I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day. Growing up, it was one of my favorite holidays. My dad would give my sisters and I a single rose and a box of chocolate. My mom would have a few thoughtful gifts and her famous handmade cards in our lunchbags. I couldn’t wait to open my lunchbag at school to see her beautiful card…I always felt extra loved on Valentine’s Day.
We didn’t have a lot of money when I was younger and were taught that the best gifts were the thoughtful ones…not necessarily those with the biggest price tag. My mom only ever wanted homemade cards and gifts – nothing fancy or expensive – just something that took time to make for her.
I’m not sure when it happened, but at some point in my life, I began to view Valentine’s Day in a much more material way. The little things didn’t matter as much and it seemed all I cared about were the expensive gifts I hoped expected to receive. I had this warped mentality that the more money that was spent on me, the more I was loved.
Since my son was born last January (Jan 2011), I’ve slowly begun to learn what my mom was trying to teach my sisters and I so many years ago – jewelry, expensive clothes, and other material gifts do not define Valentine’s Day.
It’s amazing how one little person can change your outlook on things…
My son has taught me that every day (not just Valentines Day) is a time to…
Cherish the one(s) that you love
Give from the heart (and mean it)
Say I love you (and mean it)
My son woke up (for the day) at 4:45am this morning. We made the best of it and the three of us spent a couple of hours playing on the living room floor before my husband had to go to work. It was the best way to start Valentine’s Day.
Later on in the morning, my son walked over and gave me a huge open-mouth kiss on my lips. Best Valentine’s Day gift…EVER.
We aren’t doing anything special for Valentine’s Day this year…we are having a quiet dinner at home…I will be spending the evening with the two men in my life that fill my heart with love and happiness. It is the perfect way to spend my Valentine’s Day =) !
Hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!!!
oh i so agree! its important just to cherish those little love moments and hug your family.
xxoo
Aww that picture with you and your son with the sun in the background is adorable! I got to be honest I’m as guilty as any of not showing affectionateness. A simple ‘love you’ definitely goes along way.
Jane F recently posted..madbid promo code
Thank you!!! We had a photographer come and take some photos of the 3 of us – definitely worth the $!!
Awww, this is such a cute post! I think this was really the first year that I didn’t care too much what we did. Rick and I had a really nice Sunday and I was completely ok with that. He did get me a gift but I totally wasn’t expecting anything. With V-Day and my birthday in the same week, it’s a tall order. Maybe I am finally growing up at 32.
Kristin recently posted..Giveaway! Sweating Pink on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day has become one of my favorite holidays since I’ve had kids… And you are right about it not having to be materialistic or expensive.
p.s. I must say that I LOVE that picture of you and your son!!
Tia @ Arkansas Runner Mom recently posted..My Perfect Valentine’s Day Includes…
Sweet post! I agree– those handmade gifts and cards have taken on new meaning… can’t wait til my daughter can write some backwards letters on one! Glad you could make the best of your early wake-up call, too.
Laura recently posted..Valentine’s day WIAW
Great post! Your kids really help you keep life’s priorities straight.
Rob recently posted..Back to Boston: Boston Marathon Training Week 7
Oh gosh I just can’t wait to have this…:)
Stephanie recently posted..The Hunger Games & Valentine’s Day
You are going to love it, Steph!!! I can’t wait FOR YOU!!!
What sweet traditions! Loving the open mouthed kisses in our house too! They are the best! Hope your valentines day was good.
Andrea recently posted..BLOG: February #womensrunning twitter chat
Thanks, Andrea!!! It was fantastic – hope you guys had a wonderful day!
Exactly! My husband and I exchange cards and that’s it. We also order pizza and watch a movie. Total cost is less than $20 and I LOVE it.
Kristy recently posted..Random Thoughts and Boston Week 6 Recap
And thank you for the beautiful “drawing” from AJ…….you have learned well, my daughter….I love you…xoxox
So true! Everyday my sons teach me what is really important in my life. A simple smile from them makes me the happiest mama every- any day of the week! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your adorable son (and the hubs too!).
Jessica M recently posted..5 Ways to Make Your Running Shoes Last Longer
Terrific – and so true! I love my sons’ handmade cards and gifts and have kept every one of them. Happy Valentines Day!
Racingtales – Alison Gittelman recently posted..A 28-Year Love Affair
=) Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Open mouth kisses from your kids are the best.
Ha ha! Your son is going to teach you a lot in the next few years! Sounds like the perfect Valentine’s morning. 
That picture of the two of you is precious. 
STUFT Mama recently posted..I Heart Protein Cookie Dough
Agreed! Aaron and I are just hanging in, having boxed mac n’ cheese, cheap wine and enjoying each others’ company~!
Janine @ThePurpleGiraffe recently posted..My Cheesy Valentine… a.k.a "I know you’re jealous…"
So very true. My kids too have made me realize that the material gifts aren’t the be all end all. Don’t get me wrong, I still like to receive them but they aren’t the sole focus. Love love love the big open-mouth kisses. My younger son thinks it’s hilarious to try to eat my nose when he gives me a kiss. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Happy Valentine’s Day