Happy Valentine's Day - Reasons for Loving and Feeling Complete

I've never been one to get holiday photos taken of my children.  I take a lot of pictures, all year round, and I make sure to take their pictures for each birthday.  BUT, when we are cooped up in the house during a Polar Vortex, there is nothing better to do!  So, Happy Valentine's Day from Ella and Tyler!

To me, Valentine's Day is just a Hallmark holiday.  There is no reason we should have a day set aside to let someone know that we love them.  That is one thing that I always tell my children - and when I'm angry or they are getting in trouble, the conversation always ends with I Love You.  

Ella - I can't even begin to count the reasons why I love her.  Since the day she was born she was the easiest child in the world.  She is kind and sweet and always puts others before herself.  I know that sounds extreme for a 6-year-old, but she truly is kind-hearted.  Bryan and I always joke and say she's going to be a politician because she always wants to please everyone.  If you ask her what tastes better, she will say both items for different reasons.  If you ask her if she loves mom or dad more (in good humor), she will say both of us.  If you ask her what her favorite color is, she will mention 2.  She is a people pleaser.  She cannot stand to see someone cry, including her brother, and she will do anything to bring a smile to those around her.  In school, Ella works hard and recognizes the importance of good manners and hard work.  She will try anything at least once (except certain foods) and she will be proud of herself for doing so.  When I see her dance I tear up, because to me, she is absolutely beautiful on the stage.  When her feelings are hurt, it breaks my heart too because there is nothing worse than seeing your child hurt.  She is truly and honestly my glimmer of hope for the future.  

Now we move on to Tyler.  Every family has the one that pushes the boundaries a little bit more than their sibling(s).  Tyler is my boundary-pusher.  With that being said, he does so with a smile that can absolutely light up a room and eyes that melt your heart.  He is a 3-year-old heartthrob.  Seriously.  He is the perfect blend of spunkiness and sweetness.  I love Tyler's drive.  When he wants something, he will do whatever it takes to get it.  He is persistent when it comes to doing things independently.  We could be in the middle of something, anything...playing basketball, folding laundry, going to bed, and he will look up at me and say I love you, mom.  There is nothing sweeter to hear in the world.  He is absolutely hilarious on the basketball court and his sense of style is one of the a kind.  There is nothing I love more than to hear his footsteps running into our room in the morning (or sometimes in the middle of the night).  I love how he playfully teases his sister and I love how he charms all of the women in his life.  He will grow up to be a charmer - and his dad and I will make sure that he treats his women right!  

Put these two together and Bryan and I are literally laughing more than we are not.  People often ask me why I'm not having anymore kids.  To be honest, the thought the of not having anymore makes my heart hurt a little bit - especially when I see newborn babies.  BUT, we also have 3 children.  Ella was born in 2007 and was a beautiful, healthy baby girl.  In 2009 we had our Ethan, and although he's not with us today, he is still a part of our family and we celebrate him.  In 2010 we were blessed with Tyler and he is healthy.  We have a boy, we have a girl, they are both healthy, and we are more than complete as a family.  I wouldn't trade what I have for anything in the world.  Plus, if we had another we would have to switch from man to man and play a zone defense.  

Until next time...