I Love you because . . . . .

Valentines Day was on a Monday this year. So, love was the topic for Family Home Evening. We didn't have time for a traditional lesson. So, while we enjoyed our special valentine dessert (vanilla pudding parfaits layered with red raspberries, bananas, and whip cream -they looked awesome and tasted delicious), we played a little game. We placed a bottle on the table and took turns spinning it. Whoever spun the bottle was to say something they love about the person it was pointing to when it stopped spinning. It was really fun. Whenever it was Aaron's turn, he would say he loved that person because they were "tute" (cute) and then he'd giggle. One time, Brigham's spin landed on himself. So, I asked him, "what do you love about yourself?" He smiled and declared "that I'm so righteous." Shane and I just busted up laughing. (Shane often will tell the boys he loves that they are righteous boys. I'm guessing that's why he said that.)

Before Valentines day as Joshua was preparing his valentines for his classmates and decorating his box, Jacob became very concerned about missing out on the Valentine festivities at homeschool. So, he decided that he and Brigham should make valentines for each other. They each made like 15 valentines each. Jacob in his impatience even helped Brigham address his (which means he made his own valentines really). As the "teacher," my part was to make the day fun. So, we played math games and read several stories about love. For lunch we made heart shaped personal pizzas. Then, we played a few board games, made pink popcorn, and decorated sugar cookies. I think Jacob was happy with our party and so I was happy.

Shane and I celebrated Valentines early this year. With Addelyn being so young, we decided to have our Valentines date at home. So, we fed the boys an early dinner. Then, we sent them downstairs for a movie night so we could cook and enjoy a dinner together upstairs. For dinner, we had french bread with olive oil for dipping, coconut chicken with apricot sauce, baked potatoes and perfectly steamed broccoli. We had a really good time.

During our date Addelyn hung out with us and Aaron visited us a few times At one point, he pulled a stool up in between Shane and I and chatted with us for a bit. When I got up to get the chicken out of the oven and saw the table from this view (pictured above), I had to laugh - and take a picture. Notice Aaron's sippy cup and water bottle on the table. I guess this is what a romantic dinner looks like when you have a 2 year-old. And I'm so happy I do!