A Hallmark Holiday

For many reasons, my husband and I chose not to celebrate Valentine's Day. We'd greet each other in the morning with a "Happy Heart Day" wish and that was it. When the boys came along we held to our approach. When Nathan was little, we did provide Valentines for his classroom celebration -- I'm not militaristic about the whole thing. 

And then came Ellie...

Ellie's Valentine Suitcase 

Maybe it's a little girl thing. Or maybe it's just Ellie. Either way, Valentine's Day has arrived. Ellie doesn't care that daddy's birthday is the day before. If there's a reason to celebrate, Ellie will celebrate! To her, there's no such thing as a Hallmark holiday. There's either fun... or there's a regular day. 

Seriously, you should have seen her on February 2nd. She bounded from bed, quivering with excitement. "Mommy, mommy, it's groundhog's day. Do you think Sir Wally is going to see his shadow?" Rainy days are made for shiny boots and her daisy raincoat. Exciting! Sunny days are made for playing with "the kids" on the trampoline. Life, to Ellie, is a giant party. Each day is a precious gift to savor for the specialness it offers.

Maybe she's on to something. Ellie understands love -- and life.

Ellie's class is studying the 50 States this year.
Her Valentines celebrate maps and journeys :)

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

A man is not where he lives, but where he loves.

Latin Proverb

For you see, each day I love you more 

Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow.

Rosemonde Gerard

Yes,  Ellie understands. Valentine's Day is not a Hallmark holiday. It is a permanent, life-altering condition of the heart worth celebrating.

May your day, your week, your month, your year, your life be filled with life-changing love!

That's a lot of love!!!

Happy Valentine's Day, from Ellie and me!