Valentine's Day has come and gone

and we are done with love. Not really, but after writing notes to hang on the love tree and notes for the pillowcases, and after putting together a Valentine's tea party for Sweetie and 5 friends from school, and after making 28 large sugar cookie hearts for Mister's class party, and after doing kind, anonymous deeds to pass the love bear on to another family member, and after making heart-shaped pancakes, sandwiches, and chocolate cake, I am Valentined out. I really do love this time of year--I love the positive energy that comes into our home when we express love for each other in different ways. But right now, the key word in that sentence for me is "energy" because I am all out of that right now since H has, once again, been sick all week and hasn't slept or done much of anything but cry and hold onto my legs the minute I put him down.

But anyway, this post is supposed to be about Valentine's. Here are a few pics of Sweetie's party and of the kids following their color of yarn around the maze in the yard to find their hidden Valentine's candy and balloon. Also, Mister's class had a talent show and he perfected 3 magic tricks for his talent--first, he made a pencil rise from a bottle. Second, he painted a scarf air-colored paint and then washed it off and made it reappear. And third, he made the pictures in his coloring book colored, then go away altogether, and then return again. He was nervous, but he did such a great job!

the kids made these scratch valentines, did some mad lib valentines, and we took some pics too to sent to cousins and grandparents:

Life with H

Do not be fooled by this innocent-looking face:

Here is the more true-to-life look:

Be warned that, around H's house, basketballs get thrown (as do sippy cups, plates full of food, potato mashers--which seem to be handy against siblings, and most anything that is under the 3-foot range for reaching).

Also, around H's house, forks are not just to be eaten with.

And, despite $40 spent on baby-proofing supplies, they just do not last for long when faced with H's persistent pulling and apparently super-baby strength.

Thankfully, books, boxes, and laundry baskets are available for short diversions from the forks and potato mashers.

And bungee cords are plentiful.

Mad Lib Friday

If you're in the mood for a little Mad Libs, then I'm over at Segullah today.