Sometimes I get crazy, fun, creative ideas and halfway through, wonder if it’s really worth the effort? Creating a birthday video for Ben felt like one of my insane projects– would he really care?
But this time it was worth every bit of effort.
Ben’s letter this morning:
That was the coolest video ever!!
I just want to watch it over and over and over.
and later in his letter
The video! did i tell you how amazing it was? Mom has made some good videos but this one has got to be the best. Oh it was soooo cool.
and again
Oh I just went back and watched the video again. I just had to. I don’t know if I can watch it again though otherwise I just might start crying tears of joy.
Do you guys know how much I love you? Maybe I’ll just write you my own little valentine: you are everything to me. You seven people are my whole world and if there was nothing but the eight of us in an empty universe I be happy just to be there with you. You lift me up, you make me better, you don’t let me give up and you don’t let me fall short. I can hardly recount the number of times when I’ve just felt too tired or not good enough to keep going but the thought of you has kept me going. Lately I keep going back and watching the London video. There’s a part where the bike racers go by and everybody is cheering. I can hear dad yelling really loud and I like to imagine you guys yelling for me. I’m yelling for you too.
I’m sprinting to the finish like dad keeps telling me and it’s hard, but I can do it. Especially with the great videos I’ve been getting.
Well I love you so much. will you all be my valentines?
and finally…
I’m off to go watch my video again.
love, Ben
You probably won’t love it as much as Ben, and I left empty seconds at the end for two SPECTACULAR scenes we are filming on Ben’s actual birthday (a few confetti shots may disappear too). Yes, I shouldn’t share it before it’s done, but Valentine’s videos are better before Valentine’s. Kind of the way candy hearts must make way for Cadbury eggs on Feb. 15th.
Oh wait, one more disclaimer— Mary appears far more than anyone else. After some rebellion during the Christmas video, I didn’t want to force anyone to participate. But after they saw how much fun we were having, everyone willingly jumped in.
last thing– many thanks to Annie Waddoups for the song suggestion; I would have never found it without your help, Annie.
Mama B
Love it! Do you mind sharing how you put together your videos. I just got a new DSLR and it takes videos. I would love to figure out how to put clips together to make a fun video.
Brenley
Lisa
Oh my…sweetest Valentines/birthday gift ever! You have seriously outdone yourself this time! Fantastic job…and like Ben, I’m off to watch it again.
PS…Dean hung his head and said he could never make another video again!
Melissa
You are the best mom ever. Lucky Ben. xoxo
jen
it’s february 13th and easter candy is already in stores!
Annie
Wonderful! I love the pacing and the joy. Happy Ben’s Birthday and Valentine’s Day to you all!
Felicity
Completely magical!! the blurred scene with the girls jumping – just perfect! Thank you for sharing your beautiful family and talents with us!
Adri
So fun!
Amy
Seriously, Michelle… That was AMAZING! YOU are amazing!
Cath
You get more creative with each video. This one is fantastic!! Sweet Ben. Loved his words. Happy Birthday Ben! And happy V-day M-heart. xoxo
Jeanelle
I adore that video – SO FUN. Excellent use of the drums too – glad you found some. So who’s the song/artist? My favorite part of the whole thing was seeing you…and when Erik almost chopped off his hand with the paper cutter…that was great too. Oh and the balloons and confetti. And Mary’s outfit…okay I really did love it!
Shelah
Love it! And I’m so glad the vacuum made an appearance. I kept thinking “all that confetti must be making a huge mess!”
Claudia
Awesomeness! Happy day!
ellen
Seriously, that video is awesome!!! I LOVE it.
Stephanie
That was amazing! I am so impressed! I’m so glad to have been able to help you with the drums, you have an incredibly artistic eye.
Rachelle
I think Ben likes the video, no? LOVED it!