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

my husband has to buy me chocolates from my favourite chocolatier in town, then my girls have to help me eat them! Other than that, V-Day is not a big day for us...

well, i'd like to say we write each other love notes & have a romantic picnic on Feb. 14, but instead i've found myself writing a birthday card & baking a cake for my husband...whose BIRTHDAY is on valentines day :) (it's actually quite fun!).
just this year we decided that it just wasn't fair for him to completely miss out on the celebration of his birthday because of a lovely flower-giving chocolate-eating holiday...so we've decided to forego Feb. 14th & celebrate v-day in August, which just happens to be National Date Your Mate month AND Aug. 20th is Chinese Valentine's Day.
...that way my husband can have HIS birthday and we can have OUR valentines day :)

Usually just my husband and I celebrate by going out to dinner. Very low key.

My husband and I always celebrate by having a quiet dinner and "us time." I can't wait to start traditions with our kids like my Mom did with us. When we would get home from school we always had Valentine's awaiting us. I can still remember the anticipation of that.

I usually try to make a mini journal of "love" including all my favorite loves at the time. The kids and I usually do something crafty; last year we decorated a frame with a picture for my husband. Maybe we'll even go out to dinner this year! Haven't done that since having #2...

I personally don't celebrate Valentine's Day, but I LOVE all the pretty heart stuff!

Each year I leave a little something on each of my children's bed for when they come home from school. Last year they each got a handmade card from me and dad and a box of candy.

Every year is different just depending on what day of the week it falls on. Since this year it is on the weekend we will do something as a family and relax the whole day! I think Valentine's day is special for dh and I but also for our kids! I can't wait to see what my son wants to make for his cards this year...I think it's always fun to make them together.

My husband and I don't do much (his mom passed away around Valentine's day) but I have been making sure that my daughter (5) makes valentines every year for her class--I get out the scrapbooking stuff and we craft.

My husband and I actually met on Valentine’s Day, so it is even more special for us. I always make him a card and then we usually have a nice quiet dinner, just the two of us.

OUr valentine's day tradition are simple-we go out for dinner and just have fun together. This year will be special with the addition of our new daughter. We haven't had a lot of alone time and we are hoping to get out just the two of us. I am wanting to start a new family tradition now that we have our daughter. I want her to feel special on valentines day but she is only 4 months so maybe next year. I want to make valentines for her daycare workers. It should be all about making someone feel special.

Sometimes we have strawberry pancakes for breakfast with the kids. I try to make my family homemade valentines if time allows, and we love our local Widman's chocolates.
I like to have supper with my husband (something easy like grilled steak, etc) after the kiddos are in bed. Much less stress than going out, and just as fun.

Mmmm we celebrate with a fancy DESSERT!! I love to cook fancy things, but don't always have the time....Valentines day is the perfect excuse to do something sweet in the kitchen.....

One V-Day, I took my DH & 2 little girls on a horse & carriage ride. It was a surprise for all of them! Afterwards, I took them to a park & we sat by the lake. I handed out the gifts, we ate & drank apple cider (from a glass bottle - the girls thought it was champagne!)
This year, I want to make gifts w/my girls & leave them by the front door of our friends & neighbors. We'll make cards to mail & cook daddy dinner!

We make Valentine cupcakes with our 5 year old - oh, he will be 6 by Valentines Day!
Hubby and I always make sure we get some time together whether it is Valentines Day or not. We want our son to know that love is shown all thru the year, not just this one day. But we certainly enjoy the cupcakes!

Our children receive a box of "sweet" cereal, the junkie kind. We always have the healthy stuff. They love it!

I wake the kids up with a little something special. DH did the purchasing last year. I'm working on little mini albums for each this year.

For the last seven or so years I would cook DBF's favorite dinner and just enjoyed the time together eating, talking, taking a walk.
But he broke it off a few months ago...
And I'm pregnant...
So this year I will cook MY favorite dinner and write a long note to my unborn child, who now will be the object of my affection on Valentine's and every other day of the year.
Nancy
NL

Every year I give my girls something pretty to wear along with candy treats. Some year's we make all our valentines and heart shaped cookies. I do plan to do that this year as well - my girls love to help make cookies!

I usually make a special card for my husband and we buy something small for each other. This year we are celebrating with a nite out with our frineds, adults only.
Anthea