Night at the Symphony

We recently received 3 tickets to the Omaha Symphony's Dvorak Festival.  So, we got dressed up, invited our brother/buddy Bryan, and headed to dinner at our new favorite hot spot in Midtown for some yummy food, Black Oak Grill.

The symphony did not disappoint.  The beautiful architecture, the quality of the sound, the movement of the the musicians, was all quite overwhelming to the senses.  You could find more than a dozen or so individuals with their eyes closed, not because they were asleep, but out of reverence for the gift of music we were hearing.

My Boyz

Love God-Love People

Nick and I have adopted the motto-"Love God-Love People." We have decided what this means for us is an actual action of loving people and not just saying it.  How it looks for us is quite different than what others may think it should mean and while we appreciate their "kind guidance" of not "getting involved" in peoples lives, we know that this is more than a calling of sorts-it's our life's blood. So, when my dear friend, colleague, and Child Rearing guru was recently hospitalized, Nick basically told me I could "go live with them" until she came home.  (Now, I know this family well and like to think of myself as distant and VERY quirky relative, but going to "live with them" was a little imposing.)

Instead, I basically took over their household for the week.  (Seriously, they probably think I'm nuts as I created a spreadsheet for the next two weeks of life!) I bring the 3 littles home from school everyday and hang with them until daddio gets home.  Our colleagues set up dinners, school lunches, groceries, rides to practice, etc.  It's been overwhelming the amount of help that has been poured out on this family.  There are 5 amazing kiddos in the household, 2 beautiful young ladies who are in high school and the 3 "littles" are super fun twin 4 year olds and a lovely doe-eyed 8 year old.  I'm having so much fun with all of them!  While I don't see the "big" girls that much, the little moments they flit inside our lives are these super colorful moments filled with adult conversations and this feeling that I am with some very old souls.  The 8 year old is desperate for "dance parties" and dress up, only after the much dreaded homework is done.  Have YOU ever danced with a girl dressed like the clouds, a fairy princess, and Captain America? It's absolutely fantastic! Lastly, the twins.  They are this cosmic ball of energy, sly looks, and BIG smiles.  I simply adore them.

They are all doing the best they can without their mama and prayers are being lifted up around the clock for her health and their protection.  I guess I write this because I know she will see it and I hope she will be comforted knowing that her "army/village" is willing to go the distance.  I write this to also remind the rest of you to find the goodness in this life and encourage those who "love God" to find a way to step out and LOVE PEOPLE.  You will find that while you think you are helping them, you are the one forever changed.

I Will Wait For You...A Prayer

Never has there been a song that fits so perfectly within our "situation."  And yet, the words of the following song have reached down to the core of our pain and joy and reminds us that faith and hope is as easy as throwing your hands in the air to surrender.  Surrender our hopes and dreams, life plans, and most of all-our yearning for a child.  This year, we are believing more than ever before, but we will wait dear one, we will wait for you.

And I came home

Like a stone
And I fell heavy into your arms
These days of darkness
Which we've known
Will blow away with this new sun

And I'll kneel down
Wait for now
And I'll kneel down
Know my ground

And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

So break my step
And relent
You forgave and I won't forget
Know what we've seen
And him with less
Now in some way
Shake the excess

But I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

So I'll be bold
As well as strong
And use my head alongside my heart
So tame my flesh
And fix my eyes
That tethered mind free from the lies

But I'll kneel down
Wait for now
I'll kneel down
Know my ground

Raise my hands
Paint my spirit gold
And bow my head
Keep my heart slow

Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you

Grandma's Last Christmas Gift

The following is a poem I wrote at the request of my Grandmother before she passed away this last summer.  I was able to spend a night with her when she asked me to do this only after the fact that she had already told a couple of my aunts that I would.  This was hard to write as emotions and sadness washed over me for, Christmas Eve was her special day and it was hard knowing she wouldn't be there.  Thank you for letting me share!~Kassie

Mom/Grandma’s Last Christmas Gift

Sitting with the one I love on clouds of purest snow,

I look to earth with pride and want you to know,

This Christmas will be the first that I will not attend,

Understand within the hurt of your heart, time will soon mend.

My love for you is great, my love for you each so deep,

I’ve cherished every moment awake and every moment asleep.

This Christmas will be the first that you will not see me,

But know that I have left the old body and now am flying free.

Do not be miffed, as I could not let this glorious Eve pass without one last gift, a little something from me to you to help with the days that you feel blue.

This Christmas will be the first that I will not see the look upon each little face or feel the warmth of every single one of your embrace.

Just know this gift was sent from above, as a reminder of mine and your Father’s love.

This Christmas will be the first, but certainly not the last, as I have taught each one of you the gift of a family is much stronger than any silver cast.