Did you know that each child in The Dream Calendar has a story? They’re more than just precious models, they are real life miracles. Sweet, innocent, valuable little ones with battles they strive to overcome each day. That’s what this project is all about! Clouds of Hope helps children like this by inspiring and motivating their families, providing respite care and an ear to listen. The Blains, the founders of this organization, are truly the hands and feet that display hope for so many individuals in our community. The funds from this calendar will be donated in their entirety to Clouds of Hope, as they strive to build local playgrounds where these children can enjoy childhood without limitations.

While I want The Dream Calendar to raise lots of support for Clouds of Hope; I also want it to do so much more. I want it to touch your heart the way that it has mine…the way these children have touched my life.

Sometimes it’s easy to glance at these children, without fully understanding the hardships they have faced; but it’s also just as easy to miss the miracles they represent. Julia taught me that in so many ways. That’s why this calendar was created in honor of her life- a life lived out to the fullest.

Today, I want you to meet Anna Belle. She’s the model for the month of January, with captivating blue eyes that sparkle like gems. She is a beauty!

I have the honor of calling Anna’s family friends. We attend church together and her mom and I have served together at the mom’s group in our church. For months we prayed  Anna’s tiny body growing inside, when complications were noticed. We watched the faith of this family in action, as they were made aware of the medical challenges that Anna’s condition brought; but strongly clung to the power of the Ultimate Physician. Anna’s birth and life are a constant reminder of the power of prayer!

Everytime I see this precious little girl, I’m reminded of this verse:

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

-Psalm 139: 13-16

Here is how Anna’s mom describes her condition:

Isn’t that amazing? What a blessing little Anna is to all those who meet her!

If you haven’t purchased a copy of the calendar yet, it’s not too late!! Just click the button below!

Ok, so it’s been 5 days since I should have announced the winner of the 12:25 Dream Calendar Contest; but after a weekend full of sessions and a back injury, I’m finally getting around to it! To be eligible for the contest you needed to either sell 12 Dream Calendars or purchase 12 calendars yourself. After a week’s worth of helping to spread the word and encouraging individuals to get a copy of the Dream Calendar, I’m proud to announce that Susan R. is our first 12:25 winner!! Her sweet little girl, Anna, is actually the January model for the calendar! Susan, your $25.00 gift card will be in the mail soon.

I’ll try better to announce this weeks winner by Friday, so hurry… spread the word, buy some Christmas presents and be entered to win the next 12:25 contest!

It wasn’t all that long ago that I was photographing Alisha’s brother on his big day to Meg. Two siblings in one year? What an honor!! I was super excited to be a part of this wedding, with lots of familiar faces and incredibly sweet families. I knew it would be lovely.

It was the perfect day for a Fall wedding, with rich tones and stunning details, loads of laughter and precious moments- the perfect day to celebrate Alisha and Anthony’s love for one another!

Daniel came in to check on his sister before she started getting ready. This picture says it all.

I love this of Alisha’s mom watching in the background.

Lots of loving admirers!

It’s not every day that you get married and it’s certainly not every day that you see someone skywriting the word love above a hotel! Thanks Kelly for pointing this out!  Perhaps, it was a “sign” of the love these two have for one another!

Just before their first look.

Super sweet look from the happy groom!

Hands down, one of my favorites!

Just before the ceremony, I caught the flower girl taking a peek at the guests arriving.

This picture just captured my heart. Just moments before, Alisha’s dad had walked her down the aisle. While he was waiting to give her away, they locked hands like this. So precious!

Look at those blue eyes!

Another favorite!

Kuddos to this adventurous bride and groom, who willingly laid down in their wedding attire for this shot! Just a week or so before my Gran had given me this blanket, hand made by my great-grandmother to use for the Dream Calendar. I knew that Alisha and Anthony’s wedding was going to have a Fall theme and for some reason, I thought the yo-yo quilt would be a fun prop. I’m so glad I brought it along! I love this image!

First dances… Anthony looks so incredibly happy

…and Alisha looking up at her dad is super sweet!

Not only was this cake beautiful on the outside…Alisha’s creativity shined through on the inside. The filling was caramel apple! What a way to stick to their Fall theme!

At Meg and Daniel’s wedding, there was a little singing by the best man. The tradition had to be carried on…

And dancing… who stole the show?? 

Clearly, she picked up a few moves from her dad!

The grand exit as Mr. and Mrs.!

After months of shooting sessions, designing, and waiting… the big moment finally arrived! At 4:45pm it was Delivery Day for The Dream Calendar 2011. When the UPS man knocked on my door, I literally shrieked! Then after singing praises to the Lord for it’s grand entrance into the world; I shed some serious tears as I flipped through the pages and saw each child’s beautiful face!

Now the next journey begins…it’s time to sell these beauties! You can purchase yours online today or stay tuned for local merchants who will be helping to sell them as well! They’re going to be perfect under the tree this year…see for yourself! Oh and don’t forget the 12:25 Contest going on right now!!!

12/25/10 is quickly approaching, just like the arrival of the 2011 Dream Calendar! To kick off the Christmas season and to start spreading the word about this awesome charity project to benefit Clouds of Hope, we’re offering a super fun contest! Check out the video and info below to learn more about how to participate in the 12:25 extravaganza!

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for…The Dream Calendar is finally for sale!!

The finished product should be in our hands within 5 days, but we’re taking pre-orders online now. Our goal is to sell at least 200 by the time they are delivered to my door! To be honest, I would love to exceed that number…but we need your help!!

Will you post on your Facebook, send out mass emails, tell all your family, friends and co-workers? Will you spread the word wherever you are?

Just a few little reminders:

The calendars are $10.00 each with a small fee for shipping.  All proceeds go directly to Clouds of Hope. Any
pre-ordered calendar will be shipped as soon as they arrive…just in time for the holidays.

So what are you waiting for???

Spread the word and let the Christmas gift buying commence!

A special thank you to Jonny Diaz for the beautiful song featured in the slideshow. It was the inspiration for shooting each of  The Dream Calendar sessions in an open field, as a tribute to Julia, who is now healed and running free.

Sunday afternoon, we wrapped up our final 3 sessions for The Dream Calendar! It’s awesome news, since that means this week the final project can be sent to press. I am ecstatic to think about the final product being  in our hands very soon!

Kelly, was the first model of the day. While our original session had to be canceled due to rainy weather, it was replaced with a cool and sunny day. Perfect for a tea party!

Of course, I couldn’t resist posting this one as well. Kelly looked up at her mom and dad while talking with Mr. Bear and gave them this precious grin. She is simply darling!

Next, I had the opportunity to spend some time with a great little guy. Boy did we have fun…and I got a great workout as well! He highly enjoyed a game of “pushing me down” and watching me get back up (read: sit ups)! It was a blast. Such a joyful and energetic little boy. Meet Nacho:

And this is why I played along with the sit up game, even if it meant shooting while falling down! Can you even resist a child who is that happy?!

I closed out the afternoon with Ryan! Check out his hat. This kid has some serious style and a mighty great personality as well. He seriously had me smiling the whole time!

Thank you to all our Dream Calendar Models and their families, to our sponsors and to all of those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this a reality! The calendar is scheduled to be sent to press this week. Information on where and how to purchase the final pieces will be available soon.

That’s right #10- we’re almost to the end of our sessions, which should wrap up this weekend. Bright and early this morning I had the honor of hanging out with a super cute kid and his incredible Mommy. We worked hard for a smile, so I’m including a few images…Kathryn, it was worth it!!

Meet handsome little Brady, full of energy and absolutely adorable all at the same time! Be prepared for your heart to melt…

Don’t forget, tonight The Dream Calendar and Clouds of Hope will be on Bay News 9. The segment was preempted by election coverage and breaking news, but should be featured this evening during their 5:00 pm broadcast.

Dream Calendar sessions started bright and early this morning! My first heart-breaker was Anthony who greeted me with the brightest smile and warmest hug. What a sweet boy! Seriously, can you even resist this grin?!!

Next, I had the opportunity to meet Bekah, who was quick to grab my arm and head out into the field. We were fast friends. Bekah also had the opportunity to meet Julia’s mom, Lisa. What an incredible honor to have her there, watching The Dream Calendar unfold and to see her sweetly interacting with the children.  Without a doubt, I will count this as one of the most precious moments of the process this year!

Oh, sweet Mr. Jonathan was next and goodness he is adorable. He was giving us a fit being so serious,  keeping such a straight face while we certainly looked silly trying to get a little grin. 3 grown ladies standing over head doing just about anything to get a reaction. It must have been a sight! But, after a good bit of coaxing and a little singing from his mom he pulled out this smile and stole our hearts.

I closed out the morning with Megan, who appeared in the first Dream Calendar. She touched my heart deeply then, just as she did today. Her beautiful eyes and her sweet little spirit captivate me everytime. Ah, just see for yourself!

Thank you to all the parents who shared their morning and their children for these precious images! As always, it is such an incredible honor!

Since the story did not air on Bay News 9 this evening, they have requested that you tune in Friday during their 5:00 broadcast.

Yesterday was so incredibly precious, yet so very bittersweet. I met up with Allie, her mom and big sis Abbie to shoot her session for the calendar. Kristy Wolski, from Bay News 9 graciously brought her team to help cover the story of The Dream Calendar as well. Below, Renee is sharing about Clouds of Hope.

Allie will be the model for September in the 2011 calendar, the same month that Julia held in the original piece. When I was first working on the concept for this year, a Jonny Diaz song started playing on my computer. Here are the lyrics that penetrated my heart:.

Soon she will run on fields of green and never wake up from her dreams
Embrace with joy the mysteries of beautiful that she’s never seen
Soon she will run…

This chorus was perfect as I thought about Julia, now healed, running through Heaven. I couldn’t get the image out of my mind. It was truly the inspiration for the location and we immediately began looking for a field where we could photograph all of the little models.  The journey for the perfect place was a tough one. Dozens of friends were on the hunt. Then I drove by this  barren piece of property that my husband had suggested for weeks, but now it was suddenly full of pinkish colored flowers. I couldn’t believe it. Each month was already slated to have a pink accent, as a continued reminder of Julia’s life- so this field, truly was a gift from God. It couldn’t have been more perfect!

Yesterday the concept for the entire calendar came full circle. Allie was standing there in this incredible field holding 12 pink balloons, 1 for each year of Julia’s life and for a moment I was speechless. Just watching this unfold:

And then she ran and it simply took my breath away!

The story of The Dream Calendar will air this evening on Bay News 9 at approximately 5:20pm. Be sure to tune in!

A special thank you to Kristy and the Bay News 9 team for their extreme professionalism and sensitivity towards the families involved. It was an honor to work with you!