A Happy Heart Day

This Valentine's Day has been quite wonderful.  

Thank you girls and Man.

For years I have spent more time sewing and crafting for children of my friends and family only to realize I didn't leave enough room to make something for my own girls.  With a renewed focus on being with my girls I thought I should reevaluate my sewing priorities.  So, out of the blue Addison and I went shopping in January and picked out all of the materials we would need for some festive Valentine attire...for 3!  We got a little ambitious and added in material for pajamas too.  Hey, go big or go home.  Right?  Because I got more then a little backlogged at Christmas (that is still being completed...thankfully parents are understanding) I got a late start but we did it!  Three dresses, three pair of pajama pants, and three coordinating shirts!  EEEEEEK!  I could hardly stand myself when I dressed them yesterday!  (Our big day was yesterday due to school functions!) 

No more waiting...here they are.

Then I had this great idea to get the girls running towards me.  At the same time the neighbors dog started barking.

Back to safety but still unsure.  I love this moment.

Allye had to excuse herself, but I kept snapping.

We dropped Addison off to school and had some time to "kill" before we went back and celebrated with her class.  We strolled around our downtown after a breakfast out and took some pictures along the way.

Today was far more laid back, in festive colors and comfy clothes.  Today the focus was time together.  We walked our Valentine cards around the circle and popped them in our friend's boxes, did a quick finish on school, and got down to the business of cake.  Yes, we made our first red velvet cake today.  I will share it with you, I promise.  The recipe.  Not the cake.  Man is hovering.  

 We hope your heart is full tonight!

XOXO,

The Mama

Conversations With My Girls

Yesterday at 6:38 a.m. Addison quietly walked into my room and stood beside my bed.  I could feel her watching my every move.  So I finally rolled over, since the pretending to be asleep thing wasn't working, and told her she could climb in.  She did.  Then I told her we would be laying there very quietly for a few more minutes.  So we did.  Face to face, inches apart.  After about 32 seconds I heard some very loud breathing.  I let her go on, trying to ignore her.  Finally, with the most calm, exasperated tone I could muster, I said, "Addison what are you doing?"  She paused and then said, "Uh.  Breathing?"  The day officially began at that moment.

*****

Olivia is starting to appreciate the value of money.  She has actually managed to save some of her money recently and has begun asking to be paid for chores.  I am on the fence because I was taught that I wasn't going to be paid for things I should be doing anyway.  However, three kids deep now, I think there might be some value in this and she is really awesome help.  I am still on the fence.  But, today I gave her $1 and told her how much I appreciate all of the help she has been this week and that Man and I are still discussing the allowance side of life.  So we get home and she calls me into her room.  I oblige.  She has all of her money laid out and counts it out to me.  $13.  I ask her, "What are you saving your money for?"  She says, "Do you remember that shirt we saw in that store that was $18?  That is what I am saving for."  First, I almost fell over dead because this is not my child who cares about clothes.  Then the teacher in me says, "Ok, how much more do you need then?"  She does the math and says, "$5."  Then, with a huge smile on her face, she says, "I know.  You can pay me $1 every day from now until Sunday and I would have enough! (LONG PAUSE)  Or, I could just lose a tooth."  How do I follow that?  

 *****

Riding in the car today the girls and I were discussing our trip to see Meme and Popi and Olivia asks, "Hey Mom.  Can we go to the beach while we are there?"  I don't even have time to answer and Addison says, "Well, you guys can go to the beach, but I am staying with Meme and Popi.  And don't forget to take Allye."  

 LOVING THESE MOMENTS!

 --The Mama