Valentine's Day Fun

. Last year, I was way ahead of myself. I posted Valentine's Day fun in January. That's unheard of for me. This year, three days ahead -- more like normal. I'm posting the same stuff, so I apologize if there are links that don't work. That was a whole year ago, and in Interweb time, that's forever!

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Yesterday, I started searching online for some Valentine's Day ideas for the kids. Wow! The Internet is jammed-packed with great crafts, gifts, card ideas and recipes. We could easily celebrate for two weeks and not run out of ideas. But, we won't. We'll make our own cards with some craft paper and a stamp. We'll make a few crafts during the days before and we'll have a little party on Valentine's Day with some other homeschooling friends. Since I was collecting ideas for my "class," I thought I share the wealth and post the ideas that I like best. These are mostly for kindergarten-age (or there about), but many of them (especially the puzzles and recipes) are great for older kids -- actually kid of all ages. This list is but a drop in the bucket of what is available out there, but these ideas seemed manageable for me, not expensive, and not terribly time-consuming. Note: Some of the links here are great resources for children -- ones I use all the time. But a few are resources with page ads, so use caution if you let the kids click around. I spotted nothing offensive while I was looking, but ads change, and one person's idea of offensive is not always another's. February 14 -- St. Valentine ● For a biography, go here, and some more on the origin of St. Valentine's Day, go here. ● For a Valentine's Day game to play, check this out. ● For a Catholic spin on sending Valentines try this. ● From Women for Faith and Family on Valentine's Day:

"When we remember that the heart of Saint Valentine was, like other Christian martyrs, 'pierced' by the love of Our Lord, and he shed his blood for this, it seems appropriate that the red heart is a symbol for this powerful love. We think about the power of the love of God - our love for Him and His for us - to inspire our love for others. It is this kind of love that gives heart (or "en-courages") to faithful Christians to accomplish deeds of extraordinary courage - even unto death - to bring the truth of faith to others. We are reminded, too, that suffering that often accompanies genuine love.

In our Catholic families, we can focus our thoughts, this day, not only in expressing our love for our friends and families (and yes, sweethearts) by gifts and loving greetings; but also in prayer and meditation on Scripture."

● A St. Valentine prayer:

Most Gracious Heavenly Father, You gave Saint Valentine the courage to witness to the gospel of Christ, even to the point of giving his life for it. Help us to endure all suffering for love of you, and to seek you with all our hearts; for you alone are the source of life and love. Grant that we may have the courage and love to be strong witnesses of your truth to our friends and family and to the whole world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Crafts: ❥Coloring pages here. ❥Heart lacing card. ❥Stuffed paper Valentine heart. ❥Window Hearts (one of my personal favorites). ❥Coffee filter flowers -- make a bouquet for Mommy or Grandma ❥Decoupage rose petal votive holders. ❥Valentine's tree. ❥Valentine Shrinky Dink template. Shrinky Dink "paper" here.  ❥Valentine's Day wreath here or here. Games and Puzzles ❥ Online Valentine's Day hangman. ❥ Online Valentine's Tic Tac Toe.. ❥Crossword puzzle. ❥Valentine's Day mazes to print. Educational Resources (i.e. school disguised as Valentine's fun) ❥A list of Valentine's Day worksheets to print. ❥A list of down-loadable Valentine's Day themed lessons. ❥ Some songs to sing. Treats to make for the kids and some for the kids to make: ❥ Valentine Puppy Chow ❥Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies ❥Shortbread Cut-out cookies ❥Frosted Sugar Cookies (use heart-shaped cutters and pink or red sugar) .