Remembering Newtown: Celebrating every parenting moment

This past week, I am so thankful for the nagging; the crying; the whining; the "listening ears" that aren't turned on; the piles of laundry; the before dawn wake-ups; the leaves tracked in on the just cleaned floor; the last-minute, hectic holiday rush; the endless dirty dishes; the tussles over toys.

And I'm blessed for the hugs and kisses; big smiles; shouts of "Mommy!" when I return; evening holiday light trips; that wide-eyed Christmas excitement; bedtime stories; snuggles on the couch; and all those little I love yous sprinkled in most days.

I feel so lucky to have all of this - the good and the bad - this last week. They all are little moments those parents in Newtown will never have again. And my heart breaks.

My thoughts and prayers are with them today and always.