So it's Valentine's Day. No big deal, just another ordinary day. I'm content to believe that. After having kids things change, and most of you know this already, so you don't need me to remind you. But I can't help but wonder why I feel like something special should be happening today?

I can remember the first Valentine's Day my husband and I celebrated. Doug and I had been dating for just over a year. He came over to my apartment to pick me up for a steak dinner at a local supper club. When I opened the door, Doug handed me a large box wrapped in paper adorned with red, pink and white hearts.

"Open it," he said eagerly.

"Okay!" I replied, a huge smile plastered on my face.

It was a VCR. I didn't have one and I was taking a psychology class that required watching nine videos at home. Without a VCR, I would've driven home to my parents' house each night.

I was amazed that my boyfriend paid attention and bought me a Valentine's Day gift that he knew I would like as well as being practical.

Fast forward ten years. After a big wedding, buying a house, having a baby and working our butts off to pay for it all, this year's Valentine's Day went something like this:

"So, should we do something for the 14th?" he asked.

"The 14th of what?" I replied.

"You know, Valentine's Day." he said dryly.

"Oh...yeah. I guess. What did you have in mind?" I asked.

"I dunno. Dinner maybe?" he asked.

No enthusiasm. No excitement. Just another ordinary day.

We decided to have a casual dinner at the Moose Lodge. My parents are members and they invited us to tag along to the Valentine's Day dinner. The best part is the proceeds will be donated to a local food pantry. So, we're doing something good and we get to fill our mouths with steak and shrimp, just like that very first V-day, ten years ago. Maybe, some things don't change after all.