Pit in my stomach

I am sure everyone out there has this same feeling as I do.  The pit in their stomach that just lingers, the feeling that we are so lucky, or the feeling that it could happen to us.  I did not know about the CT incident until sitting in the car pool line yesterday afternoon.  Then somehow have become obsessed with feeling as though I should do something.

Prayer filled my mind last night as I sat in anguish watching how things unfolded. I watch several news stations that just couldn't get it right.  Either they were too dramatic or they just could not grasp the reality of what had occurred.  Then this morning they got it right--it sank in to me how awful it would be to wake up and your children just not be there.  They were not away on a trip or spending the night with a friend, but would never be coming home.

Although there are times when my children are a little too hyper or a little too much for me to handle--I embraced every minute with them last night.  We baked cookies, created a gingerbread house, and just relished in the fact that we were together.

I couldn't wait to wake them up this morning and just hang out.  I feel happy that we are together but still feel a pit in my stomach that cannot be removed.  I really just can't imagine what those sweet parents are going through this morning and all day.  Most probably haven't even seen their child since this incident and probably won't for a bit longer.  The brave teachers, counselors, custodians, and other staff that handle this all so well.

As we go into the Christmas season with so much to be thankful for, we need to focus on the fact that we all can come together and create an atmosphere of gratitude and love.  I challenged my children to "pay it forward".  Not a huge gesture but a gesture that will make someone think--I can do that for the next person.  I explained to them that when we do nice things, simples things, for people that it makes others feel special.

My thought for this post is just to be thankful and grateful for what we have. Simply spread the thankfulness to others and see how far we can take it!!

Holiday Holiday Holiday

Party of Five

Fresh baked brownies scent fills the room, Santa Paws on the TV, Christmas lights around the house, and happy well almost happy children following me everywhere I go.  The signs of the holidays are upon us.  The time when we get crazy busy and feel like we can never get anything done is here!  I promise myself that I will not get there this year.  I promise that I will enjoy every moment that I have with each and everyone that is in my life and I am in theirs.

Yes, Jesus does LOVE you!!

Is that possible?  I hope --this Christmas is different--it feels different.  I don't mind that it is different--I embrace it.  I want the craziness to come upon my family.  However, I want to focus on what the true meaning is.  Yes, we still will get presents but I want to embrace the fact that WE were giving this special gift from God. I still haven't quite figured out why God chose us, but He did.  This gift brings each and everyone that she touches to tears.  Not sure why but her smile lights up a room.  He giggles bring giggles even to the most serious person.  When you hold this gift she makes your heart pound out of your chest.  I find myself not getting anything done because I want to hold her all day long!!!

Sibling LOVE

I think one reason she was given to us is to slow things down.  If you looked at the laundry in my house you would see that the has helped me not feel like everything has to be perfect!  I find myself getting stressed when I get behind, but then I look at her at forget all about it.

Our Gift!!!

Sweetest love!

She has no idea what she has got herself into!!

So this brings me back to the Christmas season...I am going to embrace the graciousness, the love, and the feeling of the Christmas spirit.  I want to take a look at what we truly have--and what we could lose at any second--and be thankful what we are here with each other.  Drop the feelings of stress toward family members and friends, and take a second to breathe and enjoy what God has given us.