Share the Love Contest Entries...

Before I list the entries, I wanted to say that this has been really hard for me. I wish I had the time to provide sessions and photos for each of these wonderful entries. Also, I had this idea to do this because I realize that custom photography is a luxury that isn't in the budget of many wonderful families, it is in no way a judgement of anyone being in poverty or having a "worse story" as suggested by a few negative emails I got. I hope this contest is accepted in the kind hearted giving way I intended it to be! :)

So, here we go finally! We have four entries, and I'm just going to offer a brief summary of each, removing a few of the details provided and hoping to not invade their privacy too much. Please read through each of the four before voting.

#1: Mikala

Mikala is a beautiful, kind, intelligent girl. In her almost 14 years she has suffered much heartache. She lost her brother to leukemia six years ago, and then her father passed away unexpectedly. Through this all she has kept soldily grounded and has chosen to express her grief in wonderful writings. She is a kind and gentle daughter, cousin and committed to her friends, and has wanted to have professional pictures done but has not been able to.

#2: The "D" Family

Melanie and her husband had two children, or did until 3 years ago. They decided to open up their home, and adopted three children from Africa. Two twin girls, and their little brother. With that many mouths to feed, but still have ability to raise her children, she and a friend of hers started their own cookie shop. At first they were baking just to supply coffee shops, and theatre houses. This fall they were able to open their own store. During all of this time of change with a new growing family and a new business adventure, she and her husband decided to train and run their first marathon. They did, even with the sweeper right behind them. This is a family who is real, loving, and always striving for the best in life.

#3: Rebecca & Larry's family:

I want to give a suggestion for your contest. My dear friend Rebecca and her husband Larry have two beautiful children - Sam (3 1/2) and Tristan (9 months). Rebecca is a SAHM but also works part-time as a doula and midwife apprentice. Larry works for his local Neighborhood Association. They are very dedicated parents and so involved in the community and so giving to so many people. They are not poor by any means, but they definitely do not have room in their budget for quality photography of their children. And it's been a rather trying winter for them - (health issues mentioned and removed to respect privacy...) Yet they are always so positive and willing to help us (and others) out with childcare, bringing meals to new parents, and being involved in the community.

I KNOW they they would be so grateful if they were to be chosen to receive photography of their family.

#4: The "R: Family:

I've nominated the "R" family of the Twin Cities area. Colleen "J" (formerly R) was one of my closest friends in middle school (before we relocated to another state) and I've always thought she had an amazing family. Raised by a single mother, the youngest of 12 (and the only girl), Colleen is the most grounded human being I've ever met. And her mother, widowed when Colleen was just a toddler, did it all on her own. I think that collecting the R family for a professional portrait, in honor of their mother, would be a wonderful gift. Please consider them for your contest.

There is a poll over to the side where you can vote (may have to scroll over----->that way. )

Thanks so much!

Mary