More Valentine's Day traditions...free beautiful download

(Click the sweet girl above to download the hearts of loving kindness tradition detailed below, the love muffin recipe, 10 things I love about you, and directions to make your very own love journal. These will print out ready to give as a sweet little gift, so using cardstock works well.)

*****I am doing more bulk baking today...check in, and let's accomplish something. :)

As you know, we love to weave traditions into our family tapestry. They're frugal, intentional, and bring joy for years to come. Here are some of our favorites.

Hearts of Loving Kindness –

Use pretty hearts during the month of February to teach the value of loving kindness to the loved ones in your life. Find a small box or jar and decorate it (invite your children to help) any way you want: with stickers, artwork, photos or a big red ribbon. Place all of the hearts inside and tell your family members what it’s all about.

Every time you see someone doing something kind for someone else, write their name and what they did on a heart. String it up on a ribbon and hang it in the kitchen or family room for all to see. You can put four to six hearts on a ribbon by cutting a slit at the top and bottom of the heart and slipping each heart up the ribbon and then tie a knot at the top of the heart to hold it in place. The more hearts your family sees dangling, the more they will want to add to the festive display.

You will have plenty of opportunities during the month to talk about how and why we do things for others simply out of the "kindness of our hearts." Make it a family tradition to focus on the value of loving kindness every February and be sure to preserve those precious memories in a Valentine’s Day Book with a photo of family members holding their Hearts of Loving Kindness.

The Treasure Hunt of Love –

This tradition combines the fun of a treasure hunt with the sweetness of showing love and appreciation, while praising character qualities instead of "talents."

. I had so much fun brainstorming last year when I did this. Cut 4 or 5 hearts out of red or pink construction paper, label them 1 to 5 on the backside, and write a clue on the front that describes something you love about the recipient and at the same time leads them to a spot where they will find the next clue.

“I love your cheerfulness in the morning, even before you have had your breakfast. I love when you choose joy.”

“I admire the diligence you showed in order to get an A in Chemistry”

“You have such a big, kind heart when you help your little brother pick up his puzzles.”

“Your great attitude and sportsmanship at basketball games make the whole family proud of you.”

The first clue can be hidden under a pillow, placed on the breakfast plate or taped to the bathroom mirror. Of course, the last clue of the treasure hunt leads them to a present or a treat you have prepared for them.

One year, I made up a corny poetic clue for each "station." The kids had to figure it out before they headed on to the next destination, and "no," I don't think you want to hear it...although it did rhyme quite nicely, thank you :).
Love Coupons – This activity can easily be created at home with some help from little hands. Purchase pretty construction paper in red, pink and ivory. Cut out 3” x 2” pieces of paper, enough to make seven for each family member. Using crayons or markers, write down fun things on each coupon that everyone in the family is capable of doing to show loving kindness for another family member. This can include things like “I will help in the kitchen” or “Let’s make the bed together.”

Include the name of the person to be helped on the back. Starting a week before Valentine’s Day, each person picks a coupon a day and helps perform that task. Display the completed coupons on the refrigerator or a family bulletin board for everyone to see. Be sure to write down all the ways your family demonstrated kindness on the card provided in the pocket. This simple keepsake will be treasured for years to come.

And just because it wouldn't have been my family if there hadn't been some bedlam; the cat and the dog both wanted in on the treasure hunt. Yes, the dog got the "treasure." Right out of my daughter's hand. :)

And now I have done more posts in two days than ever before...I am done....thank you, and leaving the computer for awhile! :)

IF YOU MISSED THE LOVE NOTES BOX TRADITION....FIND IT HERE.