Love Day

I was excited for Valentine's Day this year. I have been very contemplative as of late, trying to figure out how to make sure that the relationship I have with my family is a more loving one. I admit that having my dad pass away has made me afraid that my kids will only have bad memories of me, so I aim to cover my bases a bit better than I have been. I want to be remembered as the mom who loves, not the mom who snaps and yells and worries only about hygiene (not that good hygiene isn't important, kids).

As I was making the littler kids breakfast this morning before school I told them that we would open their little Valentine's gifts at dinner time. Bud was so cute and said, "What? You don't have to do that. I don't need a gift, I only need THIS!" As he said it he ran over to me and gave me a giant squeeze around the waist. Such a sweet moment. Then Big piped up with, "Well, I need a gift. I love presents." Love the honesty from both boys.

I sent a little Valentine's love to school with the kids today. It was totally unexpected to have Bud tell me that he was embarrassed by it. Wha? Not that I'm going to stop, or anything.

Rophone and I got each of the kids a book for Valentine's Day. We believe in keeping it small, and you can't get anything better than a book. After I put Edith down for her nap today I decided that Rophone needed a book, too. So, I made him one. A few years ago my sister, Martha, gave me an awesome deck of cards that is artistically beautiful, but is completely mind-boggling to try to play with. So, I decided to put it to good use. Thanks to Pinterest, this is what I came up with. 

I really do love Rophone. A lot.

We had fun tonight with the kids, and Rophone took us all out to frozen yogurt for a special treat. Pen was pretty sad when hers was gone, but luckily Ginger was willing to share. What a good sister. 

I am really happy with the way this Valentine's Day turned out. I think we all felt loved and that's what it's all about, right?