Valentine's Day!

My house isn't necessarily decked out in pink and red and white but there are little touches of this heart-filled day throughout various rooms. It's another great reason for my boys to get crafty and adorn my window sill and walls and other "resting places" with their handiwork and of course, it's a great reason to make those cut-out sugar cookies! It's not my all-time favorite holiday but it's a fun one--and I will gladly participate in the crafting and the smelling of flowers and the eating of chocolate. ;)
   My mom is always so good about sending little packages for each holiday, making the boys feel special and loved from their Grandma states away. We got this particular one a few days ago and we've made it "last", making the anticipation for today even greater. Thanks mama!!

peering inside

chocolate!!! :)

And valentine window decor....with puppies nonetheless.

The boys really got into writing out Valentine's this year--Austin came home from school with his class list, all 39 names, and he went to work right away! Naturally, we did Scooby-Doo ones for Austin and Carson worked on a few Cars ones.

 Like I mentioned earlier, heart-shaped cookies lined our counter-tops and the boys had their creative juices flowin'! 

cookie time!

I have to say that my favorite ones are those that contain crosses. On this particular day that so many people talk of love, Hallmark cards that have the word "LOVE" splashed all over, heart-shaped practically everything, it's also a day to think about the best love ever revealed. It's a love that's nearly unexplainable and above all, unconditional and so very real. When I really pause to think about it, I almost can't wrap my mind around it! I have a love for my husband and my children that run so deep--I would do anything for them! To think that I have a Savior who loves me even deeper...to relish in the fact that He sent His son for me (and you)....if only I can reciprocate even a tiny morsel of that love back to Him. 

 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE. In this, the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (I John 4:7-11)


It's been a simple "holiday" but celebratory with the little things, like heart-shaped PB&J sandwiches for lunch....

Carson and Jovi

...hearing about Austin's party at school....

...and indulging in those heart-shaped cross cookies.

I was also pleasantly surprised today with a bouquet of beautiful red roses delivered from my Valentine and as I stop to smell them from time to time, I am humbled and reminded of an even greater Love from above...and the fact that He chose to bless me with a man like Andy to walk through this life with. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!