Notebook Messages

 I have been meaning to do this little project for months because I LOOOOVE this idea.  I heard it from a cute dad in an online interview although I can't remember who he was or where I heard it (sorry cute dad, I can't credit you for your inspiration).

I started with simple composition books that you can get for $1 or less at just about any store.  I picked these because although they are much cheaper than $5 or $6 journals, their covers are more sturdy than regular school notebooks.

 Next, I redid the covers with cuter designs and added each of the kid's names to personalize the notebooks.  I coated the covers with mod podge to give them some extra strength so they will stand up to the abuse I imagine they will have to handle.  Mod podge also helps them be a bit more water proof just in case something spills on the cover (geez, I love that stuff).

I only made notebooks for the kids that can read and write for now because this project requires a bit of literacy. 

I have been a little bit concerned the last while that my older kids may not be getting as much mom attention as I would like to give them.  They spend most of their day at school and by the time they get home there is a rush of homework and friends and dinner and showers and bedtime.  I don't ever want them to feel like I am not interested in their lives and that is where these notebooks come in.

This is like a written intercom between each of the kids and me (or Josh).  I will write a note in the book, not every day, but when I have something special to tell them or I saw them do something neat or whatever.  Then I'll stick the notebook under their pillow (hence it needs to be pretty tough).  They will find it and have a note from mom reminding them that they are important and loved.  Then, when they feel inclined, they can write a note back to me about whatever they are thinking and feeling and slip it under my pillow and we start the whole process over.  Josh and I told them about this last night after bedtime and they were all pretty excited about it.

Like I said, I LOVE this idea.  I really hope it will give the kids a chance to feel how special they are, even if life is not full of daily fuzzy moments on my lap (because they think they are too old for that sort of thing most of the time). 

I had intended to put the first note in each book while the kids were in school today (now that the notebooks are dry), but I couldn't find Bryce's book...until I looked under my pillow.  He beat me to the punch.

His note is about the book he is reading -- part of the Fablehaven series -- but that is exactly the point.  I want him to be able to tell me whatever is on his mind so I can keep up with what matters most to him.

I think this is going to be fun!