I pray I never know what it’s really like for my brother to be a single parent.  I’m so thankful that not only do my children have a mom and a dad, but that my husband is so active in their lives.

My niece, Taylor Jade was born early at just 24 gestational weeks.  Not something anyone thinks will happen and not something that could have been prevented.  Not only was my beautiful niece born into this world much too early, but she came with a host of problems.  Taylor had a hole in her heart, partial cleft palate and since she was not full term not everything was fully developed.  She was months behind in every milestone and had to have therapy.  It was absolutely heartbreaking to see her walking around pulling her tiny oxygen on wheels.  She had this tank until her heart could be fixed.  Despite so many obstacles God granted our family a miracle.  Taylor will have her eleventh birthday this May.  Isn’t she beautiful?

This is my inspiration for my single parent contest.

I think about my life with 3 children.  Doing laundry, cleaning the house, making sure homework gets done.  I think about getting my kids involved with activities, giving them my undivided attention.  I think about running a business.  Then I imagine not having my spouse to fill in the blanks.

If you are a single parent or if you know one that could really use some good news pass this post along.  I want you to email me their story.  Tell me about their life as a single parent.  I will be accepting stories throughout the entire month of March.  I’ll be looking for these stories to be genuine and heartfelt.

What will they win you ask?  I’m so glad you asked.  🙂

Like last year the winner will receive a complimentary session along with a** $500 print credit!** This credit may be used towards prints, proofs, albums…whatever.

BUT….

This year I’ve gone one step farther.  Trudi, at Illusions for Hair in Bentonville is giving the winning single parent a complete hairstyle.  Cut, color, whatever you want.  Not only that, but she will also do the children’s hair!  My kids and I go to Trudi every month and I gotta tell ya…she’s good!  She even has a stash of suckers in the top middle drawer.  😉

See, told you my kids love her.  🙂

So start sending in those emails!  In the subject line write ‘single parent contest’.  Here is a sample of last year’s winning session.

Can’t wait to start reading!

M