Happy Valentine's Day

There's no better way to acknowledge this day of LOVE than to share another note written by my Dad. This note was sent to his baby daughter, my lovely sister, Donna.

My dear baby valentine,

Just thinking of all the good things that I'm blessed with and of course you popped right out at me. I thought of how I love that girl and said "why not let her know". I know that we say that when we say good-bye or at the end of a telephone chat, but I want you to know that I love you truely from my heart. I'm so glad and thankful that you came to bless our home if only for a moment.

Love always,
Daddy

Donna, too, has fond memories of how our Dad recognized us on Valentine's Day. Too often we look at this day as one for lovers, often forgetting that love extends to many different people. And all these people need to be reminded of how special they are to us and how much we love them. This note from Daddy melted Donna's heart, just as mine had done to me. These words and what they mean are more valuable than any store-bought gift. Such a simple, inexpensive gesture, yet one to last a lifetime.

Just as Donna and I are thrilled with our notes of affirmation, we want to pass the same good feeling on to others. We love our family. Each of you hold a special place in our hearts. I couldn't ask for three children I'd rather have than the ones who belong to me. I have the best sister in the world and I wouldn't trade her for anything. I'm thankful that my parents are close by and always there for us. I cherish the nine grandchildren that have brought such joy and laughter into my life. Cheryl and Patty are the best friends anyone could have the privilege of having.

I'm proud to be Robin's wife even though he can be one gigantic stinker sometimes. I'm sure he can say the same about me. There's an innocent, playful boy inside of him that can be as endearing as it can be in need of a good time-out. I love you, Babe, and appreciate your willingness to accept me and all my imperfections.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

My Priceless Valentine

In today's mail I received the most precious note. It was from my Dad, whom I call Sugar. I want to share his words for they mean the world to me.

Dear "Peg of my heart" Valentine,

It didn't take this season of love to draw my attention to the fact that I have a wonderful daughter that I love dearly. I know that I say that hurriedly sometimes, but I hope you take it to heart as my true feelings. I'm so thankful for you and I wish you the very best in life.

Love, Sug

This short note was so unexpected, yet appreciated more than I can say. I've always known I'm a part of a select group of people who not only have surviving parents, but parents who are still together. They will celebrate their 63rd anniversary next month. However, when I shared these words with Allison she reminded me again of how lucky I am to be a part of such a select group. How my kids would love to receive a note from their father this Valentine's Day. I know how blessed I am and my children and I know how very blessed they were to have the kind of father they had, if only too briefly.

Growing up I remember the times my Dad would surprise my Mother, Donna and me with candy on Valentine's Day. Our favorite was Millionaires, a delicious combination of caramel, pecans and chocolate. And two weeks before I gave birth to my first child, Ron, my Dad gave Donna and me two big red and white stuffed dogs. It made no difference that I was married and about to become a mom, he still gave me a Valentine gift.

This little note will go into a special drawer where I keep my written treasures. There is no gift from my Sugar that I would cherish as much as this note. And there's no candy any sweeter. Thank you, Sugar. I love you, too.

Post-Valentine Post

Robin and I usually discuss the upcoming Valentine season and consider if we want to join the commercialism or disregard it all together. We never eat out on Valentine's Day since neither of us wants to wait two hours for a table, reservations or not. I haven't lost my sense of romance with age,but have gotten a little more practical. If we do decide to celebrate by eating out, we do it the day before or after.

This year we decided to give each other a little token gift. Robin said he needed a belt and I wanted a new , thicker chain to go with the necklace he gave me for my birthday. I went shopping and selected two belts, one brown and one in black. Then, I spotted the Tommy Hilfiger boxer shorts with hearts and thought I'd like to see my guy in a pair of boxers. I added a fourth little item to the box, a tin of Altoid mints covered in chocolate. It wasn't much, but it was something he asked for and I was happy to oblige.

Robin handed me my little jewelers box and I fully expected to open my new chain. Imagine my surprise when I saw the beautiful pink sapphire and diamond earrings to go with my Christmas ring and birthday necklace! Not just surprise, mind you, but egg on my face as I glanced at his heart-infested boxers! We were definitely NOT on the same page. I scolded him for spending so much on me for a simple occasion like Valentine's Day, all the while ripping those earrings from their box and sticking them in my ear. Notice I didn't demand that he take them back.

Thank you, Baby, for making me feel like a princess!

Valentine Baking . . .

Or How To Make A Mess With Grandchildren.

Robin and I kept Jude and Baylee today so their parents could have a deserved day out. Part of our activities included decorating heart-shaped cupcakes I'd baked the night before. We used a strawberry cake mix for its pink color and the complimenting strawberry frosting. We had sprinkles and small heart-shaped cookies to adorn the tops of the cakes. This was Jude's and Baylee's special Valentine surprise for their parents.

As a boy, Jude found the activity fairly mundane. He ate the second cupcake he iced, and opted for sticking a cookie on top of the thrid cupcake without any frosting. Then he was off for more male-oriented fun.

Baylee, however, stayed interested long enough to frost 5 cupcakes. She had her own technique: ice a streak on the cupcake, lick the knife, ice a streak, lick the knife. I made sure those cupcakes made it home with Mom and Dad. Both little angels had "Happy Valentine's Day" ready when their parents arrived to take them and their masterpieces home.