Christmas 2012

Another blessing to be together and enjoy celebrating the birth of Jesus. We spent Christmas Eve with my parents. We then enjoyed an amazing morning opening presents before heading to the Self's for brunch and gift exchange.

Candyland

I had the privilege to be a helper in Nathan's class. It was a candy and frosting explosion! I was so proud of him and his focus and creativity. He worked very hard and was proud of his masterpiece.

Sorrow

We all know about the horrific events that happened on 12/14/12 in Newtown, CT. It has been on most networks 24/7. New details emerge, then they are recanted, then we finally get correct details...so on and so on it goes.

I know there is evil in this world...this certainly is an example. I know we all have free will...a God-given blessing...maybe. After events like this we are all sitting around asking 'why?', 'how could anything like this happen?', and 'were there signs?'. We can talk all we want about gun control, mental health improvements and what ever else people decide to grasp at to make sense of this tragedy. I even find myself asking God why He let this happen? I believe in miracles, I believe in divine interception...I believe He could have stopped this...so why did it happen? I also believe, although clouded a bit with grief, that one day all these answers will be made clear. But as I wait for those answers I hurt.

I dropped my sweet darlings off at school yesterday and cried all the way home. I now know when I drop them off there is a chance, although a small chance, I may not see them again. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think this would be a reality. Never did those 20 parents. It is a sad, sorrow-filled, at times incomprehensible thought. Fear has entered a place in my mind that was not there before. My choice now is how much I will let that fear dictate my life.

I have an even deeper connection to this tragedy because my mother, step-mother and both of my in-laws are teachers. The 6 women who ran TOWARDS danger are remarkable...and yes, heroes. They all made it their life's work to teacher our children...our future. They all LOVE kids!!! Their love was never more present than on Friday. I am touched by all the teachers in my life. I am thankful for the 4 teachers my kiddos have today and I know my kids are in the best hands possible. I know they would all do whatever it takes to keep the kids in their charge safe.

I am so sad, deep in the valleys of my 'mother's' heart. I have two 6 yr olds. I have precious, innocent babes.I cannot even begin to comprehend the pain these parents are feeling and a part of me wishes I could take it away just for a few moments. Some say you never get over the loss of a child and I can totally see that being true....so true in this. I pray that God will not leave this country and will continue to keep searching and seeking for our hearts to be turned towards Him. I pray He comes very, very soon.

This country, this town, these people NEED our prayers now...

Happy 36th Birthday Kristen

One of the most memorable birthdays I have had. Ballroom dancing lessons with my hubby, awesomely fun night out with girlfriends and a fantastic meal at Joe's Farm Grill! This getting older thing definitely has its perks!

Holiday Craft Ideas

I have been spending too much time on Pinterest and how can I not...there are some amazing ideas out there and it gets my creative juices flowing.I was a speaker at mom2mom this morning and got a wonderful opportunity to share things that I love with others. Here are a few of what I came up with...

 Homemade bookmarks or ornaments...

 Grace's feet as reindeer...

 Sugar scrub gifts for teachers/co-workers/neighbors...

 Snowman treat box...adorable!

Handprint ornaents, turned into 5 snowmen...

Tis the Season...

The calendar reminds me that is Christmas is coming, however, 80+ degrees sends my senses into all sorts of confusion. Like just this past Fri night was Flip the Switch at church and we were wearing shorts!! Soooo NOT RIGHT! I long for days of boots, scarves, and sweaters...((sigh)). Anyway, this 'confusion' caused me to delay a bit in my project which was making stockings for the family. I spent several hours over the Thanksgiving weekend making these babies and I am so in love. I adore that they 'go together' but are not all the same. I love that I was able to make them to match m existing style and decorations. I love how for the first time in 15 yrs I have stocking to hang. I love the most that this is another image that our family is indeed complete. (Although I did have a mini fantasy about making future spouse and grand kid ones in the way, way future...Shane just rolled his eyes at me.)

Ray Family Photo Shoot

This family has become great friends thanks to soccer! We adore all of them and their children are a joy to be around. Jen asked me to take some family photos since the last time they had a decent picture of the 6 of them was when the youngest was born...he's now 4! Way over due...and it was a great day. Everyone had their best smiles which makes taking the pictures easy!

A quiet, relaxing day of thanks

We spent this Thanksgiving hanging out in our pajama's until 3pm, watching movies, playing outside, and of course eating! We NEED these kind of holidays for our family every couple of years and I know it is ideal when the kids, on their own, comment on how awesome the day was. Here are some pictures from our day...