A Kul Kind of Valentine

 Valentine's Day 2015 was cause for excitement and anticipation for people all across the country and in Puerto Rico. 

Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE, was out trying to get gifts that expressed their undying love to their significant other. The stores were full of white, red, and pink, balloons, chocolates, flowers! 

However, after all was said and done, this V-day was very low key for this Kul Mom and her family.

It started out as most days do with my wonderful husband cooking up breakfast. 

On the menu, egg, cheese, and roast beef sandwich!

And an ice cream cake for dessert! Sprinkles by yours truly. 

After a pretty average morning, Pedro went off to work and I put Nico down for a nap. 

I used my lovely 2 hours of Me Time on a Valentine's day make-over. 

BEFORE

AFTER

 Then, my date finally woke up!

Nico waited patiently while I got dressed...

He didn't look too bad himself!

And, after a thousand more pictures, we finally went to the park. 

 

He took some selfies...

I took some selfies...

And overall it was a very simple day full of the best kind of love! 

5 Lovely Ways to Celebrate LOVE

Love comes in many forms. It can be romantic, platonic, familiar, religious, or directed at the self.

Despite popular belief, one can celebrate this love EVERY DAY and in many different ways! 

=) With friends - This is always one of the most fun! Who says love has to be about romantic one-on-one occasions? Cheers to the people who are getting together with a few friends to have a good time! Spread the platonic love with little goody bags filled with candy! Nothing says I appreciate your friendship quite like chocolate.

 

<3 With significant other - You can take the traditional route and have a nice date with that "special someone." Get all dressed up and have dinner and watch a movie! I hear Jupiter Ascending was good. Try springing for a thoughtful or practical gift, something they can use for a while that will remind them of you!

>:) With family - They may drive you crazy, but at the end of the day you care a lot about your family. There is nothing wrong with spending the day with your parents, or with your children (pets count). There is no love more pure than that! The smiles of your toddler when you get to their favorite park will be well worth the trip. The laughter of your loved ones is better than any material present on Earth!

;) Alone - If you find yourself by yourself and maybe feeling a little down, stop those lonely thoughts right now! STOP! If you are going to find love you must first learn to love you! So today is a good day to get a manicure and a massage. Or get your favorite take out and watch all your favorite movies!

+ With Christ - When you think about it, there is no greater love than Christ has for his church,why not celebrate that? Dedicate part of your day to reading your bible and praying and then maybe find a way to volunteer. Jesus' second command was "Love your neighbor as yourself." 

Above all, remember the most important commandment given:

As I have loved you, love one another. John 13:34

What Is Love?

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, the pressure is on for many, if not all of us. 

This is a special time of year when images of "love" are suddenly everywhere, shoved in our faces in every store we step foot in.

It seems that everyone is aiming to manipulate us into think that the color of love is red, pink, and white. Or that putting hearts everywhere and buying chocolates and flowers is the grandest gesture a person can  make to declare their passion and commitment to their fellow human being.

 

The bible teaches: 

That is absolutely beautiful, and it should be every person's person goal to strive for a love like the bible describes, but it is describing a perfect love (God's love), and we are far from perfect. 

While it is wonderful to give and receive gifts and candy, during Valentine's Day it is important to remember what loves truly is. 

In my opinion, true love is sacrifice.

It is about putting your needs aside and elevating the needs of those around you; this could be extended to strangers, or simply family and friends. For example; true love is waking up every 2 hours to feed your new born, or letting your spouse rest for an hour while you do the chores or make dinner. True love can also be dedicating your weekends to spending time visiting lonely strangers in the hospital. 

No matter what you do, don't forget that love means being humble and respectful and kind to all in everyday situations. 

Sometimes the best Valentine's Day gift can be the most simple.