Holes, Bumps, Bruises and Valentines

Despite the label this place gets for being such a cold wintry place, I have to say that this winter just hasn't been that bad. I think it's because some family from Houston just moved here and needed the easing into those winters. We'll take it! I did see that it was 3 degrees once one evening on my temperature gauge we have in our bedroom. That was a cold day, but all in all we've only had occasional snow storms and it's all been pretty mild. I think my kids wished it would snow more, but this is definitely doable for me and my warm blooded self. Plus I don't care to drive in the storms. I should probably take a winter weather drivers ed course if they offered one. I was on the verge of tears driving in my first snow storm here. Not fun -- at all!

With all that being said, this looked like a pretty cold day with the snow piled up in the sides of the gates, but it was a nice warm sunny day. My cousin, Tonya nanny's for a family here and we decided to meet up at the zoo for the morning. 

 Saryn was happy to be the big kid of the group holding hands with these twin sisters who were very willing to let her take charge for the day.

 Shayla wasn't as cooperative -- she gets that all the time at home and was ready for a little freedom from it all.

Holes. Yes, the next topic of the day. And I'm not talking about the children's chapter book or the movie, but holes in clothes. They have not become my friend lately, but evidently my children's. I have bought this little girl so many pairs of leggings and jeans and I've just decided that we will be wearing them hole-y simply because (1) I don't want to spend more money on new clothes that will join the hole club within a month of owning them and (2) I have yet to research how to put patches in or to repair them somehow and part of me is just a bit lazy on the sewing front. Skills I wished I would have learned awhile ago, but part of me isn't so sad I haven't yet--that is on my "someday" list.

Oh yes, and here we have more holes. Not from little boy wear and tear, but from CHEWing on them during school. Maybe we have some nervous issues going on that need to be addressed or could I not be feeding this kid enough in a day that he feels the need to munch on the clothes he's wearing that day? This is one of SEVERAL shirts he's done this to. If you were to ask me to get a shirt out of his drawer (long sleeve), I can bet with full confidence there would be a little nibble taken out of it somewhere! I feel like I'm raising a little mouse.

 But how can I get mad at a hole chewing mouse who is as cute as this one? 

And who picks his clothes out for school (even down to the undies, shoes, and jacket) and lays them out so strategically? Nope, can't get mad at him! And yes, this red shirt had a hole chewed in it the day after it was purchased!! I've come to a conclusion that clothes from neither Spencer nor Saryn will be able to be passed down to anyone else. Sorry folks--

On to Valentines...

I saw this cute idea last year for Valentine cards and wanted to try it out this year with the kids. Sydney and Spencer couldn't give out candy so we chose pencils for Syd.

 Glow sticks for Spence.

 Suckers for the two younger girls.

 Side note: I have never cared for cherry flavor anything because it reminds me too much of the cherry cough syrup I had growing up, but I would trade any jolly rancher flavor just to get a cherry flavored one--they are THAT good! JR has that flavor figured out and should spread the word!!

 The girls got fun necklaces and candies that morning and our science wizard, Spence, got a growing worms science kit. Cute Tonya had dropped off some fun valentine treats for them too.

 It snowed that morning so the two older kids put on their snow gear and shoveled the driveway for Jeff and I that morning. A nice Valentine gesture, if you ask me!!

And if you haven't heard, we are expecting another little girl. YAY!

 This was taken when I was about 11 or 12 weeks along. Self shots are awesome. To smile or not to smile? We'll go with somewhere in between.

I am now big with child (this was at 32 weeks).

And now I'm 37 weeks and on the count down! Really, we are getting so close! I'm getting so excited to meet our newest little Valentine--at least I think she might get here sometime this month. We are hoping to avoid the whole leap year thing this year (though my Dad is pushing for it : ) ) How do you explain leap year to a kid? I'm sure if it happens, it will be fine, but let's hope we can come before or after the 29th! We'll keep you posted! The kids keep asking how many more days. Wish I could give them an exact day, but it's pretty different not having my familiar Dr. and I don't know how I can top the delivery nurse I've had with all my other babies. Twill be a new experience this time, that's for sure!

Not to leave out the most important Valentine in my life, who happens to be conked out on the couch, right now--nothing too out of the ordinary : )

This guy continues to amaze me with his positive attitude and work ethic despite any "bumps and bruises" that come his way. He gets up super early each day to drive to the train station, then to take an hour train ride into the city, then once off the train he walks over a mile to his building (in the cold--remember it's still early in the morning) and does this day after day (with air travel included at least once or twice a week). Then takes all those same steps to get home each day. The only thing is that he's been doing it with an ankle that looks like this...

He wishes he could tell people it was from doing something really tough. Though, if you ask me, Ice skating CAN be a tough sport especially when there are teenagers from our church youth group involved. Poor kid! I feel for him each time he gets out of bed in the morning and warms that foot up to get the day going!! He is an individual that turns every obstacle into an opportunity and I love him for teaching me how to try approaching life in that manner.

I LOVE this kid more than any post could say and because he doesn't chew holes in his clothes : ) (kidding Spence).  I'm SO blessed to call him my Valentine each and every year!!