Christmas memorial

Life has been crazy the last 2+ weeks. We all had to stop though and take pause when the Connecticut shootings happened. We all hugged our children and cried many tears. We pray for the families as they struggle to get through this Christmas season and we paid tribute to the 26 following our Christmas Eve Candlelight service.

The clouds cleared and the moon shone bright.

We lit and released 28 balloons. 26 for Connecticut, 1 for 2 local missing children and 1 for children of violent crimes. It was a fitting tribute to our service.

Each name was read and the church bell rung as each balloon lifted off.

It was an amazing sight as they all floated away.

Wisdom

Every day I thank God for these beautiful children. They continue to amaze me, shock me and usually make me laugh. They're not afraid to volunteer when something needs to be done...even if it means getting up at 4:00 a.m., after a late night band competition, to help cook breakfast at the church. They make me proud.

This one asked me if I had made my New Year's resolution yet? What?! Seriously? I'm still trying to complete THIS YEARS resolution! Geez! Plus I still have another 3 1/2 weeks! Curious now, I asked him if he had one. Of course he said yes. (This ought to be good.) He says "I'm going to work and earn $5 each month and donate it." WHAT?! Oh my, sometimes they do render me speechless! Is he really only 12?!

Differences

I posted this photo recently...it's pretty, but maybe there's something missing...

And then I had a conversation with a fellow church member with "ideas". He calls me "cheesehead", which makes me laugh. I pray for him because he's a Steeler's fan. ;) All that matters "to me" is the score of Super Bowl XLV! Anyway, after our bantering, we get down to chatting about "how" to mass market certain photos. We're working on a project and we will see what happens. But taking that picture, I added something...

Quite a difference. We'll see what comes of it. I am going to matte/frame it either way. :)