Happy Valentine's Day!

I know not everyone is crazy about Valentine's Day, but I love it! Kalia and I decorated sugar cookies for her friends in Sunday School and had so much fun together doing it. I am crazy about the idea of a day to celebrate love - after all, as Christians, showing love is our goal! I know that it is important for us to show love every day, but why not use this holiday to do some extra special things for the people in our lives who mean the most. I definitely don't think that Valentine's Day needs to be about gifts or spending a lot of money - to me it's more about gestures and thinking of others. Also, it doesn't need to be a day just to celebrate romantic love. I want to show love to my kids and my family too! And if my husband wants to take me out on a special date, am I going to say no to that?! Scott and I are going out together tonight, and tomorrow my parents are taking the family out for a Valentines supper. I did buy the kids a couple of little suprises at the dollar store too, just for fun. I know they don't need gifts to show them our love but I see no harm in having a fun suprise on this day! So, I just wanted to say Happy Valentine's Day to all of my friends and family that are so special to me!

Winter Cottage Getaway!

Last weekend Scott and Dad both had Friday off, so we decided to take off and cozy ourselves up in the Cottage for the weekend. It was just the perfect weather for playing outside, right around zero degrees. The guys each brought a fourwheeler and even gave Kalia a couple of rides. We all had such a wonderful time together, and Scott and I agreed we couldn't remember when we'd had a better time there! Even Jenna could come and join us after school on Saturday. I love having a place to get away with my family of four, as well as my parents and sisters, what a blessing! And there is just something about going into the Whiteshell in the winter . . . the solitude is so peaceful, and you can go the whole weekend without seeing another soul (other than the odd snowmobiler accross the lake). I love appreciating God's beauty in each season and there seems no better place to do that than at the lake!

Writing Kalia's name in the fresh snow

Just Chillin

Story time with Nana - this top bunk is Kalia's favorite place in the cottage - she spends the better part of the day playing up there!

Telling secrets - naughty daddy was telling Kalia to put snow on people!!

Our warm cozy fire

"Look mom, the water's stiff!" (Someone's been watching Bambi :)

Sliding into the soft snow

puttering around together

Oliver was SO much wishing to be a part of the action. He cried a little as soon as he realized that he was being left behind

Making snow angels

Of course, Kalia had to eat whatever chuck of snow she could get her hands on.

Yum yum! What a tasty treat

having a little snooze with Auntie Crissi as we loaded up the vehicles

Snuggles and Smooches!

Here is just a little video of Kalia and Oliver having some good quality snuggle time yesterday night. I brought Oliver into Kalia's bed for her bedtime story (which he loved - he loves reading) and he climbed right beside her and lay down next to her and just started smothering her with tons of kisses. Loved it!