February In Florida

We cured our winter blues with a long weekend visit to sunny Florida.  I mean, is there anywhere better in February than the Florida coast?  

We felt like we were transformed right into Spring with the perfect temperatures and the glorious sunshine.  Add a little visit with family and everything was just right in our world.

We dined beachside, had sleepovers with Grandparents, went crazy over cousins, soaked in the sun, took a dip in the pool, and explored historical Ft Pickens, among much more.  

The old forts were the perfect way to spend our only full day.  Jack played monkey {literally climbing everything in sight}, Maggie checked our every nook, cranny, & tunnel she should find, and Lucy serenaded us with her new harmonica as she explored.  So lovely.

And looky there, we even got to do all this with a GG and a Grammy!

Yes, we all see the "keep off gun" posting.  This is what happens when you live with a boy who is part monkey.

The kid's found themselves eating out and doing lots of exploring on our weekend get away.

One of our faves is this sweet little turtle pond at GG's condo.  Serioulsy, there must be at least 100 turtles in there.  Occasionally, a beautiful crane with make its way over and perch itself right next to us.  The weather was so fabulous, we all had a hard time staying in.

But, if you were to ask my kids, they would definitely say the best part was seeing their big cousins, Whit and Larkin.  There is no denying that love.

So now we are back to last few weeks of a dreary winter. Counting down until spring, it can't come fast enough if you ask us.

Thanks Florida & Family for a sneak peek of sunny days ahead!

Happy {HEART} Day!

Oh I do declare, the Day of Love has arrived!    

The littles woke up today almost as excited as Christmas morning.  The first thing they do is check out their "We Love " doors every Valentine's morning.  The anticipation nearly kills them the night before.  So funny...it's the littlest things.

Here is Maggie's....

And Jack's..

And Lucy's....

It never fails, one door is always harder than the rest.  Luckily, that changes from year to year, and my lips are sealed as to which one it was this year.  It is {Heart} Day so let's keep things lovely.

And speaking of Lovely, just look who I get to spend my day with...

Jack, the little man who has stolen my heart.  So proud of who he is and excited to see what will come.

Maggie, my darling love bug, who just may be the world's best snuggler...ever!

And Lucy, the life of the party. Her spunk, while having a gentle heart, mesmerize me.

I'm off to get some lovin' from my three Valentines {and did mention I have a pretty awesome hubby too}!

XOXO
Happy 💘 Day Friends!

Spreading The Love

The littles and I are preparing for Valentine's Day around here.  The decorations are up and we have been racking our brains on how to spread the love this year.

It goes without saying, the girls are pretty easy. Pink, purple, glitter, hearts...anything usually goes. However, try getting a 10 year old boy to get lovey dove.  And that my friends, is where it gets a bit challenging.

Luckily for Jack, I've been a boy mommy for a good ten years now and I think I've got this all figured out.  So imagine his chagrin when I came to him with a plethora of disgusting ideas for Valentines Day.  He was elated and after much debate settled on a poo splat ball.

What can I say...boys will be boys!

The girls giggled themselves silly, but steered very clear of Jack's gross idea.  But, that did spark a desire for something sticky, but still sweet...and pink, among other pretty colors.

We found these adorable UFO slimes online and bonus...the slime is sprinkled with glitter.

Thankfully both girls were on board to spread the love the same way.  It sure does make Mommy life easier when they do that.

And as you know, I can't resist treating those AMAZING teachers.  I have a spot right in the center of my heart for them.  Not to mention, I think it's great for the kids to show LOVE & appreciation to the ones they spend several hours a day with.

So this year, we steered clear of sweet treats.  Because If I'm being honest, I spotted these cutsie make-up bags and just knew they had to be purposed.

Some say XOXO and the others say Follow Your 💜.  So fitting for the day of love.  I popped some fun lip glosses with hearts on them, added a tag, and here they are.

Oooh oooh ooooh...we just can't wait to Spread The Love.  Only a week away!

Cookie For Character

I'm just going to take a brief moment to brag on my eldest son.  Please excuse this overly proud mama.

Jack was awarded Cookies for Character for the month of February at school.  The best part was the character word was Principled.  I mean who wouldn't want a Principled kiddo? 

When Mrs. C announced Jack as the recipient, she followed it with a plethora of compliments.  Such a thrill to see {and hear} your kiddos rewarded.

Although the ceremony was pretty low key, his named called, cookies were eaten, and a certificate was handed out, we were gushing with pride. Jack was really looking forward to this and marked Friday as "the best day".

Sadly, as soon as little guy walked in, we could tell he was under the weather.  Sore throat, headache...ugh!  Not exactly what he was expecting for his "best day".  We scooted him out and Daddy got him to the doctor.

But not before he took a quick picture with his beaming sister {Jojo Siwa bow and all}.  She was just as proud of her big brother as we were.

So what started as the "best day" slowly turned into a weekend of resting up and meds for this guy.  Happily, he's back in business and will be taking his Principled self back to school tomorrow!

So proud of you Jack!