Love is in the air!

So, today was Valentine's Day. Since I knew I would be in 'recovery week' to say my expectations were low would have been a massive understatement.  I was going to consider the day a success if I could brush my teeth, shower and not shart myself.

Surprisingly, today ended up being the best Valentine's Day of my life.  Of. My. Life.  I'd love to tell you that my husband planned something extremely romantic and elaborate (which he has absolutely done in the past) - but he didn't.  Which is exactly what I wanted.  Low-key was what my heart desired.  

Last night we watched a Redbox and had cheesecake at midnight.  This morning, we had bagels and coffee for breakfast and watched Mase open a small Valentine's box we made him. It's insane how excited a boy can get over a couple of chocolates, balloons and Lego figurines.  Then the three of us sat around the table for nearly an hour just playing around, laughing and watching Mase put together his Lego people.  

Next, Richard and Mason worked out in the basement, while I put in my Beats and de-cluttered a few spots of the house (de-clutter = throwing away crap toys behind Mason's back).  Oh, the sweet feeling of productivity after being sick as a dog the past few days (yes, I was happy that I felt well enough to clean!).  

After a bit, we decided to load up in the Jeep and go for a drive.  We ended up at Chic-fil-a in Jeff City for a late lunch, where Mase played for nearly an hour in their playland.  Then, we took the scenic route home (like miles and miles of dirt road) where Mase 'drove' for a couple of miles (don't judge!).  He felt like such a big kid and you could see the confidence beaming off of him.  As I'm listening to Mason giggles and Richard coach Mason on driving, I see the most breath taking pink and purple sunset.  All is right in the world: My little family and I enjoying time together on a quiet dirt road, admiring God's amazing work in a beautiful sunset.  

The memory reminded me of being a kid, piling in my Dad's brown Jeep with the top down and going for a drive with the top down.  Oh, and we would always stop to get the biggest bag of peanut M&Ms to pass around.  Typically, those family Jeep rides usually ended in tears because someone either ate too many M&Ms or banged their head on the metal side bars of the Jeep.  Almost on cue, today's Jeep ride also ended in tears because we wouldn't let Mase have a puppy that he saw barking at us from the side of the road.  It was a full circle moment and it was perfect. 

Today wasn't about flowers, candy or any of the other commercial Valentine's Day hoopla, it was about pure and simple family LOVE.  

Redbox: $2

Cheesecake: $4

Bagels: $4

Chik-Fil-A: $16.78

Gas: $14

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Simplicity, gratitude, full-circle moments and total contentment: PRICELESS