On the Day of Love

On the Day of Love

• 2.16.2013

On the day of love I decorated the house in hearts... at midnight.  I unknowingly started a Valentine tradition last year when I waited till the last minute to put some love themed decor up around the house and was rewarded with the sweetest smiles of excitement and surprise from Jed.  So of course I had to do it again!  It didn't work quite as well this year because honestly, I couldn't roll my rear end out of bed.  But we did have a fantastic breakfast that included bacon (breakfast is always awesome when it includes bacon!), fresh pineapple, kiwis, and pink puffed pancakes.  It was delicious!  We definitely started the day off right.  (Oh yeah, and we also got to eat leftover red velvet cupcakes that we delivered to our neighbors the day before!)

Bron waltzed through the door--like the knight in shining armor that he is--around noon bearing gifts of strawberries (for Jed and I to share because they are our favorite food) and red roses.  *Awww*  Then Bron insisted that I get out of the house... alone; that means without children in tow.  He planned to work via computer and hold down the fort at the same time.  You bet I kissed that handsome man!

You see, I've been struggling lately trying to find my way out of an awful funk.  I seem to slide into this miserable depression every year about this same time.  I suspect I might suffer from a bit of seasonal depression.  And so far, I haven't found a good solution for combating it.

During this last week I've wanted to curl up and sleep all day.  I've lost the motivation to exercise, to tackle projects.  And since Jed is good at pushing my buttons anyway, my patience has been extremely short with him though I realize it's not really his fault.  Cute things like bear hugs from Jed and laughter from Levi also ceased to brighten my day.  It feels like everything in my life is wrong when in reality, nothing is wrong at all!

In short, I've been miserable and that in turn makes everyone else around me miserable.   

I've thought, "Maybe I need to count my blessings... maybe I need more sleep... maybe I need to adjust my attitude..."  I've definitely gone the rounds with myself.

So when Bron offered several hours of blissful freedom from my round the clock responsibilities (read: children) I was elated!  I felt a little naked as I jumped into the car without my big diaper bag and headed to town.

I went tanning.  (Vitamin D!)
    *Note: I do not condone regular tanning.  Skin cancer + leathery skin isn't very appealing.  This is the first time I've gone in YEARS. 

I drank a coke.  (I hardly ever drink soda.)  

I got my wedding ring cleaned.  (It's so shiny!)

I got a pedicure.  (Sooo relaxing!  Plus, I've got cute toes now.)

I perused the thrift store.  (And found Jed the cutest pair of miniature "milking" boots for $3)

I ate Cafe Rio.  (Mmm... pork.  Get in my tummy!)

And then... I went home feeling relaxed and smiling from ear to ear.

I feel like I pressed the RESTART button.  I feel refreshed.  I feel like I can do this.  I can get through these next few weeks.  I am not a lousy wife or mom.  Spring will come and it is all going to be okay.  (If all else fails, I can go into town each week for a tan and a soda until April.)  Weirdly, life is mostly good again.  Sometimes this mama just needs some "sunshine" and a break, I think.

And so we topped off Valentine's Day at the Young's home.  We couples played some silly games and ate chocolate fondue.  I'm so glad we've found friends whom I don't feel too embarrassed around when I've got red lipstick smeared all over my face!  We laughed and talked and kept the kids up too late.  We had a lot of fun!   

And that concludes my long version of Valentine's 2013.

***I know I've got the kind of husband women dream about.  He is genuinely good to me and loves me unconditionally.  I don't know how I deserved to be so lucky.  I love Bron.  He is truly my other half.

Thank you, Bron!  For this life I have with you, our children, everything.  I love you.