Valentine's Day Fun!

We had so much fun for Valentine's this year and even spread out our celebration over a few days.

We started out that morning with balloons and mailboxes with candy and a stuffed animal in them.

We ate pink pancakes with strawberries, whip cream and sprinkles,

Watched a Strawberry Shortcake movie,

Made Valentine's for people,

And got a visit from Nana with gifts and a visit from Heggie and Grandma with chocolate covered strawberries!

That night, Brian and Nate made us dinner and we had a special dessert.

A couple days later we had a pink and red themed dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's. 

LLC - Valentine's Party

This year the kids worked on Valentine placemats while they drank strawberry milkshakes. Then they made and exchanged valentines, had a balloon fight and finally the moms worked on some tissue paper flowers which were too hard for the kids. And, of course, food!

Randomness

Avi reading to Millie

Daddy stroking Millie's back

Slippers is all you need to make an outfit!

Reading Valentine books by the fire

Consequences

Parenting is a challenge! There are many moments each day where I wonder if I'm being a good mom and many moments where I'm sure I'm not. It's a constant balancing act. Am I being too hard? Am I being too soft? Will these kids ever get along for more than 5 minute increments? Every day is just an experiment in parenting. Both our girls are great but they give us plenty of experimenting opportunities.

Avi gave me the most recent one. I came into the living room one night to find that she had cut the cover of a book in half with her scissors - the girl loves cutting things! Only problem? It was a library book :(  We discussed it a little in the moment and then didn't talk much about it again for a few days. A couple days ago we showed up at the library and I gave Avi the bad news. She would be telling the librarian what she did and asking if they would like her to fix the book or pay for it. I could tell she was mortified but she did it and the library wanted money. Since she didn't have any with her, I paid the $5 (thankfully it was a small paperback!) and informed her that she could let me know how she planned to pay me back. She had no idea how so I gave her the option of selling one of her toys to a friend to get the money or doing chores around the house to cover the cost. She chose the chores. I gave her some of the crappy ones I don't like too much and in the end, we shook hands and all debts were settled. Hopefully next time one of those books looks all too tempting to cut, she'll think twice!

Decor and Treasures!

Yesterday we decorated for Valentine's day! It's one of my favorite holidays and the girls are really getting into it this year too.

They also got to open February's treasure box...

They discovered all kinds of crafting supplies, stickers, cupcake sprinkles, window clings, decorations and of course, heart glasses. It's going to be a fun month!!