From my boysPrepare to be Sickened. No one has asked, but you are going to hear about my Valentines Day anyways. I put too much work into it to not blog about it. I will give you this: I can not stand sugary sweet writing and will not subject you to it just because our subject is, well, sugary sweet. Are we all settled in? Let's get this over with fast:
This picture was meant to show you what wonderous decor can be made using humble supplies..
But here's the wonderous decor: I really liked the way it turned out, but when I look at the photo all I see is "blinds!"
Can we all agree that Valentine cards sold in stores, meant for children, are hideous? I have searched long and hard and find every last one of them stupid looking. Then Justin found these vintage remakes at Finnigans toy store downtown. I love how they are quirky and just slightly inappropriate. Puns.
Is this why some feminist hate Valentines Day? Chelsea?
There were not enough cards for both boys to bring them to school for their classmates, so I had no choice but to make Valentines with them. Note that "we" attached one piece of candy, like the rules state. Yet my boys came home with Valentines cards attached to entire bags of candy. What is this? Halloween?
Every year I orchestrate our annual "Surprise Justin at work with Valentines" and Davy was my eager partner in crime. It is more work than you can believe, but here's the short of what you should do to attempt such a feat: a couple of days before your surprise, wash and press outfits for you and your boys, so you look your best effortlessly. Cut out and pack any decorations you wish to bring with you. One day before hand, slave away in the kitchen making treats to hand out. I baked cupcakes and sugar cookies and then hide them next door at my Polish neighbors. (Later that night I snuck next door to finish frosting the cupcakes and my chatting kept her from watching Grey's Antomy, her favorite show. She's so angry about it she can hardly speak to me anymore.) Then the day of, pack up your treats, dress your kids, don't forget to look fabulous yourself, drive to down town Portland in pouring rain, circle around looking for a parking garage, haul the treats and kids threw the parking garage and city, find your husbands work building that you have never been to, sneak in via the contact you set up and then ... surprise him!
I think Davy looks cute, a little funny, and kind of tired here, because he is all those things.
Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes
I make these every single year with out fail. I don't know why I even bothered to take a new picture. Rachel points out that she has (man) handled this background paper while at the craft store.
After Surprise Justin At Work day was a singing success, we went out on a date Saturday night. I'll skip most of the details but I will say that Valentines is my husbands favorite holiday and he makes sure and covers his bases with flowers, chocolates, lingerie (see below)*,thoughtful card, dinner, and we caught a movie. But this isn't really about him.By day 3 of Celebration! I had reached my fill, here's our lovely breakfast. I resisted the urge to put a pile of fresh spinach on each plate for nutrition.
I had high plans of setting a really nice Valentines Dinner table, I have all the linens for heavens sake. So much pink and red and pink and white and heart shaped dishes and china with little hearts, but I was done by the time dinner rolled around and we ate off plain white plates. Like loveless peasants.I wanted a cute picture of all three boys but for some reason I joined in. I can't tell you how humbling it is to think you look really good, flirty, maybe even a little mysterious in your frothy pink dress, covered with a blazer, only to see yourself looking like a round-faced dorky mom over and over again in each photo. Since there was no good photo of all 4 of us, I chose this one because I look comparatively less dorky and Whitman looks so cute and eager.
So that is it. The end.How was your Valentines Day?
What did your signif do? Or not do? I'd like to hear if anyone had a spectacularly bad weekend.
What I really want to ask is why do so many people say "we don't celebrate Valentines Day because it's not really a holiday? -blah, blah, invented by card companies." What holiday really is a holiday then? Halloween? Christmas? Mothers Day? I think it's an excuse because the person talking feels awkward making loving gestures. Or is lame. I like both the romance and the sweet childhood innocence of it all.
It doesn't have to take a lot of effort. Buy fresh flowers and kiss her, for heaven's sake.
*That was a joke! As if.
32 comments:
Whitman looks perfectly nerdy. And as you know I am an expert on nerds. Because my Valentine's festivites even included my nerdy husband teaching me how to play warhammer. Must be true love. I love Valentine's day and I appreciate my man who makes it special and isn't intimidated by the comercialized pressure that so many others complain about. I love your tradition of "surprising" Justin at work day. I am sure all of the effort you put forth makes him feel kingly.
Just a word of warning, don't read my latest post it oozes sweetness.
So you have both Polish and German neighbors? "What are the chances?"
Favorite parts: "but I was done by the time dinner rolled around and we ate off plain white plates. Like loveless peasants." and the dorky round-faced mom paragraph. so true!! about how I feel myself sometimes. only insert long-faced for me. you looked good.
I tried to special up our day. mainly for the kids. I don't really buy into most holidays but I'm a good sport about it. And yes! it's almost halloween all over again, candy wise.
Bianca gave me a 1-lb box of Sees so she was my valentine this year.
Quit calling people lame just because they don't have the same view as you. That's lame.
lame.
My German and Polish neighbors are one in the same. She is Polish and he is German but they refer to their family as being German. But if I speak of her specifically, she wants me to refer to her as Polish. And you know how sensitive the Polish are!
wait a minute - that picture of Davy licking the beater leads me to believe that his slobbery fingers were griming all over those cupcakes and cookies that you hadn't out. PLEASE tell me that wasn't the case.
I totally agree! Why do so many people hate Valentine's Day? My favorite line is when people say you should celebrate the love every day. And you should celebrate Christ everyday. Well then we should skip Christmas and Easter!
No lingerie for me this year but that could be because I don't need it. It's what got me where I am now anyway. This year just a card and something on the way. Oh and a 7AM phone call. Time difference! And the kids slept until 8 that morning.
I love your ideas for Valentine's Day. I may steal some ideas and make them my own. Next year isn't too far away to plan for right? Assuming we'll be in the same place next year.
Okay, first of all you make me tired. But it is so worth putting so much effort into something and having it turn out well. And we all know you do baking more than well.
And can I just say that it's through not threw (the parking lot), I have noticed this a few times and I just had to comment on it. You keep us on our toes in certain ways, I'll consider this my turn to keep you on yours :)
Emily - I've corrected her a thousand times, it does no good. she'll continue writing threw. Spelling is her only weakness through which we can all feel superior. At least we can do one thing better than her. She lets us have that.
i don't really care for valentines day because everyone is out on that day and it is so busy...prices go up, reservations HAVE TO be made, everywhere is crowded...i dont care what other people do, but i just find it a hassle and would rather go out almost any other night when there are no crowds, etc., etc.
also, i dont care for all the typical valentines day stuff like chocolates, teddy bears, and candy...i love flowers and gifts, but my husband is awesome about getting stuff like that randomly which i think is more fun because you have no idea (and i do the same).
my husband doesnt care for it either. when it is coming up we ask each other - do you want to do anything? or do you expect me to buy you something? we both answer no and we move on with life.
if i had kids maybe it would be different, but i dont so whatev.
like i said, i dont care what other people do, but for me, and i am assuming a lot of other people, it just seems like such an unnecessary hassle.
I hate it when people say they don't celebrate Valentine's day too! If there is anything on earth to celebrate, it's being in love with the one permanent family member that you get to choose.
This was my best Valentine's day in years. I had a date, that despite the fact that it was only our second date, brought both my child and I small Valentine's gifts. Doors were opened, reservations were made, and dressing up was mandatory (and not mandated by me!).
I think that what people don't care to recognize is that effort makes people feel special. Yes, it's easier to not do anything, but doing something (SOMETHING), makes everyone feels special. The effort doesn't have to be what hallmark is pushing, it can (and should) be tailored to it's target. Give your nerd some nerdiness, or give your princess some pampering. It's worth it.
Several things were especially funny to me in this post, but the winner was the comment about how you look in the picture. I'm embarassed to admit how many times I've thought I looked hot and took a picture and I did not. But I keep persisting because I KNOW one time it will work out...
Nice job on your treats and decorations and plans. I love Valentines Day for the same reasons.
i don't get why one would hate that others don't celebrate it. i mean, i get it if you hate that someone else thinks you are stupid or mocks you or whatever because you celebrate it, that's not cool. but it goes the same way for hating people simply because they don't celebrate it.
do you also hate people who don't celebrate other holidays? or just the ones that you choose to celebrate? june 18 is the anniversary of when the navajos where released from a concentration camp at ft sumner - i celebrate this day - do you? probably not since it does not have as much significance to you as it does to me...does that mean i should hate you and make assumptions about you?
i am perfectly happy not celebrating valentines day. and i dont care if you do or dont, or if you do sometimes.
i do not see valentines day as a reflection of my feelings for loved ones, maybe you do...everyone has their reasons, to each his own.
WHO CARES!
Whoa Carrie! The Navajos WERE released not WHERE released. But I get your point.
I enjoy this post very much! It's very inspiring, the effort is priceless. No it doesn't have to be Valentines Day, but those who's not into this so called holiday, do you put such effort in it at other times of the year your claiming? Do you really go all out in making special treats, gifts, surprises, and meals, etc on some ordinary day? I didn't think so!
Lien
Emily and Jana- I appreciate your editing, threw and through.
Carrie- remind me not to get on your bad side! I think 'anonymous' was saying that she hates the comment, not the person. I'm glad we have something to disagree about.
I don't mean to sound vicious (jana) but rather opinionated.
I don't care if someone celebrates Valentines or not. In fact, it would be easier for me and would make me look better if less people did.
just sayin.
Thanks for sharing Alish. I love seeing all the work you put in to make this little holiday special for your family. My favorite part was your crafty hearts-on -the-light-fixture. So inspirational :)
I really liked Valentines day this year because it was on a Sunday and I felt like I was let off hook from making big date plans and such. We exchanged gifts, hung out in our sweats, ate valentine goodies, and watched a love story (have you seen BRIGHT STAR? Its really slow but by the end I liked it.) There. I shared my valentines day with you. I miss you.
All the controversy over Valentines Day..Jeez..People, of course we all know it's a Commercialized Holiday, like any other Holiday..sadly Christmas has begun to enter what is called "Happy Holidays' What the??? Getting back to Valentines Day..I choose not to partake of this hoopla..Hate it with a passion. I don't need one holiday out of the year to tell my loved ones I love them, that's an everyday action. Okay, since no-one here is pointing this out to Alisha, I'll do it..as members of the LDS Church we are taught to love thy neighbor. c'mon talking about them behind closed doors - really? I wouldn't want to be your neighbor.
All in all I'm with the tough Navajo Carrie..just get one with life!!!
I'm with the tough Navajo Carrie..just get one with life!!
Don't no one correct me I did mean to say get one with life..the meaning is simple
...and without warning, what started as a post about love, quickly deteriorated into a screaming hatefest.
"And that's one to grow on"
I didn't realize we were all so opinionated about holidays!
(Remember, I don't care if you celebrate V-day or not Oh, and my neighbor reads my blog. I would never say anything behind her sweet back.)
As I often note, tone of voice doesn't come through in email, so maybe we have a bunch of good-natured jokers. Or jerks. But this does make me re-think my St. Patricks Day expose.
Dang it! Late to the party again!
Since Sunday was V-Day, I thought it was comical to see who dressed head to toe in red. (oh look at you cute- churchy-valentine you!) That's entertainment! I saw lots of people who go all out on Valentine's and others who loathed the day.
A couple in our ward who have raised 7 or 8 kids call it a pagan holiday and they both sulked around all day. They looked down on everyone who was feeling love-birdy that day. And I tell you what, I enjoyed watching them as much as anything. And I felt a little sorry for them, because it's supposed to be FUN to be in love.
I've had plenty of married Valentine's Days without flowers or a date or some other formal sweet token, thanks to 30-36 hour work shifts. I never felt unloved or unappreciated (because my man is awesome to me all year). And I don't think less of anyone who doesn't celebrate it- like I said, I've had V-Day both ways. But it is really fun to give your sweetheart something they really like and catch them by surprise.
(And it's even better when they do that to you.)
Excellent post- amazed at all the orchestration of the whole ordeal, yummy treats, and especially loved the wording, "loveless peasants". Remember, Wesley (Princess Bride) was a peasant boy...
And you do look good, especially your hair.
Ok, I dressed on Sunday in a red top with a silver heart pin, white skirt and red shoes - yup, corny but I literally can't help it. My hubby never ever forgets Valentine's and usually also includes getting something for a daughter, granddaughter or close family friend so they won't be excluded. This year we were camping that weekend and he still bought a big bouquet of pink roses for all three women to share, plus took me out to eat and gave me a Valentine he purchased. I love the sentiment and reminder that he cares enough to make the effort.
This year I had everything ready to go in a push-the-button-singing red valentine bag that had a black T-shirt with a jazzy red M & M and a heart split in the middle that said "Heart Breaker". And he wore it after church! Gotta love the guy.
PS I bought the bag and Tshirt on 1/2 price last year after V-Day and only had to choose the card beforehand this year. Eezy breezy
I adore Valentine's Day. It is my favorite holiday. It isn't commercial as some people claim, anymore than anything is particularly commercialized.
Having Alisha stop in at work, deliver delicious baked goods, and parade our boys around in their finest clothes is a surprise every year. I hope for it but always assume that the year before was the last year.
I don't think I provided Alisha with a spectacular Valentine's Day this year. I tried to secure reservations at a boutique restaurant and it didn't work out. We were first on the waiting list but all the other losers that made reservations before me decided to go through with their plans.
I do not understand people that despise Valentine's Day. To me it is just as wondrous as Mother's Day or Memorial Day. If you take down one holiday, you take them all down. Just because Alisha and I love the holiday, doesn't mean that we refrain from showing love to one another on every other day of the year. The same logic could apply to Mother's Day so to me that is just a lame excuse.
Thanks Alisha for the wonderful Valentine's surprise. I adore you.
Whenever I read your blog I am inspired to try a little harder and live life a little more elegantly. By the way, I think you look gorgeous and you probably looked even better in real life. Trust a mirror, not a camera. I never trusts cameras. There are very few photos of me in existence - not because there weren't photos taken, but because I destroy any photos that threaten to burst my illusions of beauty!! So what if I only keep 1 photo every 3 years? Thanks for sharing.
Ugh. I totally know what you mean about bad angles and unflattering pictures! Why can't the baby weight just fall off instantly?? Does it really need to linger for a year... I mean seriously!
I like Valentine's Day. I do get annoyed by the "I have no one to spend it with this year..." blah, blah, blah. I got a 3 lb. pink satin box of chocolates. Not really what I was hoping for because I'm trying to lay off the sweet stuff.. but I wasn't going to offend my husband and not eat it (I complained so much this year because I didn't get squat last year). We normally don't go out to eat because we don't like the masses. My husband especially hates large crowds and waiting.
I like to bake too. I'm like Izzy from Grey's Anatomy. There's just something about baking that relieves stress. And my co-workers like the benefit.
Wow. . . just wow. . .
carrie, do you celebrate june 18th all day or half day?
Carrie, why don't you celebrate June 19th? The Day after the Navajos were released from a conentration camp in Ft. Sumner?
I celebrate this day.
DANG! Justin is a lucky man!
I had the second most memorable V-day ever. First memorable was when I went to my first concert (New Kids on the Block). It's going to be tough for Greg to ever top that one... this one came close though.
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