Not only is today Valentine’s Day, but it was 22 years ago this very day that my husband and I brought our baby girl home from the hospital, and we’ve called her our Valentine Baby ever since. And now she’s getting married in four months! Four. months. people.
Our daughter is not only planning a wedding, but she’s finishing her last semester in college and is neck deep with her classes, music ensembles, an internship, senior thesis and defense work, and senior recital prep. When we asked what she’d like to do for her birthday, this tired girl said she just wanted to come home for the weekend and eat gumbo. She couldn’t even think of anything past that, so we decided to keep it restful and low key.
On Friday, between my daughter’s classes, my mom prepared us a lovely ladies’ lunch for the birthday girl, my younger daughter, and myself. My mom is a fabulous cook and sets a beautiful table, so this was truly a treat! It was the perfect ending to a busy week.
Saturday morning my husband, son, and I had an errand to pick up some furniture (more on that soon) so I left a breakfast treat for the girls to have with their own girl time. When we got home, we all went to our little downtown area for shopping and smoothies/coffee at our favorite cafe. It was a gorgeous day in the 70s and it felt so good to be outside! Several of the shops had spring displays out which were delightful.
When we got home my husband and I needed to work on dinner and dessert prep, so I had a relaxing mini spa set up for the birthday girl. I’d cleaned my tub, lit a calming candle, filled the tub with steaming hot water, and prepared a box with spa time essentials: bath salts, face mask, etc. Y’all, this poor exhausted college student was so cute–she literally jumped up when I told her the surprise, steeped a cup of hot tea, and ran to the tub! I think it was definitely overdue for her.
For dinner, my husband made the gumbo and it was soooo delicious! I made a gluten free/dairy free ice cream pie! After dinner and dessert, we gave her some birthday presents to open and watched some episodes of “I Love Lucy”–one of her favorite shows.
Just because she’s getting married doesn’t mean we won’t still celebrate birthdays with our girl, but knowing she’s about to move 12 hours away definitely made this one extra special.
(Yes, I said 12 hours—Gulp—It’s ok.)
Also, a happy birthday to my brother, Jonathan, and my husband’s grandmother, Bebo, in heaven!
What a perfect weekend for the birthday girl! You planned a wonderful retreat for that busy young lady. I know she enjoyed it!
Thank you, Missy! Yes, we had a nice weekend and she was very appreciative! 💕 Oh, and she loved the facial masks!!
You have the best ideas to make things special!!
Aww, thank you, my friend! 🥰
Happy birthday to your Valentine girl! Sounds like she had a perfect day! That gumbo looks delicious!
Thank you, Kelli! The gumbo was delish! It was a fun day for us all (and I’m extra excited over my table!). 🤗
And….as we have observed throughout the years with some of our older church friends, there appears to be grounds for “bragging rights” where the number of great grands is concerned!! Ha!!
😊
I had fun preparing a little ladies lunch! It was a delight for me to host once again after the pandemic and the trials of the past year with Granddaddy’s health. I will have to admit I was tired after listening to the birthday girl’s current schedule, but incredibly happy to learn where she was interning…that school holds 27 years of sweet teaching memories for me.
Later that night, I was remarking to Granddaddy that I felt a little sad with two grandchildren moving so far away after their upcoming marriages. To which Granddaddy replied, “Think of all the great grans they will bring home to see us!” Think I’ll keep the old highchair awhile longer!!
Grandaddy is right! Joel and I are already talking about how fun the visits will be when the happy couple comes home, and then later with their children. And for you, with 16 grandchildren, oh my, imagine how many great grands you’ll have!!
How sweet you were to treat Alinda and the girls! Alinda does so much for others. I know she enjoyed sitting back and enjoying the day with you and her girls!