And on a lighter note...

A quote from one of my first graders, a few years ago, on Valentine's Day:

"Valentine's day is about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and chocolate hearts." -Ella

Chocolate hearts replace self-control on Valentine's Day in first grade.
Sounds pretty accurate for middle school, too.
What a crazy, fun day!

Here's what February 14th looked like in Kandern, Germany:

Secret Valentine delivery from "Indiana Jones"...

The school hallway outside the bathrooms looks pretty romantic when it's decorated for Valentine brunch!

Valentine Tree at Teacher Appreciation Brunch

My 7th graders were so excited to receive a rose in English class.

Writing essays with their roses close by.

The girls make candy covered hearts to wear all day at school.
If they accidentally speak to a boy, they have to give him their heart!
Mine was stolen by Hudson during 5th period English.

Coach Jones warming up the BFA Falcons for their last game.

They lost 41-43, but they played hard against these green giants.

The girls attempting makeshift cheer-leading.

The team

The fans

My darling plant from the middles school appreciation brunch.

Flowers and chocolate and a letter from my love!

New Jones family tradition: turn the Christmas tree into a Valentine's tree!

I came home to a surprise dinner for two!

Bruschetta!

This picture looks better if you rotate your head to the right 90 degrees.

The chef! 

The diner!

Happy Valentine's Day!