Cohesiveness is overrated

After our exciting Valentine's Day, things have gone back to normal. I'm realizing that it's also important to have routines and repetition in our schedules. That's what makes the little things I do to shake things up so much more exciting. Today, though, I am tired. I have a week's worth of photos to show, and I'm just not feeling up to writing much. So instead of trying to write one cohesive blog, I'll just post the pictures with a preceding description of when they were taken. Enjoy, friends.

Morgan had a doctor's checkup last week. I took advantage of the blue wall to take some sweet portraits. Seriously, her pig tails just beg to be photographed.

Afterwards, we went to a park. I didn't think I'd be writing that this winter. I also didn't think I'd be saying this, but I miss the snow! Give me a week's worth and I'll be set.

On the way home, I snagged some pictures of my neighbor's horse. I love living in this area. We get to see farms, open fields, horses, cows, goats, even lamas on a regular basis. My cynical friends like to point out that surely one day these farms will disappear and be developed. True, but not today. And guess what, they'll be here tomorrow, too. One day, I'd like to do a photography project and take pictures of all the neat places just miles from our home. One day I will.

Charlie went on a field trip this week to Stan the Donut Man. The kids had so much fun as they rolled up their sleeves and played with the dough.

He also went to a birthday party at Run Jump and Play. Morgan tagged along as well.

Taylor's been a big help this week. One day I asked her to keep an eye on her sister and make sure she didn't follow me up the stairs. She found a sure fire way to keep Morgan rooted next to her.

She also helped me out a lot when a little stomach bug took residence in my belly on Sunday. She did her best to entertain the others and even got them drinks when they were thirsty.

She and Charlie got along so well when they were playing with play-doh and pretending to be bakers.

Three more pictures to sum up last week:

Taylor perched like a bird while Grandpa reads to her.

Morgan clutching her blanket. She's becoming quite fond of that thing. (I'll get a better picture of it soon.)

And Charlie being Charlie.

Grandmama came home this weekend from her exciting vacation and spent some quality time with her grandkids (even got to sleep with them!), but I didn't take any pictures. I was too busy, having dinner with a friend and going to the apple store (a multi-hour outing). Still, it helped make the weekend special.

Tonight will be special, too. My mama is home from her 10 day trip to Chile. She has been missed, and tonight we will all dine together (with my sister's family) and show her just how much.

Happy Valentine's Day

Yesterday was happy Valentine's Day. That's exactly how Charlie referred to it all day. "Today is happy valentine's day." I rather liked that and just may start using his terminology. Anyway, I was determined to lift this holiday from it's relegated place of boring holidays without much flare, and turn it into something special. I've been attempting to reframe the mundane and create a little magic for my kids, and this was the perfect opportunity.

We actually began weeks ago with our Valentines. As anyone with small children know, you can't expect a four year old to sit down and write his name 12 times in a row. No, I spaced that out over a week and a half! My sister gave me this idea for an adorable valentine and I was really happy with them when they were finished. What's more, so were the kids!

Of course Taylor couldn't wait to get started on hers. Give her a project and she's a happy soul.

Right after snapping this photo, Taylor asked if we could listen to some "Valentine-ish music" (more terminology I'm stealing). Lucky for her, her mom's a music therapist. I've got playlist dedicated to every theme and holiday. So within minutes we were listening to Mark French's I Made A Valentine, and my sweet girl was dancing her heart out.

The real fun began on happy Valentine's Day morning. I started by decorating the kitchen with some balloons and streamers and then set out to create a happy Valentine Day breakfast. This is what I came up with.

I knew I was on the right track when Taylor declared "This is such an exciting day!" I even indulged her in painting her nails before heading to the school bus.

Today was an out-of-uniform day so she decided on this ensemble.

(The rolled pants were her idea. She wanted people to see her knee highs.)

Next, it was time for round two of breakfast with Charlie and Morgan. Raise your hand if you like Valentine's day!

Then more Valentine outfits.

Finally, we were off. I took Charlie to preschool and then Morgan and I made a quick stop at target before heading back to his school for the Happy Valentine's Day Party. I was in charge of games and brought heart bingo.

Charlie gave me this gift at the party. He was so proud.

Morgan loves going to school. Whether it's preschool or kindergarten, she loves to be set loose to explore in the classroom, and is never quite ready to leave. Your day is coming, baby girl.

Next, we came home, checked out Charlie's loot, and ate a heart-themed lunch.

I didn't make a heart sandwich for Taylor, but I still spruced up her lunch with some stickers and a note from mom.

Grandpa came over to stay with the little ones so I could go to Taylor's party next. I am the 'party mom' for Taylor's class (a title that cracks me up). Basically, I just help coordinate volunteers to bring games, crafts and snacks for the party. It's a pretty simple job, but Taylor has stated on more than one occasion that she's glad I'm the party mom. I remember how excited I'd get when my mom would come to school for an event. I'm so glad I get to do it with my kids now.

Taylor's starting to find her niche. I still remember how I worried about her making friends. I remember actually feeling butterflies in my stomach during the first day of school when I realized that it was recess time and pictured her out on the playground- on her own.

What was I worried about again?

After school, Taylor went through her loot while I enforced a 20 minute quiet time. I just needed to recoup for the rest of the days festivities. After exactly 20 minutes, I found myself back on my feet as I prepared for our baking project - Happy Valentine's Day cookies.

Taylor convinced me to let them open up their valentine gifts from Grandma while the cookies baked and cooled.

(Taylor's getting a little too comfortable sitting on the table.)

Next it was decorating time!

Then I set out for my third valentine meal. It's amazing how many things you can shape into a heart.

When Taylor asked what we were having, I gave her the clue that Daddy wasn't going to be eating dinner with us. "Breakfast dinner!" she answered. Mark is not a fan of this so we indulge ourselves when he's not home.

One of Taylor's trademark performances followed dinner.

This one was Valentine themed. She encouraged audience participation. She told me to do a cheer, but it had to be "love-ish". "You know, like peace-sign, star, that makes a heart!" I can't make this stuff up.

After the show we played the new game that Grandma gave us for Valentine's Day. It is based off of Eric Carle's The Grouchy Lady Bug.

It was a Valentine's Day miracle, because Taylor and Charlie actually tied. Thus the joy continued.

Finally, we wound down with half a Valentine's show and a book read by yours truly.

Mark came home from his trip just in time to snap this picture and kiss all of the kids goodnight. Again, I received confirmation that I had done something right when Charlie prayed "Thank you for this wonderful day."

So just like that, a new holiday is born. We've transformed the boring Valentine's Day into the new and improved Happy Valentine's Day. It's amazing how easy it is to add a little sparkle. It really doesn't take much to make kid's happy. It's like I always say. Throw in some balloons, and it's a party.