Valentines Day

The Hubs and I began celebrating Valentines on Thursday night. Why? Because we're smart people. Oh yes, we made reservations to be sure, but we were able to enjoy and very quite and romantic dinner at Corbin's with very few people around. We hid out, pretty much secluded in our little both next to the waterfall. I don't know if you can tell in the picture, but that is an entire wall of water. Also, the food is just hmmmmm....can't stop saying hmmmmmm....while I eat it. It is THE BEST ROMANTIC PLACE to eat in this here county. It was pretty great to say the least.

Saturday, the Hubs and I were out again at....wait for it.... wait for it.... The Old Spaghetti Factory. Yeah? Valentine Day is also my mom-n-law's birthday. We met up with the Hub's family and showered her with gifts. I would have to say that her favorite was probably the gift we gave. Red fuzzy handcuffs. (For sure. Right?)

Monday morning, I tried to craft with third graders. See picture above. I would love to tell you that's how they all turned out. I'm wondering why at some point an alarm didn't go off in my head, Abort mission...Abort mission. Threading ribbon, gluing tissue paper, tying bows, stuffing with chocolate, nine-year olds, and 10 minutes don't add up. Live and Learn. But look at all it's crafty Valentine-y potential.

On Valentines Day, I gave the Hubs and each of the kids their own box of chocolates. We dimmed the lights and our family had a sweet little candlelight dinner at home.  Hubs brought me flowers and, yes,  handmade chocolates and made our meal. We listened to music while we ate and the Hubs and I danced. I love that man! (I really love that man because that man spent the last two nights watching North and South with me. - all four hours! Did he complain? Yes he did. No.)

At this point I won't mention the part of the dinner that turned into a rousing game of "Do I dare put out the candle with my bare hands?" Let's just say, I'm grateful the house didn't catch on fire and everyone still has their hair and eyebrows.

 I made dessert.

I didn't know I knew how to temper chocolate... *pats self on the back and gives a kiss to the Hubs*

Romance at the Movies

I love Valentine's Day! I really do. I mean I didn't used to. Okay, it's pretty lame if you don't have someone to share it with. But I really love it because my wedding anniversary is only one week later. One of my favorite ways to celebrate Valentine's Day is by watching the juiciest, most transcending, emotion-hijacking romance movies ever made! My husband is so right there with me - so glad to not be watching some testosterone-filled, violent, adventure film. I mean, guys are so not like that....

Here are my all-time favorites. If you have not seen one or any of these, go put it in your Netflix que NOW. Your husband will thank you for it.

PRIDE & PREJUDICE
Not just any version of Pride and Prejudice (but I kind of like them all). It has to be the Colin Firth version - before he played the role of a stuttering king. (Why, oh why is that movie rated R?! Curse you Hollywood! *shaking my fist to the sky*) Seriously, have you not seen this one? I pity you.

THE NOTEBOOK
A love story with a lot of depth. Which was kind of unexpected. There is just a part of this story that won't ever leave your mind because it makes such an impression. But, could I please watch a clean version of this movie? It really was a shame. So could I interest you in a little NORTH AND SOUTH instead?

NORTH AND SOUTH
If you love Jane Austin movies you will {heart} this one! Your tongue will be rolling out of your mouth in the end, trying to lap up all the gooey romance oozing from the screen. This is a movie I will recommend without hesitation.

MOULIN ROUGE
Extremely creative. Tons of eye-candy. This is a musical with amazing arrangements. I own very few movies but this is one of them. If I had to state my ALL-TIME favorite. This would be it.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
*Sigh* In collage I memorized this entire soundtrack. I can play nearly every song on the piano. But alas, I have never seen the Broadway production. (Don't you feel sorry for me? I do.) With that said, I love this movie! And, hello ladies...Gerard Butler.

Calling All Angles

I love these two people! Please meet my handsome nephew Neal and his adorable wife Angie. (If you haven't already - you're missing out.) Please click below. You'll be so glad that you did. Here is a beautiful video that will provide you with the opportunity to give a little of yourself - all in the memory of their angel son Jayden. If this touches you, please spread the word.