Happy Valentines Day!

These 4 people are MY HEART.   I thank God EVERY SINGLE DAY that I am the one that gets to be his wife & their mother.  I get to see these 4 beautiful faces EVERYDAY!  And I love them more than ANYTHING!

photo by: Chris Jenkins Photography

Usually I'm not a fan of Valentines Day.  As you know, my husband is not the most romantic person on the earth.  I KNOW with all that I am, that he loves me...he tells me everyday and I just *feel* it.  Still, I always hoped to be surprised with that mushy love card or nice jewelry box...knowing of course that it wasn't going to happen.  Some years I *might* get a "Love, Brian" at the end of the card, instead of "B". 

In the last year though, I have stopped worrying about what he isn't doing and loving what he is doing.  I would never trade in all that he is for a more romantic valentines day! 

We decided not to get gifts for each other this year.  We have a few trips planned this summer and we are saving up - and this year I was truly ok with that.  I didn't just say I was ok and then get all resentful on the inside - I really was ok. 

Well, you know I can't get him NOTHING though!  SO...I made him this...

It's stitched to look like notebook paper.  I am re-doing our master bedroom in a bit and this is going to go on the wall with our wedding photos.  Just what every guy wants hu?!  needlepoint!  lol - it's more of a "I got this for you for me" gift.  I also got some Reece's chocolates for him too - his favorite.

I bought a tri-tip to cook for dinner tonight for our "special meal".  On Saturday, he mentioned that he would rather fix it on Sunday than on Monday after work...sounded good to me.  Then he told me that I had a reservation at 2:00 on Sunday and I needed to call Amber later...ok.

He, along with Amber's and Michele's husbands, had arranged for the three of us to go to the South Point Spa and spend the afternoon getting pampered!  Really?!  Reservations were already made and we just had to show up! We had a wonderful afternoon getting massages, and sitting in the hot tub and just relaxing and talking - having a great day with my best girls.  When I got home the table was set with candles, dinner was done (tri-tip, homemade mashed potatoes, and salad), the house was picked up, and the dishes from lunch were done. 

Besides Brooke being sick - it was the best valentines day ever.  It's funny how as soon as I let go of my romantic valentines day - that's exactly what happens. 

He really is an amazing guy - I'm lucky he chose me to spend his life with!

Mammoth.....again!

We had 2 cameras on vacation... big ol' Cannon, and the video camera.  When we got home I transferred the pictures to my computer.  Except that I got an error message saying the pictures from the Cannon were not transferred - but already deleted.   I looked in photo shop, and in the file I tried to put them in...gone - UGH!  I am expecting this camera to go out any day - I keep having issues with it.  I whined and complained about it - but I was glad that I had the videos still!

Then today - I was looking for a picture and the photos I thought I lost were here!  I have no idea where they were, but I'm glad they are back!

It's so fun now that both big girls can play UNO!

She thought she was a big girl in this chair  lol

On the first day when we took Alison skiing, my Mom took Ellie and Brooke to play in the snow!!!

Christina let us borrow Maddie's ski bibs (thank goodness because we didn't have any for Brooke!)  and Ellie grabbed these gloves (even though she had her own?! - are they yours Christina?  or Tanya's?  I think I put them back in your suitcase in case anyone is looking for them)

making snow angels

Brooke was SO excited when we told her she was going to play in the snow - she yelled "we're gonna throw FIGHTBALLS!" - she meant snowballs  haha

The snow was so light and fluffy that it wouldn't hold together for a snowman - but it didn't stop them from trying

 She is so stinkin cute - I could just eat her up!

 And this kid?  Just beautiful.

 This is my favorite photo of the whole trip...she just looks so content laying there making snow angels.  LOVE.

And Ellie got a photo of Grandma too!



Mammoth

On Thursday, we flew my Mom to Vegas. On Friday, we went shopping!  On Saturday, we left for Mammoth!

The first day we were there, there was a snowstorm.  It was windy and snowing and we thought the kids would be miserable...so we canceled their ski school, after picking up all the rentals.  Later in the day, we borrowed a helmet from the condo (Dylan's I think?) and took Alison out for a bit.  She did pretty darn good!

 Brian and I skied most of the day.  Meanwhile, my Mom stayed back with Brooke every day.  They had tons of fun playing games, coloring, playing with blocks, baking cookies, and doing laundry.

On Monday, the sky was blue and no wind!  We dropped the girls off at ski school at 9am and didn't see them again until 3pm.  They had SO MUCH FUN.  Ellie was kind of a handful for her coach, but she learned a ton.  She skied with Vanessa both days - and if she is there next year we will request her again!  She took Ellie's attitude in stride and never gave up on her.

 Brooke was glad to see her big sister when she got home :o)

 Alison had a different teacher each of the 2 days, but she did awesome also.  I seriously can't believe all they learned in 2 days.  Al was all over the mountain and LOVED it. She definitely didn't want to leave.

 This is me with the valley behind me...

Ellie doing the giant slalom  ;o)

Al skiing backwards!

My Mom took Brooke on the gondola one of the days, but Brooke didn't like it.  She sat next to my Mom with tears in her eyes...as soon as they stepped off, she started bawling.  So sad.  She was trying to be brave, but didn't like it at all.

One last story that Brian wanted to make sure I got in:  I think it was after dinner and we were all at the table playing uno and Brooke did a stinker and says "hmm, smells like lunch."  We were cracking up!