A Love/Hate Relationship

Time for true confessions, I have a love/hate relationship with Valentines Day! 

I used to love it - flowers, candy, kisses, romance, a date night with my wonderful husband...

But, now it means something entirely different - it means "valentines day boxes" for our Co-op!  Who turned this delightful holiday into this?

Let me tell you our "story" - we joined a fabulous homeschool Co-op several years ago.  My children were delighted to experience some "normal" school-like activities (we have always homeschooled - no bus rides, backpacks, etc...)

 When the annual Valentines Day party arrived, they were excited to make a "box" to hold their loot - and to have so many friends to give valentines to. As we arrived with our very simple-paper-covered-boxes - we were introduced to the world of "Competitive Valentines Boxes"!  Who knew that you could have motorized, dry-ice-filled-smoking, 2 story high Valentine Boxes?  I thought a "box" was a "box" - boy, was I wrong!

Okay - fast forward...  Year 2 arrives and we are now no longer "rookies" - game on!  We know what "box" means, and we are Bentzs (another true confession - we're sometimes, slightly, er...competitive)  We were not going to just show up with our cute, simple, valentine holder - we are were going to dominate the competition!  You know, "go big or go home"!

Let me tell you something...  sometimes having a larger-than-average family isn't easy.  Paper-Mache multiplied by 8 is a bit daunting (not to mention - we are still cleaning it up).  After each child had their consultation concerning what they wanted to create, and some logistical planning (glad I saved those boxes) - the building began! I'm proud to say minimal parental involvement was utilized - I was there for clean up only...

 

Each child picked something they are passionate about - Football and Ancient History (including secret, but authentic, hieroglyphic messages)

 

 

Gaurdians of Ga'Hoole - Owls (the book du jour) and Mailboxes with sparkling hearts

 

The Whole World, and what is Valentines Day without a Snake?

 

A Giraffe lover (she has slept with this most of the year...not kidding) and thankfully, a child that really only wanted a "Box"!

 

I am proud to say, the Bentz Academy made a great showing - winning best of their class for 5 out of 8 kiddos! 

Now, we are facing Year 3 - how do we top last year?  Any suggestions...  I'm not feeling the "love" yet?!