Story of Now

Hope is stronger than worry and fear.

Dear blog, I am sorry I have neglected you, I suppose my other blog has been getting more attention lately. Well, I thought I'd drop by and leave some pictures to cheer you up. I know how you enjoy the sunlight and the wonderful colors of nature as much as me. Your good friend, Krista

O Mighty Oak, it is you I look to with adoring eyes. It is the way you stand tall through all the seasons, and face all the changes with strength and resilience. It is the way you shift and sway, yet stand firmly where you are. It is the way you reach for the sun and get closer every year. O Mighty Oak, you are my beacon of hope.

As I took a walk in my backyard tonight, I did not know what I would find. To my delight, I had a blissful encounter with the sun. Thank you sun for coming out to play and to shine upon the earth on this lovely day. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

This family is joyful and fun and silly and sweet. We had a fun session on Thursday. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

She is not yet 15 and already knows who she is. She is beautiful, inside and out. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Happy Easter! Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

This 4 year old was full of energy! She wanted to run and play and really wasn't interested in getting her picture taken. She did stay still long enough for a couple of really great pictures though. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

I believe this to be the first of many rock words I create. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

I feel you here, between the snowflakes and raindrops. I feel you in the sun. I see you in the moon. I feel you in the breeze. I see you in the shadows and call to you. The answer comes to my heart and I know you are here. You are here. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

I was always Grandpa's girl. If there was a lap that I most enjoyed sitting on as a little girl, it was his. If there was someones hair that I enjoyed playing with most, it was his. If there was someone who I loved to sit by during UNO , it was him. I believe Grandpa truly lived every minute of his 92 years. He lived with integrity. He was generous with his love, his knowledge and time. He treated others with respect. He was welcoming and warm and thrived on sharing stories. His laughter could break down any barrier. His memory and attention to detail were more advanced than anyone I've ever known. The way that he loved Grandma was amazing. Their marriage of 66 years, never lost it's passion. He would greet her with big kisses in the morning, something that I was fortunate enough to witness over this past year. He was so patient and strong, even when things were difficult. Over the past year or so, his "I love you" turned into "I love you so much" follo...

Babies are a precious gift to the world. Full of wonder and innocence. This precious baby girl just turned 3 months. She was so easy to work with! Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

Through the weather I live. If someone is in need, I pray. If the sun is shining, I give thanks. Through the weather I live. The blue and red are colors from my husbands van. Shot these through my windshield. I really like how they turned out. Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

It has been almost two weeks since I have blogged. Oh where does the time go. Well, I have been busy with Grandparents, working and planning a fundraising event. I think I will only be getting busier but I do want to keep up this blog...it is important to me. I love this video. It inspires me! Here is to you and making your dreams come true! Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

These two cute sisters came yesterday for their Winter Wonderland Portraits. It was a perfect winter day and these girls were so much fun!! Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace

Today I started a project that I am very excited about. I interviewed my Grandpa on video and I plan to continue interviewing the people in my life. Being able to have this video of my Grandpa speaking of his life and the things he believes in is very humbling for me. I am fortunate that I am starting to do this and yet I wish I would've started asking about his story much sooner. If you are interested in interviewing people in your life, check out this website http://www.storycorps.org/ Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

What will this new year bring? I am not one for making resolutions, so I am not about to begin. I do hope, however, to have a year full of the good things in life! Hugs Belly laughs Creative moments Deep and meaningful relationships Heart full of love Here is to a great 2010! Leave me a comment and tell me what the good things in your life are! Live. Love. Laugh. Embrace.

2009 was definately an interesting year. There was alot of uncertainty with people being sick or going through big life changes. There was compromise. There was love and laughter and tears. A few life lessons were learned: With every heartache there is a blessing. Big blessings come in small packages. Wonder is not only a characteristic of a child. You never know when the last goodbye is, so it is best to embrace the moment. Even though someone does not appear to be who they were because of dementia, glimpses of recognition and deep love remain. Marriage is a work of art. New life continues to emerge. Sometimes change happens gradually and it give us a chance to do what we need to do. Despite what we think we will feel at a given time, if duty calls we don't have time for thinking. There are people that come into our lives simply to challenge us and help us grow. There is always room for joy. Thanks 2009 and Welcome 2010!

The other day I was carrying quite a big load of stuff in my arms and I needed to go down the elevator. I was planning just to pry one of my fingers off the load and press the down button for the elevator, in hopes I wouldn't drop anything. I didn't have to. A construction worker was near by and asked if I was going up or down, I indicated I was going down. The worker waited around until the elevator door opened and then asked me what floor, and I said "3 please." I thanked him and as I rode the elevator down I was so happy that man helped me out. He was a stranger. He could have just gone about his business, but he took the time to help me out. Thank you sir!! I was at my Christmas work party the other day and my friend was telling me that her dad baked the cookies she brought. See, her mom recently passed away and she used to bake dozens and dozens of cookies and give them as Christmas gifts. The family thought the whole tradition would end when she passed, but it h...