Valentine's Day

We have been under a great deal of stress lately and it would be easy to dismiss Valentine's day altogether, but I am one who believes that during tough times, you need special times more than ever. So, Valentine's day was a priority. I have to admit that we sort of celebrated in small ways from Friday, Feb. 13 to Tues., Feb. 17. It was not a constant celebration, just little things that pertained to the theme of the day, "showing your love."

First of all, every year, we do something for our kids for Valentine's Day. Most years it is a card and a stuffed animal, or flowers and candy, some small gift, usually. This year, Carlos and I surprised the kids with a puppy! They have begged for one for years and I always said that I wouldn't have a puppy while I had a baby. Well, Jakey just turned 3, he's potty trained and a dog's life expectancy is anywhere from 10-15 years. So taking all that into consideration, we needed to take the leap if it was going to be taken at all. So, let me introduce to you...Oliver (picture below). He is 3/4 Yorkshire Terrier and 1/4 Chihuahua. They call those types of mixes, Designer Dogs. He looks like a Yorkie. Anyway, he is very cute and the kids are in love with him...I am starting to fall for him, too. I better love the little guy because in reality, I am fully aware that I will be the one who cares for him most. However, it really comes more naturally to everyone but me. I am learning. And for those of you who don't like little yappie lap dogs, I, too, always said that if I had a dog, it would be a labrador, not a small dog. But, the fact of the matter is that I needed a small dog and one that doesn't shed in order to be able to embrace the idea.

On Saturday, Carlos and I were invited to an engagement dinner with some friends. One of our friends proposed during dinner on Valentine's Day and wanted us and a few others to share in this special occasion. At first I was kind of bummed thinking that our Valentine's day was being overtaken by this, but we really had a great time (Congratulations Perry & Gloria). We went to Piatti in Danville and had excellent food, as well as excellent company. Carlos also got me flowers, which was very thoughtful and sweet of him. He had Jakey give them to me. I am glad that he is already teaching our son how to be romantic and thoughtful:)

Then on Sunday we had some good friends over for dessert. Chocolate cake...mmmmmm. There is no better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by eating chocolate and sharing it with those you love.

Because Valentine's Day was absorbed with friends and not exactly the romantic holiday between Carlos and I that we had kind of hoped for, we had a romantic date and evening last night. It wasn't elaborate or expensive, just hanging out, talking, sharing, and spending time together. I truly love the man I chose to marry. He is an amazing and selfless person. I feel lucky.

After all that, we didn't even exchange our cards until Tuesday (today). There was just never the right moment. I know that sounds funny, but we just didn't get a chance (or remember) until tonight. So....Happy Valentine's Day to everyone (3 days later) because we just barely stopped celebrating it ourselves.