Bang Family

Her hand fits perfectly in yours, her sweet breath falls on your face as she covers you with kisses and her arms wrap around your neck into a perfect fit, as she claims ownership. She will only be this size once in her life. There are many moments that lie ahead, equally precious and perfect, but […]

Byer Family

“Sometimes I think my papa is an accordion. When he looks at me and smiles and breathes, I hear the notes.” ― Markus Zusak “Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life.” – Sophocles

Cesari Family

She is the only girl in this family of five. She is the nucleus, the hub, the gooey loving center. Raising three boys requires her to have the sense of humor of an adolescent, be the loudest cheerleader at the hockey rink, and have nerves of steel as her boys out-dare and out-do each other […]

Eleanor Rose

Ellie became a student of her faith at the age of 6. She learned about the holidays, the Hebrew alphabet and what it means to be Jewish. In 6th grade Ellie took part in a program called Torah Corp where she began to study the Torah scroll with her peers. For nearly a year Ellie dedicated herself […]

Erica and Tim

“You and I have memories Longer than the road That stretches out ahead Two of us wearing raincoats Standing solo in the sun You and me chasing paper Getting nowhere on our way back home We’re on our way home We’re on our way home We’re going home” – Two of us, The Beatles

Generations

Parents are divined with the grandest of gifts; to devise, design, nurture the next generation. Every thing we do, say, give, do not give raises the child; every mistake laying dormant until repeated for the next generation and every right celebrated in the ordinary and extraordinary. It is not only our duty but our legacy to leave more than […]

Lisa & Kiefer Douglass

“You are the poem I dreamed of writing, the masterpiece I longed to paint. You are the shining star I reached for in my ever hopeful quest for life fulfilled. You are my child. Now with all things I am blessed.”

Little Lights

“Little Lights Urban Ministries empowers underserved youth, families, and communities in Washington DC by sharing the hope of Christ through compassionate action, caring relationships, and racial reconciliation. Steve Park founded Little Lights in 1995 to share God’s love with under-served children and families in Washington, D.C. Little Lights has been committed to providing sanctuaries of encouragement, hope, […]

Marsh Family

A candy cane hunt, Christmas books, chocolate snowmen and Christmas trees. She created a morning filled with surprise and wonder. As parents we have the privilege to lay seeds that will one day blossom into treasured traditions.  “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden […]

Mimi Wilson

Mimi is mother to two boys, six year old Brett and soon to be three Levi. Whether going out to karaoke or having a backyard cookout she is always impeccably styled, with perfect hair and make-up. In college she studied Organization Management and worked in mortgage and banking until she decided to stay at home. The decision to […]

Morgan & Kendall

A sister knows your history, your habits and which words strike deep. A sister can be your most loyal friend and most bitter enemy. A twin knows life with only the other, a constant by her side, sharing her snacks and the limelight. Twins have an intimacy of incomplete sentences, meaningful nods and burning glances. Being sisters and […]

Mothers

How many times did my mother say to me, warn me, “One day you’ll know what this is like.” Whether we were fighting over a boyfriend or she was nagging me to eat my carrots or do my chores, this was her constant lament. I didn’t understand why what I was doing or not doing caused her […]

Oil Kota

“To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss She has shown nothing but kindness, protection and generosity to my children. She watched me bring a baby home from the hospital, then another, knowing her job was getting that much more difficult yet she […]

Reston A to Z

Watt Hamlett had an idea, to write a children’s book. He found inspiration right in his new home town, Reston, Virginia. Watt and his family have been living here since 2000 and in those years he’s fallen in love with Reston’s nature, architecture and community spirit. Watt needed an illustrator and that’s where Jill Olinger […]

Scott Vow Renewal

Ten years ago they said “I do” on the sunny beaches of Key West, Florida. Ten years ago the future stretched out long and far and as full of possibilities as the sea. Ten years later they celebrate three beautiful children, steadfast family, genuine friendships and a union that has grown stronger and lovelier beyond their wildest dreams. […]

Skerritt Family

Lauren and David will celebrate their twenty five year wedding anniversary this September. Lauren and David will send their triplets off to college this September. Summer is the sprite of the family; always willing, always positive and always smiling. I hear some of the most witty and pointed comments muttered under her breath. Simone is an […]

Sweet Hairafter

Kylie Hoben and Denise Sharpe are the partners behind Sweet Hairafter. Sweet Hairafter provides personalized hair & beauty services in a positive, uplifting, & creative salon environment. Located in Bethesda, Maryland they draw inspiration from the energy, diversity and culture of the neighborhood. Built on talent and driven by passion their salon allows them to be […]

The Kortanek Family

She raised her children in this home. As the neighborhood changes around her she holds onto memories and tradition. As a gift for Mother’s Day and to celebrate Father’s day, a simple, constant wish was granted; all her children and grandchildren gathered at her home. On this Saturday morning conversation and laughter filled the house as […]

Tom Family

There are some days when the stars align; your hair looks fabulous, your husband is clever and your children are behaved. Then there are most days. Being a mother is not easy. You are rewarded with fabric-altering, purpose-giving love but also challenged with temper tantrums, sparring personalities and sleep. With each day that passes you […]