Love and Valentines

Once upon a time (my freshman year in college) I pretended to be the girl who "hated" Valentines Day.  

I didn't date a whole lot in high school and always enjoyed Valentines Day even when I didn't have a boy to share it with.  I have plenty of good "girls only" celebration memories and I didn't see any reason to make a big deal about it now that I had a boyfriend.  Nick and I had been dating for 4 months when suddenly the Hallmark holiday was upon us.  I was very matter-of-fact when I told him I didn't want candy and flowers - and I meant it too.  Or at least I thought I did!  Then it happened: one by one, the girls in my dorm started receiving flowers and gifts from their boyfriends... and I remembered that I am a hopeless romantic.  To his credit, Nick must have sensed my temporary insanity because he had still gotten me a little stuffed puppy dog holding a rose (that the girls found a few years back and is now a mainstay in the playroom.)

Hanover will always be a special trip down Memory Lane :)

In the years since, I never made that mistake again :)  I think it's silly when people complain about "hating" a day that's all about love, sharing love with others and hopefully receiving love in return - from spouses, parents, children, best friends, family members and even strangers.  I know I am beyond blessed that Nick tells me every day that he loves me.  And he shows me in doing little things like helping with the dishes or getting the kids to pick up the living room or get ready for bed.  Sometimes I am greedy and wish he did more...just being honest!  But then I know I am taking for granted the multitude of things he does every single day for me and for our family.  And then I realize I am the one who needs to do more to show my endless appreciation.  

Normally, my idea of getting "dressed up" means "not a sweatshirt"

As a hopeless romantic, Valentines Day is always fun (even before there was a boy, or now "the" boy).  I love wearing red and pink, heart shaped candies and any excuse to dress up.  But now that we are a family of five, Valentines Day is a day to remind me that I am not only a mom but also a wife.   Most days, okay every day, I am so overwhelmed with my responsibilities as a mom that I completely neglect those I have as a wife.  Valentines Day is a special day set aside to remind me that before we were over-worked parents, we were a pretty fabulous couple! 

Last years' Valentines flowers

Though Nick (like most men, I presume) has told me on multiple occasions he thinks flowers are ridiculous, he will come home with some tonight because he knows I think it's sweet.  It's one of the three times each year I get flowers, making each time special in it's own right.  We don't do gifts (unless it's inexpensive, silly and/or homemade).  But tonight after the kids go to bed, we will likely share a bottle of wine as we remember our first Valentines Day and some of the many we've shared since.  




Happy Valentines Day - Share some love!