Back when we were first married we ( o.k. I’ll admit it was probably me…) thought we/I had to spend a lot of money on Valentines Day to make it fun. But raising a family will teach you many things including, how to be frugal, what is most important, and changes what your “idea” of fun is.
Many years ago my husband started what has become my childrens favorite holiday tradition. I had just had a baby, and was not really in the mood to fight the crowds with a new baby and eat out for Valentines Day. My husband offered to make us dinner at home. He made chicken marsala. It was awesome! He also used a tablecloth (something we don’t do at our house!) had sparkling cider, candles, and table decorations. We invited the kids to eat with us. We turned all the lights down low and a new tradition was born. Every year we repeat the same thing and every year it is the nicest evening of the year. I can’t even begin to tell you how much the kids love it. We let them drink out of wine glasses and use the nice “china”. It really doesn’t cost anything more than a normal dinner but the excitement on the kids faces always brings me to tears.
It is so simple to start new traditions like this, that make memories for the entire family for our lifetimes, I would so much rather spend it with my husband and kids than figting the crowds. Don’t get me wrong, I like to eat out at a nice restruant as much as anyone else, but I love this day 1,000 times more!
Part comedian, part Dad, part athlete. He will boss around your children while they play ball.
Just as angelic as she looks, this girl could easily raise a Village by herself, and all the children would grow up to be President.
Self proclaimed, she would be a webkinz dog. Because, "they're cute, and puppies are too. And they're sweet and they always get along with other puppies."
This mini-Martha Stewart can handle ANY craft you send her way. She isn't all bows and rainbows, she's got karate kid moves!
Not "Pick-Me-Up" like caffeine, she wants you to pick her up! AND NOW!
Anything that can be destroyed WILL be destroyed!
Practically Perfect in Every Way for now! Nicknamed "The Panda" she is rolly polly and lives by the motto, "the little one, is KING!"
The resident Labradoodle, Miller got his name because Mom won and got to name the baby! Need something chewed up? He'll take care of it. Especially if it's expensive..
Great idea!!! I'm going to try it. Also we just found out we are expecting too!! I also got rid of all my baby stuff in November. So if you find any great deals on babygear, please let me know. I will need to buy some basic things. Thanks
Great idea, we've done something similar in the past but I always end up making the meal…I think I will try to hint to my husband that he should do it this year…wish me luck! 😉
We have a similar tradition. On Valentine's we have chocolate fondue as a family with candles and all sorts of goodies. So fun and something they'll remember forever. Thanks for sharing your story.
Fabulous. I think you and your hubs are inspired. You seem to be awesome parents. I sure appreciate you sharing your ideas with the rest of us. I think it's awesome to include the kids on such a special night. This is my new plan for Valentines Day. Thanks again! I know my children will really enjoy the special attention.
What a great idea! Every year, I set up little gift baskets for my kids, filled with candy and a small toy or two. I put them on the table, then sprinkle some M&M's or other small candy all over and place a Valentines balloon-on-a-stick in the basket to finish it off 🙂 This is something my mom did with my siblings and I when we were small, and I love continuing it with my kids!
I love this tradition! It teaches children that Valentines day doesn't have to be all about Hallmark and buying expensive things… it also shows them that it just isn't "Singles Awareness Day." It shows them its just a special day of the year to show each other their love. Cute! I can see Tucker bringing a date to the family dinner when he's older 🙂
I usually make a favorite dinner, but, with your example, I am going to "do it up right." I can't wait to set the table and light the candles.