You still have time to make this gift. And it is (mostly) free.
December 18, 2013
A friend of mine recently emailed Fatty with a link to this video about moms and their kids (go watch - it's amazing). She then asked his help to make a video of my girls telling me why they are thankful for me and why they love me.
People, this is quite possibly the best gift I have ever received.
Not only was it incredibly thoughtful, but it's a great reminder that even though I sometimes doubt my success as a mother (who doesn't?), my kids don't see me that way. It was something I needed to hear and the bonus is that I will always have it to look back at. I am so thankful for this.
Why don't you do this for someone you love? Your spouse, the grandparents, a friend, teachers....the list goes on. All it takes is a little time, a little technology (iphone, ipod touch, ipad, computer, video camera) and you can send it via email Christmas morning or put it on a CD/DVD to send in the mail. If you have technologically savvy kids, like mine, they can probably do it all on their own with a little direction from you. Heck, if you have extra time, you could even make a movie out of it. No matter how you do it, it will be treasured.
Like I said, possibly the best gift I have ever received. Well, besides the kids themselves. They are pretty damn great.
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My children gave me their permission to post this video on the blog. Please respect our wishes that it not be uploaded anywhere else. Do not pin this video to pinterest, share it on facebook or the like. I appreciate your understanding - thank you.
Oh Erin. That was so beautiful. Those are some very special girls you have there - good job, Mama. What a great idea to share too. Love to you and yours this season! xo
Posted by: SouleMama | December 18, 2013 at 08:11 AM
I cried when I watched that first video a few weeks ago, and again watching this one by your sweet girls. Thank you for sharing! Happy for you. :)
Posted by: Angela | December 18, 2013 at 09:17 AM
SOB
Posted by: Chris | December 18, 2013 at 10:04 AM
Wow, what a beautiful gift! I love how astute they are at recognizing the sacrifices that you make for them. I don't think that is all that common for their age. Good job girls!
Posted by: Wendi | December 18, 2013 at 11:12 AM
So good!
Posted by: Sarah C | December 18, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Oh gosh, Erin, that made me cry. So sweet!
Posted by: Amy h | December 18, 2013 at 11:17 AM
that is awesome and well deserved!
Posted by: Lisa | December 18, 2013 at 01:07 PM
Wow! What a wonderful gift to receive. Such lovely young people you are mothering, Erin.
Thanks so much for sharing. xo
Posted by: leya | December 18, 2013 at 02:30 PM
seriously!! i am sitting here crying... my goodness. it's so good to be appreciated isn't it? we sometimes forget. and this is a reminder to appreciate people around us. your girls are so lovely, growing into young ladies. (and i'm glad to know someone else pops zits!!)
Posted by: beth lehman | December 18, 2013 at 02:34 PM
That was amazing. Thank you for sharing that....much love to you and your family...xoxox Lisa
Posted by: lisa walston | December 18, 2013 at 02:39 PM
Erin, that is so beautiful. Your girls are amazing and obviously so proud to have you as their mother. I can see why you say - there can be no more cherished gift. Thank you - and your girls - for sharing that kind of love with us. Perfect Christmas gift.
Posted by: seashoreknits | December 18, 2013 at 02:44 PM
How special and beautiful this is, I'm getting weepy at all kinds of good things today.
Posted by: Account Deleted | December 18, 2013 at 03:21 PM
oh my goodness, erin. i could not love that more.
xx
Posted by: leslie | December 18, 2013 at 08:11 PM
Erin. Your amazing girls are proof that you are an amazing mother. LOVE this. xo.
Posted by: molly | December 18, 2013 at 08:15 PM
Tears here too! They are amazing girls and you are all so lucky to have each other. What a gift!
Posted by: Julia | December 18, 2013 at 08:56 PM
beautiful!!
Posted by: Stephinie | December 18, 2013 at 09:48 PM
That was wonderful on so many levels. To hear them speak of the sweetness of you, to listen to them recount their individual memories and to see them together so very grown up. You should be one very proud mama.
Posted by: bread and buttons | December 18, 2013 at 10:12 PM
ohmygoodness. What a beautiful gift from your beautiful--inside and out--girls.
PS. Eighth grade rocks...love teaching this age group. Go Middle Schoolers!
Posted by: lauradodson | December 19, 2013 at 07:54 AM
What articulate, thoughtful children you have, and a loving husband too.
Posted by: Ann | December 19, 2013 at 08:09 AM
I am so deep in the woods with a two year old and a one year old and a (not very grateful) nine year old that it was nice to wake up this morning and see that at some point the children DO grow out of the constantly needy phase. Thank you to your girls for agreeing to share that with me this morning. :-)
Posted by: Sarah | December 19, 2013 at 09:41 AM
I'm so touched, I'm speechless. What great girls but look at the stock they come from.
Posted by: Suzanne | December 19, 2013 at 03:00 PM
What a wonderful gift
My eyes are stinging with tears...but there's a smile on my face.
Debra
Posted by: Debra | December 20, 2013 at 01:57 PM
Wow! Typing through my tears. You are a great mom raising great young women!
Posted by: K | December 25, 2013 at 04:59 PM
What a beautiful gift that was! Thank you to all of you for sharing it. I too cried - you are all 3 amazing women! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Crystal | January 09, 2014 at 05:24 PM