My Funny Valentine's

Preppy was gone for Valentine's Day, spending it in Costa Rica, a trip I couldn't go on because of the two little kiddos. But we celebrated early, he got Jacky Bear some new Cars and Lucy a new toy and her very first dozen roses. Mike isn't a fan of all of the pictures I take but I tell him they pictures aren't for us they are for our kids:) I love looking back on all of my family pictures from when I was little and see how I was spoiled with love. 

Here are my two funny Valentine's! We had a fun day and I did lots of spoiling. I refreshed myself on the 5 love languages and tried to cover each one (Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, Physical Touch) it's pretty easy to do with little kids, but nonetheless it was a good refresher for me to be more conscious about. Jack was the man of the house and gave me lots of hugs, kisses, and "pretty mommy" comments throughout the day. Thanks little man! Of course last year the big news I broke on Valentine's was that we where expecting #2! Now this year I got to enjoy Lucy's sweet smiles, hugs, and slobbery kisses.

Reading stories is the sweetest with the two of them cuddled up in bed, Jack always tucks in Lucy with his soft blankie. He has memorized the Boat, Truck, Airplane, and Airport book and is very excited to read then to his little sister. Costa Rica will always be there, but my kids are growing up so quickly. Listening to them giggle with each other and then snuggle in between them made me realize I wasn't really missing out on anything. The little kid years are so so short. Tiring but sweet.

Preppy made sure to leave me little "happies" to enjoy on Valentine's Day! Thank you and sad we can't be spending together, but we will make it up next year.

My Valentine's Day OOTD (starting to document for Lucy because I love seeing what my Mom wore) and I made a quick trip through the drive tthru liquor store for some yummy bubbly. Only two small glasses since the kids don't sleep much and I'm all alone, but I had to prost a little something fabulous:)

Reflections on Valentine's Day 2013

I love Valentine's Day because it's a great excuse to love on one another, make each other feel special, and maybe reflect on how we can do it better daily (because as Jack learned "Jesus says to love one another"). As a Mom of two little kids and a traveling husband Valentine's day is not filled with a lot of romance, but I got plenty of time to love on my two greatest gifts and make some memories. I also reflected on how I can love better as a Mom.

One of my favorite quotes is by Mother Teresa, "We can not all do great things, but we can do small things with great love". At first I took offense to the great things part. But now I interpret it as we are not all  professional athletes, politicians, movie stars, or business tycoons. Its easy for those people in those "great" positions to influence the many, and that is wonderful. Also I may not get to do "great things" like travel, volunteer, make the big bucks myself...all the things that when others are doing I look at say, wow. But I am doing what God designed me to be. If I cancel out the noise of this world, and focus on what I have in my life and show the world His love...well I think God will say "well done"..."great job". My daily world is my family and there are many small tasks that fill up each day giving me the opportunity to do them with great love. Change diapers, make dinner, snuggle, read books, discipline, kiss scrapped knees, play on the floor with toys...really the opportunities are endless if I am patient. The job as a Mom is so hard because you always think you can and should be doing better or more, so you hurry or multi task. Your not in the moment and then love doesn't always shine through.

There is a song by Matt Redman and these lyrics just can't get out of my head, "You're rich in love and you're slow to anger. Your name is great and your heart is kind. For all your goodness I will keep on signing, Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find". I find such comfort knowing that my God unconditionally loves me, is slow to get angry with me, and so very kind. I screw up all the time every day, but that is type of love my Father gives me for no reason but that I am His child and I love Him. As a parent am I not supposed to mirror that love on Earth? What a gift to give my children, my husband, family and friends.  It's hard, takes discipline, being conscious of my actions and basically the need to get over myself. Even my best efforts though may go unappreciated or unnoticed. But its not "others" I am working for so I shouldn't focus on their accolades. . My work, right now as a Mom, is for the Lord and I memorized this verse, "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people" (Ephesians 6:7).

There is my reflection and challenge from Valentine's Day 2013: To be present parent; loving in all opportunities with a patient, unselfish and kind heart; praising the Lord not looking for praise myself.

Snowy Kentucky Weekend

After two weeks of sickness and isolating ourselves from the outside world, it was amazing to have Mom and Dad visit for the weekend. Mom cooked dinner, caught up on my laundry, gave Jack lots of the undivided attention he demands, and got Lucy to take a bottle. Preppy and I even got a little cocktail date in. I thought I got away with beating the norovirus, but I was mistaken and was out of commission Superbowl Sunday. Mike and Mom tackled the chili and appetizers, what an awful hostess was I in bed all day. Boo. It also snowed on Saturday, Jack loved playing outside, slipping and sliding himself into a sweating wet mess. Hopefully now that we have all been so sick for so long we are immune and can re-enter civilization!