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.
_________________________________________________

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.