Sword Play

Katie and Christian love to imagine and play together. I don't remember exactly what they were doing, it had to do with Star Wars I am sure. I just started cracking up at them when I looked at the series, so I thought I would share. Like it or not. :)

Secret Valentine....

Okay, so I know I am going back in time here, but I thought I better start catching up, or else it will be even worse....so without further ado...

The Monday night before Valentine's as I was putting the kids to bed we heard the doorbell ring, which is very unusual at that time of night. The kids have (finally) learned not to open the door without permission (at least I think they have). So they ran to the door from their bedrooms and waited while peeking out the blinds. Then squeals were released as they saw a plate of cookies and this note sitting in front of our door.

Really, how cool is that? We were, needless to say, a little excited. Katie got it right away that there would be something each night and could hardly stand it when I told them it was time for bed each night. It was an exercise in futility really...but I tried. The next night they kept on wanting to go wait at the window, which of course was exactly the opposite of what was instructed. I finally convinced them that they didn't want to spoil the surprise...and what a surprise they got. Look at those balloons! They "shared" ownership of the monkey balloon. For weeks these balloons would turn up in different corners of the house. Katie and Christian just loved it, even if Christian is trying to be cool about the whole thing the pictures.

The next night they actually got in bed and Christian fell asleep. Katie was almost there when the doorbell rang. Flying out of her room and down the hall, she was determined to catch them. But these were professionals I tell you. You can hear a car door close outside from any of our five immediate neighbors with our windows closed. I have, many times, met a friend at the front door because the car door closing was my doorbell. We never heard the car door close...sneaky... We got candy and straws, toys and a cute shirt for Katie. I won't tell you how many times she wore it that week.... :)
The next night we got these beautiful flowers. Look at that beautiful Daisy! At this point we were determined to give back. I started making my homemade bread and had it timed that it would be ready on the doorstep at the next "regular" drop time. But they had our number, or at least they had a different plan. That night the kids were a little miffed because it was a date night kit for Mike and I. How awesome is that? We shared later though, so the bitterness did not last. This is a fantastic and fun idea.

The next day we were ready with the bread. We would put it out earlier, just in case. But they surprised us one last time with heart shaped blueberry muffins for BREAKFAST. We were foiled again with our idea of giving back a little. However, that did not keep us from devouring the muffins like little piggies.

I have not a clue who did this for us, but I can tell you that my heart was so touched that we were chosen. Thank you for your kindness and making my kids and Mike and I feel so special. I guess we will just have to pay it forward next year. We LOVE you!

Mike was also so thoughtful and sent me beautiful roses. They were so gorgeous. Look at these flowers. We went to dinner for the first time on Valentine's day. We usually go another night to avoid the madness, but we got out to one of our favorite restaurants and had so much fun just talking the night away.

Before we went our date with each other however, we had our dates with the kids. The kids just love the one-on-one time that they get from us. Katie was dying to go roller blading at Skateland (she had a pass for one free from her teacher...I won't tell you how long we had it before we used it...). So I took my roller blades and she rented a pair and we skated until she was worn out. We had a lot of fun. Look at that smile! We headed for Dairy Queen where she got a treat and shared a bite with me. Usually I get something too, but I was going out with Mike and was saving my appetite...

Christian and Dad stayed home to do what Christian wanted to do most...play Lego Star Wars on the Wii. They got Slurpee's and hung out like dudes do. It was heaven for Christian and Mike had fun too.

It was a fabulous week from start to finish. I have never been to hot on the whole Valentine's thing, but I love thie family who has helped me see that we can focus on the love for those who are around us instead.

The Steelers Bandwagon

Mike has been a Steelers fan since his youth. His love for the Steelers began when he hopped on the bandwagon at 10 years old and saw the Steelers win a Superbowl and he never got off. Most of his life he has lived away from a place that has had an NFL team close by. Even through the drought of losses, he loved them. He is a Cubs fan...so he is used to losing. He wore his Steelers Jersey to work in downtown Phoenix on Friday and was attacked by one of the ladies in the office. He said it was unprovoked...he didn't say anything. But he had taunted them the day before and then showed up in his Bettis Jersey. What did he expect in the middle of Cardinal Territory?

Saturday night as we are talking with the kids, Christian informed us that the Steelers team was weak and he was routing for the Cardinals. Apparently, Mike had been schooling people at work, but forgot to teach his own kid. (We don't actually watch much football on Sunday as it is usually used for family time. So, we were at a disadvantage.) Even with all of the evidence to the contrary of who was historically the better team, Christian could not be dissuaded from the playground rhetoric. He was routing for the Cardinals and we would be sorry. I complimented him on his conviction.

Today on our way home from Church, he was still all about the Cardinals. Once again, I complimented him. As his Cardinals were going down, then back up, then a final closing touchdown made, I let him know that it would be alright if he decided that the Steelers were his team instead. It would lead to a lot of years of fun football watching with his dad, cheering for the same team. He took the invitation. He bolted for the other side. Hopefully his little hiney is securely on the Steelers Bandwagon.

Yay Steelers!