How to make $30 Valentines...

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and if you are a "PLAN ahead" family, like us....then follow along, and we will show you how you can spend a fortune, AND a couple of hours of "quality time", just to say that you too made home made Valentine's!

Step 1: You will need glue....LOTS of it!! A good estimate is 3-4 bottles per child.

Step2: Cool stuff, like sequins! Lots of those too!

Step3: Get the kids involved! Have your 4 year old cut out there own heart!
~holding your tongue out does improve your cutting skills by 20%!~

Step4: Little dots...LOTS of 'em!

Step 5: Start the assembly process.

Step 6: Ribbon? You will need LOTS of ribbon, especially if you have a GIRLIE 4 year old. A good estimate is 3-4 rolls per year of age for this one!
Oh, and make sure you let her cut it her self ~ she will remind you if you forget!

Step 7: Big Sis can demonstrate the skills needed to apply the GLITTER just so!

Step 8: HAVE AT IT!

Step 9: Not quite enough...add just a little more....yep, just right!

Step 10: Add your finishing touches,
let them dry for a week to 10 days, and then you are done!

YOU DID IT! You have just created your very own--homemade Valentines!
You could go to the store and pay 1.50 per box, and have your mom fill in the names for you...or you can venture just beyond the norm, and have a little fun...and glitter... to last a lifetime!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Snow, anyone?

It has been a while, so here is a small taste, before I submit you to ALL of our families goings-on!!


It has been snowing-raining-blowing-snow thundering-hailing in our parts here for sometime...and I think I am done!
This picture is from the kids this morning out in front of our hefty pine that has lost 2 more HUGE branches! :(

Brandon and I were "stranded" in Iowa City on Sunday night...
*Thanks Tim & Becky for hosting, Elaine for playing with the LONE child, and Austin for NOT changing his plans and hanging out with unexpected visitors, but going to your friends' house anyway! :)*
I was forced to watch the Super Bowl and Will was forced to watch the kids...not quite how he had planned to spend his evening! I did give him a play by play over the phone...you know --since we have one channel (PBS) and I am so football inclined.
"OOOHH, the blue guys they got the ball!!"
"That one threw it to the other one, OH this IS a good game!"

ENJOY the SNOW, cuz I hope it will be gone soon!!

ICE- ICE-ICE!!!

Earlier this week, things kinda slowed down in our Iowa towns. We got hit with a light dusting of snow, then some ice, then some more ice, then a little more snow, and now the ice is melting during the day, and freezing again at night! SO this makes for PRETTY pictures, but treacherous for walking...yep, I fell today!