Valentine's Day

I was feeling sick, so T.J. kindly took the girls outside, so I could rest. He also took some pictures. His summation of the pictures is that, as individual shots, they aren't spectacular. But as a series...well, you be the judge. Warning: There are a lot of pictures...

February 17

Still battling a monster headache today, but some good moments to share from tonight:

First of all, Bronwen went to nap with no diaper for the first time. She wore her underpants and kept them dry. Yay day 1. We'll see how tomorrow goes.

Lila was out of her bath playing in her room, and Bronwen came running in with some toys for her sister, saying, "See how sweet I am, Daddy?" (keep in mind she was bringing her toys because she had taken something from Lila in the first place.)

Right after we assured her that she was, indeed, sweet, she went to the front of the room and announced, "All right class!" I nudged T.J. to get his attention, and I said,
"What are we learning about today?"
Bronwen: "Amphibians."
T.J.: "What is an amphibian?"
Bronwen: "It is an animal that can live under the water and on the land."

Lesson learned.

Happy Mardi Gras!

We took the girls to New Orleans for the early parades today. Bronwen remained hesitant for most of the parade until I told her to scream as the floats passed. She really liked that part. We came home with plenty of throws, but not as many beads as I expected. We did leave right as the Parade Rex was coming through, and I bet we would have really gotten some good beads from that parade. Still, the girls were wiped out and slept the whole way home.

The highlight for me? Spotting the bald eagle flying over the lake and watching it swoop right toward us and fly across the road directly in front of our car. Amazing!

February 15/16

The girls finally gave me their nasty cold, and I awoke on the 15th with a raging ear infection. I begged T.J. to stay home in the morning so I could get some rest and go to the doctor. While I was in bed, Bronwen came in the room, and I told her I was sick. She promptly climbed in and told me, "I will give you a cuddle to feel better."

So under the covers she went, putting her little arms around my waist. She patted my belly and said, "There, there, Mama, I am making you all better now."

Then she asked me if we could watch my T.V. and I explained there was nothing one. Her reply: "We can watch the news." We later read several of her new books under the covers. Best. Medicine. Ever.

Yesterday we did the same thing after returning from the parades, only this time I turned on the TV to the Food Network. There was a lot on that we could discuss. Giada was making a pasta dish that had procuitto and fresh herbs, and Bronwen says, "Hey, those are Mardi Gras noodles." I asked her what she meant, and she said, "They are gold, green and purple."

I don't know that I saw purple in them, but I hastily agreed and managed to use that angle to eat her pasta and pesto for dinner, declaring them "Mardi Gras Noodles."

February 14th

T.J. still isn't home from his business trip (return delayed by the Louisiana blizzard of 2010), and the girls and I are going a little crazy. Bronwen didn't want to do anything after we got home from church, until I suggested some Valentine's Day fun. I first tried out a sensory activity. I did try to get Lila to nap, but she sensed she was missing out on fun, so she refused. I didn't want to extend the bean activity for too long because I knew Lila would want to play with (eat) the beans.

I love how Bronwen is so careful not to spill...erm...the beans.





On to the art portion of our day. Looks like we weren't the only ones having some Valentine's fun!

Happy Valentine's Day

Since T.J. has been out of town this week, Bronwen and I endeavored to make some delicious Valentine's Day treats. It was a two-day long process, only because I was out of powdered sugar and had to go to the store to purchase more.

Here Bronwen shows you the heart-shaped masterpieces: (Apron courtesy of my friend Michele--Thank You!!)

Bronwen spreading on the royal icing with an offset spatula:
I told her to look at the camera and smile:
Tasting the sprinkles:
Ta-Da! (Lila wanted to get in on the action too) Please excuse my terrible voice--I am not over my cold yet.

February 13

This morning started a little late. a nice break for me. When I say "A little late" I mean that I didn't get the girls until 7:30, so we're not talking "world record sleep-in." I got everyone changed and dressed and realized I needed some lotion for my hands. Got to love winter. I went to my bathroom, Bronwen trailing behind me asking me a million questions:

B: "Where are you going Mama?"
Me: "I am going to the bathroom."
B: "But why are you going to the bathroom?"
Me: "Because I need to get some lotion for my hands."
B: "Why do you need that lotion?"
Me: "Because my hands are dry."
B: "You need moisturizer, then."
Me (a little shocked) : "Exactly."