Valentine’s Day is usually for couples, but this year make it a family celebration of your love for each other.

For a special table decoration, give each person of your family a single rose in a bud vase and sit it at their spot at the dinning room table.

Keep you meal simple: This year instead of a fancy meal, pick one of your children’s favorite meals. One suggestion is maybe Soppy Joes. All you do is to buy a can of Manwich, a pound of hamburger meat, buns and a bag of chips. The best thing is your dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes.

Spaghetti is another family favorite meal. Add garlic bread and a salad and your dinner is ready in about 30 minutes.

Chicken strips and french fries is a classic go to dish of busy families. You can do frozen chicken strips and french fries or make your own. Whatever is easiest for you on this special day.

A special dessert for everyone: I love, love, love to do this on Valentine’s Day. Go to your local cookie company in the mall and order a heart shaped cookie. My favorite is chocolate chip, yummo! Then have them to decorate the cookie and write, "Happy Valentine’s Day and then list each person’s name in your family." If the heart shape cookie is not big enough to list each family member’s name, get a cookie that is big enough to list each family member’s name. Having everyone’s name on the cookie is what makes this idea very special. When you get home hide the cookie. After the meal ask, "Who wants dessert?" and bring the cookie out and give to your family.

After dessert tell your family you have something else for them. Give each family member their own special Valentine’s Day card telling them how special they are to you.

Then spend the rest of the evening playing games and enjoying Valentine’s Day. Your kids may not appreciate this special day at this time in their lives, but when they are grown, Valentine’s Day will be a very special day for them because YOU made it special for your family year after year. Happy Valentine’s Day from My Country Kitchen!