“Love begins by taking care of the closest ones-the ones at home.” Mother Teresa

Always close to one another, always close to their mommy’s heart!

“You have filled my heart with greater joy.” Psalm 4:7

My “Valentines”

“For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” Matthew 6:21

My little man! I enjoyed his excitement for completing his Valentines. For the first time, I was amazed at how quick, neat, and efficient he was. We made a list together and in no time he had finished the task. I remembered this task years passed. His first Valentines consisted of him scribbling, the next year he wrote his letter J, and now he almost can fly solo! An important reminder that all baby steps along the way transform into beautiful things with a little time and patience.

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

Abigail loved her puppy cards. It took us days to complete this project! We only did a few each day. It was a real challenge for her to fit her big letters on the tiny card, but she finally satisfied herself in the completion. She enjoyed stuffing the envelopes, adding a sucker, and sealing it up. She was super excited thinking about who she wanted to give a card to. I thought it was sweet that she wanted to add the name of Debbie’s little dog Gracie to her card…”they could share it!”

“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Isabela’s first Valentine’s that she had a part in completing her cards. “Pencil, name”. She insisted on sitting in her highchair scribbling across the envelopes and then adding a “ticker” on the front. Following the lead of Jackson and Abigail she happily stuffed her cards in a gift bag for delivery!

“A happy heart makes a face cheerful.” Proverbs 15:13

Examples of their love notes. They were happy to get cards from one another and even happier the cards had suckers. Jackson was excited that Abigail had made a good lower case a in his name! Isabela was happy to tear the envelopes like her brother and sister.

Jackson received a new Peterbilt for his collection complete with a loader and cargo to carry on the back. He and Elijah also were super excited to get the Monster Truck Triple Blast Arena from Papaw and Nana.

Abigail with her new “Foxy” fox and stroller. From Papaw and Nana she got a new FurReal Pet black and white puppy that lights up, barks, whines, and snores.

Isabela quickly captured pushing her new stroller and raccoon. Nana and Papaw gave her a small walking pony that is already covered in red cupcake icing from our fun on Sunday!
All three are love in a basket!

Just for fun, I found a bookmark given to me from a Valentine’s long long ago! 1986, we were married nine years later!

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement.” Philemon 7

This photo was taken at a Sandals Resort in the Bahamas on our tenth wedding anniversary. We went to this spot also on our eleventh anniversary as well…Jackson was born the next year in 2007, Abigail the end of the next year 2008, and Isabela two and a half years later in 2011.
So happy to report the course our life has “unexpectedly” taken. More happy that my one original Valentine in 1986 remains my Valentine in 2013. He is the reason Jackson, Abigail, Isabela, and myself are able to enjoy this daily journey we are creating! Thanks dear love!

“I do love nothing in the world so well as you.” William Shakespeare

February 17, 2013
Categories: Moments of Joy, Photos . . Author: Julie M Hall . Comments: Leave a comment