Holidays are highlights throughout the year. They mark time, seasons, emotions, life,and important rememberances. They are memory-making times. Holidays motivate me to celebrate life and relish my family.

Valentine’s Day is one holiday I want to make special because love is something to celebrate. And we celebrated all week!

I wasn’t sure I could actually make handmade valentine’s this year and mail them out in time, but I managed to squeeze them in over several days. For Silas’s first Valentine’s Day, I traced his hands, so I wanted to do something with both boys’ hand prints this year. I hope it brings the boys a little bit closer to their far off family.

At church on Sunday, Silas delivered Laffy Taffy valentines his friends. Then, Monday night was date night since we thought it would be nice to avoid the crowds on Valentine’s Day. The Arrogant Butcher was our destination in downtown Phoenix. Stephen had been there before with work, and he gave it rave reviews. I loved the bustling, upscale, artistic atmosphere of this trendy place. Our meal began with a pretzel and cheese fondue, which turned out to be a favorite part of the meal. We also ordered an aged cheddar and prosciutto plate that came with spicy, coarse mustard, razz cherry marmalade and crusty bread. After entreés of sea bass and turkey pastrami, we finished with their blueberry cheesecake and salted caramel pudding. Such a taste treat for two sweethearts.

It was actually in cold on Monday night (can you believe it?), so we didn’t spend too much time walking downtown. (If we look at all tired in this picture, it’s because we live with two tiny boys who often like to boycott sleep.)We found ourselves at a Starbucks just off this courtyard. I was so glad for some alone time with my man!

This year, I decided to decorate the boys’ and our bedroom doors with a paper heart garland and hearts that say what I love about each of my 3 dudes. I can’t remember where I got the idea to decorate their bedroom doors, but I love that the decorations are for them, personally. Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating the ones you love.

On Wednesday, we babysat for our friends, the Horkavys. Ryan and Jen stepped out for a Valentine’s date while we made heart-shaped cookies with their kids. Cream cheese cutouts are something I used to make with my babysitter as a kid.

On Heart Day, I came home from running errands to this cute gift basket from the girls in my MOMS club!

Our Valentine’s Day plan was to have a family picnic in the park with Stephen during his lunch hour, but his work was crazy, so we had our picnic for supper. Our food was heart themed–simple, but festive. Silas loved his V-day Skittles, and my card to Stephen this year was a message in a bottle. Both Cooper and Silas got creative valentines from their Aunt Rebekah.

To my three valentines, I love you ever so much!