Today Zoe asked, "Is Valentine’s Day when you give gifts and candy and new clothes?"  What the heck is this all about.  I am starting to realize how a culture can be developed.  She is learning by watching…  her grandma gave her PJ’s, she got candy at school, and a student gave the teacher a gift.  We even tried not to make a big deal out of Valentine’s Day–just simple I Love You with some fun cards.  OH BOY!!  See how the expectations get set at a young age?!??!

When I woke up this morning, wait-no excuse me—when I was woken up by Zoe– she was so excited and wanted to know what the cards were on the kitchen counter (which I knew nothing about).  I told her that I would look at them in 8 more minutes when I got out of bed. (It was 7:52 so 8 more minutes sounded good)  Well, it seemed like 30 seconds went by and during that time I heard some rustling of papers and just figured she found something to keep herself busy.  Actually, 20 minutes went by and Zoe was standing at my bedside again asking me to please get out of bed.  She was so sweet and excited about me going to see something in the kitchen.  While I was sleeping, she opened the card that said ZOE (a valentine card from Tim) and she then decided that she was going to color a picture for me and one for Tim so she had a valentine for us.  It was the cutest thing.  She really wanted me to open my cards-which by the way were GREAT cards from Tim-and then she wanted me to be equally excited about the picture she colored for me.   How wonderful is that…  she realized it was Valentine’s Day and wanted to have something for me and Tim.  Zoe is very tender hearted and wants to show others that she loves them and wants to feel loved.  She often tells me that she needs love (when she is having a break down and I am in the process of sending her to her room to finish her episode–very convenient, huh?!) 

I am so grateful for affection.  Doesn’t that sound CHEESY?  I just can’t imagine what life would be like without hugs and kisses and cuddles.  How empty would my life be?  I love for my kids to cuddle with me, I love their kisses.  I love Tim to hold me in his bear hug, I love to be kissed when he returns home.  I am also very grateful for laughter–again, what would life be like without some good laughs?  I love to hear stories that make me laugh!  I could not make it through a day with no laughing.  Tim is very funny and very witty.  He adds tons of humor to my life.  Sometimes I wish that we didn’t have be anywhere but together-laughing and having fun!  I am grateful for cameras!  How would you ever capture moments?  I am trying to be better about pictures-I have a ways to go!  My friend, Lettie, is a good example of "capturing moments."  She has a camera everywhere she goes!  I am so grateful for the many thoughtful gifts Tim has given me throughout our 11 years of marriage.  One of the gifts that sticks out in my mind is a bear from Build-A-Bear that he made for me when he was gone one time.  He added music to it so when you pushed the button it play, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart."  He also buys clothes for me that seem to always generate complements.  Whenever I am wearing something he bought for me, somebody complements my clothes.  I am so grateful that I am almost back to the original me.  I am so close to being discharged from physical therapy and moving on with my life.  YEAH

Happy Valentine’s Day!