Celebrating Valentine's Day

Month of LOVE as a family! I love this focus for a month - not for the candy/flowers, but for the reminder to write positive affirmations.

We tried a new tradition this year and used these little bags for sharing kindness/positive notes to one another. In previous years, I've done hearts on their doors with a positive message (which is so fun), and we've had an evening where we all fill up hearts about each other and stick them on a door/wall.

But this year, I wanted to stretch the focus over multiple days. As much as I wanted them to know and read words from me, I also wanted them to think about others too. And I wanted to pass some freedom and ownership for the family activity into their hands.

The original 'mom goal' after we hung the bags was that we'd all write one note every single day beginning on February 1st, and ending on Valentine's.

That lasted the first two days, and then life happened. We were a bit more sporadic. A few notes one day, then a day off. But I relaxed, and let it play out (I didn't want this to turn into a mom-nagging-to-everyone-to-write-nice-notes-for-two-weeks). I found the visual reminders of seeing the bags were enough to drive some motivation in a couple kiddos, while others were driven to check what was inside their bag each day, which in turn reminded them to fill someone else's bag too. It was sweet to see one of them write something and try to sneak it into a bag. I loved their excitement as they tiptoed around the family room.

I'm grateful for the moments I had to write and think of something positive about each of them. It helped me get out of the 'routine' of saying the same things and really think differently about each child each day. I became a better listener.

Watching the kiddos fill one another's 'buckets'  in their own way softened my heart toward them on a daily basis. It brought new perspective to motherhood and helped me look less at their faults, and focus more on what I loved about each one each day.

Listening to their excitement on Valentine's as we wrapped it up with a 'bag dump and share' helped me to see how much they enjoyed both the giving and receiving. It was such a great visual of love and kindness on a more personal level in our home.

This little note surprised me the most. During our 14 day window, we had a mini overnighter stay-cation together. Seeing this on my pillow was simply tender.

This tradition is a keeper!