I could say that Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays, but that wouldn’t exactly be true, because I like them all. I might even go so far as putting Valentine’s Day up in my top three. I have always loved it, single or not, kid or adult. A friend e-mailed me this morning and mentioned the overcommercialization of “another Hallmark holiday,” and I agree with him, but I just turn a blind eye to it and celebrate it my way. Our way. How can you not love a day designed to celebrate love?
Before The Ex and I were married, I used to get together and go out with my girlfriends on Valentine’s Day. And since our divorce, we have parties. Love it. Like seriously love it. And it gives me a chance to teach the kids that Valentine’s Day (or Single Awareness Day as another friend called it) isn’t just about romance with your significant other. It’s about love for your siblings. Your family. Your kids. Everyone. Growing up, my Dad always gave me and my sister a Valentine’s Day card and present that he picked out on his own, independent of the joint gift that my Mom gave us from both of them. He continued well into the first half of my marriage. I loved that.
Of course the fact that I have 33 pictures to show you should attest to my love for today too. Don’t take my word for it – the photos speak for themselves!
Perfect start to the day.
Love notes for my kids’ lunchboxes.
Cookie from my boss at work.
A present from my littlest Valentine.
You know, this one.
The mailboxes in Madeline’s classroom.
Her teacher has the best bulletin boards ever.
Cupcakes at Madeline’s Party.
Goody bags pails for Nick’s class.
Coveting this pan from one of the other class moms.
Biggest strawberries ever.
The class had to guess how many hearts there were in this jar. Can you believe there were over 500?!
A sadly deformed conversation heart.
One of our class games was a timed competition to see who could stack the hearts the highest without having them topple over.
Madeline loves Nick’s classmate, Karen, and the feeling is mutual. She is so sweet with her.
(artwork I spied in the classroom today)
Artwork from my kids.
My Mom got me the coolest cups ever for Valentine’s Day. Love, love, love.
A little mood lighting for our dinner party for 20 tonight.
If you’re a regular reader, you know that tonight should have been my E.L.B. post, but I couldn’t bump Valentine’s Day, so mine will be up tomorrow.
Project 365
February 14, 2011, Photo #44
Madeline playing teacher in Nick’s class. I’m trying hard to ignore the misspelling on the board.
Looks like a fabulous day! Loving all the conversation hearts. And those rainbow tumblers! AWESOME.
What a beautiful valentine’s day! You and the kids celebrated it to the maximum capacity.
Love all your photos! Those tumblers look very interesting.
Our class did the same stacking hearts game.
The pan is from At Home America – I have the same one.
Great mood lighting – looks so perty!
Love the photo of you and Maddie together.
Ah yes, At Home America, couldn’t remember the name. She’s a rep for them but doesn’t sell regularly. Do you happen to know any reps in the area? That stacking game was a great way to get the class instantly quiet – I wonder how many times we can play that at home? ;)
Looks like ya’ll all had a fantastic V’day!
Aww, looks like so much fun! I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day, too — single, coupled, sort-of coupled. Always fun.
Great thread. I just had some belated treats from my neighbor. Yum. She has two kids but her school does not allow any homemade treats ever. And, man she is an amazing cook/baker so she cooks/bakes for her neighbors.
She was soooo looking forward to do those fun school treats, like you posted.
Love, love, love your attitude about teaching your kids (and adults for that matter) how we all can celebrate 2/14.
I hear ya. My niece goes to a school that doesn’t allow the celebration of “Hallmark holidays,” and I’m bummed about that. Valentine’s Day is especially fun when you’re a kid!