I Like Love. Why Don't You?

I have a question for the masses...when did it become cool to diss Valentine's Day? Somewhere in between the time one is lovingly addressing a Minnie Mouse themed card to each person in their 4th grade class and the time they say "I do," the holiday of hearts loses its luster for so many.

I can't count the number of times I've heard someone say to me, "Valentine's Day is ridiculous. You should show love to your spouse every day, not just on February 14th."
Um, yah.
And you shouldn't just think about Christ on December 25th or appreciate your mother on the second Sunday of May or let your son dress up like Spiderman on October 31st!
 Okay, I was stretching it on that last one.
But, you know what I'm sayin'.

I get really, truly excited when Valentine's Day approaches. If for no other reason than I get to wear pink and red at the same time and tell my husband 50 times in one day that I love him.
 I get that there is pressure stuck onto one day to be romantic.
I get that it's hyped up by the card industry. (Though what holiday isn't?)
I even get that not every girl wants cheesy balloons.
But, it's meant to be fun people!

I say, lighten up and go light a candle. Give your kiddos a heart shaped sucker and a gorilla that says "Be Mine." Spread some rose petals and spend a little extra time smooching.
It ain't gonna kill ya!

Baby's 1st Valentine's Day

Watch out, the Lyd will attack you with love!

That morning, Tawny picked Lydia and I up for M.O.P.S. Along with the regular brunch, they paid a speaker to put on an awesome presentation about how to love our husbands. The woman was a regular comedian and had me laughing the entire time. And she had some great insight on how to strengthen a marriage. It was the perfect way to begin the day.

Not long after we got home, Kyle surprised us by taking the rest of the day off!

After some fun family time out and about, Lydie came home to her first Valentine:

Big cousin Zach mailed her an awesome super hero card. They got to be good buddies at Disneyland.

Then, sorry to say it Lydie pie, we had our real Valentine's Day after she went to sleep at 7.

Surprise surprise, I AM a cheesy balloon kind of girl :)

I forgot that our new tradition was supposed to include making our cards together on Valentine's night, and gave Kyle this card I made at M.O.P.S two weeks ago. I'll remember next year, Ky ;)

Kyle picked up an Italian dinner from Rigatoni's.

We did it up right with sparkling cider and candles.

For dessert, our thoughtful neighbor Sarah brought over 2 of the most AMAZING cinnamon rolls I have ever had. 

I'd get the recipe from her, but I hear it takes 2 days to make. And we all know that's never gonna happen.

After dinner, Kyle had a love song playlist ready as he invited me to slow dance in the living room; Followed by an aroma therapy oil massage. 

Romance is big for me, and with just a few thoughtful touches, Kyle knows how to make me feel like a very lucky girl. We love on each other everyday, but Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to do something a little extra special.