I only have eighteen...

Today was one of those crazy days.  

You know, the day leading up to a holiday where you try to prep for the big day.  

I had my list of things I had to get done,

 and I only had a little window of time to do it in.  

Every year for Valentine's Day I try to make sugar cookies for my kids,

 my family, 

and Jeron's family. 

 It is a tradition that we have done for a long time. 

 The families are getting bigger, which means more cookies and more time.  

We heart attack those in close proximity to our home, and send packages to those that live away.  

We make our own picture Valentines for each kid.  

We make cute Valentine boxes for their school class. 

 It is a lot of work and today was crunch time.  

There were little things here and there that kept happening that made it so I was behind schedule. 

 It was so bad that I ended up getting in the shower at 8:00 pm. 

 I was in the shower thinking to myself "Why do I do this to myself before a holiday?  For crying out loud it is only Valentine's Day."   

Then I remember something a wise lady once told me.

  "You only have 18 summers with your kids.  18!" 

When she said that to me it really struck a cord with me.  

It is so true.  

18 is such a small number. 

 I took her council and applied it to everything we have. 

 I only have 18 New years, Valentines, St. Patrick's, Easter, April Fools, Summers, Halloweens, Thanksgivings, and Christmas'. 

 It was then that I realized I really wanted to make these days special for me and for my kids.  

That is why I do the crazy day(s) leading up to a holiday. 

 And lets face it, 18 is PUSHING it.  

Really, I am pretty sure at 15 my kids won't be begging me to go trick or treating with them.  

I not only want my kids to have great memories of the holidays but I want to have them too.  

Last night JJ said to me in a very excited voice "Are we going to heart attack everyone this year?"  Tonight, Emma asked if we are going to heart attack David.  

Emma was telling grandma how excited she was for Valentine's day.  

Elsie had a blast making her Valentine bags for her first Valentine's party.    

She came home today with a twinkle in her eyes.  

She was so excited to tell me about the party and show me her treats.  

It is those things that remind me of why this is so important to me.

I gave myself a little pep talk in the shower.

 I need to put up or shut up.  

 I will  try to remember the wisdom of that lady and remind myself that I only have eighteen______,

 so make them count.