Filing Day.

You should be proud. Too handsome men in your life. Wow! Your husband will be in my prayers. He sounds like just the man for the job.

Man Ali - that is so fantastic, be sure to congratulate Chris for me (love that he is totally going for a dream).

awesome! good luck to chris(and all of you). he sounds like the right man for the job!

Wow, such a fun adventure ahead in your life.... You two (plus Simon) make a very cute family! Good luck!

Ali,
how incredibly wonderful and moving. I got teary-eyed looking at your handsome men, all full of promise and commitment. Simon is a gem, he just glows when he smiles.
And Chris. I so admire the people who step up, who are willing to get into the meat-grinder we've turned the political process into, because they care so much about making a difference. I cen't send him my vote from VT, but I am sending all kinds of positive energy and respect into his campaign.
Vermont has Town Meeting annually, the 1st Tuesday in March. Most towns (including my town) meet to discuss and vote on the town and school budgets, go over any articles submitted by the citizenry for a town vote, and generally involve ourselves in the business of running our town. I am a relative newcomer to VT, and I get so tickled by the democratic process. It's very inspiring to realize you CAN change things, that it isn't all happening at some nebular 'other' level, and that one man/woman one vote is still the best system the world has discovered.
Godspeed to Chris's campaign and bravo to you for being the kind of partner that can allow Chris to follow his dreams. (and lucky lucky Simon to have two such heart-ful people raising him).

wow! ali, this is so exciting! and your guys look so so so hansome. :) happy days ahead for you all.

Sending all kinds of luck.
On a side note I just have to say that I love that picture of Chris and Simon walking hand in hand down the hallway.

best of luck to him. Simon has such great role models in his life, parents with such great passions. He is one lucky little boy.

LOVE how happy both of your boys look in these pictures...that is priceless.

Ali: So very cool! I was excited to talk to you about this at the Get Croppin' event in Virignia and I know that this is a huge step for your family. Big prayers for a great experience for Chris - no matter what the outcome.
He may be interested in a book by a friend of mine entitled "Hats in the Ring: Conversation with Presidential Candidates". My friend, Brad Koplinski, interviewed the unsuccessful candidates of Presidential races to get their unique perspective and to also lift up their accomplishments. We get so busy bashing people in public service but the vast majority of Americans will never run for public office themselves. So, hurray for Chris for just putting himself out there!

What fabulous photos of your two important men! And Simon looked adorable in his new outfit! Congrats to your husband and good luck on the journey ahead!

I was thinking of you guys yesterday when I heard it was filing day. I remembered you mentioning Chris's interest...so nice to see great people stepping up in our state. Good luck to him, if we lived closer he would get my vote. :)

Hi Ali,
So great to see that Chris is going for his dream!!! Yeah for him! Yeah for you for standing by him..........
And just look at the dude......isn't he just the sweetest in his new clothes and looking so proud of his daddy!!!!

I've been reading your blog for about a week now and it is inspirational. We need more Democrats and I wish your husband and family the best of luck on this adventure! I can't vote in Oregon but will be crossing my fingers for an easy election! I've also been reading your book Designer's Eye for the past two weeks...it's great. Your scrapbook art is beautiful, the book easy to read and the tips I've applied to my work have already remarkably improved my pages. The whole idea of documenting the ordinary seems to make what seems "ordinary" so very very very special. Thanks Ali...and look forward to reading more!

Simon looks so dang cute in his new outfit! Best of luck to Chris--it's going to be an amazing journey for all of you!

Simon looks TOTALLY comfortable in Patti Smith's chair :) What a fabulous smile.
Love the photos - what an exciting day for your family! Wish I live in OR - would love to vote for Chris.

Congratulations to Chris, and best of luck!

How wonderful! It's so important to be involved, it's the only way to make a difference. I must say I miss the days back in Canada when I was a Young Liberal. In The Netherlands, since I do not have the Dutch citizenship, I am not allowed to vote. But that does not stop me from following internal and foreign affairs closely.
I love the photos; they emanate such pride and such joy.
Wishing you all the very best,
Sophie

Two handsome guys on the pictures

Ali, I've been so inspired by all your work...basically, it's been my intro to scrapbooking. Your creativity is simply astounding.
Good luck to Chris! I bet you're proud of your men. Best wishes!