Because I love you.

As a general rule, Kevin and I have made a point to avoid Valentine's Day celebrations.  It's not that we don't love one another, nor is it that we're too lazy/busy/careless; instead, I think it's because there is something forced and unnatural about the overdone and commercial nature of what this "holiday" has become.  Sure, it is wonderful to know you're loved, yet completely unnecessary for facebook to ask me if I'd like to send Kevin Starbucks or Lindt Chocolates via their site.  Thanks, but no thanks, Mr. Zuckerberg; I'll brew him a cup at home and serve it with a Hershey's kiss.

My love for Valentine's Day has been rekindled a bit since the kids are getting old enough to enjoy it and participate in the fun.  On the night before Valentine's Day, Faithy tucked a handmade Valentine under my pillow, along with strict directions to wait until morning to read it...so, of course, I devoured it right before bed.  It was a beautiful letter, in which she thanked us for "being there for her" and giving the "best hugs and kisses."  I giggled and my eyes welled up a bit; I'm not quite sure how I have "stood up for her," but I adore that phrase from her mouth. Then in the morning, Connor stumbled into our room and gave us both a sleepy, "I love you."  I'm not sure if it was connected to Valentine's Day, but it made my heart swell either way.  These little loves have given me a renewed reason to remind my family of my love for them.

Though I'm not a sucker for the romanticized version of Valentine's day, I am excited to build my own set of family traditions in my home.  Faithy thinks I'm a complete weirdo because my "Valentine's Day Rule" is that we can only eat heart-shaped items or foods that are pink or red.  In anticipation of the milk served with dinner, she tried to stump me..."Hey Mom, what about the milk.  Bet that won't be pink!"  I shrugged my shoulders and smiled because she didn't know about the strawberry "Flavored Milk Straws" I had picked up from Target.  Our dinner was heart-shaped pasta, served on heart-shaped plates, and we dined by candle light with Nora and Matt (two people who I always love to see at my table).  I served our pasta with Italian bread...our only deviation from the day's food rules, and thankfully, Faith granted me a reprieve on the crime of serving the white bread -- I thought of sprinkling pink sanding sugar on top, but I knew that would be too far.

I picked up a pair of Claddagh earrings for Faith and a Shamrock bracelet for CJ, but knowing that the way to their hearts is through their sweet tooth, I also picked up a few caramel apples for dessert (note: neither heart-shaped, nor pink/red).  For me the best moment of the day was when Faith noticed the paper bags which held their apples, labeled with their names in black Sharpie.  She looked at them, asked if it really was a gift to them, and then, with an emotion-filled voice, asked,

"Mom, why are you so good to us?"
"Because I love you."
Plain and simple...because I love you.


So, yes, I'll admit it; in a sense I have bought into the commercial concept of love, but not through overpriced diners and waxy chocolates in a heart-shaped box.  Instead, I hope that I am building a (silly, fun) tradition that will bring those I love to my table, a tradition which is built upon family, friendship, loyalty and love.  And when I'm asked why, I hope that my response is forever rooted in love.