I Heart Valentine's Day

I appreciate holidays, not only for the fun they bring, but for the deeper meanings they are associated with. You cannot go wrong with a holiday that is all about love. A lot of people enjoy that stretch when Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's follow one after another, but for me, the special days that come next--my birthday and Valentine's Day, give me something to look forward to during the gray months of the year.
This year some of my Valentine traditions were repeated, however, I neglected some of my favorites. I'll just have to pick them up next time! In years past, I've given a special "Love One Another" Family Home Evening and gifted each person a book to foster love of reading. This year, I did give out cards and we watched the best movie ever about "twue wove", The Princess Bride. My dad, Jim Page, was not much of a holiday celebrator, but he did consistently bring my mom and I a small box of chocolates every Valentine's Day. Sometimes it was the little Whitman's box, sometimes it was heart shaped. I've not forgotten how special it made me feel. Incidentally, Daddy passed away this time of year on Feb. 10, 1983, so I'm thinking of him. Here are my mom and dad pictured just before my birth in 1961.
I also snagged Marv for a quick dinner for two after his Friday the 13th basketball game with Peter's team. We don't get out very often just the two of us. I'm glad we did it.
Earlier that week, I was able to fly Bryan home for a two day visit the 11th and 12th. It's always a treat to have him around. He pitched in to help with a lot of the neglected home maintenance issues. On his last night home, Diana and Mac joined us for dinner with our long-time friend Jenessa Evans. Bryan and Diana are close in age to Jenessa and carpooled to seminary with her throughout high school--now there's a bonding experience! She has been our neighbor since we moved here in 1994! She just returned from her mission in Milan, Italy and it was great to catch up with her.