Valenbots 2023

We didn't even open Valentine's until the 19th of February because we were never all home at the same time. That's the stage of life we are in.

But on ACTUAL VALENTINE'S DAY, Brigham got a special Valentine: his mission call!  To Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.  He opened his call in the seminary building so his friends could be there.

This year was my favorite year for Valenbots.  Even though we made them two days before Valentine's Day instead of two weeks before.  Even though Brigham didn't want to make one.  Even though Allen was on a business trip and I made his.  Even though we are swimming in a never-ending sea of cortisol.

Because when I read the one that Brigham wrote for Truman . . . it was the reward that made it all worth it.  Actually, I have seen that reward every year when my kids express their love for one another with these homemade Valentines--even when they are cloaked in jokes.

This is why traditions are important.  Why modeling healthy communication is so vital.  Because anything that helps us feel loved and valued and appreciated and seen--even something as ridiculous as making robots out of household junk--makes all the difference in the world.

Also it made me cry more than once.

And here are some more stars from our day of family love:

Mollie to Allen

Truman to Allen

Calvin to Allen (because Allen loves WWII
documentaries, to everyone's chagrin)

Brigham to Allen

Brigham to Mollie.  All the boys think they are so
original when they tell her she's their favorite sister

Brigham to Calvin

Mollie to Calvin

Mollie to Calvin

Becca to Calvin

Brigham to Calvin.  So cute. 

Becca to Truman

Mollie to Truman

Mollie to Truman

Becca to Truman

Becca to Truman

Truman to Brigham

Truman to Becca

Calvin to Becca

Brigham to Becca

Oh my heart. 2007 in Arkansas