the ones I love

Valentines Day. It used to mean flowers, a reservation at a great restaurant, a romantic comedy, and a quiet evening with the one I love. That sounds ridiculous to me now. It now means a few hours of making homemade Valentines for a school party, making cupcakes, a breakfast of heart shaped pancakes, dinner in the dining room that ends up on the floor, and about 30 minutes of Secratariat (the movie) while folding laundry.

I wouldn't want it any other way.

Gracie loves anything associated with stickers, coloring, painting, glue, and scissors. I loved my trip to the store with her to pick out the most perfect heart stickers to make our Valentines. My "mother of the year" moment came when we made a visit to the candy aisle. Grace had to pick out chocolates to put in her little Valentine bags. She chose the Hershey's chocolate hearts. I had to explain what they were and what M&M's were. I'm giddy. My job is done.

On Saturday before Valentines, Henry and I had our first night out since Graham was born. Nana was here to watch the kids with a new "Little Bear" video to watch. We headed out to celebrate our friends' 6th anniverary. The kids played with their new ball from Nana & Papa and Handy husband and I enjoyed the homemade chocolates from my Mom.