Pillow Journals

Today has been bittersweet...I am saddened that my son is on day three of drinking Miralax (3X each day) and is on a liquid diet ALL day today...I am also nervous about putting Bryce to sleep tomorrow and what the doctors might find...However, I am looking forward to the results to move forward and help my little man become well...I am also thankful, truly thankful, for all the texts, emails and messages that we have received today for prayers that are being lifted!  I know one thing for certain...we can trust Jesus!  As I entered this day with so many emotions for my children...I chose to write in my kid's pillow journals.

I have a journal for each of my children that is just for me and them (and daddy on occasion too!)  I use this journal for encouraging words to my children.  I was hesitant when I started these journals thinking that my oldest would think this was a bit corny.  To my surprise, he is the one that often reminds me that I haven't written in his journal lately.  I have realized that it is so easy to smother my youngest with hugs and smooches but my 10 year old that is almost my height and is wearing the same size shoes as me, is a bit harder to snuggle up with and love on with kisses.  Therefore, I'm finding that he truly cherishes these words of affirmation!

The way our journals work is that they are kept on a bookshelf in my office.  When I am feeling the nudge to write something to my kiddos, I pull it out and begin writing.  Sometimes, it is just a few words...a quick note and other times, it is a longer letter of praise!  I place the journal on that child's pillow and when they go to bed, they see the journal and can read it.  They then have the option to put the journal back on the bookshelf or to write a note back to me and place it on MY pillow!

As my children get older and communication may get harder, I am hopeful that this will be a place of trust and safety that they can go to.  I try to treasure my children even in the small moments with these journals.  It may be as simple as "I was so proud of you at soccer today for helping your opposing teammate get up when he fell!"  Today I wrote in all three journals.  Braydon received praise for his play last night...I was a proud momma!  Bryce received words of encouragement for tomorrow and comforting words that Jesus is always with him!  Rylan's journal was filled with happy thoughts...his smile lights up my day!

I got this idea from the Family Minute website.  They sell Pillow Talk Journals for $15 each.  I've included the link if you are interested.  I loved this idea but didn't want to spend $67 for three journals...so, I created my own!  Our journals are nothing fancy...it is the words inside that are special!

http://www.familyminute.com/article/pillow-talk-journal