Be My Valentine

The kids and I watched Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown yesterday to celebrate Valentine's Day. I thought it would get them in the mood to make their valentines for their classmates. It ended up being not so celebratory...both kids wept when Charlie Brown did not get a valentine from any one during a school party. And they continued to cry as Charlie Brown faced more disappointment. Do you think they might be a little emotional with their dad out of the country? Although, I had forgotten how cynical and depressing Charlie Brown can be. But still, weeping over it? Poor kids. They started the Valentine's "spirit" with a fear of forgetting a friend's card and a nervousness about receiving cards from others.

I have to admit that I was a little nervous myself. Arthur has attached himself to two girls in his class. They are his "best friends" and he thinks about them and talks about them often. But it has become painfully obvious that the feeling is not mutual. Play dates have ceased. He was not invited to their well-attended birthday party. And then there are the general looks of disinterest and even annoyance. Ouch. It has been painful to know what is (probably) going on while Arthur is oblivious to it. Although I certainly hope that he remains oblivious and doesn't get his sweet heart hurt by them. I couldn't help but think of him when Charlie Brown was so sad. Thankfully there was no drama at school today.

It should come as no surprise that we have the reverse situation with Adaline. The aforementioned J*** loves our daughter. He brings her a drawing or card or little present almost every day. When she walks into class in the morning, he lights up. Then he runs to his backpack to retrieve the gift of the day. He is an absolute sweetheart (and strikingly resembles Arthur in many ways). She definitely has an affection for him and occasionally draws him a picture, but there is no doubt that she will disappoint him eventually. I cringe every time I think about her making him sad. But I can't figure out how to tell her to treat him well, but also not to reciprocate an unhealthy dependent friendship. She's only 4 years old!

Of course, I am without a valentine this year. My husband is 7,000 miles away. (I won't be able to talk to him either--he's taking a little plane to Lalibela in northern Ethiopia this weekend. He said something about riding a donkey up a mountain. Love it!) The good news is that my mom is coming to the rescue tomorrow, so that is my valentine's gift. Thanks, Mom!

Dad took the camera on his trip so we will have no new pictures while he's gone. The kids and I took these goofy pictures before he left so that we could send him a surprise. But he hasn't had internet access so far. We'll send him a surprise anyway, just in case he get a peek at a computer...from his donkey :)...I miss you, valentine!