Valentines Day

My mom always did fun things on holidays when I was growing up and still mails box's full of fun holiday things to my kids now. So, as a mom I try to make each holiday special and memorable (even if I don't feel like it). This year for Valentines Day I decided to make a super fancy dinner with candles, a great dessert and sparkling cider. It's nice to get away and have a date night but we generally have more fun celebrating with our kids anyway. Restaurants are crowded and getting a sitter on nights like New Years or Valentines Day proves tricky. We went to lunch and to a movie to celebrate alone earlier in the day instead. I kept telling Ryder all day, "you have to be a good listener because today is love day". He didn't really get it but I try every angle I can come up with as a bargaining tactic. I made the kids big heart pancakes with strawberries and chocolate in them, cut snacks into hearts while constantly bargaining with "today is love day" tactic. For dinner I planned a special menu full of time consuming yummy things. I used my best tablecloth, new silverware and red plates. I dug out my super special delicate wine glasses! I had to wash them because they hadn't been used in so long they looked like antiques. The only entertaining we do in our house is kid centered. These glasses are probably the only thing left from our wedding gifts. I knew my big kids would get a kick in seeing these came out of the cabinet. Everything looked great! While setting the table I had to explain several times to Ryder the candles were for Love Day, it wasn't his birthday. I was feeling very accomplished and proud of my romantic dinner. Just as I was about to pull everything out of the oven I heard a unique snapping sound. I looked over at the living room and most everyone was laying on the couch watching TV....except for one. I glance over to the dining room and there was my answer! Ryder was sitting up on a chair gently snapping the beautiful delicate stems of my glasses right in half. It wasn't a malicious attempt to ruin my plans, it's just what he does. I secretly laughed and then pitched a fit over my special stupid glasses. I got over it, Abbi replaced what was left with Halloween goblets, exchanged Valentines and had our romantic dinner for 6!