Take It All In

Sprinkles flying, melted chocolate, crinkly wax paper, giggling kiddos
Take it all in

Rushing to get all of the pretzels dipped before the chocolate hardens, toddler banging bowls together on the floor, children "helping"
Take it all in

Chocolate on noses, fingers, and cheeks, eating the last few drips in the bowl, sharing another chaotic, crazy, fun moment with my family
Take it all in


I stole the idea for this post from another blog that I read.  While I make an honest effort to enjoy moments with my family, it is way to easy to not take in the little moments in life.  A little more than a week ago, the unthinkable happened.  Someone came into a school and took the lives of innocent children and the teachers who loved them.  This incident has hit me very hard on two levels.  I am a mother and the thought of losing my children is beyond imagination.  It is a huge fear and something every parent hopes to never experience.  I am also a first grade teacher and think of my students as my own. I am with them more awake hours than their own parents.  All of the children who died were first graders.  Many teachers died heroically.  They stuffed their students in bathrooms and cabinets.  Would I react that quickly? Would I throw myself in front of my students to protect them?  I would hope so, but you never know until it happens. 
I've tried to stay away from watching the news too much or reading on the Internet because I can't read it without tears.  I am literally sick to my stomach about this and can't help but put myself in that situation.  I've also done my best to shelter Macie from this horrific thing.  She has so many fears and worries as it is, she can't handle anymore.  God has a plan.  20 children are with Jesus this Christmas. We don't understand the plan, but God has a plan!