Well, I was originally going to be drawing the winner of this trip at the end of the year – but I thought that it might be a fabulous Christmas present and decided to give it away at the beginning of December – that was yesterday – December 5th. All those that qualified received an invitation to the party (but they didn’t need to be in attendance to win). We had 388 tickets in the draw, so the chances were great to win this prize!

We had cupcakes from Sweet Impressions and they were fabulous – everyone mentioned how great they were! Krista at Sweet Impressions was wonderful to work with and when I walked into their business at noon yesterday the aroma of chocolate permeated the air – it was wonderful! The cupcakes were fabulous looking – and tasting.

Look at their clever way of using the logos as little cookies on top of the cupcakes! They used the TPI logo and the ‘M’ from Marlene’s Designer Portraits!

Anyway on to photos of the event! I don’t often decorate a lot for Christmas – but this year I decided it was necessary for the party! Look at some of what we did!

I opened my home for people to wander around and look at some of my art pieces on the wall – and I had a little “Charlie Brown” tree set up in the dining room.

This is what my front entrance to my home looks like…the walls are painted “Neon Red” and showcases some of my artwork as well. It has somewhat of an Asian theme.

As I mentioned earlier, Sweet Impressions supplied all the cupcakes and they were presented in beautiful boxes tied up with red ribbons! They really know how to package their product!

As well as making a beautiful presentation, the cupcakes were delicious!

Albert Wiebe (husband to one of my past employees) was the first one to sample the cupcakes and he definitely approved of it!

This is a photo taken early in the evening. It features Janie (on the left), my baby sister and co-ordinator of the event (she’s amazing) and Frieda (one of my previous employees), Barb, who recently left to pursue a job that she has always dreamed of and Heather, my newest employee! I’ve been so blessed with some wonderful employees!!

Throughout the evening we gave away door prizes (you needed to be present to win). Following are the winners of the prizes given out.

Oh yes, I can’t forget the guests that brought in a tin of food or an unwrapped toy for the Southeast Helping Hands “Feed the Need” campaign and “Christmas Toy Drive”. Here is a photo of their generous support – Southeast Helping Hands supplies over 500 hampers at Christmas time to families in need during the Christmas season!

The winners of the Disney Trip were not present, but I’m thrilled to announce that Craig & Nicole Miller were the winners of the trip! I called them this morning to let them know they were going to Disney World and they were thrilled! Craig & Nicole just moved to Landmark a short time ago – before that they were living in Brandon, Manitoba, where Nicole worked at a lawyer’s office – okay – this gets a bit long and complicated – but Nicole worked for Henry Carroll who is a great friend of Inge Skliros (my best friend and another photographer in Brandon). Inge photographed Nicole and Craig with her first pregnancy and then when Piper was born and when she found out they were moving to Landmark – she told them they had to come and see me if they needed photographs! Nicole and Craig soon found out they were expecting another child and I had the privilege of photographing their maternity session as well as newborn session of Davilyn!

Congratulations to the Miller Family! When I called Craig this morning he said they would definitely be back to see me again…. thank you – I can’t wait to photograph your precious family again!

At the end of the evening, I took a few more photos and captured Janie and Barb and Heather just relaxing and chatting. I’m so lucky to have such great people believing in me and helping me in my business!

I have to say that I have had some wonderful people working with me in the past 10 years (before that I thought I could do it all on my own). Joyce Loewen was my first employee, Frieda Wiebe came after that, and then Barb joined the staff here and most recently, I’ve welcomed Heather Warkentin! All of these ladies have been a huge part of my success and they have all contributed in their own way and I want to just say how much I appreciate them all and wish them well in their new jobs. And Heather is just very new (since the end of October) and is already proving herself to be a great asset!

I want to end this with a photo of a wall hanging I came across several years ago. When I saw it, I knew I had to buy it. It sums up what Christmas means to me.

“Ingredients for a Merry Christmas”…. Family, Giving, Memories and Friends and I think the most important is the Memories. I hope and believe that what I am giving to my clients is “Memories” that can never be replaced or taken away. Memories of happy times – photographed and captured forever. A story they can share with all those viewing the images. Of course “Family” is the most important. Without a wonderful family – our lives would be lacking so much. “Giving” – giving of yourself to others. That’s important as well! And “Friends” – I truly believe that all my clients are my friends. I would never have met many of these people if they wouldn’t have come into my studio and I hope that when I have created a lasting memory of them and that they too, will feel we are friends.

Thank you to all those that have come to see me and trust me to photograph their families over the past 30 years and I hope to see you all in the future. 2009 will bring some wonderful new elements in my business and studio and I invite you all to come and see my new vision!

Merry Christmas to all!

They came – 101 children in total! It seemed as if the Castle Bouncer had a magnet inside! They came from the parking lot – they spied the bouncer and they raced away from Mom and Dad – right towards the bouncer. A huge hit!

This party was for all of my clients with families – in my continuing celebration of 30 years in photography! We had a beautiful day – a bit windy – and a heavy, overcast and rainy Friday – but the Saturday of the party was beautiful. (Held on oh six, oh seven, oh eight) We had greeters at the entrance to the park…

Holly was one of the greeters and checked off those that RSVP’d and she also handed out the ‘treat bags’ (inside the storage boxes behind her).

Tori assisted Holly and I think they both did a great job!

We had face painters… the line-ups were long! That’s Allyssa on the left and Janelle on the right.

Babies too little to enjoy the events came as well…

The playground was also well utilized.

Thats Carey – the Balloon Artist – kids were lining up and keeping him busy the entire time (oh, except for a bit when he took a break to eat).

Oh yes – these are the two ladies that made all this happen. Barb (office manager) and Janie (sister and party planner extraordinaire!).

I also had the help of another sister, Val – but she’s kind of camera shy.

The canteen was kept busy. We served hotdogs with fresh baked buns from Sobeys – chips – ice cream treats and freezees and bottled water and pop and for those that were inclined on such a warm day – coffee! I don’t think anyone left hungry!

Oh yes – one lucky girl was celebrating her birthday that day – and I made sure her family got some special treats! Hope you had a fabulous day, Kamryn!

Young and old enjoyed the ice cream treats (I’m not calling you old Jonathan!) – you can’t see it – but he got his face painted as well and he had an ice cream revel painted on his cheek!

Back to the bouncer – very popular – here is little Avalon just having a great time!

Her mom, Leanne Unger is one of the two ladies that are supplying the trip to Disney World! Don’t forget to call us to see how you can enter your name! Oh yes – if you use either Ilene Goschke or Leanne Unger from Travel Professionals International for booking a flight or a trip – you will get an extra draw ticket for the trip!

More fun in the bouncer!

Here are some random photos of the day…

This is a photo of the whole crew (minus Val and Carey) – we had a blast!

We were featured under the Mitchell News in The Carillon the following week. Thank you Jennifer!

We had such a great time – and listening to the comments – I think my clients and families enjoyed it as well. THANK YOU for your business!!!