It seems like yesterday we received the birth announcement from John’s mom and dad sharing with us the wonderful news that he had arrived.  Now, in the blink of an eye, he is a SENIOR!  I have enjoyed photographing John and his sister Maddie through the years.    This session was shot at his home doing what he does best.  Enjoy the video:

The Diamond Ball Saturday night was such fun!  The food…the dancing…the person that won a REAL diamond….it was ALL amazing!

I was so excited to help out by emceeing the event.  One of the best parts of being emcee was the “cinderella experience” that my “fairy god-neighbor” Scott Marchbanks and his team at Frills and Fancies gave me!  They literally dressed me from head to toe!  (see the shoes below!)  Girls…if you are having a bad day this is enough to adjust any attitude!

Back to the Ball…”The Headliners” performed, Frazier’s Florist decorated and Bernard’s Jewelers donated a diamond that was nearly a carat as a give-a-way.  You could purchase a flute of champagne for $20.  All the flutes had a cubic zirconia except one…that lucky one had the REAL diamond in it!!!  Polly, from Bernard’s staff, hand tested each one until the lucky winner was found.  Oh what a night it was for her!!!  If I felt like Cinderella can you imagine how she felt with a new beautiful diamond???  (she is in the green dress below)

The most important part was the $$$ raised to fund cancer research.  I asked everyone in the audience that was a survivor to stand.  Way too many people stood up.  Cancer affects so many lives.  Research is the way the cure IS going to be found.  Please consider giving to the next event…Relay for Life.  As a survivor myself…I know first-hand just how valuable research is…it saved my life and may save yours one day too!!!  (or it may already have!)    

Edie Grace decided a good while back that she wanted to donate her hair to “Locks of Love”.  I, however, was a tiny bit reluctant.  Don’t misunderstand…I totally believe in the cause.  I just had become really addicted to her having beautiful, LONG hair.  Over a week ago, a faithful blog reader and friend was in for a consult and told me that as a child she always wanted to cut her hair but her mom wouldn’t let her.  That helped me decide that it was time to let Edie Grace have her wish.  “Locks of Love” requires eight inches as a minimum.  Part of my delay was allowing time for her hair to grow so it would still be shoulder length.  (less of a shock for a mom’s heart)

Well, the verdict is in:  she’s soooo happy and I didn’t freak out…all in all it was a  win-win. 

Our prayer is that some very special person will wear a wig that has some of Edie Grace’s hair.  May they become victorious over Cancer and live a long, wonderful life.    

an answered prayer…

a miracle…

too precious for words…

and over 10 pounds!!!

congratulations valerie and tom!        

Being named “Savanna” there was only one logical place to photograph this beautiful couple - Savannah, Georgia.  I have photographed Savanna and her family since she was a little girl.   They were so much fun to work with.  I can not wait to photograph her bridal portrait and wedding.  Here is a video of a few of my favorites from their session.

At 9PM tonight Dr. Michael Gudio was called home to heaven.  If you are reading this blog you probably either knew Dr. Guido personally, had read his work or saw one of his 60 second messages - “The Seeds from the Sower”.  Certainly all of our lives are much richer because of Dr. Guido.  He will be greatly missed.  Visitation will be next Saturday, February 28th from 10AM to 8 PM at Guido Gardens.  The Funeral service will be in the Gardens on Sunday, March 1.  Attached are some of Dr. Guido’s favorite images I created for him over the past two decades.

    It seems like yesterday we photographed this handsome little guy’s newborn session.  Now he is already one.  Those baby blues are going to take him places (other than mom and dad’s heart) because he already has that! 

  Valentines day is a very special day for us "princesses".  DeWayne tells us all the time how incredible it is living with not one but two princesses.  I really think I prefer to be more of a Queen - but you know I am willing to take what I can get.  LOL! 

Edie Grace I  began the day being pampered at Merle Norman Studios in downtown Statesboro.  Mrs. Shirlee Deal invited a few of her granddaughters friends for a Princess Makeover at Merle Norman.  The mom’s (and grandmothers) had as much fun as the "Princesses".  They spent two hours getting made over.  What a GREAT Valentines gift from a very special grandmother.  Thanks Mrs. Shirlee!!

Daily I receive emails and calls from you regarding the Gudio’s.  Dr. Guido’s brother Larry is working hard to keep us all updated.  With his permission I will start posting these updates on my blog for all of you to read.  They are such an incredible couple and the impact they have had on our communities is indescribable.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  Please take a second and send them an email at thesower@pineland.net  They LOVE hearing from you.

Feb. 13, 2009 Health Update for Dr.Guido

Since returning home from the hospital on Tuesday, Michael continues to struggle with the process of healing.  He is weaker than he has ever been, must be lifted to stand by his care givers and is hardly able to walk.  When he does so, it is a struggle. Additionally, he has contracted a serious staph infection as a result of the wounds on his feet caused by his diabetes.

He is also –and this is a first– having problems with his memory and speech, which is at times halting and slurred. So he needs our prayers in these areas. Audrey continues to struggle with her dementia and the issues and problems that go with it. Her walking and standing is also becoming more difficult for her. We also ask you to uphold the care givers in prayer.  Their responsibilities are become more difficult as Michael and Audrey both weaken and become more difficult to care for.

Please continue to uphold all of us, as well as Michael and Audrey, in your prayers. The days are difficult, the nights are long, but His grace, strength and presence - expressed through your love and support, continues to encourage each of us..

God can…

God is able to…

It is up to us to finish the sentence through/with our prayers.

-Larry Guido