valentine's

I guess before the end of February I should document our Valentine's Day!

We started off our month decorating valentine's to send to our grandparents.  The boys really got into it this year.  Perhaps it was the glitter glue?

Even the Young Women in our ward wrote some valentine's. (And they were so much fun to make!)

 The boys gave out these fun goodies to their classmates.  (They read: Valentine you make my heart BOUNCE.)

Rich surprised me with gifts on Valentine's morning--cards from all the boys

and a sweet pair of momma bear bookends.  

And I left this little surprise in Rich's car before seminary.

 For dinner that night we had steak with homemade alfredo sauce and heart shaped pasta.

As you can see, Valentine's Dinner is super glamorous at our house.  I wouldn't have it any other way!

And I made one of Rich's favorite desserts... chocolate mousse!

 That weekend the Young Women in our ward were holding a girls camp fundraiser.  It's a dinner and dessert auction.  After spending hours decorating, baking, getting donations, etc we were a little worried that the weather would keep people from coming.  It had snowed on and off all day long!  We forged ahead and were really successful.

Alexander was sick so we didn't stay for the dessert auction... but I hear that this little pie of mine went for around $65!  Not too bad.

 I always love Valentine's Day and this one did not disappoint!

Brothers

We are always trying to teach our boys that they need to be good brothers to one another and especially to stick up for each other.  Sometimes when they are wrestling or teasing each other I wonder if it's sinking in.  A few recent events have made me think that it is.

At the end of every storytime at the library all the kids get a sticker.  Alex has gotten in the habit of grabbing Henry's hand to bring him up to wait their turn.  I think it's so sweet since Alexander doesn't always enjoy having a little brother.  This past week they were waiting so patiently when a little girl (around Henry's size) came up from behind and pushed Henry.  Alex immediately turned around and told her, "No!"   A few seconds later when she again pushed Henry, Alex firmly told her "NO!"  Eventually the mother came over and removed her daughter.  I was so glad that Alex stood up for Henry--and didn't resort to pushing or hitting the girl back.

Another instance came the other morning when I came out of my room to wake up the boys for school I found this scene.  James and Alexander curled up together with James reading aloud.  It was just too sweet.

James has been especially funny lately.  Alexander likes to be right and will continue to correct you until you agree with him (whether he's right or not).  James is usually a big tease and likes to egg things on but recently he'll happily agree with Alex and then look at me or Rich with a grin that says "I-know-he's-wrong-but-I'll-just-agree-and-it-will-be-our-little-secret".  Sometimes he'll even wink.  Too funny.

I love these boys of mine so much.  They are all so sweet and good in their own ways.  I feel like there is just too much to teach them and not enough time before they go off on missions and college!  I'm just hoping that what we teach them sticks.

Pinewood Derby

A few weeks ago William participated in his first Pinewood Derby.  He worked very hard on his car (with a little help from Rich).  He designed the shape and painted it all on his own.  And because he loves Legos so much he added a little bit of the green base so that he could have one of his Lego men be the driver.

When we got to the church  we added a little bit more weight.

We were not in it to win it... just to have fun.  William's car was about the only one that looked like a kid made it--because he did it.  He really was proud of his car because he knew that he made it himself!

William is really competitive and so we were a little worried that he'd be sad when he didn't come in first.  (Seriously, this kid cries during Chutes and Ladders if it even looks like someone might beat him!)  But he was awesome!  He was such a great sport and had such a wonderful time with his friends!

We love Cub Scouts!!

Goals

It is tradition that on the first Monday of the year we sit down and set some goals for ourselves.  Rich and I usually try to have some suggestions of what kinds of goals the boys might want to set but this year it seemed that they had some already in mind. 

William--  Church: read scriptures every day, Happy home: don't be a picky eater, Personal: learn to ride my skateboard

The "don't be a picky eater" actually surprised me but he's been doing awesome.

James--  Church: sit reverently, Happy home: sleep without blanket by 6th birthday (this has been really hard for him!  but he's doing it!)  Personal: no teasing others

Alexander--  Church: sing songs, Happy home: don't wake up mom and dad at night, Personal: wear underwear (aka be potty trained!)

So far this has been our best year for setting goals and keeping them.  Hopefully we can continue to be successful!