Valentine's Day Mailboxes

I saw a few Valentine Mailboxes decorated on Pinterest, 

so I had to make some for my family!

I found small mailboxes at Target for a dollar.

The other supplies I used were just items I had around the house.

I painted the candle holders with black and white spray paint.

Then I decorated the boxes with with ribbon, fabric and scrapbook paper.

Last year, I typed some "Acts of Kindness" and cut out little sheets

and placed them in a jar in the kitchen.

Whenever someone felt like doing something nice

for a member of the family, they could pull a piece of paper out of the jar.

This year, I changed it up a bit and added a few blank sheets of paper and pen

in one of my favorite mugs!

Now whenever we feel like complimenting or thanking someone in our house

for something, we can write them a small note

and stick it in their mailbox.

The kids want to check their mailboxes everyday,

but the rule is that they must wait until Valentine's Day.

So that they will have dozens of notes to read at once.

The girls (and my husband) seem to really be enjoying it! :)

******************************

The love is your heart wasn't put there to stay,

love isn't love 'til you give it away.

Until Next Year...

Here are a few snippets from the last few days!

On our way to school this morning, our 9-year-old daughter, Trinity, mentioned that she doesn't want to have a family when she grows up "because they are too much work." I thought it was funny, but I did mention it was too bad a little work was scaring her off, because that means she was going to be missing out on a whole lot of fun. She said she'd think about it. lol

My hubby and I got new phones over the weekend. I got a Droid! I admit, I didn't even want it. I had a hard time spending money on this little piece of technology when I know I have a land line and a computer at home. However, he talked me into and I must admit I love it! The girls and I have been playing Angry Birds each night and I have a few other sweet apps, like the Daily Bible Verse.

Well, good-bye weekend and 'til next year, Valentine's Day, it was fun while it lasted. :)

...For that I Thank You (Marriage Mondays)

Dearest Matthew,

If I have not told you lately, let me remind you, that you, my love, are the best thing that has ever happened to me.

The day that we became a couple, the world was transformed into a great big ball of happiness.

My life became more beautiful, and no, it is not cliché. It is a fact.

If anyone were to look back through the archives of my life, they would see that it has changed tremendously.

The sun shines a little brighter. The world seems a little nicer. The grass is a little greener. Music sounds a little sweeter. Smiles come a little easier. Days seem a little shorter.

At the end of each day, as we lay in bed, I never want to go to sleep, because I know that the next morning when I wake up you will be gone. Yes, you will only be at work, but I miss you!

You have been my best friend for three years now, and I cannot even tell you how much you have changed my life. Although, something tells me that you know, and yet, you say not a thing.

Instead, you continue to make me feel as if I am the one. As if I, have changed your life.

When you smile, I can hear the words you have shared with me many times. And I know, deep down to the depths of my soul, that you love me, still.  

When you hug me, I can feel your strength. When things get tough, for us, or our family, you just grin and bear it, for all of us. You hold me, as if you are trying to shield me from the world, and the truth is that you do.

When you touch me, I can feel the tenderness. Like, I am a valuable treasure that you handle with care, as not to break it. You remind me that I am worthy. I know that my words matters, my opinions count, my feelings take priority and my heart comes first.

When you come home from work, my day is complete. It does not matter what we are doing, where we are going, or what we have been through. All that matters is that at the end of the day we have each other.

That I have you. That you have me.

We make this marriage work.

But more than that.

This marriage has never felt like work. Not once.

I truly believe that our hearts were meant for each other.

I do not know what the future holds for us, but I know that
I have never been happier than I am at this very moment.

So for that,

I thank you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love,

Me

Valentines Day Goodies

Happy week-ending friends!

Today I am linking  up to share some of the treats we made this month...

Easy & Delicious Indoor S'more Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 cups miniature marshmallows

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine butter, sugar and graham cracker crumbs until well coated. Press half of crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 5 minutes.
3. Layer with chocolate chips and bake for another 4 minutes.
4. Layer with marshmallows bake for another 6-10 minutes or until marshmallows are melted.
5. Cool completely and place into fridge before cutting into squares.

We tried eating the s'mores fresh out of the oven. They were so delicious! I recommend cutting them into small portions, because they are so rich. We put the rest in the fridge and had them over the next few days. They taste even better when they are cool.

Chocolate covered pretzels are one of my favorite snacks. So we dipped chocolate pretzels, graham crackers and oreos in milk chocolate and white chocolate and sprinkled them with different toppings. We put them in the fridge overnight and then the girls wrapped some up for their teachers. Yum!

 

 

A Valentine Craft, Project 31 & Linky Parties

Happy Monday!
I decided to join a few linky parties today, but first..... 

I am super excited about my most recent (and might I add very inexpensive) craft project!

I ran to Dollar Store on Saturday and picked up 6 floral bouquets, 1 roll of tulle and a wreath.

I have been wanting to make my own wreath for months and I figured Valentine's Day would be the perfect opportunity to do so, since I have never bought one specifically for this holiday.

The wreaths that I have purchased in the past have cost me anywhere from $20-$40, but my homemade wreath cost me much less.

It only cost $8 to make! Awesome!!
Since, I already had the glue sticks, hearts and ribbon,
I saved anywhere from $10 to $30 and not to mention I enjoy this stuff!

Now, moving on to Project 31!



The topic for today is to post a picture of myself in my favorite outfit. I don't have very many pics of me dressed up these days since I am usually the one with the camera, and to be honest, most days I am in t-shirts and jogging pants.

However, I did find a recent picture of me at my nieces birthday party. As I was helping my sister blow up balloons, I took a minute to wave to my husband who happened to be taking a picture.
I'm wearing a LBD from Macy's. I love the layers of fabric used to make it. It has lace, silk and cotton. Being that I am a girly-girl, I love to dress up and I wear dresses any chance I get!

I was also wearing a pair of black wedged boots that I got for my birthday last month.

They are my favorite pair of shoes at the moment. I love boots, but I have a hard time finding a comfy pair that gives me some height. (Notice, even with the heel, I am nearly the size of the kiddos ;o) 

Okay, I have to admit, I was a bit depressed last night, even close to tears! I miss my family! However, today I am extra excited, because today my little Joc comes home and my hubby comes back tomorrow! I can't wait. This house has been wayyyy too quiet for the last few days and well, I love them!

On to the linky parties...

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your most significant other? Florida
3. Your hair? Brown
 4.Your mother? kind
5. Your father? smart
6. Your favorite? chocolate
7. Your dream last night? none
8. Your favorite drink? kool-aid
9. Your dream/goal? author
10. What room you are in? den
11. Your hobby? writing
12. Your fear? evil
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
14. Where were you last night? bed
15. Something that you aren't? tall
16. Muffins? blueberry
17. Wish list item? bedding
18. Where you grew up? AZ
19. Last thing you did? text
20. What are you wearing? comfy
21. Your TV? off
22. Your pets? small
23. Friends? beautiful
24. Your life? peaceful
25. Your mood? mixed
26. Missing someone? yes
27. One place that I go to over and over? Fry's
28. Something you want: excercise
29. Your favorite store? many
30. Your favorite color? pink

 

Show & Tell Friday: Visions of Red

I am feeling lots of creative energy this week. I definitely go through stages. Some months I want to work on the house. Other months I want to write. Some months cleaning the house and making the meals is enough! Yikes.

I figured since I have the desire to paint I better take advantage of it. We had some extra paint left from my office so I decided to do an accent wall in the gym/game room yesterday.

Luckily, my husband came home earlier than expected and helped me.  This room is almost done, but not quite.

When we finished redecorating Trinity's Bedroom , Jocelyn had some hurt feelings. Of course, I had my “be thankful for what you have and happy for your sister” talk with her, but I also decided she would feel better if I surprised her with a few changes.

When she was at school, I organized her closet and drawers a little more and we moved her bed to a different wall. Her room felt fresh and clean and I was excited to see her reaction, sure enough, she came home and screamed! She loved it. J

 Jocelyn's room was decorated nearly 2 years ago. She chose the red walls and hearts theme. I found the curtains at Ikea and picked up her bedding, most of the wall hangings and pillows at Target the week after Valentine's Day when all items were on clearance.

Today, I am looking at my office and I may have a little gold left so I am thinking of adding that color to the wall with the curtains soon.

We have also been adding to our living room little by little, but we finally have a border to put up. Can’t wait to show you the finished product…next week, perhaps!

Inspiration for today is Proverbs 31

“She watches over the affairs of her household, and

does not eat the bread of idleness.”

Today I am linking up at
 My Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday.