On February 14th, my family shares one of the most memorable nights of our year. I’d even be willing to say that it leaves long term profound effects on my kiddos.
It is less than a week until Valentine’s Day. Paul and I used to go out when we could (he was often out of town for camp business on Valentine’s Day in the beginning and will be this year too), but about ten years ago we decided to do something different. We have an I Love You Party and it’s for the entire family.
If you are a long time reader, then you know what this is and today’s post serves as your reminder for this coming Thursday since you know about the party. Remember, the most important part of the party is the part where everyone shares what they love about one another. Priceless.
If you are new around here, then let me share something you can do that will never be forgotten. And it’s practically free. The children wake up to heart garland hanging next to their beds, but the fun doesn’t really start til dinner.
1) I/we make a heart shaped dinner and dessert. Sometimes I buy balloons or put up heart decorations, depends on the budget. I always buy at least cute Valentine’s Day dessert plates.
2) Before the meal, Paul reads about what love is from Scripture. We pray and thank the LORD for the gift of love, the gift of family, and the gift of His Son.
3) After dinner, we each go around the table and speak directly to each person. We share what we love about that person. No one gets out of doing it. No one gets left out. Everyone gets their cups filled. Everyone also gets a little heart shaped badge to wear that says, “Mindy is loved”. Actually, it has their own name. ;-)
4) We enjoy dessert, heart shaped, of course.
To prove how this little event leaves big impressions, the teens still have many of the badges. Saved as keepsakes.
I can not explain the beauty and power behind each person expressing this and each person hearing it.
Is it easy? yes!
It is unforgettable? 100%!
So… get ready, ladies and gents. I hope you take the time to share love with your family.
What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
LOVE this tradition, especially because I started it with my nieces and nephews…who now live toooo far away. I am still tweaking how to do it now that I have my own family…trying to invite people into our home to share the love. Thank you for sharing…I have precious memories with my “first children” and am hoping to make even more with my precious Eden.
Oh, how I will miss the I Love You party in how many years?! To see those smiling faces and expressions of genuine love…I will have to depend on my memory of past parties, expecially the ones with my beloved Bethy. My love goes to NM and the wonderful Brouses!
This year, I will be at church, sharing with church family….somehow, not quite the same.
I really love this…consider it borrowed for this year!
For a long time we didn’t celebrate because we left our twins at the hospital on Valentine’s Day; we weren’t sure they would come home…Now they are almost 16! (tomorrow)
Thanks for sharing and God bless you!
How do you make your badges?
Super simply! I just cut out hearts from card stock and write Phoee is loved! Sometimes I go all out and make them double layer- red heart under a white heart. Then we just use a loop of masking tape to stick in the loved person!