Normally we don't do valentine's with the kids outside of grandparents and family, because they were too young to really care. This year, with a whole group of homeschoolers, they all wanted to celebrate!
This was exciting for me because it was new, and it let us spend time going over love, God's love, friend love, family love, and why we love each other.
After much debate (on my end) of whether to do a BIG blowout party (because yes, that is how I do parties) or just a quiet park day and nothing fancy, or a middle. We ended up with a happy middle!!
The library had story time this week about love, hearts, and a few fun songs to go through it, and the kids enjoyed it. It also allowed us to check out some new Valentine's Day books to read at home.
Next we had our Homeschool group families come on over and do an exchange! The kids had so much fun writing out cards and candy to pass to their friends. We even got a little creative and decorated some old containers for our exchange box.
Last we watched Charlie Brown Valentines (thank you DVR!!) and decorated some cookies brought by our friends!
I love the holidays that are filled with fun, friends, family, and food!! It was great for the kids to focus on their friends, and it gave us time to sit back and really think through why do we love others.
Mark 12:31 - And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
1 John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1 John 4:8 - He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Luke 6:35 - But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.
We look back and realized during our Bible time that God loves us unconditionally and forever!! When we put that into view, it makes it so much easier to show love to others. Let the petty stuff go, and focus on WHY we love others and keep that mindset. When our children get mad at their friends, they look and see that God loves them, mommy and daddy love them (even when they are stinkers), and it makes it easier for them to show love to their friends.
Enjoy the fun, but don't forget to look at why it is important to show love and set the example for our children. It lets them see the example of God as they grow and it makes it easier for them to love and serve God too.
Now, what did the adults do for Valentine's Day?? We watched a movie, snuggled, and just enjoyed the quiet! I used to want the big blowout presents and big date nights, but now the quiet and relax is all the better! But hey, I DID get day after Valentine's flowers for 70% off!! :D
Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day, and don't forget to go and spend some extra time and love with your families! When you get frustrated at your friends or family... think through how much MORE God puts up with us!!
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