I HEART Valentines Day!

(no pun intended). It just runs in the family...

My parents always made Feb. 14th really special. Mom did so many different fun things I could never include them all, but some of my favorites included: heart pancakes for breakfast and a heart sandwich in my lunch, we always had a red dinner with a Valentine note and gift at each of our places, sometimes hidden underneath the plates. I remember being a teenager when my dad started giving me flowers on Valentines Day--it made me feel like a million bucks. I've gotten flowers from my brother a few times since I moved away from home, and I know his future wife will appreciate my dad's great example :o) My mom says Valentines Day saved her sanity--it was something to look forward to in the middle of the winter! But all we knew was that Mom and Dad loved us...

I've tried to keep up the tradition of making Valentines Day special in our house. Our first one as a married couple came as a shock to poor Jeremy--he came home from school, and I was waiting with a decked-out table--music, candles, Chicken Parmesan, card, gift--the works. He had no idea what all the fuss was about; boy, was he busted! Note to self: discuss these things before the day arrives, not after. It makes for a much more pleasant day for everyone... Needless to say, Valentines Day has been much happier in our house ever since. Ah, the things we learn our first year of marriage :o)

This year was fun--and very busy. I was in charge of Bennett's class party; let's just say it was comprised of lots of chaos, candy, and cameras... I think the kids had a good time.

We played "Hot Valentine" (instead of Hot Potato) to the music of Harry Connick Jr. made adorable Valentines for our parents
and took turns guessing how many Hershey's Kisses and Hugs were in the heart bowl. Then I came home and made a fantastic dinner (if I do say so myself :o), which we didn't eat until 7:30 when Jer came home. But it was fun just to have time together, and the boys loved the candlelit table--probably a little too much...

Anyway, I had an interesting conversation with my friend this morning. We were talking about Valentines Day--catching each other up on what made it special this year... In the course of our discussion, we realized that both of us had talked to people yesterday who basically said "bah humbug" to Valentines Day. Their basis for argument was, "It's just Hallmark trying to get us to buy cards" or "Valentines Day is every day if you're doing it right" or "You shouldn't have to prove anything if you really love each other", etc. etc. etc. I also watched the Today Show at the gym yesterday, and so many of the segments were about what to do if you don't have anyone to celebrate Valentines Day with, or if you don't want to celebrate Valentines Day, or blah blah blah.

What a bunch of LAME excuses!!! If you love anyone in the whole wide world, then you have a reason to celebrate! It doesn't HAVE to be romantic, it doesn't HAVE to be expensive, it doesn't even HAVE to be a big part of your day! Just take the hint, and use the excuse to call, email, or visit someone that you love. I know it can be a painful day for some people, but what better way to feel better than to get outside of yourself and think about making someone else feel good?!?!? I just don't get it...

So here is basically my response to people who don't want to celebrate the Day of Love: why not? If you can honestly say that you show everyone in your life exactly how much you love them every single day of the year, then go ahead, sit back and let the day go by. But if not, stop being a cynic, soften up and show your heart a little. You'll be glad you did...

Well, I haven't been on my soapbox in a while--you were missing it, weren't you? Well, now you've gotten a hefty dose, so that should last you for a while :o) Maybe I won't post for another month... Love you and hope you had a wonderful day!!! Hopefully you got something in the mail from me this week :o)