Valentines!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I'm sad to say that today I woke up feeling a little under the weather; so Valentine's hasn't been as spectacular as I had envisioned. I am really really tired and no amount of caffeine seems to do the trick.

I sluggishly woke up attempting to do my morning chores and began feeling overwhelmed by the 'project' list I had made for the kiddos…I drank my second cup of joe around 8 and decided it would be a mind over matter kind of day. I got dressed in my pink cardigan, put some makeup on in attempts to brighten up the day. I then dressed the kiddos and got out the camera for some pictures, knowing I would kick myself later if I didn't.

 I quickly threw out quite a few bribes for some cooperation.

Here she is tickling Parker trying to make him smile!

 Never could get one where they were smiling at the same time.

 Kissing her brother like a sweet girl! This makes my heart smile =)

 and then Zizi stole some kisses from her sister!

 I love Blakely's expression in this picture.

 Best buds!

We headed outside for a couple more shots

 at this point she was begging for her skittles (remember the bribing…)

 So, I made heart shaped pb&j sandwiches for lunch to be followed by those infamous skittles!

After a little while we decided to make those marshmallows I was talking about in the valentine's prep post.

and the finished product.

Wolfie stopped by for a little while so I could go pick up Caroline without having to load the kiddos up! LIFE SAVER, especially on a day of feeling not my best!

 Next up for the day was some good ole sponge painting. I placed painters tape over this canvas in a heart shape and let Blakely go crazy with the paints!

 She has been begging me for weeks to paint & was ecstatic when I brought up the paints from downstairs.

 These next few pictures are from last night when Mimi and Brian came over for dinner. Mimi brought Blakely and Parker such fun Valentines surprises!

 That sparkle backpack has not left B's side all day long.

 And sweet Parker has really enjoyed his new books.

 Now we are in outfit change 300 for the day!!!

 Happy Valentine's Day!!! I have loved reflecting today on the blessings of my loved ones and hope they know just how special they are to me!

Valentine's Prep

Well, Valentine's Day is tomorrow and love is in the air & just in the nick of time to lift all our spirits! My winter blues are getting out of control. Towards the end of January each year I have to really fight the tendency to wish time away before spring. Although I have gotten tons better about cherishing each and every day, sometimes when it is gloomy, cold and just icky I have many moments where I just daydream of spring flowers and pastel colors! Because I know this about myself, I have tried to really concentrate on Valentine's and make it a fun and joyful holiday to break up that long wait until temps get warmer and the sun shines brighter! 

I wanted to do something special for Blakely's teacher. She has taught Blakely so much and is just the nicest! Blakely actually made the final decision & below is what we settled on!

 As for Blakely's Valentine's to her friends we had plans to dip giant marshmallows in chocolate and sprinkles! Since school was cancelled for today, we didn't end up making them yet! I'll probably make just a few to enjoy for tomorrow and I'll share a picture after we get done.

I did get as far as printing out the valentine cards though!

 For the party, I was in charge of supplying the goodie bags! Blakely thinks since school was cancelled she gets all this candy…Hoping the party will be moved to Tuesday and not cancelled so we don't have so much junk food laying around the house--that wouldn't be good for anyone!

The coffee mug pictured is just one of my 'happy' mugs. I've gotten really bad about sipping coffee throughout every day lately. Like I said before, winter makes me sad. Coffee makes me happy. Enough said.

Finally getting Blakely's V-Day shirt! I picked something that can be worn well after Valentine's since I was so late in making it! Better late than never I guess right?

 My little helper!

Here is the finished product! Hopefully she will cooperate and wear it tomorrow! 

I'll be making those fun marshmallow pops later in the day and I'll share once they are all made! 

Valentine's 2013

Blakely was so excited to have a 'pawty' at school for Valentines. It is really fun to hear her get excited about holidays lately! These were her valentines:

 and her pink cookies for the class

just a little bit spacey when I got there!

 and then we got a very special valentine from Mimi!

 We can never have enough stickers!