You know, Valentine's Day can be real interesting if you live in Louisiana. It often times coincides with Mardi Gras. That's what happened this year. Valentine's Day was also Ash Wednesday. I was looking through my Valentine's Day posts from previous years. It coincided with Mardi Gras the final year the big kids were in public school. They had a Mardi Gras parade and party. Instead of sending Valentine's, we were asked to send Mardi Gras beads. So it's Valentine's Day in Louisiana only if it isn't Mardi Gras. Oh, I just have to laugh.
We've already established that Valentine's Day really isn't my favorite "holiday." But I do try each year to make it a special little family day for us. We typically use our wedding china and eat in the dining room twice a year - on our anniversary and Valentine's Day. And, of course, Ellie is all, "Why are we eating in here? Why are we using these plates?" That's what my children are going to remember the most about Valentine's Day growing up . . . the day Momma pulled out the real china, put their chocolate milk in stemmed crystal and let them sit on the chairs in the dining room without the seat being covered by a towel! I usually buy flowers for the centerpiece, but I decided not to do that this year and instead used Grandmother's candelabra. Then Seth came home from work and surprised me with flowers! (Not to mention I was sporting four-day hair and was filthy because I'd been rummaging around in the attic as part of my annual spring clean . . . also known as the day my kids are nervous about what exactly I'm donating . . . what a sight to come home to!)
And this is what Valentine's Day at home looks like for a party of five!
