days in December

Before our trip to Pokagon we decided to go downtown and enjoy the festivities they were having. Since it was our only time we could go, we decided it was worth a shot in the rain.

Oh rain it did, but it was still lots of fun even though our pants were soaked up to our knees. There were tents set up downtown and one had a cookie decorating table.

The kids didn't seem to mind that we were getting drenched. It also helped that we saw several families from church there (with their kids too!) so we were feeling less crazy for being out in the cold rain.

There was also a synthetic ice skating rink set up. It was not slippery at all and I don't think Ari was that impressed with his first ice skating experience. But it was worth a try- it was free and all :)

We grabbed hot chocolate with some friends afterwards then on our way back to the car we saw a reindeer. We learned an interesting fact about them. This one only had one antler and the other one was hanging on the rail. The man said that reindeer shed their antlers every year. You can see how fast they grow in a year's time, this reindeer's antler was 2-3 feet long!

We've also had some nice days inside. Just the normal routine of getting energy out.

That includes dancing with his sister. She asks for music to be on all the time.

They really do love each other and get along really well.

She was surprisingly very still when Dr. Ari wanted to give her a checkup...she was much more cooperative than when we go see the real doctor. Just looking at the table with crinkly white paper makes the girl break down and cry.

Even though life seems normal around here, it has been a strange week with what happened in Connecticut. Ari even noticed the flags were down halfway and was asking about it. What a balance we parents have to learn with our little ones and what they are exposed to. I don't want him to grow up being naive about the world, but on the other hand I don't want to instill fears. It was difficult to post these pictures and think that I am not looking at these in longing for my children, unlike these other parents who have to hold on to their memories instead of their babies. I get to see my kids and hold them and kiss them and tell them I love them...at least one more time.

We have to remember WHO God is and that He will never leave us. We live in a fallen world and people are going to make bad choices. But that doesn't mean God isn't there.

AJ heard a statement from a pastor on Klove and sent it to me.

A Message from Pastor Ray:

Today is a heartbreaking day. Our nation experienced the second worst school shooting in American history. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and everyone affected by this senseless tragedy. I, like all Americans, am devastated.

During tragic times like this there is inevitably a mad scramble for clarity. How could this happen? Why would a good and loving God let this happen? Who’s to blame for this senseless violence?

The problem – Shallow Christian clichès fall short and ultimately Clarity never comes…because at best, we see ‘through a glass dimly…’ During times like this we think we need Clarity when what we really need is Certainty.

I am certain that this senseless act breaks the heart of God because…

• I am certain that God understands what it means to lose a son.

• I am certain that every one of todays victims was precious to God

• I am certain that God is near to the brokenhearted

• I am certain that no life ever is devoid of meaning no matter how short.

• I am certain that Jesus meant it when he said, “Let the little children come to me”.

• I am certain that life is precious and that every day with your kids is a gift.

• I am certain that America needs to rediscover a reverence for life.

• I am certain that a day is coming when suffering will cease and God will reign.

• I am certain that when anyone closes their eyes here for the last time and wakes up in the arms of Jesus – they will be more alive than they have ever been.