I love you

I mean it! I love you. Valentine's day tomorrow or not, I have so many people in my life that I love... each of you my dear friends, family and neighbors included.

And with this note of affection - I want to add there will be no flowers, candy or cards sent your way. It is not that I don't love you! I DO! I am just feeling a little bit commercialismed out.

I have been thinking about holidays, and why Thanksgiving is "my favorite" and it came down to this: It is the only holiday widely celebrated by no gift "requirements". At Thanksgiving we can share traditions and good times with friends and family and make memories. It isn't all about gifts.

And then it lead me to my next thought - I don't have a "favorite" holiday... I like them all!! Sans the gift "requirements". Giving gifts should be an option... not a requirement! My sweet husband should not have to run into the closest grocery store on the way home to find the flowers that cost double their normal price and a card that would be MUCH more appreciated and received on Tuesday... say the 8th of March. KWIM? I would be THRILLED with a gift like this on a random, stressful, NORMAL day...instead of it being his "obligation" from the printed writing on the calendar.

I feel the same about Mother's Day and Father's Day..and Easter for that matter! Enough with the endless giving of gifts... Let's hang out! Let's make yummy food we all love together! Let's share stories of the past or play a game. THAT is what makes a holiday a holiday for me.

Do you know what Jess did for me for Valentine's Day? It was THE BEST "gift"!! He did something around the house that was *my* idea and project. He didn't really care about it getting done or not... but it thrills me that he did it! He moved the phone line from one side of the kitchen to the other!! Now the counter space by the fridge is "the desk" area and I have more food prep area! And I couldn't be happier!! *GRIN*

And so... today... as I thought about the holiday tomorrow... I decided something:

I made Caleb's favorite lunch today, and invited his close-by neighbor friends over last minute to join us. I made some cupcakes and we had a pink treat! that's it. That is my gift to Caleb.

I made the other cupcakes for my older kids. That is it! We will be playing games together and it will perfect! I also am writing each of my children an appreciation letter. And that will be their Valentine. Life is good! ;)

For Jess, we are having dinner with close friends, and then I have a new apron... and I will serve some great treats (homemade) after the kids go to bed... and he will be thrilled *GRIN*. And I will express my deep appreciation for him and his love and support the last 15 years of my life as well.

Valentine's Day is about loving those that are in your life and celebrating them! I am gratefully boycotting the commercialism that is taking over our society. I am taking Valentine's Day back!

And so... MY LOVE TO YOU ALL!! I appreciate you all sharing this journey with me. I hope you have a wonderfully joyful Valentine's Day!! (((MUAH))