Operation: Love ReUnited for the Hendriksen Family

I have this obsession lately with Paradise Bakery. I'm constantly thinking about when I can take the kids there again for lunch. All because of a little piece of heaven I call the CHICKEN WALNUT SANDWICH- yes it deserves all caps. Michael thinks no way in the world does chicken and walnuts go together but oh yes they do sir. It's just one of those foods that leaves a wonderful smile on your face and happy thoughts all day long. Oh did I mention that they make it fat free and calorie free just for me? Isn't that nice of them?
Reagan doesn't like it either, I think because she has this thing about nuts- I don't think she likes biting down on crunchy things. Boy are those two missing out!

I took the kids there today of course and Reagan thought she'd try the Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich instead of her usual Mac and Cheese. A couple of bites in I notice she is studying the sandwich and not eating.

Me: "Reagan eat your sandwich - What's wrong?"
Reagan: "My peanut butter and jelly sandwich tastes like it has peanuts in it."
Me:____________ speechless- I don't even know what to say to that. Poor little girl, maybe she'll learn more about that in Kindergarten. Apparently she has never had "crunchy" peanut butter. :)

On another note, last week I met up with the Hendriksen Family. Adam was stationed over seas for a year and had just come back a week before our session. Brittney set up her family session for a nice welcome home for Adam. I always love doing these sessions and always feel so blessed when I can help out with some family pictures for a wonderful brave family. Whether they are just leaving or just returning, I know that everyone is with me when I say we are so proud of all military personal and want to thank them for all they do. Their bravery, their strength and their love to keep their families together is a wonderful thing that only a few certain men and women have.
Thanks again Adam and thank you Brittney for scheduling your appointment. Bless you all in getting back to the normalcy with all your family experiences.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day






Giving dad some much needed love








Just mom and dad


Someone was a little bashful with me!! :)

You can view more images on their slideshow by clicking here!!!

The Dudley Family

Meet Brian, Amy, Tyler and Keira! The Dudley Family. Amy contacted me through Operation: Love ReUnited. It's a volunteer organization that photographers volunteer their services to families in the Military. I have a lot of mixed emotions with being a part of this wonderful organization. On one hand I'm so honored to give these families such wonderful memories, especially when their loved ones are over seas fighting for our freedom, on the other hand I get really attached and emotional to these photos. I can't imagine what these families go through and how strong they must have to be.
I don't usually get to choked up when I do my family slideshows but this one I surely did. I will definitely hold a special place in my heart for the Dudley Family. Brian leaves for Kuwait this Saturday and he'll be gone one year. Please pray for his safe return as well as all the other brave men and women fighting for us.
Thank you so much Brian for doing what you do. Please come home safe. And thank you Amy for contacting me! We will pray for you and your little ones as well to be strong. I hope these memories will help you out each day you look at them and put a smile on your face! :)

You can view their slideshow by clicking here!!!

Look at these beautiful blue eyes!

A little too high in dad's arms

I was switching lens and looked up and saw a very curious 3 year old wondering what I was doing

Big brother kisses!





Big shoes to fill



One of my favs

Check out that cutie in dad's hat!

Keira definitely has down the "pout princess look" She is so cute!



Absolutely love this one!



Come home soon and safe Brian- :)

Sneak Peak of The Dudley Family

I did a photo shoot this morning for the Dudley Family. Brian is on his way to Kuwait on Saturday for his 2nd deployment. Stayed tuned for more pictures and their slideshow!

I am so excited about this post! A few weeks ago I found this website called Operation: Love ReUnited through another photographer Erica May. It's a way for photographers to donate their services to the wonderful brave soldiers and their families. As a photographer you might be picked to capture a family session before the solider is deployed. You might capture the homecoming or maybe take pictures of the family at home waiting for the solider to return. And you'll send an album to the solider where he or she is stationed to have adorable family photos with them while they are away. I felt like it was such a rewarding thing to be able to give to someone who is so brave and that is overseas fighting in the war, Or to the family who has to be so strong waiting for their safe return home.If you are anyone you know is in the military you can visit the website and sign up for a family session. When you sign up, please request me.I am really looking forward to my first session to post.Please check out the website when you have some time. It brought tears to my eyes to see these families. And then I had tears of joy to see the pictures of the homecomings. I pray they all come home to their families.I am also able to cross off another 101 goals in 1001 days!#66-Check- Volunteer for a Charity!!