Giving Back & An Amazing Weekend in Chicago :o)

It just doesn't feel the same posting without pictures, lol. As you have probably guessed my computer is still sick, she goes to the doctors this weekend.
I have 2 very great things to share with you that have happened in the last couple of weeks.
I have wanted to for a long time find a way to give back. I have been so blessed in my life, I have 3 fantastic, healthy children, a loving and supportive husband and successfully came through a diagnosis of malignant melenoma(big, huge thanks to the man upstairs and really good doctors) How can I NOT give back. For months I have scoured the internet searching and reading information on different causes and organizations. There are some heavy hitters out there for sure, Cancer Society, MS Society, Salvation Army, etc. I don't want to just donate money, buy a lottery ticket or do door-to-door(these are all fantastic organizations who serve an amazing purpose and are doing great work) But I wanted something to sink my teeth in, I want to touch peoples lives and help them, I wanted to find an organization that doesn't already have million upon millions of $$$'s and volunteers. So after a lot of consideration I decided on an amazing service.
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is a non-profit organization that offers bereavement photography services to parents who's newborns are not going home from the hospital. I know that alot of people that I have told about NILMDTS think that it's going to be tough, and alot of them have said that they could never do it. I am 500% positive that this will be the hardest thing that I will ever do, the moment I get the call I will be a sobbing mess, I will pull myself together and do the best, professional job I can do. I guess for me I feel like if I don't do it, who will? This organization has truly touched my heart and reminds me everyday just how blessed I am. I was really nervous about applying because you need to submit a body of your work for obvious reasons(they don't want just anybody with a camera, you need to have "skillzzzzzzzzz", lol) well I tell ya, I was super anxious, I am so unbelievabley honored to say that I got my approval letter late last week. I am an official affliate photographer for NILMDTS. YaY!!! While I pray that I never get a call, if/when I do I am so grateful to be able to capture such an important time in their lives. Please feel free to check out their website
www.nilmdts.com
On another note I was in Chicago from Saturday until Tuesday. What a great time. I was attending a conference hosted by one of the top ranked Maternity/Newborn/Child photographers in North America(of course she doesn't tour in Canada, lol) She was captavaiting(s?) and it was a packed audience. She gave me very valuble information to which I am pleased to bring back and apply to all my sessions. This turned out way longer than I intended, I should fly. I'm booked solid for the remaining of the month, hopefully I'll have my computer up and running for the sneak peeks.

Many Blessings,
Missy