Where to start?

So, Katie is now 2 years old and Luke has just turned 5. We have been so busy and have been having so much fun that I have (again) been derelict in updating this blog. These children continue to be precious, entertaining and all-around wonderful. My heart is so full of joy that I really cannot contain it and sometimes feel as though I am drowning in my love for them.

I am also drowning in absolutely devastating and debilitating sorrow over the tragedy in Newtown, CT. I cannot begin to fathom how those families are coping with the fact of not having those precious children any more. I have hardly been able to keep my composure and am writing this in the lobby of a doctor's office with tears streaming down my cheeks. There is nothing this side of heaven that will help and no one will ever be the same but I have to picture Jesus crying and running to scoop up those precious people and smothering them with hugs and kisses while the entire chorus of angels sing songs to welcome them that drown out the terrible sounds of wailing and mourning that is happening all over the world in response to this unbelievably senseless, cowardly event.

Of course, everyone is now crying out about gun control. I am from Texas (and proud of it!) and I own a gun but I don't know if that's our first step. I will say that I have driven by a couple of elementary schools today and have felt somewhat comforted at seeing police cars parked on campus. I think it is also interesting to note that these tragic events have mostly occurred at places where weapons are prohibited which means that people are completely defenseless when one of these pawns of satan goes on a rampage. But I am not an authority on gun control laws and so my thoughts on the subject are not those of someone well-informed on all sides of the issue.

Instead, I wish we would focus on some things we outside of Washington can do. What about making our families stronger and re-instilling values like the sanctity of human life, respect for our elders and those in authority, and most importantly, a belief in God that shows we are responsible and can all live peacefully together?

I firmly believe that if we started with these things, the topic of gun control would take care of itself.

PARENTS: instill belief in God in your children, love and respect your spouse/significant other and your children, teach them how to resolve conflict with their words, not with violence OF ANY KIND, don't be so quick to medicate but if necessary, do so properly, love them and protect them with every ounce of your being.

I just had to get some of that off my chest. I am sure that I will have more to say (don't I always?!) but now I am attaching some pics of Luke and Katie that I hope will make you smile and bring some joy as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Merry Christmas and God bless you!