Almost Valentine's Day

 

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It's almost that sappy Hallmark day again. I am not going to pretend that I don't like it and that I think it's a ploy for florists and card companies to make a buck (even though I know it is), because in reality I absolutely love Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day is great because it is the perfect excuse to shower someone with love. It doesn't have to be extravagant love (i.e. diamonds or a weekend in NYC) and you don't have to be in a relationship to enjoy the day. Before my handsome hubby came along, my precious dad used to send my sister and me roses or actually mailed cards to us (we lived at home!) just so we knew how much he cared. Can someone say precious? My adorable mom always made heart shaped cookies (sometimes a cake) with us as kids and let us make colored frosting to top them off. These are memories I will always keep with me. So, whoever passes over the day without a second thought is missing out on some sweet moments in life. 

And on that note, a word to the guys out there (though I know the only ones reading are either related or married to me. Ha.) Don't think for one second you can skip Valentine's Day. You might have a precious gal who tells you to save your money and not to worry about it, but I promise... She still wants you to show some love. Maybe she hates flowers -- bring her some chocolate. Oh, she's on a diet? Bring her some strawberries! Don't have the money to take your girlfriend/fiancee/wife out to dinner? Give her the night off from cooking and make dinner. Make her some food. You aren't the cook in the house? Doesn't matter, she would love a night off! Perhaps you have little ones terrorizing your house and no sitter in town will come over. After feeding them heart shaped sugar cookies (and of course, them coming down from a sugar high), get those kids to bed and pop some popcorn and watch a chick flick for your woman. Deployed? (Been there). CALL HER. Send her flowers -- ProFlowers has some good deals and I promise you will make her cry. Happy tears that is. If you can't afford the flowers and the line at the MWR is a mile long, at least send an email. The little arrow (<) and the number 3 make a heart. Put them together and press send. It's honestly that easy. Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to be our knight in shining armor. And I promise you, you don't have to ride into battle on a white horse to make us smile. We already love you. Don't forget to ask your girl to be your Valentine. Yes, it's utterly cheesy. I feel like a total nerd if I beat Strom to it, but I'm telling you, a man who is willing to be a cliche nerd is one who makes happy. We act like it doesn't matter to us, but let's face it, it does. (Okay, now you ladies can show that entirely-too-long speech to your man!)

I promise you men out there, when women feel loved we show respect. And hey, when you feel all big, bad and respected, you're going to show even more 

love. It's the crazy-cycle set right. 

To you girls out there who have the heart to do something sweet, but no time to imagine on your own, there are some EASY things to do to make the day special! Everyone knows that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Go to Allrecipes.com and put together a 3-course meal. Bruschetta, chicken parm and chocolate mousse. It doesn't matter, just pick it. Stop by TJMaxx on your way to the grocery store and pick up some candles and cute serving dishes. Make a card. Buy a card. It honestly doesn't matter! Valentine's Day is the day that rings, "It's the thought that counts." So think it and do it! The institution of marriage is on the brink of destruction and these little steps make a world of difference. When the family thrives, society thrives (I'll save that for a later post...)

So, to summarize my soapbox: Valentine's Day is next Monday, don't pass over it! Make it special for your kids, make it special for your man, make it special for the lady in your life, and when you do, life will be special for you.

Here are some last minute ideas for the clueless people out there: 

1. Shari's Berries has a deal right now - 6 hand-dipped berries for $19.95. I am still dying to try these someday! 

2. Proflowers- can't go wrong with flowers! They too have a few really great deals on last minute gifts. Go to the radio icon in the right hand corner and type in "Beck" and you will get a few additional promos (I know people!)

3. When all else fails, put on a chick flick. This is my hubby's favorite chick flick (probably the only one he can stand, thanks to Ryan Reynolds).

Yeah, the world is a total disaster and writing about flowers and candy is seemingly unimportant. I realize this. But when it comes down to it, the only things that matter are God and relationships. So, go better your relationship and make next Monday sweet! Now! <3