We
have a tradition in our family that I like a lot around Valentine's Day ... We
spend it with the kids ( or whichever are around and single that is ) it's an
occasion that is about love for me and never want older kids to feel alone so
we always spend it and celebrate it together . Usually with a simple meal at
ikea has been the choice . Or fondue at home
Well
this year we were spoiled . We had all three of ours at Trent with us and also
three adorable little kids . I call them all my yummies . Soulkeeper ( sk
) and M&M ( her hubby ) and their three little sweeties ( 7, 5 and 3 )
It
is so fun to see our kids with their kids . Our kids look like Giants ! Cool to
see them in that nurturing role and also seeing how hard it is to pull kids off
technology ( a three year old is no different than a 16 yr old in that respect
! )
It's
so different now that our boys chill with the adults in so many ways now
. Talking totally adult stuff too which is so off to the ears but our new
reality ! And beauty is the best ever with kids . Seriously the best .
We
all had so much fun just hanging out , playing games , sitting by the fire ,
chatting ,tickling the kids . At dinner we sat at the big table eating all the
requested items the kiddies chose ( sausages and beans and rice , brownies and
candy and sparkly water ) and we played discussion cards and took turns
answering questions about families . After dinner the boys and sk played some
poker and laughed their heads off . Then sk joined me by the fire for a great
girl chat .
Then
next morning was valentines and we all left little gifts and chocolates for the
kids . It was so cute to hear them all so excited about treats . We Indulged
ourselves and had the three of them come into our bed and cuddle with us and
tell funny stories . Felt just like old times with our own kids and was way
better than sleeping in .
We
all relaxed and ate breakfast and then headed out into the -25 weather for a
little sliding and 4 by 4 on the lake and a walk . Then the adults went for a
jacuzzi in the bitter cold yet shining sun .
Lunch
was yummy . They made cheese fondue and two awesome salads . With Valentine
chocolates for dessert of course . We all just fit together so perfectly . Age
differences ... Just don't matter . Our kids just adore each other and are as
close as cousins and the four adults just really click . Some great discussions
and laughs . It all just makes so much sense and feels so good .i just feel
that no subject is off limits : there is only love and acceptance and no
judging on any level . Feels so freeing to just be who we are and present
ourselves where we are at . You should hear some of our discussion topic
!!!!!!!
Chase
took a lift back to the city with them to meet a girl at our house he hangs out
with for " pizza and a movie ". He is 18 ! And it is Valentine's Day
! Kinda hard to keep him back with the promises of a fajita and family calendar
!
And
the parents they are is truly inspirational . So many parts of me wish that I
had known these ways and tricks when my own kids were young . No raised voices
, no nagging , no power struggles . Yet firm and healthy discipline ,
boundaries and limits and a tone of attention and love and just being present .
The result : three beautifully behaved happy children with some of the best
manners and behaviours I have ever seen . Very very impressive .
So
much to learn from these two parents . Both were social workers in the past who
worked with teens so still lots of room for me learning and growing there with
our own children as they grow into adulthood . And our kids respect them so
much and look up to them . They are as great compasses as they are cool .
Overall
a weekend full of love .just perfect
Hubby
printed out my annual blog book too which always touches me so much and is
truly among my most prized possessions .
I
love seeing this in print in front of me like a book and also the picture and
quotes that hubby attributes to that specific year . Makes the journey so clear
and memorable
Tonight
he and I going out for fondue and a movie for our own valentines celebration
which I am also really looking forward too .
Life
is good .
