Leah found the most amazing chocolate company about a month ago called Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC). Here are some very cool things about this company:

- They use only ethically traded chocolate (All sources of cacao fruit are harvested from family-owned farms operating in the natural shade of the forest. These farms support the ecosystem and the species that thrive in the forest, which reflects the company’s core value - Reverence for Life)
- Their chocolate is 100% natural, and is available organically
- They donate 10% of all profits to organizations dedicated to protecting endangered animal and plant species

There are many other cool things about ESC chocolate which you can check out at their site, and definitely buy some while you are there! They offer 25+ different varities of chocolate and the 12 or so that we have tried are AWESOME! Plus, you are supporting a wonderful company in addition to getting your chocolate fix!

On this Memorial Day we take time to stop and remember all of the brave men and women who have, and are fighting for our freedom and the liberties that we enjoy each and every day.

Sadly, many of those who we are honoring have already given the ultimate sacrifice in their service for this country and many more are not able to have this day off with their family as they are still in various conflicts around the world.

We should honor them more than one day as their service continues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The next time you pass a soldier tell them how much you appreciate them - it will mean something to know they have your support.

“If you can read this, thank a teacher; because it’s in English - thank a soldier”. So while you are enjoying this holiday, mabye before you eat as you say a prayer for your food, say an extra prayer for our Military that God will encourage them, bless them, and above all, bring them back home safely.

I’ll finish with a poem that Luke, a 3rd grader in Madison, Connecticut, wrote as he thought about Memorial Day:

“Remember the brave soldiers who gave their lives
For our freedom,
God Bless them all these courageous
Men and women.

They fought on land,
Others at sea,
Sacrificing their lives for
You and me.

Schools and offices respect these heroes
From the past,
By flying our beautiful flag
At half-mast.

As you watch the parade and hear
The trumpets play,
Please think about what we celebrate on
Memorial Day.”

I had the priviledge of photographing Parker & Kristy’s engagement session last week at the Virginia Military Institute, and it was a trip back in time! The first half of their session they wanted themed around the 40’s era, and even down to her shoes - they fit the part!

I’m looking forward to your wedding in July!

I spent my birthday celebrating with David & Stephanie two Saturday’s ago. Their ceremony and reception were at the Corinthian Ballroom with live music from The Pop Rivets! There was lots of dancing and fun and of course, some great images!

Congratulations to you both!

A word to the wise - never let your passport expire! I just had to completely re-apply/re-submit all the paperwork and pay the full fees again. Now granted, my passport expired several years ago, but still!

In any case, I just thought I would get another one because even though it is not required to travel outside the U.S. right now, it soon will be (I believe January 2007). So, for those brides who are interested in desinations weddings outside the U.S., travel is definitely not a problem for me. Actually, I had three destination weddings last year that were loads of fun!

I have flown some 70+ times now and I never get tired of it. There is something so peaceful about being way up above everything - away from all the rat race below. Here’s an image from my trip to Dallas in February!