Show LOVE...And Some Red & White!

Love is defiantly in the air today...but first let me say....

...Isn't it funny that one day....one silly day can bring out the best in people...it's kind of like Christmas where everyone is a little bit nicer to each other regardless of your relationship...why can't it be like that every day or at least more often instead of labeling a day to be nice to each other? I am guilty of it myself and for some reason this thought kept creeping in my head today. Why don't I show...not just tell those I love more often? Why don't I do special dinners and cards for those I love randomly instead of doing so because of the date on the calender? Why don't I take more time to reflect on how truly blessed I am by the little moments that surround me daily? This Valentine's Day I also realized how we are so critical of each other. This is my first Valentine's where I feel that some feel like this day to show/tell love is a competition. I am here to tell you folks...this is not a competition. It's not a competition on which kid brought the best valentine's to school, or which husband gave the most flowers or which wife bought the most expensive gift for her husband or that one would choose to give a valentine to every teacher, friend, co-worker and family member she knows. What has brought us to compare or judge? It should never be about who is better or who gives the best especially not on Valentine's Day. It should be about how you perceive this day and how YOU choose to express your love to others. Everyone is different. I can tell you that me personally would never want flowers from my husband. I would rather have something different...something thoughtful that has meaning to us as a couple. But to another woman....getting flowers may mean something truly special between her and her significant other or she/he may really want flowers. But does that mean that someone who didn't get flowers isn't loved? NO! Another may want theater tickets, another may want dinner, or chocolate or jewelry or a pair of shoes...some may want a room remodeled, or taken to a concert....some may honestly not want anything. Some may not have the money or means to buy so they do something different. It all means the same if it was given out of love.
When Mallory and I did Valentine's cards....we sat down and I explained to her in a 3 year old way what Valentine's Day was and that she would have a party and we would make some cards for her friends. She truly enjoyed this process. I as a mother choose to give out cutie oranges for her Valentine this year. And we really got to giggling about writing "cutie" on the cards. We then made some special Valentine's for Mallory's grandparents. I then thought that Mallory's teachers should receive just a little card just to show some appreciation for all that they do for not only Mallory but for myself as well as she really has grown a liking to a few of her teachers. Does this mean that I was trying to suck up or out do anyone? Absolutely not! It was a special time for Mallory, Mick and I to do some crafts at home and to show someone that they are appreciated. This was just our way of "showing love." Then I heard another mother mention a comment about how her child just gave "an old fashioned" card with a piece of candy. That it wasn't creative or off Pinterest. This is really stuck with me as I almost felt like she felt bad about the gift she gave. It should never be this way! Her gift was just as special as any other Valentine that Mallory had received. When Mallory and I got home and went through her goodie-bag...she loved hearing who each treat was from more than the treat itself. 
For some reason, this has really stuck with me today. I truly truly hope that we can start to stop. Stop comparing and/or judging as what means something to me may not for someone else. Some may not celebrate this day at all, some may choose to give cards, some may choose to give flowers, some may use words instead of gifts, some may use Pinterest, some may not.....BUT IT ALL SHOULD MEAN THE SAME. Love! It should all be about love and not comparing. We should start loving each other more every day not just on February 14th. And not just love for couples...but love for your parents, for your co-workers, for your teachers, for your friends, for your siblings, heck for a stranger....we all have someone to love!
Okay...now that I am off my soap-box...I truly truly had a fantastic day with my family. Just me and my family....showing each other a little extra love. And I truly hope that all of you had some extra love in your day as well....regardless of how it was done or shown.

 Mallory's valentine's for her friends at daycare.

 Daddy was extra thoughtful today...he made Mallory a home-made card to go with her gift from us. 

And of course...danced with his princess!!

 Mick also made me a home-made card which is his M.O. Mick very rarely buys me a card...he always makes his...which are always a lot a bit hilarious and little bit romantic. lol! He also got me this Griswold dutch oven. We have started cooking with cast iron and LOVE it...although we both admitted that this was more of a gift for Mick...I think this was his way of getting something he wanted without getting yelled at. lol! He also made another card and put it inside the pot with money for Mallory and I to go get our hair done so he redeemed himself. lol!

 Part of my gift to Mick was this dinner....Years and years ago...before Mick and I even got engaged, we took a trip to visit his sister in Florida. We went to Harry's Seafood restaurant and had the most amazing Seafood Eggplant Pirogue. He talked about this meal FOREVER!! Everyone that we know has probably heard Mick mention this dinner. Every time I would ask him what he would want for dinner...this is what he would request. I never made it for him...until tonight.

 We had our own candlelight dinner with Mallory. We made it special by eating in the dining room...which we never do. Mick was pretty pumped for his dinner...I asked if it tasted like Harry's and his reply..." I have no idea. It was too long ago." lol!
 Which I do believe I nailed it. I would make a few changes next time I make it but I will defiantly save the recipe.

Mallory loved eating in the dark. We put her special Valentine she made at daycare as our center piece....don't worry...Mallory didn't partake in the wine drinking...lol!

Meanwhile.....

 Last weekend...we went to JHS Alumni Basketball game. Mallory was so excited to dress up in her "cheer" outfit...which happens to be an old dance recital outfit that a friend gave us.

 Where does she get this from?

 I'm thinking this picture is just too too cute!

 Working on her moves....as much as I would love Mallory to play sports..

 I believe she has a genuine love for cheerleading/tumbling.

 We shall soon see.....

 She was so excited when we arrived....she ran right out on the court and did her own little cheer.

 Then we ran into Marley from daycare! This also made her night!!

 Look at these two! Love that they will be growing up together!

 Love this picture! Mallory kept putting her arms around the both of us and hugging..

 This picture....this sums it up....she LOVES her Aunt Dana....

 Her cheer in the car was "I Love Jacksonville!"

 Go Red!

 Go White!

 Miss Katie (Mallory's teacher at daycare) was on the alumni cheer team. She has a special place in her heart for Miss KK and Taylor!!!

 Now this is showing some love!!!

These two are something else!!! LOVE IT!!

 It was so nice on Sunday..50's in January in Illinois...I will take it....

 We allowed Mallory to dress herself...so she of course put on her "dance" outfit and Cinderella necklace.

 She was learning to "pump" on the swing.

 Another cute photo of Mallory at the game!

 Then Thursday we went to my cousin's regional basketball game for girls. Mallory again dressed up in her "cheer" outfit. Grant and Dana went too. Mallory was confused on why she didn't see any Eagles as they are the Liberty Eagles. She was pretty funny...until she realized I didn't bring her pom poms....oh no!

 These two also share a special bond. She just wanted to love on him and Grant was so into the game....Love this picture!

 And then this happened....I allowed Mallory to dress me up....I was a pirate princess.

 Not sure what was going on here but she wanted me to wear the tub on my head....so I did...the hanky? Not sure!

 As soon as I questioned the last photo...she took the hanky and put it on my face and then put the tub back on my head...think she is trying to tell me something?

 Not Impressed....I then turned into a flower fairy? Not sure what that is but it sure itches!

 YIKES!!! The things we do for our children when we tell them to use their imaginations!