I wish I had the pictures...

I wish I had taken pictures to capture our Valentine's Day weekend, but I didn't. I'll have to trust my words and memory to capture the love I've witnessed over the past few days:

Friday night was pretty quiet at our house. I must follow up my last post with the fact that LG did, in fact, receive a call from her Mother quite out of the blue. LG seemed glad to talk to her--although I am still amazed at just how distant she seems--more like talking to a long lost cousin than the woman who gave birth to her. Her Mother agreed to call LG back on Saturday at 10am.

Saturday we waited for the phone call. It didn't come until MUCH later in the day. Of course, there was a "logical explanation". And I'm GLAD she at least called with that because waiting at 10am and 10:30am and 11am was no picnic.

Anyway, we had the pleasure of watching LG's three younger siblings (ages 5, 4, and 3). Let me just say that if I ever had any doubts that I am "done being a Mommy to children in the preK age range"---they are gone! I love these kids...but I was worn out by the time they left! I love borrowing and sending them home. It was fun to see LG play with her siblings. They love each other SO MUCH. Even more, though, I loved watching my DS 4 interact with them. He entertained and treated them as if they also were a part of our family. It was so very sweet.

Saturday night, DH and I took DSs 3, 4 and LG to our Japanese Steak House for a Family Valentine's Dinner. LG had never seen them cook at your table. We had a great time! Again, my boys make me so proud how they help her enjoy each new experience. DS 3 really takes the cake here, though. He coached her through the entire meal. These two are kind of alike, so it's fun to watch them interact.

Sunday we went to church and then had our small group at the house. The kids and I also took in the movie "Tooth Fairy" (one I swore I'd NEVER see when I watched the preview) with DS 4's friend L and HER Mother. Yes, I think we just went on an 11-year-old "family date"! Just something else for me to investigate a bit more in the coming days/weeks.

In other news from my "out-of-town" Valentines: DS 1 went to Louisiana this weekend for Mardi Gras and an Ultimate Frisbee tournament. It sounds like it was quite cold and muddy. He reported that most of the players came back with some sort of injury....BUT I know he had a great time listening to some great jazz music in downtown New Orleans.

DS 2 ran a half marathon Sunday morning! It was his first. He finished in 1:54:54. He texted DS 3 and told him to start training cause he needs to do it too. That text was followed closely by, "And tell Mom she can do it too." OK whatever!

Now it's 1:45am on Monday morning of President's Day and I'm awake. I don't know why. I woke up thinking just how blessed I am. I love my family. I love my life. And I thank God for both!

Happy [belated] Valentines!