I don’t know what took us so long, but Tyler and I bit the bullet this year and purchased a camera and wifi router for our calving barn. It’s been a game changer for us as we check our bred heifers in the middle of the night.

Even when we were on the road last week for a stock show, we were able to keep an eye on things at home, and even supervise my dad as he assisted with a first-calf heifer who needed a little help after one front leg was down during her delivery.

The camera app even allows us to talk to whoever is in the barn, so we were “cheering” my dad on while on the road to get back home. We got a chuckle out of it, even if he didn’t find it so amusing.

And since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, a holiday dedicated to love and romance, you all might appreciate this story of affection from the home front.

A few weeks ago, while brushing my teeth and getting ready for the day, I hear my husband say from the bedroom, “Good morning, Sweetheart.”

I thought to myself, “Aww, how cute. I better go say hi to Tyler.”

Imagine my surprise when I walked into the bedroom, and he was on his phone app talking to a calving cow!

Romance isn’t necessarily dead, but apparently Tyler’s affection that day was reserved for the four-legged women in his life!

Related:The nuts & bolts of transitioning the family ranch

All joking aside, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day this week, it might not be Hallmark perfect or it may not have the makings of the next Hollywood romantic comedy block buster, but at the very least, this holiday is a good reminder to show your loved ones that you care.

Tyler and I have been through a lot of Valentine’s Days together now, and a lot of life stacked in between. We’ve seen good times and bad. We bought our ranch at a young age and have been working to build our cattle business and family ever since.

Between the chores, the kids and the off-farm jobs, it leaves little time for a fancy dinner and a late-night movie, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

So today as we think about offering a romantic gesture to our spouse or special someone, consider the budget-friendly and practical route. Here are a few ideas:

Related:Of boundaries and staying friends with your family in the ranch business

How are you going to show that special someone you care on Valentine’s Day? Sometimes even the smallest gestures go a long way!

Happy Valentine’s Day! Or if you ignore this day altogether, have a nice February 14.

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of beefmagazine.com or Farm Progress.