I woke off and on throughout the night to the tinny sound of freezing rain pattering against my bedroom windows. This morning, the first sound I heard was the phone ringing. Paul hopped up to receive a recording from the superintendent of our school district, announcing that school is closed today.

A few minutes later, I awoke to my seven-year-old son kissing my cheek. I opened my eyes and said groggily, “Happy Valentines Day!”

He rushed out of my room and returned shortly with two handmade cards, one for his daddy and one for me. I knew about the one for his daddy. Last week when we were off from school for parent teacher conferences, I set both kids up to the table and provided them with paper and markers and stickers to make cards for their dad. I didn’t realize that D had covertly made a card for me too.

I got downstairs to find that we finally got enough snow here in eastern Pennsylvania to cover the grass.

Last night my valentine brought me my very favorite Belgian chocolate from Trader Joes. I, being the slug that I am, have done nothing for him, but fortunately it’s his favorite chocolate too, so we can enjoy it together. I purchased these tulips for our dinner guests that never came on Sunday when we canceled for sick kids, so I’ll include them in our Valentine’s festivities.

I love this blurry picture because, for me, it’s exactly what Valentines Day should be about.  Handmade cards and inexpensive gifts from the heart.  Who needs Hallmark?

Happy Valentines Day!