My house has been all abuzz with a dozen roses, a tuxedo, chocolate, and decadent desserts, which makes sense because it’s the month of Valentine’s Day, but these accoutrements are actually due to high school formal season. My freshman son and his date recently attended Liberty High School’s Winter Formal with a group of friends. My daughter, who graduated in 2017, went to a lot of school dances and the stress in helping a girl versus a boy get ready for the dance are quite different, but both require a lot of work and planning.

First of all, renting his gorgeous all-black Marc Jacobs tuxedo was an experience all on its own; and it cost about the same price I paid for some of my daughter’s fancy dresses. He was measured on Saturday for a Wednesday afternoon pick up. We beat the rush for pick up on Wednesday, scooting in just in front of an influx of moms and sons. It was fun to watch the lobby full of boys, who had come straight from school in jeans and hoodies, try on their tuxedos and transform into elegant young men one by one. My son looked especially handsome! (And, I’m not just saying that because he’s my son… wink, wink).

That Saturday, dressed in the perfect tux and holding a bouquet of roses for his beautiful date, my son was ready for the big dance at Rabobank Theater with the theme, “Old Hollywood.” Their group took fun pictures, ate a fancy dinner, danced the night away, and had an after-party with all kinds of delicious desserts. They had a fun night and celebrated a rite of passage for teenagers that has been around since the late 19th century.

Speaking of boys, thanks to Sebastian Alvidrez, age 14, and Max Alvidrez, age 11, handsome brothers that grace our cover this month. While the brothers have a lot of differences­—Max loves to play football while Sebastian would rather watch it than play it; Max has an incredible singing voice and Sebastian does not sing; and Sebastian likes to build things while Max loves to read—they've always found they have more in common that not. In the article, “Raising Boys & Teaching Them to be Good Brothers,” by Christa Melnyk Hines, she gives some tips on how to set a positive set of examples to nurture their relationship. She says one of the best things you can do to turn boys into gentlemen is to be a positive role model. To find out what else she recommends, turn to page 12 and read her advice.

For a fun perspective on Valentine’s Day, you can check out the Humor@Home article, “5 Things Only a Mom Would Say on Valentine’s Day,” by Cheryl Maguire. She writes about how this holiday has changed since her single days. Thanks to her kids who have brought magical night creatures, adorable Valentine’s Day inspired t-shirts, and potty training poems into her life. Valentine’s Day isn’t like it was when she was single, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Calling all writers! KCFM wants you to submit your funny stories!

Most of you moms or dads reading the Humor at Home article can relate to life’s challenges and changes since you had children that Tracie Grimes so uniquely wrote for all these years. KCFM has decided to let you, our fabulous readers, tell the stories that you have. Send a 600-word submission to lj@kerncountyfamily.com with the subject line: “Humor at Home” and you could be published in an upcoming issue. Can’t wait to read your hilarity and craziness that comes with being a parent.

February is such a fun month filled with roses and chocolate where we get to shower those we love with red, heart-eyed emojis and real-life smooches. This time of year is perfect for formal season! Whether you have a son or a daughter, or both, enjoy this momentous occasion because these are the pictures and memories that will fill up your scrapbooks.

Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day!