By small and simple things. ..

Yesterday, I made Elsie's lunch in the morning. She hasn't had home lunch very often, but really likes it. At the last minute, I decided to slip in a note telling her how much we love her.
After school, I asked her how her lunch was.
"Good. I really liked your note," she said. Then she continued, "The very first time you made me a home lunch, you put in a note, and I have been waiting for you to do it again."
That was more than a year ago. And she's been waiting that whole time. She has such a tender heart and writes me love notes all the time. For a mom who isn't quick enough to notice things herself, I'm glad that she told me. It's hard to remember that she isn't simply an extension of me anymore. And that it doesn't take much time to do something extra, but it can make a big difference.

More family pictures- It's too hard to choose a few. It's like with kids- you love 'em all.

Family pictures for the first time in years!!!

Crystal took these pictures, and I love them! She was amazingly prepared. She even had a blue shirt when we realized we had left Cy's behind and he was wearing a dirty orange T-shirt! All of the kids fell asleep in the car, and one certain girl never recovered from her nap. In most of the family pictures, Elsie has the grumpiest face. It just makes me laugh because I thought she would be the easiest! I love these pictures- especially the individual ones of the kids. Thanks Crystal.