Three Things + 1 : Lots of Love (and giveaways)

Hi Ali,
I celebrate Valentine's day in a few ways - as a reminder to tell the people I love how I feel about them not on just this one day but every day; I usually give a gift to surprise my one girlfriend who has been single for years to encourage her that one day she will find that person she is meant to be with. As I remember how it was to not have someone to share romantic occasions with before I fell in love with the man I'm with.
My boyfriend and I exchange cards, sometimes a present but we usually do that more for our anniversary. We sometimes will go to dinner on or around Valentine's day, depending on work schedules.
I also like to encourage my 6 year old niece to make something for her mom and dad to show how she cares; this year we will probably get her little 2 year old brother involved as well. I like to be creative, but inspiring them and seeing what they can create with my help is magical as they will only be little once. I usually give my sister a little memento - a photo of her kids as I love to take them; or make up; something for her; but it isn't always on V-day, sometimes that week or after as I like to spread the love longer than just Valentine's day...
This year I found a cute lil card to send my mom too, from her dogs as she shows and breeds yorkies and they are just another extension of our family. As it's all about the love, all year round; not just on this one day :)
All these products are super sweet, the he said, she said album is awesome, I will have to check out her products, I love checking out the lil treasures you find. Thanks as always!

oh my goodness, Ali! So much eye candy up in here. My heart just skipped a beat. Loooooove it! You have such a generous heart. Thank you!

Valentine's Day is huge in our family. We start with heart shaped pancakes in the morning and some kind of red food for dinner. My daughter and I make crafts to put up around the house and cards for her classmates.

Our kids always get a special Valentine left on their plate right before dinner. Just something to let them know they are special.

Well, my husband is in the United States Coast Guard and more often than not we are apart on Valentines day...so, its hard for me to say how we celebrate it. It changes from year to year with us. But, I will never forget the year that even though he was on duty flowers were delivered to my door for not only myself but also my mom who was visiting and had just recently been divorced. I was blown away by my husbands thoughtfulness and care. That was my best Valentines day ever.

Usually my husband and I celebrate by going out to a quiet dinner then coming home and watching a movie together. He is also a fabulous gift-giver... one year he surprised me with a rare, out-of-print Art Noveau book. Love that about him!

We don't have any established traditions as of yet, but I am inspired by reading these comments. So many! How do you do it?
I'm excited to check out this clickinmoms website. Great give away!

I love Valentine's Day. I love making valentine cards with my kids, making cards for them and planning a special family dinner to share together. I would much rather stay home and than fight the crowds to celebrate with strangers. Thanks for offering the great prize!

My husband and I cook a special meal for just the two of us. We don't usually exchange gifts, but every once in awhile he gives me jewelry on Valentine's Day.

We keep it pretty simple. Cards, small token of some sort for the kids - animal, chocolate, maybe earrings now that they're older. The kids always do cards for the classmates. They prefer the cheesy ones you buy rather than handmade, which is fine with me, may as well keep it simple.

I will send out invites to my kids and hubby requesting they reply back and list their favourite dinner, drink and dessert and then I set a fancy table and everyone gets to have their favourites for dinner that night.

I am still in search of a nice Valentines tradition. My son's bdays are Feb 1st and 10th... they are turning 1 and 4, so it is pretty hectic around our house during the Valentine season.
I think I want something small, maybe a breakfast with heart-shaped pancakes and something for my preschooler to bring to school like a heart-shaped cookie or treat.
I just really want them to know that this is the day we celebrate LOVE.

I usually send a handmade card to our children. My husband and I don't always do something special that day...depends on what else is going on.

We keep it pretty simple especially now that we have 2 little ones. I'll probably just make a nice dinner at home, make cards and cookies with the kids. Maybe a small gift for my husband. Very simple!

It's my Mom's birthday so my sister and I always try to make the day special for her (as it is very easy to get caught up in the treats the kids take to school and making dinner plans with our husbands).

I don't really have any traditions. I do love making valentine's cards though.

For the last few years, with two little ones under 5, I usually make a gourmet dinner for the two of us that we share together after the kids go to bed. For the kids, I make Valentine's cupcakes and usually bring them to pre-school.

I love to do fin little valentines for my kids. This year I get to do something for my almost 2 year old grand daughter.

LOVE is important in our house, growing up my parents were not that emotionl...so now it is really important for me to change with the kids. We always say I love you as much as.... (something like all the tiny wholes in all the window and door screens in all the world) The kids come up with great ideas. My three year old always loves me 45 lbs.? Valentines day we will talk about love, why it is important, and how much? Treats like candy and ice cream after dinner.

Hi Ali! Thanks for the awesome giveaways. Our Valentine celebrations include homemade heart shaped sugar cookies with yummy pink or red frosting, homemade cards and a candlelight dinner at home for the three of us.