy, Abby, and Jeremy Jr., I hope these photos can bring you joy when your hearts are heavy and remind you that the love you have for one another knows no distance. It was my absolute pleasure to capture these photos and I hope I'll be able to capture your family again once you are reunited. I wish that there was some way to convey the depth of my gratitude for your service, but it seems as though a simple thank you will have to do. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I can already feel the chill in the air and practically smell the gingerbread candles burning ... Christmas is coming! I know it is hard to believe it, but Christmas will be here before we know it! The lights, the parties, and ... dun dun dun ... the dreaded annual Christmas card photo! Let's try to make that a more pleasant experience this year, shall we?   :)

I am so so so excited to announce that this year I will be putting on a one day styled shoot with amazing holiday scenes created by Whitney Mittman of Whit Mitt Design and Events. We are collaborating to put together some beautiful outdoor scenes which are unique and fun and I just couldn't be more excited about this project! Think twinkle lights, burlap, blankets, mason jars and coziness set in the woods. Yeah, it's going to be great.

AND the best part is that all proceeds from these mini sessions will be donated to WorldHelp's fund to ship containers of food and medicine to people affected by the famine in Africa, one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our generation. The 12 million people affected by this famine have been on my heart for quite awhile and I am really hoping we'll be able to raise lots of money for this great cause! Each dollar donated provides forty meals so each mini session will provide 6000 meals for starving people in Somolia and Kenya! Awesome pictures for you and food for people, especially children, in dire need? Talk about a win-win situation!

The details:

Each of these mini sessions will last for 30 minutes and take place between 2pm-6pm on October 29th at a park in Anaheim. You will receive at least 15 photos on a disc so that you can use them for Christmas cards or gifts. Each session costs $150 for up to 6 people. If there is a lot of interest, we will add a second date in November.

These sessions are filling up fast, so if you'd like to get your Christmas pictures taken care of early this year and cross one thing off the list already, contact me as soon as possible at about booking one of these mini sessions!