Happy Valentines Day

To round out all the February fun, we celebrated Valentines Day on Monday, February 14th. (Jeff and I actually continued the Valentines celebration into the following day simply because it was difficult to find time to squeeze in a date prior to then.) Each day leading up to Valentines Day, I put a heart on Jeff's, Danny's, and Jonas's doors with something that I loved about each of them. I honestly don't know how much they pay attention to those little hearts (actually, I know Jonas loves them and asks me what they say each day), but I love (and need to do) them. It helps me see the positive and really express my appreciation for some of the little things.

Valentines morning started with a feast of everything pink or red, plus gifts for the boys. 

That afternoon, I had the opportunity to help with Jonas's class Valentines party. They got to decorate sugar cookies, read a special Valentines book, made a craft, and played bingo, in addition to exchanging Valentines. This year, Jonas wanted to give out crazy straws that said, "You're a CRAZY, awesome friend." I appreciated all the non-sugary Valentines Jonas received, although I think he would have preferred all the sugary treats.

When Jonas got home from school, I helped him make his Lego car that we gave him for Valentines. Following that, Jonas noticed that I had not received any Valentine gift/treat. He sweetly rushed into the office to make me a Valentines card. Dad came home about that time with flowers and a card for me. He also had chocolates that Jonas bought off of him to give to me. I was grateful that Jonas noticed and cared. That is the type of boy he is...just like his daddy. 

That evening, I got the "heart baker" pizza from Papa Murphy's for dinner. I contemplated making a special meal, but after all the food prep for the Super Bowl, I opted for the easy dinner choice. The boys didn't complain. After dinner, we went to Katie's house to celebrate Gma Penny's birthday. She, unfortunately, has to share her birthday with Valentines Day; however, we try to make it special for her as well. Katie made a yummy dessert and Jeff got her a gift...yes...a bikini. I just shook my head. He said he wanted to get her something she would never buy herself; well, he did! She laughed so hard. I'm pretty sure that bikini is going to be a traveling gift for whoever's birthday is up next. 

As you can see, with all the celebrations of the past weekend, Jeff and I struggled to find a time to squeeze in a date...so we took Tuesday morning off! I am so grateful for a husband who, in spite of all he has going on and all the stress of building a new house in addition to work and church responsibilities, will carve out time for me. For Jeff and I, it's essential. We need those moments to simply be husband and wife; to celebrate our love and to nurture our relationship. In year's past, we've done some pretty unique things around Valentine's Day. So we tried to find something interesting to do...and we did...but it's probably never going to be something we repeat. This year, we decided to take a trip out to the Great Salt Lake. We specifically went to Antelope Island. That is one of the most inhospitable places on this planet! Haha! We just shook our heads at the barren island stuck in the middle of the salty lake. There used to be a ranch on the island that dated back to 1848. We visited the ranch for a self-guided tour, and I just kept wondering how those early settlers lived out there! There are a bunch of bison on the island and we were lucky enough to see a few. Before we left, we decided to hike up Buffalo point to see a view of the lake. I have to admit that was actually mildly picturesque, but the wind was cold and fierce! Was it our favorite date activity? Definitely not, but it was just what we both needed - time with each other. Life can come at us fast, but my relationship with Jeff is the most important thing to me. I feel so extremely lucky to be married to my best friend. I shake my head at how far we've come and how close we feel to each other. That isn't by chance. It has involved humility and effort on both our parts. I'm simply grateful that he wants to work with me. I can't imagine this journey of life without him. He balances me in ways I never imagined I needed. He is my greatest support and my endless champion. I love you Jeff!

(I had to include a final picture of one of our favorite little Valentines!)