Theodore Roosevelt Valentines

Back in December, I read a Theodore Roosevelt biography, which I enjoyed. I love eccentric people. Not eccentric in a useless sort of way as most weird people are. I remember there was a girl in school who would wear a cape. Someone asked her why she was wearing a cape and her reply was, “Because I can.” Unacceptable. I don’t like that kind of stuff. Roosevelt is “good” weird because he’s useful. He decided he was going to be a cowboy so he rode with cowboys, through storms and stampedes, acquiring severe injuries and chasing down crooks. A lot different than wearing a cape to class “because I can.” If you’re going to wear a cape, maybe save a life.

I chose Roosevelt as my inspiration this year, because of a quote he said after the death of his first wife. He didn’t believe in second marriages (a romantic) and was determined not to marry again after his young wife passed away. The guy was still in his 20s; it’s not like he was 60 or 70. Anyway, he was tormented because ol’ Edith kept coming around, who is not only “cultured, but scholarly,” and tempting him. He was heard saying, “I have no constancy. I wish I could be constant.” Which is a fancy way of saying, “faithful.” I love it. As we know, he married Edith and they named one of their kids Kermit (this was before ‘the frog’—I know, not everyone’s a history buff).

If I had to be in love with a president, it would be Theodore Roosevelt. Who wouldn’t want to be called “baby wife?” Way more romantic than “babe” or “baby.” I love a good nickname. My husband used to be anti-nickname and thought it would be mean to call our kids nicknames. Guess who calls our kids nicknames 99% of the time? I should’ve known he’d give in when I heard him call his grandma “Grandma Tree.” I’m sure she loves sounding like some ancient, mystical being in a forest (her name’s Theresa).

I love writing letters. Roosevelt is my letter writing hero. I read through several of his letters to his kids and they are SO good (and less gooey than the ones to his wives). He’s so witty and smart and also weird, but useful weird.

Never read about him cheating on his wife like the other Roosevelt. Hiding women and hiding wheelchairs…

Oh and here’s a printable sheet of cards that does not match any sheet of paper made in the US and also has no lines for cutting. That’s what happens when things are free.