THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY VALENTINES

On February 14, 1998, Evan gave me a Valentines card. We weren't even officially dating yet. He just said in the card that he hoped I got "everything I deserved in life." Well, I don't know what I deserve, exactly, but I know that I have had 11 wonderful years of kindness, acceptance, patience, laughter, hard working dedication, support, understanding, forgiveness, and love with him by my side...and he has given me the best gift of my life...my children. I know that this is the man God prepared for me. I know that in his mercy, God sent me this gentle soul of a man to balance me out. I fall more and more in love with him each year as I grow to truly appreciate what an extraordinary man he is and what a perfect match for me!

My sweet, sweet Cameron. How I love this child. Being his mom has been one of the great growing experiences of my life. I have learned so much about how God loves his children through their challenges and triumphs as I have loved him through his. He is so much fun, he really is. He LOVES to make me laugh. He has has had a rough few months, but is doing SO much better. He rushed off the bus yesterday yelling "Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate!" threw his back pack on the kitchen table, pulled out his valentines from school, and called his brother and sister to come share his candy with him.

I will always think of Ewan as a Healer of my Heart. He was born in the same hospital room as our little Connor almost exactly one year later. He was the most cuddly baby ever. He just melted into my arms and put my broken heart back together. He continues to be my daily supplier of hugs and kisses. No one tells me they love me more than my Ewan. "I wub you, Mom." Ewan is always willing to share and give of himself. I really treasure the one on one time I have with Ewan because he just eats it up and relishes every minute.

Heather is such a joy to our family. She has an inner light and confidence and spunk and joy that lights up the world around her. She has such a nurturing little soul and showers her dolls and stuffed animals with motherly love and tenderness. Heady LOVES to laugh. She finds humor in all kinds of things...even getting in trouble! I grew up with all brothers and all boys cousins most of my life...boys have always been my lot in life until Heather came along. What FUN little girls are! I hope Heady and I have the kind of relationship that my mom and I have.

COULD YOU JUST DIE! Is this a cute baby or WHAT?! Life since Anne was born had been so crazy and hectic and overwhelming, but Anne has not been the source of the chaos, she has been a quiet source of peace in my life. She is so content and sweet and just looks into my eyes and coos and babbles and tries to tell me who she is...I have sensed a quiet peacefulness from Anne ever since her ultrasound. What a blessing she is. I have had trouble breast feeding in the past. I am SO glad that it is working out with Anne, because the quiet moments with her in my arms, her little noises and wiggles, her tiny fingers grasping my shirt, milk dribbling down her fat little cheeks...bliss...joy...peace...