Happy Valentine’s Day!

Remember the fun of getting/giving Valentine’s day cards and candy in elementary school? I was crazy about the Muppets and the Peanuts so those were my favorite Valentines. I also loved those little heart candies that say, “You’re Mine” and cupcakes topped with hot pink frosting and sprinkles.

Now I’m a little older and lean towards Clint Eastwood Valentines. It’s twisted, I know. But cupcakes with hot pink frosting are still much appreciated. Jack’s getting a couple of these oh, so romantic scratch-off valentine’s day cards that I made up for our little V-day celebration.

Ever make your own scratch off cards? They’re super easy. Here’s how >>

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Secret to a happy marriage: A family calendar

We’re going to label this tip under “Communication”, “Respect” and “Commitment”.

Interestingly this little tidbit was told to me years apart and by two different women: “Jane” who was in her mid-fifties with now grown kids and “Sarah”, who was in her thirties, no kids. Both of these women are busy working women as are their partners.

With the demands of growing careers, kids schedules (if applicable), social lives, family obligations and couple-time (you remember that, right?), a family’s calendar can get not just full, but overflowing. Throw in last-minute curve balls like unexpected meetings or a project requiring a late night at work, or a kid-forgot-to-tell-you scenario and you’ve got the makings for a master juggling act that can lead to miscommunication, resentment, frustration, time-crunch and ultimately stress.

For a family with a busy schedule, whether it’s just two, five or ten of you, a family calendar can be your communication saving grace.

Love this dude.

To: Sweets
From: Your loving wife

Once upon a time
at the urging of a friend
I sent an email to a stranger
saying “Welcome to the West”.

Friendship was the motive
simple and pure
taking care of a friend’s friend
expecting nothing, not a lure.

Never in my dreams
did I expect you to reply
with a mix of sass and humor
that would quickly catch my eye.

Emails flew
smiles traded
friendship grew
and we met belated.

Into my life you swept
a Celtic ginger head
tall like a redwood
with a super sexy tread.

You came bearing gifts
great food and great drink
and then did the dishes
causing me to think …

Hmmm.
Who is this man
who wields
a dish rag so well?

After an evening of Scotch
and talking ’til dawn
I could see in your eyes
what you couldn’t tell:

Goodness
can’t be bought
you either are
or you’re not

Loyal
sweet
smart
not a snot.

Over time you lured me
under the canopy of your leaves
for protection and shelter
and a little pretty please.

For all this I am grateful
for time spent and words spared
pursuing friendship and love
with laughter and care.

Today I call cupid
to play a big part
and send you an arrow
containing my heart.

From Asia I hail
one hundred kisses I send
over oceans and seas
’til I see you again.

###

Miss you, sweets.

Happy Valentine’s Day.