Tag: love is

What’s sweeter than candy for your kids on Valentine’s Day?

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Is Valentine’s Day really a holiday? How did we get caught up in buying overpriced flowers, needless candy, and $10 cards? Don’t get me wrong, I do stop at my local chocolatier and purchase a small piece for my kids and hope I get one too!! And there is much I do appreciate about February 14th… It’s a reminder to let people know how you feel about them. Reach out to those friends you haven’t checked in with for a while, write teachers a note of gratitude or do something thoughtful for those you love. Simply hug a little tighter, say “I love you” a lot more, and thoughtfully show your love.

This year, I wrote qualities that I admire about each of my children on heart-shaped sticky notes and put them on their bedroom doors. When they started their days, I wanted them to be reminded of why they are loved and what makes them special! At the end of the day, the candy wrappers will be thrown in the garbage, flowers wilted away, but I hope that the words of love and value will remain in their hearts for much longer. ♥︎

Love is a verb

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Husband & youngest daughter spending time together

This past Sunday at Church, our Deacon enlightened the children that love is a verb. Think about that for a minute…love is an action; it’s something you do, say, show. I couldn’t help but think what an important reminder for adults too. Imagine if we all showed affection more often, spoke kind words more than others, and did small acts of lovingkindness throughout our days. Treating love as an action to our children will encourage them to reciprocate it not only to the family but to those all around. Now that’s something to pass on…❤︎

5 Ways to Show Love to Your Kids

  • leave “Just Because I Love You” notes in lunchboxes, in sport bags, on bathroom mirrors, on pillows
  • give a hug & kiss, cuddle up, walk arm-in-arm,
  • say, “I love you!” “You mean SO much to me!” “I’m very lucky to have you!”
  • make their favorite meal, snack or dessert
  • plan one-on-one time together (neighborhood walk, bike ride, trip to the mall, ice cream outing, board game)

A Small Glimpse of Joy

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My dad has Alzheimer’s. For those of you who love someone suffering from this terrible disease, you understand how sad it is. He hasn’t known me or his grandchildren for years yet times I get a glimpse of familiarity; his hug a little tighter, his smile a tad broader. In my last visit to the facility he’s in I brought my dog. My dad loved Marlton and when he saw him, his eyes twinkled and he chuckled. Did he really remember my dog? I’ll never know. But what my heart feels is that Marlton brought my dad a moment of happiness and unconditional love and that’s all I can hope for these days. 💜

Gallery

Love is…Family

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Starting the New Year is one of my favorite times of the year, just like back to school (I think that’s the former teacher in me). I find it refreshing to turn a blank page, start projects that have been pushed aside, and simply reflect on what’s important. Life is chaotic and while I do pride myself in living in somewhat ordered chaos, I need moments to pause and reset. My path on the Essentialist Family has been years in the making. As this blog unfolds, you’ll discover my journey and why I am so passionate about inspiring other families to reconnect with one another in simple and intentional ways. Simply stated, that’s where true happiness lies…with those we love. If you’ve joined me on the Essentialist Family journey, you may have started your family motto and list of essential beliefs that your family holds dear. The most basic theme I’ve heard over and over again is LOVE. Love is what connects, fulfills, comforts, supports, encourages, protects, inspires, and make us truly happy.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” –1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Take this week’s quote and write it on pretty paper to display on your fridge. Maybe print it out in a fancy font and put it on every family member’s pillow one night. Use it as a reminder of how simple love is, yet how powerful. Say it out loud, talk about it over a meal, discuss what it means. And essentially realize that love never fails.♥︎