Another Operation Love Reunited session

I think about this couple each and every day. He deployed to Iraq in early April. Hope you are safe Captain.

Amos Lee

Kaydie's send off

We bade farewell to sweet Kaydie on a chilly early spring day by the lake at sunset. The balloon launch was my friend Marion's idea and gift. It was a special and fitting memorial for such a sweet soul. As soon as the balloons were out of sight, the sun poked out from behind the clouds to give us a glorious finale.

Tiny fingers, perfect toes, angel face

I love this little girl so much.

Another Operation Love Session

I had the honor of meeting this fantastic group of servicemen and women just after Christmas for a photo session. A mom of 4 had just returned from deployment and a young lady getting ready for her first deployment. I truly enjoyed this session and seeing the wonderful family bonds. I just love the mother daughter shot below. Actually love all of these!

Sweet little Kaydance Michelle

Our family has suddenly grown larger. My son Andy is father to beautiful little Kaydance. She clocked in at 7 pounds 9 ounces, 19-1/2 inches on Februrary 3. She is in the NICU due to a congenital heart defect that will require surgery in a week to two, but she is very stable and doing quite well so far. She is going to be a tough little fighter of a girl and very much loved.

Meet Marley

Our newest family member, little Miss Marley Mae. I found little Miss Marley through an animal rescue organization. She is a bit shy but so loving and smart. I am going to savor every moment of her sweet puppyhood.

Thanks for all you do...

I was so honored to be able to do my first Operation Love Reunited session with this lovely family, just before Dad's deployment to Afganistan. Just want to say how thankful I am for all the sacrifices you and your family make. Stay safe!

Big brown eyes

What can I say, they make me melt! I had the pleasure of spending a really fun couple of hours with this lovely family on Saturday. This is just a very small sample of what is to come guys. You have a beautiful family. I cannot wait for you to see the whole session!

Just trying out a little vintage finish on the photo above.

Beautiful baby Bella

The white stuff

It's back! We had our first major snow event yesterday. Woke up to a beautiful world covered in white. Of course, Baxter and I had to have a play date as soon as the sun came up. Just one of the advantages of living in Northeast Ohio that I take for granted, snow!

Yes We Did!

The last few days have been a whirl of early days, late nights, lots of walking, knocking, calling and emotions. What a fun and wild ride! I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am really going to miss all the incredibly devoted people I got to work with over the last weeks. You are all very special!

Nick at 5 a.m. (sorry about the camera in your face, but it is a real addiction).

From a couple days prior, generally Baxter was a good enough alarm clock that I did not have to do this.

Speaking of Baxter, Mike is his new best friend.

Part of our little campaign headquarters.

Mark, momentarily not cracking his whip and relaxing. (And just for the record, I think you did a completely amazing job!)

Some of my fab Election Day volunteers

These are some of the wonderful people who helped us on Election Day. They did an awesome job of keeping up with all my demands and hitting door after door. We could not have done this without you! (Hope you still love me and don't have too many blisters.)

HallOween

My O-pumpkins

Hmmm, Sherry Palin (should I keep the new look?)

Our wonderful neighborhood volunteers

Wish I could have clocked how many miles this group has walked so far knocking on doors. I do know we have made amazing progress right in our own little community. Love you all (especially Joe the Engineer who always shows up for the food)!

Working for change

I checked my blog this morning and realized it has been a month since I have posted anything. Figured I better let my faithful readers (all 10 of you) know what has been going on in my life. At the end of August this very polite and enthusiastic young man from the Obama for America campaign called and asked me to volunteer. Of course, without hesitation, I said yes. Over the ensuing weeks we have assembled a small army of volunteers in our community. Some days I am completely awestruck by the devotion and passion of these people. I have a handful of wonderful new friends who I may have not known otherwise and bring a smile to my face on a daily basis.

Um, maybe a little over the top with the cookies, but they tasted quite good.

Two of our very devoted local field organizers, Mark and Corey.

Julie and Betty, who will pull up a piece of floor anywhere to contact voters.