Prayers and Blessings

While this past week has been as busy as ever, it's also been full of quiet moments with my family and children. I am admittedly not completely ready for Christmas because I've taken extra time to just BE with my children - even if it's for a few minutes at a time.  We're heartbroken about the tragedy that happened in Newtown, CT last week, and we're still praying for everyone involved.

Here are two eloquent blog posts I found comforting and relevant to how I've been feeling this past week.

"Holy Innocents" - From a blog called Life Happens When:
http://www.lifehappenswhen.com/2012/12/holy-innocents/

"What I want for my child" - From a blog called Four Square Hijinkx written by a wonderful friend:
http://foursquarehijinx.tumblr.com/post/38191706757/what-i-want-for-my-child

Even though we feel a deep sadness right now, we also have to be joyful in preparation for the coming of Christmas.  Joyful for the sake of our children, each other, and for the true meaning of Christmas.

I hope to blog more often in 2013, but for now I'm going to spend this time with my family and friends, giving thanks for all of our blessings and the simple moments in life like:

Grandma and her grandson baking allergy-friendly cookies in the kitchen:

A sweet and happy baby (who is starting to drool so much as shown!) whose smiling face lights up the room.

A loving husband and father helping his son decorate the Christmas tree.

Wishing you health, happiness and blessings this Christmas and New Year.