Family time, Friends and Service

We had another short school week with President's Day on Monday - the rest of the week was full of fun. I am anxiously awaiting spring - my daffodils have peeked through!

We waited so long to get our pho so this was a real treat on a rainy day!

After lunch, we headed to the movies because Brenner requested to see Sonic the Hedgehog. It was really fun (but my expectations were low lol!). I laugh because Brenner doesn't like his picture taken much so these are the images I get! #tween

Nola made a napping spot in her closet. It doesn't look too comfortable to me!

Nola's class Valentine's Party was Tuesday and I got to help. We had so much fun! Cupids arrow where you had to shoot qtips out of a straw into the heart platter. Nola rocked this - getting 6 in one minute - the most in the class!

She also made some awesome slime!

Heart A-Stack....how many conversation hearts can you stack in a minute?!

This was hilarious - each kiddo had two balloons that had to be kept in the air for one minute using only one hand! Can you say chaos?

On Monday, the boys joined the United Methodist Men to put up the crosses at church.

 

I held the 4-H Foods Group on Saturday morning. We made a Mexican Fiesta! Nola braved chopping the onions - she did a good job!

The kids made taco meat with ground beef, Mexican rice (Nola did that one with a friend), homemade salsa, and chopped lettuce/shredded cheese. They did an awesome job!

Looks like tummies were happy!

Baked sopapillas for dessert.

Nola thoroughly enjoyed them!

On Saturday night we had our Vieques mission trip reunion and then the kids went home with Grandma Val. We then met at the park to walk on the mild Sunday afternoon.

 Another tween face picture! This kiddo woke me up at 2 am this morning. I heard the shower going and got up to find him in there. I asked if he knew it was 2 am? He grumbled something, and I went back to bed. When he got up this morning he laughed and said he had thought it was time to get up!

Will you be my Valentine?

We hope that everyone had a nice Valentine's Day! We once again had a snow day on Thursday and the kids were already off school Friday and Monday so we have a long weekend. Luckily the weather has warmed up and most of the snow is gone.

Matt, Brenner, and Nola gave me these flowers. Nola is obsessed with the dark purple carnations.

Grammy Vo sent some pretty cool cards in the mail. Nola loves her glasses!

Nola being silly with Matt.

Snow days result in some interesting activities. Brenner likes to play catch with the football which is easiest to do with two people (you might laugh but he does make it work on his own). Nola made him play dress up in return for playing catch with him!

Nola decided that she wanted to make rice crispie treats. We only had a few marshmallows left so it was a mini pan. She cut into 6 pieces so Brenner, Dad, and her could each have two. I asked about 2/6 is also 1/3 right and she rolled her eyes because she tells us daily "Ugh - I hate learning fractions in math". Yes - but fractions are every where!

Brenner taking his 1/3 of the pan all at once.

We decided to exercise to work of the rice crispie treats. Nola is only on her fingers here. She laughed that I couldn't do that but admitted I can easily beat her in a plank war!

Brenner is 12. He doesn't like his picture taken these days. But under certain circumstances he will put his face in front of the lens. Sigh. #12yearoldboys

The beautiful sky on Saturday morning. I visited some friends that morning. One is 75 and is scared to get out in the snow and ice. She is lonely. We had a lovely visit. Don't forget to check on your friends, neighbors and family during these long winter months.

Nola telling me about her work day at the Mantle's.

Football in the play room - you throw and fall on the couch.

Nola asked for pigtails for church. She looks so pretty.

Here's my Valentine!

Little Miss 'Tude showing his displeasure that we won't drop everything to play with her. Quiet the outfit, eh? It was only about 50 degrees.

Brenner working on some blues cords from his teacher. They both fight us on piano practice...not sure it is worth the battle anymore. I am going to talk with the teacher this week.

Pie Auction and Home time

We have been skating through winter with roller coaster weather - 60s one day and winter storms the next. The kids need to get back to their routine - Matt too! Luckily we have all stayed healthy but are waiting on spring!

The band does a pie auction every year - all bands 5th through high school play. Brenner and the 6th grade band played great! It is always fun listening to the auctioneers and trying to win a pie. 

Nola was our bidder and we were on the hunt for an apple pie (for Matt). Grandma Val came down too! Nola bid on several but once they got over $250 I told her to chill it! $22,000 was raised for new marching band uniforms (goal was $18,000). Glad to see the community support a non-sport group!

Nola hanging out with Dad at Grandma Val's house. Brenner was at a youth group event but got to spend the night with friends. Matt and I had dinner with friends - a win for everyone!

Brenner and Nola both received lego robots from Grammy Vo. With the snow days, it was finally time to put them together.

The race was on!

Nola ready for school - she looked so grown up! Not sure why she wanted to wear Brenner's shirt but hey it was clean!

That night she decided to organize by kitchen. I have been having trouble finding things!

All was quiet Saturday....Brenner was in reading mode for most of the day. But he did clean his room and it looked spectacular!

We were having friends over for dinner and at the last minute I decided to use the china and set a nice table.....with no actual plan on what to do - but it turned out nice.

Nola loaned her nightlight which had a red option!

I made bonbons for the Silent Auction at church -chocolate, chocolate cookie dough, and red velvet. The box sold for $50 thanks to Grandma Val!

I love this meal because the kids serve us a spaghetti dinner. They did an amazing job!

Plus the food was delicious!

Some of Nola's work!

 

Some more of her work. Brenner also made the principal's honor roll (straight As - way to go buddy!)