Thursday, February 14, 2008

A Happy Valentine's Day!! Thankful Thursday

"What can we do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family!"
~ Mother Teresa


Love. Nothing better than love...





Emily said the other day that Valentine's is an "awesome" holiday because you get to tell everyone how much you love them. I agree with Emily, it is pretty amazing to share with others the devotion in our hearts and not be ashamed, uncertain or embarrassed. During Emily's party today, her teacher did a beautiful devotional on love. She said that one of the teachers had prayed this morning and thanked Jesus for being the ultimate valentine. Pretty humbling...Em's teacher went on to explain that the Bible is the best valentine we have ever received. I'm certain I have heard that before and even felt it myself, but in the presence of eighteen five and six year olds and their joy, it left me speechless. So, this Thankful Thursday, I am grateful for that valentine given to us that we might love others in just the way He has loved us.





Last week, Emily gathered her box of valentines, a red pen and a list of her friends. She then scoured the house looking for items with family names on them and sat herself at the island in the kitchen. She proceeded to write out valentines to all of her friends, signing them herself AND writing a message to each friend and family member. I was blown away. It was one of those moments where you think, "Gee this time last year she needed me to help her so much, now she is doing this without ever being asked." I had trouble deciphering if I should feel proud of her initiative or saddened by her increasing independence. So, I think I'll just feel thankful for her heart and encouraged by how she seeks to build positive relationships and cares for others.







From the heart filled doo-dads in her hair down to the little red maryjanes on her toesies, I am thankful that Hannah is home forever ~ celebrating, learning, growing, loving, especially loving, all the world has to offer. I love each holiday that marks yet another milestone. I love her wonder and excitement at the things she has never experienced before. I love her laugh, her giggle, the way she dances. I love our baby girl, she was worth every moment of waiting and I'd have waited a million more to get to her.
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We know so many wonderful people. Our children are being raised with good examples and surrounded by loved ones who like to bless their lives. I am thankful for the stickers from Lindy Li (given the fact she is 2) I am certain her amazing Mommy had something to do with the great package filled with stickers that arrived in our mailbox yesterday:) Thank you Lindy Li, you made our day. We look forward to the time when we can be together with you and Meimei.



Are these not adorable???? Our good friend John (the girls call him Mr. Cow - Emily could not say his name and so it got shortened to Mr. Cow ) saw these cutie pie plates, bowls and cups at Tarjay and picked up a set for each girl for Valentine's Day. He gave them their gifts a few weeks ago and both have eaten every meal since then in their sweet bugware. We love them! Thank you for your special place in our family, Mr. Cow.



My mother found these excellent banks to help teach our children about stewardship. I am crazy about them and the lessons they will help us teach the girls. Fine examples of being good stewards of their resources, I feel my parents set a great precedent and we want to pass that along. Thank you for finding these, knowing how much we would love them.

17 comments:

MacMui Mom said...

What a sweet post! I really look forward to reading your blog on Thursday and knowing what you are thankful for. I am so proud of Emily. I know it is hard to let go, but it does not mean she does not love you tons! Happy Valentine's!

Kate said...

The greatest of these IS love!! Hooray for your big girl Emily...you're doing a great job Mom! I Love the picture of Hannah looking in the window of her house...priceless.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Kate

mommy24treasures said...

Emily's teacher is so wonderful. I am so thankful she teaches them these wonderful things.
I always look forward to your Thursday posts as well.
Love
Connie

Jodee said...

Love the pictures! Your girls are just adorable.

Jake and Taryn said...

I love this post! Happy Valentine's Day to you all! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Joy bank that you all have...that is such a great idea! I also saw those very same plates and cups at Target yesterday and I knew I would be seeing them on someone's blog! :)

Gwen Oatsvall said...

we also had a great time here on v-day ... i have to ask about the JOY bank ... I have 3, but the Life Ways here in our area aren't carrying them anymore ...Where did you get yours ?? I need to get one for Maggie ...

Thanks for your sweet words on my blog ... aren't we just blessed by the Lord w/ our children and how much they teach us .... have a fab day!

Kelley said...

What a fantastic Valentine's Day you had! The pictures are adorable. Your girls are just so sweet! I love seeing what they're up to!

Jewels of My Heart said...

What a precious post filled with love.... your little beauties melt my heart. We have so much to be thankful for. And yes.... Jesus is our ultimate Valentine....

Anonymous said...

Heather,

I visited here yesterday, but Jane was up and she was not having me on the computer! So, here is my response :). You are so right about the Valentine's! I miss buying them or making them every year since all of my children are now too old. Fortunately, I have Jane just around the corner form sending out her own Valentines.
Emily will do this in life with one thng after another. It si the journey we take with them as moms. Beautiful, healthy, and somewhat bittersweet...

Love your Thursday posts.

A big hug,

A Mother Singing

3 Peanuts said...

Happy belated Valentine's Day! It sounds like a love filled day at your house:)

We have the ladybig stuff too. So cute.

Did you get the book/card I sent?
Just checking.

Kim

redmaryjanes said...

Happy Valentine's Day to you and the girls! I love that bank. Now, where's a photo of the red maryjanes???

DiJo said...

Happy Belated Valentines Day Heather! Your girls have the most beautiful hearts!! Just like their Mama!!! I would love to know where your Mom found those banks... What a great way to teach them about giving. I hope you have had a great weekend!
Diana

sheryl said...

Heather,

Your girls melt my heart every time I visit! Yay for sweet Emily. What amazes me even more than her doing the valentines herself is her initiative to show others love and friendship in such a personal way. The world could learn so much from this sweet child! Her mommy is obviously teaching her well!

Sheryl

Danielle Moss said...

Hope you had a Happy Valentines Day! Love those banks! It's great that the girls will be able to use those to save and give!

Emily is such a sweetie :)
What a great role model for Hannah.

Anonymous said...

Hey Heather,

Missing you in Blogland! Hope all is well.

hugs, MT

Deb said...

Came over for a visit from Nikki's blog. What beautiful darling gals you have.

Linette said...

Looks like you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day! You're such a great Mom to your girls. That bank is so neat. Love it!

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