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.

Ah, the anticipation of finally being able to share a few of these precious little children with each of you!

Logistical plans have been in the works for several weeks, but many of the details were needing to be ironed out…fields, clothing, props, paperwork- the list could go on; but finally we were at a place to start meeting the children and shooting their calendar sessions yesterday afternoon.

I have to admit before heading out my heart was racing. I always love these sessions. They are simply some of my favorites. The stories. The families. The love and acceptance. The hope and the joy. Children, created in the image of God. Beautiful. Priceless.

What a responsibility to capture them for who they are, to freeze their sweet faces and to then share them with the world. It is a task I can not take lightly. So my heart races, butterflies flutter in my stomach and my hands get sweaty…until I meet them and I fall in love.

Now, you get to do the same…

Sweet Taylor

Charming Braelyn

Darling Siblings Evan and Emma and Allie and Abbie

Beautiful Anna

My heart is full as I look at these images, as I wipe tears from my eyes knowing the joys and the struggles that life has brought to their families, but so excited to share their darling faces, their bright eyes and their smiles with you.

Would you like to get involved? There’s still time!

Your business can sponsor an ad or make a donation…and don’t forget, we’ll be selling the completed calendars in mid-November too!

About 5 weeks ago, I wrote about precious Julia, who deeply touched my life. Julia had been in front of my camera, once as a surprise for her mother and once as a model for the Dream Calendar 2009; but it was really her everyday life that so inspired me. Even while being confined to a wheel chair, Julia displayed indescribable joy and peace. She shined. She glowed. She radiated love and happiness and she shared it freely with everyone she met.

In August, Julia passed away. My heart broke. I looked through image after image of her beautiful smile and cried. I recalled hearing her sweet voice singing praises to God and was deeply moved. I thought about her laughter and love for Jesus that could transform an entire day, and I was reminded that one person really can make a difference.

In the days after the celebration of Julia’s life, my heart was burdened to do something to honor her and the impact that she had on so many. I began to pray. And pray. And pray. Then, after so many “God-incidences” that I could no longer ignore, I talked with Julia’s family about doing the Dream Calendar again. Just as with the first project, she would still be the inspiration. The size of this task is incredible- and it is only going to be by the power and grace of God that it can be accomplished so quickly! But, we are trusting that where God guides, He completely provides!

So, what is The Dream Calendar?

It’s a charity project that will benefit Clouds of Hope, a non-profit organization which is committed to providing support for groups, organizations and families who care for or have children with life-altering illnesses or disorders. The Dream Calendar will feature 13 children, who are affected by these illnesses to help raise awareness of their stories and the mission of Clouds of Hope.

100% of all Dream Calendar sales will go to Clouds of Hope, as they work with the City of Temple Terrace to refurbish, rebuild and recreate playgrounds for these amazing children; as well as helping to fund their monthly respite program Camp Cheer and their newest branch connect, which helps families find local churches with special needs ministries.

The first Dream Calendar was a FABULOUS success, thanks to an incredible group of sponsors, the precious families who shared their children and the community who rallied around this project! We raised over $7,000.00 that went straight to Clouds of Hope. This year, it’s time to top that number!! However, this project is enormous and we need YOUR HELP!

How can you get involved?

Right now, there are two pressing needs that we have to make this project a success…and we have a month to get it all accomplished!

1) We need a large field for on location shooting. Imagine green grass that’s a little whispy… if you have a piece of property or know someone that does, we would love your insight! You can leave a comment below or email me directly.

2) We need sponsors and donors! The calendar takes approximately $3,000.00 to print. When this expense is covered, 100% of the calendar sales can go to Clouds of Hope.

• Sponsors can purchase an ad that will appear on a month of the calendar for $150.00. This will allow promotion of a business to 1,000 individuals, all while helping this worthy cause. Interested? Just contact me via email.
• Donors can support the calendar, by making a monetary contribution and will be recognized in the calendar as well. No donation is too small or too large. Everyone can get involved, whether you can give $5.00 or $500.00! Everyone can help. Just like Julia, everyone really can make a difference.

So, what can you do today?

This calendar has the potential to make an enormous difference in the lives of many children. In honor of Julia and her love for others, let’s take a stand and make a difference, one calendar at a time!

Please note, as a 501(c)3 organization, donations to Clouds of Hope are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Thanks so much and don’t forget to get your copy of The Dream Calendar today!

If you can’t catch the original broadcast, you’ll be able to visit FOX 13′s website to view the segment, “What’s Right With Tampa Bay.”

If you haven’t already purchased a Dream Calendar, don’t delay! We still have some available!

Just click here to make your purchase.

Thanks so much for your continued support and encouragement of this charity project!

If you get a chance, please thank Michelle for her hard work and her dedication to seeing that The Dream Calendar made it’s way into the Tampa Tribune!

To read the story, please click here.

You may email Michelle at: mbearden@tampatrib.com

Of course, if you haven’t purchased a calendar yet, NOW is the perfect time! Just follow THIS LINK and get one for everyone on your list!

The children had a great time signing their autographs on the calendars, as well as chatting with some of our guests. Clouds of Hope provided a yummy cake and Wi Weave, a group of local students from Lewis Elementary joined us to sell their handmade creations to help raise money for the playground project as well!

Emma, her mom and grandmother also came! Here’s a sweet picture that I couldn’t resist posting as well!

If you haven’t purchased your Dream Calendar, now is the time!
Christmas is close upon us and these are the perfect gift for everyone on your list! There is no greater feeling than to know that the present you give, will keep giving for many, many years!
Please click on the navigation to the left and select “BUY A CALENDAR!”

And… be on the look out this weekend. Michelle Bearden of The Tampa Tribune carved out some time in her busy schedule to interview me about this project. She was so gracious and is really excited to share the story with our community! You should see an article about The Dream Calendar in the paper Saturday or Sunday!

First, we are selling lots and lots of calendars. But, there are still many more boxes to go! We could use your help! If you are a sponsor, a parent, friend or community member and would like to volunteer to sell some calendars, please contact me at annieagarwalphotography@gmail.com.

I would love to hear from you!

Next, The Dream Calendar is the SPOTLIGHT, FRONT PAGE of the Temple Terrace Beacon. You can read all about it by clicking here.

Next, Karen Hossink, author of Confessions of an Irritable Mother and Finding Joy-More Confessions of an Irritable Mother is hosting a Dream Calendar give away on her BLOG! She has been such an encouragement and great supporter of this charity project! I am so honored that she has stepped in to help spread the word! Thank you so much Karen!! Once you’ve visited her blog, be sure to stop by her website too! She’s got some great resources for moms!

Finally, Annie Agarwal Photography is partnering with Clouds of Hope to debut The Dream Calendar to the  community on December 6th and you’re all invited! Below you’ll find all the details! A special thank you to Sherwood Forest and International Christian Supplies for helping with this event! The coolest part is that many of The Dream Calendar Models will be there in person, so now is your chance to meet the little kids who have pulled at your heartstrings! Please spread the word and if you are interested in helping to make this event bigger and better, contact me at annieagarwalphotography@gmail.com