As promised...


So for Valentines my family did something new this year for V-day. We drew names and which ever name we got we were to make a card. So Kristofer got Brittany and I got Seiler.

So on Saturday night Kristofer and I made our cards. And they turned out SO CUTE!!

Beyond the roses, chocolates and historical ties to a pagan fertility festival, you'll find the real meaning of Valentine's Day. It's the true love that compelled a young Christian to give up his life rather than stop sharing his faith.

Valentine's Day

When we think of Valentine's Day, we often think of red roses, candy in heart- shaped boxes, mushy valentines, and winged cherubs flying about shooting starry-eyed lovers with arrows.

But did you know that the origin of Valentine's Day, or Saint Valentine's Day, comes from the life and death of a Christian martyr? According to author Martha Zimmerman, the date traditionally celebrated as St. Valentine's Day finds it origin in the Roman festival of romance called Lupercalia, when the gods Juno and Pan were honored. It was a fertility festival or a lover's holiday looking forward to the return of Spring. In the fifth century, in an attempt to abolish the pagan festival, Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia and its February 15 date to February 14 and called it Saint Valentine's Day. Even though the names and the date were changed, the emphasis continued to be on love.

Who was the real Valentine, and why did he have a day named after him?

Some authorities credit Geoffrey Chaucer with originating the custom of linking Valentine's Day with lovers. No link between the day and lovers exists before the time of Chaucer, thus leading some to conclude that it was this famous English author who connected the day with lovers. The fullest and earliest description of the tradition occurs in Chaucer's "Parliament of Fouls" composed around 1380. Since that time it has been traditional to connect St. Valentine's Day with love.

But who was the real Saint Valentine? St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century by Emperor Claudius II. The only thing certain about the day we remember as St. Valentine's Day is that it commemorates a martyrdom. Claudius II declared all Christians illegal citizens. By his definition, they were guilty of treason because Roman citizens were required by law to worship the Emperor by declaring publicly, "Caesar is Lord!" Of course, this no Christian could do.

The real Valentine was a Roman Christian martyred during the third century A.D. by the Emperor Claudius II. Prior to his death, Valentine continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. When the Emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he sentenced Valentine to death.

Just before being led out to his execution, the young Christian wrote a note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine." The first valentine was really a Christian witness. Growing out of this story we participate in a custom of sending cards to people we love.

Given that the tradition of sending love notes grows out of a letter written by St. Valentine to his jailer's daughter on the eve of Valentine's execution, it's ironic that the card we send has received the emphasis, instead of remembering the content of the original Valentine's card: a message of unconditional devotion to Christ, even upon pain of death.

Over time the word "Saint" has been dropped from St. Valentine's Day, further obscuring the origins of this holiday. Instead of a negative reaction to some of the pagan origins of the day, why not celebrate the true love that compelled young Valentine to give up his life?

Remember that the day we know as St. Valentine's Day actually commemorates the death of an early Christian martyr, Valentine, who was put to death for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ.

A- Attached or single: Attached

B-Best Friends: Kristofer (my husband) and My Sisters

C-Cake or Pie: either but I really love my sister’s Apple pie.

D-Day of Choice: I love Sundays.

E-Essential Item: Camera and credit card.

F-Favorite Color: Purple.

G-Gummi bears or Worms: Gummi Bears.

H-Hometown: Richardson, Texas.

I-Indulgence(s): Chocolate and cherry coke

J-January or July: July

K-Kids: I have none, but I have 4 nieces’ and a nephew

L-Life is incomplete with out: Family and the The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

M-Marriage date: 24 August 2007

N-Number of siblings: Three Sisters.

O-Oranges or Apples: I like both but if I have to choose, Apples.

P-Phobias or fears: Being alone.

Q-Quote: “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt 6:21

R-Reason to smile: Kristofer… enough said

S-Season: I love Fall. It reminds me of my mom.

T-Tagging: Anyone who wants to do it.

U-Unknown fact: I secretly wouldn’t mind living in Washington (this is where Kristofer is from)… but shhh… don’t tell him!!

V-Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: Nothing tastes better than a juicy steak.

W-Worst Habit: Procrastination.

X-X-rays or Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds, These will allow me to see glimpses of my babies for the time. (When it happens)

Z-Zippers or Zebras: Zebras.

WOW! isn't it beautiful?!? Kristofer and I got the privilege to attend the dedication of the Rexburg Idaho Temple. This was my third dedication and Kristofer's first. It was amazing to have been sitting next to my husband for this wonderful occasion. President Moson's first week as Prophet and he is already dedicating temples. It was amazing! And President Monson was so funny and great with the little kids. (some little kids got to help put plaster in the corner stone.) I will never forget this experience. Now we are like all the other BYU's and have a temple just up on the hill. I cant wait to go often! Enjoy the video. to learn more about the purpose of temple