Valentine's, New Pictures

Today's rainy weather gave us the perfect opportunity to stay in and make our Valentine's. I spent most of the morning watching TV and cutting out hearts so when Nathan got home from school we could get to work.
We made these cute ones for their teachers, the picture doesn't show it, but that's a hot cocoa mix inside the cup.
These are my favorites. That is an 8" red glow bracelet stuck through a card stock heart. We had to be really careful putting these together so we didn't "break" the glow stick and set he glowing in motion.

Jake and I had a conversation last night about a Vermont Teddy Bearr commercial we had seen. The commercial shows a guy sitting at his desk at work when he notices on his calendar that the next day is Valentine's Day. With few clicks of his mouse he orders a bear online and when his girlfriend receives the bear the next day at her office all the women come running over to check it out and ask her how she found a man so thoughtful! It was really cheesy. I don't think we have ever exchanged gifts on Valentine's Day or our anniversary. Well, one year Jake gave me a gift certificate to the spa for our anniversay and I was so mad. It always stinks when someone comes baring gifts and you are empty handed. February 1st was our 11th anniversary (HOLY SMOKES) and we vowed to continue the no gift giving theme. It works for us. Although, I might expect something "sparkly" on our 25th or 50th! Anyone else do no gifts for Valentine's and/or anniversary?

We got a new digital camera and I just got around to setting it up to download pictures and had to post this one. This is of last Thursday's Shuttle launch.

Oh, and I'm flying high with Obama's recent wins! I am for the first time in my life enjoying politics. It was my New Years resolution in 2007 to pay more attention. It was grooling early on to not fast forward the polical segments of the Today Show, but now I catch myself watching CNN and MSNBC to to hear the latest on the election. To go along with my 07 resolution Jake gave me the Everything American Government Book, which I've been toting around here and there reading when I can...so nerdy! I have to catch up on all those social studies classes I snoozed through!

Belly Buttons and Green Logs

I'm not sure what sparked this, but the kids have been eating so much better. No more gagging when they try new foods and food negotiations have been to a minimum. Last night they ate chicken tortellini and green beans (belly buttons and green logs) willingly with no promises of dessert. They also ate cantaloupe, fresh cherries and no lie, real, hormone free grilled chicken this week! And they liked it!

I got the new cookbook Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld for Christmas. I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but hear the spinach brownie's are good.

I have a subsciption to Family Fun magazine and half the time I forget to read them until they are months old and all the cool holiday/season ideas are old news. Yesterday, when my February issue came I actually sat down and read it cover to cover. Nathan picked out these fun valentine cards to make for his class. Despite the fact that Jake and I mutually agree that Valentine's Day is a Hallmark holiday I still find Valentinie things fun to do with the kids.

Back to Normal

The last of our visiting family made their way home yesterday and we're getting back to normal. We were crazy busy and I'm glad to be getting back in our routine, yet I miss them all and so much.

I always get excited about decorating for the holidays, but when the holidays are over I can't wait to pack it all up and get it out of the house. Jake returned to work yesterday, after 13 days off (a miracle in itself) so the kids and I boxed up all the decorations. We cut some lower branches off of the Christmas tree and made a fire in the fireplace. Building a fire is normally Jake's job, but I've watched him enough I thought I could handle it. I realized we put too many tree clippings in the fireplace because when we lit it we had to backed up from the blaze. I played cool with the kids, but it freaked me out. It died down pretty quick and left a nice steady fire for a couple of hours, but I think I'll leave future fires to Jake.

Christmas Week Pictures

Hayride at Nana and Papa's

Zoo trip with Uncle Will, Aunt Anna and Scarlett

Getting together with old friends.
Nathan and Samantha


Nathan and Cooper

Ann-Marie, Rochelle, me and Reese

December swimming. Nathan, Jimmy and Zoey

Baby pigs in our neighborhood....just hanging out on the side of the road.

I know, I know

Shortly after Jake's birthday company arrived and we still have company so I've hardly even turned on the computer. Jen, thanks reminding me to update....I've been thinking about it for days and needed that little nudge. Oh, and I LOVED the necklace you were wearing on your Christmas card!

Jake's sister, Kristen (Hi Krissy) came the Saturday before Christmas and we had such a great time visiting with her. She headed back to CA just as Jake's brother, Kurt and his family arrived and they are here until the 3rd. It's been great seeing everyone, but I'm exhausted. Today, everyone has gone in different directions so the kids and I will stay at home and for some R & R.

Christmas Eve the kids made cookies for Santa and reindeer food (oatmeal and glitter) for the reindeer and sprinkled it in the front yard. They were so excited, in fact, Nathan was up several times during the night watching the clock. Christmas morning Nathan woke us up about 6:45 and after potty breaks and coffee the unwrapping began. Later in the day, more family arrived and we had a really nice Christmas dinner. It was a great day.

We met up with some high school friends yesterday and got all of our kids together. It was great to see everyone.

I'd blog in more detail, but I'm running on fumes and don't have it in me. I'll post pictures later today.

Christmas Happenings

We went to Christmas party the other night. It was given by a client of Jake's, an amazing couple with an amazing house. It was the first time I've ever arrived to valet parking at someones house. Jake and I guessed this shin-dig probably cost around $20,000. Can you imagine spending that much to entertain for one evening?

My Christmas shopping is done!

This morning I set up our NOEL lighted sign in the yard, except it doesn't spell NOEL. We changed the letters around to spell NOLE (Seminoles), but the E and L are the only letter that will light up. After a half hour of working on it I gave up, argh! I like to look at outside lights, but I don't like putting them up.

We surprised the kids with a Polar Express train for under the tree. It has been so much fun.