Valentine's Day: A Love Story

Once upon a time, there was a couple who doted on one another, went on adventurous dates every weekend and looked forward to Valentine's Day. My memory is a little fuzzy, but I'm pretty sure they bought each other gifts and treats, and there were usually flowers involved. Fast forward ten years and picture this: dishes in the sink, laundry piled up and sticky handed children waiting to be loved on, dressed and fed. All memories of Valentine's Days past have all but vanished. They've been replaced with days making all things heart-shaped, creating homemade valentines, and coming up with ways to surprise the kids in the morning with a little something from cupid. Yes, our holiday has taken a sharp turn, veering toward a no-man's land of all things children, but you know something?? I wouldn't have it any other way!

Diamonds? Flowers? Lingerie? I'll take a pass and instead happily decorate our home with the red and pink artwork fashioned by little dimpled hands, make heart-shaped pancakes, cookies and sandwiches and then when the kids are in bed, enjoy a little treat and maybe even a movie in bed with my honey. Kids change things and take our lives in a new direction where there's just no looking back. Ever. No more sleeping in, popping out for a late-night movie or having a spontaneous weekend trip just because. Yes, our lives are teetering on the verge of insanity but having my own family has created a richness in my life that words cannot define. Only mommies understand. They have that same frazzled, yet blissful look in their eyes. So whatever you do to celebrate this year, just remember, there's no comparing to years gone by, only moving ahead and enjoying what's right before us. So hit the dollar store, stock up on goodies and let the kiddos at it! Happy Valentine's Day!

What do you do to celebrate??

                                                                  Treats for my kiddos!