note box

A few weeks ago the kids asked to do a craft. Ill-prepared to lead them in a typical craft, I suggested they create a family mailbox. I'm sure its not an original idea. Probably saw it in Family Fun magazine or something. But I brought out all the craft stuff and an old shoe box. I cut a hole in the lid and told them we were going to make a 'note box' for our family. Kinda like a mail box. We can decorate the box together, using anything in the craft supplies that they wanted. And then throughout the week, whenever we felt like sending a letter or note or picture to eachother, we could slip it into the mailbox. And every Saturday morning we'll check the box to see if anything came 'in the mail.'

Its been SUCH a treat to see how the children LOVE to hear words of affirmation, and how they love to show affection with their words. I had no idea how much they'd enjoy this project, but they DO!! And I have to say, I love it too!! I love to slip in a note about things I notice or see, and I think its great to affirm eachother in front of eachother (especially mommy & daddy to eachother in front of the kids too!)

Here are a few samples of the notes written:

"Daddy, I am excited to watch The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe with you! Love, Reagan (I wrote it for her, and she drew a picture on it)(oh, and its the animated Narnia, not the Hollywood one.)

"Dad, just so you know that you are the best dad someone could ever have. i love you so much and i care for you to. you are the coolest dad someone could ever have. so that's all i wanted to say. love, Zach"

"Reagan, could you be any cuter? i love cuddling with you and letting you rub my scratchy face. and i love watching you dance. i am so glad you are my daughter. i love you very much. Daddy"

"Zach, thank you for being such a good helper to me with Daniel! I love you! mom"

"Mommy, you are so special to me. I love relaxing with you and sharing our lives together. I am so happy to be on this journey with you. love Daddy. PS you are doing an incredible job w/our children"

"Reagan, you'er the best sister. I'd never want to get another sister. You are the best sister. I love you so much. just so you know that I love you and I care for you. So that's all I wanted to say. love, Zach"

"Daddy, thank you for working so hard and providing for us. You are a great dad and my best friend. I love to watch you play with the kids. I love to snuggle with you after they go to sleep. Love, Mom"

"Zach, I love playing catch with you and watching baseball with you and reading books with you and playing games with you. I'm so glad you are my son. I love you and am very proud of you. Daddy"

"Reagan, I really enjoy cooking with you! love, mom"

What an encouragement this little box has been for all of us!!