Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day at our house is always made by our extended family and ward. I didn't grow up in a house where Valentine's Day was celebrated. I didn't think I was different from everyone else, either. My dad would give my mom roses occasionally but we didn't get gifts, there wasn't a ton of candy, and the only parties were the class parties at school. So it's not in the forefront of my brain to make big plans for Valentine's Day.

We were blessed with a package from Robert's family that had a gift for each of the kids.

Nate got the Cootie game. We've had it out everyday since. He really likes it. Every time he has a friend over he asks to play and then proceeds to tell them all the rules.

Scarlett got this little rubber ball thing with rattles in it. She was hooked the second she saw it. She pushes it around the house all day.

She also got this adorable outfit. I love girl's clothes. The possibilities are endless. Especially when you're a biased mom who thinks her daughter makes every outfit that much more adorable!

Our ward's playgroup has an annual Valentine's potluck lunch/party for the kids. Scarlett couldn't really participate too much, but she was really cute as she watched.

Of course decorating cookies is always the favorite with my son. I have to say I made him take a really big bite and smile. I just didn't know I'd get a conversation heart tooth in there for good measure.

Last year I was pregnant with Scarlett during this party. I was just a few weeks from delivering so I didn't make a Valentine's box with Nate. I felt really bad when he noticed there wasn't one for him but there was for all the other kids. I promised myself we'd do better this year and we did! He had a motorcycle/baseball box.
I think it's really good for me to have family and friends who make celebrating the smaller holidays a priority. I forget sometimes that it's not just me that's living through it. My kids need to experience them as well. I want them to look forward to holidays and know that they are special days, not just another day on the calendar. I hope to get better at it as my kids get a little older. Thanks to all the family and friends who made Valentine's Day a blast for us!