Peace

Everything's changed. The boots in the shed are no longer his. His pickup sits lonely. The cattle no longer fed by him. Can good come from this? Perhaps. Is this a sad thing? Absolutely.

On a recent trip home, it really hit me what "cherish your memories with him" really means. Missing my dad after five years, I look back at what has all changed. Some for the good- I close my eyes and dream of him at peace, watching the sun set everyday with his feet kicked up. What a life...

Some for the bad- my family has clashing views. While some may not be at peace, I am, knowing that the matter is out of my control and life moves on. Life changes. Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it. If one chooses the non-peaceful route, then forever unsettled the heart will be.

Traveling back to Omaha, looking in my rearview mirror, I was left breathless with a tear in my eye. The stunning sunset was a sign. A sign of peace.

At peace he is. And so am I.

Special Kind of Love

You know a couple is in love when you don't have to tell them to kiss. And so was true of Dawn and Mike on their wedding day. Their love for each other radiated that day. It's my hope that their love continues to grow through the years. Congrats Pielsticks!

"Mom, I Had To"

The McDermott's are all smiles and laughs. But it wasn't long before I was laughing with them. The oldest son said, "I gotta fart." He let 'er rip, then explained, "Mom, I had to." He wasn't shy at all. With his big brown eyes glowing, one couldn't help but excuse him. That was the first time I've ever had that happen, and it still has me laughing. Thanks McDermott's, it was a pleasure.

What I Know for Sure

Sometimes (that sometimes being strongly emphasized!) it seems when couples start to have children, the focus is more on the children than the husband and wife's relationship. Not true of the Waddell's. While taking pictures, Bob told me to make sure to get some of him and his wife, Val. There's not too many times that I get that remark from families. I thought that was remarkable. What I know for sure is the Waddell's are still in love as ever. It was refreshing to see.

And they have some super cute kids to show for it as well. The last picture just makes me laugh... no Fruit Loops or drink could help this, Grady was ready to go! :)

Kiss

Little Creighton can run! She didn't have any problem tearing through the tall grass to get to the tricycle. There was a few times she fell down, but she was quick to get up and look to her mom or dad with tear-filled eyes and say, "Kiss It!" while holding her body. It's amazing what a kiss can do to a young child.

True Testimony

Justin & Breanna's wedding will be one I won't soon forget. They weren't worried about much that day. I loved their easy-goin' style, which was easily shown by their tennis shoes. Justin purchased his shirt and tie the day before. Brenna forgot her dress at home, and her bouquet was called in the day before. No big deal. The only thing that mattered was them, a few family members at the ceremony, and a party with friends afterward. OH AND the cake, which the groom made himself!

Everything went off without a hitch. To me, it was a true testimony of their love and perhaps what more weddings should be like. Congrats Justin & Breanna!

Wyatt & Jill....and Cody the Husky

I have been to this West Omaha park many times, and never recalled seeing a sign "No Dogs Allowed." Wyatt & Jill were planning on bringing along their furriest friend for pictures. No worries though, Cody was on his best behavior...most of the time. (he he!) Between Cody tugging on his leash to chase ducks, we managed to get a lot of good shots. Just goes to show - Love endures all things. :)

Wyatt & Jill are such a sweet couple, I wish them all the best.