This year I made Valentine envelopes for each of the 5 of us to put little notes and treats in. They are pretty simple, and I never got the buttons sewn on them to hang them on our dining chairs, but the kids loved them. They are made out of felt and the monograms and hearts are hand embroidered on. During the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day, we could leave a little note in each other's envelope to tell them something we love about them. Some were more committed to the note writing than others. On Valentine's Day, we each made sure to write a note to every other member of our family. I also left a few little treats for Dave and the kids.
Here are what some of the notes said (I want to make sure this is documented, so we can reflect on them when the kids are arguing with each other, etc ;)
To Brynn:
Daddy loves that always help. --Dad
I love to see you help your brother or sister without being asked. --Mom
I love when you wake up and play with me in the morning. I love how you help feed me
and take care of me. --Eden
I love that you share with me. --Collin
You are such a smart and beautiful girl. I'm so proud to be your mom. I love snuggling up
with you before bedtime. I love you! --Mom
I love you Brynn cas you or so speshl Brynn. --written by Brynn on behalf of Eden
Hape Brtha (Happy Birthday) Brynn. I love you Brynn. --written by Brynn on behalf of
Collin
To Collin:
Daddy loves your hugs. --Dad
I love the way you make others laugh. I love watching movies with you and eating popcorn
just me and you. I love the way your eyes twinkle when you smile. --Mom
I love when you surprise me with a hug. --Mom
Thack you for huging me. --Brynn
Collin tha for doing prrt of my check list. I love you. --Brynn
Hi Collin. This is a quick thing to sa I wont to hug you. --Brynn
I love that we get to spend the day time together. I love when you play with me. --Eden
I love you Collin cus you or my best bruthr. --written by Brynn on behalf of Eden
To Eden:
Eden, aka Lil Mini, Daddy loves your smile. --Dad
I love your sweet little smile and the way you snuggle up to me. I love watching you learn.
I am so so blessed to get to be your mom. I love you! --Mom
I love your smile. --Mom
I love you. I love you Eden cus you play wit me. --Brynn
I love you Eden cus you are so ceut (cute). --Brynn
I love everything of you! --Collin
I love you Eden cus you or so keot (cute). --written by Brynn on behalf of Eden
To Dave:
Thack you for tacking us to Chuck E Ches. I love you. --Brynn
Thanck you vare much for the flawrs (flowers--Brynn's school was selling flowers for
the students for Valentine's Day, and Dave ordered one for her). --Brynn
I love it when you think one of the kids is being especially cute. --Melanie
I love that you let me play outside and you share your office. --Collin
I love giving you the hugs I save just for you. I love when you get up with
me at night. --Eden
I love you cas I fil licke I kae hug you ('cause I feel lucky I can hug you). --written by
Brynn on behalf of Eden
I love you dad kus you went to Chuck E Ches for Brynn's brthay. --written by Brynn on
behalf of Collin
Things I love about you:
*your sense of humor (you can make me laugh more than anyone else)
*how much you are involved as a dad. The kids adore you!
*that I can depend on you. We've gone through some tough times, and it's so comforting
to know you are always there.
*your hot bod :)
*your commitment to your beliefs and your standards.
I love you! --Melanie
To Melanie:
Thax for bringin a tret. --Brynn
I love that you let me ride on your back and I like your scarf.
Its cooler than you. --Collin (thanks buddy!)
I love that you take care of me. --Eden
I love your thoughtfulness. --Dave
I love you Mom cas you do speshl things. --written by Brynn on behalf of Eden
I love you cas you mack it a nis brtha. --Brynn
I love you mom cus you giv me a hug. --written by Brynn on behalf of Collin
Well, I guess you can guess who was the most excited about writing and receiving the notes. I think this will be a yearly tradition for us.
That evening we all went to dinner together, and Dave and I have plans to go out and celebrate this weekend. Love our date nights!
Brynn's Valentine's bag from school, filled with all the Valentines she received at school:
That crazy hair, those chubby pink cheeks,those mischevious blue eyes (I'm talking about the baby, by the way)...I just want to freeze time for a moment. I just love the relationship that Dave and Eden have. He has been so involved in helping with her, and he has a special place in her heart too. I am so thankful for my little family (Brynn and Collin included, of course)!
These pictures were taken at my cousin Paul's wedding reception yesterday.
Brynn's kindergarten teacher asked that each student bring a picture of themselves with their favorite book. Brynn chose a Junie B. Jones book, and happily posed for a few pictures. As part of her homework, Brynn and I are supposed to read a book together Monday through Thursday evenings. It has been really fun to see her interest in reading grow and her reading skills begin as well. It's a fun excuse for some more quality time with her (and the other kids, as they usually join us too).
