26

2 Years, 35 Weeks.


It really didn't hit home until I picked Braelyn up from school on Tuesday afternoon; the Academy had just implemented new security measures as a precaution to what had happened at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT the Friday before.

The unthinkable crime, and worse, as it involved a mentally challenged individual taking the lives of 26 innocent people, the majority of them young children who did not deserve nor could even understand what happened to them.  The shock of the news as images of the scene unfolded, the media trying to piece fragments of information for all of us glued to our television sets.  I gratefully watched as the President I didn't vote for fought back his own emotions as he tried to comfort a stunned nation, meanwhile tears streaming down my face.

I thought of the loss and grief the parents of the victims were going through:  The anxious moments of not knowing if your child is alive or not; the paralyzing realization that your worst nightmare has come true.  I thought about the teachers that sacrificed themselves for the sake of their students.  I thought about the twenty sweet children that will never be able to know or experience life.

The children.  Our children.  My children.

Being a parent myself to three young children, this tragedy really affected the way I saw my job and role as a father.  We can debate whether or not this case is about gun control, or mental health issues, but overall I feel that we can help stem or deter these random acts of violence from the very beginning, which is how we raise, love, and develop our children.  I know there are many, many good parents out there trying very hard to make sure that they raise their children in a loving environment to grow and become good adults.  But sadly, there are also many that do not.

I am not the perfect father, though I try and aspire to be.  I do often get stressed out, or frustrated that things aren't going according to plan.  But in the wake of this event my perspective on effective parenting has undoubtedly changed.  I realize now how impactful my reactions are to my kids; they observe everything with such scrutiny and detail.  They can tell just about anything by the look on my face, in the tone of my voice, in my actions.  And they remember.  Everything.

As I tried to comprehend the unfathomable thought of what life would be like without our three beautiful kids, I now understand clearly that this specific time of my life is but an opportunity.  An opportunity to show them unconditional love reflective of our Heavenly Father.  An opportunity to show my daughters the kind of love they will someday want to seek in their husbands.  An opportunity to show my son how to love his own wife and children.  An opportunity to teach my children to love other people and respect their property.  An opportunity to positively impact and mold their young minds.

An opportunity that will be gone too soon.

This week was another full and busy, but very enjoyable, week.  Lala came up Friday evening to spend some time and assist me with the kids.  Tangie had a flurry of late nights, her teams scrambling to issue Year Ends before the year ends.  I got hit by a bad bug Wednesday afternoon but thanks to Lala's traditional concoction of chicken rice soup and a solid night's sleep, the symptoms were gone the following morning!  We are also looking forward to spending the holidays with our family and loved ones.

Madelyn looks thrilled to sit with Mommy and Daddy during Sabbath School.

Braelyn played Mary for her Sabbath School play.

Kohlden goofing off at lunch at the Macaroni Grill.

Spectacular view of the West Orange Trail during my Sabbath afternoon bike ride.

We took the kids and Lala to Celebration to see the Holiday lights and snowfall.

A fiberglass "ice rink" for revelers to enjoy.

Maddy gets a bird's eye view for the festivities.

She was so exhausted she fell asleep at the bottom of the stairs!

Kohlden plays with his new train tracks set.

I almost thought she had fallen asleep on the bench!

Lala assisted Braelyn and the twins with some arts and crafts.

Feeding the birds at Lake Stark.

Was it all it was quacked up to be?

Now that's sharing!

I love that they love to use chopsticks!

Lala and I had a chat with Preston in California.

Lala enjoying her cheese and olive platter!

Story time at the library.

Just hanging around, goofing off.

Enjoying the holiday scene in historic downtown Winter Garden.

Dish this week:

Torched Flounder on Quinoa with Rosemary Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Pomegranate.

Randoms:

This week's weather forecast included the Mayan's prediction for the end of the world on Friday!

We're going to take a break from blogging for the holidays next week.  Until then, have a great [last minute shopping] weekend, and a very Merry Christmas!