This year, in particular, has been rewarding as I have had more opportunities to coach my girls in voiceover sessions and actually be the second voice on spots with them.  They are better now than they have ever been, in terms of voice acting, as I would hope.  They have learned to save a portion of their income, set aside a portion for those in need and enjoy their earnings by purchasing things they want.

This year, the girls pulled out the Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog and we purchased some baby chicks, water filters, blankets, learning materials etc. for kids in third world countries.  They will be filling shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child as well...putting their own $7 in each of the boxes they fill.  

I write all this not to draw attention to the giving itself, or to us, rather to show that voiceover has been a vehicle whereby I have been able to work alongside my girls and see their hearts develop to the point that, when they receive income from their voiceover work or any other endeavor, the process by which they manage their finances is now second nature to them.  Their willingness to donate their time and money, as well as think through the process of making good purchases etc., has grown more this year than ever.  I owe that growth to my voiceover and audio production business.

Olivia & Samantha have certainly enjoyed hearing themselves during breaks in NASCAR races as the Victory Junction Gang Camp promo plays, they've taken a moment to really think what it would feel like to receive a blanket if they were cold or little chicks if they needed them for eggs.

Now, today, we received a note from Jeff Gelder of GelderHead Productions informing us that the audio production we submitted for the Holiday Magic CD 2009, A Gift For Children of All Ages was accepted and will be part of this years gift to families at Children's Hospitals around the country.   You see, the girl's grandfather died unexpectedly just before we moved from Los Angeles to Charlotte, their grandma has very advanced Alzheimers, and my wife had some inflammation on a portion of her brain, which required a biopsy, about three years ago (all is well on that front) so they've been in hospitals and are aware of what it could be like to deal with an illness. Thus, to be able to brighten kids and families days as part of the Holiday Magic CD is fulfilling for us all.  We went out to dinner last night to celebrate...they even had milkshakes for dessert!

I would not have thought voiceover could do so much for my family.  We have all grown and are growing in ways that will have such a positive impact for a lifetime.  I think there is a little Holiday Magic happening in our house this year and I'm thankful for it.

Enjoy the season and no matter what business you are in, you just might find you are benefitting in areas you hadn't dreamed of!