Christmas with Friends

Recently Nick reconnected with some high school friends.  We've seen them on and off throughout the years, but now seem to be building on friendships that seem so new and old at the same time. Here Nick is skyping with fellow schoolmate-Oliver-who is serving our country in Afghanistan.  It's a modern miracle to have this type of technology before us and blessing for families who need to connect overseas.  It was humbling to say the least to be speaking to Oliver whose wife attended the party.

Our host, Kristina and Kenny, are two of the sweetest hardcore hunters I've ever met.  Soon to be married and full of love for life and each other, they blessed each guest with tastings from their recent kills-deer and boar-which was super yummy.

 (Have to brag on our girl Kristina for bagg'n the boar in the Santa hat! ) 

Lastly, we were a bit caught off guard and surprised to say the least when they announced it was "present time."  Now as a fellow lover of gift giving, I was a little overwhelmed by their generosity to say the least.  Our friend Chris decided to stock us with "top of the line wines" and the K's bought a knife for Nick and a sweet pair of gloves for me.  Best Christmas party ever!

OMR Giving

Even thought the Omaha Midnight Run has been over for 3 months, we've been busy tying up loose ends,  paying bills as they trickle in, writing thank you notes to those who supported us, and lastly-the fun part-we've been preparing to give the Hope Center and Abide their checks!

OMR's President and our Logistics Director-the brains of the operation-are seen here handing Abide founder Ron Dotzler a check for $17, 000!  Mr. Dotzler was super grateful and said that the money would be going to their children's program in inner city Omaha. 

 Last week, I had the honor of giving another $17,000 check to the founder and director of the Hope Center for Kids-Ty Schenzel. The money would be put towards their new Education Center. I was a bit embarrassed when Jason-OMR's President-said I was "the heart of OMR." Though I like to think I could be both the brains AND heart. Lol!

It's overwhelming to see what these men, whose hearts were open to the Father's will for their lives, have accomplished within my city.  It has given Nick and I hope for our future and the power to dream the impossible.

Welcome to the World Baby Claire!

Claire came into this big bright world on November 28th, 2012.  Seeing her, holding her, was this super blessed moment. Claire is our friends Missy and Jareds little miracle for sure!  Her Uncle Nick and Auntie Kassie are super excited to help her steal sugar-loaded bites of cupcakes and teach her and her brother how to be naughty for sure! 

Thoughts...

Thoughts while sitting in a hospital room.

Surrounded by beeping and technicolor spikes, tubes and needles, nurses with somber faces trying not to look into the family members red eyes, and lastly, the machine that is pumping precious oxygen into your lungs keeping you alive.  The up and down rhythm of this breathing machine seems too violent for your fragile little body.  Lifeless limbs, cold to the touch, warming your hands with our own when we're finally brave enough to touch.  Sitting with you in a comfortable silence while the thoughts in our head race, about the things we have yet to say and the grieving of things we should have said way before today.  Our tears fall quietly across the smiles that play on our lips, because we know if you saw them, you'd tell us to quickly not cry and "make a fuss over little 'ol me." Prays seem silly when they say, "it's just a waiting game," yet we know the Father's plan and our own are not always the same.

Something deep inside tells me not to cry, to be strong for the one beside me, while you try to fly.  Something deep inside me mourns for the children you have yet to meet, I selfishly pray for a few more years of healthy heart beats.  Something deep inside hurts and angers me, why does death always always ask such a hefty fee?

Sitting in a hospital room typing away on my mac, thinking of days I'll never get back.  Precious time spent, working to pay the rent.  Are we happy with the choices we make?  Do we spend our days "being real" or just plain fake?  Something inside tells me there's so much more than this, days spent in agony, days spent in bliss.  Ready to take the next step at any rate, not worrying about my destiny or fate.

Day 3~Mater Naturalist Conference~Nature Walk

Morning three of the Master Naturalist Conference found me waking up with the sun and flinging open my patio doors to let the unusually warm air in.  It's unusual because it's mid-November and it was a very humid 75 degrees when we usually have snow dusting the ground.  No problems here!  I jumped out of bed, checked out of the hotel, and took off on a path all on my own.  No guide to guide me, no "master naturalist" to educate me on every flora and fawna, no map to discern where I should go.  Just a path, an enthusiastic girl, and her creator.

While I was the only "traditional educator" at the conference, I was probably the only non-tree hugger hippie in attendance as well.  Don't get me wrong, I'm more than willing to throw on my tie-dye and peace sign earrings and  believe in recycling and reducing your "carbon foot-print," but more so because I'm a minimalist and hate crowded spaces rather than believing the worlds going to end because of global warming.  

Whatever your thoughts about the situation our planet finds itself in, there is one ideal I can get behind: Being a good steward.  Now depending on your business profession or faith, this word might have a different meaning.  Despite that, I think we can all agree to some extent that it simply means, the responsibility to take care of something. Now what that something may mean, may depend again on where you live, where you work, and your faith.  However, as we are all citizens of the planet earth, are we not all responsible for some type of care towards it?

I was highly convicted of three things as I walked amongst the autumn beauty:

1. I wasn't taking care of my part of the earth and reaping the benefits it could so bestow upon my family after a little digging and planting

2. My family was not receiving the benefits of exploring all of creation by a Creator we personally know.

3. A heart that cannot understand the gift of creation can not understand the gift of praise.

Day 2~Master Naturalist Conference

Friday~Spent the 70 degree day inside the beautiful Lied Lodge and wrote random thoughts as the vibrant blue sky rolled across the lifeless land.

Crispy wheat, rattling pods, velvety brown, blue blooms, iridescent beetles, compass plants pointing south east, root structured solar panels, endangered creatures flying overhead, window skimmers and ant palaces, natures building blocks called "horse hair," silver shimmers in the moon day sun, emery board plants, solider beetles, little people planters, milk weed, baseball sized wishes, 2 month field burns, a thousand leaves standing in ovation for the symphony of wings that sing.

Master Naturalist Conference~Day 1

Last week I received a phone call that I had been chosen to attend the Nebraska Master Naturalist Conference in Nebraska City on a scholarship.  The 3-day conference is put on by NACEE-Nebraska Alliance for Conservation and Environment Education and provides an amazing opportunity for Nebraska’s formal and non-formal educators, resource professionals, and citizens to network and share ideas.  The 2012 Conference is filled with fantastic speakers ranging in topics from grant opportunities to no-material activities to sustainable schoolyards. I found the opportunity to be an adventure in the making and decided to put on my flannel and puffy vest and join the tree huggers for the weekend.

 

Day one-A small group of "master naturalist" and I spent four hours surveying the flood damage from last year.  I found myself being the only early educator within the group.  I quietly observed and didn't have much to say-not normal, I know.  Yet, that is exactly what I cherish about nature.  The opportunity to be quiet, to observe, to dig deep into the roots that have kept me into Nebraska.  While most of the time I have no idea what kind of tree or plant I'm looking at, I have this established appreciation for all things living.

A Little Shower For A Lovely Lady

While I am blessed beyond belief with dozens of dear friends and a staggering amount of acquaintances, there are only few true blue soul mates that know what I'm thinking with the tilt of my head, a twinkle in my eye, and beyond the mask that I am destined to wear day in and day out.  Missy is one of these true blues.

While we've only known each other for about 4 years, though it feels as if our paths have crossed before even when there is no possible way.  We were introduced by a very dear man that we both have the privilege of looking up to as a father figure and spiritual mentor. Together, we found ourselves preparing to travel to a third world country for a trip that would forever change our worldview.  During that trip, Nick and I formed a strong bond with Missy that has Nick feeling comfortably protective of her and I knowing that there is someone who is a true listener and has my best interest at heart.

Shortly after we returned from Haiti, Missy found the love of her life and married Jared.  Nick and Jared have become good friends and we adore Jared's little man Hudson as if he was our nephew.  We were never more honored to take part in their wedding and pray that their marriage will be strong and blessed.

And blessed it is!  When hope started to wavier, Missy and Jared were fortunate to find that they were expecting a little bundle of joy.  Claire, is due in December. (Even though we think she is anxious to get out early and meet the world)  We know they will make excellent parents because Jared is already an amazing and doting father and Missy, dear Missy, has a heart so full of love that this little person will never want. It was with greatest happiness that I joined two of Missy's friends to throw a shower for her.  Fairies, pink, satin, and hydrangeas danced in the sunlit room on a perfect Saturday afternoon.

Watching Missy surrounded by people who love and adore her, family, friends, and co-workers, I began to see how really blessed I was to have this woman in my life.  She is beautiful-even in the ending days of her pregnancy she is breathtaking.  Her style never waivers even when she "Au natural." Her giving is far beyond the capacity of her wallet and yet, she gives.  Her thoughts are always on those around her even when it's supposed to be her day.  She is a no-nonsense type of gal and yet loves frills and things that sparkle.  She is everything a woman should be and is going to make the best of mothers.  When Claire arrives, I know that my heart for this woman will change once again as I see her in the role she was born to play.  Until then, I will just admire from afar, pray for her daily, and be here as she is for me.

Your Voice-Your Vote

Tuesday, November 6th, 2012~An Election Day To Remember

President Barack Obama vs. Republican Mitt Romney

Never before has there been a Presidential race that we felt so intent on watching, taking note, and feeling so annoyed with. Never before have we ever felt the utter importance of our vote. Never before have we ever felt that our voice matters so much.  Never before has a race inspired us to get involved...and get involved we did! 

Incumbent Steve Brock vs. Nicholas Mayo

Metropolitan Community College Board of Governors

Nick put his name on the ballot, spoke at several public venues, won the preliminaries, and did a couple interviews. Check out his recent interview with the Omaha World Herald: http://www.omaha.com/article/20121027/NEWS/710279896/1707  Today, he did his civic duty and voted with his "number 1 fan" and "politicians wife in training" by his side. 

Together we sit.  Eating Nick's choice of a celebratory dinner-chili with oyster crackers-watching the blue and red numbers rise and listening to the commentaries of what seems like one-sided views. We also sit and watch the bottom of the screen, rejoicing with enthusiasm every time his name shows up. Yes, that is MY husbands name on ABC under Diane Sawyer.

Stay tuned for the final count and Nick's reflections on becoming a politician.

A Night With The Girls

What can I say?  I HATE home shopping parties, but...LOVE a themed event!  Which is why when approached to host both a candle and jewelry party within the same week, I agreed on one condition.  They had to both be the same night, be prepared to do 2-20 minute presentations, give some of the nights proceeds to my friends who are trying to adopt, and agree to a festive Halloween themed evening.  They agreed-but had no idea what they were in for!  Hopefully they will tell every home shopper person out there about the craziness that ensued at my house and I will live in the freedom of never having to host one of these parties again!

Here are a few images of my "Bejeweled By Candlelight" party.

A Day With The Girls

Once again the title of this post, borrowed from my favorite movie, serves it's purpose perfectly.  As most know, my Grandma Bush passed away this last summer.  And while I believe we have a closer family than most, time just slipped away and we haven't been able to get together lately.  So, I planned a "Day With The Girls" in my favorite little town-Louisville.  We dressed-up, danced, and ate lunch at the wonderfully spirited Artchicks.  we walked to the towns little boutiques with names like, "Feathers," "Coop-de-Ville,"  and "Emptying The Nest."  We laughed, some teared up, we shook our booties, we enjoyed each other's company.  Which reminds me of my Grandma and how much she enjoyed watching us all together.  Now, she just has a better seat!

Here's to the Bush Girl's who've loved and lost, but continue to live.

Daughters

Sisters

In-Laws

Family

10 Weeks Begins Now...

Well, despite the craziness that has become some sort normal, one more thing has been added to our plate.  With a gentle prompting from a friend to become a "little more educated," Nick and I decided to sign up for a 10-week class with Lutheran Family Services. To be honest, Nick is waaaay more excited about this process than I am. "Process" you ask?  Yes, the process of becoming licensed through the State of Nebraska to foster/adopt children.

It has seemed like this type of program has always been in our pathway, waiting for us to finally sign up, get licensed, and meet a kid.  However, it's never been that easy for-me.  Growing up, my family had several children in the foster care system and I remember the initial struggle of understanding the process.  However, accepting their friendship while trying to earn their trust and helping build their self-esteem to climb their next mountain, soon became apart of my families everyday life.  Yet, there was always this understanding that they would not be with us forever and THAT was where the hardening of my heart began. There was this one specific child that came into our lives and quickly claimed a place in our family and a piece of my heart.

"M" was small. Too small.  She looked funny with her flat forehead and see-through ears. Her eyes frequently rolled to the back of her head and her body was totally lifeless.  She was born to a mother hand-cuffed her hospital bed and I remember despising that woman the first time I ever saw her because somewhere in my uneducated mind, I knew she had made choices that hurt this little one.  "M" was diagnosed with severe fetal alcohol syndrome.  The doctors who delivered her, thought she wouldn't make it her first month.

And that's all that her time with us was supposed to be. A month and then she would go back to that woman in the dirty house and abusive adults who didn't know how to care for "M's" brother and sister let alone a newborn with special needs.  Yet, we ended up having "M" for almost two whole years.  In those two years, we spent most of out time at the hospital learning to care for her needs and transforming the living room of our house into a makeshift hospital.  "M" died a couple months prior to her second birthday. While her life was short, her life taught me so much.  Her life's lessons left some good and some bad tastes in my mouth that lead me to my thoughts and feelings to this class.

While secretly I'm afraid of newborns, I do want a baby.  It was those firsts that I saw with "M" that make me feel so passionately selfish about having a 'lil one. Unfortunately, everyone wants a healthy baby and we would be considered the "lowest of priorities." And then there's my Nick.  Nick's so ready to have a baby to hold and rock to sleep.  I think more so for him to have an excuse to nap more than actually "put the baby to sleep."  He's ready to raise a child in the knowledge of our Lord and guide them in the path that the Heavenly Father has for them while helping them understand independent thinking.  He's ready to dote on them with little gifts and bestow upon the child his gift of simple clothing-gray t-shirts and onesies, little chucks and hoodies, or "modest" little girl clothing that can get messy and should not leave him covered in glitter. He's ready. He's willing.  He is in a place where he will "do whatever it takes."

These class may or may not be our answer to become a family of more, but we're going to try them out and ask that you join us!  Join us each week as we give updates about the class, our thoughts and feelings, and the how this fits with God's design for us.  We also would appreciate your prayers and thoughts as well as we go through this time.  It's going to be difficult, but we have each other!

"Surprise!?" Your Having Surgery!

~Absence makes the heart grow fonder~

My absence from blogging is frankly because I've been contemplating on what I want to tell you.  It has been a little over a week since my "surprise" surgery went down.  And because of the trauma and downright pain, I've had no desire to write this chapter of our story.  But today, as I cleaned the house of dead flowers in cheap vases, deflated get-well balloons, and stuffed all the "thinking of you" cards into a basket, I decided it was time. Because #1. I miss writing  #2. I feel like I can get over this funk if I do. #3. I, We, are begging all of our readers to be proactive with your health.  YOU are your biggest advocate.

Note: The following content talks about woman parts. So, if your weird and can't talk/read about the human body without feeling squeamish or giggling like a schoolgirl-Don't read this.  Actually, read this, it may help you. (insert cackle!)

After a routine check-up with my doc and some concern over a pain in my left side, I soon found myself under the care of an ultrasound tech-twice.  They found a cyst on my left ovary and decided they wanted to remove it.  Surgery was scheduled for a week later during my 3-day weekend and I went on my merry way. Long story short, I ended up back in the doc's office two days later do to the intensity of the pain getting stronger. The very next morning, I was admitted.

Now, hospitals tend to make people a little funny and I always hear these stories of how "ghetto" the buildings are and how "mean" the nurses can be.  I fortunately haven't had a surgery since I was 8 years old and got the chance to stay at one of our newest hospitals here in Omaha. I told my hubby, "I feel like I'm at a resort where everyone wears robes with their butts showing!"  Truly though, the staff and hospital were impeccable and very hospitable.  It was a nice time of rest.

Anywho, when my doc-who by the way is ancient enough to have delivered me-went in to take the cyst out, he found that my entire left fallopian tube was pretty much dead and my left ovary was covered with endometriosis.  (Yea, I'd never heard that word either-women, educate yourself!)  They removed the tube and ovary.  So, when I was coming out of super-crazy-drug-world, they told me that he had to remove those parts and I kinda lost it-literally.  I kept saying, "They took it, They took it!"

Right now, I have no memory of that happening.  However, my amazing and wonderful husband who stood/sat by my side the whole time, is a bit traumatized seeing me that way.  It has taken us a few days of tiptoeing around each other, to once again feel "normal."  However, I couldn't have gone through this without him and have to take this small opportunity to tell the world how unselfish and downright lovable my guy is.  Thank you Nico.

After being released a little to soon for our comfort, the bedroom and living room became my office space and sleeping shack for the whole week.  Checking e-mails, catching up on OMR stuff, starting my carrier as an agent for a local musical talent, beginning a series of blogs for Waiting for Baby, and trying to remember when to take my multiple pain pills everyday, left me  wasting my days in front of this computer hacking away. Yet, not telling my story.

My story of loss, pain, and gratitude.  My story of unanswered prayers, faith, and friendship.  My story of love, health, and perseverance.  My story. My life. My reasons to keep going on.  To not morn anymore.  To say goodbye. To smile hello.  To remember that every aspect of my life is just another fascinating chapter  for all the world to remember me by.   To make a difference with what I have learned and been given.  To move forward and never glance back. This is my story-my life.

And Then We Stopped Running...

This last Friday was the Omaha Midnight Run.  A year worth of planning and worrying, months of collaborating and promoting, long days and even longer nights. Many sacrificing personal and family time to see this night be a success.  Pounding the pavement from all walks of life, coming together to make a difference in our city. 

While there's still some work to do, I'm actually stunned that it's over!  What do I do now that I have all this free time again?  Blog about the Omaha Midnight Run!  Some highlights were:

*Seeing the creative running costumes people came up with

* Hearing Bobby-Jo from the Abide Network speak about how their organization is changing North Omaha one neighborhood at a time and seeing the kiddos they brought get into the spirit of OMR

*Interviewing Ron Wright from http://400plus.com/ 

*Listening to Ty talk about the Hope Employment Academy: http://www.hopecenterforkids.com/

*Watching the 402 Street Beat Band perform their stomp/slam/jam music. (I'm seriously lining these guys up for my birthday party!)

*Lastly, having my husband work by my side and having friends from different aspects of my life come together to support the Omaha Midnight Run.

Another year, another winner, another finish line, another chance to make a difference.  

Will you join us next year?  

Save the date: September 6, 2013