Constant Beginnings

Last year's Valentine's Day treasure hit was such a hit that I had to do it again. It received rave reviews once again and this time it was especially fun to see Mya actually participate. Claire was asking for treasure hunts several days later. I guess she likes the treasure hunt as much as anyone. 

I love holidays. I love doing something a little extra special. I made Claire's Valentine's last year with rave reviews from the recipients, so I had to rise to the challenge again this year. I think I did just that. So. darn. cute. I am not a fan of giving out loads of sugar to kiddos, so I try to think of different, healthier options. That being said, Claire gave capri sun waters and Mya gave playdoh to their friends. The sticker labels turned out great and didn't take forever to create. In fact, I managed to put everything together in about an hour, including the little gift baskets for their teachers. I found the idea for Mya's on pinterest. Love that site! Not sure where I got the other two, but I'd come across the basic idea somewhere, then just made it my own. 

February is Valentine's Day. Our kids are a bit too small to get the idea behind Valentine's Day and I really don't care for the idea of needing to show love on one certain day. I think it something that should be taught and expected each and everyday. Anyway, off my soapbox. I saw these adorable envelopes in the Pottery Barn catalogue and decided I'd whip up my own. I did just that and I am rather thrilled with how they turned out. I used a heavy felt from my favorite Korean craft store and sewed on some ric-rac detailing from my Grandma's stash that I took when we cleaned out her house. I am so glad I could use it on this particular project. I love it!  Each and everyday, I write the kids a note telling them what I love about them or why I think they are extra special people. Sometimes there is a little something extra in the form of stickers or a shirt. When they get mail/cards from others, I put them in there too. On this particular day, Mya found a card from...

I love creativity. I admire those who have the natural ability to create and inspire those of us who, well, don't necessarily have it. I love holidays and reasons to do something a bit out of the ordinary. After scouring the internet, I've found tons and tons of fantastic ideas to make Valentine's Day a bit more special. We started out by making our own Valentines for Claire's class and the girls' teachers at school. They are super cute and quite easy too. Chris was the cutting guy. He perfected the technique of the slits, which my patience wouldn't allow.  Next up was a treasure hunt, which was a huge hit. I again, cannot take credit. Found this little gem online. It was perfect for our girls. Claire is already asking to do another one ;) The very first clue. Chris reading the starting clue to begin the treasure hunt. Claire finding the first clue. Mya double checking the clues. There's the loot! Love th...

Ok, this is a somewhat random and probably obnoxious post. Claire hasn't changed much since my last post, and her two teeth haven't pushed through enough to actually photograph them. Sooooo, here's what I have: I was recently searching the stores for the perfect Valentine's Day gifts when what to my wandering eyes should appear, but rows and rows of STUFFED ANIMALS??!!! What kind of sign of love are they? I have never been fond of stuffed animals. I just never got the point. What do you do with them? They sit around, taking up space and quite frankly, are a huge waste of money! They will not be found aplenty in our home. One or two is the limit! I take that back. We already have a dresser full of them (much to my dismay) and they have not moved since they were placed there--6+ months ago. What a waste. We have reached our limit. No more. Eventually, some will quietly and secretly make their way to the Goodwill, so note to you all....please don't buy us stuffed anima...