if you know me personally or have read previous posts, you may know I am a nanny. it's a sweet, exhausting blast, all at the same time. this summer will make five years on the job.
we really like to celebrate and put on shows. in the summer, we host the super summer show. it's a variety show with everything from singing + dancing to shooting hoops. around Christmas, we have a Christmas program--complete with a live nativity. birthdays are a big deal, too. I fill the car up with balloons and a birthday banner and we listen to fun music while we drive around. the kids are always excited to be picked up from school on their birthday and go for a ride in the party wagon.
valentine's day is no different. I fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, between those who absolutely loathe valentine's day and those who love it so much they wish it was every day. I think we should love each other and show it every day, but it is fun to give cards and I'd be lying if I said I didn't like receiving flowers. when my husband + I observe valentine's day, we usually just eat dinner together. sometimes it's in a restaurant [rarely], sometimes it's grilling steaks at home [once], and sometimes it's sitting on the couch eating crawfish with no pants on. that's actually my favorite way to celebrate.
I like to celebrate it with my babies, too, and throw a little party. they each get a mailbox, compliments of the Target dollar section. these are filled with valentines from their parents, siblings, pets, and even my family. we eat cake and dance and sometimes do a craft. it's pretty fun, if I do say so myself. this year's party was a little different. we partied in shifts because one of my kids was sick and had a doctor's appointment during the appointed party time. I wish we could've all been together, but it was a sweet time just the same.
I made punch [ginger ale + white grape juice]. apparently, this has a kick to it so it's best for those with a mature palate. the kids were impressed with the bubbles; but after one sip, all three informed me it was "too spicy."
a few years ago, I saw something on Pinterest about how to bake mini cakes. this year, I finally got around to trying it! all you need is an empty tin can. after removing the paper wrapper and top + bottom of the can, wrap foil around one end. spray the inside of the can with nonstick spray, fill it halfway with cake batter, and bake on 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. and voilà! mini cakes.
I'd also like to state, for the record, that these are their genuine faces and reactions upon opening and reading their valentines. they were so sweet and so grateful. it made my heart so happy.
this was our "craft," if it can even be called that. I cut a heart shape out of black poster board and they glued pompoms + scraps of wrapping paper, making their own giant valentines. it was very simple and I actually came up with the idea when I was about to throw away remnants of wrapping paper that were too little to actually wrap anything with, but too cute to be thrown away. it was fun and not too messy and they got to take a little something home to show their parents, along with their goody bags and sugar highs.
a silly string fight was not actually on the agenda. but the kids found two cans in the back room of our house, or my studio, as I call it. so we went outside and they went to war. I mean really, what's a valentine's party without a little silly string?
and there you have it. our little valentine's party.
and wherever you fall on the spectrum, whether you're a lover or a hater, happy valentine's day to you.
"and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. but the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
and wherever you fall on the spectrum, whether you're a lover or a hater, happy valentine's day to you.
"and now these three remain: faith, hope and love. but the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13
