the captivating excitement

{My Favorites: Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig}

I just have to emphasize what a fanatic I am about Olympics. From the dangerous Skiing moguls, to the daring Snowboard Cross, to the elegant Figure Scatting, the Olympics has it all. I was captivated and very proud of our USA pairs figure skating teams. They weren't expected to win medals, but honored to be a part of the Olympics and it showed in their excitement.

{Caydo Denney and Jeremy Barrett}

But that night of free skate didn't belong to the US. It belonged to China. Millions got to watch the dreams of Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao of China come to life as they won their gold medals. I couldn't help but cheer them on for both their 18 year partnership and their adorable love story.

{Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao}

expression of love {14}: a regretful heart

So, it's one of my favorite holidays ever, and sickness has overcome me. A day of anticipation turns into a day of thinking about the things I can't do. So with a regretful heart, I spent the day in bed. I'll have to wait yet another year to spend in bliss on Heart Day.

expression of love {12}: ordinary to the extraordinary

One thing I love doing on Valentine's is taking the ordinary to the extraordinary. Example: making a breakfast of oatmeal or pancakes, but coloring them pink or making them in heart shaped. So with a little food coloring and a cookie cutter or 2, this is a fun way my mom used to brighten our days with extra pizazz!

expression of love {10}: it doesn't have to be lovey dovey

Valentines Day doesn't have to be all lovey dovey and gushy. Even if there isn't a boyfriends or girlfriend, a husband or wife, you can still spend Valentines day with those you care about. Some of my happiest Valentines days have been spent with the girls goofing off, eating massive amounts of chocolate, and watching sappy movies.

expression of love {9}: classic story

This movie may be set hundreds of years ago, but the story of love will never be out dated. It has been told for years in different languages and different styles, but the story will remain unchanged in the beloved book. Whether you are a fan of the Colin Firth Mr. Darcy or the Matthew MacFadyen Mr. Darcy, it's a classic story {Pride and Prejudice} that gives hope that even though we may not be perfect, love still can be.

expression of love {8}: hot cocoa

Sometimes the simpler the better. On a windy wintry day, there can be nothing better then snuggling up on the couch with hot cocoa, a loved one, and a favorite movie.

expression of love {7}: hearts

Here is a fun little project I found on Martha, and it took me back a few years. This doesn't take a lot of work so it would be a fun project to do with the kids or with friends. I remember doing this as a little girl and can't wait to pass it on some day.

Materials needed:
:wax paper
:crayon shavings
:kraft paper
:iron
:scissors
:string of thread

Steps:
1. take a 12 inch by 16 inch piece of was paper and spread crayon shavings over one half
2. fold over and place between 2 sheets of kraft paper
3. iron lightly on medium heat or until the crayon shavings melt
4. let it cool while it hardens
5. trace out heart shapes of various sizes and cut with scissors
6. string each heart with string or thread and place in a sun lit area

reaction

For the past few months we {me and 2 of my girlfriends} have eagerly awaited the upcoming movie of Dear John. After reading the beloved book and sharing my feelings about it I can't help but share my reaction to the movie. I have to say, the Dear John movie wasn't really what I expected. It didn't follow the twists and turns of the book as I had hoped, but can anyone even think of a movie that lives up the book that inspired it? Still not sure how to react, but lets just say it stirred up some emotion in an unexpected way. Has anyone else seen it?

expression of love {6}: card inspiration

I don't know about you, but I love taking the time to make a personalized card. Whether it's for Christmas, a thank you, or just a little note to say that I care, I love to make my own. Now, with school papers and tests, work, friends, and a variety of other tasks keeping me occupied I haven't gotten around to making mine for Valentine's Day yet. When I opened up my latest addition of Scrapbooks etc I just couldn't help but be inspired! Visiting their web page can also evoke new inspirational ideas and the ones I found certainly did, so I'm sharing them with you! {and by the way there are plenty more ideas, these were just a few of my favorites} Hope you love them as much as I do.

expression of love {5}: kick off your shoes

Sometimes kicking off you shoes and taking a walk on the beach is the best way to relax and unwind! Maybe this wouldn't be the best idea for those of us who are crazy enough to live in the bitterly cold Midwest, but it can be a good idea for later. Even taking a walk in the winter can get you away from the constant distractions of a busy life to focus on more important things....