Travel & Vacation: Little Gifts of Love
Our girls love horses!
When I travel or am away from the girls for more than 24 hours I try to do something special for them. Many times I write a note and put it on their car seat or pillow or a place I know they will see. However, when I go on longer trips or happen to be away for several days I try to leave little gifts of love to remind them that I am thinking about them even while I am gone.
I left this Horses! by Kathy Wilmore book for them to read while I was away on a trip earlier this year. On the book was a bright orange flower sticky note that said:
Brina and Karlie, This is a book that both of you will enjoy about horses! I love you and think about you everyday. Looking forward to showing you pictures of our trip. Love , Mom
I wrote the note following the circle shape of the flower so the girls thought it was fun to spin the note as they read it. They love this book and pull it out often to look at.
Ice cream cone bubble gum holder!
Two little ice cream cone bubble gum holders were left hanging off the piano for the girls to find. Another little gift of love and special treat for my sweet girls.
Easy craft gift of love left for the girls – Pooh Paint with Water Book
I found this Pooh Paint with book at Goodwill for 25 cents so I picked it up for the girls. It was a great simple craft that didn’t make a huge mess for those watching the girls while we were away. The yellow heart note reads:
Brina and Karlie, Here’s a “fun” water painting book for you to enjoy while we are away! Love, Mom
Each girl got a cool new cup with a note inside
One of the little gifts of love I have done is get them a cute cup with a note inside for each girl. This is a picture of one of the cups I gave them this year. They both still use these cups. The notes inside read:
I LOVE YOU KARLIE KOOL KAT!!!
I LOVE YOU BRINA BEE BEE!!!
Little bucket full of goodies
I hung one cute little bucket with a necklace, silly bands, a popup balloon message and a note on each of the girls dressers. The girls still have those buckets on top of their dressers full of items that mean something to them. It was a lot of fun putting these together for girls.
God gives us Courage book
On Karlie’s pillow I pick a book called God Gives Us Courage. In the note I wrote:
Karlie, I know how you love books. Here’s a new one for you. Remember God is always with you and we are praying for you! Love, Mom
Book – God Gives You Patience
On Brina’s pillow I put a book called God Gives You Patience. Her green heart sticky note said:
Brina since you enjoy books here’s a new one for you! Remember God love you and we are praying for you everyday! Love, Mom
First Day of School “Love Notes” for the Kids
Brina and Karlie’s first day of school love notes
Every year on the first day of school we write a “love note” to the girls. They always look forward to receiving and reading their notes. It is something simple to do on the first day of school but it helps remind them of how much we love them especially on a busy day every year.
Love notes for the girls on their breakfast bar stools
In our family we try to do as much prep work (make lunches, lay out clothes, set out plates / bowls for breakfast, vitamins) the night before. The girls know exactly where to find any breakfast notes or surprises. I have found that by having items laid out the night before the mornings go much more smoothly. The kids get a great start to each school day and it is less stressful for me.
The girls always like to read their notes on the first day of school
