A-P-P-R-E-C-I-A-T-E

It's been 14 days (!!!) since Brandon has worked a "normal" 8-5 schedule. Thanks to the Sportsman Show and a Fleet Show in Indianapolis (can you hear my sarcasm), he will be gone until next Monday, another 5 days (yup, 19 days total)!!!

We did get to spend Valentine's Day together and I am TRUELY thankful for that. Eva has been holding on to every minute she has with Daddy. I went as far as making her a "countdown" so she knows when he's getting back and activities she can look forward to along the way. It seems to ease her sadness a little, until I hear her shout again, "I missssss my dadddddddddddyyyyyyyyy!!!"

Although it sounds like I'm journaling my complaints, I actually want to remind myself, in words, how powerful it is to be appreciated. On Tuesday, we enjoyed breakfast and dinner together, sans kids, but my eyes swelled with tears when Eva brought a bag into the kitchen from the Hershey Spa.

"Here you go Mama, it's chocolate!", Eva pronounced proudly. I gave Brandon the squinty eyes that said, "We said we weren't doing gifts", and proceeded to thank Eva for the package. Inside was indeed, chocolate (Hershey Kisses from the ladies at the front desk), but buried deeper was a Hershey Spa gift card. Before I had time to question, Brandon explained.

"This is NOT a Valentine's Day gift. This is for you, because you are a wonderful mom and you are appreciated. I know you have worked countless hours over the past couple weeks and it does not go unnoticed. I love you and I appreciate every single detail and thought that you have for me and the kids. (Gulp)

If my husband has these genuine words for me, despite my bad attitudes and complaints, how much more does God appreciate us, His kids? Words are SO powerful. They make walls fall down. They break curses. They heal and they create.

Partner with Him today and appreciate one of His kids. You are a mouthpiece on the earth, being used by Him. Go!