Anyway, we were not prepared for the Valentine's day extravaganza here in the U.S. I have found you can gauge the level of community support for a cause/holiday/occasion here by the size of the display of appropriate products at Walmart. Valentine's was no exception. Everywhere was red and pink with shiny helium balloons professing undying love (for one day at least). Rows and rows of cards for every person you can think of; mother, brother, cousin, uncle, grandma, teacher, pastor. It was amazing. I mean ask yourself Australians, who amongst you would present your sibling with a Valentine's card? Maybe for a joke, accompanied by a nipple cripple or wedgie for good measure. Oh no, not here. It is serious business. Our boys (reception and pre-school) were asked to bring a valentine for each of their class mates and also some love-esq treats for a class party. Having no idea of the Valentine's day etiquette, we went on down to Walmart and wandered the aisles of love trying to find the right thing to buy. We ended up with a packet of Cars 2 valentines, boxed conveniently in a Cars 2 'mailbox', in preparation for all the valentines the boys were going to receive in return. This really should have alerted me to the serious nature of the valentines giving ritual. Sam and Lachie enjoyed writing everyone's name in the little card and were pumped for their class parties. Sam took a packet of heart shaped marshmallows. Lachie took red grapes.
I don't think anyone of us realised what the day was going to hold. Especially Lach, who was calling it Ballentine's Day.
During the day, I went to the 'store' to get a few things and I was amazed that the customer ahead of me in the line wished the checkout lady a 'Happy Valentine's Day' to which she replied. 'Oh and also to you!' It felt like it should have been Easter or Christmas. An American friend of mine said 'at least we balance out our love of death during Halloween with our love of love on Valentine's'. So true. It was very strange though. I guess I always viewed Valentine's Day to be for couples. As in you wish your spouse, girl friend, boy friend etc a 'Happy Valentine's Day', not the lady down at the shops!!
Upon collecting the boys from school on Valentine's day, I had one of those dreaded moments in parenting when you realise you sent your child into a situation slightly under-prepared. Both Sam and Lachie hopped in the car holding a paper bag full of candy, little toys, trinkets and cards. Most valentine's cards had a little something attached to it. Some had a lot. Some cards were 3D, some were pop-up and others were made with materials found only in a craft shop. It was eye-opening to say the least. Lachie even had a home-made cookie in a bag with a ribbon. WHAT???? I was kicking myself I hadn't taken more notice when reading 'The Babysitter's Club' and 'Sweet Valley High' books in my pre-teen years. Oh well, the kids loved the candy and now we know for next year to step up the level of participation.
All this being said, we were very impressed with the atmosphere of love and honour for every child at Bethel Christian School. The day focused on God's love for all people, His Goodness and His affection for us. Prior to Valentine's Day, Sam was given a paper heart to decorate for a student and their family in his class. It was wonderful to be able to write words of affirmation from one family to another. Once again, we were impressed with the atmosphere of love and honour at this wonderful school. Although Valentine's day was much bigger than we'd anticipated, I know my kids came away from it feeling cared for and appreciated for who they are.
Ben and I were blessed to be able to go out to a movie and dinner for our Valentine's day celebrations. We enjoyed our time alone together and loved the buzzing atmosphere of the busy Italian restaurant we went to. The waiter even gave me a red rose. It was a great night. I felt blessed to be loved not only by my amazing husband but by an outrageously good God who calls me His 'Beloved' everyday of my life. Everyday is Valentine's day with the Lord.
