The girls had big plans for their Valentines this year.  They were going to sew fleece hearts to card stock, cut to look like an envelope, glued to another piece of card stock so they could tuck candy inside their faux-postal products.  Completely engineered within their imaginations, I offered to do the sewing, thinking it might turn out rather cute.  Last week seemed to be overly busy, and we weren’t able to tackle our stack until Sunday morning, when, they had a sudden change of heart.  NO envelopes.  NO fleece.  NO candy.  Just hearts, about this fact they were clear.

I grabbed my paper holder and a heart cookie cutter, wherein they found the leftover papers I used for their Butterfly Birthday Party.  I had them at “butterfly”.  Even with the new plan which defines simplicity, they didn’t want to get serious about making them.  Sara’s handwriting, which has been quite legible lately, turned oddly tortured.  Kelly wanted nothing to do with the decorating of her cards, which only need state, “From Kelly”, with no further addressing required.

They were finished well before dinner, despite the do-overs, the mess, and the glue that seemed to be flying about my kitchen as if pushed by jet fuel.  After much thought and consternation about a Valentines-y snack for Kelly’s class that was both gluten-free and nut-free, I decided to take on a gluten-free sugar cookie recipe.  I’m not even going to link to it.  I’ll just say this recipe isn’t for the weak.  I didn’t have enough for a taste-test, so I can only hope they turned out OK.  I know the icing was yum, so I added extra!  We’ll call this experiment, “Next time Lori will take her friends advice and order something from the bakery”.

The girls asked to wear their Valentines dresses from last year, which still fit (sounds of crowds roaring).  As I ironed their dresses at o’dark-thirty, I was amazed at how many times these have been washed and worn.  Countless, let me tell you.  Sara’s has a couple of tiny holes from the tire swing.  Kelly’s has survived an icky blue paint episode.  I can say this sewing project was worth every minute I spent sewing those blocks together.  I actually started skirts for them this year, and they turned out way too big!  I’m sure they’ll see new life next year.

After receiving less than enthusiastic response from parents for open volunteer slots at Sara’s class party, I offered wine.  I’m not above bribery.  21 Kindergarteners hyped up on sugar with bags dripping tiny paper pieces (every one being the most precious thing they own) isn’t my idea of a relaxing Monday afternoon either.  Imagine a chaotic ticker-tape parade, but with more tears. But, as the room parent, I have a job to do, and that jobs involves garnering volunteers…I take it seriously. I offered wine, and much to everyone’s surprise, wine I delivered.  I think they thought I was joking, but it should be said now, I never joke about wine, and certainly not on the most romantic holiday of the year. When I arrived at the party, the teachers had stapled the tops of every Valentine bag, which really, proves they are the smartest women on earth. Aren’t my birthday tulips from my brother-in-law and sister-in-law just gorgeous?

Greg and I added to the girls’ Scholastic Treasury Collection, and I made everyone Herbed Roasted Chicken for dinner, with a little candlelight for fun.  All in all, it was an absolutely lovely Valentines Day.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have yet another half-birthday to celebrate with Sara tomorrow, which will necessitate more milkshake cupcakes.  I’m going to be sorry I started this tradition…