Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Looking Toward Valentine's Day

I know it's not until next week, but with all of the pink I encountered at Target Sunday, I thought I would jot down some thoughts swirling in my head.

I remember my mother making little goody packages for us on Valentines Day. They usually contained some kind of chocolate and socks and underwear with valentine's decor of some sort. They were always wrapped in heart wrapping paper.



When I got older, but still before kids, Valentine's Day didn't really mean anything. Even after we were married, it didn't seem to matter other than spending money we didn't have on cards that we didn't need.

Then I had kids and I want to make it special for them. That is why I am brought back to remember the little goodies we got as kids.

I can't exactly give my two boys pink heart underwear...I don't think they'd be impressed.

Last year was the first year I put together a little goody bag. I got each of them a little stuffed animal with hearts. They were actually VERY excited about them.

It was a little unusual though because we spent Valentine's Day last year on the road to go get Noah's PINK cast off from his broken wrist (Remember this post from last year?)












So I am thinking ahead to this year. The stuffed animals from last year are still among the boys' favorite toys so I am not sure if I should get them new ones this year or not. How old are they when they no longer want to receive silly little stuffed animals? I am limited with candy for Noah since I need to avoid the color red in any treats.

Valentine's Day is on Saturday this year, and I will be at a bell conference all morning. But then we will have the afternoon to do something fun as a family.

So this is where I open it up to you. What do you do for your children for Valentine's Day, if anything? Any ideas?

7 comments:

Debbie @ Three Weddings said...

Valentines are hit and miss for me. If I am out and remember, I try to get a little something for the girls. I love the idea of it, but sometimes I just don't remember! This year I've got it covered. I ordered chocolate fudge filled hearts with their names on them. Better yet, I bought them from a favorite local charity of mine that helps adults with special needs find jobs. It's a win win.

Love the pink cast! One day Noah may not be so proud of that but until then ... LOL! He is so happy in that picture.

Veronica @ Luv My Quiver Full Of Arrows said...

I also do a goody bag...maybe candy, cookies, a stuffed animal, too. However, one thing I think they look forward to each year is the 'coupons' I give them. They treasure those and use them throughout the year. They range from: stay up an extra 1/2 hour, get out of a chore, movie of their choice on movie night, skip a bath for one night (this is a favorite HA HA)...they love getting to have a little control, I suppose, and it is cute seeing when they finallyy choose to pull them out. You would think that they would use them all up that first week, but there have been years, where they still had some left over from the last V-Day...they are very frugal children, aren't they?

xoxo, Veronica

Nina said...

I typically find a couple sweet treats and then I also get my son a toy that he has been begging for. He does still love stuffed animals at 6 so I might buy him a little stuffed dog. The toys are overflowing this year and I need a break from them.

I also want to bake a heart shapped cake this year with the boys. They will enjoy that.

Courtney said...

I want to start doing something for our girls, but haven't done it...I'll be back to see more of your comments & hopefully get ideas!

After Hours said...

Pancakes shaped liked hearts with whipped cream kills 2 birds with one stone. You've conquered feeding your kids and displayed love at the same time. Way easy, doesn't involve candy, and you can make them for dinner if you can't get up early enough in the morning.

Mom Knows Everything said...

Valentines Day is Aurora's birthday so it's all about her on that day. We give Aurora flowers and chocolates along with her birthday presents and cake. We also give Aidan a small solid chocolate heart and some small toy like crayons and coloring book.

Anonymous said...

I never got my kids anything for Valentine's Day! It never even occurred to me. I kind of just let it be a 'school' holiday.

Have you seen that Hallmark commercial for the Hannah Montana Valentine's Day card? It made me angry - like all the thoughtful things would disappoint kids, but a card! Now that shows love.