Tips and techniques for creating this layout can be found in this this blog post.

Supplies:
Holiday Template Pack No. 1D Holiday Template Pack No. 1D
Doily Edge Overlays No. 2 Doily Edge Overlays No. 2
ArtPlay Palette Night Before Christmas ArtPlay Palette Night Before Christmas
4 X 6 ArtsyKardz Remember 4 X 6 ArtsyKardz Remember
WarmGlows No. 4 WarmGlows No. 4

Story:
After the tragic shootings of 20 innocent children and teachers at an Elementary School in Connecticut on Friday, it was a somewhat sobering beginning of the last week of school before Christmas Break.

Ella was excited to take part in the planned Holiday Spirit Days but they did ask how do we know that this wont happen to us? The reality of the matter is that we dont. I am not one to sugar-coat the truth but I managed to answer their questions and make them feel safe as they boarded the bus that morning and embarked on crazy sock day.

Eric and I have accepted the fact that we culturally have opposing opinions in terms of gun control. Regardless, guns in this country are both prevalent and *acceptable*. I dont like it but I do feel I have an obligation to prepare my children for the culture in which they live.

Grateful to be able to hold my children this Christmas when those families are in mourning and both sad and disappointed that this season of good will has been tainted by such tragedy.