love letters

Every weekday morning I pack up school lunches for my girls. And with every lunch, I write a special note on their napkin.

I used to actually write words on their napkins…you know…those things that you read. But I soon discovered that drawings were much more appreciated. Thus, I have begun a series of Sharpie-drawn pictures for them.

They typically fall under the category of fictitious martians, as they are much easier to draw since I can make up any ol’ thing I wanna.

It takes me less than 5 minutes, and makes me feel good that they will see a little glimpse of Mom halfway through their day.

(do not assume that these drawings are fabulous…one day I drew a stick figure)

I was under no delusions, however, that these napkin-drawings were really noticed by my girls or that they meant anything. In fact, I thought there might even be a slight embarrassment-factor there.

Nothing worse than opening up your lunch box in front of all your friends, trying to hide the funny drawing that Mommy snuck in there.

But then a few weeks ago, I found this…

…tucked away in the front pocket of Jane’s lunch box.

All the notes I had drawn for her, saved from the throes of the cafeteria trash can.

Well, golly.

(my personal favorite)

Just when I think that all of my attempts at making my children feel special are moot, Janie goes and surprises me.

Oh, Jane. Sometimes I think you are way beyond your years.

And then she returns to being an 8 year old who complains that there’s nothing to eat whilst staring into a pantry full of food.

Ya win some, ya lose some.

My silly napkin notes may be a tiny bright spot in their day. But finding all of them saved in Jane’s lunch box?

Brightens all kinds of spots in this mamma’s heart.