Valentine, Be Mine!

I think one of the traditions my kids look forward to the most in our home is our Valentine's Dinner.  I started this years ago as a way to teach my kids proper table manners, and they have really enjoyed it.  I usually send my family a special invitation inviting them to a formal valentine dinner.   In the beginning we focused a lot on the basics like chewing with your mouth closed and saying please and thank you.  From there we advanced to where to put your napkin, which fork to use, proper table conversation, etc.   We even had a dance after dinner one year where we taught proper dance etiquette.  Lots of fun memories!

This year I had just finished reading the book, Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas.  I loved how the main character in the book kept history alive by storytelling.  I realized I don't tell my kids enough stories.  I talked to Eric about this and we decided to make this night a storytelling night about our families history.  Eric put together a little quiz about our courtship and marriage to see what the kids knew about us.  How did we meet?  What was our first date?  When did Dad try and kiss Mom for the first time?  How many times did Dad propose?  How long did we date before we got engaged?  The kids loved the answers, but most of all the stories that went along with them.  It made us real to them, not just Mom and Dad.

My valentine gave me these gorgeous roses
with a sweet card saying he still had the biggest crush on me,
then to show me he took the day off work
and helped me prepare for our dinner.

Since this night I am trying to tell more stories about my life and the people I love to my children.  I hope it will help them understand who I am and build strength in our relationships.