happy valentines.

I'm sitting here eating not one, but two cookies that we decorated this morning and drinking a glass of milk. Both girls are napping (ah, bliss). I have two loads of laundry that need folded, three skirts that are half done, a dishwasher to unload, and numerous things to put away. But, you know what, I think I'm calling it a day.

Because this morning. This is what happened at our house.

We had 13 kids three and under at our house for a Valentine's Day party. There were six moms, two of which are expecting. We decorated baggies, passed out Valentine's, decorated cookies, ate heart shape jello's and heart shape pbj's. There was laughing, playing, and even some crying. But we all had a good time. I'm so thankful I have a close group of young mamas to share these times with.

For the rest of the day, I plan on relaxing. The hubster said he is going to try to come home early today. (And if you know him, that will be a miracle. He usually works really late. Everyday.) He made dinner reservations somewhere, but we aren't sure if we are going to use them or not with the two kiddos around. So we will see. I will be just as happy staying in with my little family. (And watching The Bachelor, which I'm ashamed to admit.)

What is your Valentine's Day looking like?

v-day decor.

I have never been one to decorate for Valentine's Day. I'm not really sure why, I just haven't. In fact, I always tell my husband not to get me chocolate or flowers on V-Day, because the prices sky rocket and I think it's dumb to spend the money. Before you go thinking I'm all cynical, I'm really not. I like the holiday, I do. I just prefer to be more low-key about it, I suppose.

This year, however, I have decided to embrace the upcoming love holiday. It's going to help me get through these crazy snow days. It's only twelve days away, you know. Yesterday Audrey and I made some decorations for the house. She sat on my lap and helped me sew, which was basically one of the cutest moments eva. We made some heart garland, inspired by this post. The garland is super cute and easy. I just cut out some hearts from paper I had in stock (I don't even have a heart puncher), then literally just sewed the pieces together.

Then I came up with the idea of making heart sticks (that's what I call them). I lined up three pieces of the same cardstock paper and cut out hearts. Then used a hot glue gun to glue the pieces together and put a skewer stick in the middle. Why a skewer stick? Because that's what I had in the house. We are iced in, and I'm trying to get creative with my decorations by using what I have.

And why not line up some Scrabble pieces that say I love you.

There you have it, my Valentine's Day mantel shelf.

Do you decorate for Valentine's Day?

Also, if you are in the mood, I created my first treasury on Etsy. It's all about love, red, and hearts. Take a peek.

a reminder.

The cheerios at the bottom of my purse.

The tiny sock found under the dryer.

The seven sippy cups sitting in the dishwasher.

The raisins stuck in the cupholder of the car.

The Hello Kitty toothbrush sitting next to mine.

The letter magnets I step on daily.

The crayon marking on the coffee table.

The shoe with the barn animal found inside.

The dried play dough under the couch.

The smudges on the window.

These are my reminders that I play a very important role. I'm a mama.

(**picture taken at the Indianapolis Zoo last Thursday**)

Happy 9 Years, 3 Days Late.

That's what my husband told me this morning when he first woke up. Actually, he said "Happy 9 years, 4 days late." But that's a tad bit off. We started dating on January 4, 2001. [Yes, that's right we STILL acknowledge our dating anniversary. And by acknowledge, I mean, wish each other 'happy anniversary' late and do nothing for it.] And we haven't looked back since. We have been together for 9 years straight (married 4.5). He even went to my high school senior prom with me. And honestly, each day with him keeps getting better.  

This picture was taken on my 21st birthday, back in October 2003. I don't have a picture that dates back to 2001 on this computer and I don't feel like getting my zip drive out so the earliest you get is 2003. We were such youngins. And my husband has long hair. He hasn't had that long of hair since. Weird.

My No-New-Year's-Resolution-Resolution.

It's only appropriate that I reflect on the past year, right? And think about all the wonderful things I plan on doing in the coming year, right? Because you know I have a list going in my head. Exercise more. Or at least exercise, ahem. Eat better. Or at least don't eat two desserts a day, just one. Stay on budget. Or at least don't hit up Goodwill more than once a week. Spend less time on the computer. Or at least spend a shorter amount of time wasting my precious me time searching design blogs [Although it's really not wasting now, is it? I am being inspired, and that's what matters, right?] Do more cooking. Or at least try a new meal recipe once a week.

And the list could go on an on. But, when it comes down to it. I won't keep to it. Let's just be honest. January and February may be fabulous in keeping to my goals. Then March hits and I will still be depressed because of the cold weather that should be spring and I will go back to my old ways.

But there is one thing that I plan on doing and can do. All year. I'm not even going to call it my New Year's resolution. Because it shouldn't be. It should begin today. Right now.

I want to love deeper.

It's funny how when you get older and you realize how important relationships are. [Oh, and trust me, I feel old today. My 14 year old sister insisted that I do not take her into the bowling alley today. You can just drop me off. You don't have to go in. Really. You can stay in the car. Then when I walked inside with her anyway, she kept asking me to leave. Whatever happened to me being the cool, older sister? Now I have the role of the embarrassing mom. I even wore my hip fur vest and bangs today. Oh wait, maybe that's what embarrassed her. Oops.]

So here's to loving deeper and building better relationships. Forgiving. Trusting. Asking for forgiveness. Talking. Listening. Hugging. Loving. To my family, my friends, and even the stranger on the street.