The True Meaning of Valentine's Day

A wonderful plan by the Big Party Planner herself - ME! What could possibly go wrong? Just a simple plan for a slightly romantic lunch (can't do much with candles on a sunny afternoon-but I'm sure not complaining about the sun!). I had a just-cleaned house, the kids would be in school, and I knew my hubby would need some food midday. So I went about shopping for some easy to fix food and a bunch of tulips, decided no card would be necessary, my sweet smile would be enough. After all we have been married 21+ years, he should be able to read my mind by now.

So here is where the plan falls apart! I found out Wednesday afternoon that Bethany was cancelling school on Thursday. Seems there was a broken water line and they would need to turn off the water for repair. Some silly administrators decided they didn't want the kids there without water ... PUHLEESE! Water is overrated ... take it from someone who is very close to the product! This created a dilemma with my Kevin, a 7th grader, who would've been traumatized by the "romantic" set-up at the kitchen table - GROSS! However, Mitch the senior would be leaving the house about 11:30 to attend the Career Center, to learn more really cool things about engines.

Dialing ............. "Sarah, Help! Can you take Kevin off my hands? Great!!!!" This is what sister-in-law-best-friend is all about!

FastForward to Valentines' Day about 12:00noon. I'm rushing home to "set the scene", and there's a BIG red truck parked in the driveway! What???? Mitch is supposed to be long gone by now! I run in the house to give him the boot, and he says he lost track of time and wasn't going to school. I whined loudly and told him what I had planned and he generously (panicky) said he would leave and go lift weights. What a guy! Oh and he also gave me a big hug and said "Happy Valentines' Day Mom"! Wow, I love that almost-18 year old son of mine!

So anyway, Dave gets home for our "date", and I greet him with a very grumpy "happy valentines day", without the nifty negligee that I didn't have time to change into (sorry kids, if you're reading this - embarrasing right?)! Needless to say, we enjoyed our one hour of quiet and alone time, even if it wasn't as AMAZING as I of course led myself to imagine!

But for the true meaning of Valentines' Day ... here's my two cents. All the fluff, cards, and sweet nothings really don't mean a whole lot without love in our hearts! Tonight when I lay my head on my pillow, I will listen to the not-so-quiet breathing of my hubby and thank the good Lord for the gift of love, both from my husband and my kids. I know deep down, that we are together through thick and thin, and he will always love me, in spite of my silly plans for romance. The handwritten note that I laid on top of our wedding album for today, read - "Absolutely, I would do it all over again!"

And in honor of my wise neice Kim, next year we're having a family fondue for Valentine's Day! This romantic planning is too much stress, and it seems everyone wants to be home anyway! :)

To my lovely daughter and my amazing son (the older two kids), I hope you had a wonderful and sweet and memorable time this evening spending it with the people who are special in your lives.