Valentine's Day

I love Valentine's Day decorations.  I've always loved hearts and so that kinda goes without saying, I suppose.  It's never been my favorite holiday for other reasons, but we won't go there. :)

First of all, we found a fun frosting so Mom did a cake for our FHE (family home evening) treat the night before.  I'm not one that's big on sprinkles and such, but this was super cute.  I hope we can find it again next year.

Next, was our homeschool Valentine's party.  We'd gone three years ago and it was fun.  The next year I was stressed and didn't feel like going.  The NEXT week we drove by the place it had been held the year before and Little One asked when it was.  Great.  Not for another year, Sweetheart.  Last year we were in Ukraine so that didn't work well.  THIS year though, I made a point of finding out when/where so we could go.  

And, here is my homeschool plug.  Homeschooled kids tend to be so nice!  I couldn't find the right building and walked by some kids playing.  One of the boys (probably around 10 years old) asked very politely if I was looking for the homeschool party and then directed me to the right place.  I love that they aren't usually afraid of adults.  Not that there aren't ANY public school kids that would do that, but not as many.

Putting her Valentine's in boxes

Cookie Decorating!

Finished Product

Dart game.  She did quite well.

Coloring/decorating

Ira's paper

Little One's paper

Missionaries!

Around 11 years ago I taught the 12-13 year old girls at church.  It was awesome and I loved it.  I loved those girls as if they were my own.  Which freaked some of them out, I think, and others were okay with it. :)  I've kept in touch with these sweethearts (some were actually in the class just older than what I taught, but I still consider them mine) and have watched them grow.  Some are married and have little ones of their own now which is just crazy.  Honestly, these are the first kids in my life I've been able to watch grow up.  Moving around all my childhood had its awesome things but also an occasional drawback.

Anyway, one of these cute girls just returned home from a mission for our church.  I was late getting to see her at the airport but luckily made it in time to catch her before she LEFT the airport. LOL  I just wasn't with it enough to think to get a picture of just her and me.  Ah well.  Welcome home, Rachel!!!!

Another Backtrack

I totally forgot the pictures I'd taken of the girls decorating their gingerbread house.  So, even though it's Valentine's Day today I'm headed back to Christmas for a brief moment. :)

First, Mom made some stockings this year, but before she did, Ira was feeling bad that they didn't have any so she took some socks and taped these labels on them.  She and Little One had some too.  I thought it was sweet.

I was very impressed with their decorating. :)

Happy Birthday, Little One!

Every year we start off with Little One's birthday in mid-January.  It's always so fun. :)  This year we live in a different place and as such, there are friends here that actually do birthday parties.  There are a few little girls in the neighborhood with birthdays all together.  While I've always been of the opinion of parties are for "big" ones like 8, 12, and 16, this year we did just a little get-together with some of her friends.  I'm already planning next year's party, but this one was very low key.

First though, we had our family party the night before.  Kyle came over, as usual, as did my "sister" Patrice and her kids.  My other very good friend, Kierstin, also came with her family.  It was really nice to let the kids play while we adults visited.  The pie Little One requested was also very yummy. :)

Next, was the "friend" party on her actual birthday.  One of the other little girls shares her birthday.  Same day, same year.  So, even though it wasn't a joint party, we sang to both girls. :)

She picked out Tangled stuff. :)

Mom made her a new dress.  Cute, huh? :)

First we had a game of who could build the tallest marshmallow tower.

Then they combined efforts.

We also did musical chairs but I didn't have any good pictures from that.

Finally we played spin the nail polish bottle.  Each finger was a different color until everyone had them all done.

What a Difference a Year Makes

One year ago today

October :)

1 Year Ago Today

1 year ago today I was on a plane headed for Kiev, ready to start the biggest adventure of my life.  Wow.  Happy Anniversary to myself. :)

I've got some posts in the works.  I've just been busy.

Randomness

Here are a couple of things we've been up to lately.

First of all, Little One and Ira called me downstairs to see something.  When I got down there, I found this....  They'd set up church.  Everyone is all dressed up, some have babies and even my potato masher from my "Spud Trooper" Mr. Potato Head was used as the microphone.  A spool of ribbon on some play dishes is the podium and other kitchen accessories are the chairs. :)  Quite ingenious, if I do say so.

Little One likes the camera. :)

Next, Mom found a recipe for some Chicken Kiev.  It was quite a bit of work, but VERY worth it.  The first time I'd had Chicken Kiev was in the underground mall there in Kiev.  It was so good and this was even better. :)  I'm hoping it freezes well because it was too much work for just one meal.  SO good though!

And last, I found a new cover for my iPod.  Yes, I love Mickey. :)

I have a couple of friends leaving for Ukraine here in the next couple of weeks.  Best of luck to both families!  It's the second adoptions of both and I hope things go smoothly for them.