Last week the kids and I were at Walmart to pick up a few birthday items for my son. Once we found our items we passed by the numerous rows of Valentine candy, cards, and gifts. I figured that since we were there we might as well pick up Valentine cards as well.

Two hours later, (well, maybe not THAT long but it did seem that long) we were headed to the check-out lanes. Apparently it is extremely difficult to choose between sports and animals or robots and kittens. Those decisions were from my girls. My son chose his right away and never had any doubt about his decision. The girls, on the other hand, took forever.

Each year I have this lofty idea that we will sit down and make cards for their friends; especially now that Pinterest has entered the equation. Walking past those boxed cards was just too tempting, though. The need to have something accomplished won over my crafty instinct. Fortunately my children are flexible. They just love Valentine's Day.

There are ways I use my creative side when it comes to Valentine's Day. I've put together a list of some activities that I've either tried in the past or plan to try in the future. Hope some of them help make your family's Valentine's Day extra special.

• Leave love notes in your child's lunch box
• Stop by Chick fil A for a day of Valentines fun
• Start the day with heart shaped pancakes
• Make heart-shaped cupcakes by putting a marble between the cupcake liner and the pan
• Have your kids help you make Valentine cards for grandparents, teachers, friends, etc. (or just buy a box, lol)
• You Rock Valentine's Craft
• Use a cookie cutter to make heart shaped sandwiches
• Buy each family member a can of silly string & spray each other (our family's favorite)
• Make red heart jello
• Play Valentine's Bingo. Create your own BINGO matt and use conversation hearts to cover squares.
• Pull out the fancy china and have a family candlelight dinner
• Create a family coupon book- have each family member create a coupon to include that other family members can use (take out trash, make bed, put away dishes, fold clothes, etc.)
• Cover your table with butcher paper and have everyone draw or write what they love about the person sitting to their right. After the meal have each person read what they wrote
• Make Valentine's Confetti for your family and to share.
• Have everyone stamp or draw a "secret heart tattoo" that no one can see but your family members. The top of your foot is a great place! Your kids will love drawing on you.
• Boiled heart-shaped eggs (found on Pinterest)
• Visit www.familyfun.com and create one of their Valentine's Day crafts as a family
• Check out these images for craft ideas. The heart in the apple is really cute and looks easy.

On March 24th, 2012 hundreds will gather to support adoption by participating in a 4 mile run in the subdivision of Cinco Ranch. The run, sponsored by local Katy businesses and groups, will enjoy its second year in Katy.

Proceeds for this run benefit the ministry 1:17 of The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch. This ministry "seeks to help provide justice for the oppressed and marginalized. People seeking God's will for their lives in taking care of the 'least of these' as described in Matthew 25, whether through adoption, widow/single mother care, foster care or orphan care initiatives."

Mrs. Texas, Mrs. Katy, and Katy's own Forlorn Hope will be among those entertaining the runners.

Registration is now open. Join your neighbors and friends as you support adoption.

Compassion Katy is hosting our 6th year of Katy ServeFest!  Saturday, February 18 and Saturday, February 25, 2012, 9am to 4pm. 

Come out and join with others as we work to make our community a better place.  We will be working at the Katy YMCA’s Camp Cinco, assisting with several projects at Katy Christian Ministries and will also be working at homes of local families that are in need of repairs. 

More information and registration can be found on our website at www.KatyServeFest.org   Lunch is provided thanks to the generous support of Chick-fil-a of Katy.