Fabulous February

 Jan and I made Valentine Cookies

 We also created darling 'jar cookies' for friends.  Do you see the jars?  They have flowers on the lids.

 Here is our work station

 This is our Valentine Dinner

 

 The Ladies in our family gather yearly to celebrate Valentine's.  This all began over 20 years ago.  As our daughters have grown up and married they have joined us.  We numbered 12 with several ladies missing because of far distances or sick babies.  Olivia, Rebecca, Lori, Kelli, Laura you were missed!

 Shannon's little family have been sick most of this month. 

 One evening the "Story Machine" came to tell stories to the boys and to help put them to bed.

  Craig and I worked at the Bishop's Storehouse.

 What other church has a huge storehouse full of food to distribute to the needy AND volunteers who work to fill the orders and deliver the food?  Really, is there another church who does this?

Coupled with my previous posts-this has been a Fabulous February.

Except that our Jan sure has had some sufferings.

When I came home today ( I left early in the a.m. to go to the temple) I was greeted by delicious aromas escaping the crock pot, the dinner table set and a note from Jan "gone to Urgent Care.  Dinner ready by 5.  Be back soon." 

Ups and Downs

Happy Valentines Day! We have had UPS and DOWNS since Jan has been here.
Ups Jan and I have had a great time this week. We have shopped for Valentine goodies, birthday gifts for Darien and new clothes for Jan. I have cut her hair! She looks stylin'!
DOWNS Jan struggles with migraines. It is just awful to see a loved one suffer. The medications are helpful but to be used with the highest of caution. She suffers--for sure.
Ups In some ways she is so much better. The change of scenery has been good for her. Fresh air, sunshine California style is great for the soul! I have read stories where the beloved invalid is taken to the seaside to recuperate, haven't you? Well, it works.
DOWNS The 3 of us were going to go for a late lunch for Valentine's day today BUT Jan is sleeping away a headache right now. BOOhoo.
Ups We have had fun watching movies, talking, laughing, making Valentine's and preparing for the Ladies Valentine's Luncheon on Monday. And did I mention...she has a new hairdo?
Ups There was a Dickens Festival nearby.
Jan and I attended Tea (herbal, of course) with Queen Victoria! We missed you, Lura.

It is here!
Valentine's Day (month). I do love this holiday...do you know that?

She is here. I went to Colorado to get Jan and bring her home to my house. She has been very ill since I saw her last year at this time. Really, I wasn't sure she would be able to make it. But, we did it and she is here. We have even had 2 really good days in which she has felt pretty well. We hope to go to 'Tea with the Queen" tomorrow. Doesn't that sound wonderful?

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day. What am I saying...Valentine's MONTH! From the first sign of hearts and doilies in the stores to the end of the month is Valentine's Day to me! I begin dreaming of the various little things I will do to put smiles on the faces of the people I love.
Because there are so many wonderful people in my life
I must choose simple inexpensive ways to show them I
love them. Often I worry that it was too simple of a gift-
that they deserve more -like a ruby ring or at least a lovely
store bought surprise.

Valentine's Day began in the most lovely way. I attended the
bridal shower of my darling niece, Rachel.

I looked so forward to this morning. Not only would we be celebrating the love of
Rachel and Zack but Shannon and Kelli and my mom and sisters
and their daughters would be there.







We all had the most wonderful surprise. Another of my nieces,
Lauren, had become engaged the night before! She was able to
show off her beautiful diamond ring to us all.
Later in the month all of the gals in my family will be celebrating
Valentine's Day by our traditional luncheon. We have been gathering
in celebration of our love for about 20 years! Each year, as the nieces
get older another one or two join us. We are up to 15 this year.

After the wonderful bridal shower I went home to my LOVE. We
would have the remainder of the day together. Ahh, I couldn't wait
to be with him.

The night before as we were out making Valentine deliveries he
bought me flowers I love, pink carnations. As my sister, Suzi, says
there is just something so feminine about carnations AND they last!


When I walked into the house that Saturday afternoon Craig told me
that I would just have to go from room to room looking for my
unwrapped present.

On the kitchen counter wrapped in a red ribbon was a Bose CD/Radio
with 4 CD changer. YIPPEEE! Now I can listen to my favorite music
as I cook and clean in the kitchen. It's sound is crisp and clear.


Craig and I LOVE music. A stereo was the first purchase we made
together when we became engaged (after the ring (well we didn't
really purchase the ring (that's another story))).


Then we went to an early movie...Shopoholic. We smiled and laughed
all the way through it. We recommend it, by the way.
A yummy dinner
was next followed by a lovely evening at home. Heavenly day!

My next Valentine's gift arrived Sunday after church on


Jan, my sister by friendship, came for a 2 week visit!

That's another post...

It's February!
My favorite month of the year.

The month of lace, pink, and frills.
The month when aisles in stores
are filled with hearts, sparkles, and
Valentine cards that express love .

The month when no one expects a gift
so giving a little token of friendship and love
is just a fun surprise.

THE MONTH OF LOVE