Cory, Melissa and Katherine Alexis on the day of Katherine's birth, November 14, 2002.

ur story begins in the winter of 1998, when Cory and I first met. I only vaguely remember that day, and Cory admits his first impression of me was that I was somewhat odd. Well, I was, and am, but that didn't stop us from becomming friends.

We were married on October 25, 2002. We bought a lovely little house in the Indian Village neighborhood. We are proceeding with renovations, making sure to stay true to the vintage of the 1916 structure. We share our home with our daughter, Katherine, and our dog, Mina. I would say that we lead a quiet, happy and simple life, but with a small child and a large dog, things are definitely not simple, and rarely quiet. Happy, however, it surely is.

graduated from Lincoln High School in 1994. My school friends will remember me as Melissa Kuzara.

My tastes and talents are many and varied. I've been a professional goldsmith, a teacher, a graphic designer and several somewhat more mundane things. For a two-year stint I played keyboard and sang back-up vocals with local rock legend and Lefler Junior High teacher, Jumpin' Kate. That changed when Katie moved to Las Vegas, but hasn't quite ended yet. I also played around in a band with some friends of mine for a while. We called ourselves No Resolve. But that changed when half the band had babies. At the moment, I work for Ford Van Lines, Inc., an Omaha-based moving company. Working with truck drivers is even more colorful than graphic design! I'm also moderating over at my favorite website of all time, Craftster. It's great fun, you should check it out. *grin*

Here I am in the stream behind Cory's mother and step-father's house.

ory is a Northeast High School graduate. He is an award-winning photographer, though he seldom has time to take many pictures aside from those of our daughter. He is also a computer whiz and a great father! He is currently working for Nelnet, and although it is make-work, he likes his work environment, and I think he enjoys working downtown. He's recently taken up the guitar as well, and is really doing well.

Cory and Katherine showing off their axes.

atherine is getting bigger day by day. She's 4 1/2 now, and just keeps growing. I knew we'd have problems when she finally learned how to talk. She's just like me. She hasn't been quiet since. Her communication skills impress me daily. She's as beautiful as ever, and getting smarter all the time.

Kit at dusk with a rainbow.

he Weasel Squad is causing havoc at the Rainbow Bridge these days. The Weasel Squad site has been dissolved, but you can read a bit about the Squad here. Mina is our big ol' dog. She's a Rottie/Lab/GSD mutt who we adopted at 6 weeks. She's just turned 2 years old now, and is 70 Lbs of stunning and powerful and affectionate puppy. She's Kit's best friend, which is as it should be, and she's a terrific dog.

Mina taking up half the couch.