The authors of this site have some good perspective on all of this
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/propertycrime.html The whole site has good info, it's totally changed how I think about self defense.
I love guns and even have a conceiled carry permit, but this has been a much debated topic for me and my friends and coworkers. I think everyone should have guns and be trained to use them,
BUT if you want to keep your family safe, using a gun in the middle of the night should be a last resort.
I don't yet own a house (4 years in Iraq and counting) but when I do, making the house secure will be a top priority. I know too many people that think they are bad a$$es because they sleep with a gun by the bed and think everything will be just like the movies if they actually have to use it. Sure if someone wants in they'll get in, but would you rather spend a couple grand on a security system and make most criminals choose an easier target, or have blood and bullet holes all over your house, a tramatized family, and possible go to prison?
Don't forget intruders aren't the only dangers at home. Got fire extinguishters and a plan in case of a fire? Got a good first aid kit? Are emergency numbers posted by the phone?