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Giving Thanks 2012 – voting // Morris IL newborn, children & family photographer

RULES: Vote for the nomination you feel most deserves a FREE portrait session – you may only vote once by commenting with the person’s name or the entry number! The nomination that receives the most comments will win. The winner must live in, or be willing to travel to, the Morris area. The winners will each receive a gift certificate good for one portrait session that will include a 16×20 print of their favorite image, and a c.d. of high resolution images from their session – a $750 value! Certificates will expire on May 30th, 2013. Certificates have no cash value & are not transferable. In the even of a tie, the winner will be chosen by Today Everlasting Photography.

Thank you for participating!

I’d also like to thank each and every one of you who took the time to nominate somebody – don’t forget to check back on November 30th to see if your name was drawn for a FREE portrait session!

Entry #1: I would like to nominate a sweet family to receive your offer of a portrait session. They are the Allen family. They are so sweet and loving. They have helped me along as I have pursed the adoption journey by praying for me, encouraging me and holding my hand when I needed someone to walk beside me. They are a good Christian family growing in God’s love and grace. They are quick to love and help others. They have adopted two wonderful girls from Ukraine and I believe a nice family portrait would bless them and encourage them as things can be difficult emotionally and financially as they cheerfully embrace the responsibility of adding two young ladies to their family who have spent their entire lives in an orphanage and without the love and help of a family. You do a beautiful job capturing people and relationship memories. I think it will be a beautiful portrait of what God has done in bringing them all together as a family. ~ Lisa

Entry #2: I would like to nominate my son, Greg, for this contest. I think he is most deserving to have a photo session of him and his son, Jaxsen, because he is not only a great dad, but also a hero serving our country. He has served our country in the army by spending 4 years in Germany and 18 months of that being in Iraq, all the while Jaxsen lived here in the states. After completing his active duty service he came home and got a full time job. Shortly after, he joined the army reserves because he missed the comradery and opportunity to be a part of our armed services. Shortly after joing the reserves he was activated and scheduled to deploy again. He was activated on a Tuesday and left on Saturday for another year tour, which didn’t leave him much time to gather his things and say goodbye to his son. Just as they were starting to build a bond and form a relationship, duty called him away again. The most heartbreaking scene is a soldier saying goodbye to his 4 year old son at the airport. And then, as I tuck that little boy into bed each time he would come visit, he asks me “Nana, when will my daddy be home.” With no guarantees that he would ever make it home I could only answer “hopefully soon buddy, hopefully soon.” Each time Jaxsen would come to my house he would continually ask, “is my daddy home yet?” Thankfully we have all of this technology because Facetime has kept them in touch. So many memories have only been given to Greg by pictures and videos of his son. Of his sons 5 years of life, Greg has only celebrated one of those birthdays with him. Holidays have been spent by ordering gifts from daddy online and shipping them home. Seeing Jaxsen open Christmas presents in person has only happened twice. Greg will be home from this deployment soon, hopefully not having to say goodbye to his son again. He loves spending time with Jaxsen and has done everything he can to make a good life for them. I am so proud of him for choosing to serve our country, knowing it might take him away from his family again. Nothing makes my heart smile like hearing my son playing and laughing with his son, but when the army calls he is always ready for his duty to America. They have never had a professional portrait together and I think winning this contest would be a wonderful way to honor him for his dedication to his son and to his country. Thank you for this contest and this opportunity to finally do something for my son. I can never repay him for what he has given to me and to this country. ~Shelly

Entry #3: I want to nominate Kyle and Sheena Wolfe. This wonderful couple has been praying for the blessing of a family for years, but things have not gone the way they had hoped and prayed. Throughout their whole journey they have shown nothing but grace and have been thankful for every blessing that God has given them in their lives. Their courage and faith has been an inspiration to all people they encounter. They have been going through the adoption process and are now waiting on God’s timing for a beautiful baby. I can’t think of a better way of celebrating this wonderful couple and the moment they have been longing for than through Carol’s beautiful photography. What a way to capture a new family! ~Stephanie

Entry #4: I’m giving this a shot because i truly believe there are not enough “thank yous ” in the world for my dads recognition of kindness and sacrificing he has done in his life, i know he does not hear it as often as he should. With honor, he served in Vietnam as a Green Beret medic, achieving a Silver Star Medal amongst other medals. He raised 6 children devoting all his extra time off work focused on being a great parent and taking interest in all of his kids dreams and goals. He was a hard worker, with great responsibility, a lot of his work consisted of traveling to numerous nuclear plants for 12 years. Although he was away from home supporting his family, he still made it to every special event my siblings and i had. My dad is such a strong believer in others and faithful to life, appreciating every bit of joy nature has to offer. We could hunt and fish the day away, by night he would enjoy his favorite past time, taxidermy. August 2008, he was diagnosed with a very rare disease called MSA (multiple system atrophy) Last year, as he was working at a nuclear plant in new york, he took necessary time off work, because living alone was a huge risk he was taking. He moved in with his wife in canada, with dreams of going back to work, as he had promised a retired life in a house they had plans to build on a property he bought 8 years ago.. Patients suffering from this disease have a life expectancy of 4-5 years. He is now into his 4th year, deteriorating quickly, but fighting it with all his physical and mental strength. My siblings are near and far, which we have not had a family picture done with our father since 1994. We will all be together these upcoming holidays for my dads sake. I’d like our dad to know that he is greatly appreciated, and even though he does not hear it enough, we all give thanks to him and we’ll continue to live our lives in accordance with the virtues and tenets of his personality! Thank you for this opportunity to express why i am forever thankful for my role model, my dad. ~Ashley

Entry #5: I want to nominate an lady who’s name is Camicha. She’s a single mom of 3 who is trying her hardest to make it on her own. (A little history for your eyes only.) She used to live with her boyfriend (the kids father) but knew it was wrong to live with him out of wedlock. She came to Morris from Chicago to give her kids a better life and it hasn’t been easy on her. I think she would be humbled to even be nominated for this and completely ecstatic to win. ~Dawn

Entry #6: I nominate my parents, John & Barb Sparks. My folks live with us. They sold their house and moved into a noisy home of 3 screaming children, even though they have already raised their children. My mom is such a tremendous help to me. I work all day and am constantly taking kids to this practice and that practice after work. My mom helps me with all the little things that I would never get done with all my running around. She helps watch the kids when I just need a night away from the kids. She is always thinking about everyone but her. I want her to have a nice picture with her and my dad. She is my role model and hope to one day be as close to my kids as I am to her. ~Debbie

Entry #7: I nominate my daughter Jennifer and her family. Jennifer has such compassion for others, always willing to help in what ever ways she can. If she can not help you, she will help you find someone that can. Jenny LOVES pictures! ~Kathy

Entry #8: This is kind of an odd nomination but here goes……I am a special ed teacher for kids with various abilities. I love my job for so many reason but mostly because I learn so much and am reminded of all the blessing that the world holds for each of us. During my conferences this year I was reminded once again of these blessings. I am usually stressed but excited during this time. I get a chance to meet the parents and brag about the kids a little. This year minutes before my first conference I had an overwhelming feeling of love for this class, and although I had not met many of these families was overcome with gratitude towards them for trusting me and giving me the freedom and encouragement to learn from their children and teach them everything I could shove into a day. After talking with each family, and expressing my feelings of love and gratitude towards their child and their families for contributing to the progress made thus far this year, the families thanked me for all that I do. I expressed my appreciation for their thanks, but wanted to say….no really thank you:) After reflecting on the day all that I thought of was how different and and how beautiful each family was. I am blessed beyond words to have crossed paths with each of them. So I nominate the families of my class (maybe we could have a drawing and choose one). If any of these families are chosen I know that Carol will not only be able to capture their beauty but also she has a very special ability and understanding to put these families at ease while taking pictures with their child that has some special needs. ~Jenny

Entry #9: I nominate my baby boys caregiver, Alicia Sims. Because money and thank you cards candles and gifts are not even an indication of my thanks to her. But she has a beautiful family that she cherishes and who cherish my son and a photo session is the closest to a deserving gift that I can think of. “You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” She has lived. ~Jenny

Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. Hilda Burke says

    I cannot vote for one because I want to vote for several. I will let others vote and decide. Instead I would like to offer my photography services to the second place ‘winners’. I would be an honor for me to photograph any of these deserving families.
    ~Hilda

  5. lisa says

    Wow I loved reading all of the entries and would be thrilled to see any of these people win it. I vote for the Allen family.

  11. Sandi says

    i would like to nominate Kyle and Sheena Wolfe. They are a wonderful couple who serve the Lord and others.

  15. Serena says

    I vote Sheena and Kyle (#3) I know everything they have been through for the last 6 years of waiting for a child. They deserve it!

  22. TyLinda says

    #3 Sheena and Kyle…These kids are the best! Through heartache and pain, as well as joy and happiness, they stay strong in the LORD! Their long journey for their first child is about to happen, thru the blessing of adoption! Praise God!

  23. Kate says

    Greg is the most deserving. He is a soldier. He’s a hero. He’s risked his life for our freedom. It has be been easy, I’m sure, and in case he gets deployed again, that baby boy needs this memory with his daddy, his hero and ours.

  24. Jamie Smith says

    I vote for Shelly’s son Greg (#2)! There is so much more to this story. He really deserves this!!!

  36. Angie says

    #2 has my vote, Greg has been through allot, he not only has my vote, but my respect and admiration.

  51. Chad says

    I vote for #3 – Kyle and Sheena Wolfe! This is a very exciting time in their lives, and this would be an incredible way to help them preserve the memory!

  52. Sue says

    I vote for Entry No. 1, the Allen Family. As Lisa said they are a sweet family who love the Lord and their family.

  53. angie lanier says

    I vote for shelly and greg. Greg deserve this he has given up so many things in his life for us.

  57. Robert Evans says

    Greg is a wonderful example of a father, a man, and an American!!! More people should be like him!

  66. Brenda Saltzman says

    Jenny is such a loving caring mother and a great special ed teacher, if only every child could have a teacher like her.

  68. Debbie says

    I vote #6 cause my parents are amazing and I couldn’t do it without them! Seriously! But the lucky ones are my kids cause they see my parents every day and its normal to them!!! 🙂

  76. Sarah sparks says

    I think #6 cause they are my grandparents and I love them and I think they deserve this cause they are so kind hearted and grateful and love us grandchilderen and I love how close I am to them!!!

  84. sharon says

    I vote for Kyle and Sheena..they have suffered enough..what a blessing they will be to this child.†

  92. Drea Boeringa says

    I vote for the Allen Family (#1) – they are fantastic and very deserving of this great opportunity!!

  109. Coral Bleifield says

    I happily vote for #3 Kyle and Sheena Wolfe! How appropriate their new bundle of joy was born on National Adoption Day!!

  115. Debi says

    Wow, lots of wonderful stories. We never had children and when I was 54, yes, 54, God dropped this precious 4 yr. old boy on our doorstep. From the moment we saw him, he was our son, born from our hearts. That said, I vote for #3 KYLE and SHEENA. They have already had their hearts broken enough.

  122. Caroline Woodis says

    I vote for #1–the Allen’s. They totally deserve this wonderful gift!
    And you all will fall in love them!

  126. Aubrey Thomson says

    Kyle and Sheena all the way!!!!! They deserve it! They are wonderful and have definitely impacted my life! They are going to make wonderful parents!

  135. Tiffany says

    Greg and Jaxsen!!!!! Who would deserve this more than Simone that has defended our country over and over again! 🙂

  139. Alicia says

    I vote for Kyle and Sheena Wolfe they have waited so long for a child to bless their lives I pray for them to get this chance.

  146. Sarah says

    I vote for #2! What a hero Greg is and what a wonderful way to thank him for his service to all of us!

  147. steph sager says

    I vote for #4 that was beautiful ash… I really hope that you guys win the photoshoot. . Prayers and hugs

  150. nikki says

    I vote for # 4. I have personally met this family and the first time i met him he acted like he new me forever. and he deserves on last pic with his family! I love u all dearly!

  156. Sandy says

    Though everyone is so deserving, I vote for Kyle and Sheena. They are so precious and such gracious people.They have been through much and this would be a blessing to them.

  159. Ashley thomas says

    I vote for #4, my entry, although everyone is very deserving of this opportunity. Love you dad 🙂

  163. Todd Thomson says

    I am voting for #3 Kyle & Sheena Wolfe. They have been waiting so long to become parents, and they will be great for their new son.

  164. Donna says

    That was very sweet Ashley. I couldn’t read it all without crying.I hope you win. I love You. Donna

  170. Amy Foster says

    I vote for number 4! My step-dad is an amazing man I know how much he would appreciate it <3 – Ajax, ON, Canada

  175. John Standley says

    All are so very deserving…wish they all could be winners. Please include my vote for Entry #4

  201. Nancy Lincoln says

    I vote for 3. Kyle and sheena Wolfe because they are adopting my grandson Reese and then I can have a nice photo to brag about what a precious sweet a gift he is and they can receive this blessing from your studio!

  210. Tonya says

    Kyle and Sheena Wolfe their new son Reese and doggie jixer. Is who I would like to vote for. They are an incredible couple. They give to all and now have received a miraculous blessing from God above. Thank you.

  253. elizabeth p says

    I vote for number 4!! They are an amazing family and deserve this in so many levels! Love ya ash!

  281. Ashley thomas says

    In regards to “marc” comment # 215, very odd that you would search me on FB, also my profile is set to private so how that happend, no idea? No “marc” shame on you for assuming, i had pictures taken of my 2 older sisters, me and my dad, I have 3 older brothers who were not there for the pictures, but thanks for being so concerned

  292. Tonja Hancock says

    I vote for Kyle and Sheena Wolfe, entry #3. Their patience and love are a testimony to all.

  295. John says

    I vote for #4. Ashley, thank you for your Father’s service and for supporting him over the years. Our Country is built on people standing up for what is right and your father is a great example of that.

  316. Carol says

    I nominate #4 for sure. This man has been thru enough in his lifetime. He has served our country and has a family who has unconditional love for each other. He truly deserves your vote!

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