Valentines Day

I think snow on Valentine's Day is just the loveliest. 

Oh my stars {well maybe I should say, oh my hearts}, Valentine's Day was so devine. 

For many reasons really; all of the usual ones: sweetness, a day to celebrate love, cards, warmth and goodness. But especially this year because we experienced it in a different way. Anna is away at college and this would be our first holiday without her. Yes, we saw her the weekend before, but the actual day, I've never been apart from her. I was worried about how I'd feel. 

But do you know that God blessed it in such a way that it was better than I could imagine. More on that story coming up. 

Let me back up to over a week before Valentine's Day. On a Saturday I made my 'famous' scones and we had a little tea party before Saturday Mass. I picked out something for the girls to wear on the actual day - something pink of course. I had those all wrapped up and ready a week before Valentines so that we could have a little celebration together before Anna left. 

I'll have to say it was a little bit rushed and we all had the big 'move in' day on our minds (it was the very next day) and there was still packing to do and last minute laundry, the car to pack, on and on. And we were nervous - because we knew we would miss her and because she was starting off in a different room with a new roommate. 

But still, I'm so glad we 'stopped' to have a little Valentine tea part of our own. Sometimes you have to dig your heals in and decide to celebrate even if you 'feel like' it. The scones were yummy (and they were hearts) 

(the week before Valentine's Day... before Anna left for college) 

The girls loved their new clothes for Valentine's Day - and we all loved stopping for tea. 

Then it was 'off we go' - our last Saturday evening together, packing it up and moving her in. 

Before she left, of course, I wrapped up the special candy for her to open on Valentine's Day. (Munsons and white chocolate) When we moved her in I put it (and something for her roommate) on her desk all wrapped in pink. 

On Valentine's Day she was so sweet - she sent us a video of her opening the gifts and it was the cutest, sweetest video of happy Anna. It reminded me of when she was 8. She was truly to excited and adorable wearing her new pink sweater. She was "feeling the love" all day long. 

Our little family of only 3 at home opened cards and Abigail got a big surprise: her first ever heart box of chocolates! Yes, you read that right! FIRST! I found allergy free chocolates and they are amazing. She has been savoring them from the moment she opened the heart box. 

We spent the rest of the evening face timing Anna and just enjoying the day. 

I also baked chocolate shortbread heart cookies for us to enjoy as a little family of 3 on Valentine's Day. 

One little photo of the love of my life and my Valentine since we were 15! Abigail took it and I love it so much. You can see the tired after teaching (and principaling) all day, but the love is there. 

Scott and I went to sleep so happy that night. All warm and cozy with our girls filled to brim with happiness. We are grateful for Anna's joy, her new room, her roommate, and Holy Cross.