Eloise Birthday Party

Hey, hey!!  

I hope everyone has been having a lovely July!!  I know I have.  :-)

This past weekend, I helped a co-worker with her sweet daughter's birthday party.  She turned six and loves Eloise, so we Googled other Eloise birthday parties we had seen online, and used that inspiration with a few touches of our own.   

For the favors, a candy bar seemed just the thing for this party.  (Note the runner -- it's just pink and white polka-dot wrapping paper.  Cute and budget-friendly!)

From left-to-right, there were Rice Krispies treats made with pink marshmallows.  To make wrapping them easier, I suggested lollipop sticks, and they were tied with pink and black curling ribbon.  That's my pretty little cake pedestal underneath.  

Next (and possibly my favorite) was the cotton candy tower.  I found the mason jars (12 for $7.99) and the cotton candy at local grocery stores.  After filling each jar, I covered the top with a small square of pink-and-white polka dot wrapping paper, then tied with zebra-print ribbon.   The tower itself was all Jayson's doing.  He's creative, too!

*  Note:  Do this as close to the event as
possible so that the cotton candy stays fresh! 

The cake was made by someone she knows who produces things like this from her kitchen.  Isn't it awesome?

I also put pink and black gumballs in little bowls.  (The birthday girl thought the black ones were olives!)

Next came my signature candy bags.  We selected things like Flying Saucers, Tootsie Rolls, Good n' Plenty, Gummy Watermelons, etc.  Anything pink, anything black.  

Finally, iced animal crackers (made exactly like the candy bags.)

For the actual favor bags, I took white bags from the dollar store (2 for a buck, if you can believe it!).  They're rather large because I knew they would have to carry mason jars.  I cut small slits on either side, and tied the curling ribbon through it.  The little labels I printed right from my computer onto scrapbook paper.

For decorations, we used streamers and balloons (which I think are highly underrated), along with some tissue paper pompoms I made myself.  I used a Martha Stewart idea (though I tweaked it a little.)  Seriously, these things are awesome.  I will post a tutorial entirely for them another time, but for right now, just "ooh" and "ahh" at them in the pictures.  ;-)

I made a little banner for over the candy bar.  (Here is my tutorial on how to make one.)

A close-up of one of the pompoms.  Isn't it adorable?

(Decorations Total: less than $30.  What!!)

For a game, she had an Eloise picture blown up, and they played 'pin the bow on Eloise' (a cute little switch on the classic pin-the-tail.)

And finally, a picture of the hat I purchased at the dollar store and dressed up as a gift to the birthday girl.  She was stylin', let me tell you.

What parties have you been to lately?

~ Sarah

Red, White & Blue Jello Salad

Hey there!  I hope everyone had a lovely 4th!  

This is something of a cheating post.  The recipe isn't original (*hangs head in shame*) but it's really great.  If you want to use it yourself, here is where I found it.

The only difference between this recipe and mine was that I substituted strawberry for the raspberry because I already had fresh ones cut.

The only note I would add to this recipe, which specifies that it's 'quick', is that it's not actually all that quick.  The individual jello layers are, granted, VERY fast and easy, but waiting for the layers to harden took a long time.  Each one needed closer to 2 hours than 1.  I think the next time I make it I'll use little ice cream bowls instead of a one large bowl, which should cut down the time significantly.

And it is absolutely delicious!

What desserts did you make for the 4th?

~ Sarah

Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta

Hello, hello!  I hope all of you enjoyed your weekend, but if not, you get a do-over right in the middle of the week this time.  :-)

I've had to watch what I eat lately, as I learned last week that I have gestational diabetes.  At first I thought it would be the pits because the fun of pregnant eating would disappear, but quite the opposite, actually.  It's opened me up to a world of creativity; after all, it's just a game of proportions (and monitoring... I admit the monitoring is not really all that fun.)  

I made this for dinner last week.  It's a really simple idea, just thrown together quickly, but it was quite delicious.  I used things I already had (basically a bunch of leftovers), so I have no idea what quantities I used of what.  I'll do my best to guess.

Ingredients:

1.  Chicken breast, cubed (I only used 1 breast)

2.  Olive oil

3.  Fresh asparagus, cut or broken into bite-size pieces

4.  Half n' half (approximately 1/8 cup)

5.  Grated Parmesan cheese (approximately 1/8 cup)

6.  Lemon pepper seasoning (to taste)

7.  Penne pasta, cooked (I used 1/4 of a box because it was all I had, but the proportion was perfect)

Method:

In a medium-to-large saucepan, cook the chicken in the olive oil.  Once it is cooked completely, add the asparagus until it softens to taste (I like a little crunch.)

Add the half n' half, cheese, pasta and seasoning.  Mix together and simmer until it thickens to taste.  Serve immediately.

How easy is that?  Jayson said he might like it better with tomatoes or something, which is an excellent idea, if I happen to have leftover tomatoes next time.  What easy 'mix-together-what-I-have' recipes do you like?  Please share! 

~ Sarah

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Happy Monday! 

I am happy to report that I FINALLY, after several months with almost nothing, have something useful for you... a new recipe!!  I first tasted something like this at my aunt's house weekend before last, and it was so amazing I did some research and came up with a recipe all my own.  This is perfect if you're making breakfast or brunch for a group of people, because it's phenomenal and it doesn't require a lot of work on the day.  You prepare it the evening before, and toss it in the oven approximately an hour before you need it.  Done.

I made this for four people, and we had probably two servings left over, which was very exciting for our dog.  So tailor my measurements according to your own needs.

Ingredients:

1.    12 slices of bread, de-crusted and cubed

2.    8 oz. of cream cheese

3.    4 eggs

4.    Milk (I didn't measure, sorry)

5.    Cinnamon (approximately 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon)

6.    Maple syrup (approximately 1/8 cup)

7.    1 cup blueberries (washed and divided into 1/4 and 3/4 cup portions)

8.    1 cup sugar

9.    1 cup water

10.  2 tablespoons corn starch

11.  1 tablespoon butter

Method:

CASSEROLE:

Grease the bottom of an 8x8 pan.  Spread the bread cubes.

Evenly dot the cream cheese and 1/4 cup blueberries around the bread.

** Note - The next time I make this, I plan to thaw the cream cheese and whisk it into the egg/milk/cinnamon mixture below because the bread wasn't consistently coated.

Whisk the eggs, milk and cinnamon together.  Evenly spread over the bread.

**  Note - most recipes I studied added the syrup to this mixture.  I completely forgot about it, so I drizzled a little bit on the next morning.  Still very delicious.

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, bake (covered) at 350 for 15-20 minutes.  Uncover, stir, and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the egg mixture in the center is completely cooked.

GLAZE:

In a small to medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar and cornstarch and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.  Add the 3/4 cup of blueberries and reduce to simmer.  Stir occasionally (blueberries will start to break and the sauce will become dark.)  {I also pressed some of the blueberries to make the juice come out more.}

Once the sauce is thick, add the butter and stir until dissolved.

Drizzle over the casserole.

The unanimous vote (even from the guest who did not like blueberries) was that it is wonderful.  I highly recommend you try it!

As always, comment with any questions (so other readers can see the answers as well.)  I hope everyone has a wonderful week!!

~ Sarah

Catch Up

Wow, a month with no posting?  What's worse is that I haven't even thought about posting lately, and therefore haven't been taking any pictures of anything I've been doing. 

In my defense, it's been a crazy month.  I had my annual ladies' tea (huge success!), a client wedding, a trip to Columbus for my cousin's wedding, a surprise birthday party for a friend, an awesome camping trip with some besties, Jayson's 30th birthday party (which comes with 4 days of deep-cleaning my house,) an extended visit from my mommy, fire pit dates with friends, and catch-up coffee dates with some girlfriends.  I also cheered a dear friend in her first 5k, bossed my husband with some landscape reorganizing, and discovered a new love of sundresses.

I'm officially 6 months pregnant now, and because of my awful first trimester, I'm still not up to my pre-pregnancy weight.  I am close, but haven't quite arrived there yet.  {And don't worry.  I'm not under some fantasy that it won't catch up to me; I'm sure it will.} 

Did I mention yet that it's a boy?  And he kicks like no child in history has ever kicked (though my mother says that my sister came close.)  Even my doctor was shocked: "Oh!  He's a mover, isn't he?"  He likes his personal space.  If I cramp him at all, he kicks until I stretch out.  If I lay on my side, he kicks the side against the bed until I move.  Jayson was listening for his heartbeat last week, and our son kicked him in the ear.  Hard.  Jayson's been a little afraid to listen for it since.  Can't say I blame him.

If I had been doing what I should've been, I might've taken pictures of some of our Iron Chef Camper recipes (can I just tell you that it was the best year yet??)  But I did not, I'm afraid.  I have no pictures to share from anything over the last month.  I realized with dismay that I haven't photographically docoumented anything lately.  My phone is full of pictures that made me laugh and nothing else.  *sigh*

Anyways, I thought I'd put up a short post to let you know what's been happening, and why I haven't been around.  Truly, I've been very busy.  It's the busiest month I've had in a very long time, and life doesn't show signs of slowing down until next month after my husband's family reunion.  But I did get a new recipe for a Blueberry French Toast casserole, and I'm thinking of squeezing in a girlfriends' breakfast just so I can make it.  If I remember, I'll take pictures and post it here for you.

What has your last month been like??  Do share!

~ Sarah

P.S. As you may know, my favorite blog is Posie Gets Cozy.  If you have a second, check out this story she wrote about her neighbor growing up.  I loved it, but I can't put my finger on why.

Quick Quilt

Hey, all!  May is halfway over, can you believe it?!  I so want to enjoy this time in my life, savor each day, enjoy each little kick my son gives me as if to say, "Hey, mommy, just so you know, I'm here."  It's a struggle to find that balance, isn't it?  Looking to the future, but staying in the moment.  I succeed more often than I fail, but I still fail. 

As you know if you've read my blog before, I'm a quilter.  If you have not read my blog before, it should be noted that I am not by any means some sort of professional quilter.  I quilt for me, and for special people in my life, and that's pretty much it.  I have no grand dreams of someday seeing my masterpieces in some quilting show.  The dedication required to get someone to that point just doesn't exist in me.  I come up with designs on a whim, and being impatient by nature, I want the finished product now.  Spending more than a week or two on a single quilt is horribly boring for me.

In any event, I do enjoy making quilts for friends, and this is my go-to pattern for giveaway quilts because it's fun, lovely, easily customized, and something you can just snuggle underneath.  I had wanted to make a pattern that you could easily download and duplicate, but instead I took a photograph of my original design that could serve the same purpose.  If you would like to make this quilt and have questions, please either comment or email and I'd be delighted to help you however I can.

This version of my pattern was for a sweet friend who had surgery recently.  Food and flowers are nice, but I like quilts because it's something they can keep even after their recovery time as a reminder that friendship is always around them.  When I asked her what her favorite colors were, she gave me almost a dozen answers.  I selected a few that worked together, and Jayson helped me pick these fabrics.  All basic quilting fabrics, with the exception of the fleece backing.  The last quilt I made for myself had a fleece back, and I love it so much that I plan to use it from now on.  So soft, so warm, and I think you can get away with no batting inside because the fleece is thick enough.

 

And now, the quilting process as documented by my photographs:

No, I don't have man hands.  Those are Jayson's... he helps me
tie my quilts because he's the greatest husband in the world.

I may be something of a rusher, but it took me a total of 5 evenings to complete, one each for cutting, sewing squares, layout, piecing the top together, and edge.  It's such a nice gift to give to someone, and it's really not that time-consuming to do.  Please feel free to use my pattern for yourself, or for someone special to you.  And please comment if something isn't clear. 

Enjoy May before it runs off, too!

~ Sarah

Baby Fabric

A very happy Monday to all!!

I've been absent without any explanation, I know, but hopefully you all know by now that I have an excuse.  We learned last week that we are having a BOY, and I'm still in shock!  I really thought it was a girl!  He's an energetic little boy, too... he kicks his mother non-stop (especially at night.)

Anyways, I thought it was about time I shared the fabric I'll be using for my son's quilt, since I think I promised to show you over a month ago.  We picked this before we knew what our baby would be, but because I had in the back of my mind that it was a girl, we also selected ribbons to go with the fabric.  Which I will not be using now. 

The large fabric is extremely soft fleece, and this will be the back of the quilt.  I think I need at least one more fabric for the front - perhaps a brown, perhaps a tan.  Definitely not more polka dots; even though we tried to pick unisex fabric, it now looks somewhat feminine to me.  Darn it.

I also have a quilt pattern to share, which I made a few weeks ago for a good friend, but first I have to put it into a format that can be easily downloaded. 

In the meantime, I hope everyone has a lovely week!

~ Sarah

Vicarious Cherry Blossoms

I love the time of year when things start blossoming.  It makes my energy level blossom, too, and I start to look forward to the months ahead: months of long evenings, warm days, cooking out, and flip flops.  Delicious.

Some of my favorite blogs have been posting about cherry blossoms lately, and I just stare and stare at their photographs until I can imagine myself in them.  Where I live, you might see the occasional cherry tree, but I love that some places are just covered in blossoms this time of year. 

Here are some for you to vicariously enjoy, too. 

Cherry Blossoms Guest Dessert Feature - Amy Atlas Events

Annual Cherry Blossom Picnic - Such Pretty Things

Cherry Blossoms - The Preppy Pink and Green Puppy

Found here

What a delightful time to celebrate new life!  I hope you all have a lovely Easter.

~ Sarah

Maternity Clothes

Hey, Readers!

Well, now that you know the main reason why my blogging has been sadly inconsistent of late, I can start sharing the things I've been interested in / working on lately.  For example, I purchased fabric for the baby's things two weeks ago, but I wasn't going to share that before anyone knew the baby was coming.  I'll show you later this week, hopefully.  :-)

I just started my 2nd trimester, and so far, it's been woooooooonderful.  I had a horrible first trimester in terms of illness, apparently far worse than most women have (the possible exceptions being those poor ladies who wind up in the hospital.)  I had food allergies, bronchitis, morning sickness (though mine was morning, afternoon, evening, night, pre-dawn, etc...)  I managed to turn couch lounging into a competitive sport: between the cat, the dog, and me, who could stay in one place the longest?  {The cat is the universal champion, I'm sorry to say.}

I'm actually already showing, even at only three months! (This is mostly because I'm tiny, and the baby has nowhere to go but out.)  Since I'll be in them soon, I've been looking at maternity clothes.  What is with stores thinking that pregnant woman have no sense of style?  I'm not a fashion expert by any means, but seriously, there is no way I'd be caught dead in some of these tacky things.  I'll be 8 months pregnant in August, which means that my summer will look like a glider in front of an air conditioner, and me in sundresses and flip flops everywhere I go.  So I turned to Google.

I found some cute maternity clothes that could be good for most occasions... what do you think?

I think more stores should sell things like this.  No matter how awful you feel, at least you'd look fabulous. 

Gotta go!  Lots to do.  I hope you have a lovely Monday!  :-)

~ Sarah

An Announcement...

So... we have an announcement. And since I put it on Facebook this morning, it's official. :)

Those of you close to us have already been rejoicing at this miracle since we learned of it (and yes, you may now tell all those people you've been wanting to tell for weeks!!) And for those of you just finding out, I'll tell you our story so you will understand.

We've been married for almost six years now, and several years ago we learned we couldn't have children. At first, it was a little surreal, but as we started to live with it daily, it became part of who we were. We love children - both of us. At the time, we were teaching the little ones (the Rainbows) at church together. It was heartwarming to be able to love on them and send them home, but also a little bittersweet to watch each other, week after week, and see what great parents we could have made. It was a little frustrating to have people constantly asking us when we were starting our family. Most people didn't know we couldn't, and so we just smiled.  We did have some friends who were a little insensitive (one friend actually told me, when I asked her to stop bringing it up, that she just 'couldn't help it'.) But it's part of the process - grieving for what might've been.  And we did grieve.  Daily.

Then, after months and months of discussion, we arrived at the next logical conclusion: we would adopt! And suddenly, we had joy again. We started the process (which, seriously, is WAY scarier than having a child of your own!!) We attended seminars, gathered stacks (mountains, really) of paperwork, and began budgeting for the costs. We started re-arranging things in the house so there would be a bedroom for a child, and were altogether very excited at what would now be coming. We began to love and pray for whatever child God would give us.

But God had other plans.

Our church has a missions convention each October, and the very last service was absolutely amazing (even before we learned the impact it had on us.) The missionary, Austin Jones, was from Alaska, and his message was so powerful, so full of faith. At the end of the message, he had those in the room who needed healing line up, and as he prayed, miracles happened. I mean, I SAW them happen. I was last in line, and I was waiting for prayer for my neck (an old injury from a car accident 10+ years ago.) Jayson was waiting with me.

When he got to us, he didn't ask why I was there. He didn’t need to; he already knew that I couldn't have children.  And I burst into tears.  After he prayed for me, and as we were sitting down, he called after us, "Don't adopt just yet."

The next week, we were scheduled to attend a Focus on the Family adoption seminar. We decided that we would still go, not because we didn't have faith, but because we hope to adopt whether we have natural children or not. But we ended up unable to attend because of a freak snowstorm and a stomach bug (ok, ok, we get the idea... don't adopt yet.)

Then we launched into the Christmas season, and talks about adoption and children were put on hold temporarily.

Right before New Year’s, I met a very special woman for coffee, and during the course of our conversation, we learned that neither of us could have children.  And she shared something so precious with me.  She pointed out that, in the Bible, there are seven women mentioned who cannot have children, and six of the seven wind up blessed with a miracle child anyway. “That is my promise,” she told me.  I wrapped my faith around that thought and tucked it away in my heart. {Side note - I did not say who you are because I wasn’t sure you would wish me to, but if you’re ok with it, let me know and I’ll make sure to give you credit, my sweet friend.  Your words will probably be just as precious to others as they were to me.}

A few days later, on January 8th, our Pastor was sharing with the congregation some healing testimonies from the service that Austin had led. I turned to Jayson and whispered, "You know, he prayed for us, too."  So on the way home that day, we picked up an EPT two-pack. I had no symptoms at all, and we really had no reason to suspect I was pregnant, except for what we had heard that day.

And right in the middle of the day, with no symptoms, and without having to wait at all, we saw a clear, distinct plus sign.  Oh, twice (yes, I used them both.)  We stared at each other in amazement.  This woman who can’t have children is pregnant with her first child.

I know that the traditional wait time to share the news is something like 3 months, but we agreed that, since Little Jayne is a miracle, we would tell people we trusted immediately so they could be praying.  So we started sharing much sooner than normal (like, at 4 weeks.)  And so far, Little Jayne is growing strong and healthy (and I’m now 12 weeks, in case you’re wondering.)

What will happen, I can’t possibly know.  Will I carry this baby to full term?  Will (s)he be born healthy, happy, and perfect?  I can only pray that (s)he will be, but whatever comes, (s)he is a miracle right now. 

I hope that this testimony encourages you.  Whether you believe in the power of prayer or not, trust me: it’s real.  I dare you to try it for yourself. :-)

~ Sarah

Special thanks to Austin for letting God work miracles through his ministry!! 

Post 100

Hard to believe... I've made it to my 100th post!

I've been thinking long and hard about what to write about on this momentous occasion.  As you know, I'm still recovering these days, so unfortunately I don't have any big ideas or tutorials ready to share.  I've been saving a post about my wedding quilt, which I made 6 years ago, but I think that's more appropriate for my anniversary.  Personal stories have been sneaking into my posts a bit too much lately, anyway (not on purpose, but it just so happens that my personal life is a subject I'm well-versed in.)

So... how to celebrate?

It occurred to me that one of the best ways to celebrate LwYH's 100th post would be to salute the blogs that inspire me.  There are many, of course (some I follow more faithfully than others), and some of them you yourself may have visited on occasion.  I've decided to put only my top five favorites to save your eyes.

5.  Oh Happy Day!

*  This delightful little blog is run by the lovely and talented Jordan, originally from San Fransisco and currently living in Paris.  Her blog is so fresh and fun - full of party ideas, fashion suggestions, and all-around creativity.  I am constantly scouring her blog for new ideas.  I also love the occasional photographs of Paris.  (This is my personal favorite.)

4.  Strawberry Chic

*  I love the ideas that Andrea shares on this blog.  I've actually used some in my blog before (her diy cake stands were perfect for my cake decorating party last summer.)  She shares many different ideas for home decor, diy projects, thrifty shopping, and party planning (of course!)

3.  Amy Atlas Designs

*  Amy Atlas is the creator of the universally popular "candy bar" that many of us have seen and enjoyed at parties in the past few years.  She shares photographs from event planners all over the world, as well as giving helpful party-planning advice periodically.  Because there are so many creative people connected to the blog, she often posts several times per day (which means that I often miss some of her posts).  But I have definitely been inspired by her blog many times!

2.  Such Pretty Things

*  Jessica's beautiful blog was the reason I was inspired to start my own.  She is so creative, and constantly drawn to make lovely things lovelier.  She has shared so many charming things, including her own party ideas, vintage collections, and shopping adventures, and I have used her tutorials more times than I can count. 

And, my number one favorite blog...

1.  Posie Gets Cozy

*  We should all have an Alicia in our life.  Alicia and (sometimes) her husband Andy post here, showing us glimpses of their domestic adventure, taking us on walks, sharing moments of their romance and beauty through her wonderful photography.  She's the kind of person you wish lived next door to you, though, through her blog, it almost feels like she does.  I always feel my day is complete if Alicia has shared a bit of hers. 

I'd like to thank the wonderful ladies who faithfully post on these blogs... you are an inspiration to me.  If you are reading this, make time to check these out.  They really are terrific!

Happy 100th Post to me.  :-)

~ Sarah

Festival of Ice, 2012

Well, I have successfully survived my first big event since my illness a couple of months ago.  I have to admit, I was dreading it in a way... I really didn't have faith in my ability to physically pull it off.  But with the help of my fabulous husband, we did it!!

Our town does an annual Festival of Ice, and the entire community comes together to participate.  The theme this year was 'Frozen Games,' (a salute to the Olymics) with a London twist.  Our church participates by sponsoring a "warming center," a free event where families can enjoy games, hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn, snacks, face-painting, and crafts.  We don't go half-way with our decorating, either (the part I'm involved with.) 

At each game station, children earned 'medals' made from chocolate coins and crepe paper, so we set up a photo corner for them to show their prizes off.  Using a photo I found on the internet (hurrah for Google!!), Jayson and I painted an impression of Big Ben.  {Fortunately, it photographs much better than it actually looks in person.}  My father-in-law made the gold/silver/bronze stand, and we had additional medals on hand as props for the photos.

  

Elsewhere in the Warming Center, we had a 'torch' (made from a stovepipe, paint can, fan, angel food cake pan, and crepe paper), Olympic rings (made from hula hoops and spray paint) {both made by Jayson} ...

And, what has become our signature Warming Center decoration, hundreds of helium balloons dotting our ceiling. 

Strangely, I forgot to take any photographs of the ice sculptures, which is a shame because some of them were very cool.  There was even an ice torch, which was lit for a short time.

All-in-all, a successful event!  On to the next.  :-)

~ Sarah

Converstion Hearts

Well, it has been nearly four weeks since I even thought about posting here, and almost two months since I actually posted something useful (last two were Instagram posts, if you can remember that far back.)  I would like to say I'm back, but I can't make any promises as to how consistently, since I'm still unwell (still?! yes, still.)  I'm thankful for modern medicine and old-fashioned prayer (though my new medicine has me dozing off in odd {and frequently embarassing, though funny} places...)  Simple tasks are still exhausting me, but I'm approaching things with more gusto.  And I'm eating again, which is helping immensely.  Can't express how thankful I am for Jayson, who has been waiting on me hand-and-foot, and for my job, which has let me work part-time indefinitely until I'm well enough for full-time again.  Also thankful for some very dear friends and family (you know who you are) who have stepped up to take care of things I couldn't.  I am on the road to recovery and will be myself again before long.  :-)

Well, as Maxine says, a very heartwarming thing happens in the middle of February every year: all the candy goes on clearance.  I'm a candy-lover, myself, and my husband is a bargain-lover.  Which means that we have a brand new stash of candy that would put Willy Wonka to shame. 

My personal favorites are the conversation hearts because of the things they put on them.  (Nothing says romance quite like "Tweet Me.")  They also remind me of a sweet/corny/silly thing I did for my wedding.  Around this time six years ago, my mother purchased pounds and pounds of candy hearts, literally tens of thousands, and together, we spent hours over several days pulling out all the hearts that said 'Marry Me.'  On my wedding day, I had my brother-in-law give several gifts to my soon-to-be-husband, including the box of special conversation hearts.  {Insert 'awww' here.} 

It wasn't until we returned from our honeymoon that I found out he hadn't even opened the box.  I was horrified.  (It's hilarious now... but that night, I felt like bursting into tears.)

And every year since then, he pulls out the 'Marry Me' hearts for me.  :-)  (I think it's his way of telling me he's still sorry.)

What are your Valentine's memories?

~ Sarah