So they'll always know...

One thing that has helped me tremendously in my grief over losing B, is all of the cards and letters he has written me throughout the years.  This man was a writer through and through, and from the time we first started dating, he charmed me pretty quickly with his way with words.  Compliments, encouragement, love letters... he wrote them all.   

Of course now, all of those written words are even more treasured.  They remind me how blessed I am to have been loved so well by such a great man, comfort me in my tears, and give me courage to keep going.  To keep believing my Heavenly Father's plan when I don't understand it.  Those words B said and wrote will always speak to me, even almost prophetically at times.  I've always desired to write things down for my kids to always keep, but now that desire is stronger than ever.  So here are some things I've committed to so my kiddos hopefully always know how loved they are, long after I'm gone.  I hope this list inspires others to make the written word a priority as well. 

1.  Those three little words - Just say "I love you" regularly.  And write it down too.  B and I never ended a phone conversation or left the house without saying this to each other.  Now, I make this of utmost importance in my conversations with my kids.  Time is too precious to forget to say it.  But time also moves quickly and keeps us busy.  So if I only have time to leave a little post it somewhere with those words on there for them to find hidden somewhere, I do it.  I love how they are starting to do the same for me now too! :) 

2.  Time - The "to do" lists will never ever end.  I have to know when to stop looking at them and give my kids some attention.  This is really hard for me sometimes.  I'm a worker.  But again, I've seen how quickly life can change, and I always want my kids to know that they are my priority.  I love Project Life and how I can keep track of all our photos so easily.  Just add the picture, journal a little, and you're done.  It helps us cherish those memories.  

3.  Yearly journals - I keep a journal for each of my kids that I write in on each birthday.  I've skipped a few, but overall, it will be something consistent that they have for when they become an adult.  Maybe even to give them on their graduation or their wedding day. 

4.  "Mama & Me" journals - this idea is from Pinterest, of course.  My older two have one of these now, and N will start his soon.  It's a way for them to express their feelings and ask questions that they may not feel comfortable or find the words to say.  It's private too. They love this.  

5.  Lunch notes - I get consistent with these for awhile and then get forgetful.  But I try. :)  They sit in a drawer full of stationary, near where I make lunches, so I can better remember. 

6.  Love frames - I've been wanting to make these for awhile, ever since I saw them on Becky Higgins' blog.  

I finally got them up in the kids' bathroom, thanks to this printable and some help hanging them.  Not a great picture, but you get the idea of how fun these are.

If you have any other ideas, I'd LOVE for you to leave a comment and share them with me.  The more ways, the better!  The point is that I believe our words will outlive us, and I always want my kids to know with my written words, as well as my spoken ones, how much I love them and thank God for them.   They are such a blessing, and I pray they will know that in their hearts forever.