Happy Valentines Day!

To all those I have around me...let me tell you how much I LOVE each of you. I've pondered a lot on this day, and I decided that today means to express love and gratitude to those we have in our lives.

It might be a totally commercialized holiday, which is nauseating to say the least. But besides the candy chocolate boxes, stuffed animals and roses. There is a deeper meaning to how we can approach today. It's honestly loving those around us and sharing in the meaning of love.

I have been pondering what I love. And that is my knowledge of my Heavenly home, family and dear friends. I truly have been so blessed. So in honor of those we love I wanted to make it known. Today for our family also has tender feelings attached to it. It was 9 years ago that Jared's mom was killed in a car accident. So in honor of the love she had for so many and we have for her. I wanted to express my love to those around me. It's amazing how we continue to grow and mature in life. I feel the Lord has blessed me so abundantly to love more as He does and to see more as He does. This morning while I was studying I came across this scripture...Moroni 7:33..." If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." I love this thought that we truly can overcome all things if we have faith in our Savior...so much so that if we choose to follow Him He will give us POWER to do whatever we might need help with. As I pondered those words I have come to understand that through our faith in our Savior we are truly showing the purest love we can to Him.

So today I have made a choice to see all the LOVE my Heavenly Father has given me...I'm going to see those smiles, the sunshine, the yummy treats, family, beauty, scriptures, good health, my children, compliments from others, love notes...there is so much to see.

Now, I did make a post on my sisters blog (Deals to Meals) about Sugar Cookies. And since the cookies are really honestly that YUMMY I wanted to let my fellow readers (all two of you) have my FAVORITE cookie recipe (Thanks Marci!) beware though you won't be able to keep your hands off of them, as you can see it was impossible for Caleb!!!

Sugar Cookies
1 C. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
1 c. sour cream
5-6 c. flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar together in mixing bowl. Add the eggs, vanilla & sour cream. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl and add to wet mixture. Add just enough flour to handle without being too sticky when rolled. Roll cookie dough on lightly floured counter till 1/4" thick. Bake 7-8 minutes @ 400 degrees. Makes about 4 dozen.

Frosting
3 sticks butter (softened)
1 ½ teaspoon butter flavoring
3-4 Tablespoon milk/cream
Cream together then add 1-2 lb. powdered sugar and add a pinch of salt.