High Five For Friday - Valentine's Edition

Happy day of love everyone!

{one}

I like Valentine's Day. I always have. I loved the cool little mailboxes you got to make in elementary school and taking hours to pick out which valentine to give who so that your crush wouldn't figure out you like him. My mom's birthday is on Valentine's Day, so she always loved the holiday as well. She would make sure that we had a little present and candy. And our house was always decorated with hearts and pinks and reds in February. 

It really bugs me that people bash it so much. And it's people who are single and in a relationship. Why so critical of love?? Yes, I know it is commercialized, but every major holiday is. I know that there shouldn't be just one day to tell someone you love them, but why not give a little extra love on a particular day. And I know that sometimes people who are single don't enjoy being around lovey dove couples, and that's understandable. But Valentine's Day is so much more than that. It is to celebrate love in the world, a day for people to celebrate all of their relationships; friends, family, etc. Or to even celebrate the love you have for yourself. Eat some chocolate, wear pink, take a bubble bath,  tell your family you love them, and enjoy a day that promotes giving and being kind. Not to mention all of the best movies come out on Valentine's Day.

Jake and I aren't huge celebrators of holidays in general. We don't buy big, expensive gifts or make huge gestures. In all the the Valentine's Days we have had, we haven't even been to a fancy restaurant. We take the time to write a heartfelt letter, cook a slightly fancier dinner, and always indulge in some chocolate. I wouldn't have it any other way. Happy Vday Dear. 

{two}

I was so excited for Valentine's Day at the school I work at today. I was excited to see the kids excited about giving to others and how happy it made them. Kids really can be sweet sometimes. They even thought of their sub, me, Mrs. Bell! I took advantage of the opportunity to make goodies and baked some red velvet cupcakes for Jake to take to work and made sugar cookies for my students. Sugar overload for sure. 

{three}

Bonnie and Taylor had a great linkup yesterday and I might be a little late but I didn't want to miss out. So why Jake and I work??

We work because I am outgoing and loud and don't get embarrassed easily while Jake is reserved.

We work because we both have goals and dreams and encourage each other. We celebrate each others' success and tell each other it is going to be ok during our failures. 

We work because we are both obsessed with a snuggly little mutt named Lexie.

We work because we make each other laugh and know how to cheer each other up.

We work because we can fight and get over it in .5 seconds.

We work because we do small, meaningful things just because.

We work because snuggling is both of our favorite things to do. 

We work because we make each other better and we are always trying to be the best spouse we can be.

We work because I worry a lot and can be super moody, while Jake is laid back and happy all of the time. We balance each other out and he always reminds me to be happy.

We work because we know the other one isn't perfect.

We work because we challenge each other and are feisty.

We work because we love each other more than anything in the world and both strive to make our marriage a beautiful one. 

{four}

Ok, corny moment over. Onto a serious note, I got an email from my secret admirer and it was pretty exciting. Sorry, Jcrew, it's no secret I am your admirer. This little sale came at just the right time and I was able to grab a few things hanging out in my shopping cart. Oh you don't go on your favorite website and put everything you want into the cart and just let it sit there?? You are missing out!

{five}

Speaking of reasons why Jake and I work, one reason is because I cook him wonderful dinners every night, and in return, he is always so appreciative. I have been making an effort to cook healthy meals at least 5 nights a week. It gets harder and harder to come up with healthy, yummy, and new meals. This weeks meals, though, were some of my favorite! Here is what we had:

Sunday: Pork chops, roasted veggies and potatoes on the grill

Monday: Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Salad

Tuesday: Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Wednesday: Quinoa Pasta Chicken Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese

Thursday: Healthy Burrito Bowls (Chicken, corn, black beans, quinoa, avocado, 2% milk cheese)

I think these meals will be on repeat for awhile!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day. I hope you eat lots of candy, enjoy the company of others, or treat yourself to something nice. 

Linking up with Lauren, Darci, Rebecca, Casey, and Jennie