Kyle lived to see another day

So after the "Can I have friends over when the house is a pit?" and then the big let down from Mom...and the much anticipated "Fine, whatever." from the boy child...I wasn't sure what to expect when I got home last night.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw.

Kyle had cleaned his room, he'd picked up the living room to the best of his ability, he'd removed a few things and taken a few things down to the basement I'd been meaning to do, he ran the vacuum, taken out the garbage and dusted the TV and book shelves.

I was amazed but cautious.

"Hey Bubba, thanks for picking up. I really hope you don't think cuz you picked up it's ok to have people over tonight."

"No Mom. I'm sorry if I sounded like a spoiled brat. I know it's your night to watch LOST and I know Dad will be home tonight, which is like a miracle anyway so you guys can watch it together. I didn't think about that when Cassie asked if we could hang out."

"It's fine Bub, just try not to do the fine.whatever to me because that really irritates me."

"I know. I'm sorry. I stirred the meatballs again, they smell REALLY good."

"Yeah, we'll eat in just a few minutes."

"Oh after I hung up with you, I ran up to Walgreens I hope that's ok."

"Sure, are we out of toilet paper or something?"

"No. I wanted to get you this." as he hands me a red envelope, which is clearly a Valentine's Day card.

On the front, lots of flowers and a few butterflies.

The special bond of mother and child
Is written with love on their hearts and souls
And makes them a part of each other forever

Inside a few more flowers and butterflies.

Thank you Mom for being all that you are

Forever giving,
Forever caring,
Forever loving,

But most of all
Forever loved

Happy Valentine's Day Mom

Then my son wrote: (in very less than flattering handwriting)

"Mom, I know I tell you a lot how much I love you but I don't think you really know how much. You always say I made YOU the person you are today. You make me- ME. I'm very lucky to have you and I want you to know I don't know what I would do without you. So just in case I turn into a crab once I start high school and forget to tell you how much I love, never wonder if I still love you cuz I always will. Love, Your Bubba Kyle"

Yep, you guessed it...I had to reread the last 2 lines or so cuz my eyes were full of water.

"Oh honey, thanks."

So when Jeff gets home with a card for me and another envelope and he kind of motions for Kyle to go into the kitchen to sign it and I heard Kyle proudly say "Just sign Casey's name, I got MY own card for Mom."

Even though I got 3 cards yesterday, Kyle's was probably my favorite.