A Valentine's Top Ten List

With Valentines Day so close, it’s fair to say that love is in the air. In the spirit of Cupid himself, I thought I’d embrace that warm fuzzy feeling and share with you the things I love the most. So sit back, grab some chocolate and join me in a Valentines Day Top Ten List.

10. My neighborhood – dubbed “The Sprillow ‘Hood” by all who live there, it’s filled with great families who are always game for a party. Whether it be a “Holiday Hootenanny” where kids and grownups alike sing and play instruments, the end of summer Block Party or even the impromptu Porch Parties which are attended by whoever happens to stroll by, there is always something to do.

9. The Food Network – I’m an addict. I will watch it whether I’m hungry or full, no matter if the fridge is stocked or the cupboards are bare. Even the kids got on board by watching “Worst Cooks in America” and now often “judge” the food I cook. There’s nothing like giving a 6-year old chicken nuggets and having her look at you pensively while chewing and remark, “The chicken is cooked perfectly, but the breading could use a little more seasoning.”

8. Pinot Noir – anyone who doesn’t know why this belongs in a parenting column Love List clearly does not have children.

7. My sisters – not only are they my very best friends but they serve as a Parental Advisory Board as well. Whether it’s a question about diapers, daycare or discipline, there is always one of us who has tackled the issue at hand. And when I’ve made a really dumb parenting move? They are there to laugh and remind me that I’m not perfect. And usually, they’ve done it before too.

6. The First Warm Day of Spring – after a long cold winter, that day eventually comes when the sun shines, neighbors venture outside their doors and kids litter the streets. Bikes, scooters and Wiffle Ball bats emerge from dusty garages and we know that the end is in sight. And while the mercury may hover just above 50 degrees… my kids are always in shorts and T-shirts. I pick my battles.

5. Baby “Puppy Breath” – you know what I mean… when that baby snuggles up next to you, falls asleep and their cute little mouth is open? The whiffs of Puppy Breath on your cheek is one of the greatest things on earth. I realize that I’m sounding the Schmaltz Alarm with this one but hey, it’s Valentines Day. Go Big or Go Home, right?

4. Sibling Harmony – although this rare occurrence is up there with “Unicorn Sighting,” it does happen every so often. However, this only exists if the children don’t know the parent is watching. Once they realize they have been spotted, they will immediately begin battling and the event eventually ends in bloodshed. So if you are lucky enough to be witness to this phenomenon keep quiet and take cover.

3. Uncontrollable child laughter – while at it’s finest when it spontaneously happens, sometimes when I need a quick fix I’ll cheat and tickle them. Whatever gets you through the day, folks.

2. Date Night In – every parent I know craves the night out with his or her spouse, but Andy and me? We enjoy hanging in. Kids in bed, glass of the aforementioned pinot noir (beer for him), we’ll catch up on shows that we have DVR’ed that week. The occasional dinner out is lovely but give me no plans, my husband, sleeping kids and my comfy sofa and I’m one happy lady.

And the #1 Thing I Love This Valentines Day…

1. My Family – fine, this may not be the most climactic ending to a Top Ten List ever but hey, it’s the truth. I love my family madly. A husband who keeps me laughing and the family humming. A fifth-grade son who, even as he grows to within inches of my height, will always be that fragile baby who first made me a mom. A beautiful little girl with the curly hair, the mischievous smile and the killer sense of humor. And a little blonde boy who, even as he commandeers every toy in sight still can melt my heart.

And on good days, I even love the cat. But he pushes my love to the extreme.

Happy Valentines Day!