Valentines Day- or that one day in February

You've all seen the story, it is a situational sitcom favorite. Middle aged woman hates Valentine's Day and refuses to recognize it. Usually these women are single, occasionally they are married, sometimes they find the joy and love in the holiday, other times they are shown moping by themselves not enjoying anything- and usually pigging out on chocolate.  I used to be one of those. I have never liked Valentine's Day. There might have been a time prekindergarten that this statement was not true but I am not so sure. My husband has tried for three years to change my mind, it has become a personal mission and though he has moved me a bit on the subject I still am not a huge fan of the holiday.

Now just because I am not a fan does not mean that my kids should suffer from the same dislike so I try every year to make Valentine's day the best I can and it seems to be working. Laine informed me that she no longer wants to grow up, her reason- there are no Valentine's Day parties in middle school. 

We made our boxes the night before. I am of the belief that kids make their own boxes so I gave them the supplies and let them go for it. 

 Laine decided to create a Valentine Eating Monster- with mustache and all.

 Eve revisited the Harry Potter Theme and drew pictures of all the couples in HP on the sides of her box.

James was James and just covered his box with a lot of silly. Dogs wearing mustaches was his favorite. 

 The kids did candy valentines this year- does anyone remember when you were excited to get a sucker or a few conversation hearts in the envelope. Now it seems like all the cards come with candy.
Anyway the kids filled the cards out and I noticed that Eve was taking extra care to let the boys know how she felt about them...

 Yes those romantic messages of - hope you have a wonkafilled day, or Happy Valentines day have been crossed out on every valentine going to a boy. We had a talk on how we should be nice to everyone and just because you wish them a Happy Valentine's day or worse a Wonkafilled day does not mean that you like them.

The next morning the kids work up to Valentine gifts from mom and dad. This year it was a sock monkey and a small box of chocolates.

Growing up my mom was always big on making food holiday appropriate. I find myself doing the same thing. This year for breakfast we had overnight stuffed french toast topped with strawberries and whip cream. We stuffed this with chocolate cream cheese it was so good.

 Then the rest of the meals were full of heart shaped meals. There were heart shaped sandwiches both closed and open style. And heart shaped pink mashed potatoes with dinner.

That was this years forary into the battle of Valentines day and I have to admit I found myself even slightly excited for the holiday this year. Maybe I am finally thawing towards the candy and card company holiday, then again maybe not.