I totally love Valentine’s Day, but it hasn’t always been that way. I used to be someone who wore black on Valentine’s Day. I was annoyed at couples who needed Hallmark to tell them to show appreciation and love. Every year, I told my husband NOT to spend a ridiculous amount of money on flowers that were marked up especially for that date. This is an easy view for me to take, as I am blessed with a spouse who shows me love without social prompts.
7 years ago, three special kids merged into our family. They were 8, 11, and 11. Even though they were our children, we had a long time of getting to feel like a family. Our home was confusing and new, in a different part of the United States then they were familiar with, and our family had different routines and expectations. It was all very confusing and overwhelming to all of us.
Enter Valentine’s Day. A day when people publicly show love and appreciation to each other. A day when I can hug and kiss on them under the guise of social expectation. A day where they expect all the gooey, lovey, commentary that I wish I could have showered on them for all of the years that I wasn’t their mom.
I love this day.
Our traditions…
TJ and I get up early and make breakfast for the kids. This year, a friend and I got together and baked chocolate donuts. Keeping them hidden from the kids was a challenge! We made heart shaped french toast, with sausage and eggs. Each of the kids got a small present from TJ and I, and then we all exchange cards. This day is healing for my Mom heart. I can see that my children know they are loved. It is one of my very favorite days of the year.
This is the card I got from my daughter this year. The outside is a hug…
And here is one of the coupons she made for TJ and I.
Yup! She gave me a public 5 second hug! My heart is big… I love these kids so much.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!
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