A letter to Ben

I'm a little overwhelmed when I realize how quickly you will be a grown man. I feel like since you turned 12 life have double timed and you change faster than I can keep up.
I want you to know, when I look at you I see a son of God who is a rock solid enough for many to lean on. Remember the other day when I was so embarrassed and devastated over forgetting to pick up Sarah and her friends from school. I'd had a long week already and that was just another glaring imperfection for me to see about myself. Not even organized enough to remember to pick up my own 5 year old from school. You reminded me of you Dad in your caring but logical response to me. I wish I could remember it word for word. ;) I just know you assured me that is was not really that big of a deal and that I didn't need to beat myself up. Your caring and cool headed way of approaching struggles will be such a blessing to you and others. Your wise perspective of knowing the bad is short lived will carry your own family through many trials. 

I love you Ben. I love to laugh with you and hang out with you. In a house so full of women, thank goodness we have you. Keep on moving forward with faith. I know Heavenly Father knows you and is proud of your efforts.

Happy Valentines Day!
Love , Mom

Best Valentine

A letter to David.

To My Big Boy and My Favorite Little Valentine,
It's a common occurrence for you to just hug me and say " I love you. " no prompting necessary. Of all the kids..you definitely love me the most. You come and ask me to snuggle with you in the morning..and sometimes at nap time. ;) You always want to go with me. One important outing is helping me take the kids to school in the morning. You get yourself up just to make sure that I don't leave without you. Always..you want to be wrapped up tight in a blanket and carried out to the car where you sit quietly through the whole ride. Just content to be with me.

Do I sometimes feel overwhelmed by your love...a little. You hate me to leave you.  But, that is a small sacrifice for the blessing it is to be loved so much. When you prayed the other night for Heavenly Father to bless mommy to be safe I was taken back by the knowledge that Heavenly Father was listening and would watch over me in answer to you sweet sincere prayer.

Dave, you are kind and gentle. Your heart is full of the love and you let it shine. And..you are rough and tumble. Climbing, running, and loving to be a comedian. Lately you respond in gibberish just because it's funny. You are competitive..and that's hard when your sister is 2 years older than you..which also means she is bigger and faster. She does let you win on some occasions but it's a little rare. I comfort you when you lose. :)

Happy Valentines Day to a boy full of so much love it couldn't possibly be contained in that little body...it just has to be shared. I love you David.

Love , mom

Pepperoni for Everyone

Sarah has just informed me that we need to buy many bags of pepperoni because for her birthday she will be handing out bags of pepperoni to all her friends. Hmmmm.