valentine's day

not sure why i was so into making valentines for the kids this year, but i was. so just in case it never happens again, i need to document it all here so my kids have proof that in 2012, i tried to be "that mom" on valentine's day!

for tate, we made white chocolate "stir spoons" for his class... (i was surprised at how quick and simple they were! and he got to do all the sprinkles too!)

 we wrapped them in lollipop bags,

 and put them together with a package of hot cocoa and his cars 2 valentine for each kid in his class. (24 to be exact!) he thought it was hilarious when he wrote out a valentine to tate, from tate!

i must say that these choc stir sticks reminded me of diane- and her love for hot chocolate! (i was thinking of you the entire time we made them. love and miss ya!)

 for macy, i made these sweet little lollipop heart flowers... (only 12 in her class!)

 for both of their parties, i made these little chocolate pretzel snacks. (for christmas i made them with rollo's and a pecan- delicious! i thought these would be a little more kid friendly, and cuter- they were.)

macy and i went to tate's party to help out. he was so excited to pass out his valentines!

macy got to join right in too! ms. howell is very welcoming and understanding about macy coming along. all the kids are so sweet to her and of course macy loves going to the big kid school!

 love this one-

 our little sweethearts-

macy says thanks to nanna and auntie cathryn for the cute shirt too! (pebbles and bam-bam will always be macy and shane in my mind...)

the kids didn't get too many homemade valentines... but this one that my friend hailey made is too cute not to showcase. (and i need to remember it for next year!)

she made each child in the class a "chocolate cupcake" - that is playdough! the note said- "don't eat this chocolate, it's really just for play. but do have a happy valentine's day!" 

 (hailey really does a great job being "that mom!")

valentine's day is of course also our wedding anniversary! 9 years for us this year. (and what a year it was- so many changes and lots of time apart...) we decided that we would stay in tuesday night and brian wanted to make dinner. (ummmm, of course!)  tate had basketball practice from 6-7pm (i'm pretty sure both of his coaches are single!), so that really limited what we could go out and do anyway. plus, we have a house on the market and have been going out and doing a lot lately! so i was content staying in. but brian had a few tricks up his sleeve and we ended up having the best anniversary that we have had in a LONG time! complete with an amazing dinner-

 lamb chops and lobster tails- it was so delicious! there is no way that we would have walked away from a restaurant nearly as satisfied! (next year is 10 years and we plan to go to hawaii for a whole week, no kids!)

then, friday night was date night for us. we got to get all dressed up and go to an awards banquet/dinner together. some wives hate going to these things, but i actually do enjoy them. and after attending everything over the holidays solo, it was especially nice to go to this one WITH Brian!