Happy Valentine's Day

At some point, past the birth of the first child, we learned that Valentine's day isn't just for grown ups. Now our Valentine's begins weeks in advance (or since I am desperately frugal, a year in advance) with the decoration of the windows, the placing out of the Valentine books and movies and toys (you should see the fisher price valentine people and their cards...so cute!), and the endless decisions.

Mikaela made each card for her friends this year by hand. This was spawned by a scrapbooking girls day (Valentine themed) and then she was a chick on a mission! She made cards using the scrapbooking supplies, her cuddlebug kid, scissors, glue, stickers, and old Valentines that she cut up. You should see her desk.......

Xander wrote his name and his friend's name on each Valentine - carefully choosing who would have which Superman one - and insisting that all the girls get Pooh.....they were pink! He did such a great job and we were so proud of him!

We never do the candy thing for Valentine's day with the kids as they usually come home from school with tiny candy attached to tiny cards that I ration out for ......as many days as it takes them to forget it exists!

This year I lucked out with tent sets at Walmart - the tent, the sleeping bag, the compass, the flaslight and for their organization freaky father......a bag that holds it all!

One Hannah Montana for Mikaela and one Cars for Xander.

They were so excited to open their tents!

I can tell you that the extra hour and a half I spent in bed this morning was definitely worth two $10 tents! They woke early, and played and played!

The big hit this year though was the Hallmark sound cards. Normally, I am the sucker for the Hallmark commercial - but not this year!

In case you missed it, the commercial begins with three girls sitting at the lunch table. The first girl finds her ziploc bag decorated with heart stickers (I think...). The second girl opens her lunch box and finds a sandwich cut out like a heart - "cute" they all think. The third girl opens her lunch box to find none other than a hallmark card - when she opens it, it is a Hannah Montana card. Much excitement at lunch table. Then, upon opening the card - we all hear her lovely parent wishing her a happy valentine's day (fancy record yourself card) - and then Hannah Montana sings.

Must have the Hannah card says the Daddy.

I bought the Hananh card. To the tune of $6.99.

It was a huge hit - big lunch table favorite (reached its goal!). Mikaela loves her father....even more......desired effect achieved!

Then, Xander was sad - no sound expression card for Xander.

Now the wiser, the Mommy heads to Publix coupon in hand to get Snoopy sound card. Records her undying love to dear Xander. Xander upons it - very excited - then promptly records over me.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We did manage to eat a lovely dinner- by candlelight - shrimp scampi, garlic bread, .....no whining.

It was indeed a happy Valentine's day!