Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably already wondering how to make it special without turning your house into a love-themed disaster zone. Between school parties, trying to keep the kids from eating all the candy before dinner, and figuring out if your husband, Rob, remembers you like flowers (hint, hint, Rob), it can feel like a lot. But guess what? You don’t need to go overboard to make this day fun and memorable for your family!

Let’s be real here—Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. It’s a perfect excuse to show your kids a little extra love, and maybe even sneak in some fun without having to spend a fortune. Jenny and Sam are all about the DIY crafts right now, so I’m planning a few activities that won’t just keep them busy—they’ll also help them get creative. And since I’m a nurse, I’m all about keeping things low-stress (and not turning my house into a glitter tornado that’ll take days to clean up).

First off, let’s talk about those sweet Valentine’s Day cards. Sure, you can grab a box of pre-made cards at the store, but where’s the fun in that? Get the kids involved! Jenny’s always up for arts and crafts (she takes after Rob in that department—he’s the creative one, not me). You can set up a little “card-making station” with colored markers, stickers, and cute stamps. Have each kid make cards for family members, or even for their friends at school. Bonus: They’ll be so busy they won’t even notice they’re getting a ton of candy later. Sam, on the other hand, will probably end up drawing a weirdly detailed dragon, but hey, it’s the thought that counts.

Another idea? A homemade Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. This is where I start to shine as the sneaky mom. Hide little heart-shaped notes or treats around the house (or yard, if the Florida weather is nice enough). Each clue leads to the next, and the last one can have a big ol’ treat or even a handwritten note telling them how much they mean to you. Trust me, the kids will be bouncing off the walls in excitement, and you’ll have a blast watching them run around searching for the next clue. Plus, it’s an awesome way to avoid the whole “Hey, can I have candy now?” question before dinner.

Oh, and speaking of candy—if you’re trying to avoid the sugar overload (I mean, the struggle is real), why not try making some homemade treats together? You don’t have to be a professional baker to whip up some Valentine’s Day cookies. I’m talking simple sugar cookies that you can cut into heart shapes, let the kids decorate with icing, and voila! You’ll end up with a kitchen full of happy chaos and sugary goodness. And don’t worry—if the kids end up eating half the icing by themselves, it’s part of the fun. Right?

Now, I know not every Valentine’s Day has to be about crafts and sweets. It’s about the little moments and making memories. Take a break from all the hustle and bustle, cuddle up with the kids on the couch, and watch a feel-good movie. For us, that usually means something like The Princess Bride—because who doesn’t love a good “As you wish” moment? And maybe I’ll even get to snuggle with Rob for a few minutes, if the kids let us.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be picture-perfect. It’s about showing the people in your life that you love them in your own goofy, fun way. Whether it’s crafting, scavenger hunts, or just some good old-fashioned couch time with the fam, these little moments are what make the day special. So go ahead—let the kids dip their fingers in the frosting, make silly cards, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll sneak in a few kisses between cleaning up glitter.

Joke of the day: Why did the skeleton go to the party alone?
Because he had no body to go with him!