10:46 AM

Holy Cow! It's 10:46 AM and I already have the kitchen and great room cleaned and vacuumed! Seriously since Sophie has joined our "Brood", getting anything done before 3 PM is amazing! I know pathetic, huh?.

Yesterday Wes and I did some Christmas shopping finally! But for some reason we are stumped on what to get almost everyone we need to shop for! Neither of my kids will give me a decent list. Frustrating...Speaking of Gifts,

I read in Gracie's class yesterday. After, I had a bit of time to talk to her teacher. She mentioned that all the kids had made pretty candles out of paper and glitter. They were told to put one Gift that they would like this year for Christmas on the back. She said most put toys or video games. Gracie put the gift she wanted was for nobody ever to be hurt in a Tornado again. Very Sweet I thought. When I got out to my car I was overwhelmed with gratitude (again) that we are all safe and happy. Also for the experience, I think not only did it teach Wes and I alot about ourselves. Our Strengths and our weaknesses, the experience taught my children how fragile life is, and to be aware of the people around them, and their needs. Now I hope I don't sound all "Holier than thou", but, it has taken me a while to find the good in the experience of loosing it all.... I knew eventually it would come. Just not so soon. I finally feel the old door shutting and the knew one opening.

Have a great day! ~E