lent, valentines & things of that nature...

  we are kicking things into high gear this lent around here.

we decided to post our lenten sacrifices up

so that the whole family can see.

the children are enjoying holding the others accountable...

but not so much of being reminded themselves.

hmmm...

the kids gave up tv and all electronics

except for sundays.

and if they need the computer for a homework assignment.

we the parents kindly suggested that one (mandated)

i love it so much when they don't watch tv. they play better, find other things to do,

get more exercise... etc. etc.

i gave up biting my nails and am planning on hitting the gym more often.

and a few other things too.

its going pretty well so far.

 we had some pretty flowers around these parts for valentine's day.

 they looked lovely with the new counter tops in the bathroom....

R very proud of his first preschool artwork..

a valentine painting

valentine banner...

my 4th little flower to wear the valentine smock to kindergarten.

sniff. sniff. time passes so quickly.

R and i had a splendid day with some friends. we went to the children's museum where he got to explore a firetruck & see curious george. he had an "encounter" with curious george...

R accused him of punching him in the head.. a misunderstanding...

soooo...

we decided to check out the valentine making station

then we headed over to the dinosaur museum.

R LOVED it!

we bought a membership.

his responses were so different than the girls' were

back when they were his age.

P loved his new coffee mug i got him.

the kids loved their valentine cookies i got them....

after enjoying cookies, we took the kids to feed the homeless.

they loved it and all wanted to do it more often.

it was awesome.

when we got home, we got the kids settled & had a sitter come over

so we could go on a romantic valentine date.

we enjoyed delicious thai food

and then did all of paul's favorite activities...

make up shopping, maternity bra shopping & wandering the aisles of baby stores

looking at cloth diapers.

he was in heaven ;)

and to wrap it all up....

our dinner club theme this month was

valentine's day.

we made some love stumps, chicken piccata & chocolate decadence.

it was pretty good if i do say so myself.

here are the recipes i used....

chicken piccata

arugula salad

chocolate cake

(we also made homemade whipped cream & topped with fresh berries.

i kinda burned it... so watch the time :)