The reason you really decorate your mantel.

My daughter Olivia wanted to know if any of our Valentine’s decorations would be making an appearance this year.

It’s been a couple of CRAZY months. Nothing really extraordinary (kid’s schedules, health issues, job stuff…sound familiar?) but crazy enough that I just had to put some things on hold…..like my blog (obviously since my last post was Halloween….that’s scary :0 ).

It was pretty cute when she asked me and I knew it wasn’t so much about the decorations, because I really don’t do that much for Valentine’s Day,  it was more about the tradition.

She wanted to know if there would be a candy dish with those little heart candies that say stuff. You know the ones we eat each year and pretend we like because they’ve been around since we were kids and we ache for nostalgia.

I put up the few decorations and noticed later that evening that someone decided to embellish my décor just a little bit.

Did you notice it yet?

I laughed and started to remove it when this thought flashed through my mind.

When Evan’s away at college who will distort and rearrange my decorations?

I put the blocks down and left it AS IS.

And it really is a good reminder…..thugs probably do need hugs!

One final note, when you think your small efforts don’t matter or your family doesn’t notice – be assured they do.

They may not say “Thanks Mom you’re the best.” or ” I love the way you arranged our mantle”;  but they will file away all those memories in their hearts…..and that’s really the whole reason we do what we do, right?

Footnote to Moms who feel the Pinterest Pressure

I like crafts and DIY that are quick and easy. The heart banner hanging from my mantle is made with scrapbook paper. It’s a great option if you love the look of fabric banners but don’t know how to sew yet (that’s me!).

It’s such fun to crank out something cute and still have part of your afternoon left.

*Look for the smaller mat pad’s that have patterns on both sides of the sheet, that way you get more designs and it’s pretty from any angle. You also have more options when it comes to hanging, because you don’t have to worry about a front or back – the banner is cute on both sides.

*Use two hole punches at the top to keep them forward facing and straight.

*I used a heart shaped cookie cutter for the pattern.

*Thread and hang with twine, ribbon or plain old string.

Till the next time,

Julie b.