Exciting news!

Most of you know my dear friends J and S. Their family has been so incredible to me over the past few years. They are family. Their kids mean the world to me and I am so thankful for J and S in my life. I’ve lived with them, stayed in the hospital with them, spent holidays with them, babysat their kids, and soon the kids will all be in our wedding. I’ve done everything in my power to repay them for their incredible kindness, but words and actions are not enough. I’ve always felt a yearning to do more. They do such incredible work not just in my life, but in the lives of those around them. They care for an elderly couple who lived with them after evacuating from NOLA during Hurricane Katrina. They serve on committees at church, are involved in their kids’ lives, and impact the community. They are a remarkable family.

Several weeks ago I learned of a photographer in Dallas who was running an amazing contest. I immediately thought of my dear friends. They have supported me physically, emotionally, and spiritually throughout the past several years and have three of the most precious children in the whole world. They give everything they have (time, energy, resources) to others and their kids. They are the most deserving family.

Last night I received an e-mail telling me that they won the context. I am thrilled that they have won Rachel’s photography services as well as $2000 worth of prints of their choosing. I called S to let her know this morning and she kept just saying thank you. That’s how I feel with them. They have done so much for me that thank you does not even begin to express my appreciation. I hope that these beautiful photos will begin to show my appreciation. I can’t wait to see how the pictures turn out, what the kids wear, and how pleased S and J are. I know that Rachel will have a great time getting to know their whole family.

I smile and get thrilled every time I think about them winning. I am so confident that there is no one else on the planet more deserving. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be part of this gift for them. I LOVE Rachel’s pictures and cannot wait to see what she does with my sweet friends.

I ended my entry to Rachel with this:

I cannot think of a family more deserving of this generous honor. Please consider my friends for your giveaway. Regardless of who you choose, I am so thankful that you are doing this and know that you will pick a remarkable and deserving family. I know this will be a difficult decision…to make it easier, I’ve attached a picture of me with the kids. They are just precious! H is in the boots jammies getting a breathing treatment, W is watching Diego on TV, and R is the very grown up kindergartner. I’m in the middle looking frazzled from a day of graduate school and an evening of kid-craziness!