You make my heart pop — skip, and flutter!
Having my two children is quite literally the biggest and best blessing in my life. They truly make my heart pop with excitement, skip a beat when I worry about them, and flutter with joy as I watch their world expand.
Have you ever heard the quote, “Making the decision to have a child — it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” — Elizabeth Stone. This quote feels so true to me. When I see or hear about my children’s experiences, good or bad, my heart reacts. Sometimes it overflows with pride and excitement. Other times, it fills with sadness and hurt. What our children feel affects us deeply, and if we could, we’d protect their hearts forever.
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with my mother. We enjoyed relaxation massages and shared a meal together. Growing up with nine siblings, you can imagine there weren’t many moments of solo time with her. Now, with two children of my own, work, and a very full schedule, I consider any time with her incredibly precious.
As we sat across from each other at lunch, we shared our current worlds. I, always expressive, spoke with excitement about work, day-to-day life, and how I’m feeling about it all. She, in turn, caught me up on a life I don’t always know anymore. As I listened, I sometimes struggled to connect all the pieces, but what I clearly felt was love. I reminded myself to hear her words with openness — to allow her the time and space to share.
My mother and I are similar in many ways, and just as different in others. Do those differences need to divide us? No. In fact, they can connect us — if both sides are willing to truly hear one another.
My mother reminded me that she never once regretted having her children. “They were the best thing I ever did in my life,” she said. She still worries about my now-grown siblings. Nothing would make her happier than knowing each and every one of them is safe and happy. On that, our hearts are deeply connected.
In a strange way, letting go of your children is all you can do. As a parent, you pour everything you have into them. You give what you can and hope like hell it’s enough. Guess what? It is enough.
Mom — what you gave is enough.
Today, my two children and I baked Pop Hearts. These pastry confections are deliciously easy and so fun for young children to make. They’re the perfect addition to any Valentine’s celebration.
How to make them:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out pie dough (we used premade dough from the store, but pastry dough works too). Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out an even number of hearts.
Spoon filling into the center of half the hearts — we used grape jam and Nutella — leaving space around the edges. Place a second heart on top, press the edges together, and crimp with a fork (Ruby’s favorite part). Poke small holes on top for vents and brush with melted butter.
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool for about 20 minutes, then decorate. We used red and white icing, but sprinkles would be a fun addition. Finally, let your heart pop as you taste the sweetness.
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