Inbox

There has definitely been a time when I stalked the mailbox - two LONG years while Matt was on his mission in Spain. Anticipation for a letter from "my missionary" would build up daily. My roommates, at different college apartments, knew how important a weekly letter was. My family likely remembers how obviously I'd check the pile of mail during summer breaks. Unknown to him, the mailman became one of my favorite people when he had foreign mail in his hand. When the mailbox was empty, however, I had to again busy myself until the next day's check time. Not such a healthy habit to have. But it was what it was back in the day when there was no such instant thing as dearelder.com.

Now, I recognize a time when many of us stalk our computer mailboxes. An empty inbox can be depressing - especially when an important reply is expected. On the other hand, an unexpected sentence from a friend checking in makes my day. How easy to log on and see if any new emails have come through cyberspace. How easy to log on multiple times a day from handheld cordless devises. How fun hearing the beep signifying new mail can be...

I love getting mail. Always will.
Emails are great, but a handwritten card in the mailbox takes the cake. That lost-art certainly brightens the pile of bills.

When I saw bright (cheap) mailboxes at the local craft store, I had to get them this year. I'd seen ways to craft your own from festive paper, but knew sturdy would prove key in our house. Nothing fancier than simple letters fit my style.

I figured there'd be no more exciting way for Meg to practice her writing right now. I knew Paige would join in with markers and stickers. Why not encourage the writing and reading?!?

So, extending Valentines past one upcoming day, we've been creating and receiving little love notes for the past week. Several times a day I have found the girls hunched over the table with a red or pink marker in hand!

The girls look for the raised flag each time they walk by - emptying it almost the moment it gets filled. If I don't check quick enough, I get a "you might want to look in your box" heads-up! And, with an exaggerated smile, Matt enjoys finding his small pile of heart-covered pages each night. It has been good for me to slow down during the day and compose a short thanks to Matt, a note full of sight words for Meg, a picture in favorite colors for Paige, and a treat for Tyler.

Hopefully, I'm not setting them up to stalk the mailbox as I've done in the past...but am rather creating a spot for them to experience sweets moments of love. Love in knowing someone thought of them and sent them something special. Love in recognizing how much their effort meant to another!

Really does it get much better than "a doll for Paige that a bird is carrying to her in its mouth"?

Or excessive lines on the letter E, heart heads, or a list of favorites?

Or intent eyes focused on the latest mail?