This is one of my favorite days of the year! It is also the anniversary of the day my husband adopted our boys, so we have made this an anniversary celebration with gifts and parties, instead of the traditional romantic day you'd expect.
This year, between the work schedules of our group, Sunday night was the time everyone was free for the bash. (hmmm, maybe I'll get a chance for a traditional, wooing type Valentine night since our family gathering was earlier?)
At first we were worried that we'd have to cancel, because Dewdrop had been sick. She felt better that day, but was still spotty from a rash.
We kept her busy making Valentine cards and decorations all day while watching movies and resting. She was up for the party and ready to celebrate when dinner time came.
She did have to sit out on the food prep, tho.
Sugarwings made the sliced tomato and mandarin oranges hearts for our salads. She was also in charge of table setting and decor.
After my mistake of over doing at Christmas time, I was smart enough to cook the day before for this party. I'd made a bunch of lasagnas, vegetarian, vegan, and less veggie for the little kids.
That way, I could just pop them into the oven, no worries, no work. I was able to enjoy the day with the kids, being crafty and hanging out. And I wasn't frazzled when it was time to sit down and enjoy the meal together.
We even had time to plan a surprise for the family. I climbed up on the arm of the sofa, and Sugarwings passed handfuls of confetti to me to put onto the ceiling fan blades. The girls were also kind enough to share some of their lace paper doily hearts from the craft supply box.
After dinner, before cake and gifts, everyone gathered in a circle to hold hands and sing "Family Together", a song my husband and the kids made up. I made an excuse to go hit the switch and the confetti floated down on the singers.
If I had it to do over again, I'd use much, much more confetti. But this is one of those things that would be hard to repeat. Everyone would see it coming and there couldn't be a big surprise again.
Unless I could fake out someone on a birthday, by having the blades loaded and casually saying something like, "would you please get that cup from the living room for me?" and hitting the switch as they walk under? Hmm, hope none of them read that….
It was all a big hoot, and if you watch the little video, you can see just how crazy and ramped up it made the kids much the kids loved the prank! It is posted on my FB page.
Best wishes for a fun Valentine to you too! From the little joys to the grand gestures, the sly smiles to the big grins, it's all about the love and about sharing that love with the ones you care about.
edit- I've added the video for you here:
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY KARLA!!! You are so SWEET and thoughtful!! You take Valentines Day to a whole new level!
Awe such sweetness. Love really is what life is about! Thanks for sharing yours!
It was a fun day for us, thanks, Holly!
I bought those cute little bags, too. Perfect size for a takeaway. It looks like a lovely time and a fun one!