Valentine's Day

When the kids were younger, I used to make hearts out of construction paper. Every day in February leading to the 14th, I would tape a heart on each child's door with a reason why I love them. I decided to do it again this year. I know they are getting older and it is cheesy, but who cares. I want them to know how much I love and appreciate their attributes, talents and character. I made hearts for Tommy too.

On the morning of Valentine's Day, I woke up to a bunch of hearts taped to MY door. The kids were not awake yet, so I asked Tommy if he orchestrated this activity on my behalf. In the past, he has divided up the hearts and asked the kids to fill some out for each other and for me. Tommy was already at his desk, working, so he quickly dismissed me and said, "I have no idea what you are talking about." I went back upstairs and took a longer look at the hearts, and I noticed that every one of them was in Matty's handwriting. Oh my HEART! This 12.5-year old tween son of mine, who rarely shows emotion and offers me very little insight into his life, took the time to write out reasons why he loves me? DAY MADE. 

Like any mother, my job feels thankless a lot of the time. I do not need constant gratitude, but it sure is nice to receive it once in a while and know that my kids appreciate me. So when Matty wrote things like, "I love how you always get up early to make me breakfast and lunch" and "I love your dedication to our family," I started crying. 

Thank you, Matty, for this gift. I treasure it.

My door

Below are the kids' doors - adding them here so I can remember what I wrote about them when they were 15, 12 and 11.

Taylor's door

Matty's door

Brayden's door