Sunday Funday - Sledding Fun

We had a blast yesterday, hanging out with dear friends and enjoying the snow and the beautiful day.

I think the adults wore out WAY before the kids did - but fun was had by all :)

Happy Valentine's Day!  

Did you guys do anything special for Valentine's Day? 

We were busy with projects for preschool.  

Victoria had to make her Valentine's Day Mailbox - which she decorated to the nines.

Then we put together fun treats for their classes and teachers.

 Starbursts in a bag - "I'm BURSTING with happiness that you're my FRIEND"

Hershey's Hugs in a bag - "A teacher can't live on 'Apples' alone. She needs 'Hugs' too!"

THANK YOU PINTEREST :)

Family Day

Last weekend we took the girls to the Mall of America to enjoy some family time. It's very easy in the hustle and bustle of everyday life to forget to stop and just enjoy each others company.  We started with some rides in Nickelodeon Park.  The girls had a blast until Marlee was soaked on the log ride.  Her and I quickly ran to Old Navy to get a new outfit and dry the tears.  We then had lunch at the Rainforest Cafe - their new favorite restaurant.  They like the Gorillas and the "thunderstorms". Lastly, we used up some gift cards to Build A Bear. The lines were horrible - so while Daddy and Victoria waited in line - Marlee and I visited the Disney store. I told her she could pick out one thing - and my book lover picked out a Cinderella book. I was happy with the $10 price tag but even more excited for her love of books.  Victoria made a cute Valentine's Day puppy - but I forgot to get a good picture of him.

 

Marlee quickly got off this ride even before it started.

V Kindergarten Screening

Last week we had a Kindergarten screening for Victoria. It's required by the district to see where they are before they enter Kindergarten.  They do different games with them to see how they are doing physically, mentally, emotionally....  Victoria did AWESOME!!! She was well above the score she needed to "pass" and even surprised me with some of the things she did.  When given different objects and told to describe them - she kept describing the colors in Spanish. It was pretty fun.  The lady would say "Great, now in English too please".  I think the lady was very impressed with Victoria and said she is MORE then ready for Kindergarten.

To celebrate - her and I went for hot chocolate and doughnuts :)  I love having the one on one time with my babies!

Victoria's Winter Gala and Art Expo

While Miss Marlee was a shy/sad little girl during her performance.  Victoria radiated a smile the ENTIRE time.  Her class performed about 6 songs and they all did such a great job!!!  She smiled, danced and sang along the entire time.  We were so proud of her. I think she has found her calling - and like her Daddy - she likes to be on a stage :)

advice - stolen

One of my very dear friends posted this the other day and it is just too sweet and perfect not to share.  I'm hoping I can remember that I documented it here, so I can one day share it with my girls when they are older and can appreciate it.

***

a mother's advice to her daughter

be strong. be intelligent. smile. know that beauty has everything to do with how you feel about yourself and nothing to do with looks or other people's opinions. never do anything just because everyone else is if you believe it's wrong. always be true to yourself. expect the best from life and that's what you'll get. learn from your mistakes and failures. believe in magic and wish on stars. love and trust and be compassionate. make faces. play in mud puddles. take bubble baths. turn off all the lights and watch lightning storms. dance, laugh, cry, and sing when you want. read everything you can get your hands on. stand up for what is right even if you stand alone. don't allow yourself or people around you to tolerate prejudices of any kind. don't be afraid to try something new. do something daring at least once a week. run through snow drifts. spin in circles and roll down hills. pet puppies, hold kittens and talk to babies. take afternoon naps. wake up early to watch the sunrise. never apologize for being a woman or for being yourself. never forget that i love you more than any other person in the world, no matter how far apart we are, you will always be my daughter.

***  

Go check Annie out - she's a beautiful writer and has an amazing way of sharing her adventures of her family of four soon to be five in beautiful Alaska! I can't wait to go visit her in June to see the beautiful views for myself and meet her newest little :)



my office updated

Recently, a friend of mine was selling his "L" shaped desk to make room for baby #2. I was super excited for this awesome find for my office.  I work from home and have always had this bedroom set up as on office, but it's nice to finally have a big girl desk.  There are still a few things I would like to do with it....but I am loving this update :)

Christmas Slacker

I was a slacker this Christmas. 

I barely took any pictures and none really turned out.  Here are some grainy dark ones...

The good news is that we had an absolutely wonderful Christmas and really enjoyed spending time with our family.