FAMiLY | Love Notes...

Today's post is about the "little things"...

My day started off with an early morning drive to the airport.
I dropped J off to fly to Illinois to stay with his parents for the next 5 days.
His dad was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer...
surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. *frown*

Obviously, as much as it'll be nice for J to visit with his parents...
we both wish it was for different reasons.

I definitely wanted to do something special...
in light of the circumstances...
So I got to thinking...

During a normal work week...
I pack J's lunch and send him off with a healthy smoothie or protein shake.
Something else I do is include a simple little note with his lunches - written on a napkin most of the time.
(similar to what I used to do for my older girls when they were in elementary school). *wink*

I usually just jot down something I love about him...
Something I'm grateful for...
Something to lift his spirits during the day...
just something to remind him I'm thinking of him.

He's made several comments lately about how the notes I leave are the best part of his lunch. What?
He even said he sometimes has to restrain himself from peeking at the note...
before he's even driven out of the neighborhood. (Shut the front door!)

I didn't realize how much the notes meant to him.
"That's it!"
I decided to create some SURPRISE daily love notes for his trip...
and hide them in his suitcase. (I'm SO sneaky)

So...
using some things I already had on hand...
mini kraft envelopes, scrapbook paper, pen and a wax seal...
I made some handmade "love notes" to send him on his way...
bundled them together and hid them in his luggage.

One note to be opened each morning he's away...
Each note containing something I'll/we'll miss about him written on the front...
and something sweet written on the back...

I even had Ella participate in creating surprise cards for both grandparents...

and of course for J.

"Have a nice day for your trip"...SO cute.

I ADORE quoting her verbatim and including it in the cards she makes.

It really is the little things that make the world go 'round.

KEEPiNG iT REAL

It was no easy task creating these "surprise" cards.

The cards were easy as pie.

It was the "keeping them a surprise" that proved to be a challenge.

I was making them while cooking dinner...

hiding them each time J walked into the kitchen...

having Clara and Ema help me with the wax seals...

along with the covert photo shoot to document the process.

My thoughts during the wax sealing process:

1. How did/do brides use this classic method for sealing 100+ invitations?

2. I can't wait to try out the seals I have that are specifically made to be used with a glue gun! Brilliant!!

3. I'm glad I only have 4 envelopes to seal. *wink*

4. I would not do this on a daily basis...the napkin notes I normally do work just fine. *grin*

The best part?

During a layover this morning in Tennessee...

J called me.

Having found the notes in the front pocket of his carry-on...

He announced his displeasure when he realized the notes were labeled Thursday thru Sunday.

With no note for today, Wednesday...
He admitted wanting to tear them all open right then and there. *laughing*

I guess I should've included a note for today too. 

I'll know better next time. *wink*