Valentines

We had several "talks" about complaining in our house today, even before breakfast.  Talks about not complaining about breakfast, school, really everything.  Moans, groans and tears ruled until we started school (but then many groans about starting school).  Groans stopped when Dorathea read an adorable book aloud called, "Pippa Mouse". 

I love to hear her read, she has her Daddy's speaking voice, but lately has been asking to read "in her head" instead of aloud.  No complaining during Pippa and then onto our writing work today; Valentines.  Valentines sent us far away from complaining land into thankful land.  

Today we were making valentines for far away family to send in the mail.  I love how loving others changes our perspective instantly.  Pretty stationary helps too.

I let Dorathea go freestyle.  My only restriction was to use only one color; red.  She chose some old, tiny stationary paper I found at the thrift store and went to work while I helped Jonathan with some cards I had printed out for him.  

I wrote  xoxo  love J  in pencil.  He traced the letters in red marker which looked like this;

I designed and printed them last night.  Do you like them?  My Grandmother (who will be receiving one) used to sing this song to me when I was little.  I am including the original for the cards here:  

If you want to make your own cards just right click your mouse then select copy image and paste into a Microsoft Word.  Make sure your document is landscape (wide instead of tall) so that you can fold it in half and make the image the right size for the paper.   I used a pastel papers to print mine on.

Happy Valentines Day from the Keys!

 I explained that x's and o's stood for hugs and kisses to Jonathan and he grinned and said "I send them hugs!".  He is so sweet and such a cuddler, he totally got the concept.  Of course after these instructions instead of tracing he made a map island  in the inside of the first card.  I guess the penciled x looked like it would make  a better treasure map?  The second third and fourth ones were better :).

 And then when I turned away he decided his valentines and his hands needed spots.

Meanwhile,

Back to the little girl...

She was already finding envelopes and sealing hers up.  And low and behold they looked really cute!

 We had a quick lesson on addressing an envelope, which I ended up doing most of

Then off to the mail box she went!  I think I'll send Jonathan's tomorrow.  Let's spread out the love over a couple days.

Then we did PE; rollerskating.  Trying out new rollerskates and falling down a lot.

More Valentine's to come!  Happy February to you all- Allison

Christmas at the Nature House

Jonathan is 4!

The baby boy who was born on a snowy afternoon 4 years ago had a snowy birthday this weekend.  Luckily a few cherished friends braved the weather and celebrated with us!

 Chocolate chocolate cake (J is a chocolate lover).  The kids helped decorate with the chocolate chip squares around the bottom, and choosing the perfect truck for the top.

 That dump truck is full of pretzels, which my boy chose for the party. It's his favorite snack, and this boy is crazy about snacks!

 Dorathea helping us get ready.  Look I'm almost done with this art and photo wall!  Do you notice a little gap in that smile?

Despite his serious look here this boy was so happy the whole party long.  He greeted each guest, young and old with a jump.  He begged to eat cake and open presents.   Each guest did a great job picking out thoughtful little things that he loved and has really gotten some use out of.  There was a sand table from Nana and Papa, Spike the dragon from us (Dorathea begged us to get it for him), a tent with a tunnel from clever Lydia, a vintage book called Jonathan is 4 

and superhero lego set from Elektra, a couple of big dinosaurs from Doug and Karen (which is good because most of the dinosaurs have gotten lost in the garden), and two firetrucks from Issac and Eden Semones.  Thank you all for coming and making our celebration fun!

sweet boy.  As he would say, "My love him"