I was pretty wiped out at the end of the day, but really glad that the kids all had such a fun Valentine’s Day. Jon and I watched the latest X-Men movie together after the kids went to bed. (I had only seen parts of it on a plane without headphones.)

I made a great choice in Jon 12 years ago! I’m so glad I did!


Happy Valentine’s Day!

We topped it off with some delicious Heart-Shaped Oreos. When Natalie saw them, she exclaimed in her pre-teen voice of excitement, “Are you kidding me? Those are my favorite!”

Valentine Pancakes with Whole Fruit Strawberry Syrup

Valentine Breakfast

Jon made some killer hot chocolate and topped it off with heart-shaped strawberry marshmallows. Mmmmm!

I wanted the day’s meals to be special. Anticipating how bad I am at mornings lately, I made up the pancake mix the night before, set out plates and utensils, the griddle, etc. so my work would be minimal. Thankfully, I made it up and had a successful breakfast with the kids. They loved it, which made me happy.

Valentine Lunch

The night before, I packed special lunches for the school kids with heart-shaped tuna sandwiches (their favorite), pink applesauce cups, carrots, goldfish crackers (special), heart-shaped fruit snacks, a red napkin, and a red plastic cup (they drink from the water cooler at school). The kids were so grateful (they normally make their own lunches), and reported after school that the lunch was terrific!

While Tyler napped, Andrew and I snacked on special apple slices dipped in strawberry yogurt - yum! I also made this for the kids’ after-school snack.

Tyler shared some heart-shaped potato fries with Andrew. I did end up getting them forks! I cooked up the potato scraps for my own portion.

Valentine Dinner

It’s pretty tricky to get pictures of dinner in February since the sun sets so early! I’m sure I look funny running out to the front yard, dishes in hand, snapping shots of food while the sun sinks over the horizon. The kids are familiar with the routine, though.

I made heart-shaped brown sugar meatloaf again and tried individual serving sizes in addition to the big loaf, which turned out super cute.

I cut up a kiwi-strawberry-banana fruit salad, though I only made these few banana slices into hearts since they were too small for the cutter and I was shaping by hand.

Voila! Yummy kid-friendly Valentine’s dinner. I popped open the last bottle of Martinelli’s for Jon and me, and for the kids stirred up some “love potion” (red Koolaid... since I didn’t have time for a healthy pink shake).

Time With My Boys

Adam reminds me of Jon in this picture. He was not excited about wearing the life-size Valentine.

The kids were all very excited about all of the Valentines they got at school, and raved about their school parties.

Valentine Boxes

Valentine boxes are such a big deal at school. I’ve gotten away with very simple decorated shoe boxes for the girls, and we even reused Natalie’s box a few times, just spiffing it up the next year. But when Adam said that he wanted to make a TANK for his Valentine’s box I knew the right person to ask for help! Jon came through in a major way and helped Adam construct this amazing tank Valentine box! Adam was soooooo excited!

He says his was the coolest Valentine box in the class. I believe him!

Amy and Natalie made their boxes all on their own - and helped each other a bit. I love their creativity, artsy talents, and independence! Amy noted that while other kids had to put some Valentines in bags since their box was so small, she had no problem fitting all of her Valentines in her box.

I left a gift bag out for each child and Jon, and when I entered the kitchen, they were all anxious to open them. I wish I had taken video because they all gasped, oohed and ahhed over their little gifts, and Adam exclaimed, “You are the best mom ever!!” The boys got jeans without holes, Andrew a new tie, Adam and the girls new shirts (things they needed anyway), the girls heart shaped pillows, and everyone got a little candy. I gave Jon two new ties (also very needed).

After breakfast, the girls opened our Valentine mailboxes and passed out the mail. I had written a little heart Valentine to each person, Natalie made one for me, and Amy wrote a sweet letter to the whole family.

Andrew, Tyler and I enjoyed some library time before Ty needed a nap. Andrew loved doing math activities. We did a lot with beads after this 1-10 exercise.

After Tyler went to bed, Andrew asked to do his favorite: land and water forms.

Later, the boys asked that I come take a picture of their Blockhead towers. It was cute to hear Tyler saying, “Blockhead!” after any blocks fell.