It's Almost Valentine's Day

We are in the final stretch leading up to the day of hugs & kisses, flirting & smooches,
winks & embraces, chocolates & roses ... yes folks, it's almost Valentine's Day <3

Do you have big plans ... or any plans at all?

For us, we don't do anything overly extravagant ... never have.
We don't have a set routine, per say.
Sometimes we celebrate early, not the day of.
It all just depends on what's going on, work schedules, etc.
I try to do little things throughout the month 
{sending sweet texts, leaving unexpected notes}.
I mix it up a little ... whatever strikes me.

James is quite funny in February.
Anything that he does or buys for me is suddenly for Valentines Day.
If we run through the drive-thru ... at McDonald's ...  for an ice cream ... on February 1st ...
he will say that it's part of my Valentine's Day.
Ahhh ... he makes me giggle.

I do, however, have one special tradition.

I always give James & the boys a Valentine's card & make them a little goody bag.
Always in each bag is their favorite candy, favorite salty snack, & an energy drink.
Those are standard goodies.
I usually add in a shirt, a wallet ... something they need or have been wanting.
{This time of year, there are some great end-of-the-season markdowns 
as stores are making way for spring merchandise.}

The other thing I do is choose an evening sometime during Valentine week 
to prepare a meal of favorites.
There are a few dishes that everyone especially loves, 
so I pick & choose & make a meal that everyone loves to eat.
The meal is complete with a nicely-set table, 
& although I don't have much Valentine decor, I put whatever I have on the table.
{Since the boys are little guys anymore, I just don't do much decorating for Vtines...
ok, I put out red candles & a little towel with hearts on it in the bathroom.  That's it.}
I have a couple of heart-shaped candle holders that I use each year ...
& you know, those previously mentioned red candles.
Course, the final touches are playing some 'lovely' music &  drinking sparkling cider
from the long-stem goblets.

Neither the goody bags or the dinner is anything too costly or over-the-top.
It's just a few little extra things to show them I care ... and they love it!
Our conversation & time spent together around that is the real value.
But, anytime you can do a little extra to celebrate LOVE 
with the people you love the most, never pass that up!

Now, if you are feeling a bit out of the mood, or you just need quick last-minute ideas,
I wanted to share a link to Women Living Well.
Courtney has shared 1 entry each week in her 'Be My Valentine Marriage Challenge'
& let me tell you, they are worth reading & putting in action!
{I forwarded the kissing one on to James, & he enjoyed it, as well...wink, wink!}
You will be blessed by reading these, I'm sure of it.
They are short ... won't take more than 10 minutes out of your day, 
but if you can be inspired or encouraged to do something sweet for your spouse, 
then it's been worth it entirely!

Here they are:

Week 1:  Take the Initiative

Week 2: 10 Creative Ways to Say I LOVE YOU

Week 3: Kiss Your Way to a Better Marriage 

Week 4: Passion is NOT Just for the Movies 


I do hope you take a sec to read these ... all of them.

And for my closing thought, just a piece of advice.
Instead of thinking & wondering about what your husband is going to do for YOU 
for Valentine's Day {or just hoping he remembers that there is such a day 
& maybe gives you an extra hug or a kiss},
you plan what you can do for HIM!
If you don't get one single thing ... if he totally forgets or just doesn't get into the 'commercialism' of the whole deal, you find a way to make him feel special.
Leave him a love note, make his favorite food, play a special song, or give him a back rub.
Respect him, love him ... tell him how much you need him ... & are proud of him.
Those things are worth their weight in gold.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.  
~1 Peter 4:8

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 
She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.  ~Proverbs 31:11

And so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 
to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, 
and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 
~Titus 2:4-5