Be Mine

I thought that I had posted these pictures last week. Obviously I was mistaken so here is a glimpse into Ben's preschool Valentine's Day party.

I ran into one of the moms from preschool last year at Target the day before. I really miss her. She did so much for the classroom that I could be a slacker and no one would even notice. After our conversation I was inspired to put a little more effort into preparation for this party.

Ben picked out treats to give to his friends at the party.  He chose ring pops, little containers of play doh and silly straws. I wasn't sure what to do with the straws, but when I put them together they ended up looking like lollipops. I then removed the labels from an empty orange juice container and had Ben decorate pieces of paper with stickers to put on the sides. I know that presentation doesn't make it onto a preschooler's radar, but I thought it turned out kind of cool. For the snack I made yogurt and fruit parfaits in small clear cups. They were really pretty but I forgot to take a picture so you totally don't have to believe me.  I have clearly come a long way from putting the treat bags together in the car on the way to the party.

Above Owen is adding conversation hearts to the vase while the class keeps track of the total number added. The kids in Ben's class are so sweet that they included him in everything. He even received his own valentines from some of the kids. Below is Ben with two of his best buddies.

Since the party, I celebrated another birthday.  I have been looking forward to this one for several years and it couldn't come quick enough. My drivers license finally expired! Owen and I went to get it renewed after the party. They removed the glasses/contacts restriction and I got a new photo! I am already loving being 36 as I no longer receive the side eye from cashiers when they require proof of my identity.

On another note, I have now been driving for 20 years.  You would think that I would be better at it.



Schooled

Ben worked on his Valentine's Cards this afternoon.  The character cards were too small for him to write on so we glued them to white paper to give him more space.  The flowers and hearts were his idea. He can not wait to give them to his friends.

The following is an excerpt from this month's classroom bulletin from Ben's preschool.

  **NOTE**

Valentine's Day falls on a Monday, so we will be having our class party on February 14th, from 9am to 11am. As usual, if you and/or family would like to attend and volunteer you are very welcome. If  you would like to bring or send in healthier treats that would be great. Some great ideas are fruits, fruit chips and fruit salads, muffins, fruit breads, juice drinks, veggies/dips, fruit snacks, cheese and crackers, roll-ups, etc. Please try to stear away from donuts, cookies and especially the frosted cupcakes, as the children usually fill up at the party and don't eat much lunch.

There were other items included about cancelling show and tell and kids bringing in snacks from home but this sort of jumped out at me. I wonder if this has anything to do with the Christmas Party?



Kicking and Punching

Another snow storm left us stuck in the house for a few days this week.  We made a break from it on Thursday and the poor boys didn't know when or if I would ever take them home. 

I took the boys to the mall to get measured for their tuxedo's for John and Emily's wedding next month.  While we were there  I was on a mission to find appropriate snow gear for the family so we could go out to play without anyone losing limbs from frostbite. This was more difficult than I imagined. All the stores have switched to shorts and swim suits and any left over winter apparel was few and far between.

After arriving home I made a phone call to register the boys for the tiger tot class at the martial arts studio.  Ben and Owen were very excited to go.     

I enjoyed watching them interact with the instructors and other kids during their first class. I'm not expecting them to learn much taekwondo at this age, but I am hoping that they gain other social skills from it.  The instructors teach disipline and respect while making it fun for the kids and their parents.   

                    

They looked so sweet in their uniforms that I had to take a few pictures when we got home that evening. 



Wordless Wednesday; Stir Crazy