Valentine's Day...Some hate it, some love it and some grow to realize that everyday is a day worthy of showing the people you love how much you truly cherish them. I like to think I fall into the third category, but if I am truly honest with myself, I have to admit that a special surprise on this day really does make me feel loved. So, the little diamond filled white gold ring that Matthew surprised me with over the weekend really touched my heart and I smile every time I look down at it. He also surprised AC with her first Pandora bracelet. She kisses it before going to sleep at night. But, do not be concerned that he is not receiving his own special valentine because as I type a new top-of-the line triathlon bicycle is on its way to our home. 

But, Valentine's Day is not just about receiving, it is also about giving. This past week, AC and I have been working on the gifts she will bestow. Somehow, she managed to walk out the door without me taking a single photo of the 25 cute bags we made for her classmates, the 36 cranberry orange muffins we baked or even the photo frame she made for her teacher. But, for the record, the bags were stuffed with teddy grahams and tied with pink and red ribbon and little notes that read, "I can't 'bear' being without you", "To: A 'paw'-sitively  great friend" and "To: A 'Beary' Good Friend".

Lastly, I was able to squeeze in a few fun crafts to add around the house for the occasion. I'm only adding them because when AC saw the first one, she exclaimed, "Oh, Mom, that is sooo cute. I just love it!" and then commenced to sticking her finger in it to see what it was made of. (It's colored epsom salt.) And when Matthew saw the second one, he commented, "I see things like that and I just appreciate who you are. I mean I don't know anyone else who thinks to do that." Really, with comments like that, I don't need diamonds to feel special.

These are really just my adaptation of the wooden
blocks that are all over the blogosphere right now. ;)