Valentines in the Mist of Moving

Every year I make a formal candle light dinner for Valentine's Day. The table is beautifully set with the fine china. The heart shaped meat loaf and the fixings are looked forward to, along with a chocolate dessert. It's a wonderful time to celebrate the love we have for each other and reflect on God's love for us, and ours for Him. We exchange a Valentine's card and small thoughtful gifts to each other. Years ago I purchased these Valentine's stockings for the kids. When they were small, I filled them with candy and small trinkets. But about six years ago, I started a tradition of making coupon books to put in the stocking. (Max gets his own too.) :) Since we're in the mist of packing this year, I knew I couldn't pull off the full celebration. When I mentioned this to my kids...they asked if they were going to get the coupon book? It was already in the making. :) It really is one of their very favorite tradions! (And, as you can see below...there's not much spending involved, just acts of service and some special treats.) Here's an example of this years coupons. ;)

This coupon is good to watch one DVD of choice. Enjoy it with a snack!! :)

This coupon is good for “30” minutes of video games! (It may only be redeemed after school work is completed.) Enjoy!

I’ll serve you today! This coupon gets you out of one chore for the day! Relax and enjoy!
This coupon entitles you to your “favorite dinner”(72 hours notice, please).

This coupon is good for any snack from the grocery store, that you typically aren’t allowed to eat. (As tough as it will be for me....trans fats and corn syrup are allowed. Yikes!)

This coupon entitles you to “stay up past your bedtime” (A reasonable hour of course and may only be redeemed on Friday or Saturday!)


This coupon is good for “one hour of  video game time!”(Coupon may only be redeemed during summer break!) Enjoy!

This coupon is good for “dessert of your choice” (72 hours notice, please).

This coupon is good for “one round of miniature golf.”(Temperature must be below 75 degrees and higher than 60! Brrrrr!)

This coupon entitles you to replace a school subject with and educational game! Let’s have some fun!

Redeem this coupon for a literature book of your choice at B & N. Hot choclate or lemonade included. (Depending on the season.) ;)

This coupon is good for....me doing your laundry for the week. (Includes: washing, drying, folding and putting cloths away, enjoy the break!)

Happy Valentine's Day

1 Cor. 13: 4-8