How's That For A Surprise?

Remember when I said that D was going to have to be in the field for Valentine's Day? Well, yesterday when he went into work, they informed him that he wouldn't have to (none of them did). Not only that, but he was able to come home early as well!

I was planning to run to the commissary to pick up some stuff for our makeshift Valentine's Day later this week and also get some stuff for my parent's visit this weekend. Since D was home early, he suggested that I go alone and leave AJ with him for the afternoon. (All you mama's out there know that there is no better gift than running errands with no kids in tow.)

I had a few things I needed to do, including pick up my book for the next book club session and I wanted to get my nails done too, so I kind of took my time.

When I got home I was informed that there was a surprise waiting for me. D walked out to the garage and came back in with the cutest thing in history.

D and AJ finger-painted this for me while I was gone! It says, "WE {Heart} MOM," which I'm told was written with AJ's toe dipped in paint.

Me and my little artist posing by her masterpiece. ;)

After we put AJ to bed (who, by the way, has been the crabbiest baby in history lately, ugh) we sat down to eat our delicious, fancy, candlelit Valentine's Dinner. We even turned off the TV. ;) I made Barefoot Contessa's Roasted Chicken (that she makes every Friday for Jeffrey) and root veggie mash instead of mashed potatoes. For dessert we had frozen chocolate covered pound cake. OMG. So good! Recipes for the complete V-Day meal are to follow.

I just have to say that this Valentine's Day ranks up there with the best. It was seriously so nice to just relax and spend time with my loves.

Best.Valentine's.Ever.