Here's my first blog for 2009! So much for making blogging one of my new years resolutions. Oh well.......
Last week was a very emotional week for my family, especially for Anthony and I. Anthony lost 2 friends last week in a tragic fire accident. Five boys were having a sleepover in a barn/guest house, a haven for teenagers and guests. Most of you all know we had an ice storm sweep through our area and many people were without power and of course, heat. A generator was said to have malfunctioned and caused a fire. Three of the boys made it out safely and the other two were upstairs and did not make it. Although I never personally met the boys, as a parent, I was crushed at the news Anthony had texted me, my heart broke. I, like the hosting parents of the sleepover, have had boys over at my house, Anthony has had sleepovers at other homes. We exchange boys casually, never even thinking we would not see our children again. This hit too close to home for me. I've heard the old saying, "Everything happens for a reason". But I am really struggling with this one, I went before the Lord and am confused. What did we gain by losing such wonderful boys, who were achievers in school and participated in sports, who lifted the spirits of others, who were fun to be around? I don't get it. Their time was much too short. One thing I have realized is that I want everyday to count with my kiddos, especially Anthony who is 16 now, although I will always be his mom, my role will soon shift as he becomes a man and will need to make his own decisions, so I've got to make it count! I told him, "you may get tired of me telling you I love you everyday and giving you extra hugs, but two moms don't have that opportunity any longer." Moms-be a light in your home, I know there are stresses in life ( some of it we create on our own), make time for the things that matter most, be a legacy for your family and friends. 
I Love You Ant!
Last week was a very emotional week for my family, especially for Anthony and I. Anthony lost 2 friends last week in a tragic fire accident. Five boys were having a sleepover in a barn/guest house, a haven for teenagers and guests. Most of you all know we had an ice storm sweep through our area and many people were without power and of course, heat. A generator was said to have malfunctioned and caused a fire. Three of the boys made it out safely and the other two were upstairs and did not make it. Although I never personally met the boys, as a parent, I was crushed at the news Anthony had texted me, my heart broke. I, like the hosting parents of the sleepover, have had boys over at my house, Anthony has had sleepovers at other homes. We exchange boys casually, never even thinking we would not see our children again. This hit too close to home for me. I've heard the old saying, "Everything happens for a reason". But I am really struggling with this one, I went before the Lord and am confused. What did we gain by losing such wonderful boys, who were achievers in school and participated in sports, who lifted the spirits of others, who were fun to be around? I don't get it. Their time was much too short. One thing I have realized is that I want everyday to count with my kiddos, especially Anthony who is 16 now, although I will always be his mom, my role will soon shift as he becomes a man and will need to make his own decisions, so I've got to make it count! I told him, "you may get tired of me telling you I love you everyday and giving you extra hugs, but two moms don't have that opportunity any longer." Moms-be a light in your home, I know there are stresses in life ( some of it we create on our own), make time for the things that matter most, be a legacy for your family and friends. 
I Love You Ant!
