Bulletin Board at church for Dec/Jan

Painted tray for two of  my brothers, for their birthdays. (Since I didn't get them done for Christmas.) I did them both pretty much the same.

Bulletin Board for Feb/Mar at church

Valentine gift for my VT ladies made from : M&M's, Hershey's Kisses and and bath scrubby, a straw and pom-pom in a clear plastic cup. 

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! It's a great salutation for a special holiday, but everyday should be celebrated with loved ones. Not just one day a year so the companies that promote valentines make money off of our sentiments. I have a hard time with all the commercialism associated with all the holidays. Back when I was a little girl, I remember making our own valentines and doing special things for those we love...even kicking valentines. Kicking valentines meant that you dropped a valentine card sneakily (is that a word?) on the doorstep of a friend or someone special and then running and hiding before the person opened the door. It was supposed to be a secret admirer thing. Half the fun of the whole thing was not getting caught! In school it was fun and exciting making and decorating a card holder to put all the valentines in from fellow students and maybe even that one secret love. As I got older, I looked forward to watching a romantic movie, reading a good love story, or making a special dinner that included something red and heart shaped for the one I love.  Now that I'm even older I am happy to just get a greeting card (homemade or store bought), and maybe some chocolates or flowers from my honey. This morning I made pancakes and ham/cheese scrambled eggs for breakfast for the two of us. He bought me a Subway sandwich for lunch and we watched our daily favorite oldie rerun of Rockford Files while we ate it. It was good! We exchanged cards and I gave him a bag of assorted candy and he was happy. Tonight for dinner I'm fixing Taco Soup, as requested by my sweetheart. It's one of his favorites. We will probably have pudding for dessert and watch our usual shows on TV this evening. What more can I ask for? Hurrah for the routine of married life and comfort of consistency! Seriously, it's been a nice Valentine's Day and I even have clean laundry, too, because today is Monday (my regular wash day). Love is in the air!

"LOVE"

The word 'Love' evokes many thoughts and feelings. February is the month we celebrate it as a holiday, but what is love, really? Love should be second nature, but sadly it is not for some. When I hear the word love I think of Christ, my husband, my parents, children, siblings, friends, service, hearts, chocolate, and a miriad of other things come to mind. I just gave a lesson in Relief Society on Charity/Love One Another and the focus was more on the pure love of Christ and service. Sometimes we get so caught up with our busy lives that we don't really take the time to cherish moments of opportunity to serve others, especially those closest to us. I have a wonderful husband and family that I'm pretty sure love me. I know that I love them! I also love my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the gospel, the prophets, scriptures, temples and everything in between. I'm just happy that I live at a time when we have so many opportunities and freedoms. It is not always easy to serve when it is needed most, but we are so blessed when we give of ourselves and are following the example of our Savior. I find that I miss the times that I spent with my parents and their love more as I get older and realize what love is truly about. I hope that I have set a good example for my children and grandchildren to follow. I find it most gratifying to give of the talents that I've been given, by making and sharing things with those whom I love--family & friends. I love the idea of love and the feelings that follow when that love abounds in the world instead of hatred and crime. Yes, there are bad things in the world, but there are also good things in the world, and good people, and love is still alive and well! Smile and show someone that love...the simple things count, too.