I was “given” as a Christmas gift to Calvin & Joyce by their daughter Carrie. Five of Calvin & Joyce’s six grandchildren live in Kentucky and they came up this Christmas season to visit. So Carrie asked me if I’d be available to surprise her parents with a gift of photos of all six grandchildren together. Of course I would! We had probably one of the better days so far in December with clear skies and beautiful lighting. It was a little nippy, but thankfully my subjects were kind and let me make then shiver a bit. Now when I was a teacher, I used to remember names in a snap, but not so with these 5 kids. I know they are referred to as CASHE by their aunts as kind of an acronym. I won’t try to remember their names individually and embarass myself, though. Without further ado, here they are…all of the Vain/Emery grandchildren!

Babies are so perfect! Their little hands, and feet, and noses, and mouths…everything about them! I had the chance to ride up to New Jersey last weekend to visit my good friend Gina, her husband Paul, and their new son, Paul Thomas. Paul is about 1 week old in these photos, but so alert…well, alert when he wanted to be. Enjoy oooohing and aaahhhhing over this cutie!

Okay, can I just tell you, that when “they” encourage you to have a contest for deserving people, “they” never tell you that your heart strings will be tugged at by so many stories of need, or heartache, or illnesses, disasters, kindness, giving, and so on…  I was truly humbled by your nominations and my heart was warmed to see how you thought of others and their needs.  I must admit, your stories made me smile, and cry!  When I become a big famous photographer with a disposable income, I WILL give every nominee a gift.  Unfortunately, I am not there yet.  So, without much more rambling, the Giving is Awesome winners are the Brewster/Stapler family! This family was nominated by Carrie Emery.  They recently had a horrible house fire and lost virtually everything, including precious memories captured in their photographs.  While I cannot give you back your lost photographs, I can help you get a jump start on some new ones.  And Carrie, for nominating the Brewster/Stapler family, you will be receiving a gift as well.  Thank you all for your nominations.

A few months ago you may remember me shooting the Emery family. Well…this is the “other” Emery family, or the Emery’s that started the first Emery’s I photographed. (Is that too many Emery’s???) Oh well! Anyway….Cary contacted me to come photograph his mother and sisters who visit anually from Maine around this time of year. And every year they drive the 11 hours to visit and bring down an authentic Maine Christmas tree! Talk about family devotion! I had a lot of fun with your family, and probably the most fun trying to get Maxwell to not run away from me. Enjoy your preview and have a blessed holiday with your family!

It’s official! My new site is finally finished! With little help from myself, Dustin Pfeifer has created an awesome new website for my budding photo business. It’s sleeker, smoother, and all around cooler! There are three galleries to view, a contact me page, an integrated blog, and more secure, private client galleries! I am so excited that I just can’t stop using my exclamation point!!!! I hope you enjoy looking around…tell your friends…and please, go to Dustin Pfeifer for all your website needs – he is AWESOME! Thanks!