Valentine's Memories

Valentines Day is always a very special day in our home and this year was certainly no exception. Jimmy and I did not argue when Abby instructed us to stay in bed until 9:55, although the time was later adjusted to 9:00 since it was taking too long to get to the originally scheduled time. When we walked out of our room, we noticed arrows taped throughout the house guiding us to the perfect seats to watch a special Valentine's Performance. Even Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer made an appearance singing about his Valentine Nose. After much applause, the show was concluded and we gave the kids their goodies from us.

Next it was time to make brunch. Saturday brunch has become a big deal in our house. Everyone has their part. Josiah is the master potato peeler, Abby then fries them up in a pan to make perfect hashbrowns. James helps Daddy with Belgian Waffles or holds Jonathan while Mommy cracks eggs. Aliya loves to stir and help set the table.

After brunch we enjoyed several lazy hours...Mommy and the girls worked on crafts, while the boys played and Daddy read through his hiking books to find new hikes to take the kids on this summer. Then it was off to the final Musical Performance at church. The kids were amazing ~ we were so proud of them.

Dinner, of course, was "fancy". This is the favorite part of Valentine's Day for our kids. One of the few times a year they get to eat on China plates and drink Sparkling Cider from fancy glasses by candlelight.
They each helped prepare Strawberry Shortcake for dessert - the older 3 sliced strawberries, while Aliya taste tested them (imagine that!)

One of the highlights of the day for me was bedtime...and not because that was when Jimmy & I got to kick back and watch a movie together, but because James had made a very special Valentine picture for me in the journal we share together. It was two stick figures with big hearts on their chests. He explained "This one is you and this one is me. What you can't see is an invisible line that connects our hearts together. Anytime I miss you, my string pulls on your heart so you can think about me too. That way we are always connected together."