Really?? REALLY!!

As every single mom knows, when your kids go to their dad's, it is like going on a mini-vacation. There are no manners, no boundaries and no rules. So... when they come home after their weekend in "Disney Dad Land", it is really hard on us, the mom! Reality has to set back in. "Yes, you have to follow the rules", "Yes, you must say yes ma'am". I mean really?? Is this too much to ask that they follow the same rules and actually use their manners at their dads? Anyhow, back to my point. My two little ones come home on Monday morning, after a weekend with their dad, and from the looks of it, Christmas has happened again! Yet, I thought it was Valentine's Day. Really... they come home with bags - of gifts. DS games, sketch books, books to read, candy, and that is just to name a few. Now.... do you say I love you by buying them everything they ever wanted? One would think not... however, this is exactly what happened!

So... as I think about what I got them for Valentine's Day, my first thought was "they are really going to be disappointed". You see, I am a single mom, with three kids, and this year we are just not rolling in the dough. So... I thought what better gift than to tell them how much they are loved. I mean, isn't this what it is really all about anyway? So, I wrote them each a letter... here is the one to my oldest.

Today is Valentine’s Day. I just wanted to take the time and let you know how very proud of you that I am. I could not have hand picked a better son if I had tried. You came into my life, when I was very young, and I did not think I was ready. The day you were born, you stole my heart and have had it ever since. You are the joy of my life and I have so enjoyed watching you grow up into the young man you have become. In a way, we have grown up together. I had no idea what to do with a baby, and we figured it out together. We may have bumps along the way, but I want you to know that I am always on your side. I have made lots of mistakes, but know that you have always been loved with 1,000% of my heart. You fill my heart with joy and pride every time I look at you!
When I watch you step out on a baseball or football field my heart overflows with pride. As I watch you play the games that you love – there is not a prouder mom out there. You give 100% on the ball field and I always want you to give 100% in life. If you do that, there is nothing you will not succeed at!
One day you will have a girlfriend, and eventually get married. I hope and pray that she is as good to you as you deserve. One day soon you will be grown up and move out on your own, and although it will break my heart to see you go. I know that you will go, and will be successful. You deserve nothing but the best life has to offer. You are the kindest and most caring young man. You are the light of my life. Always have been and always will be. I thank God every day for giving me the most perfect son. I hope I have given you half as much joy as you have given me.
Happy Valentine’s Day baby! I love you!
Love,
Mom

As everyone was reading their letters, there was not a dry eye. Every single one of those precious babies thanked me and told me they loved me, like I had given them a million dollars. My oldest (almost 17), wrapped his big arms around me and said, "Mom, this is better than any gift you could have ever given me". So, next Valentines Day, I would encourage everyone to tell the people you love, just how much you love them. Life is too short, not to let them know they are loved every day!