Catherine at 6 months, Henry at 2 1/2

This is really the only place that I write anything down about our kids, so here we go. Catherine turned 6 months old a couple of days ago. She's a slow mover! The day before her "birthday," she finally rolled over. We went to the doctor the next day and she weighed 18 pounds, 7 oz (26 1/4 inches). Her favorite things are taking a bath and watching her brother try to make her laugh! She is still sleeping like crazy. I'm very thankful, but it makes getting out a rare thing. I'm learning to be content being at home A LOT.

Henry turns 2 1/2 in a couple of days. He is constantly moving (unless he is being read to or watching "PS" (PBS). He is very curious and gets into just about anything that is within his reach. Getting on top of a table for something to be in his reach is not out of the question either ;) He's just like Hank in so many ways. The more people around the better, as happy as a lark outside, a love for good food/music.  The things we are working on are having self control during meltdowns, giving people their personal space, playing by himself for longer than 2 mintues, and faster obedience.

Dear Jesus

By Max Lucado

Dear Jesus,

It's a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.

The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?

Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.

Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won't you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger. This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.

Hopefully,

Your Children