Valentines Day

Valentines Day means such different things to each and every person.  If you don't believe me, browse face book the week before!  There is true hate for a holiday about love.  Others relish in the gifts, fancy dinners and romance.  But have we ever thought about where this holiday came from and what it really means???  Well, I looked it up and I challenge you to do the same.  I will not give you the whole story but I will tell you this; it has been celebrated for practically ever and was not always a "Hallmark" holiday.  I believe it is what you make it.  You may have a perfect marriage or relationship but I believe we are all fooling ourselves to think we can not step outside of our comfortable little box and be extra sweet on this day.    Doesn't mean you have to do what the 15 thousand other American are doing.  And the love does not have to be shown to a lover.  You do not have to buy jewelry or flowers or those cheesy chocolate hearts but you can do whatever feels good for you.  I personally love handmade cards.  I love a fun dinner made at home.  This year I did not get to celebrate Valentines with my hubby.  Like many of us military spouses we go through times when our husbands are not here to celebrate with.  So we try to make each other feel loved the best we can.  I will be honest and yes my friends this is kind of a rant, being a military wife is not a walk in the park.  And hearing so many people be just nasty about showing love sound a little ungrateful. I would have loved to had my hubby here just to hold me tight.  I think sometimes before we say things we need to think.  Why do you really "hate"this holiday???  Is it because you are forced to pause and show love to those you care about?  Or is it because you are expected to buy junk??  Mike and I have an amazing relationship.  We are truly the best of friends and have a relationship that is just so special.  We love each other on a regular basis.  We rarely fight.  When we do, we both hate it.  We adore one another.  And still, we chose to celebrate valentines day.  It is too easy to get in a rut.  With children in the house it is hard to go on special dates.  We do not go all out at all but we do try to make each other feel special.  This year we were apart but let me tell you, we both felt loved and that is what matters most.  So, off my soapbox now...
We had a wonderful valentines day!  We had the Downs family over!  I made the children pancakes (Totally forgot to make the eggs and sausage!  I so need Ritalin!) and Ann I ate shrimp salads.  For dessert we had chocolate dipped strawberries and petite fours.  It was sweet.  We got lovely surseys from Mike and he got some from us.  Of course Sullivan came home with a bag full of little love notes.  He was so happy!  And maybe I am biased but he had the cutest Valentines for his friends!  (Thanks Pinterest!)  And...speaking of pinterest, take a look at my cute "love tree" on the table!  I LOVE it!

 I can not get this last picture to post correctly but I had to include it.  Sullivan gave this to Mike and I as a Valentines Day card.  He pointed to the space where Mike is supposed to be and said, " Mama, I knew Daddy was not here so...."  Broke my heart to pieces.  He misses Mike so very much.