Tongue Tied

In no particular order:

This morning, I woke up with far too little sleep. I, like others across the world, am grappling with the reality that evil can and frequently does harm children. I can't help thinking about it when I try to sleep. I pray for those parents with empty beds. I have nightmares of my own. It's always hurt my heart to think of babies suffering, but it seems even more present now that I'm a mother. It's certainly not new. While there is shock in my mind as I try to wrap my brain about the horrible events in Connecticut, at the same time, I know we've encountered this kind of heartache before. I felt it when those sweet little Amish children were murdered in their school a few years ago. I felt it when a friend of a friend lost their child because of a drunk driver recently. When Oklahoma City was bombed. When little Malachi was suffering.  When I think about abortion and orphans and those that I know that have been abused as children. When there's a natural disast

Photo borrowed from my other blog:  The Practice House It's that time of year again--when beautiful decorations go up, songs get played, families get together, gifts are bought and delicious food is eaten. Oh, and some Christians get a little sensitive. American Christianity amuses me sometimes. I'm not saying I think we're all idiots and all totally failing and I'm embarrassed for us. In fact, I think the majority of believers are not obnoxious about stuff, because the Holy Spirit stays busy and keeps working on us. It's just that the "stereotypical" viewpoints are often the loud ones that get noticed. I love November and December holidays. I love honoring old traditions and making new ones. I love decorating, cooking, doing special activities and spending time with my family. It's totally awesome. But, I don't think it's part of my faith. I believe Jesus' birth was foretold to prophets. I believe an angel appeared to Mary an

You know how sometimes you have guilty pleasures--stuff you swear you hate but in secret, you can't help liking it? This isn't one of those things. I read the Twilight series before they were popular (aka, before teenagers found them), and thought they were a relatively interesting read. The characters in my head were likable, the story interesting. And no one sparkled. But these movies...MAN are they bad. Seriously, without a doubt the worst movies I have ever seen in my entire life. Bar none. Even that one movie with the horse on the beach, mom. I'd gladly take that over this. Except, that it IS really fun to make fun of Twilight while you watch it. And this last one had my inner monologue going into sarcasm overload. I seriously chuckled out loud once because of the voices in my head. 1. There is nothing, NOTHING creepier than a CGI'd baby. 2. Well, maybe one thing--the girls in the audience going "awww" at the CGI'd baby. (Who doesn&#

The things I'm most thankful for: Seth: There aren't words to adequately express how I feel about you. There's hardly a moment that goes by that I am not so thankful that you are the one I get to spend my life with. Everyone probably feels this way about their love story, but seriously, I can't get over ours. It feels special. Unique. Perfect. Even when it's not perfect, it's perfect, ya know?  It's the highlight of my life and I'm overwhelmed with gratitude, not only to you for all that you do for us and all you've become, but to the One who is the author of our story and the only One who can get any credit for the good stuff. Thing One, Thing Two & Homegirl: You three are treasures to me. Some days I can't believe I get to be your mom. You are really awesome kids. I love that you're quirky and funny and happy. You are totally the best stinkers ever. I'm thankful that you're all three healthy, that we've made it thr