Happy Valentines Day!

One of the days, that I ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, down to the core of who I am,

LOVE LOVE LOVE

VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

I haven't been the greatest this year like some, ahem Lady Dunbar. But I am trying. Tonight we are keeping the tradition of Family Valentine. The table will be set, with the finest china, and glasses for all. The only light will come from candles, and there will be music streaming from the ipod nestled on the counter of the kitchen (Thanks for the reminder Cathy). Then tomorrow we get to keep the tradition set by some loved friends, and have Valentines surrounded by other marriages that support us and love us.

However, this year I pose this challenge: LOVE your Valentine. Simple and yet hard I know, but seriously. It doesn't have to be expensive, or fancy, or super elaborate, but I think now more than ever we need to celebrate our marriages. We made a promise to these men, to love, honor, and cherish them, until death do us part. I know of too many marriages right now that are crumbling or about to. I can't help but think that if we put work and effort into our marriages like we do when we are happiest on this weekend, we might be able to fight off the enemy. So I for one, am picking up the pieces of a stressful life and going to make my HONEY and little cupids some dinner. We will probably watch Charley Brown Valentine, and snuggle on the couch or make Big Bed. Not glamorous, but I hope they feel the love. NOW go love on your cupids.

P.S. When I am stressed out, I like to cook. I mean COOK. So following is a menu idea in case you are stumped for ideas, for Valentines, or any other night. Seriously can be done quick and easy, but the rewards are GREAT!

Menu Idea:

Tri-tip (premarinated from Costco)

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: (They are from the box. Add 1/3 cup sour cream for every 4 servings and shredded cheese. Follow cooking instructions without adding time. For super fancy add French Onions around rim and bake until they are golden)

Dinner Rolls (mine are homemade, but I am super stressed! Pillsbury Grands are great too)

Salad (Hubby picking it up at store right now)

Brownies for dessert (cut with a heart shaped cookie cutter for cute factor)

Wine: Whatever your fancy

9

The puppy wants to be in on the celebration of Bubba's birthday. In a sense, they both got presents that night! He LOVES to shred paper.

( Picture taken by Missy: age 5)

This weekend, my "Little Guy" turned 9. He has grown so much in so many ways. This past year was a big one. A year of maturing, gaining a more developed sense of humor, and most importantly growing in his Faith. I couldn't be prouder of this guy, and wish there was a way to keep him 5 forever.

Missy picked this gift out herself. This is how she shows her brother love ~ Star Wars! He loved it and loved that she was so proud of it. He even busted out his other sets, which are going to be outgrown sooner than I like, and played with her. She got all the girl figures and some Ewoks. IT was too cute. I absolutely love the way they love each other.

Lemonade........

A blogging friend has made her entire blog about taking lemons and making Lemonade.......http://sashabrodeur.blogspot.com/.............



This has got me thinking A LOT lately. What strikes me about Lemonade, is the time it takes time to make it. You can not simply look at lemons on your counter or in your cute bowl and Wahlah, Lemonade. NO, it takes a bit of time and effort. This is also how I work through my feelings and emotions, with time and effort. Otherwise what I find myself doing is reacting too quickly and getting impatient, and my reward: a big ol' mouthful of sour lemon juice with extra bitterness! So I am working on changing that.


When I am stressed out that both kids are home sick, my Lemonade: extra time to get homework done for me!


Bubba's birthday is fast approaching and I am not exactly ready, my Lemonade: Family and friends who are running around town for me buying food, baggies, and whatnot because they are out and about, and I am not.


No idea what to make for dinner because I am too sick and there is SO much else to do, my Lemonade: Friends who help me order it, or family who brings it over

There is a lot right now, that I could choose to be bitter, angry, or selfish about. However, I am going to choose to take my time in reacting, add a LOT of sugar, and make the best darn LEMONADE, that God would be proud of. After all, HE is our final taste tester, and who wants to be found bitter?