image via marthastewart.com
Note to self: Make these with my daughter for Valentine's Day next year. This is right up her alley. Actually, I think we'll make a couple for our own family celebration.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
1 Hour : Make It : Valentines to Color
image via upupcreativeSo here are the (free) printable Valentines my 1st-grader chose for her class. We printed them out (four to a page) on slightly textured cardstock; since she wanted mostly elephants and just one page of sneakers, I simply selected those pages in the print instructions. She absolutely loves to color and spent a good hour carefully coloring and writing out names on a couple dozen of these beauties.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
15 Minutes : Make It : Heart Envelopes
image via marthastewart.com
Clever folding. I wonder if my daughter would like to make these for her class. If not, I'm sure her creative little mind will find other reasons to give away these heart notes.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
1 Hour : Read It : Valentine's Books
We're on our way to the library to pick out some Valentine's books. Here are the titles we have on our list today:
Monday, February 8, 2010
Share It : Three Reasons
Guest blogger, Hadley H., is a full-time mother, a part-time writer, a sometimes designer and a constant lover of beauty.
For many years, my husband and I have played a game we call Three Reasons. In a restaurant, in the car, during commercials, whenever: one of us will say "Tell me three reasons why you love me." The reasons are varied and sundry: insightful, romantic, hilarious, mundane. Sometimes surprising in their simplicity or specificity, the reasons are always appreciated and reciprocated. And, since we've become parents, also shared with our daughters.
Luke will say, "Catherine, tell me three reasons why you love Elinor;" the extrapolation of that question to reach all of us is an exercise in the expression of love, certainly -- but also thoughtfulness, gratitude, institutional memory (family lore) and, on occasion, humility. Three Reasons is an excellent instructor in the ties that bind.
With this wee rhythm of daily living quietly beating, it seemed natural to make a repository for these expressions -- on paper. Why lose them to time and the night air when, by simply recording them, they'll become future treasures? So, a few Januarys ago, I covered a box with red polka dot wrapping paper and cut a hole in the top to make a Valentine Mailbox. Beside the box is a stack of business cards, blank except for the XO printed on them. Each day, or whenever the mood strikes us, we write a love note to each member of our family. Each February 14, at our family Valentine Ball, we read the notes aloud. We hug. We kiss. We blow raspberries on necks. We tickle. We laugh. We dance. We sing. We compliment each person's choice of "formal attire." We make happy fools of ourselves. We reminisce. We love.
We belong.
And we save the notes.
Because, as much as we each desire to know we're loved and valued on Valentine's Day, what's infinitely more meaningful is to know -- with proof -- that we're loved and valued every day.
Valentine's Day is for families. Claim it for your own.
Luke will say, "Catherine, tell me three reasons why you love Elinor;" the extrapolation of that question to reach all of us is an exercise in the expression of love, certainly -- but also thoughtfulness, gratitude, institutional memory (family lore) and, on occasion, humility. Three Reasons is an excellent instructor in the ties that bind.
With this wee rhythm of daily living quietly beating, it seemed natural to make a repository for these expressions -- on paper. Why lose them to time and the night air when, by simply recording them, they'll become future treasures? So, a few Januarys ago, I covered a box with red polka dot wrapping paper and cut a hole in the top to make a Valentine Mailbox. Beside the box is a stack of business cards, blank except for the XO printed on them. Each day, or whenever the mood strikes us, we write a love note to each member of our family. Each February 14, at our family Valentine Ball, we read the notes aloud. We hug. We kiss. We blow raspberries on necks. We tickle. We laugh. We dance. We sing. We compliment each person's choice of "formal attire." We make happy fools of ourselves. We reminisce. We love.
We belong.
And we save the notes.
Because, as much as we each desire to know we're loved and valued on Valentine's Day, what's infinitely more meaningful is to know -- with proof -- that we're loved and valued every day.
Valentine's Day is for families. Claim it for your own.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
February Giveaway
UPDATE: Lucky winner, chosen by random.org, is: #5--John and Caroline. Email redroko@gmail.com for details on how to order your valentines.
Thanks to you loyal readers. Look forward to another giveaway in March.
Here's a giveaway that's perfect for you and your kids--printable valentines from Olliegraphic. One winner will be chosen to receive $10 credit to the Etsy store, Olliegraphic. As mentioned in a previous post, you get to customize the valentine online, then Olliegraphic emails you the pdf, and you print out as many as you want. Check out the selection at this great store.
Rules of the game:
- Leave a comment on this post. Be sure that you leave a name or that your comment links to a public blog or profile. (I need a way to contact you!)
- One entry per person please.
- Winner will be chosen and posted at 10pm (MST) on Saturday, February 6th.
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