The Perfect Valentine's Day

I know I am a little late on this post, but I had very possibly the best Valentine's Days ever, or more like weekend. It was really the perfect combination of a little of everything.

It all started Thursday morning when I woke up. I opened my eyes and saw the cutest balloon I have ever seen! Grant said that as soon as he saw it, he knew he would be going home with a Teddy Bear Balloon. (He knows how much I love Teddy Bears!) There was also a card to go with it, and of course, it made me cry. I love to see the cards that he picks for me. Sometimes they are silly, sometimes they are romantic, and sometimes they are sentimental. This particular one made me feel very appreciated. That afternoon, the girls and I spent at a little Valentines party with their cousins. The girls enjoyed giving their cousins Valentines. Auntie Mandy helped them make little bagel pizzas and decorate Valentines cookies.

Friday, Grant took Riana and Sariah skiing for the first time (more pictures to come.) You would think that wouldn't be much of a break for me, since I still had 3 kids at home. However, taking Riana and Sariah meant that I had a whole day school free-- time for organizing, cleaning, laundry, and spending time with the younger girls. It was a wonderful day which began with a visit from my visiting teachers, who brought me a large (I put a ring in the picture to show just how big it was) rice crispy heart and scripture bookmark, and ended with Grant bringing me flowers.

And as if that wasn't enough, Saturday we went on a date I had planned. (When I had asked Grant about what he wanted for V.D. a few days prior, he answered that all he wanted was to spend time with me.) So, I found a babysitter (my wonderful Mom and Dad) to watch the kids and we went on a much needed date to the temple and out to lunch. We hadn't been to the temple together in about a year (I know, pretty pathetic, but a bit understandable, with a nursing baby.) We went out to "Claim Jumper" because I had never been. It was a really fun restaurant but not exactly the romantic lunch I was hoping for. We still had a great time though and the food was excellent. The temple was fabulous! I totally felt fulfilled and spiritually uplifted!! It was an amazing feeling, after not going for a year, much like quenching a lengthy thirst with a tall glass of ice water. When we returned to pick up the girls, Aurora had done wonderfully without me, much to my relief. (I worry too much.) The girls had a great time and didn't want to leave. Grandma helped them make chocolate molds. What a fun Valentine's activity! When we got home, we had a heart shaped Pizza from Papa Murphy's for dinner. Then we opened the Valentine's card from Grant's parents, with little animated cards for the girls. They loved them! Next we gave our girls their gifts, little Valentine's mailboxes that I made at a stamping party, filled with treats. (They are still enjoying them and sending little notes to each other. It is very cute!) We ended our day in the perfect way, eating the Strawberry Shortcake I made (so easy and so good--anything strawberry is Grant's favorite), while I opened my gift from Grant-- the camera I have been wanting, (but was definitely not expecting after receiving flowers, a card, and balloon. WoW! I felt very spoiled.) It truly was the perfect Valentine's Day!!