On My Heart And In My Mind

• I am so sad for the town of West, Texas. (This should not be confused with the region of West Texas for those of you who live out of state.) There was a huge fertilizer plant explosion last night. The last report I heard was that 60-70 people were killed and hundreds injured. The blast decimated not only a nursing home but homes around it and the local middle school. My heart is aching for this town and the people of the West community. :(.

• On a more random note, I was un-friended on Facebook this morning by a sweet girl I went to both high school and church with. My heart is sad because she couldn't "agree to disagree". We never once had words about how we felt differently in regards to various subjects. I believe I was un-friended because I shared this picture... (although I am fairly certain that I have gently sharing my gun-toting beliefs on Facebook before so hmmm...). She was very honorable and sent me a PM letting me know she was doing so. 

I still respect this girl. I think she's wonderful, intelligent, and a great mom. I hope that she reads my blog and sees this (but I'm guessing probably not.)

• In a very much related note I guess I should share with ya'll that we as a family keep guns in our house. We will use them to hunt with or defend ourselves should the need arise. I do plan on taking the classes to get my CHL (concealed handgun license). While I have zero intention to carry a handgun on my person right now (duh, I have small children) I'd like the right to do so in the future should I choose. Some of you might be a tad bit worried for us right now, but let me assure you that all of our guns are stored in a gun safe located in our garage (but in the near future our master bedroom closet). It's around 600 pounds and steel. No loaded or unloaded weapons are kept out or inside our home. It has a keypad entry not a key. Believe me when I tell you, our kids will never guess the password. I am not really into all the politics surrounding the gun control issues right now. All I am focused on is my husbands right to use his guns to provide meat for our family to eat and our right to defend ourselves and our children God forbid it should ever come to that. Any questions or concerns can be directed to my email and I'd love to share more! (hillaryclaire@satx.rr.com) I swear I could devote an entire blog post to this topic...

• Griffin seems to have hit his "terrible two's" early :). But, if I remember correctly, according to my pediatrician this can start as early as 18 month. I spend the bulk of my time with Griffin stopping him for pulling the dogs tail, digging his toys out of the dog's water bowl, washing his hands off after playing in the water bowl, fishing toys out of the toilet, telling him to stop hitting his brothers, pulling him down off the couch because he won't sit (only wants to jump :) and this list could go on and on... I know that this is only a stage but oh.my.gosh, I am worn out! We have child-proofed as much as possible but he still seems to find things to get into!

• I found this on Zulily this morning. Wow. I really need this! What a perfectly sweet and uplifting way to celebrate and honor my sweet girl! 

Angel of Loving figurine by Jim Shore

I have a small Jim Shore collection going (mostly Christmas items) and I'd love to add this! 

• I am a tiny bit excited right now because it's raining outside and that means no soccer practice tonight!! Grady goes Tuesday/Thursday and Graham goes Monday/Wednesday. Both have games on Saturday. To say that I am fair sick of soccer is the understatement of the year. But, the boys both seem to LOVE it so we will continue to commit our time and our family to it!

• I'm pretty sure that I have much more to add here but the pile of dishes in my sink are calling my name. :)