Valentine Day Traditions
This year we started a few traditions for Valentine's Day....
Tradition #1
A scripture tree count down. We decorated a tree with Valentine ornaments and scripture tags. The tags each had a scripture about "loving one another". Each morning we read a scripture, and then we talked about how we could show more kindness throughout the day. We also tried to remember to pray for more charity. Here are the scriptures we read each day:
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
1 John 2:10
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
1 John 3:23
And this is his
commandment, That we should
believe on the
name of his Son Jesus Christ, and
love one another, as he gave us commandment.
1 John 4:20
If a man say, I love God, and
hateth his
brother, he is a
liar: for he that loveth not his
brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not
seen?
1 Peter 1:22
Seeing ye have
purified your
souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto
unfeigned
love of the brethren, see that ye
love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Mosiah 18:21
And he commanded them that there should be no
contention one with another, but that they should look forward with
one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts
knit together in unity and in love one towards another.
D & C 88:123
See that ye
love one another; cease to be
covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
Ephesians 4:32
And be ye
kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Romans 12:10
Be kindly
affectioned one to another with
brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Tradition #2~Sock Countdown
I made an advent calendar with Valentine's Day socks. Inside each sock was a task of some sort, or a treat. I really enjoyed this tradition. It was a great way to talk about charity, and gratitude. Here is the list of messages inside our socks:
~Roses are Red
Violets are blue
Love is caring
Think of a kind deed to do
~Mail a letter to someone expressing to them how much you love them!
~“Charity Never Faileth!” Heart attack a family near you. (We did this for FHE.)
~“Charity Never Faileth!” Make and deliver sugar cookies to a family near you! (We did this for FHE.)
~Focus on saying only positive and nice things today! When a negative comment slips, quickly correct yourself, and start fresh.
~Decorate the house with love! (We decorated with window cling ons, and hearts.)
~You are sweet! (They got a piece of candy.)
~Elder Eyring once said that if we would write down what the Lord has done for us each and every day, then we would draw closer to our Heavenly Father, and we would be able to see more clearly what the Lord would have us to see. Journal what the lord has done for you today. (I gave my kids $1 journals from Micheals.)
~Family time is cherished-play a game with your family today!
~“Gratitude creates the most wonderful feeling. It can resolve disputes. It can strengthen friendships. And it makes us better men and women.” (and children) Make an effort to say “thank you” today. ~quote by President Hinckley
~President Hinckley admonished us to “be true. Be true to who you are. Be true to the parents who are rearing you and caring for you. Be true to the family name you bear.” Think about what it means to “be true” and draw a picture or write your feelings in your journal.
~President Hinckley admonished us to “be humble”. Remember that “everything you have—your time, your talents and skills, your health and energy, your accomplishments, and your very lives—come as free gifts from you Father in Heaven.” Say a prayer thanking your Heavenly Father for your blessings.
~The scriptures say, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Take time to sit by yourself and think about who you want to become, and how you can do that.
~A Gift to you…because I love you
Tradition #3 Secret Post Office
We started a secret post office for the month of February. Each child had a red mailbox, and card making materials. The point of the secret post office was to encourage the kids to write cards of appreciation to each other. (Bryan and I had an envelope taped to our door, so we could also be included.) I had a great time leaving small messages to my children, and they loved checking their mailboxes every day for new messages. It really was a fun tradition to start! Here are some of the cards that Bryan and I received (Jake was too small to participate):
Hailey wrote this message to me. It says, "Mom, you are like the sun bright leads the family just like the sun leads the day. This is the experience I thought of. But remember you are like the sun."
Talk about melting my heart!!!
Here is a message Hailey wrote to her daddy. It reads, "Dad, liked the letter oh I love you as a Dad you are so nice Love, Hailey!"
Hunting Eggs Inside
Hunting Eggs Outside
Piper and Hailey posing for photo op 
~Amber mixing colors on her egg~
~Dad and Jake coloring eggs~
~Family Shot~
Hailey's Basketball Team
Picture #1~ 
Amber at the park
Jake wanted to sleep with the girls, and since it was his birthday, I couldn't say "no". It only lasted for a little while, but it was cute while it lasted.
Hailey's message
Amber just received a letter from The Ronald McDonald House thanking her for donating her birthday presents!
Daddy blowing out his birthday candles!
