Hi, I'm Melisa... 

I'm a Maryland girl born and raised (though I oddly enough hate crabs, go figure, lol), but I love the wonderful City of Pittsburgh. I'm a proud boy mom to four amazing adult sons, a delighted CiCi to my adorable grandson, and have been happily married to my husband and best friend, Mike, for 21 years! My family is my entire reason for being... they mean everything to me!

My life is a beautiful whirlwind of family, fun, baseball, football, movie and TV show quotes, and a dash of quirkiness. I used to be a “30 minutes early for everything” person but as our nest has emptied I've become a fashionably late to just about everything person! I have MS, and I work hard not to let that slow me down, so if sometimes you catch me making up my own words just know I'm not having a stroke, it's just memory issues. And if occasionally I wobble or fall over the air while walking, I'm not drunk... it's just the MS, lol. As you can probably tell, I also don't take myself very seriously. If you can laugh at yourself then you'll always be amused, right?! Ask me about any sitcom episode from the '80s & '90s, and I can probably recite it by heart! 

I'm addicted to my Cirkul water cup, green apple is my absolute favorite. I can't resist Reeses miniature peanut butter cups, popcorn, salads, Italian food, Kit Kats, good tiramisu (though I don't drink coffee!), and Peppermint Patties.

Besides photography, I love baking, home decorating, and fixing up our home. I enjoy refinishing and repurposing furniture, with a passion for modern farmhouse décor and design. I'm a big fan of hot tea, ice cream, chocolate, cheesesteaks, and pizza. I’m an over-user of punctuation, especially the ellipsis… Binge-watching movies and TV shows, reading, oversized, soft sweatshirts (the more worn in, the better!), soft fuzzy socks, and giant tea mugs are just a few of my guilty indulgences. 

On the side, I’m an Independent Scentsy Consultant, which adds a touch of fragrance and fun to my busy life. I absolutely love being a photographer. But of all the hats I wear, Mom and CiCi are my favorite titles! Life is a beautiful adventure, and I’m grateful and here for every moment of it!

Meet Mike, my husband, best friend, and business partner...

He's the ultimate "jack-of-all-trades" with a heart of gold

This guy is a proud husband, dad, bonus dad, and pops, always ready to jump in and help or haul the heavy stuff. From everyday tasks to stepping in as a second shooter, therapist, or assistant, Mike is your all-around good guy who stays cool as an ice cube under pressure. 

For over 25 years, Mike has been coaching varsity football at North High, guiding young athletes with the same dedication he shows his family. Family means everything to Mike, and as the manager and coach of the Sons of American Legion team at Federal Little League, he’s giving back to the place where he grew up and played, mentoring another generation of young people. He’s also the Emeritus member of the board of directors and volunteers to keep the league and field in shape. 

Pittsburgh, the Steelers, the Pirates, Sour Patch Kids, Coke Zero, pies, cakes, and all things sandwiches are just a few of his favorite things. But above all, he’s head over heels for his family. His sense of humor is a mix of fun-loving, dry, and sarcastic wit, keeping everyone entertained. During photo sessions, his jokes are the magic ingredient for genuine smiles and laughs. Plus, he’s got an eagle eye for detail, making sure no one’s chewing gum or has a phone sticking out of their pocket. 

His integrity shines through everything he does, making him an amazing husband and business partner and a beloved figure to everyone who knows him.

Say hi to Alexander & Sara... my firstborn and his beautiful wife!

A Fun-Loving Duo Living Life to the Fullest

Alexander and Sara are the epitome of a dynamic and loving couple who have built a beautiful life together. 

Their journey as incredible parents is centered around their greatest joy: spending quality time with their adorable son, Holden. Their devotion to Holden is evident in every aspect of their lives, and they embrace parenthood with boundless enthusiasm.

Their wedding was a memorable affair, uniquely catered by Chick-fil-A, a testament to their shared love for the restaurant. Whether they are playing with Holden or enjoying a day at the river boating, Alexander and Sara know how to make every moment count. Their home is also lively with the presence of their two cherished pups, Luna and Ellie, adding even more joy to their family life.

Alexander, a man of many passions, finds excitement in NASCAR, music, and playing the drums. He's an avid fan of Blink-182 and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he thrives in fantasy football leagues. His love for gummy worms, craft beers, rice krispie treats, and pizza adds a playful touch to his personality. Alexander's hobbies extend to woodworking and puttering around the house, where he showcases his intelligence and big heart. He is kind to a fault, a remarkable big brother adored by his siblings, and a fantastic husband and dad.

Sara shares Alexander's love for music and enjoys spending time with family. Her sweet tooth is satisfied with chocolate and peanut butter, pizza, nuggets, and peanut butter fudge. Her creative spirit shines at Board & Brush, where she makes wonderful crafts. Disney brings out her inner child, and she relishes being a cool and doting aunt to her niece and nephew. Sara's kindness, sweetness, and dedication make her a beloved wife, mom, and sister-in-law.

Together, Alexander and Sara are a vibrant couple who live life to the fullest, filling their days with love, laughter, and cherished moments with their son Holden and their furry companions. Their story is a testament to the power of love, family, and shared passions.

. . . and then there's Holden James!

A Joyful Bundle of Energy

Holden, the brilliant, fun-loving son of Alexander and Sara, is our first grandchild and the light of our lives. To him, Mike and I are CiCi and Pops. At just three years old, Holden is the sweetest little boy in the world, overflowing with pure love for life. Witnessing how everything is exciting, new, wonderful, and magical for him is truly special.

Holden finds joy in every single second, attacking life with boundless enthusiasm. His sense of humor and knack for trying to play pranks at such a young age breathes fresh air into our days. There's nothing quite like the sound of his giggle, which has become my favorite sound.

The world's biggest fan of Happy Meal "nugs and fries," Holden also adores Minions, balloons, Toy Story, and his matchbox cars and race tracks. He loves to spend endless hours at the playground, running to his heart's content and he's becoming quite good at taking selfies, bringing laughter and smiles to everyone around.

His love for singing and dancing, especially to "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" on YouTube, fills our hearts with joy. Baking and decorating cookies is another favorite activity, and of course, he thoroughly enjoys eating them! Cheese puffs and peanut butter crackers also rank high on his list of favorite snacks.

Holden's pure happiness is contagious, and he brings immense joy to everyone who spends time with him. He is one cherished little boy, adored by so many!

Say hello to Nicholas + Olivia!

Son number two and his beautiful fiancee

Nicholas and Olivia are truly living their very best life… together they just make “magic”.

With both of them working intense professional careers, they balance their hectic work lives with zestful adventures and cherished moments.

When they’re not working, they're globetrotters, exploring corners of the world, and enjoying beer and whiskey tastings with their close-knit group of friends. At home, they find joy in quiet moments with their sweet pup, Dash, taking walks to the park and their favorite neighborhood pub. After buying their first home in a charming and up-and-coming neighborhood in Pittsburgh, they are having an exciting time decorating and fixing it up together. Nicholas recently popped the big question, and now they’re happily wedding planning for the Spring of 2026.

Nicholas is a soulful, intelligent, amazing man who is going to be a great husband. He is a talented writer, and bass player, and enjoys singing here and there. Although he's a bit of an adrenaline junkie, he finds comfort in knowing he can always follow his roots back home when he needs it. Like his brothers, he loves Pittsburgh, Steelers football, Penguins hockey, and Pirates baseball. Nicholas also enjoys snickerdoodles, NASCAR, biking, playing the guitar, music, hiking, craft beer, and great bourbon.

Olivia is a kind-hearted, smart, beautiful woman who enjoys spending time with family, loves dogs, gets a kick out of reality TV shows, has fun traveling, and is a super awesome aunt to her nieces and nephews. A lady after my own heart, she also appreciates the benefits and rare luxury of a good nap. Little things like a glass of good wine and a warm fuzzy blanket bring her happiness.

Together, Nicholas and Olivia are a perfect blend of adventure, love, and joy. They are creating a life filled with magic and shared dreams.

Hey, hey... meet Jackson!

Son number three, and the tallest of them all

Let me introduce you to Jackson - a 23-year-old with a heart of gold. Jackson feels deeply and stands by his beliefs,

making him a guy with amazing depth and integrity. His talent for debating any topic is both impressive and, let's be honest, sometimes frustrating. He loves to take the opposing side of an argument for the sheer enjoyment of the debate and to entertain himself and everyone around him.

He's quick-witted and has a knack for sarcastic humor. Jackson's sweet smile and contagious laugh can light up any room. Always coming to the defense of the underdog, he stands up for what's right. Like the rest of the fam, Jackson is a huge sports fan, cheering on the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins.

Jackson loves reading, binge-watching TV shows and movies, and playing video games with his buddies. He's always up for an in-depth conversation, whether it's grounded in reality or a quirky topic he's conjured up for comic relief. Jackson's generosity knows no bounds, making him a cherished friend, son, brother, and uncle.

A documentary buff, Jackson's been curious about everything since he was a kid. He's sincere, and honest, and pours his heart into everything he does. His love for kids, especially his nephew, really shines through in his volunteer work as a Little League coach – pretty impressive for his age.

Music is a big deal for Jackson. He loves finding new bands and hitting up concerts. Some of his favorite things include working out at the YMCA, seafood, craft beers, and music. He shares a love for Blink-182 with his mom and older brothers and can't get enough of peanut butter cups, guacamole, and hot sauces. Oh, and his smash burgers? They're legendary!

Jackson is a sweet, kind-hearted, and generous guy with a great sense of humor. His love of life, endless curiosity, and a strong commitment to what he believes in make him someone truly special. Whether he's standing up for the little guy or diving into a good debate, Jackson's presence is always appreciated and felt.

Say hi to Carter!

My last baby... son number four

      Oh my, let me tell you about my baby... this guy is something! There's always something a little "extra" when it comes to the youngest, and Carter is definitely that "something more." Currently thriving at the University of Pittsburgh, Carter is majoring in education with a minor in exercise science, focusing on strength and conditioning coaching. 

A lifelong athlete, Carter has been playing baseball and football since he was four. On one field or the other, he's always been a force to be reckoned with. Now, he's taking his talents to the next level as part of the Pitt Club Baseball team. Carter's adjusting to college life like a pro, but we sure miss having him around at home.

Born with the heart and soul of a leader, Carter never wastes a second of life. He's constantly seeking out and conquering new challenges, never backing down or giving up. He has a unique ability to bend, twist, turn, and mold the world to his will. Quietly putting in the work, Carter improves himself day by day, leading by example and encouraging others to do the same. He embodies true leadership, carrying that responsibility with grace and maturity that is rare, especially for a twenty-year-old. 

Carter has a strong moral compass and a heart of gold. He's always fair-minded and kind, with an unwavering sense of right and wrong. His fiery spirit, courage, and boldness make the world a better place. Not to mention, he's incredibly smart and wise beyond his years. He's a talented athlete with vast knowledge of sports and coaching, dedicated to his workouts, and spends countless hours at the gym.

A true Pittsburgh enthusiast, Carter loves the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, and Pitt Football. He cherishes spending time with his incredible group of lifelong friends, and his quick wit and sarcastic dry sense of humor make him the life of any gathering. There's truly nothing better than hanging out with Carter, an amazing guy who brings joy and inspiration to everyone around him. 

You only need to meet Carter once to see why he is such a cherished and extraordinary individual. He's not just our youngest son; he's a beacon of strength, leadership, and kindness who leaves a lasting impact on everyone he meets.

Meet our dynamic dog duo!

Our family wouldn't be complete without these two beautiful ladies . . .

• Olivia Catherine, the wise St. Bernard (8 years old) believes she’s the size of a Chihuahua when it comes to hogging the bed. Don’t be fooled by her fluffiness; she’s a mastermind of mischief and can decode human emotions with the skill of a psychic. Obsessed with her squeaky toys, Olivia is convinced she’s the smartest dog in the neighborhood. It's almost scary how much she understands—seriously, she might just be plotting world domination from the comfort of your lap!
• Rooney Grace, the majestic Golden Retriever (4 years old), apparently never got the memo about being a dog because she must have a pillow under her head to sleep. Rumor has it, her beloved purple polka dot rubber duck is her emotional support buddy, and she’ll never admit it, but she has a secret stash of treats hidden in the couch cushions. On Wednesdays, you’ll find her glued to the window, utterly mesmerized by the garbage trucks as if they are the latest Hollywood blockbuster!

Together, they are champions of cuddling, sunbathing pros, and certified nap enthusiasts. They relish grooming days and take their babysitting duties for young Holden very seriously. The neighborhood watch from the bedroom window is a daily ritual that ensures they remain the cutest—and most mischievous—watchdogs around!