A Very Happy Valentine's

Well, I had planned to post yesterday on Valentine's Day, but it just never happened. It was a busy day, but full of fun! Kendyll and I baked Daddy's favorite cake (strawberry with strawberry icing....yuck!) and decorated the dining room for a Valentine's dinner. This was so much fun to do with my big girl, and she enjoyed it so much. When Mark got home, Kendyll met him in the garage (because she had been listening for his car!) and led him in with his eyes closed to see her "masterpieces"!

Our sweet Valentine husband & daddy brought each of us a red rose, which Kendyll thought was the sweetest thing. (She was also VERY excited to add them to her pretty table for dinner!) We watched a Valentine video and took a walk, and played outside...what is up with this crazy weather, anyway?! Then, Granddad brought Valentine surprises over for the girls, and they loved every single thing! Isn't it amazing how much children can love Pez dispensers, aluminum tins full of candy, and red and pink stuffed animals so much? Kendyll has carried her tiny Care Bear and card everywhere since her Granddad left and Carlie hasn't forgotten about her Pez that I have hidden three times now.

Then, we had our yummy Valentine's dinner....in two parts. Kendyll and Carlie had pink alfredo pasta with strawberries, red jello, and strawberry milk (I know, it sounds disgusting!). We pretended to eat with them and even had Kendyll's famous dessert. But, saved our steak dinner for later (we grilled out and even sat outside for a while---in February!)

Once the kids were in bed, we took time to do our own Valentine's dinner childless and enjoyed a wonderful meal, had great conversation, and just spent time being together. It was a great end to a very fun day.

I think this Valentine's might have been my best ever. Kendyll enjoyed this Valentine's so much with the school parties, home decorations, Valentine's for her friends, baking fun, and her out-of-control excitement. While licking the cool whip spoon yesterday, she said "Mommy, I think Valentine's is my very most favorite day."

The second part that made this year the best was our date with sisters and spouses (and boyfriend) for an evening away. We had such a good night together and loved the concert too (although I could have handled more Nichole, since she was only the opener for Casting Crowns!)

But, the best part about this Valentine's hands-down was my surprise gift from my sweet husband. We had decided not to do gifts, so I was surprised when he said he had something. But, when I opened it, I was speechless. My Mark (who is not well-known for his writing ability or desire) wrote me a four page letter, expressing his love for me and our family, making commitments and promises for our marriage, and telling me specific actions he wants to take to be an even better husband (he couldn't get much better, let me tell ya!). It meant the world to me. And, I plan to re-read it quite often, because the words were so sweet.

So, overall, a GREAT holiday at our house. Now, today has been filled with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and grocery shopping....back to the real world, I guess. We have company coming in town for the weekend, and we are SO excited to see our dear friends, the Posey's! We don't get to visit often enough with them, but when we do, it is such a wonderful time.

Now, I better get back to cleaning. I already got "distracted" as I walked by the computer to put towels away! Oops!