February

Aah.  The month of February.  I actually enjoy this month for several reasons.  First of all, it means we are one month closer to spring.  Second of all, I have always liked Valentine's Day because it forces people to do, write or say nice things (without the major expense of large gifts) to the ones they love...and if you know my husband, he needs that forcing-sometimes.

Third, as previously mentioned, I like Valentine's Day because it is the day David and I met.  Thus, he is forced to endure a day of cheesy-ness.  Fourth, I get to decorate with pink!  A color I love, but that doesn't really fit in the home decor, so February is the expection! Fifth, my girls get excited about writing notes, school parties and Valentine boxes and I share in their excitement!  Yeah, I love February.

I was a room parent for Jeana's Valentine's Day party, and since we didn't think the boys would be into pink and red hearts, we decided to choose a theme for their boxes, so they were to decorate their boxes with something that represents our city.  Jeana went with a pink flying pig in a red polkadot skirt, of course.

So, not the most scruptious of pictures, but last year over Valentine's Day weekend, we did a fun fondue night with a few family friends, the Williams and Vaughns, we decided to hold a repeat this year.  The kids ate volcano cheese fondue from a recipe book of Jeana's, only I couldn't figure out how to stack the food on the side to actually make it look like a valcano.  However, they enjoyed it anyway.

They were the only ones from the group willing to pose for me.

On the actual Valentine's Day, which was a Sunday, I made a yummy breakfast, only it ended up being for lunch because I am never that put together when we are rushing to get ready for church.  So, I made raspberry cream filled waffles topped with a yummy buttermilk syrup.  Yes, my photography skills improved since the Volcano Fondue.

Since my husband loves the word 'tradition' I thought I'd throw it out here.  The girls and I started a tradition a few years ago, where we set up our own little cafe and usually they serve Mom and Dad, so this year I decided to mix it up a little and serve them.

These were part of my children's Valentine from me.  There is this super creative friend at church who makes really cute things, including felt food.  She was kind enough to teach us a few things and we made some fun felt chocolate covered strawberries (the chocolate slides off) and sugar cookies that wouldn't be the same without the sprinkles.  My girls loved them and they have now become food for their pet stuffed animals.  

They needed some real chocolate too.

Okay this is so something their mom would do.  I don't need to eat the whole thing, I just want a sample of each and I don't like trying to guess which flavor the inside holds.  So, when I saw these of Abby's, I had to chuckle.  However, she left these on the floor while watching a movie and let's just say, Annie, our dog had an EXTRA large chocolate fill that day.

Love and Food.  Food and Love.  Love for Food.  Food for Love.  Since we had a whole Sunday to enjoy a fun holiday, I decided to try my hand at homemade Italian-style lasagna.  We have some friends, Sam and Rachel Vaughn, who both served missions in Italy and cook some great food.  So, I asked for details on how to make a traditional lasagna and then was on my own.  I'm sure I didn't do everything right, but it was fantastic!  The sauce cooks all day and then instead of cottage or ricotta cheese, a white sauce is used.  Mmmmm.

I also wanted a fun dessert since we seem to stick to the basic chocolate chip cookie unless there is a special occasion, so I got a few ideas online and decorated a cheesecake.  It was actually prettier than it tasted, but hey, it made for a cute picture!

David and I also celebrated our 9th anniversary on the 17th.  Luckily, we got to go out over the weekend, because we didn't get to celebrate on the actual day--my fault.  Jeana is absolutely in love with her teach this year.  She stays after to help her clean up or just to talk and from what I gather, her teacher adores her just as much and is always commenting on how she wishes she had 30 'Jeanas' in her class because she is a good listener and rule follower.  Anyhow, she has been trying to invite her teacher for dinner for quite sometime, but since dance was on Tuesday and Thursdays, I suggested dinner on Wednesday of the next week.  Well, school was cancelled Monday and her teacher lives 45 minutes away, so I wasn't going to change plans or break Jeana's heart when I realized I had invited her over on our anniversary!  Oops.  We had fun anyway and ate tasty homemade Indian food (Jeana's choice).  9 Years...wow!

We did have a few sick days too.  Abby stayed home one day and piled every blanket she could find on her chair, I guess to make it more confortable?!  Then, she snuggled up to one of her favorites...Sewing With Nancy, weird I know, but she loves it.

I also gave much-needed haircuts to the girls.  I wanted to try my hand at long layers and I think they turned out pretty cute!  The cuts definitely made them look older.

At the end of February, we were able to go visit the cousins and get to watch as Ethan was baptised.  My parents decided last minute to make the 28 hour-ish trek for only a few days and it was a fun surprise to see them.  Then, since they had to pass through Utah and since Aunt Corinne had the weekend off of work, she came too!  It was fun to visit with them all, even though it was very short trip.  Though I appreciated the fact that I only had to drive 5 hours home!  My parents thought it would be fun surprise to not tell the grandkids, but when we got there, the girls didn't seem the least bit surprised.  I asked them why and they said they already knew they were coming becuase they heard me talking about it on the phone!  Ha ha.  I guess I just assusmed they were oblivious to my conversations, but I now know I need to be a little more careful!

There was a reception ending at the church when we were done, so some lady brought out these HUGE cookies that were leftover for the kids, which is the only reason they were willing to somewhat pose for the picture.

Jeana thought it was fun to watch Ethan get baptised knowing she will be soon too!

The group who came to support Ethan in his big decision.