Sweethearts
Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 8:13PM For days the kids (Michaela and Christian) have been plotting secretly, decorating sneakily, squealing,"Don't look!" when we go up the stairs. We knew they had a Valentine's surprise for us, but that was all. Except it was requested of me to make brownies for "refreshments". After much twisting of the arm, I obliged. I'm no spoil sport!
All day they asked me,"Can you make the brownies already", and "Could we have the surprise party now?", and "Did you see the invitation?!" We went out to lunch first, which was very nice, and ran to the SuperWalmart so that I could hop in there by myself and grab some things for the week. As we pulled up to the storefront Christian said,"What are we doing?" indignantly. Believe me, I'm not taking them in there if I can help it, ever again. Last week I went in with all three, and there is not enough chocolate in the world for me to do that again.
We finally got home and I began my part of the preparations in earnest. I whipped up those brownies and cut them out into heart shapes. Michaela was set on having cut-out somethings. I told her about her Aunt Wendy's plan to cut footballs out of brownies and Michaela was excited about brownies, and it was decided. I was happy with that. I hate making cookies. I was also inspired by Wendy to frost the brownies. Let the dinosaur experience be revisited! I am no good at frosting. However. The kids loved it, and that's all that matters, right?
The hearts were a little smaller than I thought, so when I wrote "Be Mine" it looked more like "Be Mike"...so he ended up with that one.
Mike and I were summoned upstairs and greeted with their singing.
They had set up our goodies (note the fancy milk container)...
And we were served as soon as the entertainment portion of our party was over...
We were also given a special Valentine...
as well as a Valentine presentation...
I have to tell you that I had tears in my eyes as we sat there eating brownies and drinking milk. I looked at Mike and we shared a quiet smile. Then Christian got up and gave me a hug, and then he hugged his dad. Eliana followed on his heels, and Michaela after that. It is a moment I will never forget, one that is etched into my heart forever. I couldn't have asked for a sweeter Valentine...but I have four!
the five of us
Reader Comments (9)
What sweet kids! And I love the brownie cutout idea! I hate making cookies, too! :)
Very sweet!!! you have such sweet kids!
Loved your post. My mom called the other day and asked to speak to my (newly) five year old son. Evidently, at the boys last visit to grandma and grandpa's, they went shopping for Valentines for Mommy and Daddy. However, after hiding them in their room to give to Mommy and Daddy...they forgot. My mom called to remind them to give us the gifts! It was touching and you could tell Kaden (my oldest) was excited. However, today, he keeps telling everyone Happy Valentine's Day. Poor kid, always a day late and a dollar short -- must take after his mother! (Loved the brownie cut out idea -- I can't seem to make chocolate chip cookies anymore, but brownies I can handle!!)
Oh goodness - how cute is that? Your kids have such kind little hearts.
I was sitting here all by my lonesome and needed a laugh...so I went to your latest and greatest of updates. The visual of you and the kiddos all in WalMart is hysterical...not enough chocolate to make you do it again??? I remember those days; they were painful.
Glad that your Valentines was so special and that your babies helped make it that way.
God is sooo good all the time!
kisses,
E
I'm at work and don't have your e-mail address here, but couldn't let a moment pass without thanking you for the essay you left for me yesterday. :) Wonderful insights Christina - you apply your education and your heart in such a nice way. Seriously - it was a big help.
Oh my goodness, how utterly sweet!! Your family is blessed!
That is the most precious thing ever!
I think it's pretty clear that they learn their thoughtfulness from you, Christina. You put such effort into making things special for each person there, and delighting in the details of each individual person. They can't help but appreciate and imitate your earnest love.