Valentine's Day

I can't say that Valentine's Day has always been a favorite holiday of mine. In fact, there were years where I wished it would slip by unnoticed. Up until Brian and I had our infamous "first date" that would change our lives as we knew it, I had only two Valentine's in my life: a boy from the 5th grade--who made me want to fake being sick so I could stay home from the school Valentine's party (who likes boys in the 5th grade?), and my Dad.

I'm not sure if my Dad knows just how important it was that he was my Valentine for all of those years, especially during High School and my early twenties, when having a Valentine was some kind of iconic symbol of how much a girl is loved. But it was always nice to be recognized by someone, even if it was my dad, with flowers and a card. It is probably because my experience with this holiday that I find it's not just a holiday for lovers and the romantic.

I love decorating my house this time of year because it gives me little reminders each day to let my children know how much I love them. We have been busy already with making crafts and decorating heart shaped cookies. I hope my actions speak louder than words, although I feel I could yell from the roof tops how much I love my family.

I have a tradition of filling this handmade mailbox with love notes for Brian each day in February up until Valentine's day. Without this holiday, where would we be? Now happily married with two adorable children later, I'm thankful for this holiday. It's fun the let him know how much he is loved, and this year, Jackson gets to help make the cards!

I got creative this year and hung anything that was pink or heart shaped from our chandelier over the kitchen table (yup, that's a cookie cutter). Jackson had fun watching my stand on the table and gave his approval by telling me it was "cute!" Thanks J!