A Week of Valentine's

Admittedly, I am not and have never been a fan of Valentine's Day. It just seems like it's a bunch of hype to get people to feel like they aren't loved if they don't have a valentine on this one day of the year! I really dislike this concept. And, as a mother, I don't want to have my sons grow up thinking they HAVE to have a girlfriend or whatever, just because it's "valentine's day". I want them to realize that if they are going to celebrate this day, then it can be because they are celebrating "LOVE" in general: love for them, love for their family, love for their friends, heck, love for the dog if they want to! So, I started a tradition when John & I were dating. I would give them a small token of affection for the entire week before Valentine's Day. This probably sounds contradictory to what I said I don't like about this holiday. But, I am trying to tell them that it's about celebrating ALL of the relationships in their lives.

Today was the first day of my self proclaimed week of love. I have a special mail box where the boys (and John) can look to find a special note, or goodie each day. On Valentine's Day, I do go all out with heart shaped food, and goodies, and a bigger goodie for the kids. Today it was a "gift card" which entitles each of them an entire day of "All About Me".

They can redeem their card for a day of one on one time with either me or their dad. Their choice. We will probably go out to eat to a place they want to, and then a movie or activity that they enjoy doing. It's nice to get to spend that one on one time, and this way, they can redeem their card for when they think they need a little extra love. This was accompanied by a HUGE pack of jumbo smarties, because, well, I think they're all super SMARTY!

John got a card, and a gift card for a free breakfast in bed. He could use a little bit of pampering, and I know the boys and I will have a fun time doing that for him! Spend this week showing those you care about how much they mean to you. You might be surprised at how being on the GIVING end of something makes you feel as good as being on the RECEIVING end! This week, is the valentine I give myself. Hugs to everyone!