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!

Random Dozen--just a little late

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient? Hmmm...I'll give you MY answer, but I suppose my DH and my kids know best. I would say I'm fairly quiet when I'm ill. I really like to be left alone and just "veg". BUT, I know that I can also be whiny when I'm ill. I don't think I get grumpy--although cranky (which seems a little lower down the grumpy/fussy continuum) might be a good word.
2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction? This is a very interesting question for a Floridian. First of all, I have lived here for 42 years and I think school has been cancelled about a total of four days in that time---and all of THOSE days happened in the last 5 years! Secondly, if we have a cancellation, it's generally because we're getting ready to be pounded by a hurricane...so that brings with it a bit of anxiety. Honestly I can remember one or two times where I've thought, "It'll be nice to sleep in tomorrow..."
3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve? Keeping my kitchen counter clear and spotless.
4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day? Nope.
5. What song is on your mind today? Mark Schulz, "He's my Son".
6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic? It depends. There's a time for both.
7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room. Nope. I have an awful time with this. I can usually remember stuff from days, weeks, or months ago that sometimes impact my reactions to a situation or a person. I work on it. I am no where near where I need to be in this department, however.
8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.) His smile and love for God.
9. When was the last time your heart raced? Wow! I can't remember. Perhaps it was a few weeks ago when I was mad and scared all at once.
10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school? We always made our own "mailbox" and then delivered the little cards to friends on that day. It was usually accompanied by some treats and a movie (reel-to-reel in my day). This is one tradition that hasn't changed all that much (except, of course, the movie projector).
11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer? I really would prefer to NOT receive candy for V-day. BUT, if I did, I'd love almond M&Ms---they don't even have to be pink, red and white.
12. Red or pink? I think I prefer red most days.

When did Valentines get so tough?

As I've stated before, I am no contender for Mother of the Year. Usually I am in the store with DS 4 on February 13th when we frantically search for cards to take to school the next day. Then we fuss and whine while we fill out the cards for everyone. Let's just say there's not much LOVE when we do it this way.

This weekend, I decided it was going to be different. While DH took the kids flying yesterday, I went to the store and got a box of soccer cards for DS 4. Think about it, I am giving him a whopping FOUR day head start on our "normal" Valentine routine. When he arrived home, he approved of my choice...especially since these cards fold into a soccer field and had a punch out soccer ball to actually "play". Last night, I was the "best Mom ever".

Today he opened the box, and decided to try and fold the field to test it out before he gives it to his friends. Let's just say that I almost had to call my Engineer BIL in for back-up! And oh my goodness...the little "ball" has to be put together so it will roll! Not one to back down from a good challenge, I DID get the field and the ball together. The ball is four flat round pieces that are each smaller than a dime and have to be "notched" together to make it 3-D. Anything for "love"...you know?

Probably the fact that I cannot even find a picture of these cards on the manufacturer's website to share with you, should clue me in that these are no ordinary Valentines cards! The beauty of it all quickly wore off for DS 4 and he left his cards to go watch American Gladiator. Not too bad, right? We still have three more days to go!

And because I'm a "lesson looker"...here's what I thought:

Isn't that how love is sometimes? We make it so complicated and hard to figure out. Perhaps we need to "get back" to those moments we simply use those three powerful words, "I love you." And we look for simple ways to share it with others.

I believe it would change the world more than any intricate folded soccer field Valentine ever will! And, trust me, it will be MUCH LESS FRUSTRATING!

Isn't she lovely?????

...and isn't he WONDERFUL????

My sweet husband is out of town this week...part of the changes we've gone through recently. This new job focus has him out until about the middle of March. He's been home on the weekends--which has been wonderful.

This past weekend, we went out for what I decided was our Valentine's Dinner. I've been a bit under the weather, so I wasn't much company. But, even after 20 years of marriage, I still LOVE talking and sharing with him. It was a wonderful evening despite my not feeling so good.

I sent him an eCard today. I really didn't expect anything since we went out.

Today I had a meeting at our District Office, so I didn't get in to the school until 1:00pm. When I walked in the door several of our office people were there and they all said, "You have a gift....we want to watch you open it...go get it!" I thought it was strange as people have been getting flowers for the past two days.

When I opened it up, this adorable bear is what I found! She's a Vermont Teddy Bear and she's absolutely BEAUTIFUL! She came with the forever roses that you see in the picture and a tag saying "Happy Valentine's Day!"

She's now sitting on this bench in my family room with all my other bears.

She looks perfect there. And, he made my day! I know I've said it before, but......

Yes, I DO LOVE THAT MAN!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Valentines

See below for current post. This one will be at the top until Valentines next week. I saw this over at Mary's Place I loved Valentines Day when I was little....I think it will be fun to get Valentines again. So, put your pretty bag decorated for Valentine's on the edge of your desk and let's play!! Leavea comment if you're playing and I'll send one your way too!!


Get your own valentine

:-) Susan

Maybe it should be FRIDAY FIFTEEN....or Maybe I'm just a Ditz!

There's a danger in list making, you know. There's always a chance that you'll leave someone out. This is exactly what happened to me with my Thursday Thirteen list. I added my Grandmother to my extended family out of town...thanks to my stepMother for keeping me on my toes! And, my FIL commented tonight about my list and it was then that I realized that I left them off the list, too!!!!!!!!

So, maybe I need to have the Friday Fifteen tomorrow...and add these two special entries:

14. My Grandmother...she is an amazing woman who continues to learn. Her computer skills are amazing. My boys think it's so "cool" to IM with their great Grandmother. She's instilled in me the knowledge that family is important. She values memories and special things that "take her back". She is why I'm into keepsakes. I love you, Grandma!!

15. My in-laws....they are simply the best!! They continue to give and give and give to family and others. As I have become part of the working community in our town...again and again I run into people who have been touched by these two people. It's really special. Although I wouldn't have said it ten years ago, I'm glad we live in the same town. It's been a blessing far greater than I'd ever imagined.

Thursday Thirteen #41

Thirteen Things SUSAN LOVES(in honor of Valentine's Day) 1. My husband...I miss him so much when he is gone. I am so thankful for his friendship and companionship. He's a blessing to me beyond what I could ever put into words. As we approach our 20th anniversary...I find myself regularly pinching myself to be sure it's for real. Thank you, hon, for all the love you give to me. I LOVE YOU!! 2. My boys...I'm always amazed when people look at me sadly when they find out I have four boys. I wouldn't trade being a "boy Mom" for anything. I know I would have loved girls, too. But I KNOW God gave us a special calling to raise boys into Godly men. I'm watching that happen...and it fills my heart with more love for them than I could ever imagine. I love you D, M, J, and A with ALL MY HEART!!!! 3. My parents...Dad, Mom, and C. I am so thankful for each of them. I can't think of a time when they haven't been there for me. I am so blessed that the three of them have gone out of their way to have a united front when it came to us (their kids) and now their Grandkids. My friends remind me over and over how blessed I am that we all "get along". I know it's true...and I love you all for it. 4. My brothers...Dan and Greg. I think about these two and smiles immediately come to my face and warmth to my heart. I don't think life has ever been dull in our family...and I think they are a large part of that. Thanks for all you do to keep us focused on each other and enjoy life. You guys are special!! 5. My BIL and SIL...Dave and Heather. We are so glad that you two are back on this side of the country. It will be great to finally be able to get together and see each other more often. Still, we know that with distance between us...you two are "there" for us. For that, we are grateful!! You continue to be in our prayers as you go through this journey. 6. My SIL...Christie. You are so special! It's been great to see you and Greg grow your sweet family. They are such a blessing to me. Thank you for the many ways you give to the extended family. It's such a gift when someone marries into a "bunch" like ours and just "rolls with it". 7. My Tampa nieces and nephew (C, K, and Z)....you all "bless Aunt Susan's socks off"! I love watching you grow. Your laughter and spirit are just so beautiful. I love the way that you love your "big boy cousins". You, also, love to laugh...this will serve you well as you spread joy to those around you. 8. My Orlando nieces and nephews (R, J, H, and M)....it's exciting that we are getting to see more of you now. I love it when you visit and you just feel "at home"....this blesses me! The love you all have for each other and your family is so special. As you grow, I know you are going to do great things. I can't wait to see what amazing things are in store for each of you. 9. My Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins....there are so many of them, it's hard to count. I have to say, though, I have the best extended family. Although we don't see each other often...it's as if we are together all the time. We communicate via email, phone and those rare face-to-face visits. Despite the distance...this family is close. I know that if I need anything all I have to do is call out...and someone would be there. That's a great security! 10. My Bible Study Friends....I am so grateful for this small group of women. They are unafraid to challenge me and help me grow. They also bring me so much joy. I LOVE laughing and talking and singing and praying together. Thank you for filling a void in my life. I'm forever grateful. 11. My Work Friends....I have some very special friends at work that help me. There is no question that this is a place of "TEAM" and minus the "I's" that sometimes exist in workplaces. I can imagine no better work situation than this. It's a joy to go to a place that I enjoy being each and every day. 12. My Writing Buddies and Friends....Over the years I have made so many friends via my job. There are three who have become very special "writing buddies". At some point in time over the last 8 years, I have published with each of them at least once (and some twice). I love it that even though miles separate us...when we are together....things just "pick up where we left off". These are the best kinds of friendships to have. 13. I know I should have started with Jesus. Truth is, without Him, NONE of these people would be in my life. I know that "every good and perfect gift" comes down from Him. I am eternally blessed that He loves me so much to fill my life with such great family and friends.

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I Love...

OK after my cranky blog last night and knowing that today is Valentine's Day...I thought I'd list just a few of the things I love...

♥ My Lord and Savior, Jesus
♥ My wonderful husband of almost 19 years for his undying, unconditional love and support for me and our children and his steadfast faith
♥ Son 1 for his determination and willingness to stand strong for what he believes and the willingness to try new things
♥ Son 2 for his tenderness, concern and gentle way that he treats other people and his “can-do” attitude
♥ Son 3 for his ability to handle some of the tech pains that I have run into and his persistence in figuring things out
♥ Son 4 for the music that is in his heart and the zest with which he approaches life
♥ My Mother for believing in me and giving me my faith foundation
♥ My Dad for his support and love as I have gone through each new season of life
♥ My Stepmother for being so compassionate and thoughtful
♥ My brother D for his friendship and laughter
♥ My brother G for his concern and compassion for his entire family
♥ My SIL C for the way she has blended in with our family as if she has always been there (and for two of my darling nieces and sweet nephew ☺)
♥ My FIL for being there to “help” whenever we need it and giving without condition
♥ My MIL for the best “coupon” ever ☺ AND for Grandma’s kitchen and her unwavering faith
♥ My Phoenix BIL and SIL and their children (the other two darling nieces and two nephews ☺) for seeing to it that we get to still be part of each other’s lives even when the miles separate—and for their beautiful example and constant testimony of how Jesus works in their lives
♥ My wonderful extended family: Grandmother, Aunts, Uncles, and many many cousins for making it seem like they are only a phone call away though there are many miles between us
♥ My dearest friends from church, Bible study, and school for their love and willingness to reign me back in when it’s necessary and to nudge me forward when I need to move on

This list could go on and on...but for each of these people and their part in my life, I am eternally grateful!! Happy Valentine's Day!!

Can You Feel the Love?

Here I am on the eve of Valentines not feeling very loving. I took ds 4 to the store to get Valentines cards for his class (I know, I know, last minute Mommy). Anyway, he couldn't make his selection and it took FOREVER! The bad thing was that we were there in the middle of all the other last minute Mommies and a few Daddies. So, I was a bit cranky by the time we left the store.

DS 4 normally goes to bed at 8:00...but I was shopping with him at 7:30...so now he is up writing his Valentines and I am getting more CRANKY! He is whiny and slow right now (a little more than an hour later).

DS 3 is upset because he cannot find his Math book. I don't know where it is either. I have looked through the house and cannot find it. So he, too, is cranky (but for a different reason).

DS 2 is out at soccer practice, so he is in the clear.

DS 1 is frustrated because someone left him a Valentines dessert in our fridge today and he doesn't know who it is....dh received the gift and has shed little light on where it came from.

On top of it all, I am not feeling well. My throat is sore and I am stuffed up.

Sometimes I think Valentines is overrated anyway. Why should we wait until this one day to tell everyone we love them?

And yet, I know it's important...because there are SO MANY missed opportunities.

Soooo as this blog entry comes to an end....I am reflecting on the biggest Valentine of all....from God because he LOVED US so much...even when we are cranky.

Can you feel the love?