I hope everyone had a happy Valentines day last week! We started the morning off right with a bouquet of balloons for the kids and cards from their grandparents.

As you can see it was good fun. Then we finished up the weekend with pink, heart-shaped pancakes. Brian’s creative skills at work there. (Yes, he looks good in a kitchen!)

Esther had fun at her Valentines Day party at school. They made little crafts together and for the last hour the parents were allowed to come. So I went and I enjoyed some Valentine Day fun with the littles in her class.

Then, the next day was 77! So we abandoned the house and played outside all day. I got a bad case of Spring Fever and I’ve been planning my garden ever since.

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Pray for them

It is easy to get distracted with romance on Valentines Day, but in truth, love is the essence of the One who created the heavens and the earth. He left His throne in heaven and gave His life for ours so that we would know His love. All love originates from Him. I believe it is the most powerful force in heaven and on earth and there is nothing that can withstand the power of His love.

Father, “if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,” I pray (Name) will with (his/her) brothers and sisters in Christ be “of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Protect the bond of unity and peace between (Name) and the church. In Jesus’ name I ask this, amen. – Philippians 2:1-2

Prayers taken from the BiblicalPrayers mobile app. Download today on the App Store or Google Play store.

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Pink Heart Pancakes

The base of this recipe is “Fluffy Pancakes” from Allrecipes. This is my favorite pancake recipe because it is delicious and I can alter it for whatever I want. (The secret is in the butter.) This is a double batch because anything less would result in a family mutiny.

• 1 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup White Vinegar
• 2 cups Flour
• 1/4 cup Sugar
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 Eggs beaten
• 4 Tbsp Melted Butter
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 8 drops Red Food Dye (adjust for desired colored).

Preheat griddle to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine milk and  vinegar and set aside (Or, if you have it on hand you can simply substitute 1 3/4 buttermilk). In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add milk, eggs, butter, vanilla and food dye. Mix until smooth.

Use a squeeze bottle to shape batter into hearts on the griddle (or a spoon if you don’t have a squeeze bottle on hand). Serve hot with whipped cream and strawberries.