Our Valentines

It's been one of those weeks when every time I go to write a new post I sit in front of the screen, type a few sentences and then kind of zone out and decide I'd rather just read everyone else's blogs than work on my own.

It's also been one of those weeks when we've had some unexpected weather - a little taste of spring that has had us outside riding bikes and tromping around in the mud. And in Ella's case falling from the monkey bars (they aren't that high) into the mud.

But most of our week has been about getting ready for Valentine's Day. I really like Valentine's Day as a family holiday. I see it as something to look forward to and celebrate as a family. I figure Matt and I should be taking time for dates throughout the year, and Valentine's Day can be something we enjoy with the kids.

We spent most of the week doing this:

I can't tell you how many of those little hearts I've vacuumed up in the last few days. Eventually we moved the Valentine making onto their craft table where they could glue and glitter to their heart's delight.

We made sugar cookies to include with Ella's Valentine's (for school) and I hot glued cute little pencils to glittery foam hearts for Catherine (you know, to look like an arrow!)

If by chance my husband is reading this ...Matt stop reading NOW! The girls are working on a little book for their daddy. I'm writing down all the things they love about him and they are drawing pictures. It's so cute to hear what they have to say and the differences in how they express themselves.

Aside from some birthday parties in the afternoon, we will probably enjoy a low key day and all have a yummy dinner together Saturday night. I'm not exactly sure what the menu will be, but I am pretty sure I am making these, courtesy of Bakerella:

I love Bakerella. I just love looking at all her amazing creations. I am definitely going to make some cupcake pops one of these days, just wait and see (If I bother to take a picture).

On the subject of baking, but in a totally different direction another baking site I LOVE is Cake Wrecks. It is a website devoted to professional cakes gone wrong. Oh my it is hilarious! Words don't do it justice, so some day when you're in need of a laugh, check it out and I promise you will get that laugh!

I hope to get at least one more post up in the next couple of days, but if I don't it's because I am busy getting ready for our trip to CA!!!! Matt and I are going to visit Jon and Renee and the kids are staying at my mom's. I am definitely anxious about leaving them for so long, so if you could keep us all in your prayers for the next week and a half (we are gone Mon-Mon) it would be greatly appreciated! Especially for my little Ella who tends to get homesick. Also, if you don't mind, pray for decent weather, I am obsessing over the 10 day forecast and so far every day shows rain. I did see the potential for partly cloudy next Saturday and did a little cheer!

Enjoy your weekend and perhaps the next time you'll hear from me I'll be in California!