Family Home Evening: Family Coat of Arms Edition

I remember back when I was in a teenager and my family took a trip to the beach. We stayed up most of the night talking about how important family is. My dad talked about how families are like links in a chain and that our goal is to be a strong link in that chain versus, say a paperclip. We talked about how our choices impact our children and our grandchildren and the incalculable number of people that will follow us in this chain.  And then we designed a family crest or coat of arms. 

This is something I have always wanted to do with my little family. A coat of arms was very significant back in the day! It let people know who you were and where you came from. It is what you would put on your shield when you went into battle. The symbols used just drip with meaning and purpose.

So we found a free Coat of Arms Generator. Came up with a family motto. Picked our charges and VIOLA! Our family crest was born!

We chose blue because it represents steadfastness, loyalty and strength. All things we want our family to have. Red is for warriors. We explained to the boys that Satan wants nothing more than to split our family up and that every day we are fighting a battle to keep it together. The blue X is for protection. The band down the center is for bravery. The silver in the shield itself represents cleanliness, wisdom, joy and peace. The crescent in the center was used to represent our hope for greater honor or in other words our hope for exaltation as a family. Our family motto is of course written in Latin but means: Heaven not Earth. Meaning our family is meant for something more. It is forever. It doesn't end here. Clayton chose the dragon which represents how a dragon protects its treasures. Which he is definitely protective so it fits! I chose the bear because I very much am a mommy bear. I will protect and care for my children at all costs. It's also a symbol of health and bravery. Things I want! Little Man chose a snake because he loves them. Snakes symbolize wisdom which fits him very well. Baby Boy chose the lion because he loves tigers. But the lion fits him very well as it represents bravery. This kid has very little fear. 

My plan is to paint it and then frame it so it looks a little more legit and so we have it as a reminder of our goals as a family. It is no secret how important I believe family is. And I love that we now have this crest! So if you need an idea for FHE next week, here you go!

For a great list of what these symbols mean go HERE!!