I have completely enjoyed my little break so far, hanging out with my kiddos and doing all of these holiday-like things with them each day (in spite of being sick). It has been so nice to get offline and off the computer and out of packing tape to play board games, watch movies, look at Christmas lights, snuggle, laugh, bake sweets, and soak up every thing I missed while I was caught up in the holiday photography whirlwind.

Pinkle Toes Photography will continue to be closed until January 9th (well, still got some sessions and still have workshops coming up), but please be patient as e-mails, facebook messages, and phone calls will likely not be returned until after the 9th.

Clients...I will be sending you the details of the 2011 Pinkle's Pic of the Year contest. Changing things up this year to make it more exciting and the prize is even bigger! Be on the lookout in your e-mail next week and if you don't get something by the 1st, let me know!!!!

I will try to catch up on the blog sometime next year (ha!) to share all of the incredible holiday family sessions and beautiful cards from this year. I have so enjoyed getting all of your cards in the mail!!! Gosh, there are a lot of beautiful happy families out there and that make my heart happy. Meanwhile, if you didn't get a copy yet, here's a peek at our holiday card this year:

I hope you ALL have a WONDERFUL holiday season and are spending lots and lots of time with the ones you love, enjoying old traditions and creating new memories. 

Much love,

Michele

Soooooo much has happened since Brooke's story was featured on The Creative Mama. Soooooooo much. In fact, I just got word that their story is going to be featured on Austin's KVUE TONIGHT at 5 p.m. if you can catch it!!! ETA: HERE's the news story from tonight on KVUE. What a great piece!!!!

Not only has the word spread all over the world about securing furniture to protect small children, but an entire business has been launched. If you haven't checked out these beautiful necklaces (new styles have been added, like the one pictured above) made by Brooke and her mommy, you should. A Brooke's Angel Wing necklace couldn't be a more perfect, meaningful, or heartfelt holiday gift.

And now, a gift to you, The Pinkle Toes Blogstalkers:

Go browse around Brooke's Angel Wings and make it one of your favorite stores on Etsy. On Monday, November 21st, I will select one of their etsy admirers at random and send this awesome "Pinkle Toes pink" angel wing necklace your way as a thank you. Brooke and her mommy have been working very hard (along with the help of another very special person) to keep up with the inventory and create new designs and I couldn't be more impressed with their incredible efforts!

(Sporting *my* wings the other day ;-)

In case you didn't hear, .emme. boudoir (ie. me and my makeup artist friend, Katie) is offering Sweetheart mini sessions and just in time for Valentine's Day. Want more info?

[A little hint...this would make for a really fun and unique maternity portrait session. I'm just sayin'.]

I told mom tonight that my face literally hurt when I was editing these pics...I couldn't stop smiling!!! These people make me happy. Their energy, enthusiasm, and zest for life is contagious, I swear. This has to be my favorite session with them to date, but it's hard to commit 100% (remember this? Of course, I can't for the life of me locate his newborn blog post, but that was a blast, too.) Doesn't matter.  What does matter is that they've got a fantastic family connection and a bazillion pictures to preserve those memories forever.

Speaking of, if you want to preserve your memories in 2012, there's a little bonus incentive to book your session NOW. Running out of spaces much faster than I thought...