The best valentine ever

I received the best valentine ever from my Mason. He found the idea for this in his Highlights magazine. He followed the instructions and free hand drew the flamingo. The love note in the middle was his original thought. "I hope that your my only valentine forever.."

Wish granted moodle. There isn't anyone else that I would rather be valentines with ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Happy birthday to our boy

My boy. The one who made me a mommy before I was ready 8 short years ago. You have taught us so much in your time on earth and you have changed us down to the core. You will always challenge us, make us grow, and set the path for our parenting ways. Your sisters have you as a the greatest example of a the kind heart that a boy should have. Your imagination is so incredible and it fills me with such joy to see you still dress up and give as much effort into every different "role" or job that you take on. Your ability to read at such a young age has helped your brain to grow to imagine and question so many things in our world. Mason means to build or strength with stone. Little did we know that when we named you how much that would apply perfectly to your role in our family.  You are the foundation of it all. You started this bond and we couldn't be more proud as we watch you grow. Love you to the moon and back moodle 

Tackle your fears

Elizabeth had her first soccer game last weekend.  She was excited to get dressed up in big brother's hand me down soccer shorts and cleats. As we got ready to walk out the door though, a fear set over her face.  She shared with me that she was really nervous to play soccer against all the other kids.  She was scared to be out there in front of all of the parents who would be watching. I assured her that it was ok to feel nervous but she didn't have to.  She was going to have so much fun running on the field, kicking the ball, and playing with her buddies.  I also told her that she would feel so proud of herself when she was finished.
When we got there she eagerly ran onto the field, greeted her coach, and put on her uniform.  The fear seemed to disappear and she relaxed.  I looked on with delight as she aggressively went for the ball.  As she was running off of the field during a break, she yelled over to me and said, "Hey mommy, you were right, this is fun!  I'm so proud of myself for playing!"
I couldn't feel more joy toward her at that very moment.  My little girl tackled her fears head on and succeeded.
xo.
Kirby