a special treat

Russell and I got to hear the famous Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli perform in Austin the weekend before Valentine's Day. It was simply amazing...to hear in person. We also thought it was pretty neat that Benjamin's music teacher was singing bass in the choir behind the orchestra. We had good seats, but couldn't get good pictures because of the lighting. I've included a few video clips I found from youtube from his concert in Austin. Thank you, wonderful husband, for a special & relaxing evening together!




Andrea Bocelli & Heather Headley - 02/10/12, Austin, Texas
I can't help falling in love with you
Amazing Grace - so, so, so beautiful
Another beautiful piece.

Valentine's Day 2012...

It's always a great day when you get to have a party at school! (according to Benjamin). Thankfully his party did NOT involve candy....1 cupcake for each kid, then fresh fruit & veggies to fill up the rest of the plate. I'm so thankful his school is health conscious. We enjoyed a few sweets at home that evening (I had fun dipping strawberries & making cookies, however it was nice not to have a boy on sugar overload. Chuggington items from the Target $1 bins were a great hit as well as the glow sticks. It was fun. Papa went along to help at the school party & to see inside his school. Thanks Papa!







Next up...my hubby's valentine's gift(s) to me. He probably won't be able to top it next year, but that's okay. I will not complain!

sweets & smiles

We have lots to smile about around here...beautiful weather again, happy & "well" boys, & even a new niece/cousin born on 2/14. How sweet is that?! Check her out...she is precious. My husband is saving our Valentine Dinner for a special evening together when we go on vacation soon. Can't wait!

Sweets & More

Cream Puffs for my wonderful parents...
Checking out the loot in his "ish" cup...
First taste of a chocolate covered marshmallow...serious stuff!
Benjamin, a son after my own heart....we share a deep love for chocolate.
We've been eating quite healthy around here lately, so it was fun to splurge for the weekend & enjoy a few tasty treats.

Hope you had a sweet day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I never thought I could love someone
The way that I love you
It's impossible to put into words
But I love you that much, it's true
I loved you before I saw your face
And before I knew of your charms
But when I looked in your eyes,
You found your place
Deep in my heart and safe in my arms.
-Gina Marie Lauchner

A special party with best friends! Thanks for the fun times.

Favorites in February

Lammes Candies' chocolate covered strawberries

Looking forward to Spring being here soon!

Kisses - Benjamin's spontaneous, quick kisses that he gives us "just because" and Trevin's new trick: planting his open mouth on my cheek & sucking...so warm & slobbery!

Red roses

Books of the month: A Kiss that Missed by David Melling

Hugs & Kisses by Christophe Loupi

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet by Jamie Ford

Hot tea: Tazo's Vanilla Apricot White tea

{picture taken at Lori's baby shower....beautiful}

Happy Valentine's Day

Live, Love & Laugh - enjoy today.

M: "Benjamin, will you be my valentine?"
B: "Nope, I am my valuntime."
M: "Okay, maybe Daddy will be my valentine."
B: "Okay, I will be your valuntime too!"