VD

I will defer to Jill to express some of how I am feeling about Valentine's Day this year.  I don't have teenagers, but I am doing plenty of cheek squishing, kissing and hugging.  Well said, friend!

I hate the commercialism - yet I love LOVE.  And I have lots of it.  And maybe a little of me wants to celebrate it!  However, I don't need overpriced flowers, jewelry (Derek says I wouldn't wear it anyway - and he's right!), or chocolates....no wait, I totally need chocolate!  

I would love to receive flowers some other day (Derek has planted me many lovely flowers!  I like the symbolism of that - living flowers over cut & dying ones).  Not today.  Not on the day when some women build up expectations and are often let down.  Not on the day that makes single people feel lonely (that was me so many years).  Not on a day that Hallmark created.

That being said, here's to love...because I love LOVE!

Cole made us so proud when he wrote his name on all of his Valentine's.  I may or may not have been so proud that I squirted a few tears.  Blame it on the hormones.

Despite my overall less-than-lovely attitude about Valentine's Day, we were completely spoiled on this day!  Cole brought home the sweetest Valentine's for his Mommy & Daddy!  Na brought by an adorable book for Cole (more about this in another post!) and an E-reader for Derek and I!  Opa sent cards and stickers for Cole!  Cole got a bag-o-loot from his friends at school!  And, our lovely neighbors, Mr. Greg & Mrs. Jen left a bag of treats & cookies in the mailbox! 

I chose to spoil my loves a bit too.  I tried not to "buy" in too much but instead made D his favorite cookies (gooey butter) and got Cole a few treats.  I hope that I show them how very much I love them each and every day - with a little extra 'sugar' on this Valentine's Day!

To my family and friends, I love you all very much - - every single day!  Thank you for year round acts of love and kindness.  

Here's to LOVE!
XOXOXO