I'm not even going to mention this latest blog-iatus (that's a blog- hiatus for those of you just tuning in) because it's become standard procedure for me nowadays.
Wait, did I just mention it?
I did, didn't I?
Any-whooo, I thought I'd take a moment to share a few favorite Valentine traditions that are simple and easy (and cheap!)
There are SO many cute ideas out there for Valentine's Day, but I've had to learn the lesson the hard way that I just can't do it all! When I try to do every little idea I see, I often end up "going to the party but missing the celebration," so to speak. In other words I become so focused on my doily table runner that I forget that the point of this holiday is to cherish the ones we love! Leslie wrote a great blog post about this subject the other day.
I've no idea what that crazy kid was talking about, but I like the way his mind works. Cake sandwiches? Yes sirree!
On our kitchen counter we have a jar where we can write little love notes to each other beginning the first o' the month. Then we read them during our Valentine's breakfast. Simple and sweet.
There are SO many cute ideas out there for Valentine's Day, but I've had to learn the lesson the hard way that I just can't do it all! When I try to do every little idea I see, I often end up "going to the party but missing the celebration," so to speak. In other words I become so focused on my doily table runner that I forget that the point of this holiday is to cherish the ones we love! Leslie wrote a great blog post about this subject the other day.
So, with that in mind, here are a few favorite, simple traditions that encourage togetherness.
1. 'Roses Are Red' Valentines:
A year or two ago, we started the tradition of making our own Valentines for each other (no store bought allowed!), and the rule is that the Valentine needs to follow the format of the poem "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue." I like to re-write the poem depending on what the kids are into that year.
A year or two ago, we started the tradition of making our own Valentines for each other (no store bought allowed!), and the rule is that the Valentine needs to follow the format of the poem "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue." I like to re-write the poem depending on what the kids are into that year.
Here are the Valentines I made the kids last year:
And here's the cute one Bennett made for me (with Daddy's help):
I've no idea what that crazy kid was talking about, but I like the way his mind works. Cake sandwiches? Yes sirree!I also made one for the McPreacher of course, but it was a little scandalous so I'll just keep that to myself. Hehe.
2. Special Breakfast on Valentine's Day:
I LOVE breakfast, and in my book, any holiday is a good excuse to make a special breakfast! This is something I've been doing since McPreachy and I first got married. Even though this is kind of labor intensive, I LOVE cooking so it doesn't stress me out. Here are a few of the Pinteresting things I'd like to try for this years special breakfast:
And finally, our last little V-Day tradition...
3. Love Notes Jar
On our kitchen counter we have a jar where we can write little love notes to each other beginning the first o' the month. Then we read them during our Valentine's breakfast. Simple and sweet.Here's the little bowl of love notes, waiting to be written on:
And here's a note that Mallory dictated for me to write for Bennett.
And yes, I know the pictures is sideways... I have issues.
Also, while we're at it, let's take a peek at a few of our simple Valentines decorations.
I think that about does it: Valentine's Day at our house in a nutshell... or any other shell that seems Valentinesy to you.
Either way, I love this holiday!
Also:
Now that he's a big preschooler, boxed Valentines are a part of our life. 
Today:
