Valentine's Day

When we were shopping one day Scarlett picked out a few boxes of Valentine's Day Cards.  I told her that we didn't need that many until I realized it would be fun to send some to our family.  I feel like since we live far away we need to work hard to help everyone remember who we are.  And I want our kids to feel like they have a relationship with their cousins.

Since Scarlett has been writing her name a lot lately, I thought it would be fun if she signed all the cards herself.

The twirls worked on coloring (really it was more like scratching) the owls.  The pink comes off and underneath is the sparkle paper.  Siena really got into it!  She loves to color!  Look at her holding the stick like a big person!!!

Scarlett kept telling me "Mom my hand hurts, I'm too tired!"  She was fading fast!  I did feel bad that there were so many - but I knew she could do it!  So I told her I would give her a bite of our special Red Velvet Oreos every time she finished one.  Yes, bribery.

Apparently the bribery worked!

It was funny to watch her as she wrote her name.  If she ran out of room she would just start the next letter in another random location.  Sometimes she would just draw a picture or a squiggle and tell me that it said "Scarlett".  haha!

On actual Valentine's Day we had a bunch of chores to do.  I have never been into that holiday.  Maybe it's cause my mom never was into it.  Maybe it's cause I don't like surprises (I like planning them, but I hate being unprepared and caught unaware).  Maybe it's cause our anniversary is right before.  Or maybe it's cause I'm too busy planning for next Halloween.  Whatever the reason, I'm just not into Valentine's Day.  In fact, it was like noon before we realized it was a holiday.  We decided to go to IKEA to get some stuff and we treated our family to dinner and their delicious chocolate cake.  The girls loved running around and I loved looking at all the organization stuff.  (I love that the twirls decided to open their mouths when Jake said "smile!") 

 Where did the twirls go?

 Here they are!

This was about 2 minutes before all three girls had a meltdown.  We made it through the check stand but while Jake was getting the car they were all screaming.  Luckily we had put all our merchandise in a second cart so I could maneuver them and get their coats on.  I could tell people were staring.  It didn't really bother me - obviously I was doing everything I could and Jake was going to be here soon.  But one mom came over and asked if she could help with anything.  I really appreciated her gesture - even if her presence made the girls scream louder.  I often feel like I'm hanging on for dear life when I leave the house by myself.  So it's nice to know there are willing hands if I ever need them.  Thank goodness for Amazon Prime and their 2 day delivery to your front door!!!

Finally, I have always loved this Valentine's Day scripture.  I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ and His Atonement.  I'm thankful that He was willing to sacrifice for all of my imperfections.  I was talking with Laura a few weeks ago about how inadequate I feel as a mother sometimes (as I think we all do in our different roles at times) and how I worry that I'm going to mess up my kids.  She pointed out that the Atonement covers all our inadequacies.  If we come to Christ in our marriage and our parenting and really work to raise our children in the gospel, the Atonement will fill in the gaps.  That is such a comforting feeling.  Just to know that we are not in this life on our own.  Yes, we have our agency and so do our children.  But Heavenly Father's Plan allows for that agency.  It allows for our mistakes.  He provided a Savior to help us overcome our sins and help support us as we stumble along our path.  With the Atonement we have the hope and means to make it back to our Heavenly Father with our family.  I'm thankful for Their sacrifice and love.