February Recap

February was a good month for our family. We celebrated Valentine's Day and our 11 year wedding anniversary, which makes the month extra special. Payton had several days off from school and I relish the extra time with her now while the boys are thankful for less car rides to school for drop off and pick up.

So much good stuff this month, let's get to it!

Craft Time

So much good stuff crafty wise around these parts. All 3 kids do not fall short on creativity. We have done specific projects, do what you want projects, valentines, and valentine boxes this year. It is the month of love, you know.

 

Riley made a cow in his free time. He has grown so much creatively and puts the most amazing pieces together. This was a valentine he gave to his sister.

 The heart above is from a class project Payton had to do. She was the leader of our whole household as we decorated this heart to share at school. 

 Payton made a unicorn valentine's day box for school with us.

 The Valentine's Day cards my kids made.

 The above and below pictures are painted by the kids after we gifted them for Valentine's Day. The top picture was the canvas Payton made and has hearts on it and it says: Family is better together. She thought of this all on her own. I love her sweet sweet heart.

The bottom picture starts with Jayden's work, then Riley's work, then Payton's. It's amazing the difference of ability by age, about 2 years between each.

Riley's robot we made together as part of his preschool.

Date Night 

Each year, we send Payton and her daddy to the annual father/daughter dance (see where I talked about this last year here). They have a blast and this year didn't disappoint either of them! I use this night to have a special date night with my boys. We do whatever they choose. They choose the same thing each year, dinner at the park and then playing at the playground. It also never disappoints. 

 She was so excited and wore her special Christmas gift we gave her!

 The boys picked their own outfits and both added ties to complete the look!

 Valentine's Day and Our Wedding Anniversary

We loop our anniversary with Valentine's day for the ease of life (and because the days aren't too far apart). We gave the kids Valentine hearts that tell them what we love the most of each of them and they also got a special heart drinking cup. They also received blank canvases (as shown painted in pictures above) that they could paint as they wanted. They made us cards. We had a homemade pizza night and watched Frozen II for the first time. It was a lot of fun. Home is where memories are made for us. And just where we belong.

Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit

We love visitors! This time we decided to go to the museum in town and we all loved doing that! Then, Payton went with her grandparents and daddy to Pheasant's forever in town for their banquet night. Payton ended up winning a gun! I couldn't tell who was more excited, her, her dad, or her grandpa! They were just all so thrilled.

We are thankful for the time with them. Grandma spent a lot of time playing board games while they all drank tea. I imagine this picture being recreated in a few decades with these same personalities shining through. 

Random bits of our life

As I said above, we belong at home. So much life is lived here and my pictures provide proof of this. So... let's just share some total random bits of our story.

 Jayden loves the bath and loves his toys. Here he is seen lining toys up. This month we were stuck inside a lot and Jayden requested about 2 baths/day. Sometimes, I gave in. At the end of the month we were potty training and (if you've ever potty trained) you know that may or may not mean extra baths frequently.

 Payton received a special postcard from her teacher. She was so excited and it was just the kindest, sweetest note thanking Payton for being Payton.

 Since we were stuck inside, the boys have requested more tv and their new favorite place is in mommy and daddy's room. And, sometimes, I also say yes. Nothing better than cuddling into bed with these 2 and watching a quick show.

 A random photo I found taken by Riley. These kids may never know the depth of my love but sometimes, in photos, I can see it.

 The day the canvases were created.

 Playing with kinetic sand. Another great way to pass time when being stuck inside for long periods of time due to weather.

 We are still doing bead projects around here on occasion!

 We finally made it outside for an afternoon of fun!

 Baking with mommy! The boys spend a lot of time doing small baking projects with me while daddy is at work and sissy is at school.

 A beautiful photo my husband took after a busy Monday. When Payton came home from school all she wanted was to rest and watch a show. The boys needed that, too, as it had just been one of those days. All 3 kids piled up on me, clinging to me. I know what they felt like. Sometimes we just need our mommy, a good show, and some cuddle/quiet time.

As a mom, I soak this up any chance I get. The years go fast.

 Both above pictures of Riley dressing himself. He loves ties and looking handsome! But stays comfy with bottoms. I love him for all his beautiful, creative ideas. He also made a pencil umbrella (which he currently calls a rainbrella).

 The boy have been loving making homemade pretzels! And they are super easy and super tasty!

 Another day of getting outside! We didn't realize Jayden lost his shoe until after the pictures were taken. He stayed still and said cheese while I took the pictures and cried as soon as it was done! He's such a sweet boy!

 Payton got a new dress and it has chickens on it! I couldn't resist because she has loved our chickens since the moment they came into our lives! She was so excited.

My mom came for a visit and captured a few beautiful pictures that I treasure as much as I value having time with my mom. I needed that this month and am so thankful for her and all she brings to my life, along with giving me life.

Would you believe that there were so many more pictures I considered sharing? I am trying to find a stopping point though. There was just so much good stuff this month! 11 years of marriage and we find ourselves now having the fullest, happiest little life as we review it each month. We couldn't feel more blessed and more thankful to God for all we have been given. 

How was your February?