Love is the Air: Favorite Valentine's Day Traditions

Hello everyone,

I'm not even going to mention this latest blog-iatus (that's a blog- hiatus for those of you just tuning in) because it's become standard procedure for me nowadays.

Wait, did I just mention it?

I did, didn't I?

Any-whooo, I thought I'd take a moment to share a few favorite Valentine traditions that are simple and easy (and cheap!)

There are SO many cute ideas out there for Valentine's Day, but I've had to learn the lesson the hard way that I just can't do it all! When I try to do every little idea I see, I often end up "going to the party but missing the celebration," so to speak. In other words I become so focused on my doily table runner that I forget that the point of this holiday is to cherish the ones we love! Leslie wrote a great blog post about this subject the other day.

So, with that in mind, here are a few favorite, simple traditions that encourage togetherness.

1. 'Roses Are Red' Valentines:
A year or two ago, we started the tradition of making our own Valentines for each other (no store bought allowed!), and the rule is that the Valentine needs to follow the format of the poem "Roses are Red, Violets are Blue." I like to re-write the poem depending on what the kids are into that year.

Here are the Valentines I made the kids last year:

And here's the cute one Bennett made for me (with Daddy's help):

I've no idea what that crazy kid was talking about, but I like the way his mind works. Cake sandwiches? Yes sirree!

I also made one for the McPreacher of course, but it was a little scandalous so I'll just keep that to myself. Hehe.

2. Special Breakfast on Valentine's Day:

I LOVE breakfast, and in my book, any holiday is a good excuse to make a special breakfast! This is something I've been doing since McPreachy and I first got married. Even though this is kind of labor intensive, I LOVE cooking so it doesn't stress me out. Here are a few of the Pinteresting things I'd like to try for this years special breakfast:

Heart shaped Cinnamon Rolls

Strawberry/White Chocolate Cocoa

Heart-shaped Bacon

Convo Heart Bingo

And finally, our last little V-Day tradition...

3. Love Notes Jar

On our kitchen counter we have a jar where we can write little love notes to each other beginning the first o' the month. Then we read them during our Valentine's breakfast. Simple and sweet.

Here's the little bowl of love notes, waiting to be written on:

And here's a note that Mallory dictated for me to write for Bennett.

And yes, I know the pictures is sideways... I have issues.

Also, while we're at it, let's take a peek at a few of our simple Valentines decorations.

I think that about does it: Valentine's Day at our house in a nutshell... or any other shell that seems Valentinesy to you.

Either way, I love this holiday!

Happy New Year: A Plethora of Updates

Happy New Year! I'm back after a month-ish long Christmas blog-iatus. Sooooo welcome back to me! I feel like I have a zillion updates to share, so let's begin, shall we?

1. I am sad the holidays are over. Boo Hoo. But I love getting rid of all the "Christmas clutter" around the house and getting things fresh for the new year. I love the new outlook and possibility that another year brings. This is the first year in a while that I haven't spent a lot of time reflecting on my goals for the coming year. Not sure why. It could be that I am just so focused on adjusting to/coping with being pregnant and trying to enjoy every moment with my kids at this stage, which would be a good reason. Or if could be that I have just given up trying to meet goals because I am so bad at it, which wouldn't be a good reason.

Either way, I truly believe that 2012 has amazing things to offer. I am entering this year very hopeful at what God has in store. Last year I had 3 words that I focused on for 2011's goals. For 2012 there is one word that really encapsulates what I'd like to work on this year, an it's STOP.

Yep. my goal for 2012 is to just stop being so busy and doing so much... to slow down and enjoy the stage of life and mothering I'm in right now. The stop and smell the roses and not be in such a rush. To stop beating myself up with Mom guilt and stop comparing myself to others. To put the phone down, play with my kids, hold my soon-to-be-newborn and not try to cram so much into these fleeting years. This should always be a goal, but it feels more necessary this year with the baby coming. I'm already making preparations to pull back a lot from commitments and spend this next year just enjoying being a new Mom again.

2. Moving on to less meaningful matters, I'm in full-on nesting mode and tackling all kinds of decorating/organizing projects around the house! Here is a peek at some of our winter-yet-not-Christmas decor:

3. I made these these other day. They were heavenly. Annnnd since the recipe said "healthy," I naturally ate them all in one sitting. Can't deprive the wee one in my belly, now can we?

4. Speaking of my belly, it is in full bloom these days.

Here it is outside H&M, pining over clothes it won't fit into.

Here it is in shadow form, along with two precious ones. (I love the way Benny has his hand on my belly.)

I had my 20 week ultrasound last week, which was SUCH a different experience since we aren't finding out our baby's gender until the big day! Everything is looking healthy, and despite my abnormally large belly, baby is measuring right on target.

4. A few weeks ago, a friend and I were talking about how we could make homemade cinnamon rolls that were a little healthier for everyday eating. So on Bennett's first day back to school after Christmas break, I came up with a healthy(er) cinnamon roll recipe to start the day off right.

Here's what I did:

I took a package of Trader Joe's whole wheat pizza dough and rolled it out into a rectangle. I wanted to add protein, so I smeared it with softened cream cheese.

I wanted the rolls to be free of refined sugar, so I added a generous drizzle of raw honey.

I wanted to add even more protein and vitamins, so I pulverized raw almonds in my Magic Bullet and sprinkled them on.

And of course, I wanted delicious cinnamon flavor, so added a healthy sprinkle of cinnamon (also very healthy and good for normalizing blood sugar levels.)

Clearly, I wanted a lot out of these cinnamon rolls, and they did not disappoint.

Then I rolled that bad boy up into a delectable log o' goodness. I sliced the log into rolls and placed them in an 8x8 baking dish. I dotted the top with just a smidge of butter, then I baked them at 375 for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, I made a little glaze for the top. I melted a few tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and then added a few big spoonfuls of raw honey. I brought this to a boil and then reduced the heat to low until the rolls were done baking. When the rolls came out of the oven, I poured this sweet syrupy goodness over the top. Yum! The kids LOVED them!

Christmas Time is Here {Insert Hallelujah Chorus}

Is there anything in the WHOLE world better than Christmas, I ask you?

I think not.

Normally I am ALL about the fall. But this year the fall treated me horribly. I was nauseated all fall long. I couldn't eat, socialize or move. Fall is dead to me, I tell you, dead to me!

But Christmas is another story. I am now feeling loads better and able to enjoy making merry, eating goodies, and celebrating out Savior's birth.

We got our tree on Tuesday, and slowly but surely things are getting Christmasy around here. Come... let me show you!

Here is our tree:

These 'Peace' blocks were a handmade gift from my friend Lizzie. I LOVE them!!!

*Insert grandiose-sounding trumpet*

THIS is the banner I bought from tidbit at our MOPS group's Christmas Boutique last night and I AM IN LOVE WITH IT! I smile and feel merry and bright every time I see it!

The mantle all decked out with our stockings and advent calendar (I put it up high so no wee ones can peek ahead) :0)

A few of my favorite decorations and ornaments:

I made these silhouette ornaments of the kids last year, and I cherish them.

Goodbye Stinkies! (Another Awesome Product I'm Loving)

Had to give yet another shout-out to a product I've been loving over here at Casa McPreachy.

Does your potty training toddler or puppy piddle all over the carpet? Has anyone had a tummy bug lately that has left you with a yucky mess (thankfully, this has not been us...) Does your toilet ALWAYS smell like pee no matter what you do to clean it? (GRRRR!)

Then you NEED this AMAZING product:

(insert trumpeting)

Kids'n Pets All purpose Stain and Odor Remover!

Not only is this stuff non-toxic, it REALLY works! I've used bottles and bottles of it! (We have a doggy who is very naughty... but we love her!)

You just dab up the yuckies, saturate with the cleaner and let it air dry.

I get mine at Walmart. Just do yourself a favor, and stock up on few bottles at once! You'll use it, trust me!

LOVE this stuff!

I have found an AMAZING natural hair care line for kids (and adults) that I LOVE, so I thought I'd pass the info on.

The company is called Original Sprout.

So far we have tried the natural styling balm, which has kept Bennett's hair out of his eyes and looking very handsome. I LOVE this stuff!

Also, I got a free bottle of the deep conditioner and have been using it on Mallie and myself. It is naturally lice-repellent (don't worry, it smells great!) and it even did a incredible job conditioning my thick mass of hair!

After using these two products, I am sold. I have had a difficult time finding a shampoo and conditioner for the whole family that I love, so this place is a goldmine.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

The Fetus Heard 'Round the World

Hello Faithful and Devoted Readers,

You may have noticed that this recent blog-iatus has been longer than normal.

And you, O' observant one would be correct.

The reason being... I am with child!

And excited to death.

And sick as a DOG. (That's dawg if you are gangsta.)

So I really don't have much to write about these days except:

1. All I have been able to eat for the last 7 weeks is graham crackers, cereal and cran-grape juice. I've gone through an entire Costco box of graham crackers, and if I never see one again it will be too soon.

2. Yes, I've been sick the other two times I was pregnant, but it has gotten worse with each pregnancy, this one being about 10 times worse than the last.

3. I am 10 weeks pregnant... so it should only be 2 more weeks of sickness and misery. Yahoo!

4. The rude pregnancy comments have already started. I'm trying to tell myself not to take them personally this time. To just enjoy being pregnant since it's my last one. But it is hard when people are just so darn rude. One lady told me that the third child would "make me or break me." She said it all dramatic-like for emphasis. Thanks so much for the encouragement, person I barely know!

Then on Facebook another dear soul commented that my husband and I must be doing well financially in order to bring another mouth to feed into this horrible economy. Yes, seriously. I am not paraphrasing.

5. I really can't wait to eat again.

So until that day, my dear ones, these mundane details will have to suffice.

The First Day O' School. Or, The Beginning of the End

Is it melodramatic that I'm feeling like life is over because this is Bennett's last year before Kindergarten?

It may be, but I'm freaking out nonetheless.

It's the beginning of the end. The end of his toddler-hood, the end of being home all day every day, the end of his whole world being our family, the end of him thinking Mommy and Daddy are the coolest people in the world. Pretty soon he'll be moving away and marrying some girl from the University.

I object.

I often voice these objections to Benny-boy.

Me: "I don't WANT you to grow up. Please stop."

Bennett: "Moooom... it's OK! I'll still give you hugs and kisses, even when I'm big."

Sigh.

Do you see now why I refuse to accept him growing up?

Nonetheless, school started today, and I decided to get over my temper tantrum and make it a special day. After all, I do love a good reason to break out traditions!

Like the "Special breakfast on the First-Day-of-School" Tradition.

I made these apple cinnamon muffins. They were amazing (I made mini muffins instead of biggies, just FYI). I served Benny's up with some yogurt.

Along these lines, we also celebrated the "Bring-the-Teacher-an-Apple-on-the-First-Day-of-School" Tradition. Also known as "My-Mama-is-a-Kiss-Up" Tradition.

I packaged up 12 of our Apple mini-muffins in an egg carton. I found this cute idea on Pinterest. Benny was excited to give them to his teacher Miss Mary!

Moving on... to the "Picture-on-the-Front-Steps" Tradition. Our pics were a little sub-par this year. We were rushed, and we have two young children. Enough said.

Still we got a few semi-cute shots.

Getting a semi-decent picture...

When we got to school, it was all craziness and hustle and bustle, which is not Benny's favorite.
He likes it calm and quiet like his Daddy.

He said hello to sweet Miss Mary, who greeted each child outside the door with a big smile and hug. Love her already.

She oohed and aahed over the gift Bennett brought her, and I saw his little eyes twinkle with pride.

Inside the classroom, Bennett found a quiet corner where he played Dinosaurs and "Guys" (which basically means action-figures in Bennett-speak").

For the first 10 minutes or so, he kept asking me to stay, and then all of a sudden, he said very calmly, "Mama, can you please leave me here now? You can go."

So I kissed him (twice) and told him to be good (10 times) and drove away.

When pick-up time came, my buddy emerged from the classroom wearing a green Birthday Crown since he just had his birthday. He had a great first day of school and told me all about the special snack, the toys and the friends.

We then went and celebrated with our final tradition of the day... the "Special-Lunch-After-The First-Day-of-School" Tradition. This was one my Mom always did with me, and have fond memories of the first day of school!

He picked "Pandamania Express" :0), and we had a really nice lunch and playtime at the park afterwards.

After lunch he said, "What a beautiful day this was. I love this day."

Enough with the preciousness, kid. Can't you see your Mom is hanging on by a thread today? Sheesh.