Heart Medicine

Judson and I aren't really into the commercialization of Valentine's Day, and would actually prefer not to go out on a day when EVERYONE is going out... just doesn't seem that intimate and special. So, we try to celebrate each other every day. And, I feel we do a spectacular job of this.

This year, was a little different. The kids are really into holidays. So, Valentine's Day being the next holiday, well, it was fun to promote it. With kids, it's easy to make a holiday more than one day too...

On Wednesday we made Valentines and surprised Daddy at the State House on Thursday with them...

Friday, Judson sent me out with some girlfriends to watch the movie Valentine's Day. I narrowly escaped in time for the movie because Veronica wanted to take my picture with Judson. She likes to pose us so that I put my head on his shoulder. Both kids use their toy cameras like I must use mine. They say, "Ready?" and snap a picture. Then, they pull the camera back and look at the back of the camera to see if they got a good picture. Veronica was not impressed with the first picture she got of us. She told Judson he didn't smile. He insisted he did, but I knew she didn't consider his closed-mouth smile what she wanted. So, Judson exaggerated an open-lipped smile for the next picture. "No, Daddy, I don't want a scary smile!"

On Saturday, I had to work so Judson had time with the kids. They did some stellar art on the chalkboard. Check out Veronica's little snowman (bottom left corner)...



...and Thomas's giraffe. See the spots? the legs? the face? I think it's fabulous!

Saturday night, we gave Daddy some much needed downtime and the three of us followed Kay to Bloomington to see her friend's senior jazz trombone recital. It was INCREDIBLE! The music was jumpin' with 2 trombones, 2 saxophones, a trumpet, drums, a bass, a guitar and piano. The kids sat really well through it and were quite interested. (Suckers helped get us through the slow songs.)

On Sunday, we went to church and brunch with our friend, Jim. The kids were extra-snuggly during Mass. Veronica had me hold her the whole service. Thomas held tightly to Judson except for the few times he snuck over to kiss my arm. The did both escape our arms one other time... when they smooched and smooched eachother!

We introduced Jim to the wonders of the Historic Steer-In, 3 blocks from our house. Jim introduced us to his new iPhone. An amazing thing - especially for a person who has never even owned a cell phone! The kids enjoyed seeing themselves on his phone, so he played photographer.

After a quick naptime, Aunt Peggy showed up with Sally. We made Valentine cookies. Veronica really enjoyed rolling out the dough.

Thomas preferred decorating...

...with sprinkles. Blue ones...

Veronica enjoyed being cuddled up to Peggy most of the evening. Thomas gave me a big hug and told me I was the "coziest Mommy ever."

On Monday the kids were still in love with the Valentine's gifts Peggy brought them. Thomas carried his Spiderman book around all day. Veronica brushed my hair. They both needed their medicine (conversation hearts).

Valentine's Day is good for what ails you... the answer is "heart medicine."