Constant Beginnings

Growing up in ND, my exposures to religions other than the basics (Catholisism, Lutheran, etc.) was limited. I knew of the Jewish religion and of course others that are more common in the middle east, which I learned about in History classes. I also remember my parents and aunts/uncles talking about Mormonism and the amazing Temples when we traveled to Arizona. I simply never knew any Mormons.  Well it seems that since we moved overseas, Chris and I have developed a magnet of sorts. In Korea, our wonderful neighbors were Mormons. We spent Thanksgiving with a large group of their friends on a trip to southern South Korea. I have stayed in touch with many of these lovely people. Arriving in Germany, again, we discovered a large population of Mormons in our military community. Interestingly, Claire's best friend since kindergarten is Mormon. Obviously, the goal of religion is to spread the word, encourage others to join you in your beliefs and show others why ...

I have said on many, many times that having kids is a long term investment. You have to focus on the road that lies before you. I have a number of friends who have one child and are/were thinking of more, but are just not convinced. My comment to them is simply "what do you want your Christmas dinner to look like 15 years from now?" Filled with family? 1 child? 10 children? It is a personal choice. Parenting is a tough, tough gig. It is certainly not for the weak-at least if you are determined to raise strong, generous, obedient, kind, loving, hard working and ambitious children. Chris and I hope our dinner table is filled with family. We want our lives to be busy and chaotic. We desire our house to be noisy, full of laughter, arguing, joy, and play. We want it all. We will have it all, somehow, sometime. The road to baby #3 has been a hard one. A long one. I know good will come of our struggles and when it does, we will rejoice like no other. Until that time comes, I...