Another Little Valentine

Shopgal Steph made another appearance over at Mom Spark today.

What Does Valentine's Day Mean To You?

I remember in elementary school, we'd all make these little baskets or envelopes for collecting Valentine's Day cards from our classmates... and then sometimes we'd get a class list and we'd go home and take a box of pre-made cards with the perforated edges and tear them all and sign names and take them to school and deposit them during some little shindig the teacher would put on. And oh my word does that not just sound like the weirdest little tradition? Very methodical, very robotic, very odd. And then girls would get to the age where "boys are icky" and stereotypes ran rampant, and it got even worse in high school when for some ridiculous fundraiser they'd send out "candy grams" which incited some sick popularity contest among the masses. (Oops. I'm ranting about Valentine's Day.) My mother, thankfully, saved me from this a bit when she'd help me make handmade cards for a few friends or family members, a slightly more meaningful gesture than just going through the motions.

Now that I'm a twentysomething and I have a four year old I think about how these traditions will make her feel. So far she knows that Valentine's Day is about love and caring for people. And that works for me. She'll make little cards for friends at daycare and all will be well. And for her mama, who has a wonderful daughter and wonderful partner to love, the day will mean the same as all others -- that I'm grateful for the amazing people in my life who love me and care for me. And that's really what it's all about.

And since my partner shares my ridiculous sense of humour, he'll probably get a card something like this one from Letter Happy...

So, friends. What does Valentine's Day mean to you? Do you celebrate? Date night? Snuggles with your little ones? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 

PS. If you want to see a few more cards that I find just quirky enough to work, check out my latest Cool Finds post over at Mom Spark. And to my readers, my life would totally suck without you. You guys rock.

Oreos Are Always The Answer

As you may have guessed, our Valentine's Day ended up being a little less-than-spectacular this year as we spent our night visiting the after hours clinic at our doctor's office with a very feverish little babe. Not all that romantic, but we managed to make do.

As it turned out, the misery that struck baby G was a terrible ear infection (ouch) and a bit of bronchitis. After our appointment, we made our way to the drugstore to pick up her antibiotics, and thankfully this particular store happened to have one of my most favourite treats on sale for $1.99 a bag:


I may have asked the boy to buy me two bags.

Swoon.

You might think I'm being a little sarcastic in my excitement here, but honestly, there are few things that make me happier than nibbling on Oreos, especially while watching silly TV and snuggling up on the couch.

I even dipped them in my tea.

I even ate them for BREAKFAST the next morning.

Now, prior to succumbing to her illness, my little Fawn set about making some very sweet little Valentine's Day cards for her daycare friends. While she was playing away with her little robot and cupcake stamps, I managed to snap a few pics:

Gretchen, say 'Happy Valentine's Day'!

Nooooooooooooo!

What a charmer. She was actually too sick to be at daycare on Monday to partake in the celebrations, but we did visit for a quick moment to pick up her little bag of cards from her friends. She loved going through them all and learning who had sent each one. 

I hope you all managed to have a happy (and healthy!) Valentine's Week. My fingers are crossed for some springish weather to make its way here in the VERY near future.

EDIT: I might be in luck. Our local weatherman just tweeted about tomorrow's high of 8!

How Nerds Say "I Love You"

The boy is stuck at work til 4pm today, but he did send me this Valentine email:

Last hear he sent me a Star Wars card, but it was just inappropriate enough that I'll spare you. Hah.

Wishing you all a super cheesy Valentine's Day!

...

More Valentine's Day Love

As you may have noticed in this post, I switched up our garland in time for Valentine's Day. Simple yet effective. (I just hope no one wants to play a card game!)

Inspired by Delia Jude.

...

Happy Valentine's Day

Source.

Wishing you lots of love -- on this day & all days.

XOXO

The Tuesday Diptych Project: Week Two

Johanna (left): Felt hearts on a warm woollen blanket. Valentine's Day and all it's loveliness. I'll be missing my sweetie on that cold February day. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Desiree (right): After weeks of mostly dreary weather, the sunshine has finally come back to kiss my home. With all the windows thrown open, the light calms and lifts spirits. My toes, warm in their new knit slippers & a happy Boston Terrier, chasing sunspots all throughout the day.

Fawned Friday (Be Mine)

Since that mushiest of holidays is quickly approaching, I wanted to share some little sweets that I've been batting my eyelashes at this week.

XOXO!

01. The Wonder Woman & Valentine.

02. Be mine onesie.

03. His & hers stoneware.

04. Heart branches coin purse.

05. Quilled hearts.

06. Hugs & kisses pencils.

07. Boston terrier love mug.

08. Three times the love.

09. Faux bois heart pin.

10. I heart you hoodie.

Happy Friday -- with love, of course!