"Love Day" 2014 and why we call it that.

"Love Day" - 2014

We call Valentine's "Love Day" around here.  

Why you might ask?

Well, a few years ago I was following one of my favorite bloggers (www.71toes.com), and she coined the term; suggesting that this holiday is a time for ALL to feel and show love, not just those with a "Valentine." 

I have often seen those without a "Valentine" suffer on this day.  How lonely they seem to feel.  In addition, since having kids I have always thought that Valentine's seemed more like a day for them than for Trev and I.  

So when I saw this wise mother changing a simple word to have such inclusive effects; it struck a chord with me.  It is a day to express love to ALL those you love.  Sweetheart, family, friends, God.  Everyone.

So from that time on, Valentine's has been "Love Day" in our home as well.

And I truly LOVE this holiday.  A whole day where you get to think about how to LOVE MORE, those you love already.  A day where you express kind words of appreciation.  A day where sweet acts of heartfelt emotion communicate your soul to others.  A day devoted to love.

There are a few different kinds of love - family love, love for God, friendship love, and romantic love.  All of which can bring joy.  All of which should be celebrated.

One of my favorite things about this holiday is the devoted preparation that goes on around here.

We don't decorate our home a ton, but we do put a lot of time and thought into this type of stuff:

I love seeing the laser-focused faces and listening to the sweet sentiments that come through during Love Day preparations.

Whether it is making cookies for family and friends, studiously writing Valentine's cards for classmates, or even just discussing the different kinds of love at the dinner table - I can see my family's hearts growing.  Isn't that what love always does?  Especially when it is shared...

Oh, how I enjoy that.

Then the big day arrived and here is what I woke up to.

She is the best, seriously.  

Then came the traditional Berry Heart Pancake Breakfast before school.  We went ahead and added wine glasses this year to make it extra fancy.

Then we sent these two off to school.

Morgan pretty in pink, and Jake looking dapper.  Instead of doing a Valentine's Party, J's class had an "Etiquette Luncheon."  He needed to dress up, bring his Valentine's box, and apparently shout from the rooftops his love for the Broncos...even after they lost the Super Bowl.  Pretty badly too.  We are Bronco fans around here.  Through good times and bad.  That is true love folks.

Usually, I would have gone to the school parties to help but took this year off to hang with my matching girls.

Here is how we spent our time together.

We finished off the day with a Heart pizza from Papa Murphy's, Salad, Martinelli's Sparkling Cider, and heart-shaped Fruit Pizza Sugar Cookies for dessert.  All the while talking about how much we love each other and why.

  

We all went to sleep that night feeling gratitude and love. Which is what "Love Day" is really all about.  Happy LOVE Day!