Valentines, Romance, and True Love

We have had quite the happy Valentines here this whole month. It's a fun holiday to have the opportunity to express our sincere love and appreciation for each other. Hopefully we do it more than this once a year, but February 14th is just another reason to show people you care. I made Caleb an advent calendar this year and it proved to be a lot of fun building some anticipation for the big day. There were all sorts of fun and romantic things to do each night including slow dancing in the bedroom, making each other homemade cheesy cards, pillow talking while telling each other our favorite memories from the dating years etc. It was a really fun 2 weeks looking forward to the next nice thing we could do for each other or share in.

I also didn't want the girls to miss out in the fun, so I made them some mailboxes and we delivered love notes throught the weeks this way. Definitely a fun new tradition I think we'll keep. The girls gave out Valentines at Preschool, and to their friends while being babysat last night. They loved giving. They also loved recieving... Speaking of which they got sent some valentines from their Grandma and Grandpa "Boise". They recieved the traditional homemade card which is always a favorite, and new piggy banks complete with money to put in them.

They both already have a love of money and saving it. This was a great gift, and they both really enjoyed it. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Caleb and I decided to attend a Masquerade Ball together for Valentines. We have both been very excited for it! Originally I was planning a little party with a few of my sister-in-laws, but different plans fell into place. We made our own masks, and we thought they turned out pretty fun and fancy!
Pretty good for amateurs right? Caleb even designed his himself.
And here is the sexy couple! It was so fun and Romantic to get dressed up all fancy for each other and enjoy the night dancing in each others arms. He looked so handsome, and we had a lot of fun together. I got my "hair did", and I felt so pretty, which I am sure all of you other mothers will agree that THAT alone is a rarity! My hairdresser helped me do temporary extensions for it on Friday, and showed me how to do it for Saturday. I loved it!

When I was finished getting my hair done at the Salon all of the women were "oohing" and "awwing" at my hair, and one asked where I was going looking so done up. I told her that I was going to a masquerade ball on Saturday, and all of the other women present were swooning. I took the opportunity to gloat about it(you better believe it!) and one woman said "let me guess, you are single and still in love right?" I said "No, Married, 2 kids, and still in love." Everyone was shocked. I told Caleb, and he seemed to like my response because the next day I got this beautiful bouquet of Roses with this note. Aww! I love that boy.

At the ball there was a live band. We also enjoyed refreshments and entertainment, and even got our pictures taken like we were at the High School Prom...hehehe. I'm still on cloud 9! Funny thing though...Caleb and I aren't bad dancers, but we're certainly not the best. We bumped feet quite a bit last night, and by the end the big toes on both of my feet were worn through my nylons! :) Too cute!
We finished off the date like any good date ends by going to WalMart! hahaha. Seriously! We ran over there afterward and at 11:30 at night, pushed our cart around while in our formals and picked up a few little sweet gifts to put in the girls Mailboxes for today. They were really excited to get them this morning. We certainly do love them!

I got Caleb a little gift, and he got me one too. I just wanted to share what he got me though, because I thought it was so tender and thoughtful. I love Willowtree statues, and I guess you could say I collect them. Look at this perfect one he got me....Dancing! A perfect reminder for our perfect evening. And the title of this one.....Romance!

I had a wonderful evening, but today we had to come back to reality. Caleb was back to work today. He has been so maxed out lately, and I've been going in after hours to help him get some stuff done and hopefully eliviate some of that building stress. Wednesday we were there till 12:30 am. Today he asked me to come in again and help from 12-5. My sister-in-law Bec watched the kids so I could. I ended up helping him from 12-6. We got a lot done though, and I really was happy to help. I love him, and seeing some of that stress ease out of him is worth it. But as I thought about it, I thought you know...this is what Valentines is really about. As the years progress in our marriage I am amazed at how our love continues to grow. It knows no bounds. Last night was Romantic, and defnitely a night to remember, but I honestly feel choked up knowing that we love each other so much, so selflessly. I am happy to help him, and he appreciates that a lot. And you know what, I appreciate that he is willing to let me help, and trusts that I can do the job right. It means a lot to me. And in it's own, insignificant, unromantic, probably not even understood by many way, it shows to me just how true our love is. I am so lucky to be married to my man. I love you Caleb.

I hope all of you have had a wonderful Holiday too. Happy Valentines!