Cupid is at it again...

After a rainy and dreary January, I had to get some fun, bright Valentine's decorations up. My garland from last year disappeared, so I had Kayti help me make some more. I still want to do something to hang from the mantel, but I don't think it's going to happen any time soon. I had fun making a few new things for this year, though.

We made this banner during Stamp Club this month, and I knew it would be perfect in the entryway

The full view of the mantel

Candy! And Kayti made the "artwork" in the frame

Candles, and fun fabrics

I saw this idea, or one similar to it, on pinterest, and had to make my own version. It is all stitched... the lines on the sewing machine, the lettering and heart by hand

Kayti made the fun heart chains

L-O-V-E blocks... made from a 2x6

More heart chains, hanging in the dining room

What fun decorations are in your house this year? What are your plans for Valentine's Day? We will have our traditional family Red Dinner. The kids have requested lasagna this year. Happy Heart Day!

Today I LOVE {10 & 11}

I have 2 wonderful older sisters, Carol and Kathy. They are 18 and 15 years older than me, so we really didn't "grow up" together, but they have always been a big part of my life. I'm so grateful for both of them and all the things they have taught me. They have always been there when I needed them, and I love them both so much!

Kathy lives in Idaho, and only makes it down to visit once a year, if we are lucky. She came last year and helped take care of me after my surgery, while also taking care of mom and dad. One Sunday morning when we were all getting ready for church, daddy couldn't find an empty bathroom. He was grumbling and I told him he should be counting his blessings... he would have NEVER been able to get into a bathroom at all if all 4 of us girls had grown up at the same time! Wow... what a wild ride that would have been! :)

Today I LOVE {9}...

My father-in-law! He is such a gentle, soft spoken man. I appreciate his thoughtfulness. I see a lot of him in my husband, and I'm grateful for that.

Today I LOVE {8}...

My mother-in-law! I'm blessed to have a good one.

When Barry and I got married, she told us that she would try really  hard to be a good mother-in-law and not butt into the middle of our marriage. She has been wonderful, and I'm so lucky to have her.

She is a wonderful Granny to my kiddo's too. Even as old as my kids are, they jump at the chance to go spend several days with her. She spoils them rotten, and they love it!!

Today I LOVE {6 & 7}...

Oops... I fell behind a day.

Today I LOVE my younger sister because she is so willing to serve others. She has lots on her plate, but she is willing to "add another helping" and take care of our parents, too. Love ya, sis!

Today I also LOVE my mom! I appreciate all the things she has ever done for me. Some days she may not know who I am, but I'm grateful for all the memories I have.

Today I LOVE {5}...

My daddy, and the twinkle in his eye when he is up to no good!

My daddy is mischievious, and loves to rough-house and poke and pick on people. Today in Sunday School we were talking about 1 Nephi 17, when Nephi is commanded to build a ship. His two older brothers are giving him lots of grief, and finally have to be chastened by the Lord. In verses 53 and 54 of that chapter, the Lord tells Nephi to stretch forth his hand and shock Laman and Lemuel, and I can't help but wonder if Heavenly Father didn't have a little twinkle in his eye at that moment, too.

Month of Love

I've stated here before that I try to make Valentine's Day a day of love for me whole family, not just my sweetheart. This year I had the idea to dedicate a different post each day of the month to stating things I love about each of my family members. I'm running a little behind, so I have some catching up to do...

These are some of my favorite people... and some of the things I love about them.

Kayti
I LOVE that she loves sappy chick flicks and will watch them with me!

Josh
I LOVE that he loves little kids. I think he is going to make a great daddy one day

Kyle
I LOVE that he gives such great hugs. He's such a bit teddy bear.

MeganI LOVE that she is so artistic and free-spirited with her art. And she has a great sense of fashion, too.