All You Need Is Love

 So I've never been a huge fan of Valentines day... I mean sure, there is always the prospect that I might get flowers.. sure.  But what is it really all about?  As Valentines approached I had this ho-hum attitude that Valentines was about Hallmark... commercialism... candy and spending (unnecessary)  money.  Then I read this post on one of my frequented blogs (which on a side note I frequent because this amazing woman used to be a CNN reporter or writer... or something... she has a way with words and she inspires me to write creatively... I have a long way to go I know... don't laugh!) ANYWAY... as usual, I digress.. so back to this post I was reading.  It was about a Jewish woman and her thoughts on Valentines day.  As I read about her recalling her childhood memories of waking up on Valentines to find a little treat and a card from her parents that told her how much they loved her, I changed my view of this "Hallmark Holiday".

Valentines is about showing love to those around you end of story. There is no need for huge displays of affection by sending giant bouquets of flowers or life sized teddy bears (which by the way... who has room for that kind of stuff in their house anyway?)  Little tokens of appreciation.  So I ran off to blogland for a minute and literally two minutes later printed out some printable valentines pages here and had the kiddos get to work. I told them we were making Valentines for Daddy, to show him just how much we love and appreciate how hard he works for us.  Then we put them up on the back door so Daddy can see them every time he comes home from work.

When Kahner was finished he asked if he could make another one...
 

 Yeah, this kid has a huge crush (his first little crush sniff* sniff*) on his friend Zoe at school. I'm not sure if I'm ready for this... although how appropriate that he has his first crush on Valentines day ;D Suddenly all the little Valentines decorations Kahner has made at school brought, not only, a smile to my face, but also those lovely warm fuzzies you get in your heart when you know you are loved... you know the ones...

 I get a bad case of the "warm fuzzies" when I look at this sweet Valentine Kahner made just for his Mama...

 And the face on our Valentine guy is enough to bring a smile to anyone's face. (I used to hate clutter on my fridge. Now it seems incomplete without my little munchkins artwork!)

 And for Family night the day before Valentines I thought it appropriate that we should have a little Valentine treat (my lighting was dark and awful so I borrowed the pic from ourbestbites.com.. another amazing foodie/craftie blog that I simply cannot live without) Strawberry and Chocolate Nachos... YUM!!  They are SO EASY to make to so that was a huge bonus! (You can find the recipe here... I also must make these!!)

 Needless to say, those were devoured in no time flat! Cinnamon-y, crunchy, chocolate-y, fruity goodness!!

 After the kiddos were in bed I set in to finish a little Valentine for Kahner's class. (the upper "from:Kahner" is the back and the lower wording is the front) I could have gone all out and made some of this fancy schmancy popcorn but... nah.  This was just my style, simple and sweet.  Once again, it's about showing love and appreciation, not going nuts!  And it helped that I've been using a new program so I was looking for a good excuse to play with it hehehe...

  And, considering my approach to Valentines this year, you can imagine my surprise when my honey showed up with these beauties for me.  Definitely warm fuzzies and a slew of bonus points for my man on that one...

 And it seems only appropriate that I end my post by telling all of my fellow bloggers (and followers) out there how much I love YOU! I love your kind comments (they really do make my day!) and I love the inspiration and perspective you provide.

There is no down side when showing love to someone, it uplifts the person giving and the person receiving, it's a win win! I hope you all gave and received some love this Valentines day. And I hope you have a big case of the warm fuzzies by the end of this day of love.  If someone hasn't told you how much they love you today, let me just say I LOVE YOU!!  As children of God, I love you as my brother(s) and sister(s) and the divine qualities you posses and for sharing those wonderful qualities with the me and the world.

And to my Husband and beautiful children:
I LOVE YOU!!  I could not imagine my life without a single one of you. Without your smile every morning I would be lost.  I love the life lessons we are learning together. And I love the unique and wonderful personalities each of you bring to our little Phantastic 5.  My cup runneth over.  I hope valentines day 2012 was a wonderful love filled day for each of you my little Valentines.