Happy Valentine's Day!

Last year I made the 52 Reasons I love you for the husband. It was a complete hit, he thought it was so clever and thoughtful. This year I turned to Pinterest, looking for more unique Valentine's Day gifts. I saw a lot of people doing 14 days of love. Where you give a small gift each day in February up until the 14th, you have to include a cute little note with the product though! It was pretty easy coming up with cute little sayings, but proved to be hard to find the exact things needed at the store. I am happy with how everything turned out and think that he was genially surprised everyday when he would find a new treat around the house.

I woke up this morning to a beautiful poem...

What I learned today is that flowers and chocolates don't necessarily say "I love you". Small random acts of kindness go a long way and will be remembered for a life time. When I was heading out the door this morning, the husband told me to plug in my iPod right away and listen to the first song that came on. Get ready for it...it was "You are my sunshine"! *Swoon* He is a keeper. 

Happy Valentine's Day! Today is not just about celebrating the love you have with your significant other, it is about showing love to all of the special people in your life.  

Update: I wrote this blog before the husband had come home from work. I was pleasantly surprised to see him walking through the door baring gifts. 

Chocolate covered strawberries. My favorite! I hate to admit that I ate these all in one sitting,  probably faster than I should have. I should have rubbed them all over my body...for my enjoyment, not his ;)

And my favorite flower

A heart shaped pizza for dinner. Great ending to an amazing Valentine's Day!

**PS. A few weeks after Valentine's Day, I found these on clearance at Fred Meyer.  I should have bought every bag they had on sale. They are one of the best things I have ever placed in my mouth. When I have that urge to have a chocolate covered strawberry, these hit the spot. 

21st Birthday Extravaganza

The best friend's "baby" just turned 21! I cannot believe how fast the years have gone by. Just seems like yesterday that she was in diapers. It has been such an honor to have been a part of her life since birth. I remember her bright red hair and chubby cheeks, the way she loved to dance and sing for others. 

We thought it would be fun to take her out and enjoy all the "21st birthday" things around town. 

The birthday cake that we made for her. It was a little eerie how much the barbie resembled her! 

First liquor store Purchase! 

 We also took her to two casino's to get her birthday money. We gambled for a minute, but could not take any photos to document her experience. 

Cinnebare! A 21 and older movie theater that serves drinks and food while you watch your movie.  We saw Movie 43, which I would not recommend. A pitcher of strawberry daiquiri started off the adventurous day with a bang.  

Second stop for happy hour drinks! 

The drinks are larger than they appear. We may or may not have consumed a lot of alcohol while at this restaurant.  

Final stop was $5 Taco Tuesday. Isn't this how every 21st birthday is suppose to end?? 

I drank entirely too much, especially for being in the middle of the week. I felt like it was my 21st birthday all over again. I may be getting too old to consume so many drinks, I had a lingering headache for 24 hours! Happy Birthday Lane! 

It's never easy

To say goodbye...

Sunrise January 4th, 1921 - Sunset January 28th, 2013

Such an honor for my husband to carry Grandpa to his final resting place. 

Grandpa

Four days ago, my grandfather passed away.

 I have a hard time finding the words that I want to say.

He was my everything.

He showed me what it truly meant to be a fighter and to never give up.

He loved me unconditionally and always had a smile on his face.

Loss is hard and losing him has proved to be harder than I had ever imagined it would be.

What do I do now when I want to call and see how his day was?

I have been trying so hard to keep it all together, I don't think anyone knows how hard this has been for me.

The smile on my face and the strong tone that I have in my voice? It's fake.

The funeral is in a few days, maybe closure will help me to be able to take the steps needed to move on?

He will be missed deeply...

This photo was taken nine days before he passed. I am thankful that I was able to say goodbye and see that smile one last time.