Valentines Celebration-Family Style

If you didn't know, let me just say "I do NOT like Valentines". I think the jewelers and florist and candy makers got together and created/exploited this day to make you feel guilty and get you to go spend money. I mean REALLY. If your significant other doesn't show you that he/she loves you through out the year, One day just ain't gonna get it. So years ago Randy and I decided that we'd just start a rose garden and each Valentines Day we would add another rose bush to the garden. We'd also make a special dinner at home and not have to deal with the craziness of restaurants on Valentines Day. It worked out well when it was just the two of us. It works out even better when it's the 6 of us. So while it might not seem romantic from the outside, it sure was fun celebrating Valentines this year.

Today:Randy and Judson went and picked out TWO rose bushes for my garden. (Don't think that thirteen years of marriage must have created a gigantic garden. I don't have a green thumb, if you know what I mean) While they were away, Ansley and I decorated and made dinner. She was so funny. She giggled and got very excited. She gave me a great big hug and said she just loved doing this kind of stuff with mom. I gave her some wrapping paper and asked her to cut out hearts. She also made heart shaped place cards. She insisted we have a candle too. So I pulled out the only red tablecloth I had (which was meant to fit the table w/o the leaves in but who cares) and put her flower (from Daddy-Daughter date night) and the candle out. Then I told her we would get out the good china. You know the stuff. That breakable stuff that is in the cabinet and hasn't been used since child #1 was born. She was beside herself. She said "This is just like a REAL holiday".

We made shrimp, baked potatoes, mixed green salad, and yeast rolls. Ansley and I also made a chocolate cake with fudge center and vanilla glaze. Oh yeah, the kids had plain noodles. (Why? Because I have picky eaters)
Everybody used their best manners and no dishes were broken in the "almost like a real holiday" celebration. It made me realize I need to do this more often. I think the kids felt really special.